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Murdock Newsletter
February 7, 2007
Congratulations to the boys & girls Varsity Basketball Teams for taking FIRST PLACE in the ECNC contest! The hard work put forth by the coaches and players really paid off!
Calendar
Feb. 7 - Safety Committee meeting at Murdock 7:30 a.m.
Feb. 8 – No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences for grades K-12 at Elmwood from 12:00-8:00 p.m.
Feb. 10 - The 2007 Omaha Shootout will be played on Saturday, February 10, 2007, with the Elmwood-Murdock vs. Louisville game scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off.
Feb. 11 - United Faith Organization Valentine’s Banquet. They will be serving a roast beef and ham lunch from 11:30 - 1:00 on Sunday, February 11th at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elmwood.
Feb. 27 - Post Prom meeting for all senior parents
March 15 - Booster Club Meeting at 7:00
A post prom meeting was held February 5th at the high school library. Many senior parents were in attendance to discuss & plan a safe evening for students after Prom has concluded. Talk of the famous ‘World’s of Fun’ trip were tossed around. Plans for the party after prom was also discussed. Tentative plans are to have the party either at the high school or the skating rink. All appeared to be in agreement that the World’s of Fun trip would be better enjoyed if it were scheduled at a later date. Several seniors were polled & they also agreed. Please support this post prom effort by sending donations, contributions, gift certificates, or prizes to Teri Bowman 29503 Mynard Rd., Ashland NE 68003. You may also contact her for prize pick up or any other questions at 944-3424 or 521-0196. All senior parents are invited to attend the next meeting Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7 pm at the high school library.
ELMWOOD/MURDOCK BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
Boys baseball and girls softball registration will take place during Parent/Teachers Conference on Feb. 8th.
Thanks to everyone who took part in the Fries Benefit. Community member Grace Ronhovde commended the efforts when she said, “The sponsors of the event for Angie F benefit did a fabulous job of organization. And the food was very tasty and filling! A super evening!”
KnightLife Events is selling flowers and goodie bags to be delivered to staff and students in the high school building. Order yours today! Contact Beth, Stephanie, Kelsie S, or JayCee for more information. Orders and payment are due by Monday, February 12.
The History of Valentine's Day
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Special thanks to American Greetings.
Valentine Tidbit
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image) Karen - age 7
English Tidbits
“Go” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. No word in the English language rhymes with “month”. “Typewriter” is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. It is physically impossible for you to lick your elbow.
Please, email your bits of information to the editor to be included in the next newsletter
Teri Bowman
Editor@murdocknebraska.com
