Elmwood Nebraska News - May 25, 2022

 Library Update School Info Village Office  Cass County News

Elementary School Business Pop-Ups Entrepreneur Project

Every now and then a school project comes along that provides invaluable lessons in life. Lessons and experiences they will remember forever. The 4th Grade Pop-Up Shops led by Mrs. Backemeyer is just that project. It started with a Nebraska State economics unit. But economics is so boring by itself. So why not immerse students in a practical and applicable learning experience in just what economics is all about. 

Economics is business. Economics is math. Economics is what drives the financial health of our country, our communities, and our families. Small business is the backbone of our economy. Small businesses support local the economy by supporting local neighbors and not large corporations. 

The kids researched a business idea, and learned how to write a business plan. Company officers and positions like Supply Manager, CEO, Marketing Director, Finance Officer, etc were assigned.  They learned how to find start-up money and business loans by visiting the American Exchange Bank in Elmwood and supplying collateral. In one instance it was a hoodie sweatshirt. 

Think about it. What 4th grader knows what collateral is and what it's used for.

In fact how many adults understand why a business plan is important and what is involved?

An Adobe company representative taught them how to use Adobe Creative Suite for brochures, flyers, and labels.

This is huge!! Many beginning small businesses, use Canva. Which does work. But professional companies use tools and programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and the tools in Creative Suite. From a young age, skills are being learned for future careers.

The kids learned about all phases of marketing, including creating a video commercial. Here is just one of them 

It all came together when they opened their shop last week. They had three hours to sell their products. Some groups did pre-orders and sold half of their inventory before their store even opened. Several shops sold out of merchandise or products. The Floaters (Root Beer floats) went through 13 gallons of ice cream. 

The kids did a better job than a lot of adults I've seen at craft shows and events. They ran specials as closing time drew near. Customer service skills are ones you learn and don't come naturally. Looking at your customer in the face, listening, and the "thank you for your order" was heard often. 

It may of seemed like fun and games to many outsiders. But it was a serious business. After the day of sales, each group then calculated their profits. From their gross receipts, they deducted their cost of goods sold, then paid back their "investor". They calculated their percent profit and all profits are being donated all their profits to The Red Cross for Ukraine. 

Mrs. Backemeyer is really shaping the future. This was not just an economics unit, but included creative writing, math, public speaking, team building, working with others, and entrepreneurship. The high school FBLA members also acted as mentors and helped during many phases of the project. 

It may seem that I am a little passionate about this project. But I have seen firsthand how a small business can make an impact worldwide and still support the local community. I was the first employee at Oxbow Animal Health, which started in Murdock. It grew to an international company with over 100 employees. Business planning was a critical part of our success and we hired a management company to teach us how to create and modify future business plans for growth. Think about this. These fourth graders are learning this skill now. They will be not only prepared to succeed in high school and college but be prepared to be future business leaders and company owners.  

I have started my own business with Tea N' More and have watched several people in Elmwood and Murdock start businesses. I hope these kids continue with their entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm. Maybe we will see some of the at the Farmers Market with a table selling their items.

The Elmwood Pie Ride is Back!

The first Pie Ride is coming up on June 2nd and getting even better! The C Store and Quonset will sell pizza slices, and the Methodist Church will be selling dessert in the park. AND... Jack Rodenburg will be entertaining us at the gazebo from 6:15 - 8:15. This is a free concert! Bring your lawn chair, your singing voice, and your appetite!

Mary Turns 90

Please shower Mary with many birthday cards in celebration of her 90th Birthday on May 25th.  

Mary has lived all of her life except her first 3 years of marriage in Elmwood, Graduated from Elmwood High School, worked in Elmwood at the Grocery store on the main street that is now the Community/Senior Center, raised 3 kids in Elmwood, is a member of the Elmwood Christian Church and loves this small town.      

Happy Birthday Mom - Love from your Kids, Grandkids, and Great grandkids.

Mary Peterson
P.O. Box 115
Elmwood, NE 68349

Farmers Market Saturdays

Last week was a little cold and chilly, but the first year's produce was available to the lucky view who stopped by.

So stop by this weekend for asparagus, radishes, and rhubarb.

Hot Chai lattes were a welcome treat to the chilly day. 

Don't forget your FREE refill cup. Purchase one and get free refills where ever Tea N' More is set up. This includes the Cattlemen's Ball next week, Valley Days and the Cass County Fair. 

 Elmwood Library Hours

Monday:  3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuesday:  2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday:  2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday:  10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday:  10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Easy Library Links

Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/ 

Libby Library App https://help.libbyapp.com/index.htm  

Send your updates, announcements, and photos of the events, at editor@elmwoodnebraska.com  

   Don't forget to send me your news 

Village Updates

Elmwood’s Annual Pet Licensing
The cost is $12.00 per dog or $10.00 if spayed or neutered. The cost is $7.50 per cat or $5.00 if spayed or neutered. You will be required to show a current rabies vaccination certificate, and proof of spaying/neutering. The animal is always to be on a leash. Any dog or cat found running at large with or without licensing may be impounded and a $50.00 fine charged for its return; the second time impounded the fine will be $100.00, and the third time impounded the fine will be $150.00. In addition to the impound fee, the pet owner will be responsible for licensing fees if the pet is found running at large without a license.

Animal Ordinance No. 2016-002 or Municipal Code Book Article 2, Section 3- 201 addresses further rule regarding pets.
The Village of Elmwood would like to remind that if you own a dog or cat, even if they are kept indoors, you are REQUIRED to license them each year.
Fees/applications are due by April 30,2022. A late charge may apply for anything received after that date.
Applications can be found online at elmwoodnebraska.com or at the Village Office during regular business hours.
All dogs/cats over 6 months of age are required to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. This license tag is to always be worn by the pet.

 EMERGENCY ALERT NOTICE

Elmwood Residents 
Due to changes out of our control to the Emergency Community Alert Text System anyone who was previously subscribed to receive the Emergency texts may have become unsubscribed. 

It has been recommended that if you would like to remain subscribed to please go to the website and resubscribe to ensure you receive the texts.  You will either receive a thank you for subscribing or a message saying you are already subscribed.  

Village of Elmwood website:
https://www.elmwoodnebraska.com/nl/index.php/alerts
Please do this by Friday to ensure you are included in the monthly text.  This system is a great way for the Village to communicate emergency information to its citizens.  With the severe weather season approaching, we want to be sure that everyone is enrolled to receive notices.
If at any time you decide you do not want to receive the texts just text the word STOP and you will be unsubscribed.

-Village Clerk
3/21/2022

   Village Board Meeting

Board meetings are open to the public and are held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

The meetings are held at the new Village Board office located at the Learning Center on the south side of town. 

Official agendas are posted the day before at the Post Office, Gas Station, and Village Office. Prior to the posting of the agenda, meeting items can be added to the meeting. At the end of each meeting is a Public Comment Section. Attendees have three minutes to speak about anything at this time. Further discussion on the topic can then be added to the next board meeting.  

The agenda is posted at the Elmwood C-Store, the post office, and the Village office.

Minutes can be viewed at the Village office or can be found online.

ELMWOOD VILLAGE BOARD MINUTES

Wouldn't it be amazing if the board meetings were FULL every time? This is your opportunity to be involved, be "in the know" and learn how to influence how your community grows, how improvements can be made, and how you can participate in the steps needed to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Village Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

8 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm  - 4:00 pm

Friday CLOSED 

Take It Or Leave It Pantry

The free pantry is here to serve our community. It is for neighbors helping neighbors. Take what you need or leave what you can.

Elmwood #LittleFreePantry

The Little Free Pantry is located between Hufstader Chiropractor, the Elmwood Meat Market, and the Village Hall.  

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Online services are available on their Facebook page.

We are currently serving hard ice cream in dishes.
we have 8 different flavors to choose from.

Elmwood C Store
402-994-3305

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Area News    

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 Louisville Food Pantry

OPEN: every Thursday, 6:00-7:00 pm
LOCATION: 304 Main Street, Louisville

Please come and pick up what you need for your household or a friend’s.
We have canned goods, boxed meals, breakfast items, frozen meats, bread, eggs, baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, personal care items, diapers, and wipes. 

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