NCCL by Dr. Cheryl J. Fournier

At the 76th annual meeting of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership held in San Diego, Don Kurre, Director of the Office of Religious Education in the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska was honored with the Distinguished Service Award.  The award is intended to recognize and applaud the good works of someone who has spent many years in catechesis helping individuals and communities encounter the Good News of Jesus.

The criteria for reception of the award includes; having worked in catechetical ministry a good number of years, has labored with dedication and enthusiasm, has made substantial contribution to the ministry and to the people served, has labored tirelessly, willingly and effectively for the sake of the Gospel without any thought of recognition and can be regarded as an “unsung catechetical hero,” and is a current member of NCCL or is a former member who has retired within the past 5 years.

Don Kurre has served the field of religious education for more than thirty-five years.  He has been a parish catechetical leader, a deanery leader as well as Diocesan Director.  Kurre, a longtime member of NCCL as well as a past president of the organization continues to be a stalwart proponent of the work of catechesis and evangelization.  Kurre’s engagement in the organization continues through his involvement in committee work, active participation in the Forum of Diocesan Directors as well as his passion for the greater use and integration of technology in faith formation endeavors.

Don and Imo Kurre reside in North Platte, Nebraska and are the parents of three adult children.   Don is engaged in the life of the civic community as well and shares his gifts and talents willingly, be they music, technology, organization or politics.

Upon receipt of the award, Kurre commented, “I am overwhelmed by this award.  The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership means a lot to me at the heart level.  Our ministry is effective because of the organization and because of us!  Thank you.”

A Candidates Forum for the City and County contested races was held  Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the Patty Birge Room of the Neville Center. The forum was sponsored by The Governmental Affairs committee of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corp. along with The Original Town Association. 11 Candidates participated in the forum.

A full unedited audio of the forum is available here.  Read stories about the Forum on the NP Bulletin here. Read the story from the NP Telegraph here.

Monday, April 24, 2012, Imo, Jessica, George, John and I attended a Kansas City Royals’ baseball game. That game was the first professional baseball game Imo ever attended.  We had great seats down the third base line just 9 rows from the field. The Royals were amid a 10 game home losing streak, which they extended to 11 on that night. Sitting at Kauffman Stadium I thought of the discussions we are having about the experiential character of tourist settings.

Kauffman Stadium provides an experience, which includes a baseball game. The events between innings of the baseball game intrigued me. After a team’s 3^rd out Kauffman Stadium’s hi-definition video board, largest in the game, takes over. Through the video board we were engaged in contests, viewed videos from the past, chose the fan of the game watch a young slugger win a “value pack” and the like. I felt that my attention was taken away from the game and directed to activities not related to the game the teams were playing on the field.

Nine-year-old John was just as interested in how many times he was or could get on the large screen as with the game itself. He told me that he was on six times at a game the day before. He only made the big screen once on this trip. It is important to note that he took his ball glove to snatch any foul balls that might have come his way, none did.

I remember saying to Jessica that I saw no one scoring the game. The art of scoring relates to the events on the field. I don’t even remember the hawkers selling programs that would allow participants to score the game. Back in the day, people enjoyed scoring the game. It was part of the game day experience. Not so much now. Jessica speculated, people choosing to sit behind home might be more inclined to join in by scoring the game. While those seats are closer to the heart of the game they are also much more expensive.

We had a great experience. We took pictures, ate and drank the only way you can at a ball game. We cheered for the home team and witnessed several spectacular plays. We even interacted with the fans seated around us. We had in the day of hi-definition technology what passes for a baseball experience. Play Ball!

The Governmental Affairs committee of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corp. along with The Original Town Association will cosponsor a candidate forum for candidates in contested offices in the May 15 primary election. The two groups plan to hold an additional forum for candidates that advance to the fall ballot.

Residents of North Platte are encouraged to attend. The candidates will be asked to comment on a series of questions supplied by members of the news media and others.

The Candidates Forum will be on Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the Patty Birge Room of the Neville Center, 301E. Fifth. For additional information, please contact Dave Harrold at 534¬3648 or Dan Mauk at 532¬4966.

Potential participants in the forum include:

Mayor of North Platte 
Marc Kaschke
Dwight L. Livingston
Jerry A. Stoll

North Platte Council – Ward 1
Brook Baker
Joshua Catlett
Joshua J. Welden

North Platte City Council – Ward 2
David Bertram
Barb Keller
Glenn E. Petersen

County Commissioner
Joe Hewgley – Republican
Bob Peterson – Republican

Find the story from the North Platte Bulletin here.

Imo attended her first professional baseball game on Monday at Kauffman Stadium where the Kansas City Royals played the Toronto Blue Jays. Jessica, her boy friend Bredndan and his son where our hosts at the game. Sad to say but the Royals lost their 11th straight home game 4 to 1. But we had a great time. The weather was perfect for an April baseball game and the somewhat meager crowed was very energetic. We consumed all the traditional baseball game food, well almost all, at least a hotdog and large pretzel. We had great seats down the 3rd base line just 10 rows in. Imo was able to see Alex Gordon, from Nebraska play left field. He field play was spectacular but a little weak at the plate. 3rd baseman Mike Moustakas made several outstanding plays in front of us that made the game even more exciting for Imo.

Here we after the game. Jessica brought her KC Bear to bring the team luck.

KC Mascot entertains the crowed during a break in the action.

Imo and Jessica review the pictures from the night’s adventure. It was a great night.

We received a Certified letter yesterday from the City of North Platte. The letter is a “Notice of Public Hearing.” The City will hold two public hearings, one before the Planning Commission and one before the City Council. The hearings are to discuss the application by the North Platte Public School District and Verizon Wireless for a conditional use allow for a 101 foot tower and a 42 X 14 foot ticket booth and equipment building on the NPHS’s property.

I’m interested to learn what the specific advantage this location provides to the cell provider. I’m also interested to know what other locations were considered before deciding on this specific location. It would be interesting to learn who initiated the conversation about this site, the school or the cell company? I’d assume it was the cell company but, well you never know.

Since receiving the letter I’ve done some research on cell towers. I’ve learned that according to the FCC health is not a reason to deny an applicant a permit to install a cell tower. “…the Telecommunications Act of 1996 prohibits local jurisdictions from denying a tower application on the basis that it is “unhealthy.” As long as the tower meets FCC regulations and guidelines, it is presumed to be safe.” (Source) I found the wording, “it is presumed to be safe” intriguing. Reading this I said, “Really…”

I did learn that if the Planning Commission approves the conditional use permit and if the City Council approves the permit then the North Platte School board will consider the issue and begin negotiations with Verizon. It has been my experience that if the Planning Commission approves the permit it is nearly a given that the Council will approve the permit. Once the permit is approved the ball will be in the School Board’s court.

I’d like to know where the tower will be placed on the HS property and what impact the tower will have on cell reception in our neighborhood.  There seems to be some legitimate debate about the actual health effects of cell towers. (Source)  Putting a tower on high school property I do wonder what the impact will be on the health of students who attend NPHS.

There is already one tower at the high school that the NPPS system uses for communication and with the lights of the football field and tennis course there seems little room for an argument against the tower based on aesthetics. Negotiating with Verizon may be one way for the High School to remodel a deteriorating ticket booth without adding that expense directly to the district’s budget.

I do want to see cell reception in North Platte improved and access to high speed Internet. Will this tower strengthen 4G service when it arrives.  At this point I have more questions than answers.

I have to post this video of Mike Carotta’s response to receiving the Emaus Award at the 2012 NCEA Conference. Mike and I go way back and this video is quintessentially Mike. His enthusiasm, energy and insights are all captured in this short video. Congratulations Mike this award is well deserved as Mike’s work in catechetical ministry is ground breaking and faith filled. Mike and Cathy Carotta live in Omaha.

I played the bass for the Easter Vigil at Holy Spirit Saturday night. We had a great choir with an incredible sound. I enjoyed being part of this choir. As well as making great music we had fun practicing and being part of the Vigil service. Joe’s brothers and sister-in-law with Casey and Morgan who are off at college joined with music ministry regulars to form the choir. We filled the new music ministry space at Holy Spirit. Andy synchronized slides with the readings, ritual and music. He showed the strength of our multimedia system. Joe brought some new music back from his trip to the L.A. Congress which strengthened our play list. I enjoy learning new music.

Don Reviewing the parade

The first Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in North Platte today, March 17, 2012. It was a great parade. We had about 18 entries and the streets of Downtown were lined with parade goers. You will find pictures from the parade on the Flat Rock Irregulars’ web site.

I enjoyed being part of this parade. The people of North Platte were enthused about the idea of a parade and participating in the parade as well. The National Guard provided the Honor Guard and Scout Troop 293 also presented the US Flag and the Nebraska State Flag. Kathy reported that as the flag passed parade goers stood nearly silent and with respect. My favorite entry, not counting the Irregulars, was Mark in his Kilt. Thanks Mark!

A number of people including Joe, and the Awesome Irish joined the parade today. Jess from the “Feed My Starving Children” entry voiced her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the parade. It is a new ministry, she said, and the opportunity to get the word out in this way was so much fun.

The Hum Drummers took advantage of the collection of drums obtained for a drumming project added rhythm to the parade. The Convention and Visitors Bureau earned the best decorated float. Thanks CVB for your support and encouragement. The CVB is one of North Platte’s greatest cheerleaders. They support North Platte projects by getting the word out and through their participation. Thanks also to Jerome and Eagle Radio for being the Announcer for the parade.

The Sons & Daughters of Belfast Motorcycle enthusiasts were by far the loudest entry in today’s parade. Their enthusiasm for the parade out sung the music of their cycles.

I added bass following the Parade at the Espresso Shoppe

The Salvation Army entered their Canteen in the parade. The Salvation Army provides meaningful services for our community. They probably call it a ministry to our community and truly it is.

Thanks also to Ruth and her friends for sharing their heritage as part of the parade. Marc also entered the parade with candy and a 4 wheeler.

I must mention the support of North Platte’s 4 Wheeler Club and the North Platte PD. They made sure that the parade was conducted in a safe manner. We appreciated your support and service. Thanks!

The North Platte Bulletin posted a story about the parade on their web site shortly after the parade took place. You will find the story here. I look forward to seeing the story KNOP runs tonight They provided good coverage for the event as well. The NP Telegraph was also at the Parade. I will post links to the stories from KNOP and the Telegraph when and if they are available.

I really enjoyed today. Working with the Irregulars to organizes this parade is one of the highlights of 2012. While we missed Stu who was away on family business, the Irregulars are a treasure and a grace for my life. I am grateful for the humor, music, life and energy the members of the band give my life. Thank you

Complements of KNOP News 2, North Platte

I’m excited that Stu came up with the idea of hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It is only fitting the Flat Rock Irregulars, North Platte’s premier Irish band, would take the lead in organizing this parade. The Flat Rock Irregulars invite you to the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We are organizing the First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for Saturday, March 17, 2012. The parade will start at 10:00 am at 2nd and Dewey in downtown North Platte. The parade will make its way from the NebraskaLand National Bank parking lot North on Dewey street to 6th street.

We are inviting parade participants and spectators to join the us at the Espresso Shoppe for coffee and Irish music. We have a great line up of favorite Irish songs to play. We chosen several popular song and will encourage people to sing-a-long. So, why not mark your calendar of Saturday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day and come join the fun. Be part of the parade or come watch then join the band at the Espresso Shoppe for coffee and Irish music.

For information about entering the parade visit www.flatrockirregulars.com or send us an email at parade@flatrockirregulars.com. This is going to be one great Irish party. Put on your green and come to the parade.