Peace Lutheran plans monthly youth dance

Peace Lutheran Church will host its monthly dance for middle school students from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the church, 1710 N. North Road.

The dance is open to students in the sixth through eighth grades, and school dress codes are enforced. Cost is $4.

The dance is sponsored by Peace Senior Teens, the senior high youth ministry at Peace Lutheran Church. The dance is also chaperoned each month by a group of volunteer adults from the congregation.

For more information, call 384-5673.

AAA to host passport event

AAA Nebraska will host a passport event from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at its branch office in Grand Island featuring free passport photos and guidance on new international travel requirements.

The federal government now requires proof of citizenship when arriving at all entry borders and seaports. The U.S. Department of State said passports will be required for air, land and sea travel by June 1, 2009.

AAA Travel highly recommends always carrying a passport on international trips, including cruises.

Once filed, travelers should allow a minimum of six weeks for the processing of their U.S. passport application. For more information, log on to www.ups.com/passports.

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Walk on Sunday to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Hastings College Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will sponsor a walk at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, to raise money to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The five-mile walk will be at Heartwell Park in Hastings.

Walkers will meet at Lakeside Drive and California Avenue to start the walk.

Participants do not need to register but are encouraged to collect donations before the event. Donation forms may be picked up prior to the event from Beth Littrell, director of health services, or Margo Hardy at Stone Health Center, 843 N. Turner Ave. in Hastings.

Asthma/allergy specialist to speak at Mary Lanning

Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a discussion for parents with an asthma and allergy specialist from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Medical Services Building on the Mary Lanning campus.

The discussion will offer parents the chance to ask questions and participate in hands-on education about asthma.

Kirk A. Kinberg, M.D., FAAAAI, of Lincoln will help parents overcome their fears and concerns, and teach them current guidelines for controlling asthma.

Educational handouts will be available along with information for parents on Mary Lanning's Camp Cool Kids, a summer camp for children with asthma.

Door prizes will be awarded during the event and refreshments will be available.

Literacy program volunteer recognition dinner is Tuesday

Sue Barnes, Volunteer Coordinator with the Hastings Literacy Program, has announced its annual volunteer recognition dinner will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Convention Center.

At this event, over 60 volunteers will be given recognition for their service to the program and treated to a performance by the Adams Central Madrigals.

Hastings Literacy Program volunteers provide a vital service to the welfare of the Hastings community. They provide free GED and English as a second language classes, as well as assist individuals wanting to improve reading or mathematics skills.

For more information regarding the opportunities as a volunteer for the Hastings Literacy Program, call Sue Barnes at (402) 463-7323.

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Ord to host workshop outlining Nebraska Food Cooperative

A workshop outlining the Nebraska Food Cooperative is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Valley County Ag Complex, located at 801 'S' St. at the Valley County Fairgrounds.

Representatives of the Nebraska Food Cooperative, which was launched in 2006, will share information about current delivery logistics and its plan for expanding membership and distribution westward.

The cooperative offers Nebraska producers an opportunity to market their goods directly to consumers. As of January 2008, the cooperative had 220 members and generates $7,000 a month. At present, deliveries go to Grand Island/Fullerton, Auburn/Nebraska City, Omaha and Lincoln, as well as other points along Highways 75 and 32.

Additional information on the workshop is available by calling the Loup Basin RC&D office at 308-728-3393.