Nebraska Jaycees to gather this weekend

Leadership training and networking opportunities will be on the agenda this weekend as Jaycees from across the state gather in Hastings for the Nebraska Jaycees First Quarter Convention.

The convention will kick off this evening at the Quality Hotel and will conclude on Sunday.

"Our conventions are a great time for members to get together for trainings and to exchange ideas on how we can better serve our members, communities and state," said Galvin Parker, 2008 Nebraska Jaycees president. "We have some great trainings and activities planned for the weekend."

Topics for group training sessions will include "How to Run an Effective Meeting," "Recruiting and Retaining Membership" and "Public Relations." There will also be management, individual development, membership and community development training sessions, as well as training for local presidents and region and district directors.

In addition, Jaycee members will have the chance to participate in several competitions, including "Jaycee Idol" tonight and "Debate," "Write Up," "Speak Up," "Master Speak Up" and "Jaycee Jeopardy" on Saturday. First-quarter awards will also be presented.

Membership in the Nebraska Jaycees is open to young people between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information on the Nebraska Jaycees, go to www.nejaycees.org.

Downtown Center to host Spring Fling Saturday

The Hastings Downtown Center Association will celebrate Earth Day with its second annual Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Many people will be downtown cleaning up sidewalks, alleys and storefronts. Participating businesses will offer discounts in addition to many in-store spring activities.

Each $25 of receipts (up to $150) can be turned in for a $5 gift certificate good at any Downtown Center Association member.

Home Real Estate will also be collecting newspapers at 200 N. Burlington for recycling from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call Angela Graham at (402) 463-2555. To join the cleanup crew, call Jody Jacobi at (402) 463-3811.

* Aurora

Police to collect hazardous waste

The Aurora Police Department will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.

Hamilton County residents are encouraged to throw away their residential hazardous waste and expired or unwanted prescription drugs.

Types of waste that will not be accepted include gasoline or related materials, flammables, waste oil or any materials that can be disposed of in another way, like bleach, window cleaner or antifreeze.

For more information, call Dan Daly at (402) 694-3267 or Betty Curtis at 385-5095.

* grand island

Style show to be presented Monday

The Alpha Sigma 3812 Chapter ESA International is presenting a "Celebration of Life" style show on April 21 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison

Fashions by Christopher and Banks, CJ Banks, Sears and The Bridal Collection will be shown.

Tickets are $5 and proceeds will go to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Tickets are available from Alpha Sigma 3812 Chapter members and at the door.

Truth Rebekah Lodge to host salad luncheon

Truth Rebekah Lodge No. 132 will host a salad luncheon and card party from 11:30 to 1 p.m. April 28 at the Oddfellow Hall, 825 N. White St.

The event is open to the public and the cost for the luncheon is $5. Card clubs are welcome.