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DEVELOPMENTS by
Roy DeMars

“EAT YOUR SPINACH!”
My mother was part of a German settlement that occupied farm ground in and around Roseland, NE. Coming from a large family by today’s standards, they made their money the ‘old-fashioned way’, they earned it! The modern conveniences were not to be had and ‘recycling’ manifested itself throughout their daily lives. Plumbing & lighting, water & food were allocated proportionately. Potatoes were grown, cattle were raised, gardens were dug, chickens were fed and eggs were gathered. Absolutely nothing was wasted. Each had their daily task to assist in the family chores. Today, it may be difficult for us to appreciate the daily hardships that they endured.
However, through it all, my mother became an excellent cook. She evidently learned how to use the basic staples available and turn them into tasty morsels. For example, her eggs may have been boiled, fried, basted, scrambled or poached and each pattern provided ‘variety’ in one form or another. Though seemingly easy to me, a youngster, she must have loved inventing new ways to serve the same item.
Following WWII, better times slowly made their way West. The luxury of ringing up your neighbor via Ma Bell became available to all. Though far from a computer, it was no less as important by the standard of the times. Travel and communications became easier; refrigeration replaced the iceboxes of old. Roads were made or improved and markets were opened.
One result of this ‘progress’ was that ordinary staples were now available throughout the year. Apples were no longer an extravagance that appeared in the fall. Oranges and fruits too were shipped to northern markets. And fish, those varied creatures of the sea, were iced or frozen and trucked to grocery stores hundreds, if not thousands of miles away. And more important, people appeared to have the money to pay for all of it.
To one who loved to cook, the recipes were endless as most ingredients were now available. At our house we tried it all and learned to like it. One particular item that sticks in my mind was spinach. That leafy, lumpy vegetable that was first served from a can made its way to our dinner table. How such a loving, caring mother could possibly insist that her innocent little son eat this pile of green is beyond me. All the whimpering in the world did not help. All the stalling proved fruitless as this recipe from hell was only prepared when my father was present. It only took one “Eat your spinach while it’s still hot” to know that he meant business. And eat it, we did…..eventually!
The result of these lessons was that I learned to like and appreciate just about any food that was put in front of me. Those same taste buds were tested once more when I married the ‘Love of my life.’ Just when I thought I had tried it all, she introduced me to the staples of her upbringing. Delights such as tacos, chili rellenos, enchiladas, and yes, even refried beans entered my life. Ethnic treats that I learned to appreciate and enjoy and even anticipate. Who would believe that this ‘meat & potatoes’ boy would grow up to love clams and oysters right along with the jalapeño’s? Truly, this was a lesson learned.
However, this message is not about food and recipes. Rather, it is about Charitable Giving. It is about doing something seemingly ‘abnormal.’ It is about faith & trust and not being fearful to try something ‘new,’ ‘different.’ It is about taking a step into the ‘unknown.’ It is not about peanut butter and bologna, it is about salmon and sea bass. It’s about taking that first big bite and discovering graces that only ‘gifting’ can provide. It’s realizing that when one sacrifices, giving from ‘need’ & ‘want,’ you receive much in return.
by Roy DeMars
 

Boomer Sooner
The Hastings Catholic SchoolsDevelopment Office has been working with the Hastings Public School Foundation (HPSF) to develop closer ties between the two institutions. The school boards of Hastings Public Schools and Adams Central school district have recently completed a restructuring process that required understanding and sacrifice and cooperation.
Fighting for tax dollars could have been a bloody process. This is not to say tears were not shed but agreements were reached and the eventual result will be a better working relationship between these two public school institutions.
Any parochial school knows full well the sacrifices and hard work involved to maintain a quality program, STC being no exception. The HCS Development Office has been in communication with the newly-formed Hastings High School Foundation, Mr. Jeff Andreason in particular. Public schools are beginning to recognize the ‘need’ to establish funding sources for their institutions just as Catholic schools and colleges have done for sometime. They can no longer depend upon tax dollars alone to ensure longevity as well as a quality learning program. Our basic needs are much the same.
Possibly even more important is recognizing the potential of working together to achieve those needs. In lieu of each school going entirely their own direction, by teaming up for certain purposes the mutual feeling was that our entire student/parent population may be better for it. By integrating several fund-raising efforts, student activities and awareness programs, the entire community should benefit from these new contacts and associations. At least, that is the thought and direction that we will be exploring in March.
On Monday March 21st, the Hastings Public School Foundation and the Hastings Catholic Schools Development Office will test this concept by bringing Mr. Charles Thomson to the Hastings City Auditorium for a lecture directed at our student populations. Mr. Thompson was a gifted athlete, playing quarterback for the University of Oklahoma and even being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. A variety of personal bad choices prevented him from pursuing either career. His ‘story’ is about his recovery and ultimate success as an individual.
Whether speaking to Sun Bowl or Alamo Bowl athletes, church & civic groups or corporate clientele, Mr. Thompson will bring an important message to the lives of our Hastings student population, high school & college alike.

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE BIG APPLE
A February 13th article out of the New York Times announced that “22 Roman Catholic elementary schools in Queens and Brooklyn would shut down in June.” Entrenched visions of an 8' nun, dressed in black, writing on a blackboard where the “chalk dared not squeak” would no longer be.
The main reason given for these closings was one of demographics, the result of which was a declining enrollment. This fact may appear strange to us living our lives in Hastings, NE. “New York City with a declining population problem” we might ask ourselves. How could this be?
However, as one follows the article, their concerns tailor ours in most every respect, declining enrollment being a major concern.
In NYC the traditional Irish (the virtual founders of Catholic education) family size has dwindled substantially. It was not at all unusual to see a family covey of 5, 6 or 7 children being flushed from the apartment dwelling each morning to perch in the pews of the many neighborhood elementary schools. Their mission of a low-cost education with a foundation of religious values flourished and the results were very positive as students consistently scored well regardless of race, income or background.
As for here in Nebraska, it was no different for those who remember. For example, my own mother’s family was large with 9 or 10 children occupying the nest at about the same time. Today, a ‘large’ family may be half that size with 3 or 4 probably the norm. Family gatherings for related children some 40-50 years ago might amount to “Playground Duty” by today’s standards.
Another factor that we can certainly relate to is the declining number of young men and women electing to become priests and nuns. Though certainly not necessary to have religious teach every subject within the system in order to provide a Catholic and wholesome environment, the issue comes down to cash. Religious teachers provide services at a much lower cost to the institution. This ‘cost reduction’ is reflected in low tuition rates for the parents and parishioners. It only makes sense that the fewer religious that we have teaching, the more the cost per student. The shared mission of "a low-cost education with a foundation on religious values’ becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible in some cases. Fortunately, for our schools here in Hastings, our enrollment has been consistently hovering around the 700 mark. Though barely shy of that indicator, when one applies the numbers to a graph, no dramatic change can be seen at this time. That is not to say that it isn’t an annual struggle, it means simply that we have managed to maintain.
Even more remarkable might be the number of priests and nuns that we have serving in our parishes and schools. This is NOT a state-wide phenomenon. We are blessed in this regard, not just in ‘numbers’ but in ‘quality’ as well. This statement comes from one taught by Dominicans and Jesuits alike. For some strange reason, the Good Lord has played favorites with his flock here in Central Nebraska.
The above aside, the defining element of success that I see sitting here as your Development Director, is the love and commitment, dedication, sacrifice and hard-work of our Parent and Alumni groups. These two groups have been reliable and unswerving in their sacrifices for this institution. It is gratifying and humbling to witness. A ‘Thank You,’ on behalf of those students and teachers now here, hardly seems suitable. Thanks anyway!
Roy DeMars
BLUE ITEMS

“John Deere” child's irri‘GATOR’ by Oregon Trail Equipment
Start your boy off right, give him a green ‘gator’ in which to trail about the house and yard. This piece is made of durable plastic, made to withstand the rugged terrain that your son or grandson will be sure to find. Oregon Trail Equipment, with service centers in Fairfield, Beatrice, Hebron, Superior and Marysville, KS, Bill and Karen Schroer want you to know that your youngster will never be far from a repair shop.


“1968 Pontiac Firebird ‘400’”......by Dave Hemberger
This is an American Classic Muscle Car. Strap yourself into the bucket seats, light up the engine and hang on. This machine is designed to go FFAAAAAAASSSSSSTTTT!! Powered by a 400V8 engine, it's colored ‘green’ which means ‘GO.’ It comes in a convertible to boot. This is a ‘raffle’ item with tickets being sold @ $100 each. The drawing will take place the evening of BLUE 2005 (April 23, 2005).


“Hart Schaffner & Marx” suit.....by Gary-Michael's Clothiers
This is America’s most-desired clothing manufacturer. The choice is yours from any Hart Schaffner & Marx suit or sport coat in Gary-Michael’s extensive inventory. Long an icon in men’s wear, Michael Nevrivy will also order a garment should you have special needs. Retail value on these garments is $750.



“Timberline Woodworks” wine cabinet.......by Willis & Betty Hunt
This is a beautiful, hand-crafted, solid oak wine cabinet. You and your guests will never be without as this cabinet holds up to 24 bottles of your favorite cabernet, pinot grigio, rosé, merlot, chardonnay or any other tasty grape vintage. 34.5" wide, 39" tall by 18.75" deep, this furniture piece will add ‘good taste’ to any living space. The retail value of $500 is a real steal.

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