theBeat – June 2016

theBeat – June 2016
Written by Shannon Siebert

Quote of the Day— “At the College World Series, instant replay has just been used for the second time ever. It was to determine whether a fan actually ate an entire footlong taquito.” Brad Dixon, Omaha World Herald  

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

THE STORY:  Hey it’s sizzlin’ out there-
June may be feeling more like Nebraska’s typical hot and muggy July with temps soaring into the 90’s, so here’s some “insider” tips on how to enjoy it anyway. Henderson’s amenities are plentiful and provide all sorts of summer fun! 

FOOD GALORE

Let’s go out to the ballgame
Hands down, the best concession stand around is at the Henderson baseball/softball complex on Parkview Drive. Juicy burgers and hot dogs with all the fixins’ are delicious whenever there are ball games in session, so head out to the ball park for food and entertaining youth ball games. 

Downtown Park is really shady
Tuesdays are hot for sure at the Henderson Downtown Park at the good old Farmer’s Market. There’s always a “hot” meal available at the market along with a variety of vendors not only featuring seasonal produce but other goodies at the downtown park shelter. Don’t miss the HHCS Jr. Auxiliary’s Walking Taco night June 28 when they will be serving amazing ice cold fresh fruit frozen cups to top it all off. 

Faspa Lunch at the Heritage Park
That’s right—Faspa is available at the Heritage park during their open hours Tuesday-Saturday from 1-4 PM. The traditional Mennonite faspa includes zwieback, bologna, cheese, sweet pickles, and apple preishka. Meet a few friends for a full-fledged faspa or afternoon coffee with fresh out of the oven apple preishka at the Heritage Park General Store. 

COOL THINGS TO DO

Take the PLUNGE
The Henderson Aquatic Center is the best place right now! The pool is open everyday from 1-8 PM and is also available to rent for private parties. Red Cross swim lessons are almost a wrap but private lessons are still available. The water temp and quality are always excellent due to the diligent work of the staff at the pool. Senior swim is available Monday-Friday from 11 AM to Noon and Adult swim times are Noon-1:00 PM and 5:30-6 PM. Check them out on their Facebook page: Henderson Aquatic Center.

Fishing, Boating, Biking & Golf
Lakeview Park has a small but adequate lake stocked with fish for the catching. Dig out that fishing pole and take your kids down to the lake for the catch of the day! Paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, sail boats and other non-motorized rafts are welcome to enjoy the great views up and down the lake. The paved bike/walk trail wraps around the lake making for a traffic free mile. Galaway Creek Golf Course is open to the public and provides a scenic yet challenging nine holes of golf for either the walker or motorized golf carts.   

On your MARK, GET SET, READ
That’s the 2016 Summer Reading Program going on as we speak at the Heartland Elementary School library. The library is open every Tuesday & Thursday from 9-12 PM featuring a story time at 9:30 AM. It’s not too late to join since the program will go until July 21. What’s a great summer without great books to read—so on your mark, get set, READ!

theBeat
Whoever says they’re bored in this small town is not taking advantage of all we’ve got to offer! We’re experiencing the longest days of summer, so make the most of them right here in town. Be sure to share any of the above experiences via social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) using hashtags #heyhende or #hendersonne! 

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What people were watching….
Hope you didn’t miss this one—a rare Strawberry Moon made its appearance on Monday evening June 20th which happens to be the longest day of the year. It’s the first time since June of 1967 that these two astronomical phenomena occurred simultaneously. According to the experts, a full moon on a summer solstice is a rare event so you’ll have to wait until June 21, 2062, for the next one! And why call it a “strawberry” moon anyway? Mainly because it occurs around the time strawberries are in season!

What to say when your backyard is lighting up….
It’s not time for 4th of July fireworks, but it is time for those little critters called Lightening Bugs or Fireflys that are nocturnal members of Lampyridae, a family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera, or winged beetles. Instant built-in entertainment watching this annual phenomena light it up this month. Here’s a list of 12 things you might not know about this amazing beetle! http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/fireflies-12-things-you-didnt-know-about-lightning-bugs

Word for the day: 

Desiccate
\DES-i-keyt\
verb
Definition:  1. to become thoroughly dried or dried up.  2.  to dry thoroughly; dry up.
“This hot June weather desiccates everything that grows.”