Young Women's Club May Be Coming Back To Neligh

With so many families moving to Neligh, it’s really no surprise that the Young Women Of Neligh may be restarting soon. Or at least a similar organization.

The YWON organization dissolved about 15 years ago, and several female leaders in the community are wondering if now is the time to either restart that group or start a Neligh Young Women’s Club.

Lauren Sherian-Simonsen said there has been interest in the group for several years. That increase significantly, she said, during the first mixer for the Antelope County Young Professionals.

“We’re completely able, capable and have the drive to it,” she said. “There are some very talented women here in town who want to give back to the community and step up.”

Sheridan-Simonsen said the community is grateful to have the Neligh Young Men’s Club, so it was encouraging when so many women asked about a group for them.

Many said a female organization could enhance the NYMC efforts besides having projects of their own.

“We love our Neligh Young Men’s Club, which do some incredible things for Neligh,” she said. “The women in town are adamant about having an organization, where we can help improve Neligh and take over where the women’s club from years ago left off.”

The two organizations could partner on some projects, such as the upcoming Novemberfest event, which is the beer and wine tasting planned for Saturday, Nov. 5. 

Tickets go on sale Oct. 1, and Sheridan-Simonsen said several women in the community are planning to help decorate the Neligh Legion to help the NYMC.

“Last year about five of us came together to decorate the Legion at the last minute with a zero dollar budget and made it look as great as we did,” she said. “The guys don’t always think of the details that are important, so we could work together in that aspect. The sky is the limit on what we could do together or separately to help the community.”

Because the idea of restarting the group is in its infancy, Sheridan-Simonsen said it will be up to the members to decide what takes priority in the community.

A project already being tossed around is updating playground equipment in Riverside Park. 

“Children are our future, and we want a place that showcases what families are looking for. Maybe it’s time to update the park or add to it, so that’s one potential project,” she said.

Will the YWON be resurrected? Will a NYWC be created? Those questions can’t be answered without input from the women in the community, Sheridan-Simonsen said.

The first step, she said, is to find out if there is interest in forming an organization. Then, they’ll see how best to proceed, she said.
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Those interested may contact her via email at lauren@neligh.org.