At 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, the annual Valentine’s gala began in the fellowship hall at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church of rural Albert Lea, MN. The gala was sponsored by F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. F.R.O.G. is an outreach mission of Central Freeborn to promote fun, food and fellowship.
With 58 people present (70 had said they were coming but because of flu, the weather and no responsibility, 12 persons didn’t make it) the clans of Michelle Cardona, Phil Hensche, and Lisa Mrotz were well represented.
The gala began with Bob Hanson giving the table grace, followed by an enthusiastic “amen” by all. Domino’s pizza with pop was served to all by Bev and Wayne Indrelie and Genie and Bob Hanson (F.R.O.G. co-chairs). Because of a visit by the flu bug, Bev had the night off. She was replaced by two draftees: Gale Nelson and Carol Bertelson.
Ethan and Logan, of the Mrotz clan, were designated by Auntie Jenny to pass out pencils and a sheet of 12 games of Norwegian Bingo to all. (Jenny threatened to become a former auntie if they didn’t comply.)
Two ladies from Glenville let everyone know when they got Bingo by their hoots and hollers. They asked that their names would not be given, so I’ll obey. One of the ladies (Cindy) did a random act of kindness by giving her winning Bingo to a young feller in the Mrotz clan.
The evening ended on a high note with ice cream and toppings along with drawings for door prize winners. Kyle Titus won the big teddy bear, Brandy Hensche won the comforter, and JoAnn Carlsen was drawn for the Perkins muffins.
During the gala event (and after church on Sunday) Valentine cards with local food coupons were signed and mailed to members of East and Central Freeborn Lutheran Church whose getting around is limited this winter.
Many thanks to: Perkins for the muffins, KFC for the neat Valentine “bogo” coupons, Arby’s for the bogo coupons and Trumble’s for the 10% off coupons. A special thanks to Shannon for the Valentine Beanie Babies.
The next F.R.O.G. event is a bus trip to Lutheran Night at the Twins on Tuesday, July 31. Details to follow.
Short Shorts:
A. Church basement ladies have no events currently scheduled.
B. Somehow one slice of pizza was left over. I enjoyed it while watching the Super Bowl game on Sunday. It was eaten as I enjoyed a Budweiser—commercial, that is.
C. The Super Bowl was a fantastic football game. I like the close, multi-scoring games.
D. Per F.R.O.G. bylaws, a clan of 10 or more will have reserved seating—thus the Mrotz had a reserved table.
E. A beautiful miniature log cabin was donated by an unknown party; F.R.O.G. gave it to Diane and Gene Wangen for their cabin in the woods.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.