Fall is here. The leaves are falling, the temperatures are falling, and sometimes spirits fall too, and before long there will be a snowfall.
It has been a most beautiful September and for that we should be grateful. The farmers have really been busy out in their fields harvesting their crops.
With a little bit more time to get those crops harvested, the farmers should be able to get the job done before the snow flies. We hope that everyone will be extra careful, both in the fields and on the roads, and that no accidents will occur.
Fall also gets those school bells ringing too! The young people are back in school with excitement over spending time with friends and playing on the playgrounds, while the older students are running, jumping, serving, spiking and tackling in hopes of wins on the athletic fields.
Whatever the name of the game is, it is still the fun experience and exercise that the events provide that is important.
Homecoming activities take place this entire week. Homecoming is a big deal.
I don't know if the alumni are as loyal about returning for the events as they once were. Distance, college and jobs can make it more difficult, but it is always a good time to renew old friendships and talk over games and events of the past.
Maybe we should all test our memories.
How many can remember who have been crowned Homecoming Queen? Surely you can name the years as well!
Were they always seniors?
What year did we first start to crown a Homecoming King?
Have we always had a little princess and prince?
Did they ever get to be the King or Queen when they got to be a senior?
What year were we not only undefeated but unscored upon?
How many Peterson brothers played on the same team?
Do you remember the words to your old school songs, when we were the Ellendale-Geneva Raiders and the New Richland-Hartland Cardinals?
Did the Panthers win their Homecoming games last year?
The excitement and fun things that take place this week are exciting for the little ones too. Everybody loves a parade, and many come to school that week wearing the school colors.
Many of the little boys dress up like football players, and the girls dress up like cheerleaders. They all look forward to when they will be old enough to be able to participate in the big Homecoming games and parades.
The "old school" houses have changed over the years to accommodate the flood of youngsters that fill the empty places of those who have graduated and moved on. A new experience for our 6th graders is occurring this year and though they share the bottom position in their school, nonetheless, they can feel big because now they are part of the high school.
You don't hear too many complaints from the students about returning to school because there is too much waiting for them there: friends, activities, sports and fun, as well as studies to learn. There are new things to try in electronics and new foods to taste in regards to the hot lunch program.
I am sure that there have been some complaints, or discussions, regarding the hot lunch program this year, but if they only knew how much it can change their lives, they maybe wouldn't be saying so much. There is so much to learn about simple things like food that can be so important in their lives. Sometimes it is hard to comprehend, but even the littlest student can learn to understand the math.
I have been hearing on the television that some schools are having boycotts and demonstrations in regards to their meals. Most of it seems to be in regards to the amount a serving is.
I am sure that serving sizes are something we may need to gradually learn again, seeing as portion sizes have grown through the years.
When reading the nutrition facts of a product, don't forget to check the size of the portion. Surprise: most serving sizes are 1/4 cup.
I do believe we have to start making some changes gradually in regards to the amount of food that we eat. There are ways to teach a child, or a grown up, size portion.
Most people know a protein item, like meat or fish, should be the size of a deck of cards. Three cubes of cheese equal the size of three dice. A portion of french fries equals the size of one’s cell phone, etc.
Did you know a typical fast food meal of a burger, fries and soda in 1950 had 590 calories? The typical fast food meal today contains 1,550 calories.
American teenagers drink twice as much soda as milk. Just 25 years ago, they drank twice as much milk as soda.
Drinking soda once in a while is not bad, but drinking soda every day instead of milk or water is not a healthy choice. One can of regular soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Drinking soda contributes to cavities, obesity and osteoporosis (brittle bones).
About 65 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. This is up from 1980, when the number was 47 percent. Hopefully, we will also learn this valuable lesson and change our eating habits and start eating healthy.
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements.
In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. If you have news, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, October 4th: Susan Cornelius Wehr, Helen Jagusch Mantahei, Skyler Hanson, Clair Clausen, Michelle Lageson, Dale Waage, Jeff Waage, Lori Zabel, Matt Redmon, John & Cynthia Nelson, Krista & Randy Baana.
• Friday, October 5th: Kijah Joy Mikesell, Bethany Otto, Graciela Solveig Ortiz, Larry Pence, Karen Wiersma, Julie Cornelius, Jamie Farr, Elizabeth Randall, Peggy Sorenson, Linda Harding, Karen Kasper, Ray & Bunny Jepson, Jim & Pat Lyle, Wayne & Jo Schimek, Mandi & Darren Johannsen, Doug & Deb Braaten.
• Saturday, October 6th: Evan Matthew Beckman, Mesa Jo Grace Krause, Jackson Wyatt Lageson, Mark Plunkett, Dick Wacholz, Marlin Beckman, Kaira Glienke, Melissa Horan, Aurie Brighton, Caden Reichl, Gail Turvold, Julie Born Beenken, Scott Holmes, Tat Misgen, Cindy Kasper Johnson, Jayme & Ryan Paulson.
• Sunday, October 7th: Candace Lageson Baker, Carolyn Weller, Jason Huber, Todd Wayne, Debbie David, Garrett Briggs, Jill Bergdale, Kris Strenge, John & Ellen Hanson, Denise & Jerry Abbott, Jamie & Brian Riley, Pat & Barb O'Conner.
• Monday, October 8th: Mandy Moon, Lauren Olivia Sommers, Haley Hanson, Barb Hagen, Barb Dobberstein, Barb Strenge, Mary Kay Spurr, Brad Anderson, Doug Anderson, Hazel Spiering, Daniel Paulson, Kay Nelson, Julie & Brian Dahl.
• Tuesday, October 9th: Matt Kubiatowicz, Joshua Kasper, Cheryl Paulsen Wilson, Randy Mucha, Nancy Jo Anderson, Ashley Hove, Keith Neidermeier, Dennis Blouin.
• Wednesday, October 10th: Pat Goodnature, Trevin Stollard, Aarin Gray Pirsig, his 2nd; Eric Anderson, Nicole Anderson Loken, Luverne Hamor, Haley Hanson, LeRoy Ingvaldson, Nicole Lonning, Betty DeRaad, Elena Grace Spande, Glenn Beckmann.
May all of your favorite things be within reach. Have a wonderful day!
