The last four letters in American spell, “I can!”

How true, especially in our area communities. It continues to amaze me, though. I don't know why it should by now with all the things our local citizens do for their fellow countrymen.

The recent fire in Hollandale which destroyed three warehouses brought out so many firefighters from over 20 different departments, many of them volunteers, who worked for over 8 long hours in brutal conditions — not only the heat of the day, which reached into the 90s — but the fire put so many of them in danger. It makes you wonder what would we do without these unpaid heroes.

Fire is fast, furious, as well as tricky at times. The whole town of Hollandale could have gone up in smoke if it hadn't been for these very dedicated individuals.

Look what happened to the 19 young professional firemen from Arizona that lost their lives just days before when erratic winds shifted and cut off their access to a ranch that was to have been their safety zone. We take so many things for granted.

I hope every day prayers are said for our many firefighters' safety and I hope thank yous are given often for the jobs they do. How many times are they called out, not only from their jobs, but from their slumber, not only for fires but other disasters that occur and require their help?

They are appreciated, even if we don't always let them know how much.

Then there was the letter to the Albert Lea Tribune from Sue Westrum, a classmate of mine, who grew up just a short distance from Geneva. She and her family started a "Community Sew Day" in Freeborn County where twice a year they ask for "sewers & doers" to come to the Senior Center in Albert Lea to sew up kits of various projects to be given away locally and to missions sponsored by many local churches and organizations. The seamstresses bring their own sewing machines and work on projects that are prepared ahead of time. They work on clothes, quilts and other items for local and other area needs here and throughout the world. Many of the quilts have been distributed during “Rock the Block,” which takes place in August. They also make little girl dresses that have been sent to Jamaica, along with numerous other items they have made and shared with our local retirement homes.

It is a commitment they don't take lightly. Westrum said, "Anyone is invited to come and join with others to use their talents towards a common goal. We are sponsored by the local Shinefest organization, which gives back time, money and talents to our local community." The next gathering is Saturday, August 10 from 9-4 at the Senior Center at the Skyline Plaza.

If you are not able to attend one of these annual community sew days, you may also sew at home or on special days at your local churches. If you don't sew you can at least contribute funds, thread, yarn, fabrics. and so on. There is always a need for more people and items needed.

Think of all the many local churches who still make quilts by the hundreds every year and then give them away so they can help others.

Then there is always a need for help for those who through no fault of their own or just down on their luck need help and someone comes in and organizes a benefit to bear some of the burden, especially in medical cases. We may live next door to the largest and one of the most knowledgeable institutions (Mayo Clinic) in the world, but the fact remains people still have to pay for all those medical appointments and tests.

We can have the best possible medical facility and personnel available, but if you can't afford the costs, it is less effective than olden days when the country doctors did what they could for a pittance because they knew the patient could only pay so much. Health care costs continue to rise.

Never forget the local food shelves. No one should have to go to bed hungry. There are so many local people who work very diligently to make sure this doesn't happen. Nutrition is key to help keep people healthy, especially children who will someday have to cope with our changing world. Don't forget the elderly who will make do with so little, which is not to their advantage. And of course, hard working, supporting families need the fuel to raise healthy children. I don't like to mention names because I might miss someone very important to this cause, but there are many dedicated people who do a great job filling the needs of others.

There are also those who need food for thought, shut-ins, the elderly, the ill, those in nursing homes, who need a touch of everyday experiences. Your visits or letters do make a difference!

We would be amiss if we didn't consider those who plan yearly events and fun things to inspire citizens to part with their pennies for the good many causes. Many of these are people have suffered the agony of something tragic and memorable in their own family and many do it "just because." Their undying dedication is a blessing.

God’s blessings on the American people who are asked to do so much and do. They are the “I can” people. They are always there to lend a helping hand, ever mindful that someday they may need that help as well, but are thankful that maybe they won't.

Which brings me to the another point. There is a growing need in our local churches, not just for attendance, which has spiraled down because of so many competing activities, but involvement.

There are those who would diminish the value that religion has played in establishing this country. Strength of religious beliefs was the foundation of the good we have today. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the foundation that is strong and enduring is what will keep us standing straight, sturdy and caring. We just have to keep it from cracking!

There are others like the diminutive but active Vibrant Life "family" who built The Refuge purely on faith that the community needed a place for all the youth and others, regardless of religious affiliation, to come for food, fun, fellowship, and non-denominational guidance. We sometimes forget the costs needed to maintain this service. Buildings don't come cheap to build or maintain. Though they don't ask for help, I am sure it is always needed, acceptable and appreciated.

Enough said. A short sermon. God is good and so are His people. Pray for a good harvest, but continue to hoe! 

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.

• Thursday, July 18th: Anika Christine McDonald, Nancy Anderson, Matthew DeShane, Katie Dobberstein, Michael Graif, Luke Rye, Roger & Betty Davies, Mark & Mandy Boehme

• Friday, July 19th: Charlie Glenn Fuller, Cheryl Dunlap, Natasha Marie Peterson, Nicholas Pete Johnson, Carolyn Plunkett, Alyssa Mumm, Travis Jensen, Michael Beckman, Ryan Schmidt, Warren Farr, David Cooper, Angie & Michael Kath

• Saturday, July 20th: Pam Muri, Paul Marcus, Wayne Sommers, Brad Eder, Richard Nelson, Cody McCartney, Howard Gallentine, Elvern & Jeanne Holland, Cory & Colette Bauers, Mark & Teri Ravenhorst

• Sunday, July 21st: Julie Langlie, Riley Marzloff, Violet Elise Aronson, Lindsay Smith, Marilyn Sullivan, Trudy Abel Holm, Marcia DeVriendt, Randy Anderson, Michele Granowski Domeier, Mike Collins, Nicholas Miller, Micki Heimer, Ed & Nancy Ver Hey, Katie & Paul Troe, Mike & Amy Glienke

• Monday, July 22nd: Warren Torgerson, Colleen Brekke, Jodie Hohansee Waalkens, Shari Crabtree, Jeff Olson, Joanie Ayers, Jesse Collins, Tyler Joshua Lair, Carl Anderson, Vicki & Kory Kress, Tara & Scott Peterson, Tara & Chad Cliff

• Tuesday, July 23rd: Barb Kubat, Jackie Layland, Diane Broskoff, Jim Brown, Ron Kraiser, Kelly Pitcock, Carl Glienke Sr., Nathan & Michelle Jacobson, Brooke & Isaiah Lundberg, LuAnn & Keith Miller

• Wednesday, July 24th: Marilyn Goslee Jurrens, Robert Carter Edwards, Katie May, Joy Peterson, Pat Schulz, Jeff Thompson, Phillip Briggs, Denise & Richard Olson, Trisha & Casey Johnson, Greg & Shari Lassahn

• Thursday, July 25th: Sue Hill, Kari Janka Hareid, Stan Mork, Ivy Oland, Ann Falksen, Rick Hagen, Cole Pospesel, Kristine & Jesse Routh

• Friday, July 26th: Jordyn Marie Wobschall, Kristine Broskoff Routh, Mark Bartness, Jane Osmundson, Amy Radke, Jean Smith, Scott & Cheryl Christensen and Clara White, her 103rd! Wouldn't it be nice if we all could shower her with special greetings on her bid da? Cards, letters and special greetings can be mailed to Clara at the Onalaska Care Center, 625 Sandlake Road, Onalaska, Wisconsin, 54650.

Let your door open to every joy your special day can bring.