Whatever Comes To Mind (268)
I am often asked, "How do you think of so many things to write about?" It is easy, because one thing leads to another.
I had a rather unique situation recently to try and locate Ashley Meyer of Meyer Textiles. I knew she was out there, but no one seemed to know where. I checked with people who usually know those things. I checked at the post office as well as the computer and was surprised and pleased to find her living close by on a farm that had been the home of good friends. (I had even helped make horseradish with their neighbors a few years ago.)
It was only fitting this farm should be home to this interesting enterprise. Who would have thought "Aprons?,” an article that Martha Stewart Living magazine did, and Meyer Textiles Inc., was a nominee for an award? I couldn't be more proud of Ashley’s success if she were a best friend or family member.
I remember my Grandma with all her aprons. She, too, made them from scratch and to suit her purpose. In her day and age, aprons had lots of purposes. People laugh when you talk about all the things that Grandma’s aprons did at one time. They wiped sweat from the brow, tears from the eyes, congestion from children’s noses, and served as potholders to remove things from the oven. They carried wood and corncobs for the stove, and gave a quick dust if someone came to the door. They also protected the Sunday church dress from spills, as they could be washed so much easier than a whole dress. If there was a chill in the air an apron was handy for personal use, or for comforting a feverish or tired child. The pockets held hankies, treats, matches, and even money - if you had any.
They also carried garden produce like potatoes, carrots, radishes, etc. from the garden into the house. They served as bibs, as towels and washcloths, often using whatever liquid was available, including spit, to clean or remove the dirt from dirty faces, hands, merchandise or produce.
An apron also held the eggs you gathered and was a protectant from biting hens as you did so.
There are family heirloom pictures of ancestors who all wore aprons, including men, women and children alike of different style, for different uses.
Speaking of uses – my great uncle Hans, at about age 3, was traveling from Denmark by ship to New York before heading west to Minnesota. Hans brought his little apron full of flatbread that had been given to him by another traveler, to my great grandmother’s cabin on the ship. The traveler gave the flatbread to Hans because she felt his family (my great grandma and her children: Esther, 8, my grandmother Krista, 5, Hans 3, and Ellen, just 6 weeks) could use the extra food.
How proud he must have been, this little boy with his apron full of food to share with his sisters.
I loved the story of Ashley Meyers I was assigned to write. It is so reminiscent of bygone days whose popularity has come alive again. I can see school children aprons for purpose and style. I see jeans aprons made from the backside of worn-out jeans, aprons made from the back legs of jeans and worn like chaps to accommodate todays fashion or to cover fashion jeans. There were coverall aprons, T-aprons, bib aprons, fancy aprons, and all served their purpose.
Something else that comes to mind in connection with aprons: smocks. They, too, had their purpose. A smock was quick to slip on over whatever one was wearing, with short or long sleeves depending on the season. If one was going to do some dirty work it was a quick fix to protect the clothing, available to help take off a chill, and used by mothers-to-be to cover up their pregnancies. It was a comfortable and practical garment to wear.
Children looked ever-so-cute in their little smock tops - called "butcher boys" at one time, for some reason. We had a picture of my Aunt Phyllis and cousin Barbara in their butcher boy outfits in pink and yellow with cotton smock tops over colored cotton pants, taken on a trip to Wisconsin when they were toddlers.
Smocks have now been probably replaced by T-tops to wear over jeans. With modern washing facilities and not having to iron knits, there is less worry today about extra laundry. Maybe that’s why they’ve disappeared from the scene.
Thank you, Ashley. Your story is like opening a box filled with ideas, memories and thoughts that are priceless. You made my day brighter because the apron story made me so happy.
Birthdays and anniversaries :
• Thursday, Nov. 14: Brickyn Moen, Cassandra Hill, Dakota Tracy, Kaye Larson Allen, Jill Ottesen Kehne, Kim Anderson, Gloria Tufte Keehn, Dawn Farr, Brandon Grunwald.
• Friday, Nov. 15: Eli Fussy, Sydney Ann Collins, Greg Riley, John Flor Jr., Daniel Mucha, Lee Waage, Cynthia Callahan, Jacob Douglas Bell.
• Saturday, Nov. 16: Ross Sletten, Asa Daniel Russell Johnson, Matthew Marcus, Betty Brandt, Ronald Johnson, Fred Schmidt, Miranda Dubois.
• Sunday, Nov. 17: Presley Ann Broskoff, Brynn Routh, Mikayla Sue Brouwers, Stuart Kubat, Nathan Larson, Milton Wayne, Gloria Jensen, Nathan Schmidt, Elvern Holland, David Kasper, Jim Olson, Daniel Ingvaldson, John Nelson, Trisha Cyr, Brad & Donna Borchert.
• Monday, Nov. 18: Edrea Marae Kubista, Toni Wayne Smith, Stella Langlie, LeRoy Peterson, Kim Lehmberg, Ernest Anderson, Paul Groth, Allen Schewe, Gordy & Karol Carroll.
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Sidney Ellen Schultz, Kolby Dale Boverhuis, Deb Schmidt, Leah Scott, Roger Dulas, Jennifer Kycek, Chanelle McCamish, Darrin Peterson, Mandi Wobschall, William Conley, LaShawn & Gretchen Ray, Jeff & Julie Cornelius.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Chuck Pence, Howard Pence, Eric Simon, David A. Hanson, Angie Blouin Sikel, Dennis Blouin, Scott Brekke, Malinda Fennert, Alisha Waalkens, Heather Crabtree Krenke, Kristine Kelly, Rachel Nelson, Holly Mattson.
May God bless you with a beautiful year to enjoy!
Kathy, Carole crash 80th birthday party in Matawan
Written by Jim LutgensHave you ever had a feeling you should do something, but couldn't explain why?
My adventure started when a notice came in both the Albert Lea Tribune and the NRHEG Star Eagle of a man, Russell Anderson, who was going to be celebrating his 80th birthday on Sunday, October 6.
We see these announcements all the time. Sometimes they’re of personal interest, and sometimes we don't even know the person.
In this case my mother said, "Kathy, you will need to cover that event for the paper."
"Mom,” I said, “I don't even know the man." In fact my mother wasn't sure she did either, but it kept nagging at her.
On Saturday, October 5, when the day was done, she remembered. "We didn't make it to Russell’s birthday party today," she said, but still conceded she wasn't sure she even knew him.
When it came up in conversation on Sunday again, my nephew, Kade, said, "That party is today, today is the sixth."
Mom said, "I don't know why, but something just tells me we should go to that birthday party."
I was getting a little lukewarm to the idea by then – mostly because it seemed so important to my mother.
So we went, though neither of us knew where, or who we were going to see.
Matawan is a very small town, in fact almost just a neighborhood. We had to ask where we could find the little schoolhouse where the party was to be held. (We later found out the community has kept, renovated and made this old schoolhouse a mainstay in the town.)
We passed a coop of chickens feasting on grass in an enclosed yard. There were also cattle, just on the outskirts of town. "How wonderful,” I thought, “Organic livestock. Eggs and milk and meat you could safely eat without worry of chemicals." It warmed my heart immediately.
We found the school, and there were still plenty of cars, though the end of the party was drawing near. We were greeted at the door by some young people who eyed us rather suspiciously, but we went in and signed the guest book – and surprise surprise! Not only did we not know the people at the party, but they didn't have the slightest idea who we were either. We had crashed the party!
Thank goodness it was an open house party – for an 80-year-old man, given by his four lovely daughters and stepdaughter, who were gracious enough to welcome us to stay as if we were long lost friends.
Embarrassed? I was, but not for long. The Anderson family made us feel like welcome guests. We eventually recognized Karen and Curt Krause, Russell’s neighbors, as the only ones we knew. Later, reading the guest book, we saw the familiar name of Tim Krohn, also of Geneva, who we later found out is one of Russell’s relatives.
Russell’s four girls live some states from here, and the stepdaughter lives in Mankato. They were all a joy. Two of Russell’s daughters live in New Jersey, one in Tennessee, and another in Florida. They’re only able to see their dad two or three times a year because of the distance.
Nevertheless, these girls planned a party, long distance, to gather family and friends for their father’s 80th birthday, which was October 4.
The old Matawan school building is where their father attended school for eight years. The three older girls had also attended school there.
The girls seemed to have fun despite the hard work they had put into getting things organized. They had gone online and tracked down memorabilia of school in the days their dad had attended it, including old books, big red apples and pencil boxes, and used them for centerpieces along with large red and black balloons.
They were able to locate large murals which they mounted on the walls of the classroom. Some were a reminder of their father’s farm, while others illustrated the western stories of his favorite author, Louis L’Amour, along with television shows he enjoyed, like Bonanza.
The girls were also able to find authentic candy that might have been found at Walter and Dorothy Anderson’s grocery and candy store, which was located in Freeborn many years ago. For 50 years Dorothy donned her special apron and catered to the school children who visited their candy counter during noon hours and after school. She used the apron to collect the pennies and nickels the children brought to pay for their goodies. Walter was Russell’s brother, and the family has many fond memories of the candy store. Russell’s daughters sent small brown paper bags of candies home with their guests.
One of the things that caught my attention were the boxes of candy cigarettes.
They were something my mother took away from my sister and me as kids, because she felt it was a way of "teaching kids to smoke." The candy itself was quite tasty; it was what it represented that she didn't like. Times haven't changed, but think of all the things marketing does to kids to entice them to smoke, chew and "use," that might have helped form bad habits. But on this day it was a fun thing to see.
The girls also used "The Spanking Room," a little room off the main area of the schoolhouse, as a gallery for photos of their father and family.
There was also a unique door cover that resembled an outdoor "biffy," mounted on one of the doors in the schoolhouse which had led to the school restroom.
There was also a kitchen. Russell is a good cook, but on this occasion his girls took over the kitchen and prepared a harvest dinner. No banquet table could have held more. The girls produced mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken, ham, cowboy beans, macaroni salad, cole slaw, fresh buns, all no doubt their dad’s favorite foods.
The large cookies and pumpkin bars were delicious, but couldn't beat the taste of the lemon bars, all made from scratch. No box anything there. Obviously my heart melted just a bit more. When you make your own, you know what all of the ingredients are.
The birthday cake was almost gone by the time we got there, but the decorations told the story. The cake had had a pink fondant pig, Holstein cattle, and chickens, along with a John Deere tractor with huge candy tires.
Between sips of fresh lemonade and coffee we were able to learn at least part of Russell’s past, along with the story of this dad whom these girls obviously loved so much.
Before daughter Wendi was born, Russell bought a toy holster and guns and cowboy boots for the son he hoped to have, but he had to wait until his daughters gave him grandsons instead. Now he has five grandsons and two granddaughters.
Russell never moved from where his roots were planted. He still lives in his own home on the 100-year-old family farm. Now he rents out the land but is still able to sneak in and help whenever he can. Russell also worked at Streaters in Albert Lea for over 30 years.
Russell was married to Jeanette Fetchenhoer of Minnesota Lake. He later married Avis Jensen from Albert Lea. They have been married for 44 years. Avis is now a resident at New Richland Care Center. Russell’s only living brother, George, is also a resident there.
Russell’s daughters are Caron Musorafite and Wendi Wieczerak, both of New Jersey; Kerry Sullivan of Tennesee; Julie Rodriguez of Florida; and Anne Fiest of Mankato.
He has seven grandchildren: Ryan, Taylor, Patrick, Kaitlyn, Kelly, Jo Jo, Nolan, and Adam. Russell had two sisters and four brothers, one, George, still living.
This birthday boy looked like a contented gentleman on the Sunday afternoon of his party. He looked like he might have owned a bank or a big corporation, but we knew he was always a farmer and a dad to his girls.
Did I say we had a great afternoon? We certainly did, and even more, met new friends. I may not always remember all their names, but the activities, hospitality and memories relived will forever be with me.
I crashed a party. It was fun!
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. ALSO, if you know of something that would be a good story to share with others, please give me a call, or send an e-mail.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail at 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, November 7th: Ella Dobberstein, Solveig Adelaine Mattson, her 2nd birthday; Ava Leigh Wangsness, her third birthday; Alymra Seath, Jolee Johnson, Travis Diederrich, Linda Dobberstein, Scott Olson, Mark Sundwall
• Friday, November 8th: Sydney Larson, Andrew Jensen, Brian Hughes, Burton Nelson
• Saturday, November 9th: Phyllis Hagen, Tami Lund Wacek, Scott Coxworth, Jon Aronson, Kent Kruckenburg, Cindy Gould, Tim Westrum, Christopher Jepson
• Sunday, November 10th: Keith McDonald, Eric Anderson, Russell Reistad, Tomm Richards, Jennifer Zimprich, Jessica Kasper, Andrew Olson, Jessica (Johnson) & Dan Rebelein, Stan & Liz Reichl, Everett & Diane Jensen
• Monday, November 11th: Jason Tracy, Kate Laudon, Agnes Christensen, Ione Hagen, Dale Hunt, Paula Swearingen, Jennifer Jacobs, Dawn Diemer, Rachel Gould, Dave & Linda Brandt, Amanda Schimdt, Tory Lee Christensen
• Tuesday, November 12th: Trinity Tracy Vulcan, Tatum Charlotte Vulcan, Samuel Henry Kaplan, Lois Johnson Aitchison, Jill Jensen, Holly Thompson, Craig Clausen, Helen Kellem, Scott & Jan Sorenson, Jill & Shannon Jensen
• Wednesday, November 13th: Geoffrey Nelson. Abbey Louise Titus, Bill Johnson, Jeffrey Nelson, Diane Brighton, Earl & Janis Klinger, Steve & Pennie Ladlie
Wherever this year takes you, may you feel happiness along the way!
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween
Written by Jim LutgensThere is much to be said about Halloween.
From the looks of things, there is a growing trend to celebrate Halloween, not just by kids, but by adults as well. It rakes in a lot of money at the cash register.
I think for some it is about the fun of being able to pretend. Being able to dress up as somebody different from who we are is something many seem to enjoy. For children it’s exciting to be able to get all that candy, and to go out trick-or treating even if they don't really plan to do any tricks.
Maybe Halloween is exciting because there has been that long stretch from Easter and the 4th of July, and many look forward to the upcoming winter holidays.
Have you noticed how anxious everyone is to decorate for the occasion? Maybe it’s the need for a frivolous break from school and work schedules.
At any rate, Halloween has arrived.
I am not particularly fond of ghosts and goblins and the other gruesome stuff that goes along with Halloween. What’s the difference between that and the garbage that is on television these days? Instead, how about having kids dress up as someone else, eliminating the macabre? Let them be cowboys, or astronauts, or sports figures, or famous people. Let them create their own ideas and design their own costumes.
For some kids, Halloween is all about free candy. Though treats aren't needed, they have become such a part of the holiday that anything different just doesn't seem to fit. I tried giving pencils one year, but the reaction is not the same when you drop a pencil in their Halloween bags instead of a piece of candy. Tradition holds fast.
I feel the same way about candy thrown at parades. It didn't used to be expected, but now it is a part of every parade. I cringe thinking about it, even though it is wrapped and clean. We have been trying to teach the children that sugar isn't good for them and that we should not eat things that aren’t "clean," but we let them pick up candy off the street.
My parents never let my sister and me go out on Halloween. Not because they didn't trust us to behave, nor to spoil our fun. If any mischief did occur, they knew we were not involved. We were able to experience our Halloween pleasure in a different way by handing out treats to others instead. It was fun trying to guess who the little ones were behind the masks. One year we even wrote down their names, just for fun, and it was interesting to see who had come, and from how far away, to do their trick-or-treating.
My dad put a scary Halloween record on the outside speakers one year, which wasn't a good idea because it scared away all but the older and braver children. We never did that again. It scared away all the little kids, the ones we enjoyed seeing on Halloween night, with all their cute little costumes and smiling faces.
Halloween was less dangerous then. There weren't so many real ghosts and goblins, and kids weren't able to see those types of things on television almost any night of the week. Costumes were usually cowboys, astronauts, sports figures, Indians, tramps or famous people. Children worked alone, or with their mothers, to create or design their costumes, using things commonly found around the home. Decorations often came from the garden, pumpkin patch or cornfield, and maybe we had a school party or played some Bingo during the day. Education wasn't forgotten, just taught in a different, fun way.
I have no problem with schools deleting some of the hoopla from the day, as it seems more like an after-school event - and as for religious significance, I am not sure anyone really knows much about that any more. We do a lot of frivolous things just for enjoyment, activities which take time away from education, but who is to say what is learned and how education is involved in events? Education wears many hats with events woven into the intellect. We also learn from things that don't necessarily involve "school." Even dressing up as someone else can be a learning experience. Maybe kids should be taught something about the person they are impersonating.
I always felt a little sad regarding Thanksgiving, because somehow it always got shortchanged, falling in between Halloween and Christmas, until my cousin Jim and his wife Maryalice took it upon themselves to host the Hanson family reunion on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. It was a great way to share our thanks giving for all the things we have been given, and it served as a time to begin directing our thoughts toward Christmas. The Hanson family is able to share food, conversation and have fun "catching up" with what’s been going on with our families during the year that we might have missed.
My mother can remember how much fun "Yule a bokking" used to be, and though it was between Christmas and New Year’s, she felt no guilt or distraction from either holiday. Did you know that "Yule a bokking” is a variation of “Boxing Day” celebrated in the British Commonwealth countries? It continues the Christmas holidays with giving to employees, government workers, children, etc. - even including employers and employees changing roles. Of course, there continues to be plenty of Christmas cheer involved.
Maybe we don't always approve of everything we have to do in our world today, but we need to remember that kids still need to be allowed to be a kid. Life doesn't always have to be serious. We can enjoy doing different things as long as they’re fun, clean, decent and harmless to others. We shouldn't need excuses to be happy, but it helps!
My mother always said, "Once you start school you will study or work for the rest of your life." Pleasant thought? At least when holidays like Halloween come along we are able to experience a little bit of enjoyment along the way.
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, Oct. 31: Happy Halloween! Kyra Barbara Kotsmith, Brooke Hanson Berg, Heather Wayne, Emily Smith, Bill Klemmensen, Carrie Thompson, Roseann Kasper, Jerry Neitzel, Lorraine Lent, Kaye & Mike Cady, Vonda & Andrew Komba.
• Friday, Nov. 1: Dakota Wangsness, Garrett Wangsness, Troy Hagen, Mike Reistad, Jamie & Sergio Hernandez.
• Saturday, Nov. 2: Gary Dummer, Karen Osmundson, Tracy Farr Simon, Janis Klinger, Troy Sommers, Dan Nord, Sylvia Janet Baker.
• Sunday, Nov. 3: Nakayla Joy Butler, Preston Dean Shaunce, his 4th; Brian Muri, Paula Degan Conroy, Jennifer Misgen, Lois Conklin, Tim Hanson, Aaron Sargent, Sydney McCamish, Quinn Sebastian Briedenbach, Angie & Josh Lair.
• Monday, Nov. 4: Jeff Carlson, Brant Hemingway, Stuart Vangen, Grant Neitzell, Scott Anderson, Andrew Farr.
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Faith Jennie Tweeten, Preslie Jean Tweeten, Hope Ann Tweeten, Alyssa Hagen, Kerri Newgard d'Eustachip, David Wayne, Mavis Langlie, Chad Braaten, Allison Hanson, Allison Jensen, Skyla Knudtson.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6: Brody Richards, Makota Grahm Misgen, Mary Ann Lund, Dylan Paul Moen, Jon Beck, David Hagen, Doug Klemmensen, Lauren Jo Draayer, Chad Ayers, Toni Roberts, Taylor Roberts, Kellie & Ryan Benning.
• Thursday, Nov. 7: Ella Dobberstein, Solveig Adelaine Mattson, her 3rd birthday; Ava Leigh Wangsness, her 4th birthday; Alymra Seath, Jolee Johnson, Travis Diederrich, Linda Dobberstein, Scott Olson, Mark Sundwall.
• Friday, Nov. 8: Sydney Larson, Andrew Jensen, Brian Hughes, Burton Nelson
• Saturday, Nov. 9: Phyllis Hagen, Tami Lund Wacek, Scott Coxworth, Jon Aronson, Kent Kruckenburg, Cindy Gould, Tim Westrum, Christopher Jepson.
Make your special day a day you'll never forget, filled with smiles, good cheer, and laughter! And may you have a very Happy Halloween!
What is the most important thing in the world?
Written by Jim LutgensThere is something about being involved with a local newspaper. You get to cover a lot of territory. Some things you see or participate in can make you very happy, and some things so sad.
When things occur that make you and others sad or disappointed, you wish there was something you could do to change it, or at least make it a little better.
I was fortunate enough recently to share in the celebrations of some very happy birthdays, and also shed some tears with families who were grieving. Through the years, I have interviewed a great number of people, and through it all I kept thinking, “What's really important here?” My answer is always, “Family!”
How important is one’s family? Very. The close relationship with one’s family is a blessing more valued than anything one can possess.
So often we take for granted the value we have in being a family. We forget how important family is in our good times and in our not-so-good times. Family is the glue that holds everything and everyone together. We hope and pray that the warm feeling of family is there when we need it most. The sharing of thoughts, words and deeds make those experiences precious to our lives.
In this fast-paced world where activities often overlap or speed along much too fast, we often forfeit our need for "family time." Time spent at the table together, where we not only share our meal but also the communication that goes with it, is so important.
It is exciting to see generations of families together at special events like birthday and anniversary parties. Attending school, church and community events together is important. Events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Baptisms, Confirmation, and school events like Homecoming, plays, and musical programs, are so much more important when they are spent together with one’s family. The pride and joy of not only parents but siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles and community family members is like endorsing a personal check for that child, young adult or older adult’s value. It is a time of “remember when” and realizing the changes made in one’s lifetime.
It is also very important for families to spend time together when they have lost a loved one. Remembering times spent together will help get them through some of the difficult days ahead.
It was interesting to me that the Arnold Lund family recently took Dad, at age 95, to a Minnesota Twins game. I wonder if he had ever been to one before? What a day they had! What memories they all will have of that special day they allspent together. Arnold loved it and said, "I will never forget this day that I was able to spend with my family."
It is not always easy when parents are independent and think they can take care of themselves. We may have to slip in from time to time, and do things for them which will allow them to live their life to the fullest. It is good to know that God is there to look over them as well.
Today, there are more combined families – “yours, mine and ours.” It works to our advantage if one understands. It just means more family to love and there are ways to make it happen in a favorable way.
We should not overlook the fact that “families” are not necessarily biological. Church families come first to mind, people who gather together not only to worship together but to share other activities and acts of kindness. There are people who pass on their convictions through the generations and they are easy to pick out.
The recent First Baptist Church in Clarks Groves' 150th Anniversary celebration brought out the evidence of ancestors who were strong-willed and early investors in the church. It is not so difficult to trace family lines across generations, through marriages and activities in the church.
The older one gets, the more one remembers and cherishes friends from school, neighborhoods, work, play, and events like class reunions and athletic events with these "new families."
There are “work families” who become close through their jobs. “Sports families” who participate or root for a common cause or team. "Neighborhood families” or “block-party families” - not always as strong as they once were because of the nomadic life we sometimes have to lead, but they are willing to be there in times of need, as well as in times of joy.
Then there are the families who grow out of the needs of others. I think of all those involved with our cancer and food shelf benefit fund-raisers, as well as events that are held to help others through difficult times. Families that start events, work events and sometimes benefit from these same types of events, and have drawn closer to each other through the common cause.
There is an old saying - "We scold the most, those we love the most," and it's true. We sometimes hurt others in our family in ways that we would never hurt a stranger. But beneath it all there is still love, even if we don't always think so.
Sometimes we don't really appreciate what we already have because we are so focused on what we want, or don't think that we have.
I've learned a lot this past week writing for our local newspaper. I've learned things don't always turn out the way you plan, or the way you think they should have, because people don't always think alike or may mistake your true meaning.
I've learned there are things that go wrong and don't always get fixed the way we would like, or return as they once were.
I've learned that some broken things may always stay broken, but one can get through bad times by continuing to look for better ones.
I've learned that we are all part of God’s family, and with His help to guide us, we will be able to realize the full value of being a part of not only our immediate family but of many other families as well.
Remember: though other things may change us and the world around us, the fact that remains is: it all begins and ends with FAMILY!
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Friday, Oct. 25: Mavis Bartsch, Jady Beenken, Dean Van Hal, Charlotte Haberman, Heidi Crabtree Owen, Mikaela Krikava, Spencer & Barb Kubat, Dean & Sandy Jensen, Breanna & Timothy Breidenbach, Heidi & Jason Owen.
• Saturday, Oct. 26: Nadine Strenge, Jannell Tufte, Jeanne Holland, Heather Hove, Reece Gabriel Routh, Jake Andrew Wiersma, Kevin Hamor, Conner Dean Phode.
• Sunday, Oct. 27: Jason Born, David Anderson, Bruce Yanke, James Bremer Jr., Mitchell & Amy Edwards, Donly & Joanne Cromwell.
• Monday, Oct. 28: David Thompson, Jan Sorenson, Lisa Morin, Rick Horan, Randy Horan, Todd Brotizman, Rich Weckwerth, Sue Westrum, Tanner Jorge Wilson, Lyle & Darlyne Paulson, Jane & Jeff Allen, Amanda & Paul Rovnak.
• Tuesday, Oct. 29: Ann Anderson, Scott Klocek, Mark Motl, Bob Haried, Kayli Rose Johnson, Bailey Ann Davis, Warren & Mary Torgerson, Craig & Jennifer Torgerson.
• Wednesday, Oct. 30: Lilly Jane Wacek, Gordon Goette, Angie Broskoff Klemmensen, Allen & Barb Dobberstein.
• Thursday, Oct. 31: Happy Halloween! Kyra Barbara Kotsmith, Brooke Hanson Berg, Heather Wayne, Emily Smith, Bill Klemmensen, Carrie Thompson, Roseann Kasper, Jerry Neitzel, Lorraine Lent, Kaye & Mike Cady, Vonda & Andrew Komba.
• Friday, November 1: Dakota Wangsness, Garrett Wangsness, Troy Hagen, Mike Reistad, Jamie & Sergio Hernandez.
• Saturday, November 2: Gary Dummer, Karen Osmundson, Tracy Farr Simon, Janis Klinger, Troy Sommers, Dan Nord, Sylvia Janet Baker.
Hoping that your special day puts a song in your heart to last the whole year long!
The best way to battle a cold is to not get one
Written by Jim LutgensThey call it "the common cold" but if you have one you are apt to feel it is anything but! You're miserable as you cough and sneeze and blow your nose, and you know you’re in for some tough days ahead!
There’s a humorous old saying that says, “If you ignore a cold, it lasts a week, but if you treat it aggressively, you get rid of it in just seven days.”
There is a great deal you can do to prevent and/or treat the common cold. Those who favor pharmaceuticals reach for drugstore cold formulas believing that these products provide fast relief. They are mistaken! The drug-takers are sadly misinformed. People spend more than $1 billion a year on products that claim to prevent or treat colds, but all they do is suppress the cold symptoms, cost you money, cause annoying side effects and possibly even increase your risk of cancer.
Is it a cold or is it the flu? That is the question.
Our doctors tell us that the common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that attacks the nose and nasal passages and can spread to the chest. The first symptoms are a scratchy throat, sneezing, headache, aching muscles and congestion. If you have a hacking cough, you might have a more serious viral infection.
Because a common cold itself is a viral infection, taking antibiotics won't help.
Vitamin C will help, and that is a good first step in fighting off a cold. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects body cells from destruction by free radicals. Good food sources of Vitamin C include sweet red pepper, broccoli, orange juice, tomatoes and berries. The RDA for Vitamin C is 60 milligrams. Many people feel that they need to take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams daily.
Zinc is also an important regulator of immunity and has clinically been found to be an excellent mineral to take in the event of viral illness such as the common cold. Many homeopathic medicines that are now being offered include echinacea, cinnamon, ginger and licorice – which all help improve the immune system. Pineapple is also a good source because it cleanses the body, aids digestion, increases circulation and regulates the glands.
People most likely suffer colds during the fall and winter, not because of the cold weather, but because people spend more time indoors in close quarters. Many cold viruses seem to thrive in low humidity, making nasal passages drier, which then makes them more susceptible to infection.
Contrary to popular belief, the common cold is not caused by wet feet, wet hair or cold weather. Rather the viruses infect you more when your resistance is low, when you are dealing with emotional or physical stress, or as a result of poor diet, overwork or lack of sleep.
Colds spread easily through droplets put into the air through coughing and sneezing, and then being inhaled by another person. They also spread quickly by hand-to-hand, or hand-to-infected-surface contact, especially when we are inclined to put an infected hand to the face area, like the nose, eye and mouth.
Wash your hands often. Water alone will wash the virus down the drain. It is important to teach children to wash often and to have hand sanitizer or disposable towelettes easily available to use when they can't wash with soap and water.
While it is important to cough and sneeze into a facial tissue, it is just as important to dispose of the tissue and then wash or sanitize the hands as soon as possible. Cold viruses survive about three hours on the surface.
Do you sanitize your shopping cart at the grocery store? Good for you, but better still it is also important to sanitize your hands when you are leaving the store. Think of all the places you touch when you are shopping. The obvious ones are on inside handrails, which are a necessity, but a big potential for germs. But have you thought of all the little places and happenings for contamination?
How many hands have touched the products you are considering buying? The checkout counter is a notorious place to pick up germs and take them along home with you and your groceries. And of course everyone needs to consider the restrooms as a potential home for germs. How many of us wash our hands before we use the restroom? How many door handles did you touch coming in?
And women, let’s not forget your handbag. Our handbags get set in the shopping cart, on the floor when we are trying on clothes, or on the counters etc. Think about all the doorknobs, chairs, or tables we touch – germs settle EVERYWHERE!
In spite of all the precautions you have taken, you can still get a cold. There are many over-the-counter medications that may relieve you of some discomfort. There are also a great number of family cures and remedies that may or may not help physically or mentally. And there is always chicken soup, which, believe it or not, really does work.
A professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Nebraska found that chicken soup reduced the action of neutrophila - or in plain English, the white blood cells that attached to areas of inflammation and may cause irritated airways and mucus production. The chicken itself also contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which is similar to a drug called acetylcysteine, which is often used to treat bronchitis and other respiratory infections. In fact, acetylcysteine was originally derived from chicken feathers and skin. Actually, it has been proven that soup of any kind, with or without chicken, works wonders.
Although aspirin and acetaminophen reduce fever, in carefully controlled studies both acetaminophen and aspirin actually have been shown to increase nasal congestion and other cold symptoms, as well as suppress the immune system. This suppression of immune function may lead to a more serious infection, and definitely increases the duration of the common cold.
The best way to protect yourself first and foremost is, take care of yourself! We have all heard that a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk of getting a cold. It is important to exercise, get lots of sleep, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of liquids and get lots of sleep. A person with a large sleep debt is much more vulnerable because the body cannot fully recover from day to day stresses and the immune system cannot fully defend against disease causing microorganisms.
Keep your distance. Some of the current viruses are so contagious you can get infected just by being close to people who sneeze.
Don't infect others. If you get cold symptoms, you are most contagious during the first three days. Don't share food, drinks or dishes.
And most importantly, don't try to tough it out. Stay home, cover up and get plenty of rest. It is important to not try to resume your normal activities too soon. If you do, it could lead to reactivation of the virus, and you could suffer a relapse.
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, Oct. 17: Brynn Routh, Lucas Bailey, Pat Wayne, Dale Strenge, David Killian, Sherrie Dahl, Dustin Wayne, Pam & Rick Cook, Sidney & David Kasper, Andy & Mary Ditlevson.
• Friday, Oct. 18: Gordon Jensen, Carrie Nolan Allen, Deloris Nelson, Andreas Quinn Vu, Stan & Cindy Nelson, Randy & Cindy Horan, Tait & Jennifer Ingvaldson, Carol & Larry Cox.
• Saturday, Oct. 19: Robert William Pulley, Jody Johnson, Katie Ann Carlson, Jan Klocek Louks, Roger Larson, Jeanene Reese, Kristi Nelson, Everett Thompson, Barbara Olson, Esther Rodi, Jim & Laureen Hohansee.
• Sunday, Oct. 20: Kimberly Wangsness, Matthew Beckman, Shannon Smith, Diana Beckmann, Jenny Herbst, Erick Widlund, Gladys Winter, Casey Kunkel, Nicole Larson, Doris Scripture Steele, Rick Kelly, Adam Lang, Scott & Joni Groth, Laurie & DeWayne Jensen, Jim & Nancy Bottelson, Brad & Nicole Edwards.
• Monday, Oct. 21: Todd Utpadel, Brian Riley, Deb Mucha, Peter Benson, Natalie Kuehni, Steven F. Christenson, Diane & Dan Gallentine, John & Trisha Cyr.
• Tuesday, Oct. 22: Scott Sorenson, Jennifer Pence, Lyle Swearingen, Brian Johnson, Kelsey Wayne, Dave De Vriendt, Mabel Dobberstein, David Polzin, Colleen Thompson, Sage Tristan Lang, Clifford Coy, Diane Gallentine Pfieffer, Kailey Ann Christensen.
• Wednesday, Oct. 23: Jacklynn Kress, Marian Dahl, Gene Grubbish, Kimberly Kilian, Grant Ver Hey, Stewart Hatch, Rick & Lana Thompson, Dan & Tina Schmidt, Gary & Deb Nelson.
• Thursday, Oct. 24: Noelle Mae Brekke, her 4th; Jacob Keith Rigby, his 5th; Jeff Dobbertstein, Bobby Dobberstein, Joseph Bailey, Dan Willert, Eunice Hanson, Bob Wayne, Ashley Ashton, Gil & Kay Nelson.
• Friday, Oct. 25: Mavis Bartsch, Jady Beenken, Dean Van Hal, Charlotte Haberman, Heidi Crabtree Owen, Mikaela Krikava, Spencer & Barb Kubat, Dean & Sandy Jensen, Breanna & Timothy Breidenbach, Heidi & Jason Owen.
May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day!
The following story was written by my uncle, Paul “Bud” Hanson for The Red Raider Book compiled by the Ellendale Historical Society in 1990. It seemed appropriate to look at during this Homecoming season.
High school athletics at Ellendale High School during seven decades necessarily had high and low points just as business cycles or our personal lives.
Perhaps some of the most easily recognized names were the Christensen brothers of the early years of our high school. The twins, Don and Dan, and brother "Hap," were leaders of a very good basketball team and the twins were the pitcher and catcher of an excellent baseball team, and one recalls Don coming down to baseball practice to throw a "few pitches" and it was this writer's moment of glory to have the opportunity to be his catcher. One could only marvel at the assortment of pitches, and the great control he had - and it sure made a novice catcher look, and feel, good!
Another brother combination in baseball of that time was Milton "Pete" and Lloyd Ellingson.
Football for the first number of years was something that only a few of the big schools played because of the cost, so baseball and basketball were the two sports supported in high school. When football was proposed at Ellendale High, many were not in favor of the sport because of some of the injuries that were the result of poor equipment. Prominent names of the early years of football were Frank and Gunnar Anderson, Quentin Lawrence, Adrain Lee, Howard Langlie and others. It was naturally tough to compete with schools that had a head start in the football program and to obtain a coach who understood the game. Little did anyone realize that Ellendale High was about to enter what some called the "Golden Years." Others called them the "Glory Years," as our school was about to embark not only into some exceptional years in sports, but in many new, innovative programs in music, business courses, drama, and academics brought on in part by an influx of new teachers fresh from college who dared to be different.
The "Glory Years" started surprisingly enough with a strange quirk in tactics by the State High School League, as they allowed spring football practice on a one-time basis. It was not only an opportunity for many underclassman to try out for football, but for a comparatively unknown history-science teacher named Maynard Seimers to coach the program as the regular coach was tied up with baseball. With only four letterman back from the previous team and two of them out for baseball, the only experienced players to assist Coach Seimers were Lyle "Stonewall" Finch and James "Windy" Wayne, two stalwarts who would anchor the line in the fall at tackle. It is hard to describe how "football mania" set in, for the paper, Ellendale would field a team with no experience, no size and one that would be fortunate to win a single game, new coach and all. Yet the business community, school board, and interested people contributed to put lights on Ertel Field before the season started. Members of the football team and other citizens took turns hand digging the large holes needed for the poles, and the lights were turned on for the first time a couple of nights before the first game. With a starting team composed of four seniors, four juniors, and three sophomores, Ellendale squeaked out it's first victory with a 12-6 win over an experienced Hayfield team, followed by slender victories over Janesville and Blooming Prairie. Traveling to Grand Meadow, it seemed as though the win streak would stop at three as a combination of jitters, "hometown officiating" and a poorly marked field had the team on the ropes for the first half. The Larkers were about to make their biggest mistake, however, as one of the players belted "Stonewall" Finch in the mouth the "Stoney" promptly started to roll up the offensive line of the Larkers. The team settled down and walloped the Larkers 34-7; another squeaker win over New Richland 12-2 and the team stood at 5-0 for the year. Despite putting on a show of confidence for the team, Coach Siemers spent a sleepless night before the Freeborn game and told his wife of a few months, "This team has already gone much further than they possibly should have and now they will be up against a senior dominated team of large-sized players and it doesn't seem likely that we can once again be victorious." After a scoreless first half, the Raiders gradually pushed the larger Yeomen back and punched in two scores of a very hard earned and well played 13-0 decision. A follow up victory over Alden gave the team a 7-0 undefeated season and gave indications of some of the good years to follow.
Success breeds success. A good basketball season was followed by an undefeated baseball season and everyone looked forward to the 1940 football season, as now the team had a seasoned squad. Looking at the team pictures of 1939 and the team pictures of 1940, it is apparent that the lightweight team of 1939 had grown considerably in size and weight, with experienced players in all positions, had little trouble defeating all opponents on its way to scoring a record 353 points to opponents’ 0. The only suspense during the year was, would a fluke allow somebody to score? Many of the players remarked that the toughest games they played all year were against each other in practice as the Raiders certainly were able to field three full teams that would have gone undefeated that year. Forty two lettermen were available for Coach Seimers the following year, led by All-State halfback Lloyd Loven and All-Conference tackle Buck Goodnature, three years running. Brother combinations during those years were Harlan and Luvern Peterson, Stan and Louie Lageson and the Swearingen twins, Merlyn and Marlyn. Support also came from the Miller brothers, Leroy "Bud" and younger brother Alan, as well as a host of better than average athletes. The only thing that prevented the 1941 team from again going 7-0 was a terrible blizzard on the last night of the season that the opposing team did not want to reschedule. The 1942 team also went 7-0, and the victory string reached 27 before the bubble burst. During this string of victories with the football team there was a 95% success ratio in basketball and a couple more baseball championships. Bear in mind that in those days separate classifications were not held in different sized schools. Football players were expected to go both ways because of substitution rules. By a strange coincidence, the U of M also won National Championships during Ellendale's glory years and surprisingly enough with mostly Minnesota players. 'Twas said that University Coach Beirman drove the country until he saw a farm boy plowing with a walking plow. He would stop and ask directions, if the boy used the plow to point, he became a Golden Gopher. Because of their contributions, perhaps this era could be called the "Loven-Peterson-Miller brothers" era, but so many great athletes contributed to the string, that one hates to single out too many for fear of overlooking some valuable contributors. Most of the athletes from those teams were to play for Uncle Sam instead of a college, as their services were required in Asia, Africa, the South Pacific and European theaters of World War II. Coach Siemers went on to coach at Faribault where his teams won several Big Nine Championships in football and basketball, with a state tournament winner in basketball. Those who played for "Coach" can remember his philosophy: "Play hard, but play clean. Should I ever catch you playing dirty you will be turning in your uniform." "Coach" also stressed that the athletes of Ellendale High School were role models for the younger kids. He encouraged his athletes to go out of their way to talk to the elementary kids and encouraged them to work diligently to become Ellendale Raiders. He was a perfectionist who believed in fundamentals, clean play and firm discipline. No matter that some of his teams were high scoring machines, Coach Seimers had a way of deflating some fairly large egos, both during the game and during the season, and did not hesitate to pull star players if they believed they were bigger than the team.
There would be other undefeated teams in Ellendale history, there would be other fine athletes to compete in, not only baseball, basketball, or football, but in wrestling and track as well; but the memory of the first undefeated team, the new lighted field, the fan interest and community pride in the Ellendale teams of the "Glory Years" set the standard for years to come.
Although, the war years took their toll on coaches, interim coaches on a volunteer basis still brought back some state championships in baseball. Perhaps, one of the most noted of these was Dale "Fuzzy" Haug, who as an underclassman was still good enough to pitch for the Owatonna Aces of the very tough Southern Minnesota Baseball League during the summer season. Who can forget the championship won at Carleton College when with two out, the Raiders behind 0-1, and Gil Nelson walking, followed by a ricochet hit by Don "Stretch" Whitcomb that went for an inside-the-park home run and the Raiders winning 2-1?
Football, basketball and baseball have reached many "golden moments" since then and provided hundreds of hours of enjoyment for the spectators, as fine young players passed through our school system and gave the sport of their choice their "all". Each era seemed to produce its' own star players. Ellendale went on to add wrestling, track, and cross country to it's athletic program and sent many a good athlete on to district, regional, and state competition.
One of the things that sort of got buried in the background was girls’ athletics. During the early years of Ellendale High the girls fielded an excellent basketball team led by Helen Todd. Obviously, the state high school league decided that it was unladylike for girls to participate in strenuous exercise and they should be confined to activiies such as cheerleading and home economics or something, as it was almost another forty years befere the girls once again were allowed to participate in athletics. The "Raiderettes" excelled in basketball, volleyball, and softball and brought more than their share of trophies to the showcase in the lobby.
Just out of curiosity, how many of the gold, watch-chain football, emblematic of the 27-game winning streak, could still be found? Certainly, a great keepsake for those who still have them!
— — —
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
Thursday, Oct. 10: 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
Friday, Oct. 11: Alisha Moody, Reed Michael Kath, Mitchell Edwards, Ebonie Mullenmaster, Earl Klinger, Mayro Leak Kubista, Melissa Otto, Jenna Swearingen, Mike Trumble, Cory McGrath, Shawna Besco, John Cyr, Alisha Moody, Lee & Jody Loverink
Saturday, October 12: Katilyn Olivia Crabtree, Les Shawback Jr., Christopher Wallace, Beth Spande, Marilyn Dobberstein, Terrie Mullenmaster, Maurice Mullenmaster, Vikki Pence, Roxann Ditlevson, Lewis Kelly, Denise Jensen Bronner, Charlie & Becky Phagan, Larry & Terry Jensen, Vera & Todd Fitterer
Sunday, Oct. 13: Hunter Stephen Knutson, his 9th; Journey Lynn Utpadel, Hunter Stephen Knutson, Courtney Ann Deml, Otto Nels Oquist, Mitchell Wallace, Jackie Flor, Rita Thompson, Suzanne Peterson, Mikkel & Jennifer Iverson
Monday, Oct. 14: Jim Lutgens; Reece Alexander, Chris Ritz, Janet Goette, Dan Hanson, Breanna & Tim Briedenbach, Delana & Daniel Routh
Tueday, Oct. 15: Barb Kuckebecker, Madison Lynn Homuth, Corbin Brocker, Colin Matthew Felt Farr, Tony Anderson, Sandy Jensen, Ed Ver Hey, Leroy & Garnet Folie, Heidi & Tim Schaefer
Wednesday, Oct. 16: Kade Schember, Jenny Shaunce, Sabrina Marie Bauers, Allie Larson, Donna & Gordon Hanson, Daniel & Regina Van Kampen, Jamie & Amber Jensen, Travis & Stacy Ingnaszewski
Thursday, Oct. 17: Lucas Bailey, Pat Wayne, Dale Strenge, David Killian, Sherrie Dahl, Dustin Wayne, Pam & Rick Cook, Sidney & David Kasper, Andy & Mary Ditlevson
Friday, Oct. 18: Gordon Jensen, Carrie Nolan Allen, Deloris Nelson, Andreas Quinn Vu, Stan & Cindy Nelson, Randy & Cindy Horan, Tait & Jennifer Ingvaldson, Carol & Larry Cox
May every day in the year ahead bring you something to enjoy!
You’ve heard it before, but it’s that time again
Written by Jim LutgensYeah, yeah, yeah. You've heard it all before. We hear it every year about this time.
It's Fire Prevention Week. It is time to turn back the clocks and put new batteries in the smoke alarms, as well as in your flashlights, then keep one close to your bed. As if we didn't have enough to do or think about this time of year.
The change back to regular time from daylight savings time has become a useful signal to check our smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to be sure they are all in good condition and working. It doesn't take much time, but sometimes we let it slide another day, and it is forgotten.
Insurance companies incorporate rules and regulations into your policy that might add to your safety, but also give them an out if you neglect them. One thing adjusters ask is, “Were your smoke alarms in place and working?”
There is always a danger of fire, but there seems to be a special emphasis in the fall, possibly because things get dry. Nobody wants to hear that siren sound. Hopefully it’s not a home, because if it is, it may mean not just material losses that can be replaced, but lives!
My family has been there, seen that, and, thank goodness, survived – but the memory stays. Seeing my parents with the hair on their heads singed so bad it looked like brown wool stocking caps doesn't go away. And they were two healthy adults, only feet away from a large escape opening, and on ground level. I remember crying as we buried the family dog, but still grateful that at least it was a pet and not a person.
My dad had a tendency to get a little fanatic about fires. I know it made others chuckle about the number of huge patio and French doors he put in their house. To him it was no laughing matter. They were escape routes, as many and as close as possible.
When I lost my leg some 30 years ago, before my dad even said, "How are you," he was already planning what he could do to prevent me from being stranded in our bedroom. First he was going home to spread straw and tarps on the ground (it was December) so it would not freeze, which would prevent digging. He planned to add on a family room, with patio doors to the outside, and to put a pair of French doors in the wall right next to my bed that would open out into the family room. Then in the family room he would put patio doors to the outside, so if nothing else I could roll to safety if there were a fire.
He didn't just say it – he did it. That is how we got our family room, but it also made me realize what a great dad I had. He was more concerned with what he didn’t want to happen than what already had.
There were probably simpler things he could have done, or he could have let it slide by – but dad had been there. He had experienced what could happen. He knew the darkness of smoke when you are almost unable to see. He knew how fast a fire can travel. He had felt the heat. He remembered how an almost empty house could explode with fire and consume everything in minutes.
In their case not everything was gone, because my mother, thank goodness, was awake and up reading a book in the middle of the night, and they got out.
Try it sometime: blind your eyes so you can't see; use your imagination and realize how hard it is to breathe. Think.
Try to feel your way to an exit. What if the exit is blocked? If you have a stairway, is it equipped so you can get down it safely? But what if that’s where the fire is? Do you have an alternative plan?
Are there windows large enough that you can get out through them? If it’s a two-story house, is there someplace you can get out onto? Is your family well-schooled on what they should do in case of fire? Are there handicapped or elderly persons in the home?
When my aunt and uncle lost their two-story home shortly after he had returned home from the hospital, he was miraculously able to swing his wife and small children onto a porch – one that was not directly under their upstairs window, but just close enough.
I hope it never happens to you or anyone dear to you, but I feel it should be a concern.
I will always have the greatest admiration for our local fire fighters, who not only take their time but risk their lives in caring for others. I have watched and listened to them as they talk to children. They teach them how important it is not to panic, and to stop, drop and roll, which helps put out fire in their clothing. To stay close to the floor, crawling if need be, to escape the toxic smoke. Also to feel the doorknobs on closed doors, to see if they are hot or not, which indicates if there is a fire on the other side of the door. They also teach them not to be afraid and hide, but better, to scream so someone can hear and find them.
Firemen also teach children not to play with matches or other fire lighters that adults use, as well as to remind smokers that if they must smoke, smoke outside, and then put out all butts, and once out, discard them in a container, preferably airtight, so that birds can't pick them up and transport them somewhere else where even a spark can cause a fire.
Fire is fascinating, especially to young children, and fire pits are fun to gather around socially and roast wieners and marshmallows, but it is also important to know that the fire should definitely be put out when you are done, and ideally, once it is extinguished, have an air-tight cover.
Fire is necessary and useful, but it demands respect, thought and solutions. Whether in the home, a business, or in a field, it can be deadly. It’s too late to take precautions when one hears the siren.
Worry isn't the answer, concern and action is. We can't always prevent fires, but isn't it better to live trying than to die because we didn’t?
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, Oct. 3: David Bunn, Lori Neidermeier, Dawn Enzenauer, Colette Holmes, Carrie Thompson, Wendy Thostenson Bogen, Paul Wayne, Lisa Zabel, Edna Thomas.
• Friday, Oct. 4: Susan Cornelius Wehr, Helen Jagusch Mantahei, Skyler Hanson, Clair Clausen, Michelle Lageson, Jerome Simon, Dale Waage, Jeff Waage, Lori Zabel, Matt Redmon, John & Cynthia Nelson, Krista & Randy Baana.
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Kijah Joy Mikesell, Bethany Otto Mikesell, 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.
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Evan Matthew Beckman, Mesa Jo Grace Krause, Jackson Wyatt Lageson, Mark Plunkett, Marlin Beckman, Kaira Glienke, Melissa Horan, Aurie Brighton, Caden Reichl, Gail Turvold, Julie Born Beenken, Scott Holmes, Tait Misgen, Cindy Kasper Johnson, Jayme & Ryan Paulson.
• Monday, Oct. 7: 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.
• Tuesday, Oct. 8: 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.
• Wednesday, Oct. 9: Matt Kubiatowicz, Joshua Kasper, Cheryl Paulsen Wilson, Randy Mucha, Nancy Jo Anderson, Ashley Hove, Keith Neidermeier, Dennis Blouin.
May all of your favorite things be within reach. Have a wonderful day!
Eat as though your life depends on it; it does
Written by Jim LutgensI have a close relationship with my aunt Helyn, who is a very special lady. I have nothing but admiration for who she is and what she has contributed to both her family and community. She has beauty, personality and the ability to know and grow with the times.
She could dance, drive a motorcycle, ride a horse, fly a plane, and was named Minnesota Flying Farmers' Queen. I believe she could do anything she set her mind to, or do anything asked of her. She has dignity, courage, love for life and everyone in it.
And she is unfortunate enough to have macular degeneration.
I can't even imagine how terrible it must be to live with 24 hours per day of diminished vision. Not to be able to see, and to have to rely on one's other senses to do ordinary things we take for granted, would be devastating.
She, however, seems to take it in her stride and never complains.
Why do I mention this? During a recent visit with my mother to the eye doctor, I had to ask, "What can one do that might help prevent or slow the progression of age related macular degeneration?"
The doctor said he was glad I asked, and gave me a list of foods that play an important part in having healthy eyes.
Interesting enough, the list sounded like a pretty good description for all around good health. It largely centers around the produce section, and the fish and meat areas. Or, as they say, "Shop the outside rim of the grocery store." (The stuff you don't need is usually in the middle of the store.)
The top 10 "Eye-Healthy Vegetables" are kale, collards, peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, green peas, pumpkin, carrots and Swiss chard. The top 10 "Eye-Healthy Fruits" are peaches, blueberries, oranges/tangerines, mangoes, tomatoes, papayas, cantaloupe/honeydew, and avocados. These foods are known to supply nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Sources of other important nutrients for eye health include foods rich in zinc, which are Alaskan king crab, lamb, bulgar, lean beef, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, pork, dark meat poultry, whole wheat or buckwheat flour, and pumpkin seeds. While the top 10 “Omega-3 Foods" are salmon, herring, tuna, rainbow trout, sardines, flaxseed, English walnuts, canola oil and roasted soybeans.
Do you remember when you would go shopping for things you needed from the store, and didn't worry about the things you thought you needed?
Once upon a time you didn't need to be a scientist to read the ingredient labels of products! Well, actually there probably wasn't much of an ingredient label on the products because it wasn't necessary. Things were what they were. Now the ingredients go on and on, and probably don't tell you what really is important to know, or are in words that send you to the dictionary or Google™ to find out what it means.
There seems to be a plan to do less labeling. BIG MISTAKE. We need to know what we are eating to make good choices. Too many things sneak through the cracks of deception as it is. Correct labeling makes it easier to find non-GMO, grass fed animals and sugar contents among other things. "Organic" labeling isn't enough.
Another thing which comes to mind is sensible economy in shopping. There are many old fashioned products that are cheaper, safer, and more effective to use than many expensive products on the market today.
For example, vinegar is still a good window cleaner. It is also a good deodorant, and a good fruit and vegetable cleanser. WASH EVERYTHING. I use one part vinegar to 10 parts water. Lemon juice has a number of uses too, and hydrogen peroxide is less caustic than chlorine.
There is also good nutrition news. There has been a change in childhood obesity. Minnesota has been named as one of the states where the rate has dropped. Some of the things mentioned pertain to the food vouchers given to low-income families. The program has been eliminating juice from infant food packages and is providing less saturated fat, as well as making it easier to buy fruits and vegetables.
Another thought comes to mind: I've heard that cancer loves sugar. True or not, it makes it easier to resist food that contains a lot of sweetener, which isn't always listed as sugar but can go by many other names. (There are well over 50. If you have a computer, check it out.) I can't believe that sucrose is in so many containers, especially at care centers. Sucrose is a SUGAR and many people are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Anything ending is "ose" is a sugar. Most of the ones you will find in food are frutose, glucose, galactose, lactose, maltose, dextrose and arabinose.
Anything ending in "itol" is a sugar alcohol. Most sugar alcohols aren't easily digested. Xylitol, mannitol, and others can have laxative effects if you eat too much of them. This list just goes to show you that you really have to read your labels carefully. If you have a computer it is well worth your time to check out the information.
Honey is also 100 percent sugar but our bodies use it differently.
Stevia is a 100-percent-natural zero calorie sweetener which is sometimes blended with dextrose (a natural ingredient) because it is naturally sweeter than sugar. This helps create the perfect balance of sweeteners making it easier to pour and measure. It is suitable for people with diabetes. Call toll free - 1-800-611-7434 or write to Stevia in the Raw Consumer Inquiry Department, 2 Cumberland St., Brooklyn, NY 11205 USA.
For recipes, tips and more on all-natural, zero calorie, naturally gluten free food, go to INTHERAW.com.
Children are smarter than we think and explaining the "sweet situation" goes deeper than we realize.
Stop introducing "pop" in the first place and start diluting fruit juices with water. It really helps the "sweet addiction."
Another explanation for less childhood obesity may be the increase in breastfeeding. Researchers are finding that kids raised on mother’s milk tend to have lower obesity rates. It is known that preschool children who are overweight or obese are five more times likely to be heavy as adults, which means they have a higher risk of chronic health problems.
Eat as though your life depends on it. IT DOES!
— — —
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, Sept. 26: Becky Tindal, Tammy Beenken, Lori Klemmensen Suchanek, Marc Horan, Verdel Humberg, Virginia Miller, James Henry Neidermeier, Connie Menefee Calderon, Lee Johnson, Marty & Lee Nelson.
• Friday, Sept. 27: Layla Grace Schultz, Judy Christensen, Naomi Wangsness, Mary Wayne, Gail Farr Christenson, Sara Holmes Wencl, Steve Lageson, Kristin Paulsen Zinke, Jacob Tasker, Chris Ritz, Katie Cameron, Eleanor Rodriguez, Carl Shadden, Daniel Van Kampen, Donna Mae McCamish, Kristin Severson, Lud Borchert, Jocelyn & Jason Heyer.
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Madeline Schei, Kylie Lembke, Denise Hagen Olson, Mary Kasper Therneau, Mitch Vangen, Taff Worrell, Haley Mattson DuBois, Bunny Jepson, Miranda & Isiah Payton, Jerry & Ginger Thompson, Bill & Sharon Vavra, Jill & Todd Kubicek.
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Inez Shaunce, Norrine Jensen, Gail Kaplan, Annette Flugum, Millie Flugum, Ellen Pence, Jenna Quimby, Kevin Klemmensen, Linda Schmidt, Fran Ladlie, Ron & Donna Sletten, Jason & Tara DeWight, Dave & Donna Maixner.
• Monday, Sept. 30: Chloe Walterman, Dean Hunt, Elmer & Joan Vanden Heuvel, Gilbert & Harriet Larson, Todd & Cheryl Utpadel, Amy & Shannon Vander Syde, Aaron & Jean Klemmensen, Tiffany & Luke Mueller, Kelly & Joshua Warke.
• Tuesday, Oct. 1: Kaeli Wayne, Ana Renee Larson, Lois Plunkett, Larry Crabtree, Vince Bergdale, Brian Flor, Melinda Milan, Renae Thompson Weatherley, Lisa Lembke, Carl & Brenda Shadden, Barbara & William Conly.
• Wednesday, Oct. 2: Laurie Jensen, Taya Richards, Amanda Hullopeter, Makayla Vangen, David Lembke, Christopher Bergerson, Adrian Jensen, Andrea Zamora, Wilma Ditlevson, Dawn Hanna, Chuck & LuAnn Hanson, Amy & Alex Kromminga, Brooke & Tim Krohn, Brody & Katie Richards, Bob & Kathy Hanson.
Wishing you a day of fond memories and new beginnings.
Life is hard, but there are those willing to work harder
Written by Jim LutgensSometimes you feel you need "two of you" to accomplish everything that needs to be done, an extra pair of hands, a shoulder to lean on, and a leg up in that challenge which, in my case, seems insurmountable. It involves long hours, early and late times of day, it can be a little overwhelming, as well as raise the adrenalin, but in the end I come out feeling I am really the winner.
In my quest for letting people and organizations know what is happening here in our area, I hope they know they are appreciated. I have been able to meet and get to know so many interesting people and attend some great events.
Some I knew and some I just thought I did. There are always people who continue to amaze me with the things they have done, continue to do and have accomplished, not just for themselves but for others.
Life is hard, but there are those who are willing to work through it. My job has taught me to look beyond the “outer shell” and look inside and see some of the things that make people tick. Everyone has a heart and there are so many different ways they use it.
There are things I wish could be different, which could be an advantage to making life a little easier. I also recognize the dedication and determination that most people seem to have to not only survive but to benefit from in this rocky world we live in.
I can feel my frustration and theirs. It not only comes to mind, but realize there is no magic potion or ability to wiggle your nose that would help take some of that frustration away. I see how some people must cope with things. Technology has its purpose and know it is a necessity but I also see its cost. It makes one wish for the carefree days of tree houses, "lets' pretend," less paper work, taxes, insurance, regulations, licenses and the like.
Sometimes one wishes for longer days and weeks. But would that really help or just add more to our busy lives? I have had to start using a bigger date book. My old one was overflowing.
Lest we forget, as we value our time, it is best to take a good look at how we can make the most of that valuable time by putting things in perspective. What is really important and what isn't? Juggling jobs and time schedules can be quite a hassle, not just for oneself but for the entire family. Sometimes a few minutes or seconds to share some extra kind and thankful words of praise or a voiced "I Love You" can raise the value of that time. There also should be time to ask God for help, even if it is only thought, not voiced, while you are busy and on the run.
Don't forget the little people, they too may be carrying burdens of their own they are reluctant to voice because they realize how busy your life is. Personally I feel we expect more of them than we should at times. Remember they are children. They get tired too. Would you have the time and energy to do the things that you expect others to do?
Saying, "Thank You" is a big thing. When I recently received a thank you note from someone I did not even know, it really made my day. It really made me want to do more and to do things better. That is when I realized that all of this work is worth it. I am glad our paper is a "people’s paper" and we can cover stories about people and not just the things the big newspapers publish. Time and time again I get comments about how good our local paper is.
I still feel it comes down to the individuals that matter. I would like to give honor and praise to all those who may silently work, provide and achieve so much for others. Sometimes I don't know them and maybe you don't know them either, but we should. I am so impressed with the so-called ordinary citizens who are a part of our little corner of the world — but there aren't people who are just ordinary.
Everybody I have met over the years has impressed me as being special in their own way and I can only hope they realize that. These are the people who make the most of what they have to offer. These are the people who smile and say, "How are you?" These are the people who live next door or maybe a world away. These are the people who make life worth living. We are around them every day and they just may need your smile and love as well.
People need people. It is as simple as that. Whatever we have is worth twice as much when we share it.
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 annoucements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This weeks birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, September 19th: Vicki Hill Kress, Carol Anderson, David Deml, Ben Cerney, Dan Underland, Kristine Sorenson, Bill Hatch, Jennifer Johnson, Gerald Trandem, Cindy Morris Erickson, Scott & Tracy Tracy, Kelly & David Wacek, Jill & Dustin Johannsen
• Friday, September 20th: Trinity Starr Wocelka, her second; Jade Hill, Tricia Wayne, Jade Hill, Alice Simonson, Sarah Mills, Cheryl Lonning, Bruce Born, Mardelyn Thompson, Jennifer Thorn, Jason & Michelle Gordon, Irvin & Kathy Jensen
• Saturday, September 21st: Addie Haugen, Tiffany Shelton, Tim Sorenson, Dan Richards, Ann Hamilton, Margaret Deml, Thomas O'Conner, Pastor Richard Spande, Richard Axmann, Sherri & Chad Fritz, Jodi & Brandon Wayne, Marty & Karen Johnson
• Sunday, September 22nd: Noah Rasmussen, Lee Nelson, Gary Jenkins, Kaleb Christensen, Diane Stollard, Kathy Underland, Doris DeNeui, Mark & Rachel Lee
• Monday, September 23rd: Aiden James Manges, Allison Groth Muilenburg, Melissa Lonning, Sara Corenlius Routh, Kristin Hamburg, Lance Jepson, Theresa Langlie, Debra Harding, James Robertson, Galen Montanye, Elizabeth Lageson, Mark Kasper, Robin Christensen, Judy & Tad Lunning
• Tuesday, September 24th: Gilmore Nelson, Nancy Pence, Jayna Domier, Jazmyne Tayton Martinez, Brandon Wayne, Cherysh Christina Hill Marcks, Brody Carlson, Michael Bedney, Trevor David Barber, Jill Vanden Heuvel, Kathie Lein, Susan Mickelson, Sophie Miller, Iris & Stanley Jensen
• Wednesday, September 25th: Amelia Christine Powers, her second birthday: Maykayla Jayme Haberman, Trevor David Barber, Geraldine Vangen, Tom Lageson, Pat Conklin, Suzanne Enzenauer Skaar, Cameron & Dayna Schember, Kellen & Alison Utpadel, Dwight & Loretta Schewe, Harmony & Ryan Anderson, Amy & Rick Storlie, Wendy & Marty Schultz, Larry & Elaine Paulsen
• Thursday, September 26th: Becky Tindal, Tammy Beenken, Lori Klemmensen Suchanek, Marc Horan, Verdel Humberg, Virginia Miller, James Henry Neidermeier, Connie Menefee Calderon, Lee Johnson, Glenn Beckman, Marty & Lee Nelson
• Friday, September 27th: Layla Grace Schultz, Judy Christensen, Naomi Wangsness, Mary Wayne, Gail Farr Christenson, Sara Holmes Wencl, Steve Lageson, Kristin Paulsen Zinke, Jacob Tasker, Chris Ritz, Katie Cameron, Eleanor Rodriguez, Carl Shadden, Daniel Van Kampen, Donna Mae McCamish, Kristin Severson, Lud Borchert, Jocelyn & Jason Heyer
May your special day hold the promise of many bright tomorrows!
Sometimes things that "come to mind" pop up in a variety of seemingly unrelated ways.
My sister was just here for a short visit, recuperating from double hip surgery and taking an opportunity to see her only granddaughter before she started kindergarten. It was interesting to see how well Ava and the other "grandpa" she inherited enjoyed so many things together.
It was also hard to keep from saying, "When you start school you will have to..." Not a good thing to say, because I am sure those words can appear threatening to a child.
There are so many things for those little minds to think about and changes to be made. There will be differences in time schedules, the foods they eat and when, as well as getting to know so many new people. But somehow they handle it.
I am sure many of the things both students and parents have been worrying about will soon slide into place with the help of skillful teachers. I wonder how well we as adults would be able to handle such a big transition in our lives, but we once did, and we seemed to have survived. But things are probably harder now because there are so many more things to learn.
The official end of summer may well be a few weeks away, but many believe it ends when school starts.
I was very pleased to hear our local bus drivers provided that personal touch recently and called each of the families on their route to let them know that they would be their bus driver this year. It may seem like no big deal, but it really is.
Can you imagine what it is like for those little kindergarten students, many who not only have to catch one bus, but also have to make the transition of catching a second bus? All buses are yellow and look alike. Yes, they are numbered but it can be difficult during those first few days to find the correct bus to get on. Soon they will recognize their bus drivers’ faces, and the bus drivers will get to know them as well.
Homecoming is close at hand. (Do alumni still recognize it as a "homecoming" event? Now there are so many sports involved besides just the big football game.) Homecoming seems to be a school event many remember long after they have graduated. They may have forgotten some things they learned in school, but can recall scores, players and games they were involved in or attended. We are blessed in our communities to have so many outstanding athletes and students who don't mind going that extra mile to make our school outstanding.
Success comes from hard work and dedication and it encourages others to do their best as well.
Celebrating birthdays recently was fun, especially when we dragged out photo albums and laughed about things that used to be, about how we looked back then and how we look now, about how everyone had grown and changed, and it gave us reason to talk about things — and we did! Some things are so simple we forget to do them, and yet so entertaining if we remember.
Ever had a phantom feeling in a body part that isn't there? You don't want to. How can something hurt so bad when it isn't there? If you know, I don't have to explain — if you don't, you really don't want to know! After 30 years those feelings still come back from time to time. Not complaining, but explaining. At least it lets me know I’m still here.
With shorter days and less sunshine, it’s time to think Vitamin D. The sunbathing craze has somewhat gone its way, but now the consensus of medical doctors is that we need some of that sun for natural vitamin D. It is important for us to pick the times of day and the length of time spent in the sun. Technically this vitamin is more like a hormone, due to the fact that our bodies can create a certain form of it through exposure to sunlight.
Most people get enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure, but many don't, especially those who typically work the 9-5 desk jobs. People with darker complexions require longer sunlight exposure than people with the lighter skin. People tend to stay indoors when the sun is out and bright and hot. If they are outside and the temperatures rise, they try to stay in the shaded areas. The amount of sunlight changes with the weather, the time of day, how bright the sun is shining, which changes as the seasons change. Overcast days won't burn your skin, but they also won’t provide enough vitamin D.
It is estimated one in three Americans of European descent suffers from a deficiency of this vitamin vital to bone health, to preventing immune dysfunction and certain preventable cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and even the common cold. What we weigh also makes a difference. Body fat binds to vitamin D and prevents it from entering our bloodstreams. The older we get, the harder it is for our bodies to generate vitamin D from sun exposure.
A mere five to 10 minutes of sun exposure a day gives each of us 3,000 units compared to 1 cup of vitamin D fortified orange juice, which typically provides 137 units; a cup of vitamin D fortified milk equals 115-120 units; 3 ounces of cooked sockeye salmon equals 447 units; 1 large egg yolk, provides 41 units; a typical multivitamin equals 400 units or 2 sardines canned in oil equals 46 units.
Living a beautiful life is easier than you think. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a switch you could flick for success? A touchpad you could tap to make your dreams come true? There is! You've got a built in "app" for a happy future: believing in it. When you say yes to dreams, dreams don't say no! (Women’s World)
Wishing everyone a great year at our local schools, as well as a beautiful fall season, which will soon be upon us!
P.S. Thank you to the lady on the KATE party line who suggested using a hair dryer to loosen those "stuck on" labels that are often so hard to remove. Just a little heat works wonders.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
Thursday, September 12: Stacy Kubiatowicz, Joan Vanden Heuvel, Chloe Sue Walterman, David Wacek, Robert Kasper, Courtney Thostenson, Nikolas Zimprich, Eric Hunnicutt, Jennifer Wallerich, David Jepson, Tuyen Vu, Kris Klocek, Ken & Marian Hoffman.
Friday, September 13: Tali Wayne, Jaxon Richards, Russell Goette, Jason Ingvaldson, James Plunkett, Clifford Tufte, Sherre Utpadel, Lisa Zamora, Andrew Zinke, Korey Peterson, Amber Stohr, Lisa Ritz, Ruby Troxel, Ann & Rodney Hamilton, Rhonda & Derike Shelton.
Saturday, September 14: Rick Wangsness, Reece Breidenbach, Issac Wacek, Chris Hanson, Linda Pederson, Jill Peterson, Jack Jensen, Caleb Lunning, Ethan Lunning, Johnny White, Gerald & Becky Edwards, Rick & Charlotte Miller.
Sunday, September 15th: Korbin Wayne, Aiden McClasky, Daniel Hemingway, Ryan Johnson, Nancy Nelson, Tyrel Peterson, Wendy Schultz, Eric Nelson, Jarred Hanson, Dorothy Reichl, Roger & Patty Langlie.
Monday, September 16: Evon Damon Lucas, David L. Christenson, Carmen Fetterly, Emily Laudon, Howard & Carrie Peterson, Shane & Kelly Christensen.
Tuesday, September 17: Duane Edwardson, Karen Hemingway Core, Al Routh, Kara Ladlie, Allen Brandt, Sue Tasker, Brock David Routh, Terry & Marlys Van Kampen.
Wednesday, September 18: Torsten Wayne, Laura Groth, Carla Scripture, Kevin Christenson, Ron Farr, Chris Larson, Becky Axmann, Laura Davis, Julia Spande, Randy & Cindy Horan, Andrea & Nick Miller, Todd & Mary Wayne, David & Malinda Hanson, Jill & Brian Wolff, Nicholas & Katie Wayne.
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There is a lot of nostalgia in our family when the State Fair rolls around.
It goes back to when my mother and her sister Phyllis (“Snookie”) would take their county fair champion entries to the Minnesota State Fair.
Back in those days a trip to the State Fair occurred when the Freeborn County Fair ended. If you had been a winner, you could expect to stay at the fair for its entire 10-day run. It was something special, and usually involved showing animals and doing demonstrations.
In later years my mother, her sister Kaye, and her boys went to the fair with the aid of various campers and motorhomes. They would go up before it started and venture to parks and malls.
The boys were little, and my dad had extended the handle of the little red wagon to make it easier for the one pulling. This allowed the boys to travel in both style and comfort. They could see the fair early or late in the days when things were less crowded. When they were hungry or tired, they could go back to "home base" (the camper or motorhome), and take a rest.
Years went by, the kids grew up and lives became busier, and it became “an event less traveled.”
Time, health concerns, age, and traffic took away some of the attraction, but there were always thoughts of, "What are we missing at the fair?"
A dear friend, Clarice Pence, mentioned that she would like to go up to the fair a few years ago, and asked if we wanted to go along with her on a special bus trip from Owatonna. We were a little skeptical, but despite the crowds of senior citizens, it was great. No parking worries or traffic problems.
But now there is a new generation to consider, and my youngest daughter Keralyn, her husband Bill, and their almost-2-year-old Amelia attended one of the first days of the Minnesota State Fair, which is now the largest State Fair in the United States. They came home with pictures and stories that brought back all the nostalgia and joys of the State Fair and we relived it all, remembering what a joy it was when our families made that yearly trek.
There are rumors of change at Heritage Square. All of our kids liked that little corner of the fairgrounds with all the people and their crafts we enjoyed and knew for years – wheat weaving, scrimshaw, antiques, and people in their authentic clothes. The Square had many interesting foods to enjoy as well.
What are fairs famous for? For many it is all the different foods. My mother remembers when the first "food on a stick" – "Pronto Pups" or "Corn Dogs" – were introduced. They were an instant success, and Mom says back then they sold for 20 cents. To a 4-H kid on a limited budget and a busy schedule, it was a taste sensation. Many of the 4-Hers paired it with "all the milk you could drink" for a dime.
Foods at the fair often came from enterprising church people like St. Matthews Dining Hall and Bethel Lutheran Church, who served dinner banquets for cheap change by today’s standards. Jack Robinson’s was a favored spot, and my mother remembers what she called the "Railroad Cafeteria" where food traveled a miniature railroad to the people who took what they wanted from the track. It later had to be closed down because too often salads and cream pies etc. became toxic from too much heat exposure, or maybe too many rounds around the track.
The "Turkeyeria" sold a complete turkey meal for 95 cents back in 1960. And of course there were always hot dogs and large containers of greasy French fries. The progression of mobile foods on a stick began, including fresh pineapple spears on a stick, corn on the cob on a stick, deep fried cheese or fried ice cream on a stick. Forty-seven new foods were introduced to join the over 450 - 500 foods already offered at the fair this year. I noticed at the Steele County Fair they will deep fry almost anything — apple pie, Oreo™ cookies, Twinkies and more.
Pronto pops or corn dogs took on new sizes or added flavors like cheese and bacon. How would you like bacon wrapped shrimp on a stick, or breakfast sausage on a stick? Pickles or donuts or steak on a stick? Other delicacies you might enjoy that are new this year: cajun pork rinds, chocolate chili ice cream, cocoa cheese bites, chop dogs, Comet Corn, candied bacon cannoli, Craft beer battered onion rings, deep fried bread pudding, deep fried olives, English toffee fudge puppies, fried pickles 'n' chocolate, funnel cake sundaes, Idaho nachos, lobster macaroni and cheese, porkette pig wings, peanut butter and jelly malts and sundaes, Persian kabob koobideh, mini donut batter crunch ice cream, minnepumpkin pie, north woods BBQ tacos, and Mancini's cicchetti cones or classic char-grilled toast, just to name a few.
Fair food, a flavorful gastric delight, (and maybe health disaster) is a big part of the fair.
There are always many new and interesting things to see and do, always growing in actuality and memory. Thank goodness we can still go to the fair, even if it is only in our dreams.
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, September 5: Beckett Dane Rasmussen, Sydney Marie Schmidt, Jennifer Broskoff Dutton, Bruce Langlie, Beth Ann Suelter, Darren Hanson, Stacy Evenson, Grace Lorraine Kofstad, Rande Nelson, Dennis and Mary Jensen, Chuck and Lymra Hoogland, Brian and Angie Dobberstein.
• Friday, September 6: LeAnn Hjoberg, Cindy Sloan Scheevel, Jackson Kilian, Tina Thostenson, Luke Trumble.
• Saturday, September 7: Tanner Ryan Green, Caleb Wacek, Bert Van Hal, Janice Nelson, Charles Phagan, Allen Wacek, Jenny and Jed Popiel, Summer and Wayne Schultz, Erik and Gina Cooper, Al and Becky Larson, Brant and Rhiannon Boerner.
• Sunday, September 8: Pastor Joel Xavier, Natalie Aaseth, Cindy Loberg Smolinski, Anna Lois Erickson, Brittani Hagen, Karen Briggs, Kelly Hagen, Amy Johnson Svoboda, Jennifer Johnson Popiel, Jimmie Olson Jr., Jamie Thompson, Brenda Dokken, Bob and Karen Vaith, Brian and Jody Wayne, Jessica and Jay Eidem.
• Monday, September 9: Eva Lauren Wayne, Charlie Pence, Paul Aronson, Bruce Cerney, Corey Haddy, Steve Hanson, Roger Herbst, Jim and Mary Brocker, Randy and Deb Parks, Spencer and Suzanne Wayne.
• Tuesday, September, 10: Arnold Lund, his 95th; Taya RaeAnn Lembke, Emily Crabtree, Caden Jensen, Curtis Blouin, Craig Blouin, Pauline Fetterly, Steve Granowski, Kathy Knudson, Sally Utpadel Waknitz, Connie Krusemark, Charlie and Diane Marlin.
• Wednesday, September 11: Geoffrey Stieglbauer, Andy Arends, Dawn Misgen Meier, Craig Torgerson, Matthew Mueller, Kathy Nelson, Galen Christensen, Mark Calverly, Paul and Jo Otto, Steve and Mary Bailey, Leanna and Jared Peterson, Tim and Angie Butler, Brian and Jodi Wayne, Rick and Linda Weckwerth.
• Thursday, September 12: Stacy Kubiatowicz, Joane Vanden Heuvel, Chloe Sue Walterman, David Wacek, Robert Kasper, Courtney Thostenson, Nikolas Zimprich, Eric Hunnicutt, Jennifer Wallerich, David Jepson, Tuyen Vu, Kris Klocek.
• Friday, September 13: Tali Wayne, Jaxon Richards, Russell Goette, Jason Ingvaldson, James Plunkett, Clifford Tufte, Sherre Utpadel, Lisa Zamora, Andrew Zinke, Korey Peterson, Amber Stohr, Lisa Ritz, Ruby Troxel, Ann and Rodney Hamilton, Rhonda and Derike Shelton.
Wherever this year takes you, may you find happiness along the way.
Starting school. What an exciting and memorable day in one’s life. The transition from childhood to adulthood has begun, and there is a happiness as well as sadness, especially on the part of parents, as they relinquish their child to others to further their education.
Children grow up so fast and I guess we really would not have it in any other way, but it is hard to believe that baby you held such a short time ago will now become a cog in the “real world.” How they are educated and learn to live will make a difference in how the world goes around.
Today’s kindergarten children bear only a small resemblance to those of yesterday. Day care, TV, miraculous toys, and other outside influences have made them grow up in a faster pace. Entering school they are expected to know more and be more socialized, because they have been exposed to more.
One of the posters on display at the recent “Panther Power-Up" program struck a strong point in my mind.
“As I grow … please understand that I am growing up and changing very fast. It must be difficult to keep pace with me, but please try.
“Reward me ... for telling the truth. Then I am not frightened into lying.
“Tell me ... when you make mistakes, what you learned from them, then I can accept that I am O.K. even when I blunder.
“Pay attention to me … and spend time with me. Then I can believe that I am important and worthwhile.
“Do the things … you want me to do. Then I have a good, positive role model to follow.
“Compliment … and appreciate me. Then I'll feel good, and I'll want to continue to please you.
“Help me … explore my unique interest, talents and potential. In order for me to be happy, I need to be me, and not you or someone you want me to be.
“Be an individual … and create your own happiness. Then you can teach me the same, and I can live a happy, successful and fulfilling life.
“Thank you for hearing me, I love you!”
These words mean a lot! Children may not always act or look like they are listening but "it's there" just the same. Some parents have a way of talking seriously with their children, or in such a way they listen. One may not think so, but children soak up that knowledge, if not immediately, after they have had time to experience and think about it.
Explaining why it is important to eat or drink something, as well as why one should not eat other’s food and beverages, is important.
Talking about feelings. How would you feel if someone said mean things to you or didn't let you be a part of their friendship?
Create a value of the handicapped child in one’s own child’s vision. I'll always be glad for the day we moved next door to a Downs Syndrome child who taught me and my children about how important every being is in this life.
Empathy is a big word and even bigger emotion.
Teaching children to stand up to bullying or inappropriate behavior from their classmates and how it is important for a child’s self esteem.
"Home schooling" starts the day one is born, and is the basis for any intelligence and education that follows. Once family religion meant Sunday morning was time formally spent with God. There was never any question about it. It was family tradition. It is sad to see so many conflicts of interest threatening this important family venture.
With school starting, it would do us all well to think of how important these individuals are, whether pre-kindergarten or in their last year of high school. They are the future of our world and deserve attention.
Be a positive role model. Children pick up on the things you do or don't do. These children are our future!
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday August 29th: Mark Lee, Eunice Smith, Barbara Klinger, Cheryl & Brian Boettcher.
• Friday, August 30th: Brett Richards, Joel Born, Danielle Cook, Katie Cleven Richards, Staci Hohansee, Donna Demmer, Everett Jensen, Grace Paulson, Craig Schwartz, Eva Elayna Thomas.
• Saturday, August 31st: Carole Schember, Judy Deml, Terry Walterman, Kari Hohansee, Jerry Flugum, Tony Holmes, Connie Misgen Evenson, John Tasker, Heather Reese, Nancy Bottelson, Garrett Avery, Ron & Karen Huber, Melissa & Tyler Moe.
• Sunday, September 1st: Jim Motz, Payton Thomspon, Daryl Nelson, Jody Farr, Catherine Carlson, Gregory Ray, Dianna & Matthew Beckman, Adam & Lalya Lang, Jim & Marian Motz.
• Monday, September 2nd: Krista Paulsen, Brent Broulik, Barb Grunwald, Dean Richards, Logan Callahan, Peyton Moore Ayers, Randy & Barb Horan, Christine & Tom Krause, Amy & Jeff Conley.
• Tuesday, September 3rd: Marie Carroll, Lori Ingvaldson, Joanne & Mitch Wayne, Dick & Paulette Nelson, Tatum Wilson.
• Wednesday, September 4th: Cody Blouin, Marc Vanden Heuvel, Melissa Wayne, Erin Dobberstein, Daniel Pitcock , Holly Wangsness Dau, Rachel Arends, Melody & Tim Gassnman.
• Thursday, September 5th: Beckett Dane Rasmussen, Sydney Marie Schmidt, Jennifer Broskoff Dutton, Bruce Langlie, Beth Ann Suelter, Darren Hanson, Stacy Evenson, Grace Lorraine Kofstad, Rande Nelson, Dennis & Mary Jensen, Chuck and L‚ymra Hoogland, Brian & Angie Dobberstein.
• Friday, September 6th: LeAnn Hjoberg, Cindy Sloan Scheevel, Jackson Kilian, Tina Thostenson, Luke Trumble.
Wherever this year takes you, may you find happiness along the way.
Day at the fair proves insightful, inspirational
Written by Jim LutgensThe Steele Country Free Fair is always an open invitation to come and be with friends from the past as well as provides the opportunity to meet new ones. It has been said, "You see one fair, you've seen them all." Not true, and in the long run it is not the exhibits, the vendors, the midway and all the other hoopla that makes it a fair. Fairs are as old and traditional as time and people love them.
My mother, my daughter and I made a trip to the fair on opening day, not realizing officially it didn't open until 5, but still weren't disappointed. We were able to see a great number of things in various areas of the grounds. It wasn't crowded yet and there were places to eat, relax, have conversation and just enjoy the people. As three generations we all saw things differently but also collectively. It is hard to believe that the quiet streets I motored through hardly a week before could be transformed into such a colorful and exciting place. Vendors lined the streets almost bumper to bumper. I don't know how they get them all parked like they do. There was music in many places, like the Village Square, the Village of Yesteryear, the mobile LuVerne Wanous Concertina, from the cattle barns, from radios and loud speakers. There were those who danced. A grandma I am sure danced with her grandchildren to the sounds of Big Ben and the Brians.
We stopped to visit with ladies from Medford’s Congregational Church. When I mentioned that was the first place I stopped at for many years, the lady working laughed and said, "We are the oldest and longest running booth at the fair but we should be because we're the oldest church in the county.” I learned something special there.
She talked about how some items in the booth have changed because some of the ladies who used to work and made hand crafted needlework are no longer with us. Many items from the past are not seen in the booths today because the younger people haven't taken up those arts, probably because they are so busy with work outside the home. But there are other things that complete the picture, like soap, bath salts, other fancywork in wide assortment, and they still do embroider kitchen towels!
Another booth we as enjoyed was the "grab bags" to be purchased at the hospital auxiliary booth. Good things live on! Once under the grandstand and now a part of the Four Seasons, building the ladies were busy filling in all the corners of their booth.
Though there were still empty booths waiting to be filled, many were ready and some enterprising vendors were taking advantage of giving time for conversation with those early crowds, especially the older folks.
I was impressed with the creativity of the children, youngsters, teenagers and right up the age line. The art projects are unbelievable. The 4-H building, outstanding in projects and display. Things have really changed since I was in 4-H many years ago. I love my digital camera and I have a mass of pictures. Why? Because when I see so many interesting things I snap a picture so I can remember them. And like many say, "Today’s happenings are tomorrows history."
Of course there was food of more kinds than I could count. You couldn't go wrong at the 4-H grill and I saw that Authentic Grace’s advertised hard shell tacos for just $2! Amazing how many people take their noon hours from work to come out for fair food. My daughter, Krista, and I enjoyed a walking taco from the 4-H stand and mom had a reuben sandwich she said was "outstanding" from the Elks Club booth. There were definitely tempting favorites like corn dogs of all sizes and additions, pizza by the slice or the whole thing, real dairy products from the dairy wagon and liquids from malts to popular pop and ice cold water. Gyros seem to be a favorite, but you could also buy fresh fish.
Talking with a first-time vendor, he said, "It is impressive. I have always heard about this county fair and thought I sure would like to give it a try.” He was from out of state, perhaps Arizona. We couldn't stay for the grand opening after being there all day, but we weren't disappointed. n fact Daryl and I took in the fair on Wednesday night where we saw more people, more things and enjoyed local talent at the Heritage Village. Ross Sletten and his daughter, Cassidy, and little nephew, Conner, along with Matt Arthur, gave us quite a show.
When you go to an old car show and meet someone you haven't seen in many, many years, it is something to cherish. Funny how we kept looking at each other, knowing it was someone we should know and finally something clicked. It was Bob Helmers, who has always "been with cars" and once lived in Geneva. He maybe wasn't able to put the name with the face immediately, but I think he was able to enlighten us on every car, make and model he has sold and who he sold them to.
The song, "We Could Have Danced All Night," comes to mind, but in this case it was talk, not dance.
I may go back ,though I may have seen everything there is to see except the midway, which has never appealed to me as much as other adventures at the fair. There are some things I'd like to see again.
Did I say the fair board does a good job in making this fair impressive? I should. There is something for everyone. It is clean, well organized with amazing amounts of things to see and do and they keep adding more. They provide for the comfort and relaxation with seating and various stage shows throughout the grounds. Like they say in their promotions, "SCFF, Steele County Free Fair - The place to be seen in 2013." They got that right!
P.S. I swelled with pride whenever, and it was often, people approached me about being a part of such a "good paper." Not to brag about our paper, but yes, we do have a great advantage because there is always more than enough to write about. We have so many great people and great things happening here in our area we can leave out the stuff found in the big newspapers. After I got to bed I thought about it again. There is more than one way to interpret “good.” Ever notice most of our news we include in "our paper" is of the "good” variety?
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like included, or news to share 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, August 22nd: Thayne & Becky Nordland, Ava Moon, Julie Johnson, Kyle Wallerich, La Donna Cummins Fallen, John Butler, John Glynn, Diane Butler, Dale Kelly, Aaron Ladlie, Dale Kelly, Nancy TaBelle
• Friday, August 23rd: Jared Dawson Lee, Logan Dale Marzolf, Terry Holland, Ann Klemmensen, Matthew Knudson, Steve Wilker, Scott Wright, Quinn Vu, Jessica Lutgens, Vernon & Jeanne Simonson, Galen & Linda Christensen, Amy & Marshall Svoboda
• Saturday, August 24th: Rick Storlie, Michelle Gowlland, Nicholas Chrisensen, Sam Worrell, Tanya Hughes, Natalie Deml, Elizah Lee Ackland, Crystal Johnson, Terry Vaith, Jeff Kycek, LaNell Leak Sunde, Corey Peterson, Mary Edon, Ralph & Cheryl Dobberstein, John & Cindy Christensen
• Sunday, August 25th: Chloe Lynn Muilenberg, Carl Glienke Jr., Evelyn Anderson, Renee Brandt, Ted Dahl, Jayme Hohansee, Craig Kammerer, Jessica Kubat, Pete Rietveld, Mary Larson, Melissa Peterson, Jim & Lynn Arends, Mark & Deb Killesheim, Deb & Jim Bohnoff, Rachel & Michael Grunklee, Leah & Dama Clark, Everett & Linda Lang
• Monday, August 26th: William Michael Rodney Tuttle, Christopher Cook, Clarice Pence, Catherine Haugen, Mike Riley, Elijah Lee Ackland, Catherine Mae Haugen, Tim Falksen, George Stieglbauer, Michael Rodney Tuttle, Sharon Peterson, Travis & Kelly Johnson, Angie & Michael Den Herder
• Tuesday, August 27th: Martin Johnson, Kory Kress, Alice Randall, Sandra Thostenson, Dee Ann Jensen, Jim Collins, Mary Lageson, Sharon Ramaker, Terry Pelzl, Angela DeGeus, Jessica Marie Nygaard Paulson, Corlyn & Janice Paulsen
• Wednesday, August 28th: Mitch Helmers, Larry Motl, Bev Newgard. Waynetta Peterson, Rosy Fisher, Lorraine Christensen, Justine Randall, Marlys Van Kampen, Tammy Johnson, Gerritt Molenaar Sr., Jacquelyn Jensen, Linda Kelly, Marvin Thomspon, Jim & Fran Ladlie
May your day be filled with everything you enjoy most.
Personal quest to see Kenny Rogers fulfilled at last
Written by Jim LutgensIt is sometimes strange how thoughts will enter your mind for some unknown reason and just stick there.
When I heard Kenny Rogers was going to be performing at the Freeborn County Fair, all I could think of was that I wanted to go see him perform in person.
I have always liked his voice and I never had a budget that allowed me to attend any of his big shows. Here was my chance. It was a matter of figuring out how I could accomplish it without spending the bucks for reserved tickets.
Meanwhile I had faith that, yes, I would get there. Then things started piling up and my plans were starting to take a dim view. One leg and crutches have taken me more places, but maybe this was more than I could handle. It went right down to the deadline.
I not only have some stubborn Dane blood in me, but a quantity of Irish as well, and on the morning of the grandstand performance I made up my mind that though it might be tough, I was going to try and do it.
I'll admit to being a little afraid of the situation. I started worrying. What was a good time to arrive, where could I park that would be close enough, and could I do it alone?
God was with me. When I arrived at the gate and explained my situation and asked if there a good place for me to park the gentlemen nicely told me, sure, there was a spot right up by the 4-H building just waiting for me. Hurrah! That was taken care of.
I usually use my crutches to get where I want to go, but I do have a motorized scooter that had been loaded for me, along with ramps, in my van. I got the ramps out of the van and got them lined up, I thought, but found it to be just a bit of a struggle. The scooter just didn't want to come down the way it should and got hung up. Fortunately a friend, Darlyne Paulson, came by and helped me with the situation. She also made the suggestion I should turn my van around, thinking it would be easier to load up again when it came time to do that, which I did. Thanks were in order.
Aha, on my trusty scooter things would be easier and they were for about an hour or so, when I realized the battery should have been recharged. Unfortunately the scooter needs power. By moving in short spurts, which allowed the battery a little bit of time to gain some energy, I was able to get into the 4-H building and aha, there was a plug-in and a park bench. I asked the lady in charge if I might plug my scooter in and she was nice enough to say yes, so I did. I managed to set the bench in front of it so it was not in the way or conspicuous.
I commenced to do some viewing of items at the fair on foot and crutches when I noticed lines were already forming for admission to the grandstand. I suddenly realized the 4-H building closed at 9. Kenny Rogers' program wasn't going to start until 8:30, which meant I had better get my half-charged scooter out of the building and loaded in my van before I went to the concert. Luckily I had enough power for the trip to my van and was able to get out the ramps and was trying to get the scooter lined up so I could get it loaded.
As luck would have it a gentlemen was walking past and I asked if he would mind helping me. He said sure and proceeded to ask another man who was walking past us to help. They asked if I would mind if they didn't use the ramps, and I said no, do what you would like, and they lifted the machine up and set it in the back of my van. Thank you, gentlemen. Another problem solved.
The line for the grandstand was growing and then I ran into the ideal person — my daughter’s former physical education teacher. If I needed someone to spend time with I couldn't have asked for anyone better. She was looking for some kettle corn to take back with her to the front of the line. Anyone who knows Connie Johnson knows she is a good one to spend time with, much better than the book I had brought along to read while I waited.
We made it through the gate and on up into the grandstand and found a great spot to sit. Connie’s mother had a wheelchair and Connie had brought along a folding chair. I was lucky enough to find one lone folding chair not far from where we planned to sit, and quickly moved it so I could use it.
We were set to sit out the time before the performance would begin, taking in the sights and an incredibly friendly conversation, catching up on what we have been doing. Time went fast and our view, smack dab in front of the stage, couldn't have been better. My dream had come true. I was going to see and hear Kenny Rogers perform.
Many people forgot their diets and were enjoying some great fair food, including us. We reminisced about corn dogs when we saw people walking carrying them to their seats. New to me were the newer ones that are bigger than the originals. We talked about having one to eat before the program began and one fellow heard us talking. He offered to go and get one for us and we took him up on his offer. They were great.
My mother remembers when corn dogs were introduced at the state fair. That is a long time ago. She thinks they were 20 cents and were really a big hit, and still are.
Once we finished our corn dogs, it was time for the show to begin.
Kenny Rogers and his band entertained us with some of his great songs and shared some great stories, too. The program was awesome and Kenny sang some of my favorite songs, including "Daytime Friends," "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town," "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer,” "You Decorated My Life," and of course, "The Gambler."
Kenny ad-libbed a bit between songs, telling everyone he spotted someone not far from the front of the stage watching through binoculars so they could get a closer look.
Kenny asked, "What are you trying to see with those? I think binoculars in the first 10 rows is an invasion of privacy," which gave the over 9,000 people in attendance a good laugh.
As I said, the grandstand was packed and I enjoyed every minute. Was it worth it? You bet it was. Someone was watching over me, giving me all the perks I needed. It was an evening I will long remember and cherish.
Thank you Kenny, Connie, Alice, Darlyne and helpful strangers. You made my day!
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 birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share 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.
This weeks birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday, August 15th: Roger Wayne, Obert Osmundson, Kaye Dee Hanson, Nancy Nelson, Stephanie Peterson, Rhonda Shelton, Cade Shelton, Brian Warnke, Dorrie Horan, Michael Suelter, Kellie Benning, Brian Warnke, Maverick Harold Knutson
• Friday, August 16th: Kavan Dean Vanhal, Haley Deml, Alexander James Dufresne, Mary Lerberg, Shayla Ann Marie Pachoel, Julie Arnold, Wayne & Marie Dobberstein, Harold & Janice Jensen, Mark & Diana Sundwall, Jeff & Julie Schlei, Donny & Gail Turvold
• Saturday, August 17th: Cole Brody Thompson, Katie Klemmensen Knudson, Julie Osmundson, Luke Wiersma, Carol Nelson, Dillon Matthew Kubiatowicz, Abbey Beaber, Jackie DeVrient, Sonya Peterson, Cheryl Spurr, Steve Ladlie, Daniel Whelan, Rod & Cheryl Thompson, Tira & James Smith, Tina & Todd Wangen
• Sunday, August 18th: Donny Bartsch, Ron Johnson, Rick Johnson, John Ross Vermedahl, David Klocek, Michael Ingvaldson, Kelly Schmidt Janning, Connie Robertson, David Rietsema, Gary & Kathy Anderson, Ryan & Jill Hanson, Tamara & David Jepson, Simon & Arlean Lee
• Monday, August 19th: Daxter Carter Lee, Jason Langlie, Michelle Peterson, Jennifer Popiel, Cheri Krejci, Ruth Enzenauer, Cynthia Grubish, Lois Johnson Aitchison, David Cooper, Alyssa Kay Jensen, Larry & Karen Carlson, Jackie & Travis Olson, Andy & Julie Arnold, Larry & Mary Ellen Walton, Kayla & Patrick Krause
• Tuesday, August 20th: Dale Nelson, John Scrabeck, Tammy Bergland Techau, Andy Christensen, Diane Cleven, Delbert Karsjens, Jozie Annamarie Johnson, Kim Jensen, Jamie Nelson, Larry Pierce, Tianna & Joshua Kubicek
• Wednesday, August 21st: Lori Moon, Avery Hullopeter, Abriana Harris, Scott Tracy, Larry Klocek, Viola Klocek, Dawn Dobberstein, Mary Richards, Cindy Anderson, Roger Johnson, Sara Degan Misgen, Jodie Lee, Jaden Jensen, Cody Lembke, Michael Olson, Jasmine Obermoller Evans, David & Cindy Callahan
Wishing you warm friendship and simple joys. Have a wonderful day!