Whatever Comes To Mind (268)
I am so impressed with the quality and quantity of the gardens I see along the way this summer. I want to shout HOORAY! Sorry to say my garden is a few tomatoes planted in containers. I want to do more but sometimes it is hard.
I know I get caught up in these things but the quality of home grown fruits and vegetables is far more of value than "store bought." Thank goodness there are some things available at Farmers Markets.
The cave man was a nutritionist ahead of his time. His circumstances had him eating berries, nuts and raw vegetation. He may not have known the value these things were back then, but thank goodness they were there for people to eat and enjoy.
Did you know that the heaviest part of the trash we throw away is food and other things that could be used as compost and reused to enrich the soil? Reducing food waste saves money and really does serve a purpose.
It is easy to buy a container of juice, but whole fruit is far better than bottled juice.
I recently read where scientists are studying compounds in bromelain, an enzyme in the pineapple stems, as a potential cancer-fighting agent. What is in that stem that we so often we throw away as it is kind of tough? CCZ stimulates our immune system, which helps kill cancer cells. CCS blocks a protein involved in many cancers. I often use my little electric chopper to grind up the middle of the fruit so I can enjoy that part of the fruit as well.
I have also found out that if I leave out a dish of berries or fruits on the counter instead of a candy dish, it will disappear as the kids will nibble at it as they pass by. Berries deserve a place in our diets because they aid in disease prevention.
Blueberries get high honors because they are a sweet treat loaded with fiber and vitamin C, as well as contain phytonutrients. They can be used in many different ways, including being eaten raw or frozen as a quick treat.
Often overlooked are blackberries. My mother loves them. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. A cup of blackberries has 7 grams of fiber and they are also full of phytonutrients like anthocyanin,
Raspberries, red, black or golden, are high in fiber and vitamin C and are good to eat just as they are, just like popcorn, but they are good in salsas, salads and desserts too.
Strawberries are favored among both children and adults. They are high in folate and vitamin C and can be found year-round in the grocery stores. Kids like the big red berries but the red, shiny, medium-sized berries are usually sweeter and more flavorful than the large ones.
Berries are nutritious, as well as delicious, and can be used in so many different ways. Fruits and berries are as varied in taste as their looks. Sometimes we pass them by because we weren't brought up eating them as they were not as easy to obtain as they are now.
And don't forget the nuts. Though high in calorie count, they are loaded with good stuff that is prime for both your appetite and your health.
I am glad to see companies have gotten the message that people don't want additives and color added, which can contaminate their processed foods.
Summer is also a time we see a great deal of road construction, but this does not make me shout hooray — just the opposite. Road construction is necessary and often confusing and very frustrating. Construction zones are not a place for speeding or hogging more than your share of the road. I realize trucks have to be at a certain place by a certain time but it is a little scary to see some trucks or cars coming at you full speed ahead. I guess we have to remember that once the road construction has been completed, things will be better. Then we can shout - HOORAY!
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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, July 9th: Larry Otto, Corey Pence, Mavis Knudtson, Joni Calderon, Lisa Worke, Dale Peterson, Jenny Bunn, Julie & Dean Hunt, Jennifer & David Lageson
• Friday, July 10th: Kalene Larson, Ethan Green, Brett Dunlap, Sally Hanson Sadden, Suzanne Skroch Larkin, Carley Ray Talamantes, Holly Swearingen, Anna Uetcsh, Todd Borchert, Kym Cameron, Paulette Nelson, Ryan & Amy Crabtree their 8th, Dustin & Jenna Quimby
• Saturday, July 11th: Zoie Marie Jensen, Shirley Wallace Tennant, Nicholas Lee Shultz, Helen Scripture Schubert, Kelly Sauke, Nataniel Lizarazo, Michele Degan Reistad, Rochelle Thompson, Lisa Goodnature Noble, Christopher Olson, Jessica Mangskau, Elaine Peterson, Naomi Hemingway, Randy Borchert, Scott Knutson, Celina & Richard Drecher, David & Bonnie Jensen, Carrie (Thompson) & Danny Wichmann
• Sunday, July 12th: Daniel Christensen, Kimberly Peterson, Rick Pelzl, Daryl Waltz, Herb & Lori Moon
• Monday, July 13th: Megan Elizabeth Nowariak, Audrey Lillian Peterson, Marayah Mae Mortenson, Kolette Lageson Stevenson, Brenda Misgen, Sandra Cerney Collins, Joseph Adrian Parks, Ed Nelson, Cynthia Fuerniss, Dick Larson, Amber Anderson, Jean Johnson, Corey & Danielle Wangsness, Jason & Shannon Peterson
• Tuesday, July 14th: Budach Martin Perry, was born in 2013, Kallen Reed Rasmussen, Gavin Cole Halverson, Sharon Richards Lucas, Annette Hove, Madison Larkin, Dana Simonson, Jeff Kitzer, Jerry Langlie, Lee Cummins, Shane Davis, Peter Kasper, Roger Swearingen, Bethany & Ashley Ashton
• Wednesday, July 15th: Nathan Daniel Wayne, Nathan Joseph Bauers, Levi Peterson, McCoy LaVerne Schwierjohann, Thad Aaseth, Judd Aaseth, Stacy Seath Tempel, Lacinda Jensen, Vicki Utpadel Knudson, David & Kim Killian
• Thursday, July 16th: Sue Stieglbauer, Hudson Mrotz, Kyle Ladlie, Jeff Helmers, Nancy Wilder, Kenny & Sarah Price, Dave & Deb Oeltjenbruns
• Friday, July 17th: Kaylee Christine Hanson, Merton Nelson, Ralph Diaz, Sandi Vangen, Victor Christenson, Larry Molenaar, Leslie Schwartz, Lisa & Bob Wayne, Kristine (Simon) & David Freitas
• Saturday, July 18th: Anika Christine McDonald, Nancy Anderson, Matthew DeShane, Katie Dobberstein, Michael Graif, Luke Rye, Roger & Betty Davies, Mark & Mandy Boehme
Wishing that each day is happier than the one before!
Everybody enjoys celebrating the 4th of July. July 4th of 1776 was the day our country claimed our independence from Britain and democracy was born.
In the pre-revolutionary years, colonists held annual celebrations of the king's birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions, and speech making. During the summer of 1776 some of the colonists celebrated the birth of our country’s independence by holding mock funerals for King George III. The mock funerals symbolized the end of the monarchy's hold on America and the triumph of liberty. The event included parades, concerts, bonfires and the firing of cannons and muskets. The day accompanied the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence after it was adopted. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of our Independence on July 4th, 1777, while congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. In 1778, George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of our country’s independence.
Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday, which was several months before the key American victory at Yorktown in 1781. The tradition of this patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812. John Adams felt the celebration should include pomp and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other.
In 1870, the United States Congress made the 4th of July a federal holiday. Then in 1941, this provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Sadly, over the years, the political importance of the 4th of July holiday declined, but Independence Day remains an important national holiday and a symbol of our patriotism.
Today, thousands of people leave their homeland and come to America, "The land of the free and the home of the brave," so they can begin their American dream.
This wonderful country of ours is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people and each year on the 4th of July, Americans continue to celebrate their freedom and independence.
The 4th of July falls in the middle of the summer, and has become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers. Many people look forward to barbecues and picnics with their family and friends, as well as all the fireworks. I do understand that we are celebrating our country’s birthday, but I can't help think that shooting off fireworks is hyporcritical in a way. It is hard for me to justify spending untold amounts of money on tremendous blasts of explosives, more or less mimicking the wars our patriots have fought and died in.
Couldn't that money be spent in much better ways? We want to celebrate and we do, but I think our major focus should be to remember why we do.
Maybe those who have served in our country’s armed forces don't agree, but to me I would believe these servicemen and women would have had more than enough explosives, guns shooting, etc. during their tour of duty so that it would be a given reminder of those wars.
I think of a friend of mine who used to write from Vietnam about how the night could be so quiet. Stars were shining brightly in the dark, but then an explosion would break out in a blast of "fireworks," the real stuff. It wasn't enjoyable!
I also think of my cousin, Jim Hanson, and his buddies who went to Normandy to visit the place where Sgt. York fought a battle all his own. Still today, much of the farm and in that area still lays idle as people are still dying from unexploded ammo that had been found on the farmland.
Incidents like these is why it still bothers me to see fireworks blasting in the sky. I think of all the people who hid in storm cellars, scared for their lives, as well as about the many whose lives were taken. Yes, fireworks are beautiful, but I believe the glory of the 4th of July is the man who raised our American flag up on that first 4th of July.
Then there is the safety angle. Before there were restrictions on who could legally light fireworks, my mother and her brother were taught to be especially careful when this holiday arrived each year. Sometimes firecrackers didn't go off as they were supposed to, so they would then split the firecrackers in two and light them, which would provide a "sizzler." And of course, that alternative was not a very good thing to do as one of those sizzlers almost put someone's eye out before they decided their idea was not a very good one.
There is also a funny story my mother remembers, but not for laughing, as we often say, that I would like to share. At one time there was an outdoor "biffy" at the Sportsman's Club at Beaver Lake. One lady went in to use it. A trickster in the bunch she was with put a firecracker in a tin can and lit it behind the outdoor toilet. Of course when the firecracker went off in the tin can the sound was much more explosive. And as a result, the lady said she had had enough and made her man take her home for a change of clothes; enough said.
I hope that if people in our area plan to set off any fireworks during this years' holiday that they will be extremely careful. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently reported that more than 11,000 people across our great country were treated for fireworks related injuries in 2013. Most of the injuries involved the face, eyes, and ears, and of that total 40% of those injured were children under 15. We don't want people we know ending up in emergency rooms suffering from fireworks related injuries. I hope that we can all remember the reason we celebrate this special day!
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, July 2nd: John & Wendy Schultz, Delbert & Judy Karsjens, Leslie (Gatton) & David Hecker, Sidney Skroch, Christopher Matthew Wacek, Mary Ann Ewing, Stacy Shaunce, David Beck, Chad Ritz, Wilma Arbogast, Melissa Quaintance and Tony H. Seykora
• Friday, July 3rd: Danika Marie Jensen, Lorry Pelzl, Amy Storlie, Amy Walterman, Cynthia Nelson, Sara & Chris Ihrke, Rachel & Michael Schmidt, Phillip & Karen Briggs
• Saturday, July 4th: Happy 4th of July! Bethany Miller, Carlie Sevcik, Pam Nelson, Trina Churchill, Ellie Rose Meiners, Brent Meiners, Brian Meiners, Denise & Scott McGowan
• Sunday, July 5th: Emma Harold, Brenlee Anne Knudsen, Emma Harold, Abby Harold, Jessica Wayne, Brad Tufte, Burt Scripture, Chad Sommer, Russell Thostenson, Rhonda Grunwald, Issac Paulson, Danny Burns
• Monday, July 6th: Kylie Titus, Brenlee Knudsen, Austin Nord, Linda Aronson, Scott Briggs, Gary Grosland, Wendy Kamerer, Travis Hanson, Paul Richards, Darrin Stadheim, James Van Riper, Kyle & Bethany Miller
• Tuesday, July 7th: Collin Christensen, Elizabeth Eder, Cheryl Boverhuis, Casey Johnson, Chad Quam, Scott Reese, Jon Spatenka, Anna Jacobson, David Anderson, DeAnn Skroch
• Wednesday, July 8th: Zaine Augustine Briedenbach, Parker John & Payton Lorraine Bunn, Barb Hagen, Al Lee, Adam Arends, Jacob Terry Phillips, Deacon Thomas Lang, Summer Paulson, Deb Jacobs, Marlene Jensen
• Thursday, July 9th: Larry Otto, Corey Pence, Mavis Knudtson, Joni Calderon, Lisa Worke, Dale Peterson, Jenny Bunn, Julie & Dean Hunt, Jennifer & David Lageson
• Friday, July 10th: Kalene Larson, Ethan Green, Brett Dunlap, Sally Hanson Sadden, Suzanne Skroch Larkin, Carley Ray Talamantes, Holly Swearingen, Anna Uetcsh, Todd Borchert, Kym Cameron, Paulette Nelson, Ryan & Amy Crabtree their 8th, Dustin & Jenna Quimby
Hope you have a day filled with things that make you smile!
He didn't mean to do it but it is something that will haunt him the rest of his life. It was such a little thing at the time - it was just one second. He looked down at his cell phone and then he heard a thud. A mother will never hold her two little girls in her arms again. They were riding in a carrier behind her bike when he hit their mother in that one moment of time. He can look at his two children and know how tragic it was. He will always tell people about what had happened to him in hopes it would help prevent it from happening to them.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports that distracted driving contributed to 61 deaths and 198 serious injuries in 2014. Law enforcement officers conducted a study in April and the officers cited over 900 drivers for texting while driving in six days. People really should put their cell phones out of reach, so you aren't tempted to answer it while driving.
If you do receive a call on your cell phone while you driving down the road, believe it or not, the call will wait. Once you have stopped, your cell phone will reveal who called and you can return the call. If you must use your phone, pull over along the side of the road, stop, use your phone, and then carefully get back on the road again. No call or text message is worth another person, or your own life.
It is not just cell phones that cause accidents. How many times do we get distracted from our driving by something we shouldn't? I am guilty of eating an ice cream cone or taking a sip of water while driving down the road. It seems pretty innocent but how would I feel if something like this would happened to me? As there is more and more traffic on the roads and faster speeds are allowed, the easier it is to have an accident.
In addition to talking, or editing, on their cell phones, I've seen people eat, tune their radios, apply makeup, reach for something in the seat, on the floor, in their purse. How well I remember a friend who bragged that he read an entire novel on a trip to another state. Or there was the bread man who used the wide space in the front of his truck to read the newspaper on his daily route. They were lucky nothing happened, but it certainly could have.
Isn't it just as important to pay attention and drive as it is to click that seat belt? It is a something that we all need to start doing, even if it is just for a short distance! One of the first things we all learned in driver’s education was to put your seat belt on. The fancier the automobile, the more gadgets and gimmicks there seem to be to distract us as we drive.
Seatbelts do save lives; let’s hope it saves your life. It is also very important to obey the speed limits. They have been developed for a reason or we would not have them. The few minutes you save you can lose somewhere else and you gain nothing.
We also need to remember to adjust our speed in regards to the weather conditions, road conditions, as well as in regards to the amount of traffic there is on the road. It is especially important to remember that during this season of road construction, especially for those people who are traveling Interstate 35W this summer. We need to be especially careful, meeting the amount of traffic we are faced with. We need to keep two eyes on the road, two hands on the steering wheel and avoid all distractions, as there is currently only one lane of traffic in each direction.
There is a lot of power in that moving vehicle. Driving 55 mph translates to 90 feet per second so if you look away even just one second, you have driven at least 90 feet without seeing anything.
And one more thing. Before you get in your vehicle, take time to observe where you are parked and be aware of things around you, especially if there might be things that you will not be able to see when you look in your mirrors or out your windows. Once you get in your car and turn on the key, look again. Recently, newscasters reported that a one-year-old child was killed when someone was going to move their vehicle. Little ones can travel fast so it pays to look twice at least.
I recall a friend who let nobody eat, drink, smoke, etc. in his car. It wasn't just that he wanted his car clean at all times, he wanted to safe as well. Makes sense.
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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, June 25th: Paul & Deb Wallace, Brad & Jannell Tufte, David & Lori Lembke, James & Mardelyn Thompson, Boyd & Jeanene Reese, Brady Nelson, Rachel Lerum, Michael Bell, Hugh O'Byrne, Brady Nelson Heimer, Marilyn Nelson and Boyd Reese
• Friday, June 26th: Michelle Marie Leeman, Marissa Ann Leeman, Brock Nelson, Tony Muri, Richard Holmes, Michelle Davidson, Tiffany Olson, Ray Jepson, Pennie Ladlie, Tristan & Michael Ingvaldson, Chuck & Ann Southworth and Tom & Wilma Arbogast
• Saturday, June 27th: Eugene & Phyllis Hagen, Carlyle & Judy Hagen, Jamie & Kim (Weckwerth) Farr, Stormi Hagen, Mary Groth, Karrie (Newgard) Moen, Marge Trandem, Michelle Vangen, Milton Nelson and Sandi Serdahl
• Sunday, June 28th: Warren & Bonnie Nelson, Jenny (Broskoff) & Chris Dutton, Danielle (Wagner) & LuVerne Zacharis, Amanda (Reese) Beavens, Shane Reese, Margaret Dobberstein, Zack Kromminga, Sara Hoyt, Sara Jensen and Noah Peterson
• Monday, June 29th: Nate VerHey, Courtney Haugen, Jacob Peterson, Brenda (Janka) Tschann, Jane (Jensen) Bratten, Berniece Whelan, Barb & Dale Mrotz, Brent & Valerie Christensen, Brent & Michelle Meiners, Wally & Marge Wobschall
• Tuesday, June 30th: Tammy & Jeff Busho, Susan (Schmidt) & Jon Anderson, Ann & Brent Wiersma, Nate & Kristine VerHey, Julie Vanden Heuvel Horiban, Robin Eder, Nathan Robertson, Steve Jensen, Barb Wright, Lorrie Kelly, Roger Shaunce and Makenzie Lynn Vreeman
• Wednesday, July 1st: Keralyn (Paulsen) Powers, Eugene Hagen, Mary Edwardson, Linda O'Neil, Joanna Ruth Vermedahl, Jill Hanson, Chris Ihrke, Jason Churchill, Marjorie Otterson, Deb Schimek, Rachel (Eaker) Lee, Gary Carlson, Tristan Bangert, Robert Christensen, Roger & Joyce Wayne, Heather (Krause) & Dion Quiram and Frank & Marilyn Cuden
• Thursday, July 2nd: John & Wendy Schultz, Delbert & Judy Karsjens, Leslie (Gatton) & David Hecker, Sidney Skroch, Christopher Matthew Wacek, Mary Ann Ewing, Stacy Shaunce, David Beck, Chad Ritz, Wilma Arbogast, Melissa Quaintance and Tony H. Seykora
• Friday, July 3rd: Danika Marie Jensen, Lorry Pelzl, Amy Storlie, Amy Walterman, Cynthia Nelson, Sara & Chris Ihrke, Rachel & Michael Schmidt, Phillip & Karen Briggs
With each passing year, grow stronger, grow wiser, and grow richer in spirit. May the year be filled with new discoveries.
Father’s Day is fast approaching. It is a day that has been developed to honor all fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, and father figures who have influenced a person’s life.
Sonora Smart Dodd knew that a special day had been set aside to celebrate mothers and she told her pastor that she thought that fathers should also have a special day set aside to honor them. Sonora knew first hand how important fathers were as her father had raised her and her five brothers and sisters as a single parent.
Sonora’s pastor agreed that fathers' should also be honored just as mothers are during the month of May and he delivered his first Father’s Day sermon June 19 at the local YMCA. That day was later designated as the first official Father’s Day.
Fathers Day has gone on to be celebrated worldwide to recognize the contribution that fathers, and father figures, have made to the lives of children. Although it is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide, many countries observe this special day for fathers on the third Sunday in June. Many people make a special effort to do something special for their fathers and have developed their own family traditions. Many people visit their fathers on this day that is set aside to honor them and enjoy special dinners or events together. Some call them on the telephone while others give cards or gifts such as clothing or sporting attire or equipment, favorite foods, electronic gadgets, or household tools.
Young children get excited with the thought of Father’s Day approaching and many make special cards or draw pictures, most often of things or events they have shared with their fathers. Older children enjoy taking their dads to baseball games, fishing trips, golfing, or car shows, just to name a few, spending time together on Father’s Day.
There was a time when women had to, or wanted to, have a career of their own. With it came the change of child care that involved men more than it once did. It isn't strange to see a father and child shopping for groceries, enjoying dinner together, or watching or participaing in an activity or sport. That's good because the relationship between a father and his children and a mother and her children have different ramifications. They learn and do things different under the care of their parents because men and women are different and the interests they pass on are too. Dads have become just as efficient in changing a diaper, feeding and burping a child or talking to that little one. It is heartwarming to see. If Mom is pleased with a child’s accomplishments, with Dad, it is double good.
As children grow they see their father was more than just their dad, he was an individual, with hopes and dreams and aspirations. They also learn their father made sacrifices so they might have opportunities and that they took on the burden of worry so that their children might be carefree. Fathers love their children enough to be firm when needed, so that their children might be spared a bad experience. They also put aside their own dreams so their children might be able to realize dreams of their own.
All this, and more, fathers have done so that their children might be happy, fulfilled and loved. I hope children thank their fathers for the love they were given and for the times they were there for them as they were growing up. I also hope that their fathers know their children will try to be there for them should they ever need them.
I know that I came to know my father in some very special ways over the years and really enjoyed the things we were able to share and do together. I miss those special times we shared.
The best gifts that life offers cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Happy Father’s Day, one and all!
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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, June 18th: Kendel Marie Klocek, (2014) Keturah Katherine Mae Gassmann, Brett Hagen, Dennis O'Neil, Dave Lieberg, Marie Dobberstein, Marvin Enzenauer, Bonnie Nelson, Krysti Cameron, Margo & Milton Wayne, Wayne & Diane Jensen, Greg & Linda Pavek, Brad & Tammy Thompson, Kathy (Barnett) & Chad Peterson, Amy & Brady Jensen, (2011)
• Friday, June 19th: John Jerome Olson, Josephine Ann Olson, Julie (Vanden Heuvel) & Dale Horihan, Ellen (Johnson) & Mark Johnson, Al & Carol Schultz, Julie & Chad Cornelius, Guy & Tracy Cromwell, Fred & DeLoyce Schmidt, Melissa & Scott Anderson, Tammy & Jeff Busho, Rich & Susan Hanson, Cesar & Heather Rosas, Ashlie Pence, Johnathan David Schewe, Maryann Stone, Jean Pelzl, Theresa Kasper, Monty Spurr, Erica Van Kampen, Tracy Cromwell, Erica McClaskey, and LaVerne Calverly
• Saturday, June 20th: Adelyn Grace Quaintance, Jean Ahlstrom, Kari Vanden Heuvel, Christopher Wayne, Patti (Stadheim) Bell, Chris Jensen, Alan Schmidt, Dianne Jensen, Madison Renae DenHerder, Mike & Kirra Hanson and Rick & Karla Kelly
• Sunday, June 21st: Shirley & Greg Tennant, Dorothy Kilian, Terry Van Kampen, Robyn Schmidt Beckler, Harmony Mattson Anderson, Greg Ramaker, Jay Ditlevson, Teri Jahnke and Haley Katherine Meiners
• Monday, June 22nd: Jessie Cleven, Marilyne Donahue, Travis Broskoff, Bruce Hunter, Barbara Haberman, Cheryl Peterson, Becca Schei, Mark & Sharon Sorenson, Chris & Linda (Harding) Newgard and Dale & Suzanne Boverhuis Jr.
• Tuesday, June 23rd: Ralph & Alyce Randall, Carlie (Thompson) & Joseph Sevcik, Greg Bartsch, Ann Farr, Amanda Wacek, Rhonda Reichl, Rebecca Schei, Alley Mae Hammett and Avery Ella Hammett
• Wednesday, June 24th: Rhyan Rebecca Fritz, LuAnn Hanson, Gordon Hanson, Joel Butler, Andy Sommers, Mary Harty, Sheryl Berg, Rick A. Miller, Julie (Krieg) & Brian Hove, Valerie (Tobiason) & Scott Quiring, Stephanie (Morris) & Brad Hendrickson and Danielle (Cook) & Travis Johnson
• Thursday, June 25th: Paul & Deb Wallace, Brad & Jannell Tufte, David & Lori Lembke, James & Mardelyn Thompson, Boyd & Jeanene Reese, Brady Nelson, Rachel Lerum, Michael Bell, Hugh O'Byrne, Brady Nelson Heimer, Marilyn Nelson and Boyd Reese
• Friday, June 26th: Michelle Marie Leeman, Marissa Ann Leeman, Brock Nelson, Tony Muri, Richard Holmes, Michelle Davidson, Tiffany Olson, Ray Jepson, Pennie Ladlie, Tristan & Michael Ingvaldson, Chuck & Ann Southworth and Tom & Wilma Arbogast
Hope you have a day filled with things that make you smile and that the year ahead will be filled with new discoveries.
Summer is upon us and many families take this opportunity, when their children are not in school, to take family vacations. any families spend time camping or at their summer cabins on the lake, where they can go swimming, and enjoying trips around the lake in their boats. Others travel to visit relatives who are not in the immediate area, while others plan vacations to see many of the great historic sites that this great country of ours provides.
Our family recently traveled to Park Rapids to attend the graduation of one of our relatives, and while we were in the area we decided to take advantage of where we were and visited Itasca Park, the site of the source of the Mississippi River.
The Ojibwe Indians referred to the Mississippi River as Gichiziibi - "great river." Romanticists translated this to mean "Father of Waters."
In the late 19th century, the thought of creating a park to preserve a natural wilderness at the Mississippi's headwaters was not a popular idea. Such land seemed plentiful at the time and many people judged land solely for its material wealth.
Following the establishment of the Niagara Falls State Park in New York State, several prominent Minnesotans voiced the need for a similar park surrounding the Mississippi's source. A bill that had been prepared in part by Jacob V. Brower was put before the Minnesota legislature. It later passed by a margin of one vote, and as a result Itasca State Park was established and continues to exist today.
People from all corners of the world continue to visit Itasca State Park and marvel at the serene birthplace of the mighty Mississippi. I am sure many of the park visitors pose next to the large pine log, that has been carved with yellow letters and marks the site of the humble beginning of this great river that travels to the Gulf of Mexico.
Our family, especially the two older grandchildren, were excited to think that they could cross the river by walking on rocks, one after another, until they reached the other side. During one of Morgan’s trips across the great Mississippi River she slipped on one of the rocks and got a bit wet, but her dad was right there to catch her. During our visit the water was still a bit on the cool side but I am sure that during the hot summer days, many of the children, and others hiking in the area, enjoy walking along the river’s edge. It was also interesting seeing all the great pine trees that have towered for hundreds of years in the park.
Upon our return home I shared the story of our trip with my mother and she quickly said, "I walked across the headwaters too, probably 70 some years ago when I was honored to attended a camp there," and I am sure that many of you have visited it too. Needless to say, I am sure our family will long remember our visit and can proudly say they have walked across the Mississippi River.
The Itasca Park, established in 1891, is Minnesota's oldest state park. The park, which is also one of the largest with 32,000 acres, is 1,475 feet above the ocean.
The mighty Mississippi begins its flow from the Itasca Park on its winding way 2,552 miles. A scientific debate continues as to what river should be known as the great river that drains half a continent, but tradition tells us it is the Mississippi River that begins right here in Minnesota.
The term Mississippi, originates from the Algonquin word Misiziibi - "a river spread over a large area."
Many people have studied the northern bend of this great river over the years, comparing it with its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico.
During our visit we learned the average temperature at the Mississippi headwaters is 40 - 50 F. while at the Gulf of Mexico it is 70 - 80 F.
The average annual precipitation at the Mississippi headwaters is 20 to 40 inches a year while at the Gulf of Mexico they receive 60 to 70 inches of precipitation.
The average flow of this great river at the headwaters is 30 - 60 gallons per second, while at the Gulf of Mexico it is 4.5 - 5.5 million gallons per second.
The average width of the mighty Mississippi headwaters is 18 inches while the average width at the Gulf of Mexico is 1,000 feet - quite a difference.
The same goes for the average depth. Once again the average depth at the Mississippi headwaters is 18 inches while the depth at the Gulf of Mexico is 100-200 feet.
During our visit we learned that Mary Gibbs Logan, who lived from 1879 to 1983, was the first woman park manager in North America. Mary served as Superintendent of the Itasca State Park in 1903. Though Mary's tenure at Itasca was brief, her memory lives on, inspiring others through her courage and dedication in preserving Itasca's pines and waters.
The Mississippi Headwaters Center was dedicated on September 10, 2005. One doesn't have to travel far when there is so many interesting things to visit and learn about right here in Minnesota.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, June 11th: Angie & Thad Aaseth, Rick & Becky Johnson, Andy Lerberg, Zoie Marie Jensen, Diana Ritz, Matthew Horan, John Xavier, Mary Simon, and Karen Carlsen
• Friday, June 12th: Nancy Ver Hey, Hanna Gail Crabtree, John Wallace, Charlotte Hill, Grant Pavek, Keith & Teresa McDonald, Ryan & Amanda (Reese) Beavens and Ron & Julie Peterson
• Saturday, June 13th: Steve & Rhonda Christensen, Fran & Fred Kenady, Marilyn & Gary Ulland, Keith & Kristin Hamberg, Kaden Jon Homuth, Cory Donald Haberman, Brent Reese, Ray Otteson, Tira Vangen, Corey Haberman, Tristan Richards, and Gary Jepson
• Sunday, June 14th: Camille Marjean Dunlap, Summer Stieglbauer, Herb Moon, Kelly Wacek, David Broskoff, James Deml, Obert Osmundson Jr., Richard Peterson, Mitchell Kubat and Michael & Stacy Keith
• Monday, June 15th: Dale & Nadine Strenge, Dale & Marlene Peterson, DeWayne Hagen, James Bremer, Dale Anderson, Jennifer Robertson, Kathy Jensen, Kim Nelson, Logan Vietze and Ovanna Haried
• Tuesday, June 16th: Andren Richard Aaseth, Aven Leo Aaseth, Emily Otto, Bethany Otto Mikesell, Doug Smith, Lorraine Wallace, Vonda Humburg, Kenny Evenson, Kari Ingvaldson, Chase Boehme, Heather (Crabtree) & Keith Krenke, Rochelle (Butler) & Brent Chapman, Tracy & Paul Marcus, Richard & Becky Axmann, Kim (Anderson) & Rich Schneider and Dale & Marlene Peterson
• Wednesday, June 17th: Kimberly & Mike Luhring, Jim & Jeanne Worrell, Tiffany (Moon) & Josh Krueger, Natalie Jean Aaseth, Jim Hohansee, Eric Tobiason, Joshua Churchill, Aaron Casterton, Matthew Xavier, Tim Butler, Chase Hanson, and Anna Kay Hardyman.
Wishing you a very special day blooming with warm and happy memories!
June has arrived, the school bells have stopped ringing for most of the area children, and before we know it many of the summer activities will get underway. Already we are seeing many people out running and walking along the city streets and by-ways, as well as pushing the wee ones in strollers. Many of the local kids have been out riding their bikes and playing in the city parks.
The Geneva Pool will open Monday, June 8 and many of the area youngsters will be taking swimming lessons and enjoying the cool waters when the temperatures get hot. As the temperatuers continue to rise, people will be spending as much time as they can at their cabins on the lake, while others are busy making plans for camping trips or their summer vacations.
Already many local people are visiting the golf courses, swinging their golf clubs. Many people, both young and old alike, will be involved with the large number of summer softball and baseball leagues. Others will be getting their tickets bought for Minnesota Twins baseball.
Many others enjoy being able to jump on their horses and enjoying the great outdoors. And we can't forget those who enjoy their 4-wheelers or motorcycles and take short trips here and there, enjoying seeing the countryside. Other people in our area enjoy the opportunity to get back outside and spend time in their gardens and flower beds, and believe it or not, some people really enjoy getting on their lawn mowers.
And we can't forget those who enjoy grilling out and going on family picnics or to family reunions, so they can get caught up on what is happening in their extentend families.
With summer upon us it just seems only natural that we should keep a large number of the foods we enjoy in the refrigerator. Surprisingly, refrigerating some foods can actually make them spoil faster.
Some foods that come to mind include...Tomatoes...Some people like them nice and cold, right out of the refrigerator. I like them cold, but my mother on the other hand doesn't. Tomatoes become mushy and actually lose some of their flavor when refrigerated.
Apples...Here too, apples lose their texture and flavor when you refrigerate them. I like to place my apples in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or so before I plan on eating them, so they are nice and crisp.
Bananas...Definetly should not be kept in the refrigerator. Putting bananas in the refrigerator can disrupt the ripening process. Once they are refrigerated they may never be able to resume the ripening process even if they are returned to room temperature.
Avacados....Much like the bananas, placing them in the refrigerator shuts down the ripening enzymes.
Onions...I guess it depends on your taste buds. If you love soggy onions while also causing the rest of your food to taste and smell like onions, you will want to keep them in the refrigerator. Otherwise, store them in a paper bag, in a cool dark place for maximum shelf life.
Sweet potatoes....If they are exposed to cold temperatures, the starches found in them turn to sugar, and as a result it disrupts their texture and flavor, as well as increases their sugar content. If you are unlike most of us and prefer tasteless potatoes that can cause weight gain, by all means, keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare them, otherwise keep them in a dry place until you are ready to prepare them.
Coffee....Some people feel it is best to keep coffee in the refrigerator, while others wouldn't think of putting it the refrigerator. Coffee is best stored at room temperature. Leaving coffee at room temperature allows the natural oils within the coffee beans to activate its pungent aromatic scent. Some people believe coffee stored in the refrigerator absorbs odors from other foods in your refrigerator. There are many different flavors of coffee available now, but I don't think that "onion" would be one of them.
I hope that everyone is able to have a most enjoyable summer and can enjoy many of the those great foods they raise in their gardens or find at farmers markets and local grocery stores this time of the year.
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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, June 4th: Dale Miller, Becky Nordland, Jim Borchert, Judith Severson, Warren Nelson, Jamie & Tina Hagen, Art & Doris DeNeui, Jan & Andrew Bernau, their 8th
• Friday, June 5th: Marcia Vermedahl, Shawn Johnson, Paul Krull, David Reistad, Mike Rossing, Lisa Jensen Nord, Jack Butler, Greg Oswald, Michael Schmidt, Ron & Jolee Johnson, Stacy (Osmundson) & Trevor Titus, Erica (Van Kampen) & Jacob McClaskay, Elzo & Joy Peterson
• Saturday, June 6th: Steve & Kari Vanden Heuvel, Stacy & Shannon Wobschall, Dean & Roberta Lembke, Hope Kilian, Eric Sorenson, Cheryl Louks, Steve Lonning, Todd Born, Owen James Wheeler, Blake Rolland Baudoin, Isiah DuBois
• Sunday, June 7th: Chris Blouin, Daniel Eliason, Jesse Langlie, Roger Sommers, Faye Thompson, Paul Stollard, Trisha (Gross) Gilbertson, Brandon Gross, Katie & Kevin Knudson, Holly & Jake Dau, Richard & Karen Holmes, Irvin & Joan Diderrich, Jeff & Lynne Draayer, Jim & Joanne Pichner
• Monday, June 8th: Deb Wallace, Steve Hagen, Owen Ryan Krueger, Monty Miller, Sandi Meyer, Rodney Wayne, Steve Lembke, Morgan Hutchinson, Michelle & Damon Gowlland
• Tuesday, June 9th: Torsten & Melissa Wayne, Rhonda (Lund) & Troy Thevenot, LeRoy & Gladys Peterson, Lexi Wayne, Ahinka Jensen, Sharon Lageson, Bennett Ver Hey, Carrie Paulson, Karen Swearingen Cox, Dana Waltz, Greg Smith, Tait Ingvaldson
• Wednesday, June 10th: Arnold Lund, his 95th; Warren Wayne, Samantha Mae Schumacher, Kathy Allard, David Ellis, Chuck Groth, Jamie Weller, Margaret Reese, Forest Peterson, Adam Wacek, London Avery, Sarah (Cornelius) & Rob Routh, Marv & Pat Schulz, Missy (Lonning) & Paul Richards
Wishing you quiet moments of beauty on your special day!
Grocery bills getting too big? Is there a reason for that? What can we do about it?
Lots of questions...Remember the little "guru" who ran around in shorts and a top inspecting peoples' shopping carts? Granted, he was looking for things that people shouldn't have in their diet if they wanted to lose weight. Strange thing about the whole idea is that it sort of followed that same trend.
If you've ever sat and waited by the grocery store exit and took a good look at what is in peoples' shopping carts you would understand what I mean. Granted, I guess it is their cart, and their money that they are spending...but it is surprising how much food may be in the cart and how much of it would come under the category of "stuff." Stuff that fills the cart and drains the billfold but does nothing to improve one’s health.
Sure, you know what I am talking about — those pop bottles hanging on the side of the cart — sugar water. And of course there are all the boxes of easy make items with processed ingredients, as well as all those sweet treats, like rolls and candy, as well as bags and bags of chips. Food items that have large cost, but no real value to our body.
Tired of running to the doctor and taking pills? And what about all those doctor and dentist bills? It may be time to do something about it. Many unnecessary trips could be stopped if we would use some common sense and live a healthy life with good food and exercise.
We know what is good for us. We can read the labels. Granted, labels can be deceiving. Did you know there are many ways to hide sugar or sweeteners in our food? For example, sugar. That is a big one with lots of allies. Those sugar substitutes are supposed to save you calories, but actually they make us develop a desire for more sweeteners instead.
What is that saying about your eyesight..."A moment on your lips, forever on your hips. "We need to get back to the basics and start eating more of those great fruits and vegetables.
I am impressed with the amount of gardens that people are putting in this year. There is nothing better or fresher than fruits and vegetables that you grow yourself. In my grandmother’s day everybody had a garden of fresh vegetables. They even canned the surplus in glass jars so they could enjoy them all winter.
Gardens seemed to have vanished for a few years, but I am seeing more of them again. That is progress...people are getting the message and living sensibly. Sure, it is more work, but there is something about working in a garden. You meditate whether you realize it or not; your mind can take a break...time to think.
It looks like there are some master gardeners out there. There is a fantastic looking garden just outside of Geneva to the east. It is worth the drive to Geneva to see it. It will be interesting to see all the great food that will be harvested and enjoyed out of it.
Magazines and stores have suggestions use of foods we might seldom or never eat just because it wasn't a part of our early food introduction. Fast food tastes good and is relatively inexpensive so it has a tendency to take the place of wholesome home cooked food. Home cooked food takes a little bit of time to prepare but is well worth the effort.
Speaking of gardens, our recent rains may have put a damper on the holiday and graduation celebrations, but to the fields and gardens that had been planted they were slowly growing and the rain was a blessing. Just overnight the "green" turned more "green," so I think we can be thankful for the rain that came.
It is nice to go to the gathering of friends and neighbors that don't involve the sadness of a funeral. Graduations are such happy times for the students and for their parents. Judging from the size and style of parties this year it has been fabulous. I really don't know how they do it all.
In my day and age most families served a bun with a slice of ham on it or some macaroni salad, along with a piece of cake and a glass of lemonade and a cup of coffee. My daughter, Krista, took my mother to Nick’s graduation party this past weekend. He had a "candy store" that was a delight to the kids and some parents too...jars of "penny candy" with sacks to put them in, plus a meal fit for a king or queen. So much creativity in the decorations. Someone had even used some of the designs of Nick’s sports uniforms in he cakes. Mom said they also served the most delicious potato salad and decorated cookies your could imagine.
It is hard to believe the excitement under the tent at Jade’s graduation. but more than spectacular were all the papers, awards and pictures her mother had saved in good order to remember those early and later days. Made me a little ashamed to think I didn't do that for my own children. I could have spent a day enjoying Jade’s travels through school. Burgers off the grill never tasted so good at a fast food place, plus there were all the goodies to put on them. The macaroni salad made you want more. Decorated cupcakes if you will but those cookies with the frosting also had fresh fruit on top. Did I say creative and so delicious? The day provided so much fun for the kids too who were having a circus playing on the jungle gym outside.
The breakfast at Dillon’s on Sunday morning was wonderful....hot, flaky pancakes, fresh fruit, and out of this world, fresh cinnamon and caramel rolls. I could go on and on. It makes me hungry all over again thinking about iy, and of course I could go on about all the other great food that was served at all the other graduation parties.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our graduates the very best as they begin the next phase of their lives.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, May 28th: Sara Beth Carlson, her 5th; Lily Lee Olson, her 5th; Madalyn Kehne, Madison Catherine Knudson, Susan Schmidt, Marie Fowler, Rick & Jenny Loberg, Gerritt & Kathy Molenaar
• Friday, May 29th: Brent Peterson, Deb Farr, Odean Otterson, Gene Pederson, Mark Butler, Ross Lein, Colin Quimby, Rod & Sandi Serdahl, John & Susan Oolman, Lily & Jerry Neitzel
• Saturday, May 30th: Payton Allen Misgen, Daniel Larson, Molly Hanson, Chuck Crabtree, Shirley Nelson, Julie & Toby Oquist
• Sunday, May 31st: Nathan Jensen, Jerry White, Pat Draayer, Ryan Sletten, Jim Hamor, Robert DuBois, Cierra Hanson
• Monday, June 1st: Carter Anthony Martens, Randy Hagen, Brandi Hagen, John Hanson, Bert Wiersma, Phyllis Benson, Joe Wallace, Julie Dulas, Kenny Toft, Maria Misgen, Tony Sommers, Bob Flim, Glenn Gerdes, Lindsey Lembke, Denise Evenson Wilson, Jeff & Sharon Lageson, Orville & Mavis Langlie
• Tuesday, June 2nd: David Lassahn, Maia Kathleen Peterson, Brent Dobberstein, Angie Goodnature Kath, Taylor Draayer, Sue Jensen Kuckenbecker, Steve Kasper, Cindy Olson, Barry Esplan, Krystle Lonning, Donald Haberman, Ahston Hareid, Trent Hanson, Brandon McLaughlin, Tammy & Garth Gonnering, Greg & Nicole Shultz, Eric & Snow Lee, their 7th
• Wednesday, June 3rd: Isabella Grace Kohn, her 5th; Devin Matthew Haddy, his 8th; Justin Stieglbauer, David Hall, Troy Vavra, Jason Jenkins, Michael Bartness, Angie Kasper Christenson, George Kasper, Chrisopher Conley, Max Miller, Esther Van Ravenhorst, Misty (Ebnet) & Jeremy Krueger, Eric & Christine Nelson
• Thursday, June 4th: Dale Miller, Becky Nordland, Jim Borchert, Judith Severson, Warren Nelson, Jamie & Tina Hagen, Art & Doris DeNeui, Jan & Andrew Bernau, their 8th
• Friday, June 5thMarcia Vermedahl, Shawn Johnson, Paul Krull, David Reistad, Mike Rossing, Lisa Jensen Nord, Jack Butler, Greg Oswald, Michael Schmidt, Ron & Jolee Johnson, Stacy (Osmundson) & Trevor Titus, Erica (Van Kampen) & Jacob McClaskay, Elzo & Joy Peterson
• Saturday, June 6th: Steve & Kari Vanden Heuvel, Stacy & Shannon Wobschall, Dean & Roberta Lembke, Hope Kilian, Eric Sorenson, Cheryl Louks, Steve Lonning, Todd Born, Owen James Wheeler, Blake Rolland Baudoin, Isiah DuBois
May you find joy and pleasure all around you on your special day.
With the Memorial Day observance soon upon us, many things come to mind.
For more than 100 years the Geneva Cemetery has been honoring those buried there. The first acre of land for the Geneva cemetery was donated by David and Emma Jones in 1885 and additions to the cemetery were purchased in 1919, 1959, and 1974. The Carl Gardner Jensen family were the first caretakers of the cemetery on the hill and through the years that position has been kept in the family. Five generations have continued as caretakers, including Julius Jensen, Walter Jensen, Earl and Esther Jensen, Jerry and Sharon Jensen, Jerry Jensen, Tom Jensen and now Sam Jensen have all served as caretakers and have done a wonderful job.
The Geneva Cemetery Board and others are to be commended for their devotion in keeping the cemetery on the hill a hallowed home. Over the years a speakers platform was added to the cemetery as a memorial from the Orville Ingvaldson family in honor of their daughter, Beryl, and a large flag pole has also been erected.
The Geneva school children were always a part of the Memorial Day recognition even when other cemeteries were not paying a tribute to their "someones" who were no longer alive. My grandmother Hanson, along with the other school children in the early 1900s, took part in Memorial Day recognitions and it continued for a great many years.
I can remember when I was in grade school how the students at Geneva would prepare for that special recognition. We would practice how we would march into the cemetery. We also had to learn how we would get the rows of students turned around when it was time to exit the cemetery after the Memorial Day program had concluded.
When Memorial Day arrived the school children would gather at the old school, which was located on the west side of Central Avenue, in the 200 block, and they would march to the cemetery. The children brought lilacs and other spring flowers to place on the graves.
In my later years, when I was a member of the high school band, we always took part in the Memorial Day programs. One of the trumpet players each year was asked to play "Taps" and would move to a distant corner of the cemetery.
We have always had a very dedicated group of local veterans who took part in the Memorial Day remembrance and it continues today. The local American Legion Post #296 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #8941 have been a part of this yearly remembrance and the Women's Auxiliary also takes part.
The Geneva Cemetery Board places flags at each of the veterans’ graves while the area service men and women place flags on the gravesites of veterans at a large number of area cemeteries. For a great number of years a memorial wreath was placed at the grave site of one of the local veterans in Geneva and now a wreath is placed at the speakers platform, which honors all veterans.
When I think of Memorial Day and what it stands for, the song, "God Bless The USA" by Lee Greenwood, also comes to mind.
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
and I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't do doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and it's time we stand and say.
That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't do doubt I love this land
God bless the USA.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, May 21st: Tony Dodge, Christopher Flim, Tom Wilker, Joel Cooper, Ryan Parks
• Friday, May 22nd: David Eliason, Christine Thompson Krause, Lori Lembke, Scott Dirksen, Pat Horan, Mark Christensen, Jim Obermoller, Michael Sarver, Roger Thompson, Andrew Grunwald, Karla Hanson, Ernie & Sue Swenson, Chuck & Susan Grubish, Toni and James Perschbacker
• Saturday, May 23rd: Stephane Paul Martin, her 6th; Will Richard Utpadel, his 8th: Ilsbeth Wayne, Jeanne Simonson, Melissa Shaunce, Burton Borchert, Orville Langlie, Karen Quam, Rodney & Peggy Sorenson, Duane & Janice Morreim, Jeff & Sara Miller, Rebecca & Tim Brekke
• Sunday, May 24th: David Christensen, Marlyn Swearingen, Reta Draayer, Nina Widlund
• Monday, May 25th: Dakota Matthew Kath, his 10th: Riley Dean Disher, his 8th; Jack Harpel, Jackie Johnson Miller, Jim Pichner, Cara Christensen, Valerie Peterson, Richard Fetterly, Bill Nechanicky, Rick Miller, Deb Parks, Paul Reese, Troy & Kelly Utpadel, Dave & Barbara Van Gorkom
• Tuesday, May 26th: Jeff Wayne, Roger Wangsness, Natalie Hanson, Jim Cummins, Jennifer Beaber, Jeremy Beaber, Melissa Redmon, Karey (Kalakian) & Chris Shearman
• Wednesday, May 27th: Eileen Bergland, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Shane Callahan, Stacy Wobschall, Rev. Beaber, Theresa Kasper, Rick Loven, Carolee Broitzman George, Tracy Marcus, Lisa Hanson, Steve Jepson, Michael Butler, Steve & Karen Quam, Megan & Joel Cooper
• Saturday, May 30th: Payton Allen Misgen, Daniel Larson, Molly Hanson, Chuck Crabtree, Shirley Nelson, Julie & Toby Oquist
May your special day blossom with many reasons to smile!
I so enjoy this time of the year. The seasons swiftly come and go and with them comes the thought of all the various changes that time in flight has brought. The birds are singing, the grass has turned green and the lawns look like rich green carpet. The leaves on the trees have popped open and the first flowers have begun to appear. The colorful tulips can be seen, the lilac bushes are in full bloom, the flowering crab trees are covered with beautiful flowers and you can see the first hints of corn rows in the fields.
I hope we can realize that traveling along life's highway can be beautiful and enriching. The beginning and the destination depend upon us and our attitude.
It is disappointing for me to see all the garbage that people carelessly throw along the road. As we travel life's highway, help us to keep the roads in excellent traveling condition through constant observation and necessary repairs. Observe all the signs as the roads are full of dangerous curves and detours. Spring also brings on the season of construction and it is important to slow down in those areas. It is better to be safe than sorry. I hope that we travel wisely and enjoy.
Speaking of traveling, we recently went for a drive on familiar roads we had not driven for a while. Well, not even that long ago. It was like going on an excursion. So many things had changed, grown, been tore down, rebuilt, moved or modified. Some of the people who lived there still do but others have moved on. You don't have to go on a cruise or to a foreign country to see and do different things because we have so much right here to see at home.
My mother and I drove to Clarks Grove in hopes of finding the plants that she needed at Sonshine Gardens. The place was filled to the max with flowers and more than full of cemetery urns, so spectacular in color and quality. You have to love what you're doing to have such a large number of plants to take care of and Michelle at Sonshine Gardens does. Michelle once told me that one of her biggest thrills in life is seeing the miracle of those little dried up seeds coming to life in the spring. If anyone needs proof of the resurrection, that is one of them. Seeing a greenhouse full of cemetery urns filled with flowers that are in their prime, waiting to be distributed to the various cemeteries for Memorial Day, was breathtaking. It is obvious that she cares and puts a great deal of love in every pot that she plants.
And that isn't enough; she offers the service for caring for the flowers over the hot summer days too and makes sure that they are given the water they desperately need. Many people, especially those who no longer live in the area really appreciate this service as they know that the flowers they have set out in memory of loved ones will be taken care of.
How Michelle does all the things she does it I will never know, but like she said she couldn't if it weren't for the love she has for her profession. She is always looking for new varieties of flowers to try and it seems that every year her garden just gets better.
While preparing to leave Clarks Grove my mother asked if I would mind stopping at the used book store. She was hoping to find a book she has been wanting to read. Surrounded by books of every kind and description is like being in second heaven for my mother. She gets a little envious.
I look at all my books, as well as all the books that my mother has, and think of how we could, and should, be sharing some of the information and stories in them with others. Our minds have thought we too should have a used book store, exchange, or a library of used book here in Geneva or Ellendale. One of the old classrooms at the Geneva Community Center, or the vacant pizza parlor on the "Top Of The Hill" in Ellendale would be perfect.
There is so much good stuff in books to learn about and enjoy. People could also share magazines too; they are too good to throw away but too easy to pile up and contribute to the clutter.
There is a bit of sadness we experienced as we were going by the Clarks Grove Hardware. Bill is closing. He was always able to find just what we were looking for. The Clarks Grove Hardware was a big hardware store and impressive. Meanwhile the committee in charge of the heritage building they built in Clarks Grove are busy with their project.
I remember the saying that my uncle Paul developed, "Clarks Grove, the nicest town, in the most progressive county, in the finest state, and greatest country in the world."
Memorial Day will soon be upon us and we hope that we are able to keep this country and family unit strong and God centered. Help us to maintain the dignity and worth of each individual. Let us not be complacent about our country and forget the reason for its very founding. May we always recall the sacrifices made in the past so that freedom and liberty can exist in this, the present, and in the future.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, May 14th: Clair Dahl, Linda Olson, Anna Mae Peterson, her 10th; Katie Peterson, Ginger Thompson, Bruce Waage, Brad Wayne, Judy VerHey, Mark VerHey, Jeff Christensen, Shannon Krikava
• Friday, May 15th: Carter Hagen, Evan Dobberstein, Megan Grubish, Alex Wayne, Mark Flesche, Dan Hagen, Don Hagen, Nicole Strand Harris, Stephanie Krueger, Neil Berg, Sandy Jensen, Marsha Neitzell, Tammy Thompson, Brett & Jessica Richards, Ralph & Irene Krueger, Jon & Nicole Farr
• Saturday, May 16th: Ron Kubicek, Mark Reistad, Mark Skroch, Vernie Stieglbauer, Kim Lageson, Doug Lembke, Judy Karsjens, Anne Larson, Allycia Zinke, Becky Phagan, Bev White, Annie Larson, Christine & Brian Carlson
• Sunday, May 17th: Laura Caroline Deml, her 8th; Caitlyn Nelson, David Thompson, Dale DeRaad, Rhonda Lund Thevenot, Jerry Blouin, Robert Briggs, Dyne Thereneau, Kay Barclay, Darlyne Paulson, Judith Hatch, Thomas Shawback, Rose & Carl Glienke
• Monday, May 18th: Blake Ihrke, Zachary Jacob Dau, Cory Bailey, David Farr, Arlene Busho, Arlene Cummins, Xan Johnson, Mandy Muri Johannsen, Charlie Hanson, Dan Schember, Hank Thompson, Carol Stohr, Roger Draayer, Kelly Krumwiede, Rod Serdahl, Dan & Val Schember, Sue & Dean Westrum, Ken & Pat Sable
• Tuesday, May 19th: Christina Hill Berry, Madison Schweirjohann, Summer Schember Schultz, Mike Rysavy, John Oolman, Dawn Parks, Tim & Tiffany Hanson
• Wednesday, May 20th: Oakley Baker, Kaye Schember Cady, Laureen Hohansee, Kathy Hanson, Hannah Ashton, Carrie Thorstenson, Penny Nordhorn, Haley Collins, Scott Stohr, Kevin Peterson, Kent Lageson, Josh Kelly, Virginia Jensen, Cynthia Butler, Jay & Marsha Neitzel, Ed & Camille Nelson, Hannah Ashton, Adam & Kristen Arends
Celebrating with you as you mark another year. Hoping that your day is filled with famiy, friends and cheer!
Of all the angels high above there is one above the rest. Of course this angel’s name is love.
Soon it will be Mothers Day, but then, isn't every day Mothers' Day?
The child a mother carried next to her heart for nine months shares a closeness that can never be equaled except by a mother who has been chosen to raise a child she was unable to give birth to.
Once a person becomes a mother, life takes on many characteristics, including joys, problems, rewards and sacrifices to name a few. I could go on and on but nothing matches the miracle of birth and the new life that has begun. Consider if you will how each person will "mother" their child or children that have become a part of their life. What could be closer than a mother and her child? The way they treat their relationship will eventually affect every relationship in the family.
The need to belong is basic in every person. That is why families are so important. That sense of belonging is important to everyone. What we learn from our mothers, as well as being a part of a family, are the most unforgettable lessons that our lives will ever teach us.
The things that a mother will teach her children and the stories she may have from those experiences may be full of mementoes that say, "I Love You." Loving a child doesn't mean giving in to all their whims. To love them is to bring out the best in them, and to teach them to love what is difficult.
Schools will teach children how to read, but the environment of the home must teach them what to read. School can also teach them to think, but the home must teach them what to believe. It is desirable that children be kind, appreciative and pleasant. Those qualities should be taught and not hoped for. Children learn more about their faith during the bad times than they do during the good times.
It is nice to be remembered, but nothing will ever match the times be spent together - just mother and child. It is important to remember that too much love never spoils children. Never fear spoiling children by making them happy. Children become spoiled when we overindulge and substitute presents for presence. Burned out kids are usually the result of burned out parents.
Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow. Tomorrows depend on the way we plant the seeds of today. Those times later show in how the children grow and how that affects others.
Erma Bombeck has told us that "Motherhood is the second oldest profession." Thus it would seem that the mothers' how-to-manual would be complete by now, but mothers are not all the same. We know that. Mothers are different and require different solutions of caring for their families. Some mothers are so full of love and understanding it spirals out in every direction, while some are hard to understand as they withhold the love that is buried deep inside.
Despite their difference, mothers everywhere share a common bond as they have worked hand-in-hand with God to create new life in our world.
Being a mother is a God given profession. It is hard work. It is interesting, challenging and honorable. It is a constant, evolving process of adapting to the needs of their children. Mothers need to be patient with their children in the same way that God is patient with us.
That old saying about moving mountains and kids reminds us that, "People who want to move mountains must start by carrying away small stones." For many mothers, it may seem easier to move mountains than to move those sleepy kids out of their beds each morning. Such are the challenges of motherhood. A mother’s arms are made of patience and there isn't anything sweeter than the children you hold in them.
Whether mothers are moving mountains, kids, or both, it is important for them to remember that it takes patience and a steady hand. They can't give up. They need to do their best and keep carrying away those small stones - one stone at a time - and then leave the rest up to God.
Being a mother is a constant, evolving process of adapting to the needs of their children. I can think of many ways mothers teach and make us grow. Remember, children need love, especially when they don't deserve it. The tone of one’s voice and the expression of attitude speaks more than words.
Motherhood is the toughest job you will ever love. Being a mother is both rewarding and frustrating, and not to be taken lightly. Children grow up quickly. There is so much to teach them and do and time flies by so quickly. If one doesn't teach their children, society will. Enjoy their company and love them. A mother’s first duty of love is to listen. Motherhood brings us joy, but it also brings exhaustion as they help children develop his or her individuality. Growing up, knowing you are accepted and loved can make an incredible difference.
There is no friendship, no love, like that of the mother for her child. I like the fact that motherhood also helped me become more than I might have been. Without my children, would I have been able to live up to my full potential?
Moms are usually the ones who give the hugs, hugs of encouragement, hugs of acceptance, hugs of forgiveness, and hugs of shared joy.
On Mother's Day, thank your mother for the greatest gift they could give. Thank your mother for the time they took, the love they gave, and for making your life the very best they could.
Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, May 7th: Brody Hanson, Brian Jensen, John Snyder, Nancy Swearingen Grant, Brian Johnson, Heidi & Jason Owen, their 10th, Bryan & Diane Brighton, Heidi (Crabtree) & Jason Owen, their 10th
• Friday, May 8th: Grace Carol Jean Riskedahl, her 3rd; Olivia Kay Smith, her 9th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer
• Saturday, May 9th: Elli Pearl Baker, Aidan Jeffrey Schlaak, his 10th; John Jensen, Sue Pence, Jake Simmons, Julie Haroldson, Sue Hohansee, Audrey Horan, Karol Carroll, Nijole Aaseth, Rachelle Doran, Carolyn Greer, Karla Kelly, Jerry Westrum, Jill (Ottesen) & Cam Kehne
• Sunday, May 10th: Tari (Walterman) Erickson, Ryan Callahan, Tina Nelson, Steve Nielsen, Christine Ingvaldson, Dave Oeljenbrun, Mary Wilker, Brody Johnson, Mark & Sara Misgen, Rande & Jamie Nelson
• Monday, May 11th: Michaela Ann Hanielton, Jaxon Edward Beavens and Parker Reese Beavens, their 9th; Carol Cromwell Cox, Ed Haberman, Krista Hanson, Troy Janka, Daniel Robertson, Robert Vaith, Loretta Schewe, Scott & Shannon Pacholl
• Tuesday, May 12th: Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek
• Wednesday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 12th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara
• Thursday, May 14th: Clair Dahl, Linda Olson, Anna Mae Peterson, her 10th; Katie Peterson, Ginger Thompson, Bruce Waage, Brad Wayne, Judy VerHey, Mark VerHey, Jeff Christensen, Shannon Krikava
• Friday, May 15th: Carter Hagen, Evan Dobberstein, Megan Grubish, Alex Wayne, Mark Flesche, Dan Hagen, Don Hagen, Nicole Strand Harris, Stephanie Krueger, Neil Berg, Sandy Jensen, Marsha Neitzell, Tammy Thompson, Brett & Jessica Richards, Ralph & Irene Krueger, Jon & Nicole Farr
• Saturday, May 16th: Ron Kubicek, Mark Reistad, Mark Skroch, Vernie Stieglbauer, Kim Lageson, Doug Lembke, Judy Karsjens, Anne Larson, Allycia Zinke, Becky Phagan, Bev White, Annie Larson, Christine & Brian Carlson
Here's hoping that your special day brings you laughter, a light heart and much love.
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We look forward to the all the great sunshine spring and summer provides us. It is important for the growth of beautiful flowers, green grass and quality crops. It also makes us feel good and of course gives us that lush tan that says, "Healthy," or is it healthy?
Yes, we do need some sun. Vitamin D is an important part of our life but how much, when and how is another question. My mother never gave it a thought in regards to how much sun she was getting until the doctor informed her that the red spot on her nose could be cancerous.
Now, when I look at my mother, or she looks at herself in the mirror, we are reminded that just casual rays from the sun can be a threat.
Cases of melanoma, skin cancer, which is the deadliest form of cancer, have doubled since the 1970s and are continuing to grow. Yes, we think that tanned skin is beautifu,l but it can also be deadly. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and one in five Americans will develop the disease.
You’re smart, you've read all the information about cancer and many have worked hard to help friends who have acquired the disease. But do we really worry about what it can do until it attacks us? Pay attention to your skin.
Sunburn is more than a momentary misery one may suffer from too much time in the sun. Even a tan damages our skin. The least of ones worries is that the UVA rays can penetrate to the skin’s second layer, damaging callagen and creating wrinkles. Even brief UV exposure can lead to the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. What starts out looking like a pimple may be the start of something much more dangerous.
So what do we do? Sunscreen, good sunscreen with ingredients like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, or zinc oxide, can help protect us from UVB and UVA rays. Most people don't put on enough sunscreen, and as a result, they don't get the SPF coverage that is listed on the product. Picking a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating is a good idea.
Don't think that applying sunscreen once or twice a day, like brushing your teeth, is enough. People need to slather it on every couple of hours, or sooner, especially if you are sweating or are in and out of the water frequently.
If you use the type of sunscreen that you can spray on, you will need to hold the bottle close to your body when spritzing it on, and then rub it in well. Your skin should look as if it is wet after it is applied.
It is also important to remember to protect your ears and neck areas too, as well as the backside of your hands, which are easy to forget.
If possible, people should try and avoid being out in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As much as you would like to stay out in the sun, it is important for your health to spend at least part of the day in the shade or indoors.
In short, pick a good sunscreen, use plenty of it, and reapply often. It is also a good idea to take some breaks from the sun’s rays and find a nice shady area for a break.
My Grandmother wasn't so dumb when she wore my grandpa’s long-sleeved shirt and a wide brimmed straw hat while she was outdoors working in her flower and vegetable gardens or mowing the lawn.
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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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller
• Friday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 13th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin
• Saturday, May 2nd: Shayna Kress and Tyler Kress, their 5th; Jack Benjamin Owen, his 6th; Diane Smith, Ted Radke, Jill Goodnature Kubicek, Bonnie Shaunce, Stephanie Corey, DeWayne Farr, Nolin Joe Simmons, his 10th; Joshua Nicholas Paulsen, his 12th; Roger Anderson, Gerald & Mildred Flugum, Dean & Carolyn Wangen
• Sunday, May 3rd: Jase Dean Knudson, his 6th; Cassidy Worrell, Fern Possin, Justin Robertson, Dale Dulas, Wayne Dobberstein, Anthony Brandt, Merle Bartness Leah (Ruth) & William (Bill) Scott, their 5th
• Monday, May 4th: Joyce Wayne, Angie Worrell Aaseth, Daniel Knudson, Kenneth Schumacher, Charles Wangsness, Keith Miller, Shirley Draayer Anderson, Dean Heskett, Thad Tuttle, Leslie Ray Farr, her 12th; Jessica Marcus, Julia Elizabeth Rye, her 7th, Brooklyn Cecila Strand, her 10th, Melonie Butler, Lexi Jo Brandstad, her 13th
• Tuesday, May 5th: Mckenzie Lynn Jensen, her 14th; Alexis Janning, his 14th; Jeff Draayer, Shirley Jensen, Melody Krenke, Ron Langlie, Ryan Larson, Shirley Swearingen, Amber Obermoller, Dennis Sauke, Martin Whelan, John & Lucille Nechanicky, Tim & Jolene Sorenson, Kevin & Annie Avery
• Wednesday, May 6th: Amelia Elizabeth Peterson, 2011; Caleb Scott Harpel, his 15th; Brad Borchert, Tracy Haddy, Cheryl Nelson, Iris Jensen, Brandon Wallace, Bill Vavra, Tim Wilker, Jennifer & Michael Vetsch, their 15th, Bill & Judith Hatch, Everett & Marian Camp
• Thursday, May 7th: Brody Hanson, Brian Jensen, John Snyder, Nancy Swearingen Grant, Brian Johnson, Heidi & Jason Owen, their 10th, Bryan & Diane Brighton, Heidi (Crabtree) & Jason Owen, their 10th
• Friday, May 8th: Grace Carol Jean Riskedahl, her 3rd; Olivia Kay Smith, her 9th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer
Wishing you sunshine and flowers and many, wonderful days ahead.
Happiness is found in little things and we need to celebrate all that is good in our lives.
We need to take each day and celebrate our dreams and aspirations.
If you've got a dream, believe in it!
If you've got talent, recognize it!
Use your determination. Tap into it! hy wait for good things to happen when you can make them happen now?
Give your future a makeover and you will have an amazing future ahead of you.
Let spring renew you too!
Let spring bring out the best in you. This is the time to look at yourself in a whole new light, to take a cue from Mother Nature and allow yourself to bloom.
That dream you set aside or tried to talk yourself out of is still there, ready for you to flip the switch. And no matter how crazy life gets, the best time is always right now. Why postpone happiness?
Our dreams can be blueprints for a beautiful future.
There is much to celebrate about you. Why worry about mistakes you make, missteps you take or "flaws" you may have? Everyone has slight imperfections. They just show the world we're one-of-a-kind originals, not copies, and the list of what makes you likeable and loveable is always growing.
People who live their dreams take themselves seriously and take charge. They look ahead more than they look back. They choose hope over self-doubt, and they know deep down, that they have what it takes to succeed.
You know what really matters. Go for it.
You will succeed in many ways. Just as there is no limit to the number of stars in the sky, there is no limit on what you can accomplish - especially with all you bring to any opportunity.
You have greatness in you.
You're right on time for success.
You haven't missed the boat, waited too long, tried to hard or done anything wrong. Every ounce of effort you've poured into your dreams has prepared you for this moment, the moment when everything will come together.
Happiness isn't a reward you have to work for, wait for or simply wish for. And it is not something to put yourself last in line for.
Expect the best from each day and you won't be disappointed.
You don't have to be rich, lucky or connected for your dreams to come true. You don't even have to be the absolute best at anything. Real success only has two main ingredients: hope and determination, which means you're already on your way. We need to seek out opportunities to strengthen our talents and natural abilities.
Some of the best paths in life are completely unexpected and 100% free.
Strength doesn't always look like we expect it to and believing in someone is the best gift we can give.
We have the power to make positive changes. Why talk yourself out of success when you can talk yourself into it?
Follow your dreams, not your doubts.
Worrying isn't worth it. It is true that life will present you with challenges - both big and small - but you can meet them all. Paths may have obstacles, too, but you can find a way around them. And setbacks, they can save you time to reflect, recharge and rest your inner GPS; go chart a new route to your dreams.
Challenges make you more confident than before.
When you put hope in charge, good things can happen.
Expect more from life, and you'll get it.
The future can bring you great things. You have everything you need to succeed. You 're tougher than any trouble, able to outsmart any problem and more than equal to any challenge.
And when there is an obstacle in your path, you can find a way around it. Positive thinking is more powerful than you think.
Life is a stream of gifts. Some just appear, without ribbons or bows. Others need to be unwrapped. Still others take a little while to notice. But they keep coming, some too many to count. Look ahead with optimism. There is so much to look forward to!
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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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, April 16th: Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 63rd; Terry & Cindy Vaith, their 31st
• Friday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, Jerry & Mary Peterson
• Saturday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 13th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 9th
• Sunday, April 19th: Elizabeth Rose Wallace, her 8th; Cody James Reistad, his 9th; Aaron Utpadel, James Bremmer, Jaxon Branstad, his 134h; Kaden Shaw Tonlinson, his 11th
• Monday, April 20th: Jacob Dau, his 8th; Sara Elizabeth Hemingway, her 13th; Steve Mumm, Brenda Sorenson, Kathy Haberman, Jennie Korsbon, Paul & Jennifer Wayne
• Tuesday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel
• Wednesday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 11th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill
• Thursday, April 23rd: Dan McElfresh, Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller
• Friday, April 24th: Keralyn & Bill Powers, Madison Kae Wagner, Marnie Ray Wagner, Dak Sorenson, Marilyn Cuden, Audrey Paulson, Lowell Wichmann, Scott Brandt, Kara Vangen
May the year ahead bring you a world of pleasures.
Easter seems to mark the unofficial start of spring
Written by Jim LutgensAutumn is beautiful with all its' wonderful colors; the winter now is spectacular, but sometimes we get a little bit too much, but nothing matches the first new green sprouts of spring.
As spring starts to "spring" with green it brings back many beautiful sites to see and enjoy. Maybe nonsense, but memorable, and my mind runs on to so many great things. It is always enjoyable seeing that first robin on the lawn, flowers peaking through the ground, as well as once again being able to enjoy listening to the birds sing.
I have always enjoyed seeing the loons, ducks and geese as they frequent the area lakes once the ice has disappeared before they are disturbed by all the boats and abundance of people when summer arrives. These great creatures are so grand to see floating on the area lakes and yet sometimes their walking abilities remind us what some people experience if they have problems with their legs.
I never get over the excitement of seeing all the plants emerge from their winter sleep. The tulips under the front window of my home are starting to peek through the ground and my mother came out of her home one day and noticed that her rhubarb had also started peeking through the ground. Before long the leaves on the trees will be popping out too. Tell me there isn't a God.
Many of the area farmers are beginning to prepare their machinery for the spring planting season. Before long we will see the big tractors traveling down the fields preparing the soil and then planting the seed. I always enjoying seeing the first rows of beans and corn appeared in the fields as I drive by the fields.
Now at Easter time it is always a blessing to see the symbolic resurrection of seeing things become alive again.
Glen Hanson, a former Geneva resident, always planted potatoes on Good Friday. My Grandpa and Grandma Schember had a huge garden, bountiful and beautiful. Grandpa had potatoes that were as pretty as a picture and onions so large he sold many of them to the "Horn Inn" in New Richland (now The Willows Restaurant & Lounge) so they could be made into delicious onion rings. Speaking of onion rings and the Horn Inn, my dad and Grandpa Schember were so very proud of that place because they had helped construct it. It was a dream of a place before its time.
My Grandpa Schember worked for them and now their daughter, Pam, and her husband are in the food business as star volunteers. They work hard for the local food shelf and for others. My folks thought, and mom still does think so much of the family. Pam’s mother was such a great friend, kind and caring and was like a free spirited angel, always there with a greeting.
Peter Cottontail hopped back into our area this past week and I hope that everyone had a very blessed Easter holiday. Once again the First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove hosted their annul Community Eggstravaganza and children came from far and wide with their Easter baskets. The kids were able to enjoy a great breakfast, play many different games, including tossing a few bean bags, went fishing and even fed peanuts to the elephant, to name a few.
The kids who attended were divided into age groups for the egg hunt and they were really excited to find the Easter eggs that were on the lawn at the church. Many of them went home with some great prizes.
When my kids were little we didn't really have that much Easter stuff. So what did we do? When the kids were busy searching for eggs and other things during our family’s yearly Easter Egg Hunt in front of the house we recycled some things and hid them in the back of the house and vise versa. The kids didn't care. It was just really the fun of the hunt that they were really interested in.
And what would Easter be if you didn't color a few eggs? That yearly event was an adventure too. Over the years we learned a few tricks, including blowing out the inside of some of the eggs so we didn't wind up with so many hard boiled eggs. As the insides of the eggs squirted out into the bowl the kids thought, “yuck.” Needless to say we prepared and ate the eggs one way or another for several days after the Easter holiday had passed. We used the "blown out eggs" to make a cake, pancakes or French toast, and of course we also scrambled them too. We later used the hard boiled colored eggs to make egg salad sandwiches or deviled eggs.
With little girls in the house, Easter dresses were a must and were made by hand until the year my Grandmother Hanson was sick and there wasn't time to get the job done. We had to go to town shopping for Easter dresses instead and we were able to find some great looking two-piece outfits at Wallace's in Albert Lea and the girls were delighted. Store bought! The fact that they were a little too big didn't seem to matter. We had to have the skirts rolled and pinned for a while until they grew some. It was something they hadn't experienced before.
Churches at Easter time are so beautiful during holiday too with all the wonderful Easter Lilies gracing the sanctuary. And of course there is always a great deal of wonderful music to enjoy. Many of the area churches also hold Easter breakfasts too, following the sunrise services.
I hope you had a very blessed Easter and enjoy seeing spring arrive.
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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, April 9th: Becky Larson, Justin Tufte, June Lageson, Abby Paige Christopherson, Raianna Thomas, Jim Kaplan, Kiersten Knudson, Mike Nechanicky, Larry Sarver, Clarice McGrath, Tiffany Chrz, Joe & Mandy Moon
• Friday, April 10th: Kimberly Luhring, Sara Bergerson, Sarah Skroch, Sophia Rose Christensen, Luke David Olson, Daniel Gould, Liz Reichl, Harold Pitcock, Arlen & Coleen Brekke, Lawrence & Dorothy Sprankle
• Saturday, April 11th: Barb Marcus, Ruth Benson, Lori Dobberstein Sodeman, Jessica Dobberstein, Jacob Alan Reynolds, Dan Nelson, Darrin Thostenson, Theresa Bartsch, James Thompson
• Sunday, April 12th: Tiegen Kay Richards, her 7th; Rory Ann Bickler, Guy Cromwell, Charise Oland, Cheryl Thompson, Deb Wilking, Allen & Betty Brandt, Roger & Reta Draayer
• Monday, April 13th: Victor Mrotz, Jamie Johnson, Andrea Casteron Malo, Ava Raye Chapman, her 6th; David Clausen, Margie Nesdahl, Pat O'Conner, Jason Sullivan, Roxie Ritz Simmons, Megan Benson, Charlotte Miller, Curtis Klecker, Shannon & Jason Peterson, their 10th
• Tuesday, April 14th: Dakota Clark, Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen
• Wednesday, April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 7th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy
• Thursday, April 16th: Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 63rd; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 31st
• Friday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, Jerry & Mary Peterson
• Saturday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 13th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 9th
Wishing you every joy as you celebrate your special day!
Every time I go to the Star Eagle office in New Richland, I look at that empty building on Broadway that was once a theater, and I think of my dad.
I miss my dad. He had a mind full of things he could tell you about New Richland and growing up there. He could tell us endless stories about all the places he worked at in town, and many things that were interesting to know. Granted, he talked a lot about the people who lived there then, many who were gone before my time, but it was still interesting hearing all the stories.
Like the theater, my mother’s memory of the theater was that it was where she first saw the movie "Gone With The Wind.” The movie was long and in beautiful color for "those days.” Now we can watch it on home video whenever we want to. Back in those days only one movie was available in the theaters at a time, and people would have to wait until the different movies made the circuit around the area.
Some of the things I wish that I had been able to remember about my dad’s stories would be priceless to me today. One thing I do remember is, one day my mother had my dad talk with the people at a care center about the Armistice Day Storm. His audience was almost breathless as he spoke about his experiences during the storm. He rode his bike, with flat tires, through the storm to help a poultry farmer deal with turkeys that became frozen as a result of the storm.
One story my dad shared was a story about Rev. Walstrom.
Rev. Walstrom would go to the movies and would sit in the back of the theater, and was often criticized for being there. Evidently people then didn't believe that was the place for a pastor to be. He said he went to see what his parishioners were seeing when they went to the theater, so he could preach about it just like pastors do yet today.
As I remember, my dad said that Rev. Walstrom had a young black man live with him for a time, as he needed a place to live. Remember this was years ago when people didn't often see a black person in our area, let alone in town. The reverend got up early every Sunday, and he and his house guest would attend church together at the Catholic church because his guest was of the Catholic faith.
Someone once told him a story about "so and so" who wasn't in church because he had gone fishing. The good reverend said he would rather have the person out in a fishing boat thinking about God, than being in church thinking about fishing — which still holds true today.
Walstrom was a common sense "reality-type" person. His name should go down in history for the many things he did. If there are any people in our area who still remember Reverend Walstrom, I would love to hear stories and memories about this great man.
I would like to hear stories about my dad too. He was dyslexic — something nobody thought about back then, and as a result he had problems in school. Education then wasn't like it is today.
These great stories are priceless.
When I was working on my "Whatever Comes To Mind" column, I lost it off my computer, and I have learned you can't write the same story the same way the second time around. I apologize. Typing with one finger can be difficult at times – just ask Dana Standke. We don't appreciate things the way we should until something comes along and changes it.
I have been having some difficult times of late. I spent the past week in Rochester with my mother, and experienced a number of problems with my computer. Computers are great until something goes wrong.
I hope you have a great week.
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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 have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.
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, April 2: Harold Wayne, Leanna Burns, Deb Nelson, Luke Miller, Joyce Tufte Sorenson, Sonja Larson, Teresa Jensen, Kaleb Smith, Dwight Schewe, Greg Nelson, Matthew Halla, Genevieve Wayne, Bill & Pat Draayer, David & Shelly Mangskau, Brian & Lois Nelson
• Friday, April 3: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Jase Dean Knudson, Kevin Born
• Saturday, April 4: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Roades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff
• Sunday, April 5: LaVada Jensen, Colette Bauers, Samuel Thompson, Alyssa Haried, Brian Schultz, Duane Nelson, Mike Johnson, Gary & Sue Hunnicutt, Dale & Nancy Kelly
• Monday, April 6: Skip Cromwell, Spencer Kubat, Eric Crabtree, Duane Lembke, Dean Westrum, Andrew Haried, Paul Underland, Laurie Wayne, Paul Highum, Chris Phillips Carlson
• Tuesday, April 7: Janye Villarreal, Janice Jensen Skovera, Lou Hanson-Vu, Katie Lembke, Michael & Kari Ingvaldson, Gary & Sonya Peterson
• Wednesday, April 8: Sarah Collins, Ivy Obermoller, Dick Tracy, Nick Vreeman, Tim Stollard, Mark Hemingway, Sherri Carlson, Karen O'Byrne, Bob Donovan, David Pitcock, Alice Grosland, Dale & Vivian Dulas, Paul & Karissa Dolan
• Thursday, April 9: Becky Larson, Justin Tufte, June Lageson, Abby Paige Christopherson, Raianna Thomas, Jim Kaplan, Kiersten Knudson, Mike Nechanicky, Larry Sarver, Clarice McGrath, Tiffany Chrz, Joe & Mandy Moon
• Friday, April 10: Kimberly Luhring, Sara Bergerson, Sarah Skroch, Sophia Rose Christensen, Luke David Olson, Daniel Gould, Liz Reichl, Harold Pitcock, Arlen & Coleen Brekke, Lawrence & Dorothy Sprankle
• Saturday, April 11: Barb Marcus, Ruth Benson, Lori Dobberstein Sodeman, Jessica Dobberstein, Jacob Alan Reynolds, Dan Nelson, Darrin Thostenson, Theresa Bartsch, James Thompson
It is your special day - take a break and celebrate!
Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.