There will be a community volunteer work day at the former Hotel Washburn building — future home of the Area Food Shelf of New Richland and the New Richland Area Historical Society — Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Plans are to move lumber, drywall, insulation, some cabinets and do some scraping around windows.

Climb aboard and take the greatest treasure hunt of your life.

Join us for the ultimate adventure story.

Vista Covenant Church will hold Vacation Bible Outreach from June 15-17 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. for kids going into 1st grade through 6th grade. Transportation can be provided. Plan on coming.

RSVP at 507-465-8365.

An upset of arch-rival Waterville-Elysian-Morristown already made it a successful tournament run for the NRHEG High School baseball teams but, like all good things, it had to come to an end.

The Panthers’ season concluded last week in the sub-section tournament with a pair of losses, 8-2 at Waseca on Wednesday, May 27 and 4-1 the next day at Tri-City United.

The Panthers, 5-7 in conference play this year, finished 7-13 overall under first-year head coach Drew Paukert.

Waseca 8, NRHEG 2

The Bluejays took an early lead on a fielding error and it stood 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning, when they broke it open with four runs before an estimated 1,000-plus people at Tink Larson Field. The home team added two in the fifth and one in the sixth before the Panthers got on the scoreboard with two in the top of the seventh.

For the first time in 24 years, NRHEG will not have a representative at the state track and field meet.

The Panthers gave it their all but fell short in a talent-laden Section 2A meet at Mankato West Saturday, May 30.

The best finish for the Panthers was fourth, by Maddie Wagner in the high jump and Keith Maxon in the discus. Wagner cleared 5 feet. Maxon had a best toss of 137-4.

Kevin Kalis was fifth in the discus at 134-0.

Last week I was once again at the cabin.

This time my friend Mark went along with high hopes of getting into a mess of crappie. Unfortunately we were either too early, too late or in the right place at the wrong time. The first lake we fished was Bowstring, a popular area walleye lake, which happened to be the fish we were seeking on that day. This is a lake I had only fished one other time, but unfortunately for us our arrival coincided with the arrival of a cold front. I had told Mark that as calm and clear as it was that morning I didn’t look for us to have much success. Over the years I have found the clear lakes of this area are hard to fish on calm sunny days. We worked the one end of this big, clear lake hard with only a couple of small pike to show for our efforts. It wasn’t much consolation, but a couple of the folks I talked to at the landing also had similar luck.

After spending a whole morning on that lake we decided to hit another that afternoon. This was a lake that we’d fished many times before, but except for a few more northern we still couldn’t find the crappie. I believe that it was still a little early in the season for them to be where we would usually find them. With no weed cover yet I marked a lot of fish in deeper water, but getting them to bite was a different matter.

The next day we headed for Spider Lake which, is still my sentimental favorite when it comes to lakes. I have many fond memories of family vacations spent fishing and camping on that lake. Although the fishing wasn’t as good as anticipated, it is still a beautiful body of water that makes every visit a good one. There were campers taking advantage of the National Forest campsites that you can access only by boat. This is something that I have always wanted to do ,but they are first come, first serve camp spots and Memorial Day weekend would not be a time to try finding a spot. 

On our last day of the trip we decided to visit a small lake that sits two miles north of our cabin. This lake has been a good northern pike lake for us over the years. The lake holds pike, bass, panfish and perch but no walleye. We tried a couple of spots that have produced for me in the past and then tried trolling the middle of this small, deep lake, which is a technique I found worked quite well last year. On our initial pass down the middle of the lake Mark said, “I think I’m snagged on bottom,” but I told him we were in 55 foot of water so I doubted that. As he pulled on the line it started to pull back and that is when he realized it was a very big fish. After fighting it for a couple of minutes it rose to the surface and slapped its large tail on the top before spitting the hook. That was an experience both of us will not soon forget. After losing a fish like that the person on the other end of the line always wonders if they could have done something different. I told Mark that he did it all by the book, constant pressure, rod tip up and no slack. I don’t think that really made him feel any better.

Another memory was seeing a black bear standing at the edge of the forest about a mile north of our cabin. We were driving to the lake when up ahead standing on a ridge along the roadside was this big black critter. As we neared it we saw it was a bear so I slowed the truck; but once the big critter spotted us it turned and disappeared back into the woods. That was just another unforgettable experience of spotting an animal in the wild.

Once again when we had some “down time” we were entertained by the many birds visiting the feeders in front of our deck. The birds, squirrels and chipmunks made sure we were never bored when sitting on the deck. There were very few mosquitoes this time so that made sitting outside an extra pleasant experience.

Even our trip home offered a little wildlife experience when three deer were standing on the side of a road ditch right next to the asphalt. I slowed down anticipating their next move, but as I drove past they just stood there and stared almost like they were watching a parade. My vivid imagination could picture them raising a front leg and waving with a little flag stuck in their hooves – probably a little too much, huh?

As I write this column I am already looking forward to my next trip north, but I am also planning on hitting a few of this areas lakes before that happens. Fountain Lake is always a good option with a great variety of gamefish to choose from. An early morning drive to Beaver or St. Olaf Lakes could also result in some good fishing. Like I have said many times before, we are fortunate to have so many good lakes in our area and the opportunity for shore fishing is endless. All of the aforementioned lakes have fishing piers and picnic areas. Fountain can be accessed from shore and at many of our area parks. Visiting any one of these lakes can make for a day of fishing, picnicking and great family fun.

Until next time, grab the fishing poles, pack the picnic basket and go enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers because they are the reason we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

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!

Echoes from the Loafers' Club Meeting

What do you think?

You know what they say about that at MIT?

No, what?

How would I know?

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce — who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: Why does bad traffic happen to good drivers? When you buy a car, you see one like it everywhere. You are special if you think everyone else is.

The cafe chronicles

It was sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free and lactose-free.

In other words, it was an empty plate.

I told those assembled at the table of infinite knowledge that a friend, a policeman in Canada, had paid for a class on plants for me as my birthday present. It was botany on the mountie.

Another loafer said that whenever he suffered a slight cut as a boy and called it to his mother’s attention, she’d look at it and say, "Get a spoon."

He was as bald as a doorknob. His wife reminded him all too often of that fact, as if he weren’t aware of it. He didn’t mind not having hair. He didn't miss all the combing. He’d learned, that a wise person uses what he has. She was fond of reminding him that her father had a full head of hair until the day he died. Her father was an unpleasant fellow, prone to laziness and accomplished little in life. He was completely lacking in social graces. The only good thing about his father-in-law was that his mother-in-law was even worse. He told her that grass didn’t grow on a busy street. He insisted that God made few perfect heads. The rest He covered with hair to hide imperfections. He wanted to tell his wife that having a full head of hair was the best thing her father could do. He wanted to tell her that, but he strived to be the kinder of the two of them. It wasn't difficult. And yet, he loved her.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner

I enjoy ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. I've done it for years. The Army used to have a friendly contest to see who could raise the most money. I’d won a few of the annual competitions.

I played competitive sports for years. I wanted to win. It was the object of playing. After I retired from the sports scene, my competitive juices flowed away.

There was an older woman who rang the bells often and expressed a desire to be the number one money raiser. A noble goal. She’d also won a number of the yearly contests.

One year, a snowstorm hit. What a surprise, a snowstorm during the Christmas season. Who’d have thought it possible? The woman was unable to get to her bell-ringing appointment due to the storm. I was in town, so I took her place. I rang a few hours in her name. The kettle was surprisingly busy.

At the annual volunteer appreciation dinner, she received the award for fundraising. I finished a few dollars behind her. She was happy. She’d helped others. She was a winner.

I was happy. I’d helped others. I'd helped someone win. I never told the woman. I’d never felt more like a winner.

From the family files

My grandson Crosby is a kindergartner. He plays baseball. His team bats against a pitching machine. They won their first game 3 to 0. I asked him if it was fun. Crosby replied, "I have good people on my team."

My brother-in-law, Doug Bushlack of New Richland, asked for a German potato salad recipe that he’d enjoyed at a high school graduation. His only concern was that his wife, a good cook, tends to leave anything she doesn't like out of recipes.

My mother drank coffee most of her life. There was always a pot simmering on the stove. By the day’s end, the coffee was strong, bitter and as thick as 10-30 motor oil. She moved onto tea in her later years. She drank whatever kind of tea was sold by the local grocery stores. She could get three cups of hot tea out of one bag. The last cup tasted like water, only weaker.

Mr. Softball, Mr. Action, Mr. Excitement

Greg Bartsch of Geneva has retired. I think I join all those who know him in saying, "Who?" Besides retiring as Scott Groth’s partner in crime, Greg (fondly referred to as Mr. Softball) retired earlier from an illustrious career as Geneva’s Fire Chief. Greg is a good man who does good things. I wish him happy trails.

Nature notes

Mark Tollefson of New Richland asked about the tail colors of red-tailed hawks. Adults have rufous tails. Juveniles have barred, brownish tails that don’t turn red until the molt of their second summers.

Meeting adjourned

You don’t need a reason to be kind.

A certain Ellendale VIP named Dale got a May basket from his CEO name Barb.

A certain Star Eagle columnist got a May basket from his CEO named Genie.

Genie and I like to watch the TV show “Wheel of Fortune.” Thursday evening, April 30, we tuned in, and lo an behold there was John and Mary Kittleson from Blooming Prairie. They did quite well – to the tune of $13,000 plus in cash and prizes.

If you happened to hear a young lady sing the National Anthem at the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea on Saturday, May 2, you heard my kind of singing. You could understand the words! Maggie Eggum, you aced it.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? If yes, how about a first grader? As a volunteer retired registered nurse, Genie helps give tours to area school students at the Albert Lea Medical Center. While giving a tour to first graders, she asked if anyone knew how many bones were in a human body. Much to her surprise, a first-grade boy gave the right answer of 206.

Genie and I were enjoying a senior coffee at McDonald’s in Albert Lea. This easygoing feller from Ellendale stops and says “I’ll talk to you if you promise not to put my name in your column.”

I agreed, so we yakked. Not putting his name in this column, I can tell you he usually drives a red pickup truck with lettering on the door. His initials are the same as Genie’s (G.H.). Enough said.

The Orioles, Hummers, Wrens and Indigo Buntings arrived Sunday May 3 (in time for church!!).

A combined choir from East Freeborn Lutheran Church, Central Freeborn Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church of Glenville under the direction of Janae Clausen sang “Come to Jesus” at the funeral service of Reverend David Hernes, on Monday, May 4, 2015, held at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Genie and I were in the combined choir. Soloist Ryan Rasmussen sang the ending. (Many a choir member had tears as Ryan sang – myself included.)

Hugh Hall: Thanks for the memories. Genie and I attended his memorial service on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Salem Lutheran Church. His easygoing music on KATE Radio Sunday evenings under his radio name of “The Alley Cat” had a large following. Genie and I especially enjoyed his music while sitting on our deck at Beaver Lake. Hugh and Pauline also had a cabin at Beaver Lake. When the entire Hall clan would be there for about a week in the summer, I referred to it as a “Tent City.” Hugh had a slow, perfectly enunciated voice that was a pleasure to listen to.

Genie and I attended the Lutheran Convention in Rochester on May 8 and 9.

Normally I can hold my own, but when the president of Lutheran Men in Mission (Russ Tesch of Waseca) and one sharp Lutheran pastor from New Richland (Rev. Paul Andree) joined forces, I got blown away.

Thanks to Karen Surprenant (the convention photographer) I was paid what I was worth for modeling at the convention (one dollar).

While at the convention, I observed two ladies (last names of Kemp and Johnson) from rural Waseca County keep their Lutheran pastor under control.

———

Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.

While the windshield washer setting on the Weather Eye became entangled with the heater controls, the scurs still made a valiant effort at last week’s forecast. Can they keep the warmer temps coming or be doomed to reconfigure their process once again? Starting Wednesday, partly sunny with a good chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the mid-60’s. Partly sunny on Thursday with a moderate chance for showers and thunderstorms increasing into the afternoon hours. Highs in the upper 70’s with lows in the mid-60’s. Friday, mostly cloudy with a modest chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70’s with lows in the mid-50’s. Partly sunny on Saturday with a moderate chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the low 70’s and lows in the upper 50’s. Sunday, mostly cloudy with a moderate chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid-70’s with lows near 60. Partly sunny on Monday with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the upper 50’s. Tuesday, sunny with highs in the upper 50’s and lows in the mid-50’s. The normal high for June 7th is 77 and the normal low is 56. The scurs are thinking napping in the hammock is looking more promising all the time.

Another good week for crop growth in spite of the more-than-generous rains. We saw frequent rainfall for the month of May with measurable precipitation being recorded on 17 of the 31 days at the ranch. Strangely enough not one of the rainfall events totaled over an inch with the greatest amount recorded being .76” that fell on the 29th. This has been a blessing as when the weather does straighten out. Rain for the most part has fallen gently and over an extended period of time. Coupled with low humidity following the passing of the rainfall events,  fields have dried fairly quickly and field operations can commence sooner than one might expect. Chemical weed control in corn has been foremost on the minds of most operators and when temperatures warmed sufficiently, fields were generally fit. Corn this past week was typically V3–V4 and soybeans V2 with some early plantings at V3. Most of the pre-emerge chemicals have bought farmers some time. Hopefully the other shoe will not drop anytime soon.

Warmer temperatures meant getting the vine crop transplants in the ground last Thursday at the ranch between rains as expected. One good thing about the Friday rains: The transplants never knew they were transplanted! Putting them in with the lights from the Gator apparently was the thing to do. The Indian corn planted May 24th was beginning to emerge June 1st. A few watermelons, string beans and tomatoes then the main planting is done. Until the mid-July planting. Heck, that’s less than six weeks away!

Lawn mowing has seemed to be a perpetual task so far this spring and early summer. Finally on Sunday, after spraying pasture fences, moving feeding equipment and weed eating around all the trees, I managed to get all the lawn mowed at relatively close to the same time. It was a struggle however. The white clover and dandelions in the windbreak were like mowing a wet sponge. The wet goop scraped out from under the mower deck about every half-round reminded me of the material we used to gather from the innards of a fistulated cow for forages class in college. At least the stuff under the mower deck hadn’t fermented yet, so it didn’t smell that bad. Leave it under there for a week however and the results are remarkably similar. The dogs do seem to appreciate my efforts. Ruby and Fudgie love to roll in the grass, hopefully leaving lots of their hair behind. I’m just glad with all the rain their pee spots have blended into the rest of the lawn rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.

Another rite of spring has come and gone at the ranch. Operating one of the black cutworm pheromone traps kept me off the streets every morning after chores. The traps have a sticky bottom and are baited with a female black cutworm pheromone to attract male cutworm moths. Typically these moths migrate from the southern U.S. and are brought here in thunderstorms that come up from the Gulf of Mexico. The results from the trapping network are useful in predicting whether or not there will be cutworm problems in the corn.  This was not a very active trapping season, although there were some mornings as many as five were captured. For over 20 years I’ve participated and it has just become part of the morning routine each April and May.

Lots of bird observations even though some of them indicate a slowdown at the feeders. The jelly in particular hasn’t been consumed with quite as much gusto as it was, although if the feeder goes empty, the orioles let me know about it under no uncertain terms. There do appear to be more hummingbirds though, so that needs more attention. The bluebirds at the kindly neighbors’ are busy feeding their young as evidenced by a peek in the nesting box when spraying the fence there. Baby robins are everywhere it seems like and some of the parents are starting nests for their second brood already. This should put a damper on some of the loud 4:30 a.m. singing once that is complete.

Was saddened to hear of BB King’s passing. Over the years I’ve developed an appreciation for the blues and he epitomized that genre, not to mention influencing many artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. First appearing on The Tonight Show in the late ‘60’s, he became a public figure famous for his signature guitar styling and the guitar itself, Lucille. It would be great to know how to play guitar let alone like he did. It’s more than sufficient to listen and relax to the musical stylings the blues provide and thank my lucky stars for the impact BB King had. The thrill is not gone.

See you next week…real good then.

I’ve had a number of people comment to me recently, “I suppose I know how you’ll vote,” regarding the upcoming NRHEG bond referendum. I’ve made up my mind, but it was by no means an automatic decision just because I’m employed by the school district.

When the information for the additions and renovations to the school buildings in New Richland and Ellendale were first announced, I sat down to look at this from three perspectives: my job, my children, and my community. Would this benefit those parts of my life enough to add more on my tax burden?

First, my job. In reality, the only thing that impacts anything I do for the district is acoustic improvements. Certainly, a new gym would boast a great sound system and acoustics that would allow people to hear and understand me during athletic contests. Plus, having assemblies in the revamped space where we now have the varsity gym would help when I have the microphone, especially our school spelling bee. Other than that, my main job as an English teacher is not impacted.

Second, my kids. This will have a larger impact. By the time it’s done, Anton will be in New Richland and will be able to join Jayna in enjoying the new science facilities, fitness center, and the aforementioned area in which they will perform for concerts and plays. This part is huge. We have so many students who show success in the fine arts, but have a worn-out athletic area in which to perform. If you’ve ever attended a concert or play, you know the problem. That space simply was not designed for those performances, and that’s a shame. I look forward to hearing the full impact of a solo at a concert or a soaring monologue at a play.

It’s too bad the changes to the Ellendale building couldn’t have occurred while my kids were there. The additional classroom space will open up more opportunities for all our students with the SMART room, music area, and the possibility of incorporating a gifted and talented program, something I’ve advocated for over the years. We spend so much time working with those who truly need help to read and perform math at grade level, but we don’t spend enough time with those who are well ahead of the curve, who also need additional support to keep achieving at that high level. In addition, the secure entry by the office is, unfortunately, vital in today’s society to protect all our future assets, our wonderful children.

Lastly, my community. I love our school community and the towns which comprise it. The people here are so caring and generous with others in times of need and good friends no matter the situation. Our communities remain strong, even through economic ups and downs. A large part of this is the strong school system embodied at NRHEG. So many people come out to support our students at extracurricular events, including sports and the fine arts. We see some senior citizens helping kids at the elementary site. People who don’t have kids or grandkids in the system will ask questions and read the paper to find out what’s going on. (I can’t tell you how many people have asked me if I needed any more ties this year!)

To keep our communities strong, we need to continue to strengthen the school. Are we in a difficult spot now? Certainly not, but the beginnings of wear and tear are showing. The gym is over a half century old, and many other school areas are in that range. Would you allow your house to go that long without change? Even the 25 years since the last major renovation are a longer time period than most of us would be comfortable with if we didn’t make at least some change. I’d rather not get to a point other schools have reached (USC and WEM come to mind) where change is an absolute must. It costs less to nip things in the bud than it does to fix or build everything brand new. And by keeping our school strong, our communities will remain strong, and everyone benefits from that, even if you don’t have any relatives in the buildings. If our school starts to fail, we will be negatively impacted by that.

A concern was raised in this paper about why we need expanded space. There is a point to having so much technology and a change in the style of teaching, but that only means we need more space. To individualize education more than the old-school lecture and test style, we need areas in which to move students around in smaller groups to meet their needs. There is no longer a one size fits all mentality. The focus of so many teachers is seeing growth in each student. For that to happen, more space is needed.

And of course there’s the money issue. I look at my tax forms each year, just like all of you. I always hope it will go down, but that’s rarely the case. Full disclosure: this referendum would add about $44 a year on to my taxes. Plus, I can look out my front window and see the construction on my street; this will cost me $600 a year in assessments. I like to break this down by month. If I add these together, I have to find ways to save less than $54 a month to cover these new taxes. Can I do that? Sure, and I’m betting most of you can find that too, especially if your street isn’t being redone!

Everyone’s tax burden and home situation is different. I looked at all aspects of this bond referendum before making the decision to vote yes. I take our school system very seriously, not just because I teach, not just because my kids are here, but mainly because I have chosen to call NRHEG my home. I care about the future here, even after my kids have graduated and I have retired. I hope you care enough to join me in voting yes on June 9. Thank you for joining in the democratic process.

Word of the Week: This week’s word is nunatak, the final word in the National Spelling Bee, which means an exposed rocky part of a ridge or mountain not covered with ice or snow, as in, “The spelling bee contestant didn’t even have to ask the definition to spell nunatak correctly.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!