Back in my grandmother’s day people seldom used a measuring cup when they cooked or baked. I often wondered how Grandma was able to cook and bake without using them. She may have had a coffee cup that was equivalent to a measuring cup, but mostly it was hand and eye. We can still use her method today, especially when it comes to portion control regarding the amount of food we eat.

Most people are aware that a meat portion is about equal to the size of a deck of cards. The palm of your hand is equal to 3 or 4 ounces, which is considered a serving of meat, fish or poultry. It’s easy to remember.

The size of your fist equals 1 cup, and it is a good method of remembering that when you are eating cereal or soup. It is also a good method to remember when eating ice cream, pudding, cooked vegetables, potatoes, beans, rice or pasta.

Another method of measuring is using the thumbnail as your guide. Your thumbnail equals 1 teaspoon if you are using butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and oils. The thumbnail measurement is also a good measure for salad dressing, sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter and hard cheese.

Two cupped hands is a good guide when you are trying to compare 3 or 4 ounces as a measure for chips, popcorn, crackers and potatoes. It is up to you to decide if those extras are worth it. Less is always better than more. Yes, it does taste good, but do you really want more?

Don’t do it! Give your body time to catch up with your mind. It is always good to think about how much exercise or movement you will need to do to "pay" for your indulgences.

Speaking of food and its importance, Easter will soon be here and the pastor at Salem Lutheran in Albert Lea recently shared a special educational and thought provoking treat with the Sunday School students at the church.

The lesson he shared was important to my granddaughters, Mallory and Morgan, so they decided to share what they had learned with our family. The girls proudly showed us during a visit to my mother’s how to make some tasty treats that had a special story to tell and remember.

The girls brought along a package of marshmallows, a container of crescent rolls, a small amount of margarine which they melted in the microwave, a container that contained a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, as well as a cookie sheet and a roll of waxed paper.

The girls proceeded to explain the marshmallows represented the body of Jesus. The melted margarine and the cinnamon and sugar represented the oil and spices and the crescent rolls represented the white linen cloth that Jesus’s body needed to sealed with, and then wrapped in before he was placed in the tomb.

Mallory and Morgan proceeded to roll the individual marshmallows in the melted margarine, and then in the mixture of cinnamon and sugar before they placed the marshmallow in the center of the individual crescent rolls. They carefully rolled the crescent roll up around the marshmallow, making sure to seal it well before they placed the individual units on the cookie sheet that had been covered with a sheet of wax paper.

They placed the cookie sheet in the oven, which had been heated to 350 degrees, and they kept a careful eye on their creations, removing them after they were baked to a nice golden brown.

The girls then placed the rolls on snack plates and shared their treats with their family. They explained as we were opening them that with these special treats, which represented God's special gift, we would not be able to see the marshmallow, or Jesus, as it had risen just like Jesus had done.

May we remember that the friendships we have begun in this world can be taken up again in Heaven.

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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:

• Thursday, March 12th: Sadie Jaymelynn Arends, David Paulson, Jason Bowman, Terri Engel, Robert Hall, Harla Stanley Malz, Spiering Brody Sundbland, Gary & Barb Paulson, Jack & Virginia Jensen

• Friday, March 13th: Joanna Ver Hey, David Mangskau, Lynda Kruckeberg, Darla Waltz, Jessica Liverseed, Craig Lunning, Tony Tonsing

• Saturday, March 14th: National Potato Chip Day! Laura Katherine Worrell, Connor Duane Klemmsensen, his 7th; Sierra Christine Krause, her 5th; Brian Cerney, Brent Huber, Marcia Hutchins, Lee Loverink, Mary Finch, Kathy Molenaar, Trevor Titus

• Sunday, March 15th: Angie Haberman Lyman, Marvel Beiser, Andy Ditlevson, Robin Jepson, Judy Lunning, Tim Phagan, Steve Clausen, Tony Motl, Julie Peterson, Don & Cindy Gould

• Monday, March 16th: Ava Pospesel, Blair Pospesel, Al Batt, Cortnee Langlie, Judy Waage, Tyler Lewis Hagenbrock, Jackson Taylor William Churchill, Harold & Pat Wayne, Hugh & Karen O'Byrne

• Tuesday, March 17th: St. Patricks' Day, Ashley Marie Hagen, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Mike Cady, Dakota Ray Janning, Nicole Hanna, Patrick Wobschall, Harvey Zicafoose, Mandy Galbraith, Joel Hill, Jenifer Jensen Pietari, Kevin & Marsha Jensen

• Wednesday, March 18th: Axel Jameson Ladlie (2011), Ashley Marie Hagen, Lynn Sommer Eaton, Chad Cornelius, Randy Brandt, Michelle Bartness, Dan Enzenauer, Matthew Larson, Wanda Stanley, Kent Toft, Matt & Jennifer Van Hal, Dean & Sue Westrum

• Thursday, March 19th: Samuel Bartness, his 3rd; Larry Klocek, Jill Rye, Jill Neitzell, Tyler Crabtree, Bethany Butler, Tori Lynn Sage, Wyatt Marcus Westergrin

• Friday, March 20th: Jayda Moon, Tricia Renae Hanson, Nicole Christensen, Neva Lembke, Gary Reichl, Jim Butler, Tammy Harpel Nielsen, Winfred Bergdale, Shelly Hoeve, Billy Jo Johnson Schwierjohann, Dennis Olson

• Saturday, March 21st: Amy Foster, John Krell, Doris Krause, Trent Steven Pence, Kelly Marie Dobberstein, Phillip Ingvaldson, Pam Farr, Kent Paulson, Diane Marlin, Kelly Nelson, Doris Krause, Brody Grunwald, Darrell & Cindy Farr

Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.

Donald “Robbie” Ambrose Robinson, 83, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Owatonna died Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home.

Donald was born May 13, 1931 in Byron Township, Waseca County, Minnesota the son of Donald and Margaret (Collins) Robinson. There he was raised and attended school, graduating from New Richland High School in 1949. Donald entered the United States Air Force on February 7, 1951 and served during the Korean War. During that time, Donald was united in marriage to Dorothy Wodrich on December 5, 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They moved to Bryan, Texas where Donald was stationed. Donald received his honorable discharge on February 6, 1955. Following, the couple moved to Owatonna where Donald began a long career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.  In the late ‘50s, he was transferred to Albert Lea and there they made their home for two years. The couple later moved back to Owatonna. Dorothy died in March of 2001. Donald entered the Fergus Falls Veterans Home in 2010.

Remembering the life of Stanley F. “Bud” Tollefson...

Funeral Services for Stanley “Bud” F. Tollefson of New Richland, will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, rural New Richland. The Reverend Brian Gegel will officiate.  Military Honors will be accorded by the New Richland American Legion.  Interment will be in LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.   Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday at Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland and one hour before the service at the church.

Bud died on Friday, March 6, 2015 at the New Richland Care Center.  He was 86.

He was born on March 11, 1928, in Waseca, Minnesota, the son of Stanley M. and Mildred (Rhode) Tollefson.  He graduated from high school with the New Richland class of 1946.  After graduation, Bud

did carpentry for a short time before he entered  the US Air Force in 1950.  He served our country for 4 years before his honorable discharge in 1954.

On April 16, 1955, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Johnson at LeSueur River Lutheran Church.

Bud and Kathryn settled on the family farm northeast of New Richland, where they farmed and raised their family.

Funeral service for Viola C. Nolte, 97, of Fairmont, MN, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Burial will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation is 12:30-1:30 Tuesday, March 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont.

Viola passed away on Thursday afternoon, March 5, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fairmont is handling the arrangements for the family.

Viola Clarissa (Rugroden) Nolte was born on March 14, 1917 on the family farm near New Richland, MN. She was the daughter of Oscar and Clara (Knudson) Rugroden. She graduated from the 8th grade in District 42 and from New Richland High School in 1934.

On January 19, 1947 she was united in marriage to Esgar Nolte of Fairmont at the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. To this union was born two daughters, Ingrid and Trudee.

NRHEG boys advance to sub-section title game

By TROY THOMPSON

Sportswriter

The NRHEG boys’ basketball team stormed into Sub-Section 2AA play last week with a pair of impressive wins to help build momentum toward a showdown with Gopher Conference champion Maple River in the sub-section finals.

NRHEG 59, Waseca 50

Three-pointers proved to be a dangerous weapon for the Panthers in their 59-50 win over Waseca on Friday, Feb. 27, in the Sub-Section 2AA South semifinals. This time, however, NRHEG would need to deploy their long-range shots to help them rally in the late going after trailing for most of the game.

Much like their regular-season meeting in Waseca on Feb. 3, the atmosphere on the neutral court in Mankato was electric. In the prior matchup, NRHEG jumped out to a 13-5 lead and held off the Bluejays for the rest of the game en route to a 74-53 win.

This time around, it was the No. 3-seeded Bluejays who jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead and kept the Panthers at bay for most of the game.

NRHEG senior 3rd at state tourney

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Three NRHEG High School wrestlers left with high hopes last week for the state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Todd Erickson fulfilled them.

Erickson, a senior, finished third at 220 pounds in Class A for the bronze medal. Senior Dillon Kubiatowicz was one win away from a medal, while junior Cordell Peterson can set his sights on next year.

“I was extremely happy with the performances of our three guys this weekend,” said Panthers coach Shawn Larson.

Especially Erickson.

“Todd was impressive, and showed excellent composure in matches that were very close,” said Larson. “In the quarterfinals Todd won 3-2, in the semifinals he lost in four overtimes, and in the third-place match he won with a takedown right at the end. In each of these situations Todd showed his experience by remaining calm, looking to score points when the opportunity came and not trying to force points.”

After a very long winter, it’s time to start thinking about those spring and summer community projects or needs.

The New Richland Area Foundation Fund grants application deadline of March 31 is fast approaching.

The foundation’s grant focus is; Arts & Culture, Education, Health & Human Services and Recreation.  Grants are made to nonprofit organizations under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and also to schools and government agencies. The policy of the foundation is to provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Area Food Shelf of NR kicks off March campaign Sunday at Trinity Lutheran

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Looking for something to do the afternoon of Sunday, March 8? Look no further.

The Area Food Shelf of New Richland is hosting its 4th Annual “Groove 4 Food” at 1:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The event kicks off March Food Share Month for the food shelf and features local humorist Al Batt serving as master of ceremonies, musical acts performing throughout the afternoon, and a live auction. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the local food shelf, according to food shelf board member Sharon Eckart.

“‘Groove 4 Food’ means exactly what is meant to be,” said Eckart. “We have local entertainment that sing and play instruments for food or money. The food shelf board has had so much fun planning this event. We start months ahead to think of themes and entertainers. The community has backed this since we started. Everyone in the community has been so great and very generous.”

I’m the type of person that always has multiple things running through her brain, and too often I forget that I’m still so young, my life has barely even begun, and I don’t need to feel bad for not having it all figured out at 21. I have a job that enables me to do what I know I’m good at, what I love to do, and that’s something I can’t take for granted.

If you recall, my last column talked about the Daily Show – and if you’re also a viewer, you know this is John Stewart’s last year with the network. It makes me sad to know he’ll be off the air soon, but there comes a time in everyone’s life when they’re ready to accept that they’ve done what they can with the time they’ve been given and move on. He’ll leave a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten, but at least he can recognize when it’s time to step down and let a new generation thrive.

An additional, fairly new show I’ve taken a liking to is the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore; as a journalist, he asks real, hard-hitting questions that focus on 100% honest answers. Saying what you honestly think isn’t always easy, and I respect that aspect of the Nightly Show. After all, without complete truth, news or journalism become simply fiction, regardless of the degree of falsity. (Brian Williams, anyone?)

The truth is messy sometimes; it can be hurtful, confusing, complex. But it’s absolute, and it’s not possible to ignore. Many times we create our own truth by seeing what we want to see, accepting what we want to accept – however, accepting something as truth doesn’t make it real.

I used to define myself by my religion. While I agree with many of the values of Christianity, there are certain aspects in the Bible too contradictory to science and evidence for me to believe. I know there’s a good higher power in the universe, but the idea of needing to blindly believe in something you’re not completely sure of never sat right with me.

A couple years ago, a friend in Florida told me that God stands for “Good Orderly Direction.” That was the first time God was described to me in those words, and it gave me comfort, hope – I’m not exactly sure how we all got here, but nobody can truly know the answer to that question. Religion does not necessarily define a person; I am sure of my own morals and values, and what I want to do with my life.

Not everyone is going to agree with each others’ opinions or beliefs; that doesn’t mean they need to be changed to conform to one person’s idea of success. After all, we’re all entitled to our own opinion, right? And if you can’t believe in your own opinion, you’re just lying to yourself.

I’ve wasted a lot of time being unhappy, feeling like I wasn’t good enough. But I can honestly say I know what I’m capable of when I work at something, and I’ve been working very hard to get to the point that I’m at in my life. My wish is to make this world a better place for those who were made to feel inferior. I’m not sure if I can accomplish that, but staying true to myself is the first thing I need to do. If I don’t forget why I’m still here and what gave me hope when it felt like there wasn’t any, I can make it through anything. The rest will fall into place eventually.

I know it’s been a while since my last column. But I’ve got my motivation back, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to read this; your time is invaluable to me. Until next week, readers, wishing everyone health and happiness.

Ellendale City Council

By SCOTT GROTH

Contributing Writer

The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, February 26 with Mayor Skroch and all council members present. Also attending the meeting was LeeAnn Hojberg, City Clerk, and Josh Otto, Maintenance.

It was during Mayor Skroch’s time for his items that Skroch brought up the contract with Steele County for police protection.

Skroch had indicated at the previous meeting that he would like to do away with the contract held with the county. Skroch said that he knows of many neighboring small towns that do not pay extra for public safety. The current contract between the City and Steele County can be terminated by either party with a 90-day notice.

Councilperson Kibler mentioned that she thought holding a town hall type forum may be a good chance for residents to share their view on this matter.

The council moved to have a public forum on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.