Feature Stories from the Star Eagle pages.
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T.J. Schiltz captures talent treasure
T.J. Schiltz performs a piano solo during the New Richland's Got Talent competition Friday, July 6. Schiltz was chosen the winner by vote of the crowd. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Even though New Richland is pretty far from the ocean, it didn’t prevent a pirate from coming to town and plundering the “loot” at the Farm and City Days “New Richland’s Got Talent” event Friday evening, July 6.
The week-long temperatures close to 100 couldn’t deter the audience gathered on Broadway in front of the stage from having a good time. The format for the annual event was changed from last year’s New Richland Idol to allow different forms of talent in the contest. Instead of judges, the audience determined the winner.
Master of ceremonies Kelly Martens welcomed everyone and introduced the first performer, Lillie Nielsen (New Richland Idol Junior Winner 2011) who sang “Rolling in the Deep.”
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By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Never let it be said that Whitey Hagen is a chicken, but that chicken was recently instrumental in his continuing efforts to fight cancer.
Hagen first got involved in fighting cancer when he caught a chicken that was running loose on the street in Albert Lea, and proceeded to auction it off and donate the money to a cancer telethon.
After all these years, he has not only been the leading auctioneer, crowing out bids to raise money for curing cancer, but along the way he picked up family and friends to aid in his crusade against cancer. He has that tact that smooths “ruffled feathers" and encourages the "flock" to produce more and more funds for the cause. He has led that distinction for most of his life.
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Proceeds benefit Waseca Animal Rescue
Dawn Schwartz of rural New Richland spent 12 hours during a unusually hectic week painting a flower pot for Waseca Animal Rescue's Plant and Pot Fundraiser May 18 and 19.
"I didn't have a lot of time," she said, noting it would probably have been better if she had more time. "But it was a fun project."
Schwartz, an animal lover, also believes that helping the local animal rescue group is a worthy cause. "They help people be responsible pet owners, especially in this economy when people need more help to care for their animals."
One of nine artists from Waseca Art Center who painted flower pots and donated them to Waseca Animal Rescue, Schwartz started out doing crafts years ago. She also worked for Vikings Woodcrafts in Waseca and taught people how to paint on ceramics at the former Creative Hands in Waseca.
Although she is basically a self-taught artist, Schwartz had classes in drawing and printing from Mankato State University. Since joining Waseca Art Center about four years ago, however, "I have really developed my fine art ability."
The fundraiser will be held in Waseca, at 315 North State Street, May 18 and 19, with Friday hours of noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Waseca Animal Rescue a, no-kill rescue organization, was founded in 2009. Waseca Animal Rescue has found homes for over 200 cats and dogs. In addition, the Group has provided low-cost neutering and vaccinations for an additional 100 animals, including feral cat colonies.
Local artists Grace Galvin, Char Harguth, Trudi Remund, Mary Shemonek, Sue Ziegler, Schwartz and Carol Wobschall, with Waseca Arts Council Director Pat Beckmann painted 26 garden pots for the event.
"We decided to add painted pots this year to give people who don't garden an opportunity to purchase something unique for their homes," said Nicole Lucca, cofounder of Waseca Animal Rescue. She noted the pots can be used for a variety of purposes besides flowers. "But for people with a green thumb, the pots by local artists truly enhance the beauty of what Mother Nature provides," Lucca said.
Also included in the sale are both classic and unusual perennials, native wild and prairie flowers, homemade baked goods and garden décor. Of course, the animals will be on hand, with their best paws forward, ready for adoption!
“Our Rescue Organization funding depends on the success of this annual event, and the public is always generous in their support,” said Director Mickey Tibbits.
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Annual award winners
THE NRHEG High School Department of Music presented the 2012 Pops Concert Monday, May 7. Above from left are band award winners Amanda Groskreutz and Betsy Johannsen, Phillip Sousa Award; Director Tim Siewert; and Jill Theuer, Louie Armstrong Award. Below from left are choral award winners Hailey Johnson, National Choir Award; director Jennifer Fredrickson; and Stormy Mulder, Senior Award. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
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Dance On • Carol’s Dance Studio 2011-12 Recital
Dancers from Carol’s Dance Studio perform during the 2011-12 recital at NRHEG High School in New Richland Saturday night. In top photo from left are Meela Budach and Mallory Schlinger. Below from left are Makayla Hannegrefs-Dahlen, Hallie Schultz, Olivia Smith and Grace Wilkenson. For a photo page of the dance recital, see Page 16 of this week's Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
