Monday, May 12, 2008

Wright – Cromwell News

05/12/2008

Wright – Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson May 12, 2008

It’s “Poppy Time” again!  Take the time to support our Veterans by buying a poppy from one of “Poppy Collection Cans” that are in numerous businesses in Wright and Cromwell.  For a small contribution, you can help support programs for those that fought to protect your freedom! Your gift will be used by the American Legion Auxiliary unit in the Cromwell-Wright area.

Wear your poppy with pride to pay tribute to all veterans.  Let Freedom Ring!

Also, the American Legion Auxiliary of Cromwell-Wright will be hosting a BAKE SALE on Saturday morning, the 17th of May. Locations will be at BJ’s Gas station in Wright, and at Hometown Family Foods in Cromwell.  Please help us support our veterans.

The Cromwell Methodist Church is looking for a gently used laptop computer with `Windows XP and a 17” screen.  Other software is not required as it will be used for record keeping purposes.  If you have any leads on available laptops, please call Carolyn Krogh at 218-310-8357 or 218-644-3670.  Thanks for your help!

A pancake breakfast was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wright, MN on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 from 8-11 AM in honor of the Minnesota opening fishing weekend.  50 people were served during the three-hour event.  $581.00 was brought in through free-will donations from attendees.  A bake sale was held in conjunction with the breakfast.  Over $100 of the total amount brought in was from the bake sale.  Church members volunteered nearly 200 hours in preparation for, during, and after the event.  Funds raised will be used for church repairs.  Supplemental funds were applied for through Thrivent Financial.

Cromwell had a great performance on May 4th put on by Dancin’ Stars and Shooting Stars Dance Program.  Instructor Angela Sandoval-Luna, a former graduate of Cromwell High School, taught the ballet, tap, and jazz lessons in Cromwell from January to May.  Angela said that it was really fun to get back to teaching.  Angela taught dance lessons in Cromwell and other surrounding towns for 9 years or so before moving to Colorado to teach elementary school in 2001.  She has just returned this year with her husband Eddy, and two boys: Mateo, age 2 and Adan, age 1.  She wasn’t planning on resuming the lessons in Cromwell but was convinced to do it and was really glad she said yes. “It’s really great exercise for me as well as the kids.  The kids also practice flexibility, rhythm, listening, and coordination.  It’s great.” There were 25 kids (5 preschoolers, 7 kindergarteners, 7 first graders, 1 second grader. 3 third graders, 1 fourth grader, and 1 fifth grader.  Does that equal 25???) who took lessons.  Each dancer learned and performed 5 dances in the recital and put on a terrific show.  Angela’s sister, Suzy Goodin also had her dance competition group from Cloquet come to help out and perform a jazz dance towards the end of the show.  Angela says that she’s sad to see the lessons end and is already working on songs and ideas for next year.  Floodwood Community Ed. has also recruited Angela to teach dance lessons.  She will teach at both schools next year.  It looks like a lot of kids will get the opportunity to learn a new skill next year.

The 3rd – 6th Graders at Bethlehem Lutheran in Wright received their Bibles on Sunday, May 11, 2008.  Those receiving their Bibles were Milyssa and Tim Aho, Jake and Presley Sleyster, Olivia and Eli Warpula, Chloe Larson Samantha Hansen, Hannah Line and Kiiera Anderson. The whole Sunday School also sang for the congregation and enjoyed a couple of Children’s Sermons.  May 18th will be the last day of SS at Bethany.

The 2008 Senior Class of Cromwell – Wright School were honored and giving a blessing at Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell.  Mary Rose Varo sang a special song to them about letting your candle shine and light the life of others, too.  It was a beautiful and meaningful service.

Mason Hansen became a Daddy.  Augustus Allan Hansen was born Wednesday, May 7th, 2008, weighing 7# 15oz. and 22 inches long in Charleston, SC.  Besides having a broken clavicle (which is common) both Gus and his Mom Stephanie are doing great.  If Gus would have arrived one hour and 33 minutes sooner he would have been born on his grandparents, Janet and Reese Hansen’s 30th Anniversary, but I guess he wanted his own special day.

Little Gus’ maternal grandparents are Steve and Robin Schmidt of Tennessee and Great Grandparents are Lincoln and Jeanne Hansen of Wright and Steph’s grandparents, too.

Gwang Ho Lee and Muksud “Sonet” Chowdhury were surprised and honored at church on Sunday when they each were given a hand made quilt by the Bethlehem Quilters.  They were wished a wonderful life and these quilts will remind them of their year in Cromwell and Wright.  They return to their home countries in early June, so if you see these guys wish them the best in the future.

The men of Bethlehem Lutheran served Strawberry Shortcake in honor of Mother’s Day on May 11th.  Scott and Kim Thudin also gave all the ladies a beautiful red carnation corsage as a special gift.  Thank you all!

The Villa Vista will be holding an Official Ground Breaking on Monday, May 19th at 1 PM.  Please feel free to attend this very special event.

Margaret Olson Webster will show her books and prints on March 18th at Tweed Art Gallery on the campus of the University of Minnesota after being nominated for a Northeastern Book Award.

Sunday, May 18th will be Confirmation at both Bethany and Bethlehem churches at the regular worship services.

The Senior Class of Cromwell-Wright School honored their parents and teachers at a catered dinner at the Pavilion on Wednesday, May 7th.  Eric Arnold, son of Marsha Walli gave an appreciation thank you speech and here are a few quotes from that speech. 

“I have been selected to express our thanks and sincerest appreciation to all the parents and teachers sitting here today, and also to those who were unable to make it.  This dinner is for you, in recognition of all the little and not-so-little things you’ve done for us.  Throughout the last 18 years, you have always been there for us, even sometimes when you had better things to be doing, which I’d imagine was quite a bit.  God only knows how you put up with us all these years but we’re glad you did.  And because you did, we are who we are today.  I think our class will agree that the people of Cromwell and Wright are some of the nicest, and most decent people of this country.  It’s because of your selfless devotion to our often-unappreciative well being that has turned our senior class into all the wonderful people I know.”

“Now we have the opportunity, with this humble dinner, to do something for you.  It’s not even close to enough to even begin to thank you, but we would like you to know that we do remember all the things you’ve done for us, and we understand that it wasn’t always easy.  You’ve raised us to be honest, generous, hard working, loyal, kind and compassionate people, and we like to think we get all that from you.  You’ve taught us all to read, write, add and subtract, and you even struggled through fractions, but most importantly you’ve taught us right from wrong, and that is the one thing that we are going to take with us into our fast approaching new lives.  For all this and for so much more, Thank You so much and enjoy your dinner!”

So on behalf of the teachers and parents, we want to thank the senior class for this dinner and for being such a fine class.  We will miss you next year!

There was a full church for the Annual Bethlehem Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday the 10th.  Diane Hansen led in singing “Amazing Grace” and she was accompanied by the “Amazing” Grace Krogh, age 94!  Grace also played of the other music.  Eileen Keen also gave a very neat message for mothers and daughters of all ages.

Our Sympathy to the family of Vi Koivisto Lahti, age 85, of Cromwell who died on May 10, 2008.  Her funeral will be held on May 14, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell.  So to her son, Kenny and wife Sue Koivisto, and daughter-in-law, Judy Koivisto and all family and friends, our sympathy is with you all.

I’ll never forget a time when Bob and I were on a trip through Yellowstone Park and we were passed up by a car with a bumper sticker that said: “Where the heck is Cromwell?” so we followed that car till it stopped and then jumped out to see who was in the car and low and behold it was Vi and Dauno!  We had a connection with them ever since that time.  Whenever we would meet, we would talk about that chance meeting in Wyoming.

And one last item.  Minnesota celebrated its 150th Birthday on Sunday, May 11th.  Did anyone even notice?  If you’re interested this birthday is called the Sesquicentennial.  Now that’s a new word to learn to spell! 

Every week when I sit down to write the news, I think there isn’t much to write about and then it seems to grow and grow!  I hope you enjoy some of my long winded articles, and some weeks will be much shorter, too.

That’s all the news from Lake Congratulationstoallseniors and Hello to all their parents and families! 

Monday, May 05, 2008

WRIGHT / CROMWELL NEWS

05/05/2008

WRIGHT / CROMWELL NEWS By Jennie K. Hanson May 5, 2008

Our sympathy to the family of Doug Wise, 64, of Sawyer, Mn who died on April 29, 2008 in St. Mary’s Hospital.  Doug leaves behind his wife, Jeanne (Snyder); children, Kristine and Brian Friend, Kelley Thompson, and Jeffery Wise; 8 grandchildren, two sisters, and four brothers.  Doug graduated from Carlton High School in 1962 and excelled in sports and earned several awards for his efforts.  He was proud to serve in the Army National Guard as a cook and was a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.  His funeral was held on May 4th at Northland Funeral Home with visitation the evening before at the Sawyer Chapel in Sawyer. 

Larry Line, 69, of Duluth, died on April 29, 2008 in St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Larry was born in Cromwell, Mn to James and Dorcas Line in 1939.  Our sympathy to his family and all who knew and loved him.

Our sympathy to the family of Julia Lindquist , 95, who died on April 24, 2008 in Carlton.  Julia may have been known by some of the area residents and I’m sure her family will miss her.  I knew of her because my cousin Barbara Brady Lindquist is married to her son, Lloyd (Sonny).

Barb Dahl and daughter Amy returned home from a 5 day vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The weather was 95 everyday. It was a beautiful resort and they sure enjoyed their stay. This was Amy’s gift to her mom for her 60th birthday. Four other friends accompanied them.

Everyone is welcome to attend Baccalaureate on May 11th, Mother’s Day at Bethany in Cromwell at the 10:30 AM Regular worship Service. This year’s seniors are Sean Antolik, Eric Arnold, Martin Burch, Jr, Mirissa Byer, Muksud “Sonet” Chowdhury, Kelsey Envall, Kate Everson (Kemi), Taylor Forconi, Mariah Grangruth, Kristine Groth, Curtis Hakala, Evans Hakamaki, John Hedin, Cody Hendrickson, Megan Hibke, Tanya House, Ethan Hutar, Vanessa Johnson, Jennifer Langenbrunner, Ashley Magliano, Cory Murphy, Megan Olson, Ronni Pihlaja, Danielle Richards, Ben Schliauter, Megan Shelton and Nathan Smith.

Graduation for these fine students will be on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the school at 8 PM.

I hear that postage will go up another penny on May 12th, so if you want to buy some of the forever stamps, they must be purchased by May 10th.  This stamp can then be used just as it says: Forever!

A HUGE “THANK YOU” goes out to all the volunteers at the Villa Vista and in honor of these volunteers, the Villa is hosting an appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday, May 14th at 9:30 AM.  The Villa provides a wonderful home for so many residents that need help in their older years and it just wouldn’t be the same without all the wonderful volunteers that come and go every month.  If you have a way to volunteer and haven’t yet, call the Villa and let them know.  It could be as simple as reading to a resident or just visiting.

The Annual Mother Daughter Tea and Luncheon will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on May 10th at 1:30 PM.  Guest speaker this year is Eileen Keen, Author and Humorist.  Please try to come!

I recently attended the Play in Plymouth, Mn called “The Church Basement Ladies, 2nd Helping”.  It was fantastic!  If you get a chance to go, do so.  You won’t regret it.  Also attended on the bus were Ebba Hedin, Gerri Kripner, Donna Larsen, and Ray and Lindsay Lally.

The Area Senior Citizens are planning to get a coach bus to go to Finn Fest in Duluth on one of the days between July 23 – 27th.  If you would be interested, contact Carolyn Krogh or your area Senior Citizen Group Leader. 

The Annual Spring Concert was held at the high school on May 30th under the direction of Substitute teacher: Mary Rose Varo.  The auditorium was full and the students did a fantastic job of displaying their talent.

Baccalaureate will be held this Sunday, May 11th at Bethany Lutheran at 10:30 AM.  Come on our and support your area seniors and also remember to WEAR RED for Pentecost Sunday the 11th.

The Senior Awards Banquet will be on May 16th.

Beanies for Honduras – the ladies and children at Bethlehem Lutheran church in Wright are collecting Beanie Babies or small stuffed animals for a mission project.  If you have some to donate, drop them off at the church or with Deb at the store and she can bring them to the church.

Pentecost Sunday is on May 11th this year.  It is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church.  It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost).

In many churches, the season leading up to Pentecost Sunday is one of the most neglected of the church calendar. No doubt there are a variety of reasons for this neglect. There is the simple practical fact that after five months or more of concerted effort invested in special emphases and activities from Advent to Epiphany to Lent to Easter, both ministers and parishioners may simply be mentally and emotionally exhausted. After the intensity of Lent and Holy Week there is a certain psychological “let down” after Easter.

The word “pentecost” means “fiftieth day.” In most Christian traditions, Pentecost Sunday occurs 50 days following Easter Sunday (counting Easter Sunday since it is the first day of the week).  Those 50 days span seven Sundays after Easter, so Pentecost is the seventh Sunday after Easter (7 weeks times 7 days = 49 days, plus Pentecost Sunday).  Since Easter is a “movable feast,” meaning that it occurs on different days in different years (it is tied to the lunar cycle while the calendar is solar based), Pentecost is also moveable.  It can occur as early as May 10 and as late as June 13.

The sanctuary color for Pentecost Sunday is red, the color of the church.  Technically, red is used only for the Sunday of Pentecost, although some churches use red for the Sundays between Easter and Pentecost Sunday. The red symbolizes both the fire of Pentecost as well as the apostles and early followers of Jesus who were gathered in the Upper Room for the empowerment from God to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

For Christians, Pentecost Sunday is a day to celebrate hope, a hope evoked by the knowledge that God through His Holy Spirit is at work among His people. It is a celebration of newness, of recreation, of renewal of purpose, mission, and calling as God’s people. It is a celebration of God’s ongoing work in the world. Yet, it is also a recognition that His work is done through His people as He pours out His presence upon them.

These facts on Pentecost can be credited to Dennis Bratcher.  I got them from the internet.

That’s all the news from Lake Happymother’sday and Hello to all the new mothers as you are the hand that rocks the cradle!  The time you spend with your children when they are young will never be wasted.

I’ll end this week’s news with a quote from The Church Basement Ladies, “ Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!” I guess that must be my motto!