Monday, August 11, 2008

Wright Cromwell News

08/11/2008

Wright Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson August 11, 2008

Welcome to the Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer!  It seems at this time of year things do slow down a bit, but it won’t be long and things will speed up again with school starting on September 2nd this year and all the fall sports seasons getting underway. Hope you have time to rest and relax a bit.  As our exchange son Sonet used to say to me when I was so busy: “Chilax!” That’s short for Chill Out and Relax!  Anyway, here’s the news for this week.

Happy 100th Birthday to Harry Seppanan on August 24, 2008.  He is currently a resident of the Villa Vista in Cromwell.  A party will be held at the Villa for him on Friday, August 22nd at 1:30 PM with Florian Chmielewski providing music.  Come to the party and join the fun!

Dorothy Parkki will be celebrating her 93rd Birthday with a party at the Tamarack Sno-flyers Building on Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 1 – 3 PM.  Everyone welcome to attend.

Millie Anderson will be celebrating her 80th Birthday with a party at the Wright Senior Center on Saturday, September 14th from 1 – 4 PM.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Travis Jones, 19 year old son of Patty Kempi Jones, Las Vegas, NV, recently won a Home Run Derby.  He hit 9 home runs and was awarded a trophy.  He is the grandson of Dan Kempi of Auburn, WA and Helen Haapoja Nelson of Tucson, AZ.  He will also be signing with the Kansas City Royals.

Helen Nelson and her girls Patty Jones and Terry McDuffie came to visit relatives and friends.  The girls stayed with Tracy Goranson and Kim Suhonen and families.  Helen stayed with her sister Shirley and Bob Pearson.  Helen came mainly to visit with their Uncle Henry Oja and his family, plus took in the Finn Fest and All School Reunion in McGregor.  One day they all motored to Grand Rapids to visit Shirley’s girls, Carla Evans and Lori Schnieder.  Henry, Josie and Ron also went that day, they all had breakfast together and enjoyed their visit.  The cousins, Patty, Terry, Carla, Darla, Lori and Karol Oja all got together in Vegas in January and had a wonderful time.  They had their Mom’s Shirley and Helen along for chaperones?

Vacation Bible School was held at Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell, August 4 – 8th.  Thanks to Lynn Odegaard and Theresa Suhonen for taking charge, and to Mary Rose Varo, Margaret Webster and Pastor Janeva for the wonderful skits during the morning openings.  There were 96 kids registered from all area churches and lots of teen helpers.  Lots of teachers helping too which all made for a wonderful week for the kids.  A program was held on Sunday the 10th, with cake and ice cream and cones for the kids.

Wayne & Liz Thom attended the Minnesota Trappers Association convention in Fergus Falls and also attended the National Trappers Association convention in Mason City, IA over the past 2 weeks.  Wayne is the MN Director to the National Trappers organization; Liz is the secretary of the MN Trappers Association.  Minnesota is a leader in providing educational opportunities for new trappers and is a strong supporter of the MN DNR in a Federal lawsuit brought against the DNR by an anti-trapping group. The MTA convention had close to 3,000 people attending.  Next year, the Minnesota convention will be in Chisholm, MN.  This is quite an honor for Northern Minnesota.

Evan Suonvieri, Floodwood, was surprised to receive the “Junior Trapper of the Year-2008” award at the MTA convention. He was nominated by Wayne Thom for his interest, developing skill as a trapper, and ethics. Evan shared the award with Toby Armstrong, Bruno, MN.  Evan is the son of Burt & Cory Suonvieri. Congratulations, Evan!

Former Wright resident, Sulo Kangas, Sr. is doing well physically after having both of his legs amputated as a result of diabetes, his color is great and he looks healthier than he has in many years.  When he is at the nursing home, he eats healthy.  His spirit is getting better, he is making the adjustment, although he never talks about his legs.  His address is: Sulo Kangas, Sr., Gogebic Medical Care Facility, 402 North St. Room 202, Wakefield, MI. 49968, if you remember him and would like to send him a card well wishes.

Hi, to all from Jen and Greg Anderson:  Jen writes on August 4th:  “I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of you who are thinking and praying for us as we begin round 3 (and final) of Kaleb’s surgeries.  And, to those you have so graciously offered their time to watch the girls. There has been so many offers that I can’t thank everyone personally without forgetting somebody. You know who you are and we really appreciate the offers and may take you up on them! I can’t believe it is really here. We are busy getting ready to go on Wednesday. Trying hard not to think about the days/weeks ahead of us but yet can’t wait to have his surgery done with. Might explain the sleepless nights lately! Kaleb doesn’t understand what he is in for and I don’t know if that is a good thing or not. He is an amazing little boy who continues to make us laugh and smile all the time. The newest thing is his “fish” kisses. He continues to be our little “lover” boy and now he has a twist to his hugs and kisses with his fish lips! Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of you for your love and support as we cross this bridge. Also a special thank you to Auntie Pauly, Poppy Ken and G-ma Sue, and Poppy Guy and G-ma Lee Ann as they have taken on the duty of watching our girls. I’m sure they will need a vacation after having them for a week! Well, Kaleb’s Surgery was at 8 AM on August 7th, and is estimated to last about 3 1/2 to 4 hours.” If you want to keep up with his progress you can go to this website: http://www.caringbridge.cor/visit/kalebanderson.

There is a new doctor coming to the Cromwell Clinic in August.  The office will be staffed on August 18th and the first available appointment will be on September 3, 2008.  Just call 218-644-3811 for an appointment.  Dr. Shawn Bode and his family along with Receptionist, Anne Telker and Nurse, Sarah Wilson will be welcomed at an Open House at the Cromwell Park Pavilion from noon to 3 PM on August 20th.  Come and have lunch, coffee and snacks with the future Dr. of the Cromwell Medical Clinic and his staff!

The Cromwell Area Harvest Fest will be held the weekend of September 5 – 7th at the Cromwell Park Pavilion. Come out for the Steak Fry on Friday the 5th and then stick around for all the events of the weekend.  Parade on Saturday, Smorgasbord, etc.

Harvest Fest Parade:  It is once again time to call for entries for the Cromwell Harvest Fest Parade to be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 in Cromwell, MN.  For entry information, contact Rob or Deb Switzer at 644-3780.  Entry forms will be mailed to previous participants.  Prizes are awarded for top three entries.

The Cromwell Class of 1963 will be meeting at Harvest Fest for their 45th school reunion during the noon Smorgasbord at the Cromwell Park Pavilion.  Please let everyone know so as many as possible will be there.  They will also meet on Sunday, September 7th on the Vista King in Duluth at the 2 PM sailing: kids and grandkids are also welcome.  More details to follow if needed.  Other class members from earlier or later years are also welcome to join them on the ship.

A nice group of family and friends attend the wedding reception for Lonnie and Tiffany Bradford at his mother’s home on School House Road.  Congratulations to the newly weds and they thank everyone for their gifts and well wishes.

The residents of the Cromwell/Wright School District will be again voting on the “Excess Debt Service Levy Bond Referendum” on September 9, 2008 at the school. The residents have voted to approve this referendum in 1999, 2004, and 2006.  This approval has allowed the school board to approve the sale of over $835,000 of bonds over the past 8 years and keep the $835,000 in our district.  A YES Vote will not raise your taxes, it will just allow the school to keep our local “excess” and not have to send it to the state.  For more information, please call the school or any school board member.  The current school board members are Brenda Hutar, Shari Hutar, Charlie Maki, Greg Eliason, Todd Johnson and Steve Bridge.  An informational meeting will be held at the school on Wednesday, August 20th at 6 PM.

Last week’s quiz was:  What are 8 ways to get on base in baseball without getting a hit?  They are: Balk, Walk, Hit by a pitch, Defensive interference, Fielder’s choice, Catcher drops the ball on a 3rd strike, Being a designated pinch runner, and by Error.  Hope you had fun with that one.

Bill Gates advice on how to Avoid Poverty:  “Graduate from High School and wait till you’re married to have children.”

That’s all the news from Lake Countingthedaystillschoolstarts and Hello to the Harry Seppanan and his family. 

Monday, August 04, 2008

Wright Cromwell News

08/04/2008

Wright Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson August 4, 2006

The Kamunen family reunion was held in Cromwell on Friday, July 25, 2008. Dan Kamunen is the brother to the late Lydia Olesiak. Dan and his wife Sonja traveled from Littleton, Colorado to attend the Finn Feast. Dan is a Finnish interpreter.

Dan wanted to get the family together as all of his children were coming home also. Families from Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Missouri, the cities and surrounding areas were in attendance. There were over 100 people. Lempi Mattson played her harmonica and sang along with Florian Chmielewski as he played his accordion.  The little ones from the 4th generation had a great time dancing to the music.  Everyone had a wonderful time. It was great to see Ernie, Richie, and Martin Mattson and the whole Kunute family. Get well wishes go out to Lisa Kamunen who is fighting cancer. Lisa also spent the day at the reunion.

Don and Ida Rose Sunnarborg (Lydia Olesiak’s sister) from Billings, Montana were unable to attend as Ida Rose just had a hip replacement surgery.  She did call her son during the reunion and he put the telephone on the microphone for everyone to here her message to the family. Get well wishes go out to Ida Rose.

Gilbert and Dawn Kinnunen were in the area visiting old neighbors and friends.  They motored to the Ray and Lindsay Lally’s, Grace and Carolyn Krogh’s, Robert and Jennie Hanson’s, and Russell and Trish Peterson’s on Thursday, July 30, 2008.  It was quite a day for this world famous guy from Cromwell, after all he not only met the Finnish President at Finn Fest, he got a Finnish Hug from her, too.  You’ll have to ask him about that the next time you see him.  He will also be volunteering at the State fair in late August.  Maybe you will run into him there.

The school board is in the process of hiring a new principal and is looking for housing.  If anyone has a home to rent, please call the school immediately at 644-3716, ext 1000, or 1002

Harvest Fest will soon here as it’s just a month away, September 5th, 6th, and 7th.  I’d like someone to e-mail me the events so I can get them into the news next week.  Anyone??

The Cromwell Class of 1963 will be meeting at Harvest Fest for their 45th school reunion during the noon Smorgasbord at the Cromwell Park Pavilion.  Please let everyone know so as many as possible will be there.  They will also meet on Sunday, September 7th on the Vista King in Duluth at the 2 PM sailing: kids and grandkids are also welcome.  More details to follow if needed.  Other class members from earlier or later years are also welcome to join them on the ship.

The Farmer’s Co-op Store in Wright will hold their Annual Meeting will be on August 12th, at 6:30 PM in the Wright Senior Citizen building.  There will be a short business meeting, election of officers, entertainment, door prizes, and lunch.

Lonnie Bradford and Tiffany Riewe are getting married on August 2nd and his mother Melinda and her husband, Scott Ferry are hosting an Open House at their home on Tamarack School House Road the following week on Saturday, August 9th from 2 - 6 for the community of family and friends to attend.

I see that Danny Smith is running for 4th District Aitkin County Commissioner.  He drove his unique convertible in the Hey Day Parade and was campaigning for votes.  Good Luck!

Danny is also on the board of Lake Country Power for district 8.  And speaking of Lake Country Power, they are again offering a trip to the Wind Farm on August 27th and 28th and the Coal Creek Tour on September 10 – 12th.  If you are interested call 1-800-421-9959 for more information or to sign up.  These trips fill up fast, so don’t delay!

After 20 working years with Midwest Challenge, Roger Koskinen has decided to start his own Ministry named “Arise.” While the people at Midwest Challenge are disappointed to see him and his teams go, they know God has a plan.  Midwest Challenge is based in Minneapolis, Mn and works very hard to help troubled youth.

I’ve been watching a lot of the recent Twins games and was thinking that one time Bill Hoppe asked me how many ways a batter can get on base without getting a hit.  I did some thinking and then some research and came up with eight.  Can you come up with 8 ways to get on base with out a base hit?  I’ll let you know the answer next week if I remember.

And with that in mind, I heard tonight that the umpires in a series of games rotate clockwise for each game.  So the umpire that was at home plate one game goes to 3rd base for the next game, 2nd the next and so on.  That was a piece of trivia that I had never heard of before.  I guess you can “teach an old dog new tricks!” But then, I’m always looking for new things to learn.

Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell is again offering Faith Walk (aka Confirmation) Classes to the area youth in Grades 7 and 8 and those older who haven’t completed Confirmation.  They meet after school from 3:30 to 5 PM starting on Wednesday, September 3rd.  That’s the 2nd day of school.  If you didn’t get a letter about this, call the church @ 644-3130 for more information or Betty Deming.

Did anyone go to Duluth to see the Tall Ships?  If so I bet you had a pretty long wait to get on board these magnificent vessels.  With over 20,000 square feet of sail and thousands of nautical miles between them, Duluth welcomed three “Tall Ships” into the harbor on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2008.  The “Pride of Baltimore II” came in at 157 feet and the “U. S. Brig Niagara” came in at 198 feet long.  It must have been quite a site to watch these ships sail in and also a sight to see all the tourists watching them come into port.  The Schooner “Madeline” was also on this exhibit.

I forgot to mention that Kayann Allenspach and Cameron Cahoon were the crown bearers at the Wrong Days Coronation.  Sorry about that.

After many, many years in the farming and meat cutting business, Frank Salo of Cromwell, has decided to sell his farm and machinery at an auction sale on August 19th at 10 AM.  Look for auction bills in area businesses for more information and Good Luck, Frank on your sale.

That’s all the news from Lake Dogdaysofsummer and Hello to Lonnie and Tiffany, see you on the 9th.