Monday, May 21, 2007

Wright News

05/21/2007

Wright News by Jennie K. Hanson

Hi and Congratulations to all of your area high school graduates.  The seniors in Cromwell will graduate on Friday, May 25, 2007 at 8 PM.

There were thousands of dollars in scholarships given out at the Senior Awards Banquet on Friday, the 18th at the school.  Heidi Smith was named Valedictorian and Alyssa Granholm was named Salutatorian for this year. There was only a 10th of a point separating these fine students.  Logan Shiflett was awarded the Perfect Attendance award for 13 years of Perfect attendance.  He never missed a day in grades K – 12th Grade.  Are there any others that can beat this record?

Did you ever wonder why the graduates wear those caps and gowns?  Well, I did until I found a story explaining the meaning behind them.  Now, I don’t know how true this story is, but I thought it was very interesting. THE LEGEND OF THE CAP AND GOWN Author Unknown

Long ago, in ancient Greece, when formal education was for the very rich or the very determined, a wise old teacher was approached by a group of noblemen.  “Our sons have completed their studies, and it is time for them to return to their homes and live in the style befitting their station. Tomorrow we will present them at a great banquet.  Be sure they are appropriately dressed in their finest robes and jewels.”

The following day, the banquet hall was filled with royalty and nobility dressed in dazzling finery.  The great moment came when the students entered with their beloved teacher.  A cry arose from the crowd, for here were their young men dressed, not in the garments of the noble, but in simple sack-cloth robes, each carrying a mortarboard - - the mark of the common workman.

“What is the meaning of this?” cried the noblemen.  “Our sons were to be dressed in their finest garments!” The wise teacher replied, “But they are! Your sons are dressed in the clothing of the mason, for their destiny is to build.  Some will build cities, some will build lives - - but all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge!”

And to this day all graduates were a cap and gown, proudly symbolizing the value of education, and the fact that they are builders of their future and the future of the world.

Jennie Waisenen, Bonnie Kahara, Dorothy Groth, Linda, Christie, & Amber Lehti, along with Sara and Elisabeth Kachinske attended the Mother-Daughter Luncheon at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McGregor on Saturday May 12th.

Our sincere and deepest sympathy to the family of Walter Victor Hakala, 77, of Cromwell, Mn, who died on May 12, 2007 in St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Mn.  He was married to his wife Joyce for 52 and ½ years and together they raised their 9 children.  So to his wife, Joyce, and his children, Wally and Mary, Crystal, Herman, Ed and Linda, Sheryl and Dan, Gail and Tom, Laurel, Muriel, Amanda, the his 17 grand children and 5 great grandchildren, keep Walter in your hearts and memories forever.  His funeral was held at Bethany Lutheran Church on May 15, 2007 with Pastor Janeva Stromberg officiating. Pallbearers were Wally Hakala, Jr., Chester Darris, Curtis Hakala, Kyle Smith, Jordan Smith, Matthew Hakala, Ed Hakala, and Herman Hakala.

By-the-way, Zona Turja said that Walter’s death made the 25th Gold Star on her autographed table cloth.  She has over 100 autographs on her dining room tablecloth and when a person who has signed the tablecloth dies, they get a Gold Star.

On Friday, May 18, 2007, I had some of the high school students write notes of sympathy to their Art Teacher Rachel Matuszak-Weizenegger on the recent death of her husband, Peter Weizenegger.  I was amazed at the depth of understanding and sympathy they felt for Ms. Matuszak.  Here are just a few of the comments they made to her.  I will not identify the writers out of respect for them.  “I feel terrible about your loss and I am very sorry.” “Just wanted to say sorry for your loss and I hope you can move past it.  Thank you for teaching me in your classes through the years. You taught me a lot.” “I am deeply sorry for your loss.  I know there is nothing a person can say in words how sorry I am for you.” “I am so sorry for your loss.  I don’t know the pain you are going through, but I do know that there are people in Cromwell that are here for you.” “ Sorry about Peter.  I met him once and he was a great person.  You will get through this one day at a time.  I know you are strong enough to get through this.  Take it easy, you are in my prayers.” “Hey, Ms. Matuszak, I heard what happened and I’m very sorry to hear that.  You’re a great teacher and you never do anything wrong for your students and you don’t deserve this.  I just hope you can go on with your life teaching people, and doing all the other stuff you enjoy.”

I attended the Memorial Service of Rachael Matuszak’s husband Peter on Sunday the 20th at the Tweed Museum at UMD.  There were several others from the Cromwell-Wright area along with many others from the Duluth and surrounding area.  Some of Peter’s artwork was on display.  Peter would have been 60 years old today, the 20th.

I was wondering where and when the Class of 1957 is having their 50th reunion?  Please let me know.  Also the class of 1955 and 1956 will be celebrating every year from now on at the Fireside in McGregor on the Saturday afternoon of Wrong Days in Wright.  This year they will get together on July 21st . Call Alice Lake for more information if you need it.

The 3rd graders again made all the posters for “Poppy Day” in Cromwell and Wright.  Check them out in the area business.

The family of Mike Nobis would like to thank everyone in the community for all the thoughts, prayers, and contributions for Mike when they were needed most!  God Bless! From the Nobis Family.

The family of Josh Jones would like to thank everyone for the support they gave for Joshua.  It has been very touching to see how many people care about our family and how many people loved Josh.  He had so many good friends.  It is through the grace of God that we are moving on from here, day to day.  From Cary, and Verlena Jones and family.

Be sure to stop in and wish Mary Jo Stenson good luck on her retirement at the school on Thursday, May 24th, from 2 – 4 PM.  Mary Jo has worked at the school for the past 36, yes, 36 years!  That the equivalent of going to school from grades 1 – 12, 3 times, plus the time she went originally.  So Mary Jo has been in school for at least 48 years!!  No wonder she’s so smart!  Anyway, Good Luck and really enjoy your retirement!

There will be an “Open House” Graduation Party for Kari Heikkila on Saturday, June 9th from 1 – 3 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright for family, friends, and classmates.

The PTA sponsored Track and Field Day will be on June 1st at the school. Volunteers are needed for set-up etc.  You can call Cindy Richards at 357-2312 or Deanne Smith at 644-3310 to volunteer.

Heidi Smith, Taylor Super and Megan Hibke were inducted into the National Honor Society on Friday at the Senior Awards Banquet.  Congratulations!

Congratulations to Lt. Brandon Burns, who recently earned and received his “silver wings” after graduating from military pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Texas.  Brandon’s grandpa, Wesley Heikkila, did the honors of pinning on Brandon’s wings.  While in training, each member of the graduating class received approximately 200 hours of flying instruction, 60 hours of flight simulator training, and over 500 hours of classroom instruction in the areas of flight procedures, applied aerodynamics, aircraft system, and weather. Brandon’s next step is to proceed to another base for additional training on a specific type of aircraft.

Attending the graduation events were his wife, Lt Rebecca Burns, from Bethesda Navel Hospital, MD, Grandparents: Ann and Wesley Heikkila, Brandon’s Mom, Susan Burns; brother, Chris and sister, Kari.  Flying in from Syracuse, NY was Brandon’s brother, Shawn and from Ft. Collins, CO, Rebecca’s parents, Jerry and Kathy Simpson.

Brandon graduated from Cromwell High School in 1999, enlisted in the Air National Guard, then transferred to the Air force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, graduating in 2005.

Devon and Mandy Egge, along many other Title I kids attended the Annual Spring Fling at the school for kids and parents on May 8, 2007.  Parents were invited to have breakfast with their kids and attend a meeting after breakfast.  Summer activity books were handed out along with the up-to-date changes that are coming up for Title I.  Principal Tom Cawcutt was there along with Title I staff, Sandi Gervais, Brenda Korpela, Claudia Thomas, and Melinda Ferry.  Lead Teacher, Rachel Matuszak was unable to attend due to the illness of her husband.

The After School Program ends on May 24th.  We want to thank the ASP Staff for all their hard work and creativity this year.  It is really appreciated and needed!

Our sympathy to the family of Eileen Smith Walters, 77, of Dover, Mn who passed away on May 17, 2007.  She is survived by her husband, Glenn, three sons, and one daughter.  She moved to Cromwell in 1940 and attended the Cromwell School.  She is also survived by brothers, Garld (Helen) Smith of Stillwater, MN, Erwin Smith of Cromwell, Eugene (Patricia) Smith of Cloquet, Mn, and Clarence, Smith, Jr., of Cromwell.  Sisters Marjorie (George Ihrke) of Dover, Mn and Lori Kisler of Elk river, MN and numerous nephews and nieces.  Funeral services held on Monday, May 21, 2007 At St. Matthew’s Church in St. Charles, MN

We had cake & coffee Sunday, May 20 for Heather Zoeller at St. John’s in honor of her graduating with her Masters Degree in Early Education from Concordia College in St. Paul.  On Saturday May 12th she attended her graduation ceremony in St. Paul - those in attendance were - Her husband, Jason and children Lacie and Michael; her parents Rev. Larry & Pat Cain. Her mother-in-law, Charlene Zoeller and sister-in-law Jana Zoeller.  Karen Reid was also in attendance at Heather Zoller’s graduation.  Rev. Larry Cain (Heather’s dad) has back pain and will be having surgery soon.

That’s all the news from Lake Plantthosegardens and welcome back hummingbirds. Get those feeders out!  The birds are hungry!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Wright News

05/14/2007

Wright News by Jennie K. Hanson May 14, 2007

Hi, Yes, it’s tax time again.  I hope you sent yours in on Monday or Tuesday of last week and also remembered to add the extra postage since the U. S. Post Office raised the rates to 41 cents as of May 14th.

I celebrated Mother’s day with all 3 of my sons.  Well, actually I didn’t see Curtis as he is in Hawaii, but he called and also spent time with Philip and Garrie.  That was really nice.

Cromwell-Wright School will be hosting Graduation on Friday, May 25th at 8 PM.  This year’s seniors were my last 4th Grade Class and they have asked me to speak at graduation.  I am honored and delighted to do this.  They were a wonderful class to end a teaching career with and I can only wish for them all the best in the future.  This year’s graduates are Johnathan Ammesmaki, Alexander Apter, Megan Beck*, Casey Casperson*, Gary Davis*, Alissa Granholm*, Heather Heino, Danielle Hibke, Jordan Johnson*, Man Ting Lai (Karen), Channing Lucking, Roseanna Neumeyer*, Grant Odegaard*, John Richards*, Levi Sheff*, Logan Shiflett*, Heidi Smith*, Nathan Smith, Taylor Super, Cory Vorbeck, and Timothy Waldemarsen*.  Of these 21 kids, 12 of them were in the 4th grade in 1998-1999*.  Several have moved away and new kids have taken their place.

A Celebration of 36 years of Service!  To thank her for her 36 years of service to the students, staff and community of Cromwell-Wright, there will be an Open House Retirement Party in Honor of Mary Jo Stenson on Thursday, May 24, 2007 from 2 – 4 PM in the school cafeteria.  All community members and former students are invited to come and thank Mary Jo and wish her well. If you would like to contribute to the gift, you may do so at the school.

The Senior Awards Banquet will be on Friday, May 18th starting at 7 PM. Dinner first with Awards to follow.

The last Sunday of Sunday School for this year will be on May 20th for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright.  Please have the kids there by 8:45 AM as they will be singing in church.

Ray Gurske has asked me to put a Thank You in the news for everyone who helped deliver packets to the residents around Tamarack Lake from the Tamarack River and Water Shed team.  All the recipients seemed to be very appreciative, too.

I got an email from Deb (Goranson) Johnson and she writes:  “Just a quick note to tell you about a fun day at The Villages, FL.  We are just loving it here in Florida, but yes, we too we are in dire need of rain. I cannot tell you the last time we had rain, all our ponds and some lakes are dry. So when you northerners get enough rain send some down to us.  We are having a lot of smoke from the fires in Florida.  Now you will never guess what!!!! We were up at our local hangout, It is the Orange Blossom Country Club Tiki Bar & Pool last Sunday.  We have putting tournaments, and trivia games, and fun.  Well we have teams of the pool side against the Tiki Bar, and yes Ken and I are on the Tiki Bar side.  The question was, What town in the USA has a festival called “Wrong Days in Wright?” I about fell in the pool, Oh my God I KNOW this answer. So I told our captain, and he had the audacity to ask me if I was sure. And I said , ‘Ray, where am I from?’, Oh yes, he replied MINNESOTA. Our next question was about the Beatles, and I got this question right too, only because I was a fan.  By the way the Tiki side won. Well I thought I would share this with you.

We are trying to make it to Floodwood, for catfish days, but with the price of gas who knows?  $2.97 a gallon here. I hope you get this and say hi to all...........Glad to see Toini and Leonard are still busy.

I will tell you a little about our community, it is a golfing community we drive our golf carts everywhere, store, bank, Wal-mart. There are over 63 restaurants here, we have 9 championship and 21 executive golf courses. If you are a golfer it is the next best thing to heaven, we tell everyone we traded our snowmobiles for a golf cart. We are between Orlando and Ocala, so not much worry about hurricanes. And you have to be 55 to live here. Although I do not qualify, I tell everyone I am married to an adult.  Well I have to get another cup or 2 of coffee. Ken is golfing this morning so I am going to be a bum. Well, Jennie, I think I have rambled too much.  Talk later Love, Deb (Goranson) Johnson.”

Now, wasn’t that nice to hear from Deb.

Our sympathy to Rachel Matuszak on the recent death of her husband, Peter Bernard Weizenegger, age 59, of Duluth on May 9, 2007.  A memorial service will be held for him on Sunday, May 20th at the Tweed gallery at UMD.  Rachel is our School’s Art Teacher.  Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.  Cards can be sent to Rachel in care of the Cromwell – Wright School P.O. Box 7 , Cromwell, MN 55798.

Another area family has been hit with a death in the family. Walter Hakala, SR, age 77, of Cromwell, died on May 12, 2007.  More on this next week.

Grace Krogh celebrated her 93rd birthday on May 3rd with a small informal get together of neighbors and friends.  Grace is still active and plays the organ for the Methodist church every Sunday unless she is traveling around the country with daughter Carolyn.  More Power to you, “Amazing Grace!”

Elizabeth Hanson celebrated her 90th Birthday on May 9, 2007 at the Villa Vista.  Her daughter Rose Marie and husband Kenneth Gregg were able to attend coming from Canon City, Colorado along with daughters Vivian and Cloyce Murdock, Vera and Paul Crotteau and son Bob Hanson.  Thanks for all the visits and cards!

The Villa Vista Thanked all their Volunteers at a Volunteer Thank You Breakfast on Wednesday, May 16th.  The place wouldn’t be the same without all the volunteers and you are deeply appreciated.

The Cub and Boy Scouts want to thank everyone for all their participation over the weekend at the car wash, flower and bake sale and the pancake breakfast.  Money will go to support the scouting programs in the area.  By-the-way, I have the original Certificate of Charter for the Boys Scouts that is dated May 31, 1946.  So Scouting has been around in our area for the past 60 years.  I am also trying to get a list of all the Eagle Scouts from Cromwell-Wright so we can have a plaque made and displayed.  If you are an Eagle Scout from Troop 176, or know of one, please let me know. Those I remember are Matt Hakala, Curtis Hanson, Paul Schadt, Buck and Orrie Bergstedt, and Leif and Luke Swenson.  I also would like the year they became Eagle.

The Cromwell-Wright American Legion Auxiliary is celebrating Poppy Day on Saturday, May 19th with bake sales at Warm Homes in Wright and Hometown Family Foods in Cromwell.  Please remember your community veterans by wearing a new poppy this Memorial Day season.  All donations you make toward the Poppy Fund help us support veterans and their families.  Thanks for remembering and keep the spirit alive!

I’ve been told that the VFW Honor Guard will be at the Eagle Lake and Forest Hill Cemeteries this Memorial Day, Monday May 28th.  Due to the limited number of Honor Guard members and the many requests for their presence, they will not be able to come to Wright this year.  Eagle Lake ceremony will begin around 7:45 a.m. and Cromwell Forest Hill ceremony will begin around 8:00 a.m.

Household Hint:  Zipper stiff?  Run the point of a pencil up and down the inside edges.

This week’s Trivia:  Pocahontas saved the life of English Captain John Smith in 1608 who had been captured by her father, Chief Powhatan.  Her real name was Matoaka and her nickname, Pocahontas really means “the playful or mischievous one.”

Bible Verse:  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.  John 14: 27.

That’s about all the news I can think of for this week from Lake Putoutthosecampfires and Hello to all Deb and Ken in Florida.