Monday, December 29, 2008

Wright - Cromwell News

12/29/2008

Wright - Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson December 29, 2008

As I sit down to write the news it’s December 29th, 2008.  This year was very remarkable in many ways and now we look forward to 2009.  There will be many changes in the next year and the one that may affect folks the most is a new Pastor at Bethany and Bethlehem Lutheran churches in Cromwell and Wright.  Brandi Hacker has been called and has accepted the call and will be moving in soon.  She will start her first services on January 25th, 2009.  Because of annual church meetings, church at Bethany has been changed to the 9 AM time and at Bethlehem in Wright at 10:30 AM.  So keep that in mind when meeting her for the first service. 

One thing I usually do at the beginning of a new year is to go through my blank checks in my checkbook and put the new year in the date area so I don’t forget and put the wrong year in that space.  This saves a lot of scratching out and also reminds me to put “2009” on other places that require the date.

Carolyn Krogh has informed me that the Cromwell YOT is planning to host Driver Safety classes in January and February.  For those of you who have previously participated in the “Alive 55” program from the AARP, there will be refresher courses held on Thursday, Jan.8 –or- Wednesday, Jan 14 –or- Thursday, Feb. 12 from 9 AM until 1PM.  Each session will be held at the Cromwell Park Pavilion.  To keep current in this program, you need to take refresher classes once every three years; each participant could be eligible for a reduction in their auto insurance rates.  Space is limited so if you’d like to attend any of these sessions, please contact Carolyn at 218-644-3670 or Lindsay at 218-644-3739.

The regularly scheduled monthly meetings for Cromwell YOT for Jan., Feb., & March have been cancelled.  The next regular meeting will be the spring Pot Luck luncheon in April.  All YOT dances will be held on the regular (4th Thursday) dates as scheduled for Jan., Feb., & March.  So, the first dance will be on January 22, 2009 with the Fat Dutchman providing the music.

The Cromwell-Wright American Legion Auxiliary meetings for January & February have been cancelled.

Heather Zoeller wrote me a quick note about how St. John’s Lutheran Sunday School Christmas Program went.  The program was on Sat. Dec 20, they were afraid that they would have to reschedule the program because of the weather, but it was moved up an hour to make sure everyone would get home before it got too dark.  The kids did a wonderful job reciting their lines and singing many great Christmas songs.  Amber Lehti did a spectacular job of playing guitar with some of the heart warming Christmas carols.  The kids that participated were Amber and Aiden Lehti, Michael and Lacie Zoeller, and Elisabeth and Andrew Kachinske. After the program was complete, retired Pastor Lawrence Cain, from Villard, MN led the group in a closing prayer, followed by the children singing Happy Birthday for Jesus.

After the program was over, everyone gathered together to have a light meal and wonderful fellowship.  This program was a wonderful success and they look forward to doing it again next year. 

Bruce Stierna has been suffering the effects of a fungal infection in his brain for the last several weeks.  So far, antibiotics and antifungal medications have had little or no effect.  This week, (December 22nd) he suffered a stroke and had to undergo brain surgery to stop the bleeding.  When they operated, they also removed a mass, which they hope contained most of the infection.  Bruce’s prognosis for recovery and return to his former lifestyle is not good, and the doctors do not expect him to regain consciousness for some time – if at all.  We all know what prayer can do, and we hope that everyone who knows Bruce and those who wish they did will add their voices to our conversations with God to heal our friend.  We ask for his comfort and peace of mind.

How many of those Christmas Family letters did you get this year?  I got several and really enjoy getting them.  It’s sometimes the only time of year to catch up on friends and family. 

We got one from the Gronbeck’s and here is a short update on them.  Jim is still pastor at Zion Lutheran in Battle Lake, and Julie continues to work at the school there. Matthew, graduated from North Dakota State U with a degree in computer engineering and is employed at Summit Group.  Andrea is a junior at Southwest, MN State U, majoring in Elem. Ed., and Kirsten is a senior and enjoying her last year at Battle Lake High School.

A gift of money was received in Honor of Yvonne Davis that went to the Area Clothing Depot.  Thanks to Jean and Clark Paradise for this gift. 

Our sympathy to the family of Wally Randa, 64, who died on December 22, 2008 at his home in Wright, Mn.  Wally died on his and wife Beanie’s 45th Wedding Anniversary.  His funeral was held at Handevidt Funeral Home in Cloquet on Saturday, December 27, 2008.  Several of Wally’s favorite songs were played on CD, his granddaughter; Danielle read her memories and Sam Clark Officiated at the service.  Wally leaves his loving wife, Dardanelle “Beanie” and sons: Walter and Tina, Eugene, and daughter: Stacey and Ben Bonderson, and their families; brothers, Dennis, Richard, Daniel and Jack and sisters Shirley and Susan and brothers-in-law, Clinton Hakamaki and Ronald Rosbacka and many nieces and nephews and watch dog, Punky. 

As most of you know, Pastor Janeva Stromberg has moved on and will take a brief vacation before taking on another interim pastorate.  In honor of her service to our area, both Bethlehem and Bethany held farewell gatherings for her on Sunday, December 28th.  Many words of thanks and friendship were given and as part of the thanks in Wright, I even rewrote the words to an old familiar song called: So Long, It’s been Good To Know You and sang it to her with the help of the congregation on the Chorus.

So, here are the words I wrote:

So Long It’s Been Good To Know You Rewritten by Jennie K. Hanson
on the occasion of Pastor Janeva’s last Sunday with us.  December 28, 2008.

We’ve sung this song and we’ll miss you so much
We hope you are happy, We’ve enjoyed your touch
You loved us and cared and your life you have shared
And now you must be moving along, Singing
Chorus:
So Long, it’s been good to know you,
So Long, it’s been good to know you,
So Long, it’s been good to know you,

And now you’ve got-ta be drifting along.
We will miss you in church and in daily life
We will miss your caring during all of our strife
But, We’ll carry on and go on with our lives
You were there for us and helped us survive.
Chorus: 

We thank you again for all that you’ve done.
You’re presence was felt to each and everyone
We depended on you to show us the way
And now there’s only one thing we can say!
Chorus:

Your family was there along the way
They supported you both night and day
They helped you survive two very long years
They embraced you during the laughter and tears.
Chorus:

We thank you so much and we’ll continue to pray
You showed us the Savior each and every day.
We’ll pray for you in the morning and night
And we’ll proclaim the Lord’s Holy Might.
Chorus: 
So Long, it’s been good to know you,
So Long, it’s been good to know you,
So Long, it’s been good to know you,
And now you’ve got-ta be drifting along.

So, that’s all the news from Lake Takeabreak and enjoy 2009.  I think it will be fine. Happy New Year!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Wright – Cromwell News

12/22/2008

Wright – Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson December 22, 2008

With Christmas just a few days away as I write this and the new year only a few more days away, it is a good time to stop and think of others and how they are doing during the holidays.  I usually don’t get around to sending a lot of Christmas Cards, but do try to keep in touch with friends all during the year via e-mail or regular mail.  I am still one of those old fashioned people that write letters and love to receive them, too. 

Early Childhood Screening (Preschool Screening) will be held on two dates in January.  The first is Tuesday, January 13th and the second one is Friday January 30th.  Packets were sent out December 22nd.  If your child is between the ages of 3 1/2 and 5 years old and has not been through a screening and you did not receive a packet please contact Rachel Lind at the school, extension 3150.

Congratulations to Heather Werner and Stacy Smith on the birth of a daughter, Karleigh Mae Smith on December 2, 2008 and to Brenda and Dean Nyberg on the birth of a son, Drew Denver Nyberg on November 28, 2008.  I see the tradition of naming boys starting with “D” is still in tact. 

If you have news of other births, or any event, please let me know at my email address: or give me a call at 357-2385. 

Ray Lally waits for December 21st every year as that is the shortest day of the year.  As a matter of fact, it’s his favorite day of the year.  Why would he love this day so much, you may ask?  Well, that’s the day that our minutes of daylight start getting longer and longer and we are on our way back to the longest day of the year.  I guess we really do love daylight and these long, cold, dark days of winter do get to us at times, but knowing that the days are getting longer really helps.

We have had a lot of very cold weather lately.  This seems to be here very early this year along with the great amount of snow that we have had.  We will really have a “White Christmas” this year.  So, for those of you reading this in sunny, warm weather, don’t envy us, just deal with the warm, snow less, Christmas.

Our sympathy to the family of Ronald Rosicky, age 77, who died on December 15, 2008 at his home in rural Cromwell.  Ronald was the only child of Zinnia and Bill Rosicky and lived in the Cromwell area all his life.  So, to his wife, Judy whom he married on July 9, 1995, and his five step-sons, Mark and Denise Warner, Todd and Erika Warner, Scott and Doreen Warner, Tyson and Christine Warner and Ryan and Carmen Warner, his 16 grandchildren; his two Aunts, Ebba Hedin and Ramona Harp, and a large group of family and friends we offer our deepest sympathy.  His funeral was held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran Church with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery in Cromwell, MN. 

Our sympathy to the family of John Louhela, age 90, who died on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Villa Vista in Cromwell, MN.  John was one of my favorite residents as he was always so appreciative of all the activities I did with the residents on my visits with them.  His funeral was held on December 22, 2008 at Hope Lutheran Church in Floodwood, MN.  Rest in Peace, John! We’ll miss you.

Many folks have asked me what our son Curtis is doing and he informs me that he is the Senior Systems Annalist for the Marine Corps, also, the online Manager for Hawaii’s Star Bulletin and Mid Week Newspaper, and is a Security Supervision for the Navy on weekends.  So, he has two full time jobs and one part time job.  He is also trying to finish his Master’s degree in Computer Administration, but because of his current work load, is taking a break from college. 

He was also telling me that he has heated seats in his car.  I said why would anyone need heated seats in Hawaii and he said, “It gets pretty cold in the mornings here.” (Yea, upper 60’s and lower 70’s) We should be so lucky to have these temps in December, January, and February.

So, with Hawaii in mind, here a little Hawaiian Trivia:  The Hawaiian people did not celebrate Christmas prior to the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778. It was, however, the protestant missionaries from New England who first arrived in 1820 who first introduced Christmas to the Hawaiian people.  Here are some key phrases that you may hear in Hawaii during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday season.

Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas. The words “Mele Kalikimaka” are a phonetic translation. When the missionaries and other Westerners first brought the custom of Christmas to the islands the Hawaiians had difficulty pronouncing Merry Christmas and turned it into words that rolled more easily off their tongues.

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year. The western Christmas and New Year fell during this same time of the year that the Hawaiians traditionally honored the earth for giving them plenty to eat. This period of resting and feasting was called Makahiki (mah-kah-HEE- kee). It lasted for 4 months, and no wars or conflicts were allowed during this time. Because makahiki also means “year”, the Hawaiian phrase for “Happy New Year” became “Hau’oli (happy) Makahiki (year) Hou (new)"(how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho).

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mahalo Nui Loa - Thank you very much. When you receive a nice gift or are treated to a special meal or beautiful song, you’ll want to express your appreciation for the kindness.

Several Christmas Programs were held over the past week.  The Elementary program was well attended, but the High school Program was not so lucky.  With the terrible weather and no school on the 15th attendance was down, but those who came enjoyed the efforts of the students and their teachers.

Sunday School Christmas programs were held at St. John’s, Bethany and Bethlehem Lutheran churches, too.  It is always a joy to see the kids telling this important story, the birth of Jesus, and they do it with such uniqueness.  You never know what will happen when 3 to 12 year olds are on stage!  This year a teddy bear played the part of baby Jesus at Bethlehem and a 3 year old kept taking the bear out of the manger and hugging it.  I guess that’s our message.  Take the savior out of the manger and embrace Him, too!

The Cromwell area Luminary Committee put on a wonderful event on December 20th at the Pavilion.  Every year for the past 4 years this committee has put on this event to commemorate those loved ones who have died in the past year and or the past years.  This year there were 41 names read and remembered that died in the past year.  They are: Mary Aho, 83, died: 12-13-07, Robert Dalbec, 69, 12-15-07, Leonard Aho, 89, 1-18-08, Hulda Hill, 96, 1-28-08, Nina Hart, 78, 2-05-08, Dick Hotchkiss, 79, 2-10-08, Esther Broadway, 92, 2-11-08, Jasper Beseman, 85, 2-16-08, Navada Davidson, 23 Mo., 2-19-08, Mae Huntoon, 92, 2-20-08, Vernon Harp, 96, 3-15-08, Lynn Groth, 70, 4-01-08, Peter Martwig, 69, 4-19-08, Vi Koivisto Lahti, 85, 5-10-08, Reg Lally, 87, 5-14-08, Lillian Anderson, 86, 5-29-08, Sonja Asp Egerdahl, 92, 5-27-08, Ruth Larson Jonland, May 2008, Dorothy Hakala, 68, 6-11-08, Wanda Woolums, June 2008

Bill Parkinson, 81, 6-15-08, Marvin Kempi, Stanley Grover, 92, 8-15-08, Kaleb Anderson, 3, 8-28-08, Angel Holm, 36, 9-9-08, Arlene Sandness, September 2008, Donna Lehti, 9-14-08, Kenny Lake, 74, 9-24-08, Ruth Sjodahl, 9-12-08, Betty Johnson, 9-28-08, Leo Westerlund, 94, 9-30-08, Henry Oja, 82, 10-16-08, Kenny Peterson, 79, 10-16-08, Travis Pylka, 37, 10-15-08, Eugene Dale Richards, 43, 10-22-08, Lempi Thompson, 81, 10-28-08, Uno Rentola, 94, 11-06-08, Toivo Mattila, 83, 12-08-08, Ailie Kiheri, 86, Dec, 2008,George Amundson, 71, 12-08-08, Ron Rosicky, 77, 12-15-08, and John Louhela, 90, 12-15-08.

As the year comes to an end, here’s a little quote that I got a kick out of:  What’s the worst thing about getting old?  Getting old!

So, with the passing of another year, I want to wish you all a Belated Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year and try to stay warm!

That’s all the news from Lake Let’slookforwardtoanewyear and Hello to all the folks in hospitals or nursing homes.  We love you and wish you could be back home.