Wright/Cromwell News

04/21/2008

Wright/Cromwell News by Jennie K. Hanson April 21, 2008


I got a note from Tracy and Brent Goranson and they have met with Julie and Jim Gronbeck in Brainerd a couple of weeks ago for lunch and shopping.  Everything is going well for them.  Matt will be graduating from college this June.  Andrea is busy with college and loving it.  Kristen was busy getting ready for Prom and she is also in the school play: “High School Musical”.  It was a great get-together.

Logan Shiflet was on the Dean’s List at Central Lakes College in Staples, MN majoring as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  He has a 3.25 Grade Point Average.

Garld (yes, it’s spelled G-A-R-L-D) J. Smith, 93, died in Stillwater, MN on April 14, 2008 after a short illness.  Garld was the oldest son of Clarence and Ina Smith of Cromwell, Mn.  He was in the Education Field all his life starting his career in a one-room school in Trout Valley, MN and ended his career as Asst. Superintendent at Stillwater, MN.  He was active sports and golf up until the last few months when he became ill.  His parents, brother Donald Smith, sisters: Dora Heaser, Geraldine Kurkinen, Hazel Line, and Eileen Walter preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Peggy (Steven Sorenson), Son, Robert (Debra), 4 grandchildren and two sisters, Marjorie Ihrke, and Lori Kisler and brothers, Erwin, Eugene and Clarence, Jr.  His funeral was held on April 19, 2008 in Stillwater, MN.  Our Sympathy to all the family, friends and extended family in the area.

Something remarkable happened on April 10th at the Country Inn in Cromwell.  That was the day that 4 - Bob’s were all in the restaurant at the same time.  They were Bob Hanson, Bob Schultz, Bob Manninen and Bob Saari.  So I guess the saying was true that day.  We just go Bob, Bob, Bobbing along!  Maybe Rick should plan a “BOB” Day and invite every Bob in the area to come on a certain day for a Free Cup of Coffee or something like that.  I think it would be fun.

There is a Rummage Sale at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell on Friday April 25th and Saturday April 26th.

Also a Huge Rummage Sale will be held at the Cloquet Armory on the 26th sponsored by the Carlton County Friends of Animals.

Then, don’t forget to attend the Baked Chicken Dinner at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright on Friday, April 25th from 4:30 – 7 PM.  This will be a homemade meal with lots of food and fellowship.  This is a Thrivent Branch # 31299 Matching Funds Event with money going to the furnace replacement project.

The Church of Christ in Tamarack will be showing the film, “The Wager” on Friday the 25th at 7 and 9 PM, Saturday and Sunday the 26th and 27th at 7 PM only.

Then, on Sunday, April 27th, come to Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell for a special Blue Grass Concert by the Gates Family at their regular 10:30 AM worship service.  So you can have a very busy weekend start if you want.

It seems that the area folks really support each other at church and community events.  There were many area folks at the Tamarack Presbyterian Church for their Spaghetti Supper a couple of weeks ago.  It’s nice to get together with friends and neighbors at these events.

The members of Bethlehem Lutheran in Wright want to give a very special thanks to Jo Schneider for helping them out with piano playing on Sundays during their regular worship services.  Jo isn’t always able to play for them, but when she does, it is really appreciated.  Thanks to Len, also for sharing his wife with us.

The next Wrong Days planning meeting will be at the Fire Hall on April 29th at 7 PM.  All volunteers are welcome to attend and really needed, too.  Let’s keep this special summer fun festival going!

The Annual Mother-Daughter Tea and Luncheon will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright on Saturday, May 10th at 1:30 PM.  There will be a special speaker, readings and several musical numbers, plus a wonderful luncheon served free of charge.  All great grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers and daughters of all ages are welcome to attend.  Make this a real “Mother’s Day” event for your family!

This year’s Baccalaureate will be held on Sunday, May 11th at Bethany Lutheran in Cromwell at the regular 10:30 AM Worship service.  Please inform any high school seniors that they are encouraged to attend this special service.

Have you seen the earthmovers at the Villa Vista?  Well, they are starting the renovation / construction faze of the new buildings, etc.  With this in mind, Cherie Nyberg wanted me to include some information about the Villa that she recently discovered.  She writes: “ Recently I was looking through files from my desk and came across a file labeled, ‘Duluth Musicians’ Association’, that I thought was interesting.  The letters were dated October 24, 1977, requesting Lorren Lindevig to entertain at the Villa Vista.  Of course, it was approved and since that time we have had Lorren many, many times entertaining.

Matt and Eleanor Vorderbruggen were also approved, and they began their performances in 1984, along with Florian Chmielewski who began in 1989.

Activity planning schedules were found for 1996, so these dates might not be 100% accurate.  Looking through 1997, Jerry Haller began on the piano with us, and Jerry Mowers played his soft, swaying music for a Sweetheart Dance.  Since then, Jerry Mowers plays on the 1st Monday of every month.

We always tried to plan a dance with live music and gave Niilo Oja a call.  He accepted in 1997 and now plays the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

Gary Powell was encouraged and accepted to play for us in the evenings in front of a small group in 2002.  Now he plays the first Wednesday of every month in front of a large crowd with Archie Heikkila who began in 2006, then with Lowell Kytola later in 2006 and 2007, Archie’s grandson joined the group in 2007.

The Villa was established in 1974, and they have had thousands of volunteer hours of music.  We thank you very, very much for your talents you share with our residents.”

Cherie ends her comments with this quote from Margaret Mead, Anthropologist.  “ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

That’s all the news from Lake Haveyouseenarobinyet?  and Hello to all the area fire fighters.  Let’s hope we have a safe spring fire season.  Watch those grass fires so they don’t get away.  And thanks for the news I received via email or snail mail this past week.  It really makes this job easier!