Wright News

08/16/2005

Wright News by Jennie K. Hanson August 16, 2005

Had they lived, my parents, Katharine and Wallace Dahlman would have celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary today, August 16.  They were married in 1939 and only had a couple of years together before WWII broke out.  During these war years they looked to the future and had 3 children. I was the 3rd of their 5 children and was born just after the war ended in August of 1945.  I am not considered a “Baby Boomer”, but just about.  I think my parents must have had a lot of courage to bring children into the world during those war years.  They must have been optimistic and looked to a better and brighter future for themselves and their children.

So with those thoughts in mind, I hope and pray that the war we are fighting now will soon be over and our soldiers can come home safe and sound.

Speaking of my late parents, my mom’s first cousin, Alvin Johnson of Floodwood died on August 12, 2005 at age 72.  His funeral was held on August 17th at the Catholic Church in Floodwood.  Alvin and his wife Violet (VandeNest) would have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 27th.  Our sympathy to her and their 3 surviving children, 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and his 4 sisters.

The Tri-Community Clothing Depot held their regular meeting on August 16th and it was decided that no more huge donations are needed at this time. That means the warehouse is full and they need time to get those things out before any further pick-up loads come in.  Smaller donations are welcome as long as they are left on the first landing of the old Wright School.  PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OUTSIDE THE BUILDING OR JUST INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR DOORS.  Last week donations were left outside and they got rained on and ruined.  Also, NO COMPUTERS OR COMPUTER PARTS ARE WELCOME.  They have no way of getting rid of them and the landfill charges $25.00 per item and that is way too expensive for the depot to deal with.

Speaking of the depot, the average income is around $500 to $600 per month.

Expenses can go as high as $300 - $400 a month, so the depot is doing well.  It also helps when people give extra cash donations.  Last year the depot donated over $2000 to charitable groups in the area.  So, thanks for all the support.

The Clothing Depot is also in need of more volunteers to help work on Tuesday and Saturday.  Please call me if you are interested.

The new Clothing Depot Officers are President: Jennie K. Hanson, Vice President: Marlene Almquist, Secretary: Shirley Walli, Treasurer: Carmen Martin, and Board Members: Art Jauss, Bob Hanson, Roxanne Norton, Ailie Costello and Jennie Waisanen.  There are also several other volunteers which are very much appreciated.

Don’t forget to attend the Bethany Family Night on August 24th at 6 PM for the Potluck or 7 PM for the program: Jasen with an “E” Concert.

Vacation Bible School, held in Cromwell the week of August 8 - 12th was a huge success.  There were over 75 kids in attendance and the theme this year was “Serengeti Trek.” Where kids are Wild about God!  The kids were divided into 4 Safari Crews and then went from station to station to learn about the stories in the Bible.  Leaders this year were Lynn Odegaard, and Julie Hedin, along with over 35 volunteer teachers, helpers and crew leaders.  The whole church was decorated with a jungle theme and they even had a 6-foot tall giraffe, huge trees and many, many posters and stuffed animals.

One of the projects this year was a treasure chest for donations to go towards getting things such as phone cards for our local guys serving in Saudi and Iraq.  The kids and their parents donated over $250.00 in change for this cause.  WOW! That was great.

There will be a special worship service at both Bethany and Bethlehem on Sunday, August 28th at their regular services.  A group called “Simple Grace” the Jim Hitch Family will be doing the service on that day.  Please feel welcome to attend at 9 AM in Wright or 10:30 AM in Cromwell to be blessed by them. There will also be an early service at 7:45 at both churches that day.

Earl and Marlene Almquist will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 17th from 2 - 5 PM at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell.

Bob and Yvonne Peterson have been selected Carlton County Senior Citizen’s of the year for 2005.  They will be honored at the Fair on Friday, August 19th.  Congratulations to you both.  When I think of Bob and Yvonne, I think of the word, “Teamwork.” They work together, tirelessly for any cause that comes their way.  Each one doing their part and getting the job at hand done.  They both told me that “They help out because it’s needed, and not for any special recognition.  It’s what God would want them to do.” Well, Bob and Yvonne, we all want to thank you for all your years of helping and this is only a small way to show our appreciation.

Wayne Thom was named “Minnesota Trapper of the Year” on Saturday, August 6th, 2005 at the Minnesota Annual Trapper’s Convention held at the Barnum Fairgrounds. Wayne was selected especially because of his work with youth on teaching the art of trapping to them.  There were several thousand trappers and their families at the convention this year.  There were Demonstrations, Vendors, the DNR, dancing, an auction, traps for sale, raw and tanned hides for sale, representation from the National Trapper’s Association, and the USA Fox and Fur was represented.  The Trapper’s association also donates many hides to schools for educational purposes.

Also attending were Wayne and Liz’s children and their families.  Dave, Mary and Alyssa Thom, Tim and Bonnie and Matt, Jacob, Adam and Elle, and Mike’s son’s Robert and Sean.

There are also a few up-coming events to keep in mind.  School starts on September 1st, The Harvest Fest in Cromwell will be the weekend of September 9th - 11th, and I’m sure football, cross country and volleyball are all underway at this time.

I want to especially thank everyone who helped out at the Little Red Schoolhouse this year at the Carlton County Fair.  This school is staffed by volunteer retired teachers from the area and the schoolhouse is well received.

Have a Great week from Lake Happytogetbackonaschedule and Hello to Berice Gresczyk and all your family.