Friday, December 17, 2004

December 17, 2004 - Friday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/17/04 FRIDAY grp. 3
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The current temperature under a cloudy sky is 18 degrees with a south
wind blowing 19 MPH.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 25/12
Last years H/L temperature was 17/0
Normal H/L temp for this date is 20/2
Every now and then, weather folks tell us we should prepare for
"another blast" of Canadian air. Does anyone know where, in the air,
they find the Canadian air label?
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
-------------------------------------
I've been told, when I mentioned the House fire this week, in the
former Joe Bernard residence that it spawned a memory or two.
Joe, as I understand it was a fairly accomplished painter. (the
building kind of painter) I understand he's left his mark on more than
one church in the area. Another individual mentioned how pretty Joe's
wife was, and, that she was more than a bit concerned about the fact
that Joe, "may" have caressed the open end of a bottle of "spirits" more
than she could tolerate.
I Was also told that the Bernards had a daughter named Geraldine.
According to that rumor, that's where Billy DeSautel learned to pursue
the fairer sex. That story continues, that "Nip" Lykken might even be
able to add substance to it.
Those that can remember when the Bernards lived in that house, might
also remember another painter, Fred Aas, that lived just north of the
Bernards. Then of course, the Robert (Bob) Barr house and some might
remember the last house on the north end of the side of the street. The
Berg residence. Aren't memories great?
==
Children may tear up a house, but they seldom break up a home. (Thanks
Dane)
==
The new West Side Liquor Livery is open. You'll find it just behind
the KUM & GO sign. I guess the gas is still Cenex, (Farmers Union) for
you older folks.
It looks to me like the place to go if you want to get gassed up, and,
liquored up for the holidays. I guess we should thank the Farmers Union
for joining forces with Cenex and Cenex for bringing in the KUM & GO,
who, in turn opened up another off sale libation facility to our area.
==================================
The World Junior Hockey Tournament is just around the corner. "We"
Grafton has been allow the honor, (and it is truly an honor) of hosting
one of the WJHT exhibition games, prior to the actual tournaments being
held in the two Engelstad arenas at Grand Forks and Thief River Falls.
The boys playing in the WJHT games are NOT professional "wanna-be's".
The are actual professional hockey player "gonna-be's".
I received the following note regarding Graftons participation in the
areas once in a lifetime WJHT opportunity.
Gary:
Just checking in to see if you could help the Grafton Park District
"spread the word" about purchasing tickets (in advance) for the upcoming
WJHT Exhibition Game featuring Belarus & Slovakia. Our guests will be
here next Wed. the 22nd, at approximately 4:00pm. The Centennial Center
doors will open at 6:00pm with the game starting at 7:00pm. People who
have already purchased tickets will be allowed to pass through in a
separate line (express) while those who buy tickets at the door risk
waiting in a line & not getting to the seat they want.
To host this event is a privilege as well as an awesome opportunity to
witness world level hockey action - a "MUST SEE" event for a reasonable
price....only $10/ticket and in the comfort of a hometown rink with
ample parking as well as excellent concessions & service. The excitement
is building.....
Thanks much for your help in circulating these thoughts, Gary - we
appreciate it!
Ann Poeschel West
Grafton Parks & Recreation

-Thanks a million Ann. I would expect every
"hockey person" in the area to purchase tickets for this event.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Two wonderful people will be celebrating 33 years (thirty three) years
of marriage tomorrow, Saturday December 18th.
I have been assured the person most involved will understand, and have
been asked to simply relay the following;
** I am so lucky to share my life with such a wonderful
man! With all my being, I Love You!!! Happy Anniversary**
--
The passing of Don Elznic brought the following message from Ralph
Kingsbury. Gary, I have something for you to ponder while in your
library. How come it is only the good ones who die early? First, Mr
Bradshaw, and now Don Elznic. Like you, I don't suppose I knew him well
enough to call him a friend, but he certainly was one of the nicest
acquaintance I had. You would go in the post office and it was always a
cheerful greeting, the same thing if you met him on the street, or at a
ball game. His kids and wife are just as wonderful. The daughter is
quiet and pretty, like her mother, and Adam is just a Don, Jr., and one
of the best actor's GHS has ever had.
I am not saying that everyone who lives to be older is not nice, but it
seems to me there are just too many like these two taken from us before
we are ready to let them go. Ralph Kingsbury<<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Ralph. If someone would have told me,
when I was young, how much time I would be spending in he library. I
would hae told them, they were full,...of it.
==================================
Betty Lou (Brekke) Davis sent the following note regarding Don,
Hi Gary and Patty YES I did get your
newsletter THANKS.....I was saddened to hear about Don Elznic, he was
my mom's neighbor on the farm and he and his wife were so good to my
mom. It is so sad to loose someone, and, especially during the
holidays.
I used to visit and kid around with him when I would go to the post
office in Grafton,
BettyLou<<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Betty Lou.
==================================
THAT'S ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!
Dog gone, bugger, heck, shucks, gee wilikers, son-of-a-dirty-word.
Rats,...the Leistikow park was hit again last night. This time, a group
of "individuals" pushed the bull in Wally DeSautels Walt Disney
wonderland display down the dike. WHY? Why would anyone do such a
dastardly dead. Why would a group of "mothers children" want to destroy
such a terrific project. WHO, who, could possibly be so insecure. I have
every confidence in the world that someone, of responsibility, knows the
perpetrators of this event.
"Our" community must find ways to stave off such acts if "we" are to
continue to enjoy "our" Beautiful Leistikow Park.
I am in hopes that all of "our" areas news media will pickup on the
story, so that the vandals know they will be aprehended.
Wally has assured me he hasn't given up. That he will repair the damage
and will continue his plans for an even better display next year. Thank
you very much Wally. A lessor man would most certainly have thrown in
the towel.
Or, so it seems to me.
==================================
SADLY, I report the passing of Donald (Don) Brown, age 87. Don spent
his life farming and trucking in the Drayton area. Over the years I
worked on several projects with Don. I always found Don easy to work
with, almost to a fault. Both Don, and his son Keith, were istraental in
the dike building project around the Drayton factory in 1997.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me,
I will, however, always appreciate it."
GLM


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

December 12, 2004 - Thursday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/02/04 THURSDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is nothing, nothing above and nothing below.
Zero for the folks into numbers.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 18/11
Last years H/L temperature was 27/7
Normal H/L temp for this date is 25/9
The one to two inches of snow we received last night grew to four
inches this morning.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
There's something to be said about a bobcat cleaning the snow off
driveways at 4:00 am in the morning. There is definitely something to be
said. Unfortunately I can't print it in the Gazette.
==================================
They did it, it's a done deal, (almost).
The Grand Forks and East Grand Forks Chambers of Commerce will combine
into an organization 1,000 members strong. It appears as though some
were concerned that the larger Grand Forks contingent, would consume the
much smaller East Grand Forks contribution to the merge.
Fortunately, after hearing that the new offices will be located in East
Grand Forks, everyone was willing to forget about the clout the big
side, with it's University might have.
Personally, I think it's a super idea. I have no doubt, Mayor Brown has
already told the folks from East Grand Forks how fortunate they are to
have Grand Forks right across the river. He (Mayor Brown) drove forty
miles north to share that same story with us. I wouldn't place any
wagers, however, I'm gonna guess he hasn't been back since, to stay, or
spend any of his money here.
Of course I think the merge is a good idea. Consolidating services,
minimizing duplications, one entity speaking for both is the wave of the
future.
I can see it all now. A hunter from Ohio, calls the Grand Cities
Chamber office (located somewhere close to the bridge between the two
cities) and says. I will be coming through your "two cities" next week
and will be looking for a new gun. Where, in your opinion, would be a
good place for me to start looking?
With the total honesty and sincerity of a politician in a new election.
The Chamber representative might say something akin to. "Well sir, if
your coming in from the East, you might want to stop in at Cabella's and
check out their firearm inventory. On the other hand, if you are coming
in from the West, just stay on highway two til you cross the bridge,
hang a right and follow the signs to Cabella's. Of course the folks from
the north should turn left on 2 and conversely those from the south
should head for the bridge east of the interstate on highway 2.
Nope, I don't see a problem there at all. If I were to see any problem
with the merger what-so-ever, and I don't. The suggestion made by Jim
Dalglish that member dues "must drop" and that the building of a new
Chamber office shouldn't get in the way of that, could put a wrinkle in
someone's fruit-of-the-looms.
Then too, one should keep in mind Joanne Otto's revelation that,
outreach is important because, "you always find that it's the smaller
guys that are intimidated."
Boy,.. girl you can sure say that again.
==================================
It's called bite and release. I've been practicing it for several
years now. It eliminates the need for scales and rulers. It allows even
the most novice fisherperson the opportunity to "bring home" a
whopper,...in his imagination.
Now, however, according to an article in todays Grand Forks Herald
(page 5 B). The walleyes I have been "practicing" catching, might not be
walleye's at all. They could be zanders, yup, (that's Norwegian for it
ain't lutefisk either) it seems some unscrupulous kitchens are
practicing "bait and switch". Their menu says fresh walleye, but the DNA
test says it's zander.
Until I read the article I could have said, "I not only haven't eaten
zander, I've never even heard of it before. One thing I can say for
certain, if your looking for fantastic Lake of the Woods walleye, and
you practice bite and release as I do. Stop in at Arnesen's Rocky Point
Resort Lodge. Their walleye is out of this world, and, their all
caught,.. right in the lip.
==================================
ANOTHER STUDY:
LOW - FAT BEATS LOW - CARB
I sure like that idea.
==================================
If you haven't had the opportunity to go through Leistikow Park, in the
dark, It is worth the trip. Yesterday, someone put up a super giant
horse and wagon display. Four large horses pulling a wagon loaded with a
Christmas tree and a driver. It definitely required a lot of labor to
build and is a fantastic addition to the already wonderful displays in
the park.
==================================
NOW THEN:
Yesterday, Wednesday December, 1st was the anniversary of the birth of
Mike Stauss. I'm pretty sure the doctor that delivered Mike slapped his
butt at birth. If he didn't, he should have. As soon as Mike blows out
the candles from this years cake, he will qualify for the next edition
of the AARP magazine. It isn't that Mike is to old to keep working. The
question is, is he to old to start.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike while I was at the East Grand
Forks Factory. Mike was, and still is, the expert in charge of the EGF
sugarbeet Deep Freeze project. Deep Freeze folks are special people,
Lavern Hoeper can attest to that. Their temperamental, Katie can attest
to that. They can be a real pain in the ----budget, Dan Gowan can attest
to that.
Mike, and we can all attest to this, is a super Deep freeze man and
terrific individual, my friend,...and he was, one year older yesterday.
Gosh I'm sorry this is late Mike. My excuse is, I spent all day
yesterday trying to think of something nice to say about you. So here it
is.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE STAUSS,
I miss working with you, and, I wish I was there. Gary - GGP
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

December 12, 2004 - Sunday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/12/04 SUNDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees under a cloudy sky with wind
speeds exceeding county road speed limits, gusting to interstate levels
a times.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 38/20
Last years H/L temperature was 0/-17
Normal H/L temp for this date is 22/4
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
Yesterday our community bid farewell to Robert (Bob) Bradshaw. The
services were held in the Grafton High School Auditorium. Bob leaves a
void in the lives of many. The following note from our daughter Wendy
gives some insight to losses felt by many. Wendy wrote;
As I sit here and wait for the clock to tick by, I look for support
of my parents. I am getting ready to leave our home to go with my four
daughters and a niece to help them say good bye to a true friend.
Mr. Bradshaw may have been their superior, but to them he was a friend.
He was there to support them through all that high school had to offer.
Nicole is taking it REALLY hard she adored him. He was first to say good
job and always there to tell her what a doll she is. She will not do
well today and in turn that will be hard for me as her mother, not to be
able to take away her pain. Jennifer is singing in the choir today and
she is packing a lot of kleenex. We have a home hockey game tonight,
and, an away basketball game in Langdon. I pray for all our children.
Dr. Stremick has REALLY picked up the slack for our Nicole and has made
special efforts to go out of his way to ask her how she is doing, and to
let her know he is there for her. I THANK GOD for our school system,
and, the people they employ. Anyway, I will sign off now, as the girls
are telling me its time to go. I wouldn't wish this day on anyone. This
is when I find being a parent very hard. Love, Wendy<<< Thank you very
much Wendy, for caring and sharing. The loss of a friend or loved one is
always very difficult. It is the reason I end every Gazette with; Write
if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late. (I love you very much)
==================================
Beverly Demers sent the following note that sums up Bobs funeral
service.
Hi Gary,
As I'm sure you've already heard from many of your subscribers, the
funeral service for Bob Bradshaw yesterday afternoon was very nice. From
where I was sitting, it appeared that the high school gym was full. It
was a tribute to a wonderful man and the legacy he left behind. Bob
obviously touch many lives.
Thanks Beverly for caring and sharing. Your observations are absolutely
correct.
==================================
I found the following message in yesterdays mail from Janet Burns. She
wrote; Hi Gary:
Thanks again for the time and effort you put into each writing to us,
it is always wonderful to think of the past and a much simpler life. The
holidays don't seem to have the luster and excitement that they used to
- except for a few moments when I drive through "our" park and see all
of the wonderful displays. It seems both time and life have a way of
changing that in us.
I always enjoy the remarks that you receive from Dane and then share
with us. I am wondering if this is Dane Molde and if so, where is he now
and what is he doing. I remember Dane from the years I worked at the
high school, what a great guy he was.
Jan Burns<<<
Thanks a million Janet for caring and sharing. I must admit, I too have
noticed "we tend to put more effort into "selling ideas for Christmas",
than we do "selling the idea of Christmas."
I also find it a bit confusing that "we" must go to war, to "kill and
be killed" because, the folks we are going to war for,.... did the same
thing.
As far as Dane is concerned. If the Dane you remember from school was
head and shoulders above the rest. If he was the one wearing tennis
shoes, the size of snow shoes, he could well be the boy you remember. I
must confess that I too, have wondered, what Dane Molde is currently
doing. So, to that end, I'm going to expect that Dane send us a note, a
short "resume" so to speak, of what he's done since high school. There's
no hurry Dane, try have it back for Mondays Gazette....Okay?
P.S.
Yes,.. we certainly do have a wonderful park,.. don't we
==================================
The human brain is like a freightcar, guaranteed to have a certain
capacity, but sometimes running empty. (Thanks Dane)
==================================
We would like to welcome two new members to the Gazette family. Ronda
Anderson and Michele Martin will be subjected to the lunacy of the
Gazette. I can't promise you more than you pay for. However, I can
promise, what you see is what you get. In return, all I ask is once in
awhile, please send me a note so that I know your address is still
active, and, if you can, let "us" know a little bit about your world as
well.
If you want to send me a note and prefer I not "send it out to the
group" simply say "just between us" or, "please don't share", or, If
it's really a hot topic and you want it to stay a secret, you might ask
that I "burn it upon receipt". Anyway, I am pleased to add both Ronda
and Michele to "our" address book. Gary - GGP
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me.
I will, however, always appreciate it."
GLM


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Friday, December 10, 2004

December 10, 2004 - Friday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/10/04 FRIDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 18 degrees (above) under a cloudy sky. A
north breeze at 14 MPH puts the wind chill number at 6 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 29/26
Last years H/L temperature was 12/-4
Normal H/L temp for this date is 22/5
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff;
I received the following message from our daughter-in-law Denise
regarding the recent Vessel of Praise Concerts, held in Grafton and Park
River in the past few days.
Gary,
Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Vessel of
Praise Concert at the Lutheran Church in Park River. It is a Christian
Choir consisting of local people. It was absolutely amazing! The
singing, the music, the environment, and most of all - the message, was
truly fantastic! If you ever get a chance to see them, by all means
do!!! They are fantastic! It is so refreshing to see area residents
proclaiming the message of God and the Bible in such a beautiful way!
They didn't charge anything, but there was a free will offering for the
church and the choir to continue their work. Well worth the donation!
Hats off to the entire group! Denise -----<<<< Thanks a million Denise,
for caring and sharing. Denise is the "D" in B & D Flooring and Carpet
Cleaning.
I've heard many positive comments about this group. Once again, it's
proof positive that you don't have to travel great distances to see
great entertainment.
==================================
Heaven, is a much better place today. With deepest sorrow, I must
report the passing of Robert (Bob) Bradshaw.
Bob was more than a loving husband and father. He was, much, more than
"our" high school Principal. Bob Bradshaw was a man with principles.
Shortly after Bob started his career in Grafton, I started hearing
about a man, "all the kids in school just love." I could tell Bob was a
"cut above the rest" simply by the way my grandchildren referred to him,
almost on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, for me, I didn't have the opportunity to know Bob very
well personally. As I did with Miss. Nordbo, Miss Torkelson, Miss
Carlson and Mrs Qualley, to mention a few.
I can say, however, from the comments I've heard from students and
residents alike. Robert (Bob) Bradshaw, was right up there among the
"best". I have often heard it said that you can always replace a man,
and, that is certainly true. However, you can never replace "The Man",
and that's why Heaven has become a better place,... because now "The
Man" Bob Bradshaw has entered it's gates.
We would like to extend or most, heartfelt, and sincere sympathies to
the Robert (Bob) Bradshaw family. He has left a mark that will never
fade from the halls of "our" school system, and the streets of "our"
wonderful community.
Thank you Bob for all you have left for us, and, God speed. From the
entire Gary Moe gene pool.
"It'll take a whole pen full of ink to draw the dash of Bob's life."
GLM
==================================
"To know what is right, and then not do
it, is the worst form of cowardice."
==================================
I notice some HOTMAIL.COM addresses are having a bit of a problem
again. Yesterdays Gazette was returned "unopened" from four folks with
hotmail.com addresses.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I received a note from Norman (Nip) Lykken yesterday. I'm not sure if
Nip intended to share his new acquisition with us on the same day the
news about the problems laptops create for a mans gene pool generation
equipment, or not.
Anyway, I received the following note from Nip; >>>hello to all our
contacts. I'm sending this from our new laptop we got ourselves for
xmas, so feel free to send us e-mail and keep us informed of all the
news. We love this place we are at.
We also have a new phone no here on top of our cell phones.
The sun is shining today... It has been cold and windy.
We just got back from the hospital where Kathy had some tests done.
Everything looks great. Good news to enjoy the Holidays with.
Norm and Kathy<<< That is wonderful news. Thanks for caring and sharing
Nip. It hasn't exactly been a heat wave here either. Although every
morning we still get a chance to hear Billy beller, "turn the heat down"
at Granny's.
==================================
God will either lighten our load or strengthen our backs. (Thanks
Dane)
==================================
I was pleased to see Hagens Construction put up a nice display in
Leistikow Park. The one from Hardee's seems to grow more every day, and,
the beautiful horse and wagon display now has a "Budweiser" sign in
front of it.
==================================
Have you noticed? It's the little things in life that make it worth
living.===
For instance, just the other day, while visiting the "Gazette Library".
I got to wondering, old age does require it, you know. Who, I wondered,
uses the "library" more? Then I realized, The age old question of, who
should put the lid up when their done, would in fact, answer my
question.
Yup, (that's Norwegian for Holy Smokers) I figured that, if, when I
enter the "facility" the lid was still up, I was probably using it more
often than someone else. On the other hand, if, the lid (on the water
closet) was down. That would mean someone had been there since me. Now
then, isn't that just the kind of thing one needs to know, before the
holidays?
Then again, still visiting the library, I got to wondering. Why I
wonder about things like that anyway?
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me,
I will, however, always appreciate it." GLM


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

December 9, 2004 - Thursday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/09/04 THURSDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees with a light mist coming from a
cloudy sky.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 28/22
Last years H/L temperature was 31/5
Normal H/L temp for this date is 23/6
Take a drive south, down Griggs Avenue, from highway 17. It's worth the
trip.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
Holiday shoppers were out in full force today. On three separate
occasions yesterday, I noticed every available main street parking spot
was being used. That is, every spot that the sidewalks were shovelled. I
found it interesting that every parking spot, during the same time
frame, that hadn't been shovelled, was empty.
Yup, there's no question about it, folks just don't seem to want to
crawl over snowbanks, or trudge over slippery, uneven cobblestone to
spend their hard earned money. Or so it seems to me.
==================================
"We" received a couple notes yesterday with a mention of Chase School
and the Chase Building. Loren Lunberg sent the following (after a tiny
bit of editing).
Chase School.....Hulda Carlson.......and Ernest Bayze (sp?), who
seemed about 12 feet tall when he joined us in the 4th grade......As I
recall, halfway through the school year Ernest left, and, once again
Hulda was the largest person in the room...... LL<<<
Thanks for caring and sharing Loren. I too remember Hulda as the most
dominant and predominant person in Forth grade. During that "era" I also
remember Miss Torkelson as the tallest, prettiest teacher I ever met,
although Miss Nordbo, without question, was not only very pleasing to
the eyes, she displayed a understanding for some of my foolishness most
other instructors found difficult to understand. Then, there was Mrs
Qualley, my 5th grade teacher. If I could have had a third grandmother,
it would have been Mrs Qualley,... without question.
I have, over the years, learned to appreciate the extreme importance
many, if not most, of the teachers in my life have played in my life. I
have, on occasion been able to tell some of them personally. I have
also, on occasion, been able to share my appreciation of some with their
children. I certainly encourage everyone to do the same.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If your looking for jewelry, stop in at Golden Harvest Jewelry.
Graftons finest jewelry store. If you want to see the largest Diamond in
town. Take a drive through Leistikow Park and see the Golden Harvest
Jewelry diamond display.
"It is worth the trip."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"We" received the following note from a current resident of the Chase
Building. Loretta wrote; >>>> Morning Gary: In reading some of the
memories from folks that went to Chase School - I just happened to think
that if/when any of them are back home here in Grafton - they are more
then welcome to come by "the old Chase bldg" - & one of us (with Social
Services - whose home this is now) - will be happy to show them around &
they can see how nice an office building -their ole school - turned out
to be! We love it here! Loretta................Merry Christmas to
you and Patty - as well...<<<
Thanks a million for the invitation Loretta, I can believe several
folks would welcome to opportunity to "revisit" the home of their
formative years.
==================================
If it's hardware your looking for, and, the Grafton Hardware store
(formerly Daves Hardware) doesn't have it. He can get it,....quick. On
Graftons main street.
==================================
Then "we" received the following note from Dane Molde. I admit I'm not
totally sport literate, so I'm not sure if the Sprewell Dane speaks of
is in golf or tennis. However, I have all the confidence in the world,
that some of you out there do. Dane wrote;
Good Day,
After hearing that some character named Sprewell couldn't
afford to feed his family on the $27 million he was offered. I can only
say that I think it is time that the fans go on a lockout, or strike, to
let professional athletes know we are tired of overpriced seats, and
everything else related to sports costing an arm and a leg. I guess at
those kind of wages, Mr. Sprewell probably couldn't afford to take his
family to see the team who offered him that minimum wage to play a game.
It is time that they remember why they play the game.

P.S. Feel free to share this with all of your readers, maybe some of
them will share their thoughts.<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Dane.
Some would respond simply by saying, "it's the American way." It might
be interesting to hear what "others" will say. If,...they say anything
at all.
==================================
For some reason, I've been thinking, today is the day, I have
something special to do. For some reason I can't remember what it is. I
guess maybe it's not til next week, and, I just might remember it by
then.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
"I may not always like what you tell me.
I will, however, always appreciate it" GLM


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

December 7, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/07/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 23 degrees with a light north breeze under a
partly cloudy sky.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 32/22
Last years H/L temperature was 28/16
Normal H/L temp for this date is 23/7
It's the seventh of December and weather forecasters are telling us we
can expect winter weather "like" conditions for the next seven days.
Would all those surprised with that forecast,...please stand up.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L news & stuff
Local residence spent most of the day yesterday praticing their winter
time drivng skills. I narrowly escaped a dog gone, bugger heck, shucks
accident yesterday as I was driving down the "school road". It seems one
of the "schools" employees was in a extra big hurry to get off the
grounds and dad gum near smacked me right in the left door.
Fortunatly for me,..and him too I expect, I was able to drive halfway
down the ditch to miss him. Thank God,..and four wheel drive, for that
near miss.
==================================
Late yesterday afternoon I dumped $1.90 worth of gas in the snowblower
and headed out to blow the snowcat dust off the driveway and side walks.
I figure there was about 4 inches there when I started. I won't win a
prize for the best ballerina at the ball, and i's easier to follow the
blower in low than high now, but I didn't run out of gas before I
finished and that's,.. a good thing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The following note from aunt Tootsy shares an opinion that seems to be
a growing one across the country. She wrote; >>> Hi Gary, I would like
to add my two cents about Wal-Mart a chain of stores that get 90 percent
of there products from China. I watched Front-line on P. B. S. two weeks
ago. One previous manager spoke about the way they will cut prices and
how they drove Rubbermaid out of business by imports and they are
working on Toys-R-Us. I understand some of the toy manufactures in the
USA are selling to Toys-R-Us much cheaper this Christmas, 35 different
toys to fight Wal-Mart. Hope It works. Another vote down with Wal-Mart.
Tootsy<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Tootsy.
-------------------------
The following note lends a differant prospective to "Sams" legacy. The
note; >>>>Gary, the Wal-Mart article was very interesting. I am sitting
on top the fence on this one. Why, because my better half works there,
and has for a number of years. She thinks Wal-Mart is a couple of steps
up on sliced bread. Why, after working a 6-7hr shift she thinks nothing
of coming home and loading the daughter and younger son up in the van an
heading right back to Wal-Mart to do some shopping, she could have done
while there previously. This happens quite often I might add. I don't
get upset any more because it doesn't do any good, and, I LOVE HER and
the kids to much to stay mad anyway. She, Kate, loves the place and all
it stands for. She's proud to work there, she enjoys her time there
visiting with all her or Wal-Mart customers, many who come back through
her line time and again looking for her. She has been nominated and
achieved awards for her service to Wal-Mart and if she needs time off
for her medical condition, or anything else, they go out of the way to
accomodate her. She can come back when feeling better and is welcomed
back by all. She also owns stock in Wal-Mart and is proud of that too.
She also gets a month off from Wal-Mart during HARVEST so her and the
children are together while I'm in my busiest time of the season. Well,
like I heard on Paul Harvey one time, I think it would be nice to be
buried under the concrete in front of Wal-Marts doors, that way I would
be visited at least a couple of times a day by members of my family each
and every day!! Cool huh?
I only go there to visit Kate and I can count on one hand how many
purchases I personally make there each year. I don't know if thats fair
or not but I don't see me changing anything to do with Wal-Mart in my
family in the near future! Hope this note finds you feeling well my
Friend, and have a nice LORDS day. Your friend, Mike S.<<< Thank you
very much Mike for caring and sharing. I wouldn't be a bit surprised,
that when the roll is called up yonder, there will be thousands of notes
just like yours there.
==================================
Too many people spend half their time wishing for things they could
have if they didn't spend half their time wishing.
==================================
Several days ago, maybe more, I wrote a bit about the Mrs. T. A.
Gagnon's cook book I received from Wally DeSautel. I have, and, will
again include "bits" from that book in the future.
Then, just the other day I mentioned the "Lunde" house taking it's well
deserved spot in "residence remembered".
I find it interesting to "revisit" thoughts of "our" communities early
homes, and, those that have been a part of our past. To that end I
found the following note, most interesting, and, again I must remind
"our" Gazette family, that notes, and the exchange of "opinions" is the
primary function of the Gazette.
I should congratulate Agnes for capturing two thoughts in the same
note. She wrote;
>>>>You are doing great with the memories of Grafton, and, the
surrouding area. Suzie told me of the Lunde house going down. At one
time, my folks owned it and sold it to Lunde's. I was wondering if
anyone would know where the T. A. Gagnon's lived in Grafton. The house
has been moved, but it was on main street. At one time was told that it
had been moved to the east side of town. The great grandson has been
trying to find it but hasn't as yet. Maybe your readers would know. Mrs.
Gagnon was the lady that wrote the cookbook that was reprinted for the
Grafton centennial, and she was, my mothers sister. Don't worry about me
not getting your gazette as Suzie sends it to me. I keep moving around
anyway, but I keep getting it thru her. You're getting snow right now,
and we're getting rain. It's cool and dreary right now, but at least we
don't have snow here in Mesa. You may put part of this letter in your
gazette if you wish. Have a good holiday. Agnes Bolek
Thanks a million Agnes. I am very pleased to share your thoughts with
"us". Perhaps a subscriber can even solve the Gagnon house question.
Arn't memories wonderful?
==================================
I understand there is a booming "new" business in Oregon. I don't know
much about it yet although I believe it goes by the name of Ray &
Charlie's Midnight Holly Supply. I'm not sure if it's a legal
corporation, or, a "limited" partnership.
==================================
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Diana Conigliaro.
Today is the day to celebrate the anniversary of your birth. Of course
I won't mention the number of candles melting on your cake. Only that
the number reminds me of the year Chevrolet started putting oil pumps in
their motors.
We hope you have a wonderful birthday Diana, and we love you very much.
U&A Patti and Gary.
==================================
It was 45 years ago today that Brian Lunski received his "first"
spanking. Happy Birthday Brian. I really tried to come up with something
relative to 45, and the only thing I could think of is,...it's only half
way to ninety. Happy Birthday Brian, from the staff at the Gazette.
==================================
CAMPBELLS FRESH === is open, in Grand Forks. Roger Moe stopped in
there yesterday and reports the Burgers and the service,... is
fantastic.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
P.S.
"I may not always like what you tell me, I will, however, always
appreciate it." Gary


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Monday, December 06, 2004

December 6, 2004 - Monday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

12/06/04 MONDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 27 degrees with calm winds and light snow.
The present forecast says, we should expect to blow about 1 inch of
snowcat dust off the driveway.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 17/9
Last years H/L temperature was 24/13
Normal H/L temp for this date is 24/7
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L new & stuff
Only 19 shopping days til Christmas. That's an interesting statement,
to say the least. It certainly sounds commercial to me. Certainly NOT
the reason for the season.
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON:
It is a "catchy phrase". One I have used myself on occasion. Under
normal circumstances, when I hear the phrase, I smile, nod, and
reminisce of days, and seasons past.
In most cases I hear, or read, the term from regular folks on the
street. Or, in articles relating to the time of year between
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every once in a while though, I have heard
or read the phrase by people that I personally regard as 'a little
closer to heaven' than I.
Hence, my reason for this note on, "the reason for the season."
One time a long time ago. In the middle of a heated discussion, that
took place at Grafton Floral, between Father Garland and Wilfred
Collect. I remember Wilfred telling Father Garland, "You know Father,
that's easy for you to say, you have a 2,000 year old book to run your
business by." To which Father Garland replied, "you know Wilfred, that
same book applies to you Politicians as well as Priests." After
the discussion was over and the flower shop was quite. Dad looked at me
and with a funny sort of smile said, "son, there's two things in this
world you never want to argue about. One of them is Religion,...the
other is Politics."
This article is living proof I haven't "always" listen to dad.
ANYWAY. The reason for the season, (season being described as any of the
four
major 'seasons' of the year.) certainly means different things to
different people.
Some would like to relate Christmas, as a season. For instance,
today is Julie Watkins birthday. Hence, this could well be described as
"Julie Watkins" season. As far as Merchandisers are concerned, the
earlier they promote Julie's actual celebrated birth date, the greater
the opportunity to capitalize on "her" day. Hence, the reason for the
Julie Watkins season, is to make more money. Christians, celebrate
the birth of Christ on December 25th. That is in fact "The day".
Merchants have, over the years, commercialized the thought of
Christmas, (and,.. the thought of Christmas is a good thing) to begin
the day after Thanksgiving.
The Christmas season is one of the few, if not the only, season
every religious, and non religious, denomination participates in for
financial gain. Aided to a large extent by the Christian community
itself.
The Christian community itself, is one of several dozen, or even,
several hundred religious and non religious groups in the world. The
reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth, and coming, of MY
PERSONAL SAVIOR.
The reason for the season, has been commandeered by the merchants
of the world for financial gain. Not the least of which have been
florists and greeting card companies.
ON THE OTHER HAND:
Think what the world would be like, if everyone, would buy a
present for everyone they know, every time someone they know has a
birthday. If that would happen. How long would "their" season be?
By way of recapitulation;
I think it is fair to say, every Merchant, Jew or Gentile, Sand
Rancher and Fan Dancer alike, rely to a significant degree on the days
before Christs Birth, regardless of the number, that has come to be
known as "The Holiday Season".
For me, all the reasons, or seasons, I can see, can't take away,
what Christ has given me.
He's brought me friends and family,
without them, what would I really be?
He's held my hand when I've felt sad,
and helped fix things that once seemed bad. He's been there when
I've felt lost,
and lit the way, and, shared the cost. I've learned a lot this
past few years, some I've learned, while shedding tears. The fact
remains, until it ends,
I'm thankful for Jesus Christ, my Family, and,... my
Friends.
P.S. Happy birthday Julie (Demester) Watkins. We love you very much.
A&U Patti and Gary
==================================
Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is faced. (Thanks Dane)
==================================
I have received a few "comments" about the article I sent out
regarding China's largest USA wholesale partner. I have written back and
asked some if I might share them and so far haven't gotten a response.
The following note from Tom Hart does in fact cover many of the comments
I've received so far. Although I must admit, I've had a couple requests
for the piece Marty Riske sent so I might hear from those folks later.
Tom wrote;
Gary:
Need to pay my dues.
There was a small shopping center 2 blocks away from my home. In the
shopping center was a hardware store where I could get items I needed to
maintain my home. Wal-Mart came in and replaced the shopping center.
Wal-Mart (Chinese Dime Store) is good stores to shop at, but if you need
something you will only find it 15% of the time.
Maybe if I shopped more at the hardware store it would still be
there.
Maybe the people in Grafton could take notes. They may go to the
store for an item to maintain there home and find the store gone.
I enjoy the Gazette, keep up the good work.
Tom Hart<<<< Thanks for caring and sharing Tom. I wonder what would
happen, if everyone that has gone on strike for higher wages, more time
off, more and better benefits, practised "their" ideals when they go out
to spend "their" money?
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
I may not always like what you tell me. I will, however, always
appreciate it. Gary


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

October 12, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

10/12/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 44 degrees with calm winds and a partly
cloudy sky.
Yesterdays high darkened the 70 peg on our temperature dial.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L:
"Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they
are,... before it's too late."
I end each edition of the Gazette with that quote. Although I must
admit, there are days it has more meaning than others.
Yesterday was one of those, "more than others", days.
Yesterday morning started out much like most mornings of the past few
years. After a relatively restless night. I got up around 3:15 am and
started going through the Gazette list. Each day, sometimes after, but
most often before, I write the Gazette, I go through "my" list of
subscribers. I do that primarily to "remind me", how very lucky I am, to
have such an accumulation of wonderful people on my list. Often, as I
review "my" list, it brings back "specific" memories, of people, places
and things that get "set aside" in lifes busy schedules. Sometimes it
only takes a few minutes to scan the entire list, sometime considerably
longer.
As best I can remember the list yesterday. The names of those I often
have coffee with, seemed to draw my attention. Folks like Art
Tallackson, Bruce Eickenberry, Dr. Gaustad, Lynn Ebert, Greg Dusek,
Denny Schneider, Keith Bjorneby, Roger Stark, Richard Thompson, Norman
Russum and Don LaBerge are among the more than twenty individuals, on
"my" list, that frequent Granny's. I can't explain why, I seemed to
"pick out" those I see so often at coffee. Maybe it's because it's a
group I not only appreciate for who they are, but also for what they do.
The previous list isn't all inclusive, rather a representation of the
entire group.
Another name I stopped at yesterday morning, while "scanning" the list,
was Mavis Demers. My thoughts of Mavis brought back memories of times
her husband Ed would help me with the motor on a hand made motor bike.
The shop he worked in next door to the Extra End came to mind. I thought
of the Garage behind the Demers house where Ed started his small engine
repair shop. It was in that shop that Ed and his son Doug repaired
numerous pieces of lawn care equipment for "us" at Grafton Floral.
Often, as I would be watching Ed and Doug work on small motors. Mavis
would stop in and see how things were going. I always admired her
ability to "tolerate" the schedule the men in her life kept.
At first, I wondered why, why would Mavis' name attract my attention on
this specific day? Then of course it dawned on me. "Because she is Bob
Harts sister, and, I have coffee with Bob almost every morning. Isn't it
funny how things work?
Anyway, because of harvest, several "regulars" were missing for coffee
yesterday morning. However, after waiting a little extra time thinking
Bob would show up, we decided to go ahead and shake without him. After
coffee was over and I returned home. I received a phone call from a
friend. It was then that I learned why Bob wasn't at coffee.
Leslie L. (Bob) Hart passed away yesterday morning. Had I known, there
are several things I would have liked to tell him. Oh, I have told him
that Larae was not only a fantastic person, as is David Osowski, Larae's
husband. I have also shared how much our family thinks about Leah and
her husband Barry Kingsbury. I have told "Bob", how, over the years,
I've admired his wife Arlett, and her ability for tolerating his
sometimes difficult life style. I have, on occasion, even thanked Bob
for some of the things he's done for "our" family and Grafton Floral.
Now, however, I wish I had shared with him the myriad of positive
things I've heard about him from numerous people throughout the area. I
wish now that I had been more thorough appreciating the many things Bob
has done to improve the sugarbeet and potato industry in the Red River
Valley. Of his many contributions to the area and community in which I
live. I can think of so many things I really wish I would have told Bob,
"before it was to late." Now, I find myself expressing my sincere
sympathy to Bobs family and friends. I can only say, "so long my friend,
and Gods speed."
Leslie (Bob) Hart, you have earned your right to Heaven.
From the entire Gary and Patti Moe family, to the Bob Hart family, our
most sincere sympathies.
To everyone else I can only say. "Write if you can, call if you can't,
and, tell your loved ones they are, before it's too late."
--------------------------
I now have a better idea of why Mavis (Hart) Demers name captured my
attention yesterday. I have also reaffirmed my conviction of doing
everything I can to share my appreciation for people,... before it's to
late.
==================================
Yesterday afternoon I received a note from Wally DeSautel. Wally shared
the following thoughts; Hi Gary
Today we have lost two out standing people ... two who have had the
community they live, in the top priority in their daily existence. They
are as you might have heard, Bob Hart. I grew up with Bob, I never
called him Les, just plain Bob. He was always the same,... nice,
always ready to help. I will miss him a lot.
The other is Randy Deede who lived in Grafton for awhile. He was a
banker in Grafton. He moved to Devils Lake and was a dynamo in
everything he did.
Both of these great men left big shoes to fill. So often these shoes
never get filled. Our best to their Families, -- Wally
Thanks Gary<<<<
Thank you Wally, for caring and sharing.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
(Bob Harts, is a mile long)
==================================
Bobs funeral will be Friday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with
visitation Thursday from 5 to 7 at the Tollefson Funeral Home in
Grafton.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Tuesday, August 31, 2004

August 31, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

O8/31/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 68 degrees. The chances of a significant
rain event is very low for the next twenty four hours.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L:
Many combines will be spitting draw out the back end today in the
Skeeterville area. Normally, at this time of year, many growers would
have completed their small grain harvest. This year, most are just
getting started. I've heard some reports of above average yields in the
area although some say they have grain "sprouting" from to much
moisture.
==================================
The rumor is true. Daves Hardware will be opening under new
management. Kerry Demars will be the person answering the "bosses" phone
in the future. Congratulations Kerry, the whole town wishes you well.
Thanks Dave Lott, for showing the area how wonderful a good small town
hardware store can be. Thank you too, for breathing new life into a
building that has been a mainstay of down town business since 1916.
==================================
Speaking of rumors, congratulations, and thank you, all are in order
for the current owners of the previous S&L store most recently known as
Jim's Family Drug.
The rumor is that Jim's has been purchased by a chain with a "colorful"
name. (White, I think) Congratulations would then apply to the new
owners, as well as Jim and Norma Rystedt. Thank you's are especially
appropriate for the Rystedts for resurrecting a vacant building and
turning it into a warm and inviting down town facility.
I remember that building first as the S&L chain clothing store. I can
still see Jack Kerner climbing up the basement stairs, pushing each knee
with his hands as he took a step.
One day, (I was about 8 or 9) Jack was coming up from the basement as I
was going down. He looked at me and said, "you know young man" you
should go back to the greenhouse, pick out a couple real nice rose
bushes, take them over to my house and plant them." If I remember right,
I think I said something real intelligent, like,.. why. Jacks response
was, because I like roses, you can get them from your dad for free, it
will keep you busy and out of trouble, and, he said, "Life would be
good." Or so I remember. Leonard Buresh also manned the helm of the S&L
store for quite some time. Memories,... aren't they wonderful?
Anyway, I am going to assume the "rumor" is correct and, that
CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU are in order to Jim and Norma Rystedt. You
have done our community proud. We wish you the very best in the coming
years. Pat and Gary
==================================
From time to time we receive requests to be added to the Gazette
family list. We are always pleased to welcome new members. Most often,
new members are "recommended" by current subscribers. Some times we
receive requests from folks with a short note about themselves, what
they do and where they do it. Then, once in awhile we get a request with
simply an e-mail address. If anyone would like to join "our" group. All
we ask is a name, address, and if possible a short note on where or what
you do. That part isn't mandatory, but it would be nice.
If, you prefer I not mention your "new" membership in the Gazette, as I
sometimes do. Simply request being added quietly, and we can do that as
well.
You may have heard the old adage "you can pick your friends, but you
can't pick your family. In the case of the Gazette, I/we do do both.
Gary - GGP
==================================
Thanks for the note Chip. Your mother once again will be getting the
Gazette.
==================================
I was surprised to have a person suggest to me that he didn't "think"
he would purchase a Fireman Calendar, because he didn't "think" they
would sell enough of them to fill their obligation.
I can tell him and everyone, right here and now. There already have
been enough "calendars" sold to fill the firefighters obligation. AND,
just in case anyone is wondering. I/we still have an ample supply of
Firefighters Calendars for the entire Gazette membership, if need be.
Gosh, wouldn't that be terrific? To have every Gazette member singing
from the same song book, AND, living by the same calendar.
-------------------------
Yesterday, my friend Wally stopped by the house, just for a talk. AND,
to drop off a $100 check for the fire department. Now I know Wally has
already donated several hundred dollars to the fire department. But this
check (I guess) Wally wanted to go thru the Gazette. When I asked Wally
how he would like me to make out the "calendars". His response was, "I
don't care how you do it, spend it yourself if you like". After a
lengthily conversation about everything from parking and dirty stores,
to the new hardware store owner. Wally left, leaving his $ 100 check
with no directions on what to do with it.
After due consideration, and thrashing through the myriad of wonderful
things Wally and Ione DeSautel have done for our community. I decided
that, in the Spirit of Wally and Ione DeSautel. The best thing to do
with their check would be divide it as best I could with groups Wally
and Ione have supported all their lives.
Hence, when the Grafton Volunteer Firefighters calendar drawings are
held this year. The Lutheran Sunset Home, Valley Ambulance and Rescue,
Unity Hospital, St. Johns food pantry and, of course, the Grafton
Volunteer Fire Department will all share in the possibility of winning.
Courtesy of Wally and Ione DeSautel. Thank you again Wally and Ione. You
are two terrific people giving to five wonderful organizations.
Small towns ARE a wonderful place to live.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
$ 11,550 365 chances to win


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Monday, August 30, 2004

August 30, 2004 - Monday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/30/04 MONDAY grp. 3
===early edition===
The current temperature is 54 (est) degrees (above zero) The weather
man is not forecasting a rain event for today.
Today is garbage day one and school day three. (in Canada)
We are rapidly approaching the almost, just about, time of the year.
Skeeter season is almost over, and frost bite season is just about
hear.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
The Maltese Cross represents the ideals of saving lives and
extinguishing fires. The emblem was borrowed from the Knights of St.
John of Jerusalem. The Knights were an organization that existed in the
11th and 14th centuries that helped the poor and the sick. The Knights
of St. John later assisted the Knights of the crusades in a relief
effort to the island of Malta, the island for which the Maltese Cross
was named. The Maltese cross came to represent the principles of
charity, loyalty, chivalry, generosity to friend or foe, protection of
the weak and dexterity in service. (taken, without permission, from the
April page of the "Firefighters calendar".)
P.S. We also have a 4½ pound Maltese puppy. (Sami) Although I don't
think there is any connection.
==================================
The list of participants in Graftons Firefighter calendar draw
continues to grow. Thanks Loren, you are the first from Arizona. I'm
hoping there will be more. Thanks Gail, it's great to have the
"Floridians" involved. Melvin and Patti are the first out of the shoot
from Oakwood, and, I know the rest of that community will be well
represented as well. Thanks also to Jessica and Gayle, both daughters
and grand daughters of Grafton Firefighters.
The Arnesen's from Rocky Point also are part of the program as is Toby
and Merle, two of Rocky Point's summer residents. Thanks for your kind
words Mary, I too hope Tom is lucky (in the drawing). Norman, Roger,
Aurel, Lynn, George, Vernon and Joanie all signed up at Granny's. Thank
you Jean, It's wonderful have someone from summit Avenue on our list.
All these wonderful folks are from last week alone.
Thanks again to those that have already "signed up". Thanks also to
those of you that "will be" in the next few days. 365 chances to win,
for a dollar less than eleven gallons of gas. ($ 20) If you can find it
in your heart. Find a firefighter and enter the draw, OR drop me a short
note and I'll make certain you'll be part of the fun. I wonder how many
states we will hear from?
==================================
I received the following note from former Graftonite Tom Watkins. Tom
and his lovely wife Julie are among the list of local folks that left
town and made good. I have a healthy respect for Toms writing abilities
and his business opinions. Some of which he has graciously shared with
me today. Tom wrote: Gary and Patti,

Greetings from Colorado! I am sure you are getting ready for Grandma
Demester's 95th birthday bash. Give her a couple of hugs for us!
(it's next Sunday)

I would like to share a couple of thoughts with you about everyone going
to the big city for their goods. The car business is drastically
changing and we do everything to change with the times as well. Some
of the things we do are: Acknowledge everyone when they walk in the
store. Have parking available for all of our customers (our employees
park 1-2 blocks away from the store). We have everyone wear nametags.
We subscribe to a cross-sell report which lists every dealerships sales
monthly in the state of Colorado by manufacturer and then we
send surveys to our local customers who purchased our products
elsewhere and ask why they didn't do business with us!!!! WE WANT TO
KNOW! We try to show everyone how easy it is to do business with us
and more importantly we practice being friendly to everyone!!! Small
Town Service

Even though we are in a metro area of approx. 1/2 million people we try
to offer SMALL TOWN SERVICE. We have even ran ad campaigns stressing
Big City Prices with Small Town Service. Maybe the people/businesses
you refer to in the gazette lose sight of this. I have attended many
seminars over the years and they all say the same thing. Price really
isn't the most important factor in the buying process. I tell the
story in sales meetings about how Gilman Lykken & Eddie Sherick used to
bring the cars over to our house to show mom and dad and then they would
go meet at the bank to finish the deal. I always tell customers that
I grew up in Grafton, North Dakota. Small Town Service

We try to establish common ground with our customers. How many times
do you go to local businesses and they acknowledge you or other family
members right away? It makes you want to do business with them when
they do this. Why do people go to Hansen Ford to buy their
Fords? It used to be fun going to Hoffman's and have Johnny guess
your pant size when you walked in the front door even without buying
anything rather than going to another store and not even being
acknowledged at all. Isn't it amazing that people hire SALESPEOPLE
that don't even want to talk to customers!!! I heard a sales quote
years ago that I still follow today "We can get anything in life that we
want as long as we help enough people get what they want". The small
town businesses need to follow this practice. If we don't have what
you want we'll get it for you. We have gone from Miami to Seattle
to get specific vehicles for our customers. If we don't someone else
will! Small Town Service

Have fun at the Birthday party.

Tom & Julie
Thank a million Tom, for caring to share. I think you hit the nail
right on the head. Business is changing. Small Town service ISN'T what
it used to be. To often folks in small towns take folks in small towns
for granted. To often small town folks think they know folks so well
that they don't need to recognize, AND, respect them for their business.
To often, small town folks think they are treated better in large towns.
And, unfortunately, too often they are. Or so it seems to me.
==================================
Often I have wished the salesperson I was dealing with was wearing a
name tag. Sometimes, because I was not totally pleased with their
"service", then again, sometimes because I was.
The old adage, "tell me if I'm doing it wrong, and tell the world if
I'm doing it right", no longer applies in todays business world.
Besides, few people will truly listen, to constructive criticism. Or so
it seems to me.
=================================
We would like to welcome Jackie Lee to the Gazette family. As I
understand it, Jackie is requesting the Gazette without even being
forced to do so. That's great, thanks for giving the Gazette a shot. If,
at some point, you should find it is not worth you time. Please let us
know and "puff' you will no longer be bothered.
Just last week I received the third formal request to be
"unsubscribed". If at any time you would like to share a thought, or
something, please feel free to do so. If you would like your thought to
go out to the group. I will give your message every consideration. If
you would prefer I keep it confidential (just between you and me) I will
honor that wish as well. This venue is to exchange ideas as best we can.
I encourage everyone to share that thought.
==================================
I have also received another request to be included in our group. That
from an individual that only gave two initials. I would really prefer,
when people request the Gazette that they include their name (so I know
who I will be exchanging ideas with) and, if possible a short note on
where they are from.
From my early years at ACS I was always frustrated when someone would
call to "complain" about someone else and wouldn't tell me who was
calling. Often the call would go something like. You know theres a guy
out here (my neighbor he would say) that isn't following the rules. Who
is it? I would ask. I can't tell you that or then you will know who I
am. He would say. Then how do you expect us to correct the problem? I
would ask. To which they would often say. How the heck (I cleaned that
up a bit) do I know, that's your problem, I've done my part by reporting
it. And so it goes
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
P.S.
Please give the Grafton Volunteer Firefighters Calendar draw your every
consideration. ----- Keep in mind. It requires the same equipment and
man power to put out a fire in a three bedroom home in Grafton North
Dakota, as it does in New York City.



Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

August 25, 2004 - Wednesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/25/04 WEDNESDAY grp 3
The current temperature is 49 degrees with calm winds under a cloudy
sky.
Todays high should hit 74 degrees. We have a 60 percent chance of not
receiving a moisture event today.
Today is shop in your own home town day in Skeeterville.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
It's only business,.....right?
When local business, does their business out of town. Do they have
the right to expect local residents to spend their money in town?
If local business establishments can justify going out of town to "save
money". Is it realistic to expect local residents to "stay in town" and
pay higher prices?
If small communities allow all of it's goods and services under one
roof. How long will it be before the community doesn't need a roof at
all?
If your going to sell hats, you need people to buy them. If people are
going to buy hats, they need jobs to generate the income to pay for the
hats.
==================================
Speaking of business. The rumor about Daves Hardware changing hands is
more fact than fiction. The conversation I overheard at coffee the other
day regarding oak wood. Was in fact (partly) correct as well. The old
Reylecks building does have some oak wood in it. Kerry Demars, the new
owner, however, is a local resident, and most recently a member of
Graftons GMU staff. Our community needs the kind of hardware store Dave
Lott has provided. Our community should be pleased Kerry is investing in
our communities future.
We should all wish the Demars family our heartfelt congratulations,
and, that their venture will grow and prosper in our business community.
And,.... that someone won't decide to move in and siphon off the
profits.
==================================
The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department was organized in April of 1882.
-------------------------
The list of Gazette participants in the Fireman's calendar draw
continues to grow. I received a note yesterday from former Graftonite
Dan Crookston. He wrote: Gary,
Sent money for calendar yesterday I didn't even sign
letter there is sticker on envelope.
Go to the meeting tonight and tell them to get their
head out of their&*^#$@ They do the same thing in Bottineau,
employee's parked in front of stores. But one thing the city keeps a
good clean downtown area, and not any empty buildings.
Pick out a winning calendar for me!!!!!

Thanks,

Dan
Thanks Dan, for caring and sharing. I have already received your money
and picked out a lucky ticket for you. It will be heading for Bottineau
ASAP.
I'm not sure they want me at the meeting. With luck, someone that sees
your message will be there.
----------------------
I received a note from Gayle (Kutz) Karol reminding me of the upcoming
former Grafton area residents picnic in the Minneapolis area. Gayle
wrote: I wanted to let you know - maybe you can help us spread the
word...we're planning our 2nd annual Twin Cities Graftonite Potluck
Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon-3pm at Brookview Park in Golden
Valley. This is a great opportunity for all the former Graftonites
who've migrated to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to get
together, reconnect and have a great time! For more information
and photos from last year's picnic, check out http://www.graftonites.com
Thanks!
Gayle (Kutz) Karol<<<
Thanks Gayle I hope this helps. Maybe the folks at the picnic will all
get tickets for the Grafton Volunteer Firefighters Calendar drawing.
I think I said last year that Pat and I would really like to attend the
gathering. I will say the same thing again this year. If possible, we
would really enjoy participating. I do encourage everyone to checkout
the Graftonite website. AND, while your at it, check out the future
functions in the Grafton area at www.graftonevents.com
------------------------------------------------------
Maybe some of the lucky winners of the Fire Department calendar drawing
can use the money to visit Grafton during our Summerfest 2005.
==================================
I would like to thank Wanda Petitclerc, for a solution to "inner
peace". I haven't tried it yet but it looks to me like it should work.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

August 24, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/24/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
The current temperature is 69 degrees under a cloudy sky and a south
breeze.
Last nights rain event left .28 inches of moisture in the Gazette rain
gauge. The lightning and thunder last night resembled a fourth of July
celebration.
Today is Skeeterville Tuesday. It's a great day to call a friend and
tell them they are.
==================================
L O C A L:
The Front facade of the Walsh County Record Office has two beautiful
American flags flying over the front doors. There another wonderful
addition to Downtown Graftons main street.
--------------------------
I noticed last night a window in the old Adie & Maries dress shop (the
back of the old Getz Drug store) has given in to vandals. That opening,
along with the broken glass in the back door of the "old Walsh County
Bank building" will give someone at GMU a part time job repairing.
==================================
In the early days of the fire service, fire trucks were horse drawn. In
those days nearly every firehouse had a resident Dalmatian. The job of
the Dalmatian was to direct the horses, keep the horses company and
guard the firehouse. Today we do not keep horses in the fire station,
but many firehouses still have a Dalmatian. The resident Dalmatian is
still responsible for guarding the firehouse and the fire trucks. (taken
from the March '05 page of the firemens calendar)
-------------------------
Speaking of the Firemens calendar, and the year long drawing. I am
pleased with the response from some of our Gazette "family" members. The
first drawing isn't until the first of November so everyone still has
time to get a calendar.
365 chances to win. a drawing every Monday, and, after your name has
been drawn, it is put back into the hat for another chance to win. $
11,550 total prize money will be given away.
What a super way to support such a wonderful organization. So far I
have received numerous requests from people of all walks of life. From
current Volunteer Firefighter family members to descendants of early
Grafton Volunteer firefighters. Folks from both city and rural areas are
supporting our Volunteers.
This morning I received a note from a long time friend, and fellow
sugar tramp, Rick Mont. Together, on more than one occasion, both Rick
and I have experienced the benefit of our areas local Volunteer
Firefighters. Rick wrote:
Hi Gary!! I'm just finishing up the work on the PT class at Hillsboro
this week. Then back into a retirement mode for a short time.. Summer
went very quick this year and the summers seem to go by very quickly now
versus the way they went 20 years ago. I have watched them start up
another factory and will always get a thrill or a "high" from the smell
and sounds. Hillsboro is starting their extract juice run this week.
Please put one of the Fireman's calendars back for me and I will send
you the $20. I always have supported their efforts and know from growing
up in a small town how important they are. They also have saved a couple
of factories from some major fire damage that I have worked in also.
Some may not have realized, known, or have forgotten, what the impact of
the consequences of a major interruption to the processing may have had
on our economy around here. You continue to do a great job and keep it
up..... Thanks
Rick<<<
Thanks a million Rick for caring and sharing. I too, will never forget
the "rush" I felt hearing words like. "The boilers lit" or "the turbines
on line" or "the first load has been dumped in the hopper". WOW, there's
somethings a sugar tramp will never be able to forget.
To walk through and learn factory process with folks like the Bratlies,
Ron Koester, Lyle Erickson, Rick Mont, Gary Fischer, and Jim Weinleader
among many is a pleasure I will never forget.
To work hand in hand with true sugar industry agricultural standouts
the likes of Robert (Bob) Levos, Dave Hilde, Dan Gowan, Tom Zidon, Mark
Christianson, Jerry Christenson, Tom Hermann and dozens more, is a
privilege I shall always cherish.
That I should even be remembered by folks of such caliber is humbling.
Thanks again Rick, for this moment, and, for the many years we've
shared together.
==================================
For those still wanting to participate in the calendar draw. There is
lots of time to join in.
Simply send your request to me at my address: Gary Moe 764 Birch
Court, Grafton ND 58237.
Along with your $ 20 check made payable to the Grafton Volunteer Fire
Department, please include your complete address including zip code. The
name you would like us to put on your lucky ticket and your phone number
with prefix.
Drawings will be held every Monday and the winners will be listed on
Graftons local channel 3. I will also list the "lucky Gazette winners"
in the Gazette.
To those of you that have already joined in. Thank you very much. And,
thank you very much also, to those of you that will be joining in the
coming days. Gary
==================================
I have had several inquiries about Gazette Jackets and their status. So
far I haven't been able to find one that satisfies my desires. The one
I've been "test wearing" doesn't appear to be tough enough to stand the
test. The color is fading faster than I would like and the letters are
starting to fray and pull out. I'll keep looking and hope eventually to
come up with a satisfactory combination.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
The meeting to Energize Grafton is scheduled for this Wednesday at
MarketPlace on Eighth from 5:30 to 7:30.
It should be an interesting meeting.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Monday, August 23, 2004

August 23, 2004 - Monday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/23/04 MONDAY grp. 3
The present temperature is 46 degrees (above) with calm winds under a
fair sky.
There is a seventy percent chance it won't rain today. Tonight there's a
seventy percent chance it will. There is a fifty percent chance, most,
forecasters will be at least fifty percent accurate on todays forecast
for yesterdays weather.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
Last weeks "cooler" weather started many plants - and animals -
preparing for fall. Several varieties of trees and bushes have started
shedding their leaves. Lawn sprinklers are being used less frequently.
It's the time of year when more boats are heading home than to the lake.
Harvest season, though later than average, has begun throughout the
area. Unfortunately last weeks hard frost damaged much of the areas bean
crop. Now, not only the price of oil is going up, so too will the price
of "natural gas". Rumour has it the Red River Valley Sugarbeet harvest
will also be set back from it's normal early September start date.
==================================
This coming Wednesday, there will be a "energize Grafton" meeting. I'm
not sure what is involved. I'm guessing it will be someone "we payed"
from out of town, telling us to spend our money in town. Now that's a
new concept.
Question? What can small towns do to increase business. Answer. Deserve
it.
energize Grafton?
Small town businesses MUST do business in town if they expect the
community to do business with them.
Yup, (that's Norwegian for, if your business doesn't do business with
other businesses in town. Why should other businesses in town, do
business with yours?) That being said, it's time local businesses
understand that without local residence, they, will no longer be a local
business.
ENERGIZE GRAFTON?
The idea that local businesses can justify going out of town, and, out
of state to purchase their "goods" - because there cheaper - makes about
as much sense as expecting local residents to shop in town - because
it's more expensive.
ENERGIZE GRAFTON?
Within the past two days I have "shopped" at a local business
establishment that doesn't appear as though the shelves have been dusted
or cleaned for years. Energize Grafton? I went to three local businesses
looking for what I "obviously wrongly" thought to be a common item and
found none. Energize Grafton?
On two separate occasions, at two different establishments, in one day.
I personally received less (significantly less) appreciation for my
business than I could ever imagine. Energize Grafton?
On a regular basis I observe "our" local businesses prime parking
spots, consumed by the firms owners or it's employees. Energize Grafton?
It's not unusual, in fact it is the norm, to find the proprietor, or
employees, of one establishment parking (consuming) in the prime parking
spots of their fellow Chamber of Commerce business member. Energize
Grafton?
Do "we" find ourselves spending more time telling "us" we can't, than
we do saying "we" can. Energize Grafton?
The place to look for solutions to Graftons needs will not be found in
one room, "cleaned up", for a meeting. It will only be found in "cleaned
up" business establishments that present themselves as deserving of
"our" residence patronage.
Our community will not grow, if it continues to be absorbed by a few.
It will not prosper if the business community continues to "farm out"
it's business to other communities. Energize Grafton.
The best animal trainers in the world will tell you that a dog "can
learn" if it does things right. However, it will learn faster and better
from it's mistakes.
Lord knows "we've" made a few mistakes, everyone has. If we are ever
going to Energize Grafton. We must first learn from "our" mistakes, and
correct them. Or so it seems to me.
==================================
I understand Daves Hardware is, or will be, under new management. Dave
Lott brought a super hardware store to Grafton. When he started his
store in the old Reyleck's building. It would have been very difficult
to need anything he didn't stock. It was "our" small town version of
Menards, Lowes and Home Depot all rolled into one. I haven't heard Daves
plans for the future nor am I sure enough about the new management to
make comment at this time.
I'm not sure if I heard the conversation correctly this morning.
Either the store has some real nice oak wood in it, OR, the new owner is
from Oakwood. (I think)
I do wish Dave the very best in his future and hope the store, under new
management, will continue to prosper.
-------------------------
I have, on more than one occasion, been asked to share my opinion
about American Crystals tax appeal. I must admit, I struggled with the
topic for quite some time. Then, fortunately for me, Mike Jacobs,
Publisher and Editor of the Grand Forks Herald put an editorial in the
August 18 edition of the Herald that tells it just like I would have
wanted to,....if I had the ability to write like Mike.
Thanks Mike, for getting me off the hook. Most of all, however, thanks
for understanding and dealing with such a very difficult subject.
I've spent 36 years in the sugar beet business. I can honestly say that
I never once met a sugarbeet grower that wanted, or expected, to shirk
their community responsibilities.
In this, an election year let it be said. "He that believes he doesn't
pay enough taxes stand up and pay more", so that he that pays more than
his fair share might pay less". Or so it seems to me.
==================================
It's still not to late to get your ticket for the year long Grafton
Volunteer Firefighter calendar draw. $ 20 for 365 chances to win. Total
prizes of $11,550. Your name goes back in the hat after every draw.
PLEASE, contact a Grafton Volunteer Firefighter or drop me a line and
I'll make sure you get one,...or two,....or more.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
P.S.
Our school starts this Thursday. I've never really figured out why
school should start on a Thursday. Why not on a Monday and have a long
weekend? Why not on Tuesday and have two long weekends? Why not wait
until after Labor day and have a longer summer?
No matter, it is the time of year when we should be extra careful
around buildings used for educational purposes. Besides, the instructors
don't always look when they cross the street either.
P.P.S
The latest fishing report.......


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

August 17, 2004 - Tuesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/17/04 TUESDAY grp. 3
(((((early edition)))))
The present temperature is 56 degrees (outside) It hasn't been really
warm in Skeeterville this summer. However we haven't had any mud slides,
forest fires, floods or hurricanes either.
Todays Skeeter meter reading is - low.
It's scratch an itch day in Skeeterville.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L NEWS:
Graftons Firefighters calender drawing will begin November 1, 2004.
Drawing will take place each Monday and the winners will receive their
checks in the mail. All names drawn will go back into the drawing, so
you have more than one opportunity to win.
The calenders, including a ticket for the drawings are $ 20 each.
Please consider purchasig more than one ticket. Heck, get one for all
your kids. We did, and, I'm really hoping they'll win.
The Grafton Fire Department is comprised of forty (40) members of which
four are apprentices.
On November 8, 1976, the family of former chief Hugo J. Kutz, set up a
scholarship fund that is managed by the GVFD board of Directors.
If you can't give all you have, please give all you can. Every time a
fire alarm sounds. Firefighters risk both life and limb, to protect you
and your home on your hallowed ground.
==================================
T H I R T E E N (13) :
Yup, that's a bakers dozen. Just last week I was sitting in the
"cruiser" looking out at the lake thinking to myself, how lucky I am.
Lucky to have a wife that has stood by me for over 43 years. (44 on
October 7th) Four terrific kids, two boys and two girls. Two great
son-in-laws and two terrific daughter-in-laws. Twelve (12) fantastic
grandkids and a beautiful Great granddaughter. I've had two (2) mothers
and a father only the very luckiest could hope for. Three brothers all
smarter than me and a sister to keep us all in proper prospective.
As I looked out at the water I was reminded of the special things I've
learned from my aunts and uncles, and all the things they have done for
me. I thought of my cousins and how special they are and their parts I
hold dear to me.
As the sun peaked out from behind a cloud. I thought, now that's
something charger (Chuck) would really like to see. Then, as I looked
toward the end of the marina, there in a 18 foot lund I could almost
see, Ray (my wonderful Father-in-law) waving and saying, "come-on, jump
in and we'll go out and snag a couple". As I sat there and thought of
how fast time passes by. I was reminded of next month and a special
event. On the fifth (5) of September we'll all get together and
celebrate Ma's (Pat's mother) 95th birthday. Ma was actually born on the
7th but when you get to be 95 you can celebrate on the fifth if you want
to. Wow, what an influence Ma's been on my life. I'll be eternally
greatful for everything she has taught me and especially for giving
birth to my wife.
O,.. I know Ray and Chuck can't stand alongside as I look out over the
water. But that's not as bad as I once thought it would be. Because each
and everyone I've ever held near and dear in my life. Have all become a
part of me.
Yup,.. I am lucky to have an even dozen grandchildren, and NOW I find
out it will increase to THIRTEEN.
Well dog bite my unit. A bakers dozen. Brad and Denise are expecting
(and now so am I) We're guessing one, but it could be two. No matter
we'll take them. So Brad and Denise, CONGRATULATIONS, with all our love,
Mom and Dad Moe
Tyler will no longer be the youngest grandchild. He was a whole minute
younger than his sister Jadrian.
Yup, and to think Cora Lykken once asked me if I thought I'd ever
amount to anything. Well, maybe not, but my family sure has and I thank
God, and everyone for that. Proud,.. is a term one uses when you can't
fully discribe how you feel. Let t suffice to say. I am sure proud of my
family and friends. And yes, I do consider myself very lucky.
==================================
If someone could give me a hand I would appreciate it. (The rest of
the story.) Yesterday afternoon I was driving down the street and must
have push the wrong button on the "beep" radio. For a minut I found
myself subjected to a line of "beeped" vulgarity Ozzy Campbell would
have thrown us out of the pool hall for. The dial said 107.5, however
after more beeps than a Polish wedding. The announcer said something
about KJ108. If anyone happens to know what I was listening to. Could
you please call the jackrumps that run the station and tell them their
advertisers are waisting their money trying to get my attention.
==================================
HURRICAN CHARLEY:
I received our first note out of Florida from Marjie. Thank goodness
Marjie and her family and friends were not injured.
Marjie wrote: Hi Gary,
Just checking in after being without power from Friday night at 8"16 til
5 PM Monday afternoon. Hurricane Charley went right through my town of
Kissimmee. Thankfully no one was injured and personally our damage is
"minor". The roof is leaking and our pool screen is inverted into the
pool. We lost a tree and parts of many others but others have it so much
worse. And some will be without power for many more days.
I've lived in FL for 22 years and this was the first direct hit I've
experienced. I hope it's the last. The storm was downgraded by the time
it reached us. I cannot imagine what the people in Port Charlotte and
Punta Gorda where it came to land must have gone through.
Good neighbors are a blessing. My husband works for the power company
and needed to be there helping to restore power in the community. I was
left to clean up alone. Or so I thought. One neighbor who had no damage
brought his chain saw to cut up the fallen tree and branches. His wife
and another couple helped clear it away. Everyone was chipping in
helping each other. people from other parts of the development came by
to make sure all was well on our street. It's been several hot humid
days of work. Working in the rain felt good til the lightning drove me
in. Ice has been scarce and I lost food in my fridge but that's not a
problem now with the power back. I'm far from finished but with my
neighbors help and the help of some IT guys from the power company who
wanted something to do the cleanup is coming along.
Take care and God bless you and your loved ones. Marjie<<<< Thank you
Marjie for caring and sharing. We certainly hope you will return to some
form of normality soon.
------------------------
This coming Thursday, Shirley and Larry Durand will celebrate 37 years
of wedlock. Ironic. When they got married, Larry had a red convertable.
Now, he has a red pickup. When they were married, Larry had a head full
of curly hair. Now Larry's curly hair is all in the "head", if you know
what I mean.
When Larry and Shirley were married, they were both happy. Today,
Shirley is most happy when Larry is. Larry was "skinny as a rail" on
their wedding day. Today he resembles the engine that runs on the rail.
When they were newlyweds, our daughter Kelly used to love to ride around
with them in their bright red convertible. Back then, she used to think
they were really special. she still does to this day, and so do Pat and
I. Congratulations Shirley and Larry, on your 37th wedding anniversary
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
==================================
PLEASE REMEMBER THE FIREFIGHTERS, WHEREVER YOU ARE.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

August 11, 2004 - Wednesday

Subject: SKEETERVILLE GAZETTE

08/11/04 WEDNESDAY grp. 3
The present temperature (outside) is 54 degrees under a mostly clear
sky and a light NNW breeze.
Todays Skeeter meter reading - LOW
This is Skeeterville "spend your money in town" week. If you don't
spend your money in town,.... we won't have a town to spend money in.
==================================
"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
==================================
L O C A L:
I find it interesting that the In-Continent Cable TV Company wants
everyone in Grafton to use their service. Yet they present no visible
(to me at least) signs of deserving the business.
For instance. Why can't the weather channel list Grafton and Grafton
weather?
Evidently, the cities of Lankin ND and Lancaster MN and Hallock MN have
a significantly larger subscribers roster.
Why doesn't our community leaders spend a little more effort on our
community recognition?
Why can't we take advantage of promotional systems that are already in
place? GET-ER-DONE.
==================================
POLITICS:
I "try" to steer clear of hard core politics. Yesterday I received a
John Kerry "resume" for president of the United States. I couldn't
resist sending it out to a few "Gazette members". I was surprised to
hear so many enjoyed it. Thanks Chuck.
==================================
Speaking of politics. I'm a tad confused about the new "proposed" CIA
director. Yesterday, senator Byrd (D) was quoted as saying. "I don't
think this is the time to appoint a politician to the position. At this
particular time, people are looking for someone with more credibility."
To that I can only respond. "Well dog bite my unit" doesn't senator
Byrd consider himself a politician, and, if so. Is he suggesting that
he, as a politician, is also not credible? Come on senator GET-ER-DONE.
==================================
Again from the political scene. I received the following note from
Sharon (DeSautel) Larson. She wrote. Just had to tell you my most
exciting news of the day. I just returned from shaking Laura Bush's
hand. Yes, I mean the pres's wife and I am not drinking. She is here in
St. Cloud (Waite Park) today, so I went to the airport to see if I could
get a glimpse of her. (I only live 4 miles from the airport) Sure
enough. Her big United States of America jet landed and she got into the
motorcade. I was sure that was it until they stopped the motorcade right
in front of where we were standing and she got out and shook hands, took
many pictures with children etc. and gave autographs. What a lovely
lady!!!!!!! It was really exciting. She's got my vote. Sharon
I responded to Sharons note with the following: Thank you very much
Sharon, for sharing your adventure. I/we too admire the First Lady. She
represents all that I think our country can be.
Unless you say different, I would like to share your experience
with the rest of the "Gazette family". Thanks again Sharon.
We love you, Gary and Patty
Sharon returned my request with the following note: That would be
fine. She was so kind and took her time with everyone who wanted to
communicate with her. She even had her staff take pictures with people's
cameras. She was just the way I had always heard she was. What a
wonderful role model.
Sharon<< Thanks Sharon, for caring and sharing.
==================================
We took a few minutes last evening to take a "tour" of our wonderful
little community. Several "places" in town deserve to be recognized.
Obviously room doesn't allow for all.
As we left the Gazette headquarters heading south to the school and
then east. The Ron and Catherine Pich residence, with the house freshly
painted and the lawn well groomed presented a pleasant picture. The
residence of Joleen and Keith Bjorneby features beautiful plantings, a
fountain, as well as a superbly manicured lawn. I can also report the
home our number 11 and 12 grandchildren (twins) reside with their
parents Brad and Denise is always meticulously cared for. Not to mention
the home across the street occupied by Howard and Rosalee Wendelbo.
Their place is beautiful summer and winter.
Del and Judy Nygards residence is another very pleasant place to drive
by.
I may have already mentioned the wonderful job Keith and Jo Anne
Saville do on their place. If not I just did.
I also received an interesting note yesterday from their residence. The
readers digest version of the note is.
If you find yourself locked out of your vehicle and your remote control
is at another location. Simply have someone call you while your holding
your cell phone next to the car door. The person on the other end should
hold the remote opener close to the phone and push the "open" button.
Waallaa, your car door will unlock almost like magic. Thanks for the
note Keith. I tried it this morning on the cruiser and sure enough, it
worked.
==================================
GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
================================== P.S.
If someone has a place they feel deserves "special recognition",
please let us know.


Write if you can, call if you can't, and, tell your loved ones they are,
before it's too late.