April 2, 2006 - Sunday

Subject: SHIVERCITY GAZETTE

04/02/06 SUNDAY
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Todays Gazette is being brought to you, in part, by Ralph Dangerfield.
The man who said, "I never knew a man yet, that could spend himself
wealthy."
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The current temperature is 30 degrees.
Yesterdays H/L temperature was 39/29
Normal H/L temp for this date is 45/26
Water is starting to show up in ditches and river levels are starting
to rise. Most of the experts are telling us we shouldn't have a major
flooding problem. Besides, if we do, the folks from Washington will,
probably, come right away and bail us out. (Pardon the pun)
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"Profanity makes ignorance audible."
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L O C A L news & stuff,.. mostly stuff.
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Hiway crews put up signs on the intersection of 17 & 81 Sunday
morning, indicating there was water over the road at Minto. Some ditches
in the area were running quite full most of the day Sunday although some
were already starting to go down a bit by late afternoon. I took a trip
past Norman Russums place south of Grafton and everything looked fine
there so far. Predictions, to the best of my knowledge, are still for
only minor flooding in our area.
The river level at Grafton Sunday night at 9:00 was 10.80. It has to
hit 12.0 to get into Leistikow Park and 12.5 before 5th street at the
park and the Golf Course Road is blocked. At 13.5 feet, water will be at
the top of the hydrants at 3rd & Western. 14.0 feet and the 100 block of
Griggs is flooded and at 14.5 flooding can occur on the 300 bloke of
Noben Ave.
It is entirely possible that we will not have a serious flood in
Grafton this spring. Unfortunately, it is entirely possible we might.
It is beginning to look like Grafton is one of the few remaining
communities in the country that hasn't established a permanent flood
protection plan.
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I mentioned former high school instructor "Pag" Pagliarini the other
day and Bert sent the following in that regard. >>> Subject: Armond &
Enid Pagliarini
I keep in contact with Pag and Enid. They live in Moorhead Mn. I called
them and read them the "Shivercity Gazette" sponsored by Pagliarini's
welding class and they were thrilled to no end. Pag said he remembered
all the people in the class as I named them. Their email has little
capacity and is at their permanent home so I made a copy and mailed it
off to them.
They were living in their home in Moorhead until the first of the
year then Pag had to have a growth removed from his spine to alleviate
harsh pain in his leg. While he was in rehab Enid took a bad fall and
literally shattered her elbow and had to have it reconstructed. Then
they found out she had two fractured vertebrae. To make matters worse
she got pneumonia and was hospitalized for a while.
They had to move into assisted living and will be there for a while
more until they can fend for themselves and will move back home. I am
amazed at how high in spirit they are still having each other, their
conversations are almost as though nothing has happened and they sound
happy and content even with the trials they have been going through.
We talk often about old times in Grafton and people we knew and they
love the memories. I know they would like to hear from old friends and
former students so for those that are inclined here is their address and
telephone. Armond & Enid Pagliarini 1400 7th st. S Apt 2002, Moorhead
Mn. 56560. 1-218-236-5446.
Enid was 87 years yesterday and Pag is going on 90. Bert A. Overland
<<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Bert. I hope several folks
will take a minute and send them a note.
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Bert must have spent some time in his library and thought of the
following. >>>
Subject: Pag
In 1949 Pag bought a new black 49 Ford from salesman Bert Stary. He
then had the popular "Sun Visor" painted and installed. All the time he
was griping (jokingly) about the price of the sun visor and how tight
they were-- He said the bill will probably beat me home. My brother
Arvid got an Idea. He printed out an "overdue payment" invoice, took
it over to Bill Fields at the post office, got it processed and put it
in Pags mailbox before he got home. Pag told everyone!!! Everyone got
a big laugh. Bert Overland <<< Thanks again Bert. Aren't memories
wonderful?
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Please remember Little Ben & Maria Wharam and Nessa Schrank in your
thoughts and prayers.
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I received the following update on Little Ben. >>>
Subject: Ben Wharam Update 3-31-06
Family and Friends,
Today, Ben received his first chemotherapy. It all went very well. His
first infusion (Carboplatin) started at 10:30am and lasted just over an
hour. The second infusion (etoposide) started just before noon, and was
done just after 2:00pm.
Ben tolerated the chemo very well. He did not spit up and was eating
before, during, and after the chemo. Even in the midst of all of this,
Ben doesn't like to miss a meal. And he is still smiling.
We are hoping that he continues to tolerate his future chemo infusions
as well as he did today.
Thanks,
Chris and Julie <<<
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The next note is from Little Ben's grandmother, Kim (DeSautel) LeClerc.
she wrote. >>> Hi Gary,
Thank you for your kind words and concern. There are no words to
express our feelings of sadness for our little Maria and Ben. It
breaks our hearts. There also are no words to express our feelings to
all of the people that have helped us in so many ways. People like Mary
Jo Olson, and the fantastic group of individuals working with her. The
Marketplace on 8th, and the multitude of other businesses in Grafton and
throughout our surrounding communities will never be forgoten for
everything they are doing for Julie & Chris. What do you say to
something like this?? Thank you seems so inadequate. We just ask
for prayers for Julie & Chris and their children. Thank you. Kim
L. <<< Thanks a million for caring and sharing Kim.
I also received another note from Kim indicating, among other things,
her concern that someone may be "left out, or forgotten". She indicated
she was nervous about this coming Thursday.
Since I truely believe we are family, and, that most of the time it is
okay for us to "share" our thoughts. I am sharing my answer to Kim with
the group.
I wrote: >>> Please don't worry about Thursday Kim.
Thursday will be one of the nicest days you have had for a long
time. It will be a day that your family we be able to see, at one time,
and in one place, the importance you and your family has brought to this
earth.
It will be a day the Lord made,... for the people that do the
Lords work.
In many ways, Little Ben and Maria represent the Christ Child.
They truely have brought "multitudes together". I for one can tell you.
They have made me a better person for having known them. "Our" Gazette
family numbers somewhere over 3,000. I'm certain every one of them can,
and, would say the same thing.
Gary
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For those unable to attend the Wharam family benefit dinner on
Thursday, April 6 from 4:00 to 8:30 and / or the Schrank family benefit
April, 9 10:30 to 4:00 at Marketplace on 8th. Please consider sending a
contribution to help them through this most difficult time. Checks
should be made payable to Thrivent Finacial for Lutherans. Please
identify on the check which fund (a check for both would be super) you
wish to help. Supplemental funds will also be provided by Thrivent
Financial for both of these very worthy causes.
I would like to thank Dorothy & Victor Johnson for contributing to both
benefits. Francis & Olaf Aasand also sent noteworthy donations to both
of these special benefit programs. I am pleased to see members of "our"
Gazette family caring and sharing. I will also make certain your
contriutions reach the benefit of your choice.
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Well it finally happened. I received a letter in the US Mail from an
Attorney. I have, in the past received phone calls from some. One even
told me I was the reason no-one would ever run for the local school
board. I receive e-mails from several attorney's every now and then.
Saturday, however, as Pat handed me the envolope with a local attorney's
return address. She said. "Well, it looks like you finally got your
mammary in the wringer this time." (I paraphrased that.)
I would like to share it (the letter) with the group. From the
Burianek Law Office.
It started out, Dear Mr Moe (I didn't think that part sounded to
bad,..yet)
I understand you mentioned my candidacy for Mayor in your daily
newsletter. I thank you for that.
My campaign will not be negative toward Fred Stark. In fact, I believe
we all owe him a debt of gratitude for the many years of service he
dedicated to our community.
Now it's my turn.
I love my hometown and will do everything I can to make Grafton a
better place for all of us. I believe it is not just a civic duty, but a
moral obligation to give something back to the community that has given
me so much. I have the energy, the intellect and the passion to serve
Grafton in this capacity, and I would appreciate your support in this
election.
Sincerely, Todd Burianek <<<
WOW, one attorney tells me I'm a bum and should keep my mouth shut,
cause I'm causing trouble. Now I "found" one that would appreciate my
support.
Now I ask. When I finally do end up in jail, for "offering" my opinion.
Which attorney do you think I should contact?
Anyway, Congratulations on you newest venture Todd. I truly do wish
you, and all candidates, the very best. And, I am humbled that you would
take the time to write such a wonderful note to one of Graftons average
citizens. Caring and sharing is very important to me, as is
communication in political life. Gary
P.S.
Marjie is right Todd. You are a very nice person. Or so it seems to me.
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GOTTA GO WORK ON MY DASH
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The Gaztte works best, when ths folks that read it, write it. Or so it
seems to me.


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