by Bridget Dinnel
Have you read any good books lately? How about any that you wish you hadn’t? Would you like to share your opinions with other library patrons? Wonderful!
Many of us would like to know what others have thought of certain books and wonder which ones would be worth our time. While not everyone would share the same conclusions, it is interesting and fun to know what others are reading and what they liked or disliked about a particular book. In light of this, the Lake Benton Library is launching a new project--namely, collecting reviews of books from our patrons. Whenever you read a book, whether you like it or not, give us your thoughts by filling out a “patron review” sheet, which will be available at the desk. We won’t ask for your name, just your honest opinion The form is simple, with a few questions and a list of options to check off, along with space to write in anything you’d like to add. All of the reviews will be collected in a binder that will be available to anyone who would like to reference it.
For now, we will be collecting reviews of fiction works, but plan to expand to non-fiction and children’s in the following weeks.
The theme of the patron review is “Taster’s Choice” and uses fun food analogies to express the “dish”, “flavor”, and “nutritional content” of each book.
We hope that this addition to the library will help our patrons select books, and possibly come across works that they otherwise wouldn’t have. But for the project to succeed, we’ll need your help to fill up our binder and get a wide selection of reviews.
In closing, the Friends of the Library would like to thank everyone who supported our last two fundraising lunches. The funds we have raised in the last year have already begun to improve the library and we’re very grateful for all you’ve done! The next meeting of the Friends will be November 9 at 7 p.m. at the library. New members are very welcome!
Lake Benton Area Foundation happenings
The Lake Benton Area Foundation has once again begun making plans for this year’s gala event, which is scheduled to be held on February 27, 2010. Committees have started working on putting the program, menu and decorations together. We plan on having approximately the same number of seats available as last year so, if having a reserved table sounds like something your group would like to arrange, give Pam or Janet a call at 368-4261. Or talk to any LBAF board member. Ticket prices are the same as last year at $20 per ticket or a table of ten for $150. Seats go fast so reserve early! The LBAF Gala Event committee has also begun accepting items from businesses and individuals to be placed on the silent auction. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and will help LBAF, in conjunction with Southwest Initiative Foundation, raise funds for upcoming community projects. You may drop off your auction items at First Security Bank, where they will be placed on display until the night of the gala. Watch for further updates in the weeks to come and save the date of February 27. We look forward to another wonderful, fun-filled event and seeing YOU there!
EFCE Fall Schedule
To kick off our fall session of Early Childhood Family Education, we are planning on going along with the preschool class to the Holmberg Orchard in Vesta, MN on Thursday, Oct. 29. We are planning on leaving the school at 8:30 a.m. and be at the pumpkin patch by 10 a.m. A the Holmberg Orchard, parents and children will take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to choose their own pumpkin or they can build their own scarecrow. There are apples and apple treats for sale and also a gift shop. We will be stopping at McDonalds on the way home for dinner. We should be back at the school by 2 p.m.
All three and four-year-olds are invited to go on the field trip but because we are going with the preschool class, we ask that if your child down not usually attend school on Thursday we would like an adult to accompany your child. We are also asking you to please call the school so that we know how many are attending by Tuesday, Oct. 27. The fee for attending this field trip is $6 for each child that will cover the Happy Meal and the pumpkin that each child will be able to pick out. Parents are responsible for their own meal.
The ECFE Fall Schedule is as follows:
October 29: Homberg Orchard, three and four-year-olds; November 2: three and four-year-olds bring a Teddy bear to school; November 10, 17, 24 and December 1: three and four-year-olds.
Sessions will generally begin at 6 p.m. in the preschool room. The length of each session is about 1.5 hours. Cost per child is $4 per session. Sibling care will be provided at a cost of $2 per child. If you need a sibling care please call the school and let us know.
ECFE is a wonderful place for you and your child to play and learn.
If you have any questions call Deb Rouge at 368-4235. We are looking forward to seeing you during the fall sessions.
Grace Lutheran to host kickoff event November 10
A national men’s ministry is expanding into the Southwestern Minnesota area. It’s called “Letters From Dad”, helping fathers learn to leave a legacy by saying the things they’ve always wanted to say but just didn’t know how. Letters from Dad has hleped to restore family communication, produced healed marriages and reconciled parent-child relationships, all through the “lost art of letter writing.”
Greg Vaughn, author of the best selling book, Letters from Dad, recalls “I was in my garage, cleaning up after the death of my father when I found his rusty tackle box. Then i dawned on me, what if I were to die today, what would I leave for my wife and children? I concluded that I would be leaving nothing but a rusty tackle box too! That’s how Letters from Dad was born. From there, I called 14 other fathers and we started on a journey to leave a legacy to our family. That group birthed a group of 130 men that turned into a group of 350 men and then a group of 700 men. It is now in over 700 churches and nearly 13,000 men have participated.”
Letters from Dad teaches men to open up their hearts and put into words their love for thier wives, children and parents. It not only teaches men “why” to write letters, the men also learn the mechanics of letter writing and how to keep them preserved for posterity.
Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Benton will be hosting a kickoff event to introduce Letters from Dad to our community. The event will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 101 Sherman Street, Lake Benton, MN at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Admission is free. Anyone is welcome. Bring a friend!
Contact Joe Harris (JR) to RSVP for the event or to obtain more information. 952.288-4013. Email gettfree4god@hotmail.com.
Elevator warms up for harvest season
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the elevator in Lake Benton received a little fixing up of one of its motors on top. Pictured above, workers from CEEC, Inc. of Wabasso worked throught the rainy weather.
-Lake Benton News photo by Sara Koch
Benefit held for Larsen's great-granddaughter
Lauren Popelka Reisinger was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation at just six-weeks-old. She is pictured above with her older brother.
At just six weeks old, Lauren Popelka Reisinger was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation, which is caused by abnormal development while a fetus is in utero. Lauren’s first major surgery to correct her intestinal defect occurred at just six weeks of life and then again at eight weeks.
Malrotation occurs in one out of every 500 births in the United States. Some children with intestinal malrotation are also born with other associated conditions, including additional defects of the digestive system, heart defects and abnormalities of other organs, including the spleen or liver. Unfortunately, Lauren is one of those children with associated conditions including a congenital heart defect (hole in her heart) and severe reflux.
Over the past sixteen months, Lauren has been hospitalized several times for sever bowel obstructions, pneumonia, mini seizures, a blood infection and fevers greater than 105 degrees. Lauren’s general poor health and failure to thrive is responsible for other health and immune system problems including brittle bone syndrome, which resulted in a spinal bone fracture of Lauren’s left leg just this past June.
On Aug. 4, 2009, the Mayo Clinic accepted Lauren as a patient and immediately initiated rigorous testing in an effort to better understand the breadth of Lauren’s health concerns. Although the diagnostic phase of her care is still ongoing, it was May Clinic physicians that discovered the hole in Lauren’s heart. They also discovered that Lauren has six active bacterial infections in her lungs and that her large and small intestines continue to be malaligned inside her abdomen, which will require yet another major surgery to correct.
There was a benefit to raise money to help pay Lauren’s medical bills on September 26. If you would like to help Lauren by offering a cash donation, you can submit your donation directly to the Lauren Popelka Reisinger Benefit Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank location.
Lauren is the granddaughter of David and Debbie Larsen of Buffalo, MN and great-granddaughter of Ardith Larsen of Lake Benton.
Autumn Community Event
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Benton will be holding their Autumn Community Event.
12-3:30 p.m. is the fall yeard cleanup (youth and Sunday School), at 3:30 p.m. there will be pumpkin carving, 4:30 p.m. is dinner and at 5:30 p.m. is the church service.
The entire event is free of charge and all members and community residents are welcome.
Local women attend CCW Convention in Florida
Front row, left to right: Jeane Appel, Lake Benton; Mary Ann Kramer, Lucan; Margaret Schueller, Tyler; Donna Sanders, Cottonwood; Joane Griebel, New Ulm; Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, Glencoe. Back row: Sherry Johnson, Lake Benton; Paula Kneeland, Ghent; Arlene Lesewski, Marshall; Chris Heiderscheidt, Sleepy Eye; Annette Rolick, Lucan; Joanne Pohland, Glencoe; Betty Thooft, Tyler; Msgr. Eugene Lozinski, Sleepy Eye; Marge Jolstad, Cottonwood. —Submitted photo.
by Barb Krog, St. Genevieve CCW Historian
Jeane Appel and Sherry Johnson from Lake Benton and Betty Thooft and Margaret Schueller from Tyler had the opportunity to experience “Moving Forward with Faith and Joy”, the theme of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) convention two weeks ago. They, along with 12 other women from the Diocese of New Ulm as well as their moderator, Msgr. Eugene Lozinski, took part in the four days of liturgical celebrations, workshops, a NCCW business meeting and enjoyment of the many exhibits that was all held at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida, September 23 through September 27, 2009. In all, 765 CCW members from across the nation were in attendance.
The opening Eucharistic liturgy celebrant and homilist was the Most Rev. Victor Galeone, Bishop of St. Augustine. There was an author’s presentation from Nancy Jo Sullivan, author of “What I’ve Learned from my Daughter Nancy”, followed by a book signing. There was also a presentation on the future of NCCW. The business meeting included agenda items such as updating of the NCCW by-laws and election of officers. Joanne Pohland was elected NCCW Region I Vice President on the national board.
Workshops were entitled “Just Who Do You Think I Am?” for the Organization and Services Commission, “Welcoming the Stranger” for Legislation Commission, “The Challenge of Human Trafficking” for Family/Community Commission, “The Changing Body of Christ, Bringing Together a Diverse Church” for Church Communities Commission and “The Power of a Servant Church, The Church in Africa” for International Commission.
The closing liturgy was celebrated Saturday by the Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling, West Virginia. He was also the homilist for the 4 p.m. Mass, which was followed by the NCCW banquet during which Mary Galvano was a guest singer.
Immunization Clinic
Public Health Services has scheduled an immunization clinic for Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 1-4 p.m. at the Lincoln County Public Health Services office in Ivanhoe (319 North Rebecca Street). Clinics are by appointment only. One immunization clinic per month will be held. All immunizations that are required for school attendance are available.
Please bring your child’s record of immunizations Children under 18 who come to the clinic without a parent or guardian must bring along a permission letter signed by the parent or guardian must bring along a permission letter signed by the parent or guardian in order to receive the shots. These clinics should not be substituted for well-child visits at the medical clinic. If you have any questions call 507-694-1270 or 1-888-837-6713. There is a $13 charge per shot. Services will not be refused due to inability to pay. Because of policy changes at the Minnesota Department of Health, as of January 1, 2007, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray and Pipestone Public Health will give immunizations only to people who are on Minnesota public programs, or who have no insurance coverage for immunizations. Public Health cannot give immunizations to anyone who has insurance coverage for immunizations. People with insurance coverage for immunizations should call their medical provider for immunizations.
Immunizations can be given to adults on public medical insurance and adults without insurance who are changing U.S. status. HBV can be given to adults at high risk of Hepatitis B infection. Public Health will no longer give immunizations to college students.
Appointments are necessary so please call to arrange a time.
Lake Benton Area Historical Society news
The Lake Benton Area Historical Society held their quarterly meeting, Monday evening, September 28, 2009, at the Heritage Center.
The Chairman, Anne Lichtsinn, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Reports were given by the Secretary, Romelle Pritchett and the Treasurer, Karen Lichtsinn.
The 2009 Commemorative Ornament, which features the gazebo/bandstand, has arrived and is now on sale at the Heritage Center. If you would like to purchase one, please stop in at any time. Remember, that this will be an on-going yearly ornament, so you might consider keeping your collection of these historic ornaments complete. They also make great Christmas gifts and the season is fast approaching.
There was also discussion on the 2010 Ornament because we might receive better pricing if we can order in April of 2010. Heather will be looking into getting the information for the chosen ornament.
The cemetery database project is still on-going. We invite you to stop in and look through the obituaries that we have on file. If we are missing any of your family members and you have information, please bring it in so that we can make a copy and add it to our files. Remember, we are always looking for volunteers to assist with this endeavor.
More microfilms have been purchased and we are current with reels from 1879 to 2007. These can be a tremendous help if you are doing any family or other research.
We are going to start something new and would like to invite everyone in the community to attend a morning coffee/history chat at the Heritage Center.
Please watch for more information on this. It should be fun and informative for everyone.
We have a new display of some fish, that has been loaned to the museum by Ila Christensen. New displays for the new year were discussed and some possibilities were suggested. If you have an idea, please let us know.
Remember, this is your museum and your history.
Some upcoming events in addition to the coffee/history chats are:
Serving lunch at the Auction House on November 7.
The annual Christmas tree walk will open possibly on November 18.
Open House at the Heritage Center has been set for December 5, 2009 from 3 - 5 p.m.
Please join with us at these events as well as at our next regular meeting, which will be held on December 21, 2009.
Lake Benton Women's Club kickoff
Sandy Carpenter held up signs that friends displayed as her bus passed through Chicago. Carpenter spoke about attending the Presidential Inauguration in January. —Submitted photo.
The kickoff for the Lake Benton Women’s Club was held at the community center on September 28 as the Beta Club hosted Town and Country Club. The theme for the evening was “Americanism” and the decorations, napkins, nut cups, even door prizes were in red, white and blue.
The evening began with “Welcome” by Ardith Larsen, the Flag Pledges, Club Collect and table prayer.
A meal of salad, crackers and desserts was served by the Beta Club.
An inspiring and energetic presentation was given by Sandy Carpenter on her trip to the Obama Inauguration in January. We all went away wishing we had been with her.
After singing, “America, the Beautiful” and awarding door prizes, each club held a meeting.
The Beta Club reviewed their programs for the coming year. Last year’s Secret Sister names were revealed and new names chosen.
Four generations of the Meyer Family
Faye Meyer, Peighton Forster, Carrie Forster, Lacey Forster and Connie Bressler are pictured above. The group represents four generations of the Meyer family. The photo was taken at the Baptism of Lacey Forster on October 3 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakevill, MN. —Submitted photo.
Lake Benton Opera House to present "Delval Divas"
Members from "Delval Divas" practice on September 27 at the Opera House. They are: Kim Wylie of Brookings, Sara Vogt, Teresa Schreurs and Becky Clipper, all of Tyler.
The Lake Benton Opera House will present their fall play, “Delval Divas,” opening Friday, October 2. The show will star six veterans of multiple productions at the Opera House and with Brookings Community Theatre.
“Delval Divas” is the story of Stella Wild, MBA (Kathy Wilmes of Tyler), Rosemary Adams, JD/MBA (Teresa Schreurs of Tyler), Linda Robertson, M.D.,Ph.D (Becky Clipper of Tyler), and Beth Ziegler, MBA (Sara Vogt of Tyler), who have some things in common. Besides being educated, successful, professional women, they also share the same address. It isn’t a swanky high rise apartment building or a beachfront condo—they reside at the Delaware Valley Federal Correctional Facility, a low-level security prison for white and “pink” collar criminals. With the Warden in one pocket and their cell block guard (Lucille, played by Kim Wylie of Brookings, SD) in another, the “Divas” continue to indulge their lavish and luxurious lifestyles until Beth is prematurely released and a murderess, Sharon Watson (played by Beth Reams of Brookings), moves in to her place. Adding insult to injury, the Department of Corrections has announced its intention to close the Delval facility due to mismanagement and relocate inmates to the less-than-glamorous Black Rock Federal Prison. Will the Divas save Deval, solve a murder and reunite on a Roman holiday? This comedy will prove that indeed, sometimes crime does pay.
Show dates are October 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 PM and October 4 and 11 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be reserved by calling 507-368-4620 or by email at lakebentonoperahouse@gmail.com.
14th Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet to be held
The 14th Annual Pheasants Forever banquet will be held on October 3 at the American Legion in Lake Benton.
Happy hour and raffles will be from 5-7 p.m. with the dinner and auction to follow. Over 40 guns will be given away at the banquet!
The kids entertainment will be held in the front of the legion with fun for the kids all evening. Activities will be supervised by 4-H adult and youth volunteers. Bring the whole family.
The Buffalo Ridge Pheasants Forever remains a strong chapter in SW Minnesota as well as in Lincoln County because of our chapter members, sponsors and some very dedicated board members.
Chapter members and sponsors bring us their hard earned dollars through donations, raffles and the annual banquet revenue. In turn, the local board members invest your dollars in habitat projects with Lincoln County and throughout the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Habitat Fund. I can assure you your dollars are spent wisely and you can see that throughout Lincoln County.
This year, we have put dollars back with CRP upgrade, winter habitat plantings, food plots, MN Habitat Fund, P.F. Legislative Action Fund, controlled burns and the Lincoln County 4-H Shooting Team.
The Buffalo Ridge Chapter is always looking for new memberships. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone wanting to attend on the last Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. at the American Legion in Lake Benton, Minnesota.
Hunt safely, Your Buffalo Ridge Pheasant Forever Board of Directors
Lions Club breakfast
The Lake Benton Lions Club will hold a breakfast on October 4, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The breakfast will be held at the Lake Benton American Legion.
The menu includes pancakes, eggs, toast, french toast, sausage, coffee and milk.
Net proceeds will be for the Lake Benton Legion
Valley Extension Club takes frield trip to McCrory Gardens
Members of Valley Extension Club kicked off the 2009-2010 year with a field trip to McCrory Gardens in Brookings Thursday evening, September 3. Everyone enjoyed the end-of-summer beauty of the floral landscaping throughout the acreage. Following their walking tour of the Gardens, all enjoyed a leisurely meal at Applebee’s in Brookings. Attending (from left) are: Pam Nibbe, Jo Meier, Barb Krog, Carolyn Venekamp, Anne Lichtsinn, Connie Bressler, Shay Huhta and Diane Evers. Barb Krog, Secretary
Becker's Resort registers first deer
Becker's Resort is now reistering game since the Bait Shop closed at the beginning of the month. The first deer registered was for Brad Brockhouse (pictured above) with his 10-point buck he nabbed on September 23.
Also caught on Lake Benton was this 7 pound, 5 ounce Northern (below) on September 23. Cory from St. Cloud is the one who caught it. The fish was 32 inches long.
