by Jennie K. Hanson 357-2385 October 12, 2009           

A big Thank You goes out to all that attended the Meatloaf Supper at Bethlehem Lutheran on the 9th.  It was a huge success and we also thank everyone that helped make it possible.

We offer our sympathy to the families of Melvin Manninen, Jean Heikkila Swanson and Lydia Heikkila who died recently.

Lydia Heikkila, 85, died on October 7, 2009.  She married her 2nd husband, Waino Heikkila in 1975 and lived her retirement years in Cromwell since 1986.  She is survived by her husband Waino and daughters Elaine Millspaugh, Jeanne (Kenneth) Smith, and Connie (Charles) Schmit, and sons, Clyde Mattson and Thomas (Jane) Heikkila and many grandchildren, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.  Her funeral was held on October 10, 2009.

ean D. (Heikkila) Swanson, 77, of Burnsville formally of Cromwell, MN, passed away on Oct. 3, 2009.  She was preceded in death by parents, George and Esther Heikkila; husband, Donald Swanson.

She is survived by her children, Lance (Juana) and Curtis (Kim) Swanson; grandchildren, Russell, Jason, Melissa and Christian; brother, Gerald (Wilma) Heikkila; sister, Nancy (Dale) Sauer; nieces, Dawn (Shaun) O’Laughlin and Dorine (Tim) Houck; nephews, Dale (Wendy) Borchardt and Steve (Lisa) Heikkila; brothers-in-law, Ray, Harold (Laura), and Gerald (Gloria) Swanson.  Her funeral was held on Oct. 8, in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church , Burnsville, MN.

Melvin Manninen died recently and his funeral service will be held later in the month in Cromwell.

The Cromwell Area Historical Club is looking for any of the Cookbooks published in the past many years by area churches, schools, or personal cookbooks.  They are going to have a place for these cookbooks and it will be fun to see then all in one place.  If you are willing to donate a cookbook, please bring it to the center, or let me know.  I know there are many church cookbooks that have been published over the years and if you don’t want to donate yours, we could make a copy for our collection.

Twelve area ladies attended the Grace Lutheran Harvest Luncheon and Program at their church in McGregor on October 6th.  We want to thank the ladies for a wonderful day and the singing, food and program were really great.  Those attending from Bethlehem were:  Thelma Johnson, Alice Gurske, Jennie Hanson, Marion Larsen, Aurelia Hemmila, Ann Heikkila, Evelyn Houck, Irene Olson, Irene Iverson and Shirley Walli.  Those from St. John’s were Barb Hart and Jennie Waisanen.

The folks at Lakeside school will be having a Mojakka Supper on Saturday, November 14th.  More details on that later.

We’ve all heard of the “Cash for Clunkers” Program now and I’d like to make a few predictions on this program.  I feel that within a year, many of these new cars will have to be repossessed due to the cost of their license tabs, increased insurance costs, and the fact that some folks may have even lost their jobs and can’t make the payments anymore.  Also, did you know that the $4,500 the government kicked in will be taxed as income on your 2009 income taxes.  I’m not sure of this one, but have heard that it is true.

So, what happens when these new cars are repossessed and the folks still need a car, there will not be as many old cars to buy since they were crushed so that will make the remaining clunkers more expensive.  Anyway, we’ll see what happens.

Area folks are being asked to knit or crochet scarves for the upcoming Youth Gathering at Cragins.  These scarves should be 36 inches long by about 4 – 6 inches in width.  They can also be made from Polar Fleece and just cut and fringed.  Please turn them in to Bethlehem or Bethany Lutheran is you can help out.

A very Happy 2nd Birthday to Alexia Obando and Kieriahna Goodin this month.  They celebrated at the Bethlehem Church on the 10th with family and friends.

There was NO SCHOOL on October 15th and 16th due to the Education Minnesota Meetings.

The members of Thrivent will be voting on next year’s officers after church on October 18th.  Try to be there is you are a Thrivent Member.

The Excess Debt Service Levy Referendum will take place at the school on November 3, 2009. 

The family of Francis Samuelson would like to thank everyone for their Memorial Gifts, and thoughtfulness.

BINGO will be held at the Cardinal court on Monday October 19th for the public.  Come on out and play this fun game and visit with residents, too.  Cribbage for the public will be held on the 23rd at 2 PM at the Cardinal Court, too.

There will be a Turkey Dinner at the Flemming United Methodist Church - within 10 miles from McGregor - on October 24.  Just go on 210 until you see the County Road 5 or Fleming Lake sign;  go north about a mile to a beautiful little white church (It’s on the left) or find it on your map; you will not be disappointed.  They’ll have turkey; all the dressings; desserts; great company.  Come one and all; 4:00 PM - until whenever, but be sure to be there before 8 - they might run out of food, just because it’s so good. $8.50 for adults; youth prices are discounted.  This is part of the Northern Lights Parish which covers several Methodist Churches of our area.  All profits go to the Flemming area.  Please come hungry or not.  Your choice.  Regardless, the food will be great!   Guaranteed - you won’t be disappointed.

This week’s Limerick:  There was a girl named Mandy, She loved to eat cake and candy.  She rode to the store, To get a lot more, And now she’s not feeling so dandy!  Mandy is my granddaughter.

That’s the news from Lake It’swaytooearlyforsnow and Hello to the Snowbirds that will soon be leaving for the south.