By Deborah Banish

Paul Anderson and Carol Fridgen took a trip to Longboat Key, Florida, to shake off the snow and replace it with seawater and sand. They left on February 10th and returned on the 16th. While in the area they took in the Ringling Circus Museum. A very interesting look into the logistics of putting on a show and moving it every day. The weather was in the mid 70’s to low 80’s and the sun shone every day. Lots of time in the pool and at the beach. The only disappointment of the trip was having to come home. It was -10 when they left, and -9 when they got back, guess they should be happy temps are heading in the right direction!!!

Kaia and Kyle Mahrer and family took their first family vacation of 2019 spending six cold February days in Orlando visiting Walt Disney World. Kaia’s father Steve Thorfinnson and Aunt Janelle Brakke accompanied the group that left Minneapolis on February 12. Kaia provided the following information: The past 6 days were wonderful! Disney is a magical place and my kids will have memories for life of spending time as a family. I would like to thank my amazing father for this trip of magic. This was our Christmas gift (for the next 10 years!!) from him and we couldn’t be more grateful for the memories, the warmth, the love, and all of the money spent to make this a truly great trip! Addy met her favorite Disney character, Vampirina and the light in her eyes made me tear up. Julia got to meet her favorite, Cinderella and it was such a wonderful sight to see her magic come alive. Brody loved toy story land and dinosaur land and was so happy to be a pirate for a day. Kaitlyn loved the animals. My magic came alive seeing my kids eyes light up to all the sights and my favorite part was Avatar. Florida was beautiful and Brody asked if we could move there. I wish, buddy!

Bonnie Anderson, Kathy Wyum, Joanne Harris, Janet Kiefer, Bev Kulzer, Janice Christensen, Diana Anderson, Phyllis and Ann Erickson, Diana Kulzer, and a few others carpooled to Forman on Thursday, February 14 from Rutland to attend St. Mary’s Parish annual Valentine’s Day luncheon. They reported that the food was delicious and the company wonderful. The luncheon of open-faced sandwiches, homemade salads and bars and door prizes made for an enjoyable afternoon.

Paul Anderson received a special Valentine this year, a grandson, Rhys August Elfering was born to his daughter Katie and her husband Josh. He was 8 lbs. 4.5 oz, and 20 inches long. Baby, Mom, and Dad are home doing well. Grandpa is planning a trip to Seattle soon to meet the little fella.

The Lariat Bar was the place to be for the Valentine’s Day special dinner of shrimp-and-cheese-stuffed-top sirloin, grilled asparagus, baked potato and salad bar. Several of the women who attended the St. Mary’s Parish Luncheon also dined on the special, so they had a no cooking holiday – probably for a change. While the special sold out in advance, the Bar was hopping serving the regular menu items as well for those couples who missed out on the special.

Sunday, February 17th, was the 70th annual Cogswell Buffalo supper that brought people from many communities together to feast on the perfectly prepared buffalo meat served with mashed potatoes and delicious gravy, soup and salad, veggies, and ice cream. This year the Sargent Central Clay Target League members helped with Cogswell Gun Club members serve the meals. The first 160 served, and all who followed, appreciated the new and familiar faces that worked together to prepare and serve this annual tradition.

Don’t forget this weekend Sunday, February 24th, is Rutland Fun Night at the Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. Games include a duck pond, sucker tree, bean bag toss, plinko, kerplunk, and more including the good old cake walk. Families attending are asked to bring one baked good for the cake walk. The Rutland Community Club is sponsoring the event. Bars and coffee will be served. Come and join the fun!