Category: Events

Relay for Life – An Awesome Event

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By Carolyn Christensen

I participated in my very first Relay for Life event on Friday night. I was not prepared for the feelings I experienced during the night of staying awake, walking, listening and seeing all the luminaries lit.

My dad died of lung cancer in 1991 & I still miss him every single day.  My mom is a survivor of cancer of the vocal chord 2 years ago & in March had her cancerous bladder removed. My dad’s mother & grandmother and all 3 of his sisters and 3 of his 5 brothers also died of cancer. Seeing all the luminaries lit in memory of Dad & in honor of Mom, as well as the luminaries for the many other family members gave me a lump in my throat. When I saw Mom doing the survivor lap with all of the other cancer survivors, I couldn’t help but get a little teary thinking about what she’s been through these last 2 years with radiation therapy & surgeries & how thankful I am that she’s doing o.k.

The person who gave their survivor story during the opening ceremony is a young, single mother who last year finished her treatment for an aggressive form of breast cancer. Melissa is also a relative of mine. Her story was so moving; especially how she told her young daughter about her cancer. She urged everyone to get to know their bodies so that we know when something isn’t quite right & to educate ourselves on symptoms of cancer so that we can advocate for ourselves the medical care that we need.

But, it was a festive atmosphere with every booth lit up, all kinds of goodies & other items being sold & people milling around visiting & laughing. There was also a talent contest where each team had someone imitate a famous person.  Our talent was one of our male team members dressed as, & doing an imitation of Aretha Franklin singing  “Chain, Chain, Chain”. It was evident on the faces of the people watching that they didn’t expect such an excellent portrayal of that talented singer. The Rutland General Store had 2 women portraying Elvis. They had the audience rolling the aisles. At 1:00 a.m., it was a good pick-me-up.

Our booth sold a variety of popcorn as well as hamburgers, hot dogs & floats. The Rutland General Store booth sold smoothies, candy and t-shirts. I think there were 13 or 14 booths & every booth was selling something just a little different. We all wanted to raise as much money for cancer research as possible. 

Staying up all night was difficult; I need my sleep. Walking was also difficult towards the end; I was so tired. That’s the purpose of staying up all night & walking all night… to get some sense of what a person with cancer goes through. 

Yes, it was a tough night. But, it was only one night. Those who have been struck with cancer put in many nights  & days worse than what we went through on Friday night. We just lost some sleep for one night & in a couple of days, we’ll be back to normal. We won’t lose our hair, throw up or die from the effect of one night of lost sleep. People with cancer struggle with the effects of their disease every day for weeks and months and even years & too many lose that struggle. 

The goal of Relay for Life is to raise enough money for research so better, more effective, treatments can be found & cancer can be eradicated.  The Sargent County Relay for Life teams raised a total of $34,000 toward that end.  I was so proud to be a part of it.

Rutland Remembers Its Veterans

On By rutlandramblingsIn American Legion, EventsLeave a comment

By Carolyn Christensen

Memorial Day was cold and blustery, but that didn’t prevent the Bergman-Evenson Post 215 and it Legion Auxiliary from marching at the Nordland Lutheran Cemetery and the Rutland Cemetery to honor our veterans and auxiliary members laid at rest there.  Everyone was shivering and teeth were chattering and it was miserable being out in such weather, but it was only for about 15 minutes in each cemetery.  I couldn’t help but think of the conditions our veterans endured and still endure.  Whether it’s freezing cold, horrendous heat, lack of food or sleeping fitfully in a foxhole, in a tree or the hard ground, the veterans have and continue to do whatever it is that needs to be done to help keep our country free.  So, a total half hour of discomfort is the least we can do to honor them.

The Memorial Day program at the town hall was very moving.  One of our World War II veterans, Milton McLaen, went on the WDAY Honor Flight and he and his daughter, Karen Hornseth, gave a power point presentation on his trip.  I can only imagine what it was like for him to be among so many men and women who had gone through similar situations as he did and to be able to see the memorial that was finally erected for them.

The Legion presented several service pins.  Earl (Bill) Anderson, Larry Christensen, Andy Hoflen, Calvin Jacobson, Ted Lee, and Roger Nelson received 35 year pins.  Forty year pins went to John Hoflen, Roger Pearson and Norman Preble.  Clayton McLaen received a 55 year pin and Donald Donaldson and Milton McLaen received 60 year pins.  Three members of the Legion Auxiliary received pins as well.  Bonnie Anderson received a 25 year pin while Helen Sapa and Gwen Young received 60 year pins.

As usual the Community Club served a delicious dinner following the program.  Many former residents come back to Rutland for Memorial Day and this is a wonderful time of visiting and reminiscing.

Envirothon Team Wins State!

On By rutlandramblingsIn Events, NatureLeave a comment

envirothon.jpgA note of congratulations is long overdue for our area youth.  The “Water Bugs” Envirothon Team are the First Place Winners of the North Dakota Envirothon Competition that was held at Crystal Springs Bible Camp near Medina last month.  The photo at left shows the team: (L-R) Jordaan Thompson, John Breker, Maria Breker, Shelly Pherson, Brady Haussler, Bre’Anna Hanson. The “Water bugs” will travel to Flagstaff, AZ, to compete in the national competition July 28 through August 3, 2008.

The Envirothon Competition is a problem-solving,natural resource competition for high school students.  The students are tested on their knowledge of forestry, soils, water, wildlife, and a current environmental issue, which this year was “Recreational Impacts on Natural Resources.”

The goal of the Envirothon is to cultivate awareness and enhance knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues, while developing critical thinking skills, building partnerships, and being committed to take responsible actions as adults.  Thanks to the Wild Rice Soil Conservation District for sponsoring them, to Joe and Patty Breker for being advisors and to Amanda Slykerman for being their coach.  Others who helped them prepare for the competition also deserve recognition:  Aquatics—Trace Hanson, 319 Watershed Coordinator and Dales Esser, Bureau of Reclamation; Wildlife—Kristine Askerooth, Tewaukon Refuge; Soils—Dave Breker NRCS; Forestry—Joe Zeleznik, NDSU Forestry; Current Issues—Julie Hassebroek, NDSU Extension.

Good luck at the Nationals!

Rocket to a Cure

On By rutlandramblingsIn Events, Rutland businesses, Rutland Community ClubLeave a comment

The Big “C” … Cancer.  That word makes us shiver in our boots.  My dad died of lung cancer in 1991 and my mother has successfully beaten cancer of the vocal chord and is now recovering from having her cancerous bladder removed.  Practically everyone has some story to tell about their family’s fight with cancer.  June 20 is the Sargent County Relay for Life.  Pam Maloney (Chairperson), Joan Lee, Diane Smith, Hilary Mehrer and Carolyn Christensen met on Wednesday after work to decide on a name, slogan, fundraising, and advertising among other details, for the Rutland Community Club sponsored Relay for Life team.  We are the Rutland Rockets (That used to be our basketball team.) and we will “Rocket to a Cure” as we work toward raising money for research of this terrible, frightening disease.  Other members of our team are Larry Christensen, Shannon Mehrer, Taryn and Brianne Maloney and Ione and Val Pherson.  We will be making theme baskets to raffle and hope to have the baskets available by May 19.  They will be in the Sargent County Bank in Rutland, so make sure you stop by and see what we have to offer.  On June 15 we plan on having a diner-type 50’s meal from 5:00 to 7:00 with hot dogs, hamburgers and root beer floats available for a free will offering.  It will be at this supper that the names will be drawn for the winners of the baskets.

The Rutland General Store is also sponsoring a team for Relay for Life.  Their slogan is “Love Me Tender”.  Members of their team are Laurie Greene, Shauna McKinney, Gretchen Van, Debra Liermark, Margie Johnson (Chairperson), Bertha Siemienieski and Renee Cramton.  They have begun their fundraising efforts with a garage sale.   They also have a canister in the General Store for people to drop change into, if they choose.

 Of course, both of Rutland’s teams will be selling luninaries.  We are working hard to raise lots of money for cancer research, but we’ll manage to have a lot of fun doing it.  [Carolyn C]

No Cooking Sunday!

On By rutlandramblingsIn Events, Rutland businessesLeave a comment

April 28, 2008

Sunday in Rutland was a day when Mom’s did not need to cook. There were lots of places to eat yesterday.  In addition to the Rutland Cafe, with expanded hours, it was the last Sunday of the month which meant the Rutland General Store had its Sunday buffet. The place was packed when our family dropped in.  Everyone enjoyed the spread of ham, roast beef, cheesy hash-browns, mashed potatoes, egg bake, waffles, caramel rolls and more.  After filling up at that feast, it was time to head home to rest up before Sunday afternoon Bingo at the Senior Hall where Yvonne Johnson continued her winning streak. Her husband Don won the blackout game but not in the 58 numbers to win the jackpot.  (Try next week for $90). During the break, Bingo players got to feast on pie, bars and beverages. Right after Bingo it was off to Rutland City Hall for the Park Board Baked Potato Feed which again drew hundreds to dine on potatoes with all the fixings along with lots of homemade desserts! Monday is “food hangover” day for Rutland and area residents.

Paris in Rutland with Snow

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This evening about 30+ Rutland area residents and a few from nearby towns are attempting to get into their “April in Paris” dinner at the Rutland General Store and they truly have a challenge if they are traveling from anyplace other than in town.  Snow is blowing fiercely sideways out here.  I thought April was supposed to bring some rain — we’ve already planted the potatoes and radishes and a few other things.  Spring is playing funny tricks on everyone this year.  At least the snow is expected to finish in plenty of time for Bingo and the Baked Potato Feed, both on Sunday.