What your mother told you is true after all — good deeds are eventually rewarded. Marco d’Aviano had to wait more than 300 years. With a headline reading, "Cappuccino Friar Moves Along Sainthood Path." Reuters reports that the 17th-century friar and five other Italians were recently beatified by Pope John Paul in a final step before sainthood.] According to the article, d’Aviano created the frothy coffee drink cappuccino. (Incidentally, he also thwarted a Muslim invasion of Europe and cured a nun who had been bedridden for 13 years.) Reuters notes, "The drink, now supped by millions around the world, was called cappuccino after the Capuchin order of monks to which d’Aviano belonged." There is no mention of caffeine as being the reason the nun finally got out of bed, but many of us could attest to similar experiences. Although the last thing any of us would ever want to do is tell the pope how to do his job, one other unsung hero should definitely be singled out for sainthood honors. That candidate, of course, would be the person who invented elastic waistbands. In fact, if the waistband inventor hadn’t done the impossible, we would be forced to drink our cappuccinos with milk froth instead of more satisfying whipped cream. Without elastic waistbands, our lives would be isolated and lonely. Many of us would be unable to leave our homes and mingle with other people on a daily basis. Our regular waistbands, unattractive combinations of strained zippers, buttons and snaps, would have to be held together with series of safety pins or rubber bands. We would be unable to get dressed up and go out to eat at the same time. Without elastic waistbands, we would have little or no flexibility. We would be unable to bend over with no "give" at our waistlines. Because of elastic waistbands, we can be more gracious dinner guests. We never run the risk of insulting chefs or hostesses by turning down their offers of second or third helpings of food. Because of their flexibility and magical characteristics, elastic waistbands can easily cover a span of four sizes and make up for a lifetime of being unable to resist food in any form. (The latter might be referred to by some as gluttony, but I prefer to think of it as having a healthy appetite.) Elastic waistbands will stick with you through thick or thin. They are extremely forgiving and they will go out of their way to cover up your past mistakes and weaknesses. Not unlike some favorite foods, they can actually be your best friends. Without stretchable waistbands, we would become a nation of muumuu wearers. Other nominees for sainthood might have easily included the inventors of automatic washers, dryers and dishwashers, microwave popcorn, aspirin and non-feathering lipstick. (In case you’re wondering, that’s the lipstick that stays on the lips and doesn’t flow along most of the wrinkles on the lower half of one’s face, creating the illusion of a complicated roadmap.) As far as sainthood is concerned, it might help if the inventor of elastic waistbands did some other incidental things related to world peace or solving a major health problem along the way. It worked with Marco d’Aviano.

Lois and Vickie Nelson returned Sunday from their New York visit with Gail and Rodney. While there, they attended Gail’s pinning and awards ceremony, toured the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, SUNY Gardens, Jones Beach and took in the Broadway play "42nd Street." Out of town guests at the Wendell and Kathryn Erickson golden wedding Saturday included: Charles and Mary Erickson, Anoka, John and Judy Pearson, Kansas City, Mo., Judy Gilman and Ray Davis, Spencer, Iowa, Ramona and Roger Nelson, Denver, Iowa, Alma Flisrand, Watertown, S.D., Grace Pickering, Brandon, S.D., Milton Flisrand, Arlington, S.D., the Rev. Don and Ruth Homme, Vegas, Bob and Martha Strandberg, Worthington, Doris Thorsgard, Minneapolis, Bob and Ardith Olson, Volga S.D., Jose Lamas, Worthington, Warren and Carol Krause, Buffalo, Dick and Ann Flisrand, Austin, Donna Smith, Roseville, Jordan Kordahl, Rock Rapids, Iowa, James and Gladys Crawford, Mountain Lake, Gilbert and Carol Esua, Mountain Lake, Bernt Lie, Porsgrunn, Norway, and the Rev. Dan and Hope Kordahl and David, Sioux Center, Iowa. The event was hosted by their children and families: Margaret Erickson, Worthington; Kirsten Erickson and Patrick Anderson, Erik and Nicole, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Chares and Naomi Erickson, Waconia; Anna Erickson and Michael Gilman, Jens, Krista and Benjamin, Eden Prairie; and Hans Erickson and Susan Green and Siri, Eagan. Gail Nelson, Freeport, N.Y., graduated with honors from Farmingdale State University of New York last week with an associate in science degree in dental hygiene. Saturday, Edyth Briggs went to Sioux Falls to visit Marge and Keith Hellie while Don played in the Ceremonial El Riad Band. Henry Esselink, who had been hospitalized at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, returned home Friday. Calvin Marc Erickson, son of Heather and Aaron Erickson, was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church worship service on May 18th. Calvin’s sponsors are Karen and Stacy Tufto and Jill and Kevin Kemen. Others attending were grandparents, Donna and Maynard Kemen and Ann and Dennis Erickson and family members Noah and Grant Tufto, Kayla and Cameron Kemen, Cami and Kyal Heydt, Sheri and Adam Finke, and Mary and Dan Siegfried. A celebration meal followed which also included Pastor and Sonja Berg. On Thursday, Joel and Susan Aukes, Fargo, N.D., spent overnight with Bob and Twila Kirsch. They joined other family members in Wichita, Kan., on Friday. On Saturday they all attended the graduation of Emily Aukes-Janoscrat from Wichita State University with a degree in dental hygiene. They returned home on Sunday. Gary and Deb Bowman drove to Slayton, May 10, to help celebrate Gary’s Mom’s 80th birthday. All of the kids were present, including 4-month-old granddaughter, Emma. Friday evening Cliff and Vi VanWyhe attended the Sioux Falls Christian High School graduation at the Elmen Center at Augustana College. Their granddaughter, Ashley DeWit was a graduate. Carolyn and Nathan Schubbe, Stillwater spent from Friday until Sunday visiting their mother and grandmother, Erma Schubbe. Don and Edyth Briggs attended the Grand Session of the Royal Arch Masons and the Cryplic Masons at St. Cloud on Thursday.Gary and Deb Bowman went to Sheldon, Iowa, May 3, with their ’62 Rambler to join in the Dakota AMC Club Spring Run. They drove from Sheldon to Orange City, Iowa, to tour the Old Shoe Factory and to Hull, Iowa, to the candy store and back to Sheldon to learn the history of the AMC car dealership. Merlin Garlid, Center City, spent several days in the home of his daughter, Nancy and Mark Sandager, while attending the "end of the year" programs and activities of his grandchildren.Joanne and Tom Goehle went to Brandon Sunday afternoon to attend the high school graduation when Joanne’s great nephew, Aaron Lien, graduated. Bud and Shirley Hoogeveen and Jill spent last weekend in the Cities visiting their daughter, Tammy and Dean Hoppe, and Noah. They helped the family move from Maple Grove to Prior Lake. Carole Lonkey, Brooklyn Center, came Tuesday and along with her mother, Martha Lindrud, attended funeral services Wednesday for Jennie Vestlie at Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Monday morning I was awakened with the raindrops tapping on my window. Do you suppose spring is finally going to have to admit that she has arrived! As I was driving home from church I noticed two fields of corn that were up high enough that I could row them across the field. They were the first ones I have seen. However, my asparagus is ready to eat and so are my winter onions. My strawberries are blooming and my rhubarb is beginning to go to seed. None of these things happen unless it is in the spring. The birds have built a nest in my hog barn and are serenading me every time I go in. And this Sunday I went out to do my chores without a coat! That has to be a sure sign spring has arrived as you just don’t do that in the winter in Minnesota. We haven’t had a lot of rain at one time but every drop of it has soaked into the ground. Things are looking great! Even my garden looks just like it did last year. The weeds are right where I left them and are doing very well. When springtime enters your heart it is time to forget the winters of your life — and only remember the lesson you have learned from them. Guess I had better get to the garden! For regardless of the extra tasks that lie ahead as we get out of doors once more I look forward to all of the springtime beauty.Sunday afternoon Milton Bonnema, Joan Hoogeveen and Joyce and Jo Aykens were guests in the Wilmer and Betty Elbers home in Hills to visit their guests, Geneva Fredericks and son Ryan from Ripon, Calif. Congratulations to Randy and Jane Baker on the birth of a baby boy born on May 10 at Luverne Community Hospital. He weighed eight pounds and 11 ounces and was named Cole Randy. Grandparents are Curtis and Mary Smook and Warren and Loretta Baker. Great-grandmother is Verla Baker. There was a bridal shower in honor of Joni Brouwer, Saturday morning in Steen Reformed Church. Barb Bos underwent surgery at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls on Friday. Ron Van Ruler and Milton Bonnema were Wednesday afternoon coffee guests in the Arnold and Jane Bonnema home. Jo and Joyce Aykens attended the Tulip Festival at Orange City, Iowa, on Friday. They also visited in the Paul and Carole Aykens home. Their daughters were home for the Tulip Festival also, so they spent some time visiting with Andrea Aykens, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Lori Kurtz and daughter McKenzie, Aplington, Iowa, and Susan Veldkamp and daughter Jadeyn from Orange City. The Hills-Beaver Creek High School Class of 2003 commencement exercises were in the Hugo Goehle Gymnasium on Friday, May 23, for 28 seniors. Their class colors were navy blue, sky blue and metallic silver. Their flower was the white rose tipped in navy blue. Their motto was "The memories we’ve shared, the times we’ve had together will stay with us always … Goodbye is not forever!"The Senior Trip to Valleyfair is Wednesday, May 23. The last day of school is on Thursday, May 29. Congratulations to the Senior Class and good luck with your future plans. Dries and Laura May Bosch attended a graduation reception in honor of Adam Lee, son of Steven and Becky Lee, in Sioux Falls Sunday afternoon. Clarence and Ann (Wissink) Kooistra, Ripon, Calif., are spending the week in the Joan Hoogeveen home. There will be a four-family rummage sale in Steen on Friday and Saturday which will be at the home of Bobby Jo (Scholten) Quigley. Marilyn (Scholten) David, Rick and Lori Scholten and Chuck and Ann Jess are the three other families involved. Mildred Keunen and Jo Aykens attended the crowning of the King and Queen at Tuff Home on Monday in honor of "Homes for the Aged Week." The theme for the week was "Quality, first in the hearts of the matter." King was Ed Brandenburg and Queen was Norma Herman. A Mother’s Tea followed the ceremony. John and Jane Bosch were Thursday evening coffee guests in the home of Arnold and Jane Bonnema. Where does the time go? It seems May just began and next week we will observe Memorial Day on Monday. However, the official Memorial Day is on Friday, May 30. At any rate, it is a time for remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us and also our Servicemen who have given their all for our nation. I think we should spend some time remembering what this country was founded on and how well it has worked for us. This article titled "The American Ideal" was taken from The Forum. "When this country was founded, the principles which are dear to the hearts of all freedom loving citizens were the basis for what became the American Ideal of Freedom. In essence this Ideal stipulates that every person should be free. — To pursue his ambition to the fullest extent of his abilities, regardless of race or creed or background. To worship God in his own way.To choose his own trade, and to apply for any jobs he wants — and to quit his job if he doesn’t like it or if he gets a better offer. To go into business for himself, be his own boss, and set his own hours of work. To use his honestly acquired property or savings in his own way — spend it foolishly, invest it wisely, or even give it away.To offer his services or products for sale on his own terms, even if he loses money on the deal.To buy or not to buy and service for product offered.To disagree with any other person, even when the majority are on the side of the other person. To do as he pleases in general, as long as he doesn’t interfere the equal rights and opportunity of every other person to do as he pleases."After reading this the thought came to me that I have always taken all of these ideas for granted. I had never thought of not being able to do any of these things and it gave me some things to think about that I had never considered before. Just think how different our nation would be if these were denied all of us! Do you think that these things we enjoy each day are worth fighting for?

10 years ago (1993)"The Hills City Council recently approved the purchase of blue and white banners welcoming visitors to the city. The banners are found on Main Street and along Highway 270."25 years ago (1978)"Tuesday night was the big night for the annual H-BC Arts Show and a number of winners were chosen in each category. Winners in the adult class included: Phyllis Schouwenberg, M; Don Schellhouse, M; Carol Hoogeveen, Best of Show; Eloise Wohlford, Outstanding Achievement; Annette Taubert, Best of Show; Ms. Glenda Kuehl, M; Gertie Martens, Best of Show; Linda Marshall, M; and Eunice Baker, M.‘M’ is being used here to indicate the medalion awards." 50 years ago (1953)"Dick Moser Jr. advised his folks, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Moser, that he was to be in Nevada last Friday and to remain there for 20 days, during the testing of atomic weapons. Last Friday it was reported that one of the largest atomic explosions in history was set off, so it is anticipated that Dick got a chance to see what it was like." 75 years ago (1928)"How many people in Hills realize that we have one of the biggest chick hatcheries in this section of the country — known as the Hills Hatchery, Tim Bonestroo, proprietor.In an interview with Mr. Bonestroo last Tuesday, a reporter learned that so far this season he has sold about 8,000 chicks, and could easily have disposed of 5,000 more had he started the incubators earlier in the season."100 years ago (1903)"The tennis court was formally opened yesterday and a good day’s sport was had. The court is in fine condition. The boys will organize a club and lay out another court right west of the old one."

Jennie Vestlie, 79, Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Luverne, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.Services were Wednesday, May 14, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial was at Flower Field Cemetery in Hills. Jennie Katherine Gabrielson was born to Jens and Karen Gabrielson on Jan. 26, 1924, in Luverne. She grew up in southwestern Minnesota and graduated from Luverne High School in 1941.She married Ruben Vestlie on Dec. 2, 1946. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Sioux Falls. Through the years she worked for several Sioux Falls firms. She served on the Washington High School cafeteria staff for many years and was a favorite among students.Mrs. Vestlie was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Church activities, reading and baking were her interests. One of her greatest joys in life was fishing at the family cabin in northern Minnesota. Survivors include her husband, Ruben, Sioux Falls; two sons, Russ (Debby) Vestlie, Madison, Wis., and Richard (Lauri) Vestlie, Sioux Falls; one daughter, Marlys (Frank) Bernard, Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren, Michael, Joel, David, Jeremy, Sarah, Joshua, Kate, Karin, Kristen and Kaylyn; one great-grandchild, Hannah; three brothers, George (Arna) Gabrielson, John (Audrey) Gabrielson, and Russell (Olga) Gabrielson, all of Luverne, and one sister-in-law, Martha Lindrud, Hills. Mrs. Vestlie was preceded in death by her parents, and one grandson, Adam Vestlie. Chapel Hills Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, was in charge of arrangements.

Darlene Folkens, 75 Lester, Iowa, died Tuesday at Rock Rapids Health Centre, Rock Rapids, Iowa, following a long illness. Services were Friday, May 16, at United Methodist Church in Lester. Don Nelson officiated. Burial was at Hillside Cemetery in Lester. Survivors include her husband, Arend Folkens, Lester; two sons, John (Rachel) Folkens, Lester, and Steve Folkens, Larchwood, Iowa; two daughters, Elsie (Lynn) Anderson, Hudson, S.D., and Lori (Greg) Popkes, Rock Rapids; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Carl Kuhl, Minneapolis, and Leo Kuhl, Madison, S.D.; and one sister, Clara Ann Olson, Steen. Roste Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, was in charge of arrangements.

So what’s your talent?One of the big hits of last year’s Rock County Fair was the Amateur Talent Contest.With that success behind it, the Rock County Fair Board is planning for the second annual event.This year the contest will take place on Friday, August 1. The talent will be divided into three categories:_ Open division, any age_ Teen division, ages 13-18_ Pre-teen, ages 12 and underEach division will pay $100 for first place winner, $75 for second place and $50 for third.The show will take place at 7 p.m. in the fairgrounds grandstand.A stage, sound system, piano and lighting system are provided by the fair board. Each act is responsible to provide a $10 registration fee which is required at the time of registration.A practice time will be arranged the afternoon of the event should entrants desire it.The event is expected to last approximately two hours and each act will be limited to no longer than four minutes.Because of the two hour time limit, acts will be accepted on a first come basis.Twenty five people signed up for last year’s event, with ten in the pre-teen division, nine in the teen division and six in the open class.According to event organizer, Jane Wildung, the grandstand attendance was 600 to 700 people for the evening.All three of the division winners, according to Wildung, went on to participate at the State Fair level.If you are interested in showing off your talent or you know someone you would like to talk into performing, you can pick up registration forms at the Luverne Chamber of Commerce office.If you would like to receive one by mail, contact Jane Wildung at 283-4691.Would you like to design the new quarter?Now it’s Minnesota’s turn. You have probably seen the newly designed quarters, minted to honor various states of our nation.The time has come for Minnesota to get its quarter.Gov. Pawlenty is putting together a commission to help choose the design for the new Minnesota coin.The commission will recommend five designs to him, bearing a theme to be issued in 2005.Pawlenty also wants to include schools in the process of submitting and recommending designs.The commission will have 15 members, and three seats will be open to the public.The governor will also appoint one student, one elementary teacher and one high school teacher.The Minnesota legislature will also get to appoint four of their own.Other commission members will include the Minnesota Historical Society director, the State Arts Board director, the Secretary of State and the Education Commissioner or their designees.If you think you would like to try for one of the open spots, you can call the Secretary of State’s office at 657-296-2803.Are goat races back in Jasper?The Jasper Goat Races, last held in 1978, may be making a return visit to Jasper’s streets.A group of Jasper citizens got together April 20 to discuss what it would take to plan and organize the event.Some members of the original Jasper Goat Club were on hand to discuss their experiences and offer some support for the idea.August 14, 2004 has been set as the target date for the first "new" goat race.Promotional activities and fundraisers are planned for this summer.A street dance and hamburger feed are among the likely fundraisers the group is considering.The next meeting will be held at the StoneWall Pub on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

By Lori EhdeTuesday marks another year since the murder of Blue Mounds State Park worker Carrie Nelson.The case remains an open investigation, but with no new leads or productive tips, it also remains unsolved.Park Naturalist Dave Rambow said the Blue Mounds is shedding the image of "the park where the girl was murdered," but he said it’s taken a toll on workers’ morale."I don’t know if you’d call it survivor’s guilt, but there’s a lot of us wishing we ‘would have, should have could have…’ I know I wish I had been there that day."He said most of the campers are from outside of Rock County, so he doesn’t get many questions from them, but Rambow said he still gets questions from the locals about the murder.And that, he said, is hard on everyone. "I think, because it’s an unsolved case, it’s like an open sore," he said.For Carrie’s friends and family members, time is beginning to heal their pain, but now more than ever, they want her to be remembered.Her father, Stan Nelson, said he continues to visit her grave every day, twice a day."Carrie is with me still every day, and I think about her all the time. I think all the time about what I can do to honor her memory," he said Tuesday. "I want to live the best life I can … She was a kind and loving kid, and if we can all be a little more like her, the world will be a better place."A Carrie Nelson memorial flower garden will be planted this spring near the Blue Mounds State Park Interpretive Center.Nelson, 20, was found beaten to death at the Blue Mounds State Park entrance building in the afternoon of Sunday, May 20.The 1999 Luverne High School graduate was a park employee and had been working the 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift at the park when she was killed.Investigators still welcome tips at the Rock County Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency number, 283-5000.

By Sara StrongBetty Ehlers is limiting her diaper changing duties to her grandchildren these days. It’s not that she’s tired of it, but she is downsizing after raising her own five children and taking in 22 others through the foster care system.Ehlers, Luverne, was honored in recognition of May being National Foster Care Month for being a foster parent for 20 years."I’ve always liked children and they all deserve to be loved and get TLC," Ehlers said. "And I’ve always loved babies, especially."She specialized in infants and toddlers, taking in only a couple 10- to 12-year-olds.Before she accumulated these 20 years of foster care experience, she got into the system only after she and her late husband, Eldon, consulted with their first four children."We had a family council meeting," she said. "They treated the foster children like their own brothers and sisters. … They all knew babies before they got married on their own, and have said it was a good thing."Ehlers adopted one of the family’s foster children, Anna.She said, "There are different reasons that children come into the foster care system, but every one is precious."Many of the babies who entered the Ehlers home were waiting to be adopted, were children of mothers who were undecided about keeping the baby, or were children who were court removed from the home.The children Ehlers cared for represent a minute fraction of the need for foster care. According to the Department of Human Services, there are 5,377 licensed foster homes in Minnesota, but there are 11,300 children who need foster care.Nancy Lange, with Rock County Family Services, has worked with Ehlers through the years. She started out as a Child Protection worker and now licenses people to become foster parents.Lange said, "She was so nurturing and very calm. She was so easy to work with and always conscientious and accountable."Around Rock County, Ehlers is known for having a stream of different children in her life, so much so, that people often ask if her grandchildren are foster children. She also remembers going out to eat with her husband while they were with a 1-year-old foster child. They sat next to a couple who watched the Ehlers interact with the boy, and finally asked if it was the couple’s first child. Betty replied that it was their 19th. She paused to let the other couple react before she explained that they were foster parents.While she loved the tender and humorous moments of caring for children, Ehlers also had some hard times.Once, a newborn went limp in her arms as she fed her in the night. The baby didn’t seem to have a strong pulse. Living in the country at that time, Eldon quickly took Betty and the baby to the emergency room, where she was admitted to the hospital.Ehlers said, "I was so happy to put her into the arms of a nurse." The doctors didn’t find a specific problem with the baby and she was fine within a couple days.Even though the Ehlers suffered from broken hearts when it was time for the children to leave, Betty said her foster care experiences have been worthwhile. A plaque in her home displays the Foster Parent Creed: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what our bank account was, the sort of house we lived in, or the kind of car we drove. But the world may be different because we were important in the life of a child."She encourages more to give it a try. "I hope there are younger families who can open their homes and hearts to little children who need help," Ehlers said. "It’s so good for the heart to share love."Other foster families in Rock CountyBrian and Rachel SudengaDan Biever and Lori WinterBruce and Jodi Van Den BoschRod and Lisa RosinJim Juhl and Brenda WinterLarry and Judi Wiley