"Their Day"In the earliest days of our nations’ birth,So many came forth to show their worth.All of the notions of freedom and such,Without the force would not have been much.Our freedom was won, but more lay ahead,Wars on our borders and slavery’s dread.The twentieth century brought so much more,The needs of the planet, the First World War.Men came to fight for freedom’s needs,From all of the states; all races, colors, and creeds.They fought in the trenches and endured great pain,To take out the Kaiser for democracy’s gain.Then they did it again, this time on two fronts,Flyboys and sailors, Marines and grunts.Yes we made the difference, the victory was secure,People freed from terror, by those with hearts so pure.Communism came next, in a land off to the west,North Koreans and Chinese threw at us their best.Vietnam was next, NVA and Viet Cong,That one was controversial and entirely too long.Other actions followed, along with Gulf War One,Our military might kicked in, and quickly they were done.Now a new war confronts us, different than the rest,We will make it through this, for we have the best.Throughout our entire history, one group has led the pack,To make our country great, to carry it on their backs.All the paper and philosophies could never keep us free,Only the men and women of the armed services could ever make it be.At times they’ve been applauded, at times they have been spurned,But doing the right thing is all that they ever yearned.That is why we have Veteran’s Day, to remember those who served.In war and in peace they came and went, but rarely were unnerved.So take the time to remember them and pray a silent prayer, For those who went before, when we needed them they were there.So many served,So many died, Just for us…Thank You© Curtis Hendel

I have a dream!I want to help build houses in El Salvador. This is part of a worldwide "Living Stones" effort. Each house costs $7,000 and is a permanent, well-built seven-room house. Half of that amount is forgiven, but each family must obtain a $3,500 mortgage. This is beyond these families, driven from their earthquake demolished homes in 2001. Three earthquakes, the largest being 7.6 on the Richter scale leveled the countryside for a million people — out of a six-million population.Individuals can help the government, and other outside aid there, complete the project. The hope is that people from North America will be generous in sending dollars and cents to help a family obtain a mortgage. No donation is too small. Each house has a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and three bedrooms. It is sturdily built to withstand storms, even earthquakes, it is hoped. The village is located close to a modern city where jobs are available. Schools, hospitals and churches are also built to provide for the whole culture. If anyone wants to help me send dollars and cents to El Salvador for this "Living Stones" project, contact me and I will come and get their donation, however small or large it may be. I will have a jar at the Luverne Senior Dining Center. Just drop your donation in the BIG JAR marked "Living Stones."Thank you very much.This is an opportunity to help others where we have no self-interest involved. That sounds like a Spirit of the Season gift opportunity to me.Help me live my dream.Jeanette TangemanLuverne

Nearly four years ago I began serving as the Southwest Minnesota Parent Liaison for the Minnesota Adoption Support and Preservation program. My husband and I have been blessed with nine children through adoption and are looking forward to traveling to Guatemala to bring home our tenth. It has been my privilege to connect adoptive families with one another. We enjoy the opportunity to support one another through phone calls, an online support group, and adoption gatherings throughout the region. We also are blessed to see the relationships that our children have developed with other kids like them. I have been surprised, however, that in serving 20 counties for almost four years, I have only connected with 120 families. Adoptive parents not only join together for fun and support but we also work to encourage others to adopt. Currently, Minnesota has more than 500 CHILDREN WAITING TO BE ADOPTED. Adoptive parents don’t need to have a high income or own a home. They may be married or single. Adoption and foster care social workers are looking for families with "real life" experience and the ability to cope with challenges: they are not looking for perfect families. I strongly encourage adoptive parents, those waiting to adopt, and even those considering adoption to call me. I would love to assist in bringing more adoptive parents together to further the cause of adoption in Southwestern Minnesota. Call me, Claudia Fletcher, toll free at 877-349-6353 or e-mail me at maeflye@aol.com. Claudia Fletcher Parent Liaison Minnesota Adoption Support and Preservation

See ya in six weeks!During the next few weeks, I will disappear (short-term) from the helm of the Crescent. As some readers know, I am expecting a baby and my nine-month wait will soon be over. I plan to take six weeks of maternity leave from the paper to recover and get to know the little bundle of joy. I am comfortable taking time off, because the Crescent will be left in the capable hands of Brenda Winter, with help from Star Herald Editor Lori Ehde and Assistant Editor Sara Strong.Some readers may remember Brenda from when she covered the Hills area for the Rock County Star Herald more than 10 years ago. She worked the summer of 1985, before leaving to attend graduate school, and returned to the Star Herald from 1987 to 1992 as a reporter. Brenda also filled in for Lori Ehde, who took maternity leave in 1996.During her time at the paper, Brenda earned two first-place awards in the 1992 Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest, one award for Photo Story and one award for Portrait and Personality photo. She also won an award for her writing.Unfortunately, what all this means for me, is that my absence will go unnoticed.It will be fun to see how Brenda covers the news in the Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen area. Hopefully, I will be able to pick up some tips when I read the Crescent from home.Meanwhile, our family will be adjusting to a new baby. I am looking forward to the transition after not having an infant around for more than 10 years.We know the baby is a girl, according to the ultrasound technician, and we have decided to name her Sarah Catherine. These two names are intertwined in our lives. Sarah is in memory of 17-year-old Sarah Amundson, our baby’s cousin, who was killed in February, along with three other teenagers, near Brandon, S.D. The morning of Sarah’s funeral, at which I sang, I learned that my 93-year-old grandmother had passed away. My grandmother’s middle name was Catherine. Through the course of settling my grandmother’s estate, I learned there were "Catherines" in the last four generations of my family. We decided to carry on the tradition.Anytime now, we will meet little Sarah Catherine and our curiosity will be satisfied. We will know for certain who she resembles and if she has an even temperament or is a little more challenging. What fun our discoveries will be!

Counter Dining seemed like a good idea while it lasted. On a recent trip to Minneapolis, my husband, daughter and I decided to stop at a restaurant well-known for its all-day breakfasts and three flavors of pancake syrups. You know the one. As the hostess escorted us to our table, I noticed a large, suspended sign with an arrow pointing in the opposite direction of where we were heading and it read, "Counter Dining." The arrow pointed to a section of the restaurant obscured behind a dense partition of lush tropical greenery. I couldn’t catch a glimpse of what the plants seemed to be hiding. Counter Dining. It suddenly occurred to me that all curmudgeons and dinner spoilers in the Minneapolis area had a place to gather with others of their kind on the far side of that living, green wall. For all I knew, the designated area had been set aside as part of an obscure A.B.A.A. (Americans with Bad Attitudes Act), a renegade spin off of the A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act). Beyond those plants was a place where any rude adults who had ever upset a business or family dinner could be exiled for meals for the rest of their lives. The Counter Dining area was a place where any controversial topic under the sun, often considered impolite in a civilized world, could be blurted out. It wouldn’t necessarily be a relaxing place to eat, especially for people with touchy digestive systems. Any off-the-wall opinion about religion or politics would be fair play for the whiner diners. With so many negative, counter attitudes sharing the same space, meals would be guaranteed to become complete disasters. Pleasantries and rules of etiquette wouldn’t be necessary in the Counter Dining area. Apologies wouldn’t be required. Unlike our military forces with their many rules of engagement, negative diners would have very few rules of enragement. However, a few outcomes might be predictable. For example, meals would have to be paid for in advance. That’s because so many diners, in absolute disagreement with others, might stop eating, throw down their utensils and dash off without paying their bills. Free-form, heated discussions with no-holds-barred can do that to people. No waiter, waitress or restaurant hostess would be expected to say, "Have a nice day." Their customers’ only response would be a snarl. There’s a good chance that Counter Diners wouldn’t relate to what Richard Whately had to say about them — "Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument." It’s much too clever. Counter Diners, banished from their homes and co-workers, would range from the hard core to the seemingly innocent. The worst of these would be guilty of such dinner opinions as, "If I had my way, Rush Limbaugh would be President", or, " This is tuna? What are you, a dolphin killer?" The least of the offenders, parents of teenagers, might also show up for Counter Dining. These are fairly innocent people, unwittingly capable of causing their teens to flee from the dinner table in a flurry of tears by asking, "How was school today?" As we left the restaurant in Minneapolis, I peeked through the foliage and saw what was concealed on the other side. There was nothing more than a counter with stools, set aside for people in a hurry. So much for Counter Dining.

Our landscape had a radical change from the fluffy, white blanket of snow we enjoyed into a bright, glittering blanket of ice which covered the fields in many places making them look like huge skating rinks. Temperatures have remained unseasonably cold for this time of year. They have dipped down below the freezing point several times. However, the forecast for this week predicts a warming of the temperatures accompanied by some moisture in rain, snow or sleet. If we could have our choice, I think we would all choose the rain. I am having a hard time thinking winter. What has happened to our Indian summer that gives us a chance to get our outdoor chores done and to say a final farewell to fall? It also gave us more time for preparing for the colder temperatures, strong winds and snow which usually accompanies our winter weather. I enjoy the changing seasons and I don’t mind winter when it arrives as it gives many of us a chance to catch up on things we have not been able to get done all summer. I just don’t like thinking about it. But I know you can’t have every thing.The Student Council of the Hills-Beaver Creek schools will have a Blood Drive from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the high school gym. Appointments may be made by calling the high school office at 962-3240. Carla and Joel Overlander and daughters, Circle Pines, were guests in the home of her mother, Melba Boeve, for the weekend. Pete and Judy Boeve, Sioux Falls, were Sunday evening dinner guests in the home of her mother, Henrietta Huenink. Joyce and Jo Aykens left on Sunday for Hull, N.D., where they attended funeral services for a distant relative of the Aykens family, Pete Nieusma. They returned home on Monday after the funeral. Steen Reformed Church Youth Fellowship will have a fall supper and auction beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The auction begins at 7 p.m. at the American Legion in Hills. See you there!Carol Van Bemmel, who has served as secretary for Steen Reformed Church for many years, is retiring from her duties there. Best wishes to her on her retirement. Steen Reformed Church had their annual meeting Monday evening. Election of officers were as follows: elders, Dale Bartels and Robert Sandbulte; and deacons, Dave Esselink and Dave Tilstra. Brian Dengler was approved for full time youth leader of their church for the coming year. Paul Aykens, Orange City, Iowa, spent Tuesday at the home of his mother, Jo Aykens. There is a jacket and winter clothing drive for the Center of Hope in Sioux Falls being conducted. If you have any warm clothing that you no longer wear, contact Steen Reformed Church and they will see that it gets to the proper place. Joyce and Jo Aykens met Paul and Carole Aykens, Susan Veldkamp and daughter Jadeyn, all from Orange City, in Sioux Falls on Friday where they spent the day together. The Hills-Beaver Creek FFA fruit sales will end on Nov. 17. If you have not been contacted call the Hills-Beaver Creek School at 962-3240 if you wish to purchase some. Carolyn Scholten, Cambridge, Wis., and her sister, Martha Jongjes, Edgerton, were callers in the Winnie Scholten home this past week.If you have been listening to the TV and radio of late and have heard all of those hoping to run for office campaigning, I think you will agree with me that it is going to be a long year. As I was thinking about those campaigning for offices many thoughts entered my mind. While looking through some old magazines I found this article which expressed my thoughts very well, especially when I think of what went on at our last election. Just this morning I heard on the radio that several states will not be having primary elections this year as they feel they have been too much party controlled and it has been a waste of money. After hearing that, I decided to share this article with you. "I do not believe the democratic process in an election year is a series of slur-ridden speeches, threats, charges and counter-chargers.I do not subscribe to marketing or political pettiness. With the challenges and changes demanded by today’s society, every man, woman and child must put aside personal determination if the great goal is to be achieved. The key words are unselfish objectivity — keeping one eye on the ball for the greater good of all who are concerned. Party loyalty has its place but not at the price of national disorder.Our country needs outstanding leadership, citizens first, careerists by coincidence. Politics is neither hobby or pastime, rather it is a total dedication of the committed to the genuine purpose of government. We no longer can afford the people, the time, or the funds for anything less. America deserves more than even the best we can give."I think these thoughts were expressed many years ago but I think they apply very well to our nation in this, our election year.

Dawn Sandager came to the Village on a visit and said, " You know I read Life in the Village and it sounds like such fun I think I’ll move in." Well this week there has been no excitement to write about or I’m forgetful. First of all, Carolyn went to Austin to visit Jill and so no Sunday night card game with Clair Crawford. Clair comes to visit his Mom but he entertains us with a game of Hearts. Mondays are reserved for Joan Berdahl. Dennis Roning comes, too, to play "Whist." Arnold S., Erma, Ione, Carolyn or Ruby whoever is available shorten their day by playing a game and they tell me about the whist champion who played long ago. Maybe with the shades down, for card playing was frowned on. You’re welcome anytime. We could use a volunteer bingo caller on Friday afternoon, though.Ione took a little trip. Not an exciting one for she went with family members to Council Bluffs, Iowa, to visit a brother who is not well and to Avoca, Iowa, to a funeral of her sister, Mabel Lorenzen. Mabel has always lived 200 miles away but we knew she was there although visits were far between we knew she was there and could talk on the phone or get a letter to learn of her happenings.The Bushes, too, have been busy. They finally decided to clean out the house. Clean out they’re doing. Boxing three floors of more than 50 years of collection. Junk they haven’t looked at in years and Ione doesn’t want to get rid of it.The pumpkins on our patio are still in tact but one of Caroline’s deer is missing. What fun is it to steal a deer? Caregiver Jason broke his finger at football practice and had to have surgery to correct it. He says no pain but he wears a big brace until it mends. The Bible Study this week was on Martin Luther. Bud’s mother always said it was good luck if a cat came to your house. Well, we have seen a big black cat around the Village. A cat may be good luck but I’m not sure about a black one. We watched a steady stream of visitors go to the bazaar across the street and wondered who won the raffle tickets. We had the first snowfall of the winter and Ed put the shovels in our entry in anticipation of the next storm. Snow puts me in the holiday spirit. Our chat is short for Clair got me off schedule and I forgot to write my news.I’ll keep you posted.

Ray and Lois Nelson attended the Veterans Day dinner at Luverne Senior Dining Tuesday noon. Following, they attended the Veterans Day program at Minnesota Veterans Home. Fran and Karen Sandager returned home last Monday afternoon from Colorado Springs, Colo., where they were guests of John and Joanne Sandager. They attended the baptism of Tatianna and David Mucer’s daughter, Isabella Christina. Howard Vis hosted a belated 80th birthday dinner Saturday for his mother, Louise Vis, at the Hills American Legion club room. A brother and sister-in-law from Sioux Center, Iowa, were present. Louise lives in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Karen Gaugler motored to Fargo, N.D., Friday for a visit with her friend, Jodi Rouse. Faith DeBoer and her brother, Bill Kroon, attended the Bill Gaither concert at the Arena Friday night in Sioux Falls. Don and Edyth Briggs motored to Brookings, S.D., Saturday where Don attended the meeting of the South Dakota York Rite College. Saturday morning visitors at the Ray Nelson home were Dave and Nancy Anderson, Dell Rapids, S.D. Nancy is Lois’ niece. Merlin Garlid returned to his home at Center City Sunday after spending a few days in the home of his daughter, Nancy and Mike Sandager. While here he also attended the school play, "Murder Mysteries," in Luverne in which Becca had a part. Wilmer and Betty Elbers attended the Washington High School band concert in Sioux Falls Monday evening. Their granddaughter, Kelsey Elbers, daughter of Darwin and Kim Elbers, was one of the flute players. Marvin and June Albers returned home after spending 10 days at their son Terry’s Pheasant Lodge at Roscoe, S.D. They report good hunting with all the hunters getting their limit. Two young men have recently new living quarters in Hills. Scott Hansel is getting settled in the former Schubbe residence and Matt Boeve has moved from the country into the former residence of Steve and Joan Fagerness. Thursday night Ray and Lois Nelson attended the Augustana Band Concert at Sioux Falls Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. Faith DeBoer cared for her grandchildren last week. Her grandson, son of Pam McNath, Centerville, S.D., spent Thursday with her and on Saturday Kendra and brothers, Kody and Kadin, children of Shari Doerr, were here. Friday evening Wilmer and Betty Elbers and Jim and Sharon Boeve enjoyed dinner together at the Intermission Café in Rock Rapids. The couples share the same wedding date which they celebrated.

10 years ago (1993)"It may be time to spend money in Beaver Creek.Costly improvements are needed for the city’s lift stations and ponds. Figures have inched toward the $250,000 mark, though exact costs have been released at this time."25 years ago (1978)"H-BC football coach Dale Huber is the 1978 District Coach of the Year, Huber was selected to the position Monday evening at the coaches district meeting in Magnolia. He was elected by popular vote from a field of 11 possible candidates in District 8."50 years ago (1953)"Beware of your electric fountain heating elements, Fred Paulsen put one in his hog fountain the other day. A day or so later he came into the hog house and found four hogs had been electrocuted that night by a short in the element."75 years ago (1928)"All interested in volleyball are asked to meet in the auditorium tonight, and see what can be done toward organizing teams and getting started."100 years ago (1903)"There are a number of parents in Hills who are somewhat careless about their children attending school. All children must attend the public school 60 days during the year, and if they do not, parents are subject to a fine. If parents and guardians have any good reason why their children cannot attend school, they should so advise the school board."