Christmas past - The Eagle Grove Eagle

Transcription

Our Christmas Gift to You…
from the EAGLE GROVE
EAGLE
Thursday, December 24, 2015
d
Eagle Grove
Past • Present • Future
— Christmas past —
by Kim demory
[email protected]
We’ve all seen, heard, or read
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas
Carol.” The journey he takes us on
through Christmas past, present,
and future, was the inspiration for
this year’s Eagle Special Christmas
edition. We hope to take you on
a journey of Christmas Past shared with us by several local
residents who have some great
stories to tell.
With all the wonderful
holiday festivities that took place
in Eagle Grove this season, you’ll
tell by the following pages that
Christmas Present was enjoyed
by many. There was a tree lighting,
Christmas concerts, holiday crafts,
Santa letters and visits, and so
much more.
What will Christmas Future
hold? Only you can write that
story, but for the tiniest of Eagle
Grove residents, there is a world of
wonder for them to discover. As
they meet Santa for the first time,
learn about the true meaning of
Christmas, and treasure family
traditions they will be part of, I
hope they, too, will look back one
day and realize how amazing it is to
be part of a small-town community
who comes together like family
year-after-year to celebrate the joy
that can be found in Eagle Grove.
As you gather with family and
friends this season, may you find
joy, make memories that will last
a lifetime, and cherish the gift of
being together - and don’t forget
to snap lots of pictures. Check
now to make sure you have empty
memory cards, charged batteries,
and most importantly, a plan to get
them printed and archived, whether
it be scrapbooking or in a plain old
photo album for generations to
enjoy. Who knows what the future
holds in this age of technology and they just might enjoy seeing
what Christmas was like in 2015,
just like we appreciate seeing our
parents’ photos of Christmas’
past.
Alan Pohlman 1972
2B
Christmas Past, Present, and Future
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas past turns
by Kim demory
[email protected]
Santa Claus is to presents what
Bev Lester is to Christmas trees.
Walking through her display of
theme-decorated holiday trees on
display in her home in Goldfield
leaves you feeling just a little more
merry and a whole lot more bright.
It all began back in 1983 when
Bev agreed to decorate her home
for the Women’s Club Tour. She
enjoyed it so much, that she decided
the next year that she wanted to host
her own Festival of Trees. With the
help of her two sister-in-laws, they
decorated numerous trees and put
them on display in Bev’s garage.
The only think left to do was send
out special invites to family and
friends to come and enjoy a few
hours of Christmas spirit. More
than 90 people showed up, and they
loved it. She remembers holding
three or four more Festival of Tree
events in her “old” home over the
years, but when they moved to their
new home in 2003, Bev decided to
make it an annual event. For more
than 10 years she has kept sending
out the invitations, and the people
have kept coming.
Some years, Bev has set up
as many as 27 trees throughout
her home. This year, she had 14.
Either way, she said it wouldn’t be
possible without the help of family
members who help carry up the
trees, fluff branches, and serve the
food and drink to the guests. It take
a village of people to set up a forest
of Christmas trees.
This years Festival of Trees was
held on Sunday, Dec. 6. It’s a comeand-go day event that started at 4:30
p.m. and lasted until the last person
wanted to go home. A long day, but
Bev loves it.
The thrill of the trees started
before you even walked in the house.
Trees, lights, a wreath and a wagon
full of presents welcomed you. Once
inside, participants could choose
to go through the upstairs first, or
the downstairs. As you walked
down the stairs to the basement sat
a corner tree, perfect for that spot
(pictured at left). While that tree
toes there every year because of it’s
convenience, the decorations are not
always the same. In fact, Bev has
so many decorations for her trees,
that no tree is ever in the exact same
location decorated the exact same
way from year-to-year.
The next tree as you made
your way around the basement
was a fun snowman tree (pictured
directly below) that sat next to one
of her cherished Christmas caroler
collections that she’s had for more
than 27 years. If you look closely
at the tree, you’ll notice it has a
snowman head on top and two
snowman arms wrapped around the
middle of the tree. She found them
in a store in Nebraska and said she
just had to have them. The trees
may only be on display for a short
while, but they are always on Bev’s
mind as she travels throughout the
year, keeping her eye open for new
and exciting ways to decorate the
next year’s trees.
H LIDAY
Bev Lester of Goldfield put up and decorated 14 Christmas trees
this year. Some years, it’s been as high as 27. Either way, she
has been inviting neighbors and friends to see them during a
Christmas Coffee held in her home for the past 31 years.
Photos by Kim Demory
Other trees in the basement
this year featured a silver tree in
bedroom number one. She started
with a flower on top that she liked
and went from there. In the sitting
room was a mostly Hawkeye tree,
but she did decide to add on a few
other ornaments featuring some
other sports teams she cheers for.
For you Iowa State fans, yes, she had
an ISU bulb, but only one.
The tree in bedroom number
two downstairs was perhaps the one
that made people chuckle a little.
She affectionately called it “The
hairy tree.” Since the needles of
the tree were light and wispy, she
thought it would be fun to play off
that and added ragged burlap pieces
with frayed edges. From the creative
mind of Bev came a cute, unique
tree that most people probably
would never imagine putting up in
their home.
As you made your way back
upstairs, it was hard to miss all the
--------------------------------------Cont. on Page 3
Raevyn
Mericle
MAGIC
Darci
Anderson
Brielle
Thul
Tytan
Kleppe
As the magic of
Christmas unfolds, it
brings joy and wonder
to young and old alike.
May the extraordinary
spirit of this very
special holiday fill your
hearts now and forever.
Emalee
Sisneros
The snowman tree.
Dylan
Roberts
-
Sarah
Schaefer
The (mostly) Hawkeye tree.
Caden
Martinez
Brylee and
Landon Mrla
From all the employees at AGP Eagle Grove
The Scandinavian tree.
Eagle Grove Eagle
to Christmas present
Continued from Page 2
little extra Christmas touches Bev
had included in addition to her trees.
There were poinsettias hanging on
the wall, festive rugs on the floors,
wreaths on the doors, candles
flickering giving off a holiday scent,
a twinkling winter cardinal picture,
and even holiday aprons hanging in
the laundry room - many of which
have been worn over the years by the
Festival of Trees kitchen helpers.
The living room literally took
your breath away. Bev said last year
she grouped three trees togeher in the
corner. This year, she featured them
throughout the room, decorating
each of them differently, but with a
red theme.
In the main bedroom upstairs
was a brilliant silver and white tree.
Sitting next to it on the dresser was
one of her favorite nativities she got
for only $5 when her children were
little. Last year, that nativity, along
with all the others she owns, were
displayed together in the living room
and on the mantle.
Even the on-suite was decorated
for Christmas. The shower, made
of brown tile, featured a bronze
Christmas tree sitting in the corner.
It was beautiful.
Bev even decorated two trees in
the laundry room; one Scandinavian
and the other as a bell poinsettia tree.
In the dining room was a white tree.
Concluding the tour was a western
tree and a “Natural” tree decorated
with pinecones, cotton balls, and
tree sprigs. Again, amazing! Who
would have thought? And sitting next
to that natural tree was a nativity of
Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus carved
out of tree bark, with the bark left
on. Stunning!
“I love this time of year,” said
Bev. “The people are so appreciative
when they come...and (the Festival
of Trees) just gets Christmas going
for me. It’s fun.”
Just a couple of the other trees
Bev has done in the past, but weren’t
on display this year include a teacher
tree, a Mother Goose tree, a Santa
tree, and an Irish tree. It just goes
to show you don’t always have to
decorate your Christmas tree with
red and green bulbs. It’s only limited
to your imagination. If you have lots
of ideas, you can always set up more
than one tree like Bev does. The
other tip she has, don’t limit yourself
to a star on top of the tree or a storepurchased tree skirt underneath. Three trees adorn the “red” themed living room.
Instead, she loves to use random
pieces of material, burlap, fur pieces,
scarves, and ribbon to throw on the
floor. As for the tree topper, take a
look at the photos, they don’t always
have to go on the point of the tree.
It took Bev a couple of weeks to
set-up and decorate all of this year’s
trees, but it was so worth it, not only
for her, but for the 65 people who
toured her home. After enjoying the
beautiful trees, wreaths, carolers,
Santa’s, paintings and more, guests
were invited to sit down, visit, and
enjoy a cup of cranberry/orange hot
drink, sandwiches with homemade
buns, bean dip, corn dip, taco dip,
Christmas cookies, bars, and a
cheese ball. It was a day that Santa
himself would have enjoyed.
At the end of the day, there
was one thing that Bev wanted to
make sure everyone saw and took
a little time to stop at, and that was
the guest book. Bev enjoys looking
back at the Christmas Festival of
Trees past to see who has come, who
is no longer with them, and who is
new to the tour. After all, the tour
The natural tree.
isn’t about the trees themselves, for
Bev, it’s about the people who gather
there to enjoy them with her.
The snowman tree in the basement.
The “Hairy” tree.
Bev also collects carolers.
The red tree.
The white tree.
At This Season
Of Giving…
The western tree featured pheasant feathers at the top.
Make the most
of your holiday
with family,
friends &
festivities!
We’d like to give you our well wishes for
a happy and healthy holiday season. We
feel deeply honored to have your friendship and trust. Thanks!
GOLDFIELD ACCESS NETWORK
536 N. Main, Goldfield, IA 50542
515-825-3996 • goldfieldaccess.net
Eagle Pharmacy
311 W. BROADWAY - EAGLE GROVE, IA
Across From The Sr. Center
The natural wood nativity.
3B
4B
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas past
Christmas
past
Breakfast
with
Santa
Phyllis Sholly
Phyllis Sholly said she grew up
in a big house with a big living
room and a big staircase. It was on
that staircase that she remembers
her mother sitting on Christmas
morning watching the children
open up their gifts. She recalled
how one year, the gift she wanted
most was a cradle for her dolly, so
her dad made her one. “I can still
remember my doll I put in it, her
name was Mary Ann,” Phyllis said.
When she had real children of her
own, they would go to midnight
Mass as a family and then come
home and open gifts.
Dear Santa…
McKristie Willard
Kindergarten
Dear Santa,
I want a caat.
Love,
Olympia Asche
Dear Santa,
I will make cookies for you. I want
a guitar.
Noah Defoe
Emilio Figueroa enjoyed a couple of Christmas donuts at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library
on Saturday, Dec. 19, courtesy of the library and the Eagle Grove Parks and Recreation
department. After his holiday breakfast of champions, Emilio headed off to see Santa who
was talking with all the boys and girls by the front desk. Photo by Kim Demory
Pictured at right:
Jaz
Gonzalez is happy that
Santa Claus made a stop at
the Eagle Grove Memorial
Library, just like he does
every year, so she could
tell him in person exactly
what was on her Christmas
list. Jaz promised Santa
she would go to bed on time
Christmas Eve. Santa told
her he was proud of how
nice she was being to all of
her classmates at school.
Photo by Kim Demory
Dear Santa,
I want a computer please. I want a
tablet please.
Adelie Pamperin
Dear Santa,
I love your presents. Can I have a
diamond?
Javier Martinez
Dear Santa,
I want roller skates and a tablet.
Liliana Waldo-Martinez
Dear Santa,
I want a book and I want guitar.
Asarel Castro
Dear Santa,
I want computer I like your beard.
Candelaria Agustin-Mendez
Dear SAnta,
I want a computer tablet. Thank
you.
Phoenix Rutledge
The Spirit
Is Growing!
It’s almost Christmas, and we’d like to plant our best
wishes for a very merry season all over town.
We certainly appreciate your coming ‘round.
Eagle Grove Greenhouses, Inc.
120 S. Iowa Ave., Eagle Grove
515-448-5181
Dear Santa,
I want a ipad please. I will give you
cookies.
Ethan Schrieber
Dear Santa,
I want a tablet. I want a guitar.
I like your reindeer.
Keeley Peterson
Dear Santa,
I want a tablet. I will give you cookies.
Hunter Schmidt
Dear Santa,
I have been a little good. Can have
a computer desk please and thank
you. I will give you cookies. I like
your reindeer. I like your beard.
Myka Anderson
Dear Santa,
I like Barbies. Please.
Joselin Ramirez
Dear Santa,
I want a tablet. Please.
Damian Stiltz
Dear Santa,
I want a guitar.
Eli Withers
Dear Santa,
I want a dirt bike. Please. Thank
you.
Grayson Chamberlin
Dear Santa,
I want a ninja turtle.
Lucas Willard
Dear Santa,
I want a yo-yo. Thank you. I love
you.
Amelia Gonzalez-Willard
Stacy Osborn
Kindergarten
Dear Santa,
I love you. I would like a dinosaur
for Christmas. I would like an action
figure too. I will leave you cookies.
Love,
Kam
Dear Santa,
I want a pie face for christmas I hope
you hav a good day I will leave a
cookie for you.
Mason
I want a barbie car. I want a barbie
house. I want a baby stroller. I can’t
wait to see you!
Love
Harmany Starbuck
Dear Santa,
I need a zoomer dino.
Gabriel Page
Dear Santa,
I wut a skajrs and x-box 36. I like
yoow.
David Hernandez
Dear Santa,
I like your randers Santa. I need a
new coat. I want a zoomer kitty Santa. Merry Chrismis Santa
From
Jorja Morris
Dear Santa,
I want a batmobile and some legos. I
like your reindeer.
Love,
Victor Manilla
Dear Santa,
I wat a computer and a i fon four and
pug.
Love,
Sophia Hill
Dear Santa,
I like yuor reindeer. I ned sum mitins
I wot a funko pop bat mobilr. Mary
cismis santa.
Luv
Jack Davidson
Dear Santa,
I love your ranber. I want a pie face.
Love,
Lola Kreitlow
Dear Santa,
I wot a real dog and I need a hat and
a mittens. I hope your rainbere I
love your ranbeeres even rudolf and
a tablet I love your elves I wonder
how thay fly.
Love,
Anna Withers
Maree crismit!
Dear Santa,
I love you. I wamt a fone for chrismus. haw or your radeer?
Love
Azlyn Amonson
Dear Santa,
I want a race car track.
By
Bailey Stuckey
Dear Santa,
I need new gloves. I want spot. I
hope Mr. Snowy is good. I love you
Santa.
Love,
Andrew Orozco
Dear Santa
I love you Santa.. I wt a I-fon-four.
Alecia Hill
Dear Santa,
I want a x-box 360. I need sketchers.
I will leave you chocolate milk.
Love,
Aiden Kestel
5B
Dear Santa… A passion for Eagle Grove
Eagle Grove Eagle
Aly Dahlhauser
Kindergarten
Dear Santa
I want my litte pony fasems and
zoomer kitty.
Lilly
Dear Santa
I would like a ipad.
Axton
Dear Santa
I want cowboy boots and turtle that’s
all.
Dillan
Dear Santa
I would like a toy gun and a i pad.
Ryland
Dear Santa
I want a pair of Michael Jordan shoes
and a ipod.
Cash
Dear Santa
I want playdoh and a easle.
Johanna
Dear Santa
I will like a mask and play doh.
David
Dear Santa
I want a popsicle maker and a ice
cream maker.
Bella
Dear Santa
I will like a DS 2 and a ice cream
maker.
Angelica
Dear Santa
I would like a zommer kitty and love
that is all I want.
Gracelyn
Dear Santa
I want a fake dinosaur. I want a fake
turtle.
Mauricio
Dear Santa
I want a MC square volcano
Nora
Der Santa,
I wat a electric motorcycle and a
electric jeep.
Rebekah
Dear Santa
I want a tablet and I want a drum.
Andres
Deear Santa
All I want is hot wheels and i pad.
Aiden
Dear Santa I want a big shed and
farm equipment.
Dylan
Dear Santa
I want a Elsa doll has a nicrophone
what lets you sing with it and a barbie doll.
Rosie Thul
Dear Santa,
I want a ipad and hamster..
Taytum
Dear Santa
I will like a iphone and a Michael
Jordon shoes.
Salem
Ashley Flatebo,
First Grade
Dear Santa,
Hi my name is Astrio. I am 6 years
old. For Christmas I ant a frozen doll,
clothes anda tablet. Santa what’s
your favorite food.
Your Friend Astrid
Dear Santa,
Hiy! My name is Hailey. I am 6 year
old. I want a ctor an a nook and a
I pad. Do you like all the rainders?
How do the elfs make the toys?
Your Friend
Hailey
Dear Santa,
My name iz Klara I am 7. I want
a hand zan it iz and dog. Can roo
Rlodcat.
Youhr Friend Klara Man
D r Santa,
Mp nom is Justin. I am 6. I want u to
pd coo wut the tebr do?
Your Friend,
Justin
Dear Santa,
Hell santa! I am 6 years old. I want
amirken aft toy a nostar words toy.
Haw it wx the poles pese. Haw meney preses of nor
Your frend
Germal
Dear Santa,
My name is Breton. I am six years
old. I want a zoomrdino and a new
tablit and I want rev cars, and a
phonen and a wii u, and a my little,
and a christmar tree. What color is
your scin? What dos Mrs. Claws?
Your Friend,
Breton
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa Clause! My Name is Dayana. I im 7 years Old. I WoulD like
a BeinbaeG. HoW Dos The Saye
Woc?
your friend,
Dayana
Dear Santa,.
Hello! My name is Maggie. What
I whant for Krismis is a sililacone
babe. I am 7 Yers olld. How do you
get around? How old or you? I wont
a ipad and badey stuf for binkese and
one dotl and dadey clos.
your friend,
Maggie
Dear Santa,
Hello my name is Jace. I am 8 years
old. How do you git down in the
Chimnee? How do you go up of the
Chimnee? How old are you? How do
your raendeers Flie? I want a wii u.
your Frend,
Jace
Dear Santa,
Hi! MY name is Jazsalene. I am 7
years old. I want a new slodd and
a new ds. Haw do You get around
the world in one nite? If there is no
chimnie how do you get in? You are
the best!
Your frend,
Jaz
Dear Santa,.
Hello. My naame is Denis. I am 7
years. Far crys mis I wot bow clos,
and noew booss. Santa haw old or
you? Or you 27?
Your fnends
Denis.
Dear Santa, Helle! My name is Joel.
I m 7 years old. Santa, I want games
for my ps 3 and for my ds and ice
skats. and I want a wii and a wii u.
How old are you?
Your friend,
Joel
Dear Santa,
Hello! My name Caroline! I am 6
years old. I want a cupure and a hat
the lucx like yours and a ires the lucx
like yours. Haw do you ea all the
snacx in one nite? Haw old are you?
you fred,
Caroline
Dears Santa
Hello My name is Jos. I am 6 yers
old. I want a scetbord and a hot
weels and Monstruk, WWe Pugemus
and a car. Want whil you do if a huse
didn’t have a chimne?
your frend, Jose
Dear Santa,
I am Trenton. I am 7 yeers old. I
want a ipad and a Vikengs blacit and
a Vikengs pelow and nrf gan. Who is
your fafrte rander?
Your friend,
Trenton
Dear Santa,
My name is Tyson and I wood Like a
xbox one and the noo batman. and I
am 7 yer old and Haw old are you?
Your friend,
Tyson.
Dear Santa,
I am 6 yers old. I want glow up
play do. I want a three d.s. I want
a mine appel Ipad. I want a glow up
wublbubl ba. What are your Rainders name? What do you like too eat
on crismis?
Yor friend, Brylee
Dear Santa,
Hello! My name is Logan. I am 7
years old. I want a xbox one and
my game strwrst battl front. I want
strwrs stuf. How cold is it? How is
the northpull?
your friend,
Logan
Have a good day!
Dear Santa,
Hay. My name is Kendra. I am 6 yers
old. I want a fit bit and a cat and a
dog. How do you fliy? What is your
favorit colar?
Your friend,
Kendra
Dear Santa,
Hello. My name is Hannah. I am 6
yer old. I want my on pet owl. and
eve thing tot I ned for it. Wat is yer
frit coke? What do you do if we don’t
hav a chimey?
your friend,
Hannah
Dear Santa,
I am Shely. I am 7 yeers old. I want
a dire and Jrle and a noot book and
a lrm Kloc. Haw das the elf fli? Haw
do you get a rood in l nite?
Your Friend,
Sheby
Jen Conaway
First Grade
by Kim demory
[email protected]
Sterling Anderson is perhaps
one of Eagle Grove’s biggest fans;
the city’s greatest Ambassador by
every sense of the word. From the
time he moved here in 1969 through
today, he has been a proud supporter
of Eagle Grove, the people who live
here, the businesses that operate, and
the daily activities that make our
town what it is.
If you’ve ever gone to a Chamber
Coffee, a Red Apple Luncheon,
or the annual Chamber Banquet,
you are well aware that it’s usually
Sterling waiting at the door to greet
you with a big smile on his face. He
is genuinely happy to see you there.
Pretty much anywhere you
went in Eagle Grove over the last
40+ years, you most likely ran into
Sterling. If not working as part of
the activity, he was there just to enjoy
it. Even today, at 90 years young
(almost 91), he enjoys getting out and
being involved in the community. He
can be found listening to Christmas
concerts - be they elementary,
Chorale, high school musicals, or
talent shows; going to the Veteran’s
program; or having coffee with the
boys to name only a few.
While Sterling has lots of fond
memories in Eagle Grove, many of
them stem from his time spent as
part of the Eagle Grove Chamber of
Commerce and the Ambassadors.
There were the years that the
Chamber came up with a theme for the
holiday season and had sweatshirts
Sterling Anderson
printed - Sterling was a part of that.
There were the years that part of the
Eagle Grove Christmas experience
was taking a carriage ride around
town to look at the lights - Sterling
was a part of that. Then there were
the times when Santa would make a
special visit to the homes of small
boys and girls at Christmas time by
the request of parents - Sterling was
a part of that, too.
“That’s just my style,” said
Sterling of his involvement back
then, and his continued passion for
Eagle Grove today. “I enjoy visiting
with all the people who attend these
events.”
Thinking back to his own
childhood, Sterling said Christmas
was a modest time. Oranges found
in your stocking Christmas morning
was a big deal, and appreciated.
As for Christmas present,
Sterling and his wife, Roi Anne, said
they enjoy doing as much of their
holiday shopping as they can right
here in Eagle Grove. In fact, they do
it all year long. Their philosophy is if
you want the businesses to stay here,
you have to shop here. It’s an added
benefit that when you shop local, not
only does it help the local economy,
but you get the chance to visit with
the people you know in the stores...
and they are always willing to help
you pick out the perfect gift for that
someone special, because chances
are, they know them too.
Other Eagle Grove clubs and
organizations Sterling has belonged
to in addition to the Chamber
include, but are not limited to: The
Lions Club, Paddle Wheel Players,
Meals on Wheels, and countless
hours volunteering at the church.
He’s peeled a lot of potatoes for lefsa
in his time, and he likes it that way.
With all the things Sterling has
been involved in, it’s no wonder he
was the recipient of the Governor’s
Volunteer Award a while back. That
is a prized possession for Sterling,
not because it recognizes what he
has done, but because he knows he
has been involved in making Eagle
Grove a great place to live, work, and
play.
With New Year’s right around
the corner, maybe Sterling can be
an inspiration to all of us to do our
part in making sure Eagle Grove is a
place we can be proud to call home.
Dear Santa,
How are you doig? I want a mega
godzilla and a robot for me pleas.
How is Mrs. Claus? Thank you
Love, William
Dear Santa,
Can I ples have sum books. thank
you. Our elfs name is snowball and
he just arrived thank you. Wat I rilly
rilly rilly want for Christmas Ples is
a wabll bubll boll. Can I have a doll
ples?
Love,
Rynn Ettinger
Dear Santa,
I want a phone and a tablet bebe gun
and a piter of you plez and thank
you. And I wont a wig. How is Mrs.
Claus? Thank you.
Love,
Daniel Covington
Dear Santa,
How are the reindeer doing and Mrs.
Claus doing? Snowball is doing
gret! Can I have a DS with animal
crosing game with the DS and I wont
lego tie fighter game and I will leve
a cookie and I will leve a carrit for
the reindeer.
Love,
Kriztian Rosalez
Dear Santa,
How are you doing? I cant wate to
get presints. And how are your elfs
doing. And can I plese have a Kayla
doll. What I have ben dreming for is
a wabble bubble ball and can I plese
have a tablet?
Love
Holly Anderson
Dear Santa,
Haw is Mrs. Clause and haw are you?
Are the reindeer okay now? Lets talk
abot toys. I want a drt bike and a ipod
and a lof stuf. Thank you.
Love,
Jackson Babcock
Dear Santa,
I wont a bing bong toy. I wont a rudof reindeer toy. How is Mrs. Claus?
How are the reindr? I wont a bat man
spiner up. I wont a maga trex. Thank
you.
Love, Kaleb Smith
Dear Santa,
I like your reindeers and how are
your elves doining and Mrs. Claus is
pritey so pritey. I would like a puppy
and a car plees.
Love
Amaya Torres
Dear Santa,
Haw is Mrs Claus. and how are you.
and haw are the reindeer. and haw is
the elves? Naw I am gowing to tell
you want. I want for crismas. I want
a tablet. I want a hapy Crismis. I love
Crismas. Thak you!
love,
Carmen Vasquez
Jose and Liliana Jose Antonio are super excited to talk face-to-face with Santa Claus in Eagle
Grove on Saturday, Dec. 19. The look on Liliana’s face told Santa that she was full of Christmas
cheer and looking forward to his stop at her house on Christmas Eve.
For the first time in 38 years,
there will be a full moon on
Christmas. The full moon is
expected to reach its peak size
around 7:11 A.M. on
December 25th.
Dear Santa…….....
6B
Jen Conaway
First Grade - Cont.
Dear Santa,
How do you gow to all the towns in
won nit? PS I Want a kid dirtbike and
a slappy toy and the slappy moove
and a ninja turtle scooter and you are
the best giy
Love,
Hunter Waldo
Dear Santa,
I want a toy and games and a tablet
and I want a Kayla doll and a bing
bong how you ben Santa?
Love,
Brenda Alejo
Dear Santa,
I would like a leap frog watch and a
elf toy and a elf. I want a ipad. Haw
is your family? How are you Santa?
Love,
Naomi Agtun
Dear Santa,
I wat a tablet for Yessenia. and a toy
elf for cismas. Santa haw do you get
the presints for cismas. Santa, Santa
I wat to now how to make presents.
Love,
Yessenia Gutierrez
Dear Santa,
How is rudolph? I hope he is great. I
want for krismis is a Kayla doll and
bing bong toy and a toyelf and a tablet. Thank you for every thing. Some
tiem you may not get me things that
I ask for. But that is okay. I love you
so much.
Love, Mya Morgan
Dear Santa,
I want a DS. Clifford the Big red dog
stuffed animal. Mrs. Claus how is
she? How is the elves? I want a lep
frog tablet and fit bit.
Love, Sarah Schaefer
Dear Santa,
Your cool! I want a drone and a ipob
5. How is your famely and roboff the
randear and the elfs. Our elf is cool
and we call him snowball.
Love,
Hector Martiinez
Dear Santa,
How are you Santa are you doing
good? How is your famlie doing?
What I want is a PS3 and lots of
games and I want a pet chipmunck
and a pet dog.
Love,
Hunter Walters
Dear Santa,
How is Mrs. Clos? Are elfs name is
snowball. For crisas I wod like goos
bumps legoos and spas bob legoos.
Thank you.
Love,
Austin Thompson
Dear Santa,
How is Mrs. Clasu dooing? I Roobolf guna gide your slaye on Chrismis
eve? Snowball is being good. Fudge
is wresliing me. Can you give me the
Lloocha dragun and a trampaling?
Thank you.
Love,
Adrian Whipple
Dear Santa,
I wunt a pet chipmuck and magican stuf and a viintriliqist dummy.
Thanks you Santa.
Love, Isaac Sadler
Denise Axtell
First Grade
Dear Santa Claus,
I I wunta a per uv glas hiy hels. I
want a jres I wunt a necklis. I wunt a
brest. My mom wunt a noow fown.
Sant do you like cooks and melck?
Love, Syndal Castaneda
Love you.
Dear Santa Claus,
I wots shooking and dore dolls. My
sister wots a baby doll. Haow you
get all the toys her!
love Kharma Keenan.
I love you
Dear Santa,
I wish I had a scootr and a scatebored.
My dog wons a towey and I wont a
rele dog. Can I ride the ranedere?
My mom wos a hug.
Rachel Muzzey
Dear Santa Claus,
I want a red toy plan and a little dog.
My mom want a tabli. What wad you
want? you want cklcer and melk. I
Love.
Juan Trevino
Dear Santa Claus
I wud like a pupe for crismis. and
a igona for crismis. Can my littl sir
have a helow kite too for crismis. Is
it trow that you like mec and cooces?
Luve Dahlia Gross-Williams
Dear Claus
I wont bar for my baby. I wont a dol.
I wil luv my dol. My sis. Woons a
noow shrt. I wil like cooces Qut
cinuv cooces dooy yuo like?
Luv
Nataly Mendoza
Dear Santa!
I want a minecraft tool box that turns
into a play set! I want a wii u! My
sister wants a Dream House! Do you
relly have flying randear!
Love
Jessie Morris
Dear Santa,
I want a ifhone! I also want a sm
bowrd! What do you want? Mysistr
wontg a ipad
Love
Kaitaryn Thul
Dear Santa Claus
Can I pleas have a trampulean and a
sartbard but a little one? But for my
baby can you get a playset but little
too? Santa who is your whif?
From
Catherie Orzco
Dear Santa,
I want a stuft pupe. I want a spiwoth.
My sistr wans a moo wolh. Haw do
you fli the slo?
Loev
Kale Christiursen
Dear Santa,
Can you git me a remot car? It gos
vere fas and a rel 4 wer. It can driv.
Can you git me 4 pet trdl. Misisr wus
a petmas. Haw can you drivd ol of
the presis in the nit?
Luv
Dylan Terwilliger
Dear Santa
I wut a dog. I wut a mot con car. I
wut a for weeler. My sese wut a now
car. My mom wuts a new brastit. My
Dad wuts a now fon. Can I go to the
Noth pol with you? I wut xbox gas
Love
Cooper Kist
Dear Santa Claus,
I wood like all the Twilit sparkl
Ponys. Can you ples get me a stuft
anaml. Gro Ples? I thinke that my
Sistr Kidn wants a moov moovy av
pavvopadnro! Wood you like some
Milk and cckys?
Love
Keylyee Collins
Dear Santa Claus
I want a stuf anmial mankey. I want
a reel mankey for crismis. My sistr
wants a dall. What do you like to do?
I Love you Santa Claus!
Love
Nicole Menke
Dear Santa Claus.
I what a dees a pink dees. I what a
nether dees. I what it black and orange. I what a tablit like my old one.
This presint is for my mom. She
whats a siclons blucit. Does roodoof
the red nws rander liv with you?
Love
Emiy Schaefer
Dear Santa
Can you brin me a car and arplan
and a manthrack? My sistr wans a
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas past
Dare Santa
Can I have a Hlook bustr? Aso can
I have a flash jakit? Oso can you get
my dad a kofee maker? Rmemdr
wen I was on yor lap?
Cryfran Stevens
Charlotte
Lynn
remembers
Christmas past fondly. As a
child, they would go her grandma
and grandpa’s house on the farm
for dinner. “That was fun,” she
said.
Grandma would cook
on an old cook stove - one that
you put wood in to heat. “It
made everything smell so good,”
Charlotte recalled as if it were
only yesterday.
Dear Sauta Claos
I want a toy litsavr. I want a toy tran.
Logan wants a toy gun. Wut do you
do in the nof pl?
Love
Hunter Aikin
When she was five, Charlotte’s
mother had a baby.
That
Christmas she and her baby
brother both got matching red
rocking chairs. “We thought that
was cool,” Charlotte said.
Dear Santa Claus
I want a chafoom and a cat. Wut rae
you giting for Krmis? My Dad was
a noo chuk.
Love
Gavin Pedersen
Then there were always the
Sunday School programs that she
looked forward to. They dressed
up in costumes. For church, she
always had a new dress to wear.
pilo. Wat is yor rander nam?
Love
Artyro Rena Saiazar
Dear Santa,
I want ipad. I wunt max tochuk. I
wunt gas dansy. Dad wunt a footboll.
Wut roe? yuw rande nams?
By
Camden Sisson
One of Charlotte’s favorite
memories of Christmas is of the
time spent before the holiday
arrived. She enjoyed going as a
family to holiday movies at the
theatre. Sometimes there was
Charlotte Lynn
even a Santa who would give
them a free bag of candy.
Looking back, Charlotte thinks
family gatherings were different
back then. They would all get
together and sit around visiting.
When they got older, they gathered
for a pot luck meal which usually
included turkey, ham, scalloped
corn, and minced meat pie for
dessert. They would also enjoy a
gift exchange, for which they drew
names at Thanksgiving time.
Alana Alt
Second Grade
Dear Santa,
I like that you gave me Beats last
year! I hope I get lots of candy canes.
Who is your favorite raindeer? How
is Mrs. Alt’s class? What do you like
to do in your free time? I would like a
fit bit and a canforter please! How is
Mrs Claus? How is the North Pole?
Did you know I gave Chippy a middle name and it is Choclate! My elf
has been good so far. Did Chippy tell
you about the braclet and necklace?
I made you Braclet and it will on the
plate with the cookies and milk.
Love,
Tucker
Lisa and Jeff Standing - Christmas Past
Dear Santa,
Can I have a new bike nd can I have
a PSP, remote control monstr truck
mine craft game for my PS3, spiter
man game for my PS3? How is Rudolph? Please can I have a WII U?
Luve,
Leelah
Dear Santa,
I want the super mario maker game
spider man and the gaame super mario belows 3. Do yuo like cookes?
Beouse I’m going to giv yuo 11
cookes. How is Rudeoff? Is he bad
or good? I hop he is good. I like the
helacop that yuo givmi. Owe and I
want 2 games av sonic. 1 av the sonic game I want sonic terns to a monser in the nite in the day he looks
nermi.
Luve,
Jose
We want to express
our sincere appreciation for your
loyalty and patronage throughout this past year.
To all of our friends and neighbors, we wish you
a wonderful holiday season filled with
much happiness and love.
Letters FROM Santa
www.fsbwc.com
323 S. Commercial
Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4567
www.TCins.com
323 S. Commercial
Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5177
Insurance Products are:
*Not FDIC Insured. Not insured by any Federal Government Agency. Not a Deposit.
Not Guaranteed by the Bank
Ashley Flatebo’s first grade class at Eagle Grove Elementary
wrote letters to Santa a few weeks ago (which can be found in
this week’s Eagle). To their surprise, they got a letter back from
Santa telling them their Elf on the Shelf has reported they have
been a good class. Included with the letter was a very special
photo of the man in the red suite, reading the class’s Christmas
wish lists. Photo by Kim Demory
Eagle Grove Eagle
7B
Roi Anne Gearhart acknowledged the Eagle Grove Chorale members during their performance at
An Old Fashioned Christmas held earlier this month. Photo by Kim Demory
The sounds of the season from
Christmas past and present
A final bow
Cathy Moklebust (left) and Roi Anne Gearhart take one final bow together at the end of the Chorale
and North Central Iowa Handbell Ensemble concert on Sunday, Dec. 6. The two have conducted
many programs together over the past several years. Photo by Kim Demory
Brass joins the Eagle Grove Chorale
Four members of the Eagle Grove High School band, along with their instructor, joined the Eagle
Grove Chorale as they performed the finale song of the holiday concert, “Hark the Herald Angels
Sing,” on Dec. 6. Instrumentalists pictured from left, on trumpet: Louis Shriver and EGHS band
instructor Justin Schwake; on French horn, Gage Behnkendorf; on baritone, Lauren Davis; and on
tuba, Matt Fransen. Photo by Kim Demory
by Kim demory
[email protected]
Roi Anne Gearhart has been
ringing in the sounds of the seasons
for decades.
Whether she was
directing young singers from Eagle
Grove Elementary, or working with
the adults of the community as part
of the Eagle Grove Chorale, Roi
Anne has filled this community with
Christmas music and memories that
will be cherished by many for years
to come.
While most of you who know
Roi Ann probably think of the word
“music” when you hear her name,
what you might not know is that she
actually kicked the piano after one of
her lessons as a young child. It might
have been a frustrating day, and she
strayed from music...for a while, but
by seventh grade she knew her goal
in life was to grow up and be a vocal
music teacher.
In 1978, she accepted a teaching
job at the Eagle Grove High School
(before moving to the elementary in
1990). 1978 is also when she took
over the community women’s choir
known as “A Sharp Music.” Connie
Thorson from Thor was the director,
but was ready to retire. It seemed a
natural fit for Gearhart.
“They needed a director, and I
wanted the experience of a community
choir,” Roi Anne said.
It remained an all-women’s choir
for a while, but then, at the request of
some of the members, they decided
to try and expand into a mixed choir.
In 1982, they became known as the
amount of time and work that goes
into such a production can only be
imagined by those of us that don’t
participate, but rather just show up
to enjoy the presentation. While it
takes a lot of dedication, the results
are always worth the effort when they
hear the reaction and compliments of
the community.
“She’s so good at (being the
Chorale director),” said Sterling.
I think everyone in Eagle Grove
who has ever seen one of her shows,
and those who have performed under
her direction, would agree.
“I like working with the people
(in Chorale)...and it’s been a wonderful
experience,” said Roi Anne.
To celebrate the success of each
Choral concert, Roi Anne always
welcomes the group to her house for
an appreciation party for all the hard
work the singers have put into another
grand performance.
In addition to the Chorale and
being a teacher, Roi Anne has also
been involved with music ministries
at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
played the organ for 25 years at the
United Methodist Church, is part of
the Paddle Wheel Players in Eagle
Grove, is an Eagle Grove High School
musical volunteer, and serves as an
Ambassador, to mention just a few
things that keep her days busy.
Chances are, if you are a music
lover and live in the Eagle Grove
area, when you think of Christmas’
past and present in Eagle Grove, Roi
Anne Gearhart and the Eagle Grove
Chorale just might come to mind.
“Lo, How a Rose”
Making a joyful noise
Members of the Eagle Grove Chorale sing joyfully during the
December 6 community Christmas concert. Photo by Kim Demory
Eagle Grove Chorale,
Since Roi Anne took over in
1978, the group has been giving two
community concerts per year; one
in the spring, and one in the winter
for Christmas that featured more
religious music with choir members
dressed in robes for the first half,
and more upbeat, jolly holiday spirit
songs after intermission when choir
members return in fun holiday attire.
Of all the songs that have been
performed by the Chorale, Roi Anne
said there is one that she will always
remember. The theme of the concert
was “Songs My Mother Taught Me.”
Untold to the Master of Ceremonies,
her husband, Sterling Anderson,
Roi Anne had taught the choir an
old Norwegian song that Sterling’s
mother always sang to him as a young
boy. Sterling recognized it instantly
when the choir began singing it. It
was a very special moment for Roi
Anne and Sterling.
Roi Anne did admit, that although
the concerts always seem to come
together in the end, it can be a little
nerve-racking being the director. She
always worries about the rehearsals
that take place on Monday evenings
throughout the year (except during the
summer). People have busy schedules
and they don’t always make it to as
many practices as she would like, but
she’s learned to work with that over
the years and trust that it will all work
out by performance time.
Roi Anne and the Chorale have
also put on a couple of Madrigal
dinner theaters in Eagle Grove. The
Louis Shriver was the featured violinist during one of the songs
performed by the North Central Iowa Handbell Ensemble on
Sunday, Dec. 6. Photo by Kim Demory
“Advent Prayer”
In Step
With The
Holidays
“Advent Prayer” was a beautiful musical number performed by
the Eagle Grove Chorale on Sunday, Dec. 6, during their annual
holiday concert. Accompanying them on the flute was Chorale
member Elizabeth Schwake. Photo by Kim Demory
We wish you and your
family a season full of fun, celebration and great times!
Beautiful music
Ann Shriver shared her musical talents with the community on
Sunday, Dec. 6 by playing the piano for the Eagle Grove chorale,
and the bells with the North Central Iowa Handbell Ensemble.
Photo by Kim Demory
Thank you for all the joy
and happiness you’ve brought
to us this year.
Music makes it merry!
Enjoy Lots of
Holiday Fun!
118 N. Commercial, Eagle Grove, IA
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Evenings & Saturdays by appointment
515-448-3944
Visit our website at
www.lawsonauto.com
Wishing you all a jolly good season.
We couldn’t ask for better partners than you!
Oldson’s Plumbing, Heating &
Air Conditioning, Inc.
Eagle Grove
8B
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas
past
Christmas present caroling
Christmas past caroling
Residents of Rotary Senior Living North enjoyed some special visitors on Sunday, Dec. 13. The
Wright Warriors 4-H Club came to carol while the residents were enjoying their evening meal. The
Christmas songs and the Santa hats got the residents into the spirit of the holidays.
Photo by Kim Demory
Scott Kleppe (11), Deb Kleppe (13), Susan Schultz (12), Kristi
Kleppe (6), and Patty Schultz (10) enjoyed Christmas caroling in
1972. Photo by Kim Demory
Dear Santa……..............
Alana Alt
Second Grade - Cont.
Dear Santa,
How are you? You are the best! I
love you. For christmas I want a
puppy. A real puppy. I liked the stuf
you gave me last year. I want a computer and another babydoll. I want a
dollar pleas. Byby.
Love
Mackenzie
Dear Santa
For Christmas I want a ipad and a
dol hous.. Who is your faveret raindeer? I want a zoomer kity please
and a sing along Elsa. What do you
like to do? Can I have tramaleen for
christmas? Can I plees have one of
those big giraffes like at Doler Genrel. You are awesome.
Love,
Mollie
Dear Santa,
How old are you? I want a dollhouse,
a raciing DS game, a toy doll, a ball,
a Elsa Crown, a Elsa dress a Elsa
doll, a little critter book and a Frozon
book. Why do you give presents on
chrismas why not any other time?
Love,
Alanna
Dear Santa,
For Chrismas I want a Minecraft
video game for my xbox 360. What
reindeer do you like the most? How
do you give everyone presents so
fast? What order do you give presents? Who goes first? Do you go in
alfabet order? What state goes first
and all the rest?
Your Friend Jayden
Dear Santa
For Christmas I want a new phone, a
tablet, Amarican girl boll, aq Wii U,
and make up. How are you? Why is
it always snowing in theNorth Pole?
I hope you can giv me all the stuff
I’m asking you for. What is your favorite elf and raindeer? can you send
Mrs. Alts class a elf please? How
is Mrs. Cluss? Are you giving me a
candy cane?
Love,
Sami
Dear Santa,
How is Mrs Clos? Santa I want a
Amaracon girl doll for Christmas
and I want thes things for Christmas
a elvf, and a mistary present! Evry
year I will leav a traice of cookies
and milk for you on Christmas night
Santa I’m hopoing you cood bring
me sumthing from the North Pole.
for my class.
Love
Adriana
Dear Santa,
Why is Olivia the elf drawing on
us because I look like a little girl.
I wont an American girl dall. The
stuf I wont in my stocking is a new
nekles. I would like a Frozen blanket and a frozen softee. Santa how is
Miss Klos?
Love,
Caitlin
Dear Santa,
I really want for Christmas is goka,
vegeta, goten, trunks majin by
stuffed animals. How are the elves?
Thank you for the advise. When
were you born? I will try to be good
the rest of the day. Did you ever had
a prestent? Santa give you a prestent.
Did you ever have a family? Can I
have a elf?
Your Freand,
Emilio
Best
wishes
for the
holiday
season
and the
new year!
Dear Santa,
I would like an amarican girl doll,
make-up like lipstik, a Elsa and
Anna doll, and can I have a new osome bike. You are a good friend of
mine. What is your favorite thing to
do? Is your favorit rain deer Rudeof?
How is Mrs. Clos and the deer? Are
your elfes doing good and im good
at school and at home. How is Chippiy? I have a small Christmas tree. I
would like candy. Do you like candy? Candy has shuger. I would like
a gomger bread house with a gingerbread girl with a bow. I would like to
go on your sleigh.
Your friend, Maliena
Dear Santa,
I would like a doll named Anna
and many more. I always wanted a
beautiful dress for Chrismas and a
doll that a fairy with a cute dress on
it with beautiful hair and beautiful
shoes. I also want a tablet that has
lot of apps on it. How are the elf doing good or bad? I think the elfs are
working on toys for good girls and
boys. So I hope you get me a tablet
for Chrismas
Your friend, Allyson
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want a tablet and the
game splat tube. How is Mrs. Claus?
How are your elves boiing? Haw are
you? Can I have the book What if
you had Animal Feet!? Can you give
Bobbi a real turtle?
Love
Cooper
Dear Santa,
Thank you for the prents last year.
This year I would like a baby doll.
I want an Elsa doll. How is Mrs.
Claus?
Your friend,
Tia
Dear Santa, How are you? I would
like a blue toy truck for christmas.
Can I get an Ipad too? How are your
reiindeer? I have never seen reindeer.
I want a I phone. I have been good
this year. Will you be my friend?
Love,
Kaden
Dear Santa,
Can you please give me a pad and
a elf on the shelf? I also want a nerf
gun with amo a new Wii with gmes
a new bike. Also a Wii U an games
for it aAlso a xbox 360 with games.
I also want a conmputer and a new
pair of headfanes and new books.
Also what is your favorite kind of
cookies. I want to know if you can
achually fit in any kind of chimne
From
Junior
Dear Santa,
How is Jack? I liked what you gave
me last year it was cool. Can I have a
barbie for my sister? Can I have two
front side teth. I want a moe hock?
and a haver board? I want a bunch
of WWE toys? I want John Cena to
come to my hous? How is Misses.
Claus? Is Jack being good? Can we
have two elf’s. Santa what’s a pirates
favorit Leter if you said K then your
right what’s your favorit leter. My
Favorit leter is D because it’s the
first letter of my name.
You Friend,
Drake
Dear Santa,
I really liked what you gave me last
year. It was a barby house. I would
like to get a barby house again. I
want a Elso doll and Anna. I would
like a baby puyppy and Sant and I
want a I pad. What is your faverite
thing to do? I like haveing popcorn
and ice cream and I like to wach
movies.
Love,
Chloe
Dear Santa,
I want a admobel k’nex set, and a
card board minoin and a ponching
bag that has a minoin on it. How do
your elfs make the toys in time for
chrismas?
Your frenid,
Landyn
Dear Santa,
Can you get me a I pad or tablit?
How are your elves? Can you get
me a barbe, a guitar, and a American
Thank you to all our
friends and customers.
er
o Mey
J
i
r
r
e
T
&
y
Larr
Knutzon's Gifts
The Idea Store
211 W. Broadway
448-4425
Follow us online at www.iowacentral.edu
girl doll? I like Christmas because I
like presents. How is Mrs. Claus and
how are you? I am good Can you get
me some popsicles? What is your
favrit elf?
Your friend,
Hailey
Dear Santa,
Hy Santa I rilleay rilleay like my
presint last yere. for crismis? I
would like baby stuff! How is Mis
Clos? Mis Clos how is Santa doing?
O, How doous Buddy do there good
or bad I thinnk he is viry viry good.
From, Jaymie
Beth Egemo
Second Grade
Dear St. Nick,
The thing I want for christmas is
an MP3 Player. If you can get me
a American Girl doll that looks just
like me that would be great! I really
want a puppy. The most thing my
family wants for christmas is a thousand dollars. Thank You St. Nick.
BFF.
Your Favorite, Alejandra
Dear Santa,
I have been good, could you please
bring me a kids’ tablet? I also want a
remote control car. Could you please
bring my Mom an angel? My brothers would like toy tractors. Thank
you. Your friend
Zach
Dear Santa Claus,
I wish I had a Babyalive because I
like to take care of babies. I would
like to get a Babyalive so I can take
very good care of them. I would like
to get new cute Barbies clothes for
my sister because I lost her’s. I wish
you could give my family a lot of
money so they can buy sofas and
new floors because they don’t want
carpet.
Sincerely, Maria
Dear Santa,
I want a computer, Bubble Ex, and
Minecraft. I like Rudolph and all the
other reindeer. My present for my
family is a good night’s sleep. How
many reindeerdo you have?
Sincerely, Amy
geraldine sutter
As a kid, Geraldine said she hung
her Christmas stocking on a
chair because they didn’t have a
fireplace. On Christmas morning,
it was usually filled with candy and
a toy or two. As an adult, she and
her husband had eight children,
which always made for an exciting
holiday season. But no matter how
busy the house may have been,
Geraldine still made time to play
piano for church service. After all,
she was the Pastor’s wife.
Dear Santa,
What I want for Christmas is a big,
big doll, boots, and some clothes.
For my family can you bring us a
car? Is it hard to travel around the
world with your reindeer? Does Rudolph helps you in the night? What
are your reindeers names called? I
know 3 are named Cupid, Prancer,
and Rudoph.
Sincerely, Crystal
Dear Santa,
I want a Feber dare way, science
stuff a hampster with a cage, food
and water! The Family wants lots
and lots of Love! Your Jolly Firend,
Landon Mrla
Dear Santa Claus,
What I want for Christmas is a bike,
ipad, and a good nights’s sleep. The
thing I wish for my family is to go to
Wiscoonsin. I also want a new computer for my family, and a phone for
my brother.
Sincerely, Marlen
Deaar Santa,
Mery Christmas! These are the
things I want for christmas: skateboard, hockey set and remote control
plane. OOh and give the thing my
family wants: snow! We also want
carrots for the snowman’s nose. I
hope you will send back q note. I
hope you pick my suit that I made
in WIN group. I hope you like this
note. Merry Christmas.
Sincerely, Felix
Dear Santa,
I want a nintendo 3Ds xL. I want
a wii u with Super Mario Maker. I
want a Skylander Super Charchers
game. For my family we want a big
tab HD. I have been good.
Your friend, Leo
Dear Santa Claus,
I want a tablet, Monster High dolls,
and Kayla dolls. What my family might want is some chocolate
shakes. Santa how many reindeers
do you have? Oh and I think it is
pretty cool that you fly around the
world at night and give us presents.
Sincerely,
Zoey Lynn Pamperin
Dear Santa…
Eagle Grove Eagle
Beth Egemo
Dear Santa Claus,
I want an i pod, conpuerteer and snow
pants. My family wants a millioon
dollers. I hope that you come before
Christmas break. I wonder how you
travel the whole world? By the time
you’re done what time is it?
Sincerely, Lex
Dear Santa,
I really want a 4 wheeler with a snow
plaw! I really want a joke Book! My
wish is my whole family gets what
they want!
Sincerely, Lily
Dear Santa,
The three things I want for Christmas are an i pod five a real dog, and
a compooter. The main thing I want
for Christmas is for it to be the best
Christmas ever. I am sorry for not
bleveing in you. I like you because
you give every one pesints.
Sincerely, Christian
Dear Santa,
You go arownd the world in one
night. IT is AMAZING! This is what
want for Christmas. I want to get an
American Girl bed set and ipad. I
want to get my family a good night’s
sleep.
Sincerely, Kendra
say Hi to Buddy.
Dear Santa,
For Cristmas I want a hot wheel track
and a remote control helicopter. I’d
like an I pad. For my mom and dad, I
want my mom and dad to hove a new
car to drive around the place.
Love,
James
Dear Santa,
I want Madden 16 and I want an I
p-ad. I want lots of football games. I
want a laptop for my family. I have
been good You are the best person
in the world. How do you go all a
around the world?
Sincerely, Trinten
Dear Santa Claus,
My mom and dad would like a van.
My sisters would like a new remote
for the Tv. I would like an American
doll. I love you because you are my
Jolly friend.
Your friend, Chloe
Dear Santa,
I want a Barbie car for Christmas and
a Barbie house that comes with some
Barbies for Christmas. I want an I
pad, nailpolish, and some lipstick. (
a lot of lipstick, All About Barbie lipstick) some nailpolish and some make
up that smells like Elsa and Anna for
Christmas.
Love, Liliana
Dear Santa,
For christmas I would like a pair of
shoes, a camera, a wubbel “tiny,”
and a box of coke. For cash, I want
new Pokemon cards with a Pikachu
token, For Jolet, I want a whistle,
For Sam, I want a nail polish kit, and
for Andrew and Amy I want a picture frame.
Sincerely, Corbin Pinkele`
Dear Santa Claus,
What I relly want some Monster
High dall’s computer and a guitar. What I want for my family for
Christmas is a breakfast in bed. How
many elves do you have? I think you
are awesome because you have magic powers!
Sincerely, Madeline
Dear Santa,
I would like an XBox one and 16
Boxes of chapter Books! I want an I
pad and a computer, and a desk with
a bell!
Sincerely, Keagan
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want a hoverboard,
a game called Mario Maker, and a
lot of Dc comics, and i pad, a chapter Book, and a meme People. I love
Christmas because I get to send time
with my family. My Familys name’s
are Jack, Kael, Mollie, Jason, Whitney, Avery, Camden, Aziah, Jodesy,
Frank, Nancy, Sherry, Mary, Serwood, Zoey, Tim, Nanny, Katey,
Tuckers, Grasen, Caaarter, Todd,
Roger, Ashley, Ryan, Mika, and
Greg. thats my life.
Sincerely, Kael
Dot Watson
Second Grade
Dear Santa,
I want a zoomer kitten. How old are
you? We named our Elf Snowflake.
My mom needs a new car and my
dad needs a new Eagle statue. My
sister more barbies and I need a grate
Christmas.
Love,
Veroniqa Tincher
Dear Santa,
Please can you get me a new bike?
And please can you get me a Barbie
house? And again can you get me a
tablet, please? I wish for my family a
Vacatioon? How are the elves doing?
I hope they are ok. How can you fly
all the way around the world in one
night? How are the raindeer doing?
love,
Mariah Barron
Dear Santa,
Can you bring me a Beatles piano
book, a Lego set, and a remote control car for Christmas? My mom
wants a new clock. My dad wants
some tennis shoes. My brother wants
toy dinosaurs and wrestling cards.
Sincerely
Payton Terwilliger
Dear Santa,
I know I haven’t seen you in a while.
Can you get me Dohvinci and lps or
can ytou get me Shopkinns? Can you
get my mom a new car? Can you get
me and my mom a new Christmas
tree?
Love
Isa bella DeLaTorre
Dear Santa,
Can you please get me ah elfe and
a scootr, and a big stuffed bear. My
family needs a garage. What does
the real Rudolph look like? Have a
good day.
Sincerely,
Matthew Thul
Dear Santa,
I wa real dog for Christmas! It would
be awesome to have one! It will be
hard to take care of but it will be ok.
And for my parents, a flat screen
TV! Thay will love it! So can you
bring that stuff to us? I really really,
really want it! And can you bring my
brother a race car? A fake race car!
For my teachers, I want you to bring
a box of perfume. For my classmates,
I want you to get them a chocolate
bars! It would be so awesome to get
chocolate bars!
Your fraid
Kaitlyn Olson
Dear Santa Claus,
For Christmas can you get me an
Ipod, clothes, and Shopkins? Please
and thank you! The rest of my letter
is stuff that Santa Claus can get for
my family. This is for my family and
it is a sewing machine.
Sincerely,
Love Becca Garcia
Dear Santa,
I want a computer far Christmas. I
also want a bike and an alarm Clock.
For my family, I would like a telephone. Thank you!
Yera Natute Merlo
Tongues out
Adults tell children that it’s not nice to stick their tongues out, but during the Christmas concert
debut, these preschoolers got the chance to do just that as part of their silly performance that had
the audience chuckling just like Santa Claus. Photo by Kim Demory
First grade winter play
Dear Santa,
What I want for Chistmas is a star
wars movie and some new shoes.
My family would like to go on a bacation.
Sincerely,
Braylon Kling
Deer Santa,
Can I have a new big fish tank? Can
I have a WWE Entrnace Stage? I
would like one of those. Can I have a
new WWE History Book? My mom
wants a new car.
Your friend,
Hayden Schafer
Dear Santa, I want a stuffed snake, a
toy pikachu,and a toy HotWheel that
changes colors. My faimily would
like a new tablet!
Love, Cash woothoudt
Dear Santa,
How is Rudolph doing? Please bring
us aq girl elf next year. I want all the
Monster High dolls, all the Twilight
Dolls, and Shopkins. My family
would lik a new kitchen.
Love, Skylar Premo
Dear Santa,
How are the deer doing? Did the
the elf in our class give you a good
Dot report? Can you please get me a
pair of football gloves, and a steelers shirt, and a play station 4? Can
you get my family a new car? Can
you get my sister a whole thing of
makup?
Your frind, Syrus Willard
Star of Wonder, Star of Night
Silent Night
In a season so serene and still,
We think of peace and of goodwill;
And in spite of the cold and frost and snow,
We’re warmed by thoughts of the folks we know!
Merry Christmas and heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Robert Malloy, Nathan Malloy,
Joshua Borchert, Lynn Seaba
9B
and Dad, I want a car. For my sister,
I’d like a baby doll and a coloring
board.
Sincerely,
Kyleigh Bjorklund
Dear Santa,
My wish for Christmas is a Monster
High doll, a Rudolph Stuffed animal,
make up, and a box. For my Mom
MALLOY LAW FIRM
WRIGHT COUNTY
LAND TITLE COMPANY
and North Iowa Real Estate
Box 307 • 112 Central Ave. E, Clarion, IA 50525 • 515-532-2259
Dancer
Comet
Mya Morgan was happy to
portray Dancer the reindeer
in the play. She even showed
off a few of her ballet moves
as part of her character.
Pictured above: William Page and Kaleb Smith helped tell the
story of how Comet, Santa’s reindeer, got his name. The play
was put on in Jen Conaway’s first grade classroom for the
parents to enjoy. Pictured at left: Isaac Sadler also portrayed one of Santa’s
reindeer in the play. He, and many of the other students,
worked hard on overcoming stage freight and speaking loudly
and clearly so the audience could hear them.
10B
Eagle Grove Eagle
Dear Santa…
Dot Watson
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015
Dear Santa,
I want some My Generation Doll
stuff. I want some more Barbie stuff.
I want a Doh Vinci set. My family
needs Wifi and some more clothes.
My family also needs some new
phones.
Love
Kearsyn Tolbert
Dear Santa,
For Christmas, I want a zoom Dino
and a Jurassic World toys. For my
family we would like some clothes.
Love,
Blaz Ramirez
Brad and Renee Davis did more than just sample the goodies
at Christ Furniture during the Sip and stroll, they also looked
at some new furniture swatches.
Shoppers at Knutzon’s Gifts had plenty to choose from,
whether they were wanting to sample wine, snack on some
yummies, or find the perfect holiday gift for a loved one.
Dear Santa
I wish I could have a remote control
helicopter, a remote control monster
truck with flames on the side, and a
black iron man.
Love Reece Demuth
Dear Santa,
Can you get me a zoomer kitty a
soomer puppy and shopkins? Can
you get a family gift please? How ae
the elves and reindeer?
Love, Natalia Merris
Dear Santa,
For Cristmas I want a computer,
bike, and tablet. I like your elf because he flies around the class.
Love,
Perla Agusti Mendez
Food and drink were right in the front door of Ben Franklin
during the Sip and Stroll. These ladies enjoyed the bread
samples that were also for sale in the store.
The Farm is Eagle Grove’s newest business, and they were excited
to have their doors open for the very first time during the Sip and
Stroll. Everyone was impressed with the transformation of the
building that sits on the corner of Broadway and Commercial.
Dear Santa,
For Christmas can you get me an I
pod, a vanity, and shopkins? For my
mom can you get her a necklace? For
my dad can you get him a camo hat?
For my sister Rieley can you get her
a vanity, bed stand, make up, makeup box, phone case, and an I pod?
For my brother Joshua can you get
him a boy bed, cars, Teenage mutant
ninja turtle blaket and sheets, shopkins, dino trucks, and pajamas? For
adyson you get her an I pad, purse,
wallet, boots, clothes and a pillow?
Love,
Baylee Steig
— Christmas past —
Mary Ellen Wolf remembers
Christmas in the 1920s and 1930s,
when she was just a kid. She recalls
how Christmas was lean as they
hung up stockings to receive apples
and oranges. Her parents didn’t
even put up a Christmas tree. “Way
back then, Christmas wasn’t what
it is now,” she said. But that’s not
what she remembers most, it’s the
good times shared as a family, like
going to her grandparents’ house in
a bobsled. Then there were the other
set of grandparents, whose gift was
always the same for Christmas - a
pencil box with a protractor - every
year. But it makes her laugh when
she thinks about it today.
Bobsleds play a roll in several of
Mary Ellen’s holiday memories, like
when she was a junior in high school
and it was snowing so much that
they took their neighbors bobsled
to go into town for a Friday night
basketball game. She reminisced
how the driver sat on the edge and
when the horses went over some
tracks, he fell completely off. That
left Mary Ellen and her friend still
in the bobsled with a pair of spooked
horses who took off running. Not
knowing what to do, Mary Ellen and
her friend jumped out of the bobsled
and walked the rest of the way to the
game. The horses were found quite a
ways away later on in the night.
When Mary Ellen got married, they
enjoyed decorating for the holidays.
Her husband, Bob, always decorated
the outdoors. Mary Ellen decked the
halls indoors, and that included a
tree. Over the years, she collected
lots of tree ornaments from all the
places she traveled. Of all of them,
her favorite has always been an
ornament she got in Washington,
D.C. where she worked during World
War II.
Now that she lives at Rotary Senior
Living, Mary Ellen still enjoys putting
up a Christmas tree, even though it’s
a small one. She said being together
with loved ones is more important
than any tree or the gifts under it.
Dear Santa Claus
I wont a dirt bike for christmas, a
Doh vinci to, a starwars of xbox 360,
and a new tablet. How are the reindeer coming along? How are you
Santa Claus?
Sincerely,
Konson Manson
mary ellen wolf
Christmas past
Lucille Wagner
Although Lucille was a bit camera
shy and didn’t want her picture
taken, she was happy to share
one of her childhood Christmas
memories. She recalls being a part
of her Sunday School’s Christmas
programs and the year her mother
made her a “beautiful red velvet
dress just for the event.”
Dear Santa,
For my family, I would like money. I
want to have4 a puppy,m aa girl elf,
and ShopKins. I want for my sister
Amaya a caat and a puppy. I want for
my other sister Maliena to have an
American Doll and tablet.
Your Friend,
Nevaeh Torres
Dear Santa, I really want a peyahoe,
a new Barbie house and a vacatioon.
For my family, we waant a new
basement. Santa how old are you?
Santa, how is rudolph? How are
your elves?? the smor hene snoflake
was in the humidfir.
Love,
Evelyn Jergenson
Jennifer Lenane
Third Grade
Dear Santa,
I’v been a good girl this year. for
Christmas I want a mini moped and
leg warmers and a big huge barbie
house but I know that Christmas
isn’t just about all the presents. I just
can’t wait tell Christmas and I also
love Christmas shioping it’s so much
fun!
Your Friend,
Gaby L.
Dear Santa,
I want a hover board for tis chrstms
becuse all my like if wanted this
present and decuse im good to.
Your Friend,
Justin
Dear Santa,
I’ve been really good this year. I
would really want a stuffed animail,
make up, American Girl doll. How
was all of you raindeer this year. My
sister is kind of nice a little bit. You
make me happy when you give me
prezents!
Your Friend,
Katelynn
Dear Santa,
The reason I’m on the nice list is i’m
nice to my friends and family and
techer. A diary of a wimpy kid seris,
badman action figure and sweatshirt.
Your Friend
Connor Willard
Dear Santa
I’v been good this year. For christmas I want a ipad and a movie set
becaose I like movies cas there
peaceful and awesome and for gaby
my best freind wants a mini moped.
I hope I’m on the list because I care
for others
Your friend
Addy
Dear Santa,
I know I have been naghty but I
would like shoes that match my
clothes. And an I phone. Oh and
clothes. Because if I got a phone I
could call and shoes are cool.
You Friend,
Rylee
DearSanta,
Hi Santa My name is Luis and I want
tow things for Chrismas one is a vidoe game colld Lego jrasseck wold
because my othre vido game got on
fire and my house to. And the othre
thing is that my famaly have a good
life.
Your Friend
Luis
Dear Santa,
I have been really good this year.
This is what I want for Christmas. I
want a stuffed inside out bing bong,
a 3.0 inftiy inside out charter and a
inside out book. The reson I want
these thing because it will mak me
happy.
Your Friend
Adam C
Dear Santa,
Hi you know me so I was wondoring if I could have a samsung galaxy
3 because all my friends have them
and they a cool plus I need to make
some phone caus and some texts so
I should be on the nice list because I
am only meant to my sister because
she is my sister.
Your Friend,
Dylan C. Lenning
11B
Dear Santa… The North Central Iowa Handbell Choir
Eagle Grove Eagle
Jennifer Lenane
Third Grade - Cont.
Karissa Everson
Third Grade
Dear Santa,
I was very nice and I would please
like this for Chistmas. La Brocos
jerrsy, blue and red canshing lightsaber and a electric scooter. Merry
Chistmas.
Your Friend,
Jaime L.
Dear Santa,
I have a good reson I should be on
the good list. because I am always
nice. and I like helping people tats.
all I have to say. and for christmas I
want new clothes. and a new shoes
and one nerff bell. hey Santa my
sister say if your 27 years old but I
know you in the 40’s I forgot to tell
one more thing for christmas I want
a easy bake oven.
Your Friend, Lesly Utrera Mende
Dear Santa,
I would like a moster high doll I
know I have been naghty with my
sister and mom and dad I want
moster high because I seen the movie. And moster high are pretty. I’ve
been good and naghty is year. And
the braslets I wonid for chistmas.
There pretty too! Santa am I on the
naghty list or not.
Your Friend
Monsy
Dear Santa,
For chrismas I want some KD pant
because they are cool. I’d allso like
a coloring kit I would like it. How
deas the elf look like a toy. 5c phone
I would reaal a appreciate that.
Your Friend,
Cohen
Dear Santa,
The reason im on the nice list is because I am super good. And I want
a xbox one, alot of legos action figures, and a dog. The reason I want
these things because I want to play
with them.
Your Friend
Braeden
Dear Santa,
I’v been really good this year. How
are you and your Rainder. How
is roudolph. For cresmes I what a
zoomer kitty and a little live pet mice
and little live pet pink bird and a helthy famaly. Have a great criesmes.
Your Friend,
Natalie
Dear Santa,
I want a force fx iites saber because
it would be cool. And a Marvin Harrison Jursy because he’s my favorite
player on the colts.
Your Friend
Rafer Russell
Dear Santa,
I’ve had been really nice t people
and kids I always tried my best so
Santa I what a smart tablet because
my had broke. Computer because I
can here music. Kid presedet poster
because I do not have posters but I
what kid predet poster.
Your Friend,
Kelly
Dear Santa,
What I want for Christmas is a stuff
toy anamile it has weels on the botom of his feet and it is at the state
fair and a mine I paid because they
souds fun And I also want a minion
move. And I also thenk that soouds
fun to.
Your Friend,
Piper W.
Dear Santa Clas,
All I want is a bunch of ever after
highs stay well in the cold. Stay
worm. Love
Your Friend,
Autum
Dear Santa,
I want a lot of presents. A football,
nerf gun, call of duty black ops III
Your Friend, Alex
Dear Santa,
The things I want are night visio
goggles real ones and a cazy cart, i
phone, a lap dog please. I also want
an elf on the shelf not to keep and
at my house not at the school that
is what I want for chrismas I hope
I’m on the nise list. I know what
chrismas is all about it’s about bieng whith family not about presents
I will be good all chrismas and ever
year I am alive.
Your Friend
Andrew Robiinson
Dear Santa,
I am doin my homework each day after school or in the morning I want a
monster high school, easy bake oven
stuf for easy bake. And candy!
Hannah
Dear Sata
I think I’m on the nice list because
I’m awesome to my elf on the shelf.
What I want for christmas is gymnastics stuff so I can practice.
Your Friend,
Gracie Severson
Dear Santa,
I want an eelf on the self and crafs
and a baby a live and clothes and
shoes and cloring books christma
books. Marey Christmas.
Your Friend,
Izzy Tilley
Dear Santa,
I want a lot of candy and toys and I
want a new football and a new bike
and a lot of lago’s and a new peirr of
shoe’s that’s the list I want for chrismas.
Your Friend
Patrick
Dear Santa,
I’m going too tell you what I want
for christmas. 1. black ops 3 2. sky
vipper 3. lego 4. madden 16 5. i pod
6. computer. and thats what I want
for xmas.
Your Friend,
Levi
Dear Santa,
I think I’m on the nice list because I
have been helping around the house
a lot and I’ve tried really hard to not
lie and be nice to my sister. I want a
new nerf gun, punching bag. P.S can
you get my sister some new dolls
for her doll house. I forgot what
I wanted but know I know and a
new lego set and a walky talky set.
Thanks.
Your Friend
Brett Ascherl
Performance on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015
Dear Santa,
I what i pod, cow boy boots, nike
stuf baseball bat hemet, gluve dog
footbll opes.
Your Friend, Taylor
Dear Santa,
I hope I am on the good list because,
I have done a lot of good stuff this
year I have been helping my teacher
a lot and my mom I want a progeet
me scare sience kit, and I want a new
phone case pluse new fit bit because
my fit bit broke and snap in half so I
whod really aprestheatet.
Your Friend,Myah Edwards
Dear Santa,
I love what FFC 3 did today FFC
3 is Frosty Fredy chipy 3rd. he fell
asleep. I wish for easy bake oven refills! also shopkins. The sesen FFC 3
fell asloop is because Dutch carryed
him to my mom on Dec. 7th.
Your Friend, Kennedy Williams
Dear Santa,
I want a I pod because I have ben
good. I want a snowboard and a I
pad please. You are the best Santa.
Your Friend, Austyn
Dear Santa,
I am glad I am on the good list but
I stil need a elf at my mom’s can
you send one plese sata I know whut
crismis is adot it is adot God’s sune.
I hope you respod to all of are letrs
even Keven you shud. Know what I
want I tocked adot it all the time.
Your Friend, Arianna
Jordan Fonken
Third Grade
Dear Santa,
I would like a R.C. car, a go cart,
max tow truck, and a P.C. computer.
How do you lift so much? Please
could I have a camra?
Your Friend, Beau Warland
Getting into the holiday spirit
The Eagle Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church was filled to seating capacity on Sunday, Dec. 6
as the Eagle Grove Chorale and the North Central Iowa Handbell Choir performed their annual
holiday concert. Members of the handbell ensemble include (not all pictured): Sarah Jensen,
Shelley Ellerston, Lavonne Breitenkamp, Diane Doering, Joanne Reaman, Susan Maier, Linda
Singer, Deb Peterson, Ann Shriver, Tori LaCroix, Karla Tweeten, David Moklebust, and Patrick
Gagnon. They are directed by Cathy Moklebust. Photo by Kim Demory
Ringer
Karla
Tweeten
watches
Director Cathy Moklebust as
she leads the North Central
Iowa Handbell Choir on
Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Eagle
Grove Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Eagle Grove.
Tori LaCroix was the featured floutist who played with the
North Central Iowa Handbell Ensemble during their concert on
Sunday, Dec. 6. “Prepare the Royal Highway” was arranged by
Director Cathy Moklebust and opened the holiday concert.
Dear Santa Claus,
Are your elf’s working hard? If they
are can you ask them if they can
make electronics if their capeble to
make Merry Christmas
Your friend, Maya Aguila
Dear Santa Claus,
How are the elves and the reindeer.
I wish for a bike and I want a new
couch. I wish everybody has a very
happy Christmas. Santa can you
bring snow back.
Your friend,
Maria
Dear Santa, How are the reindeer?
For Christmas this year I would love
for Mrs. Fonken to get a new car. I
want a bake my self. I hope you a
Merry Christmaas!
Your friende
Michelle!
Dear Santa
Can yoe go to space? are you cool?
How is Rudoph? how’s the Berd?
Ive been verey nice. I wood like a
lego star was set for x-mas. And a
cookoka fathead.
Your friennd
Dylan. Pual. Beck.
The finale
If the rest of the Eagle Grove Chorale and North Central Iowa Handbell Choir concert didn’t
get you into the Christmas spirit, the finale did the job. The handbell choir and the Chorale
members joined together with brass players from Eagle Grove High School to present “Hark!
the Herald Angels Sing.” They also invited members of the audience to join them in singing,
which left the church consumed in holiday music. Members of the Eagle Grove Chorale
include: Diane Baluczynski, Anita Idio, Barb Martin, Marilyn Sadler, Elizabeth Schwake, Jill
Sorensen, Cheryl Bougher, Abigail Frommelt, Sandy Muzzey, Deanna Vorrie, Tessa Yackle,
Diane Amonson, Carol Helmke, Karla Tweeten, Maggie Wright, Alan Linn, Joe Stein, Kerry
Amonson, Luke Ascherl, Brian Nelson, and Jacob Nett. Although Cathy Moklebust directed
the finale number, the Chorale is directed by Roi Anne Gearhart.
Wishing you &
yours a very happy
holiday!
Frankie, Kim, Lynn, Les, and Laura
—Karen Kienzle - Hairs to You
“Prepare the Royal Highway”
Dear Santa,
How are the elves? For Christmas
this year I would love for a ipod.
Merry Christmas Santa.
Your freind, Nydia Lopez
From all of us at the ...
May you enjoy the season with
family and friends.
I thank you for the past year and
look forward to working with you in
the new year.
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas
past
A Scandahoovian’s Lutfisk Lament
T’was the day before Christmas with things all a bustle,
As Mama got set for the Christmas Eve tussle.
Aunts, uncles and cousins would soon be arriving,
With stomachs all ready for Christmas Eve dining.
While I sat alone with a feeling of dread,
As visions of lutfisk dance in my head.
The thought of the smell made my eyeballs start burning,
For I’m one of those who good Norwegians rebuff,
A Scandahoovian boy who can’t stand the stuff.
Each year, however, I played at the game,
To spare Mama and Papa the undying shame.
I must bear up bravely, I can’t take the risk,
Of relative knowing I hate lutfisk.
I know they would spurn me, my presents withhold,
If the unthinkable, unspeakable truth they were told.
Then out in the yard I heard such a clatter,
I jumped up to see what was the matter.
There in the snow, all in a jumble,
Three of my uncles had taken a tumble.
My aunts, as usual, gave them what for,
And they soon were up and through the door
Then with talk, and more cheer, an hour was passed,
As Mama finished the Christmas repast.
From out in the kitchen an odor came stealing,
That fairly set my senses to reeling.
The smell of lutfisk creeped down the hall,
And wilted a plant, in a pot on the wall.
The others reacted as though they were smitten,
While the aroma laid low my small helpless kitten.
Uncles Oscar and Lars said, “Oh, that smells yummy,”
And Kermit’s eyes glittered while he patted his tummy.
The scent skipped off the ceiling and bounced off the floor,
And the bird in the cuckoo clock fell on the floor.
Mama announced dinner by ringing a bell,
They pushed to the table with a jump and a yell.
I lifted my eyes to Heaven and sighed,
And a rose on the wallpaper withered and died.
With leaden legs I found my chair,
And sat in silence with an unseeing stare.
Most of the food was already in place,
There remained only to fill the lutfisk’s space.
Then Mama came proudly with a bowl on a trivet,
You would have thought the crown jewels were in it.
She placed it carefully down and took her seat,
And Papa said grace before we would eat.
The shortest prayer he’s ever said.
Then Mama lifted the cover on the streaming dish.
And I was face-to-face with that quivering fish.
“Me first,” I heard Uncle Kermit call,
While I watched the paint peel off the wall.
The plates were passed for Pap to full,
I waited in agony, between fever and chill.
He would dip in the spoon and hold it up high,
It oozed onto the plates, I thought I would die.
Then came my plate and to my fevered brain,
There seemed enough lutfisk to derail a train.
It looked like a mountain of congealing glue,
Oddly transparent, yet discolored in hue.
With butter and cream sauce I tried to conceal,
With butter and cream sauce I tried to conceal it,
I salted and peppered, but the smell would reveal it.
I drummed up my courage, I tried to be bold,
Mama reminds me to eat before it gets cold.
I decided to face it. “Uff da,” I sighed.
“Uff da, indeed,” my stomach replied.
Then I summoned that resolve for which our breed is known,
My hand took the fork as with a mind of its own.
And with reckless abandon that lutfisk I ate,
Within twenty seconds I’d cleaned up my plate.
Uncle Kermit flashed me an ear-to-ear grin,
As butter and cream sauce dripped from his chin.
Then, to my great shock, he whispered in my ear,
“I’m sure glad this is over for another year!”
It was then I learned a great and wonderful truth,
That Swedes and Norwegians, from old men to youth,
Must each pay their dues to have the great joy,
Of being known as a good Scandahoovian boy.
And so to you all, as you face the great test,
Happy Christmas to you, and to you all the best.
—Author unknown
Evelyn Esler
Evelyn
Lester’s
favorite
Christmas memory is from the
first year she was married. She
had been hospitalized and was
released on Christmas Eve.
When she walked in the house,
she saw two beautiful end tables
sitting in the living room. When
she commented on them, her
husband said he had bought
them as a gift for his parents.
Imagine her surprise when she
woke up Christmas morning and
he wished her Merry Christmas
and gave her the gift of two new
end tables. She was thrilled
that he was able to keep “the
secret” from her until Christmas
morning.
Evelyn also has fond memories
of when they lived in Grinnell
and would come to Goldfield
to spend Christmas Day. Years
later, when they moved to
Goldfield, they enjoyed spending
Christmas Day in Grinnell.
Then there was the year her son
got a BB gun for Christmas. He
didn’t shoot his eye out, but he
did get a squirrel, and his biggest
thrill of the season was going
back to Grinnell to tell grandpa
all about it.
Evelyn also has a fond memory
of her dog from Christmas past.
One year she bought her pooch
some doggy treats, wrapped
them, and put them under the
tree. Yep, you guessed it...the dog
unwrapped it early. “I scolded
him and he never unwrapped
another present again, but he did
lay with his nose under the tree,”
she laughed.
Military Christmas
During the holiday season, it’s important we remember the
military families who will not be together because loved ones are
protecting our freedoms. Thanks to all those who have served
or are currently serving. This tree was decorated by Security
Savings Bank at the Eagle Grove Historical Museum in their
honor. Photo by Kim Demory
For Christmas future, if Evelyn
could have anything, she would
like to go to Orlando to visit her
granddaughter.
Christmas Cheer
In the song
“The 12 Days
of Christmas,”
how many
Look what I made
Schild is so proud of the melting snowman he made
calling birds Christian
at the Crafts for Kids day at Eagle Grove Memorial Library on
Dec. 12. Renee Evja was super excited about his
were there? Saturday,
creation, just as she was when every child showed this beloved
Four
12B
librarian what they had created. Photo by Kim Demory
13B
Another Old Fashioned Christmas in Eagle Grove
Eagle Grove Eagle
“Where are You Christmas?”
Tess Yackle once again entertained a crowd of appreciative music
lovers who listened to her sing “Where are You Christmas?”
during the Old Fashioned Christmas event held at the United
Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 5. Photo by Kim Demory
“A Strange Way to Save the World”
Lenny Carlson sang a song during the Fourth Annual Old
Fashioned Christmas that made people think about the birth of
Jesus through the eyes of Joseph. Carlson also sang a song,
“Mary Did You Know?” with his daughter, Kya, later in the
evening. Photo by Kim Demory
“Silent Night”
Anyone who has ever heard Lincoln Bartley play the piano knows
how amazing he is. He treated the Old Fashioned Christmas
event crowd to a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night” on Saturday,
Dec. 5. Photo by Kim Demory
United Methodist Church Choir
Members of the UMC choir, under the direction of Cheryl Bougher, sang during An Old Fashioned Christmas held earlier in the
month. Photo by Kim Demory
Christmas games
Christmas
past
Pastor Heather Dorr (right) had some fun asking Christmas trivia
to the guests of An Old Fashioned Christmas. Pictured above,
Mackenze Ell gets a candy cane for being able to finish the lyrics
to a Christmas song. Photo by Kim Demory
Pat Miller
When Pat Miller thinks of
Christmas past, it’s not the tree or
the lights or the presents that she
remembers - it’s the coffee. “As
kids, we were fascinated by coffee,
but we were not allowed to have
it, except for Christmas morning,”
Pat said with a smile. Ironically,
they never, ever drank the coffee on
Christmas morning because they
didn’t think about it. They were
too busy opening presents, and
according to Pat, were so excited
about them that they forgot they
were allowed to have some coffee
for that day only. She realizes
now that that’s probably why her
parents “would have” allowed
them to have it on Christmas
Day. Now, as she looks back, she
thinks their fascination came from
watching their dad drink it with
sugar and cream. “We thought
it would be wonderful to drink it
too,” Pat said. Pat finally had her
very first cup of coffee after she
was married.
A Christmas dance
Some of the sixth graders at Robert Blue Middle School
really got into the musical break they had during one of
their songs they performed during their Winter Concert
held Thursday, Dec. 10. Their director, Sandy Muzzey, told
them to dance if they so desired, and several of them did.
Photo by Kim Demory
Music maker
Sofia Calderon was one of
two soloists who sang during
“The Christmas Song” at their
seventh and eighth grade
Winter Concert.
Photo by Kim Demory
H E L P WA N T E D
Humboldt Care Center South
has the following full-time or part-time positions available:
Full-Time/Part-Time Nurse (RN or LPN) 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
CNAs • 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2-10 p.m.
Part-Time Cook • 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Part-Time Environmental Aide • 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Shift Differential Pay and Sign-On Bonus
Must enjoy assisting aging adults. Competitive wages a
nd benefits available. Must pass drug test and pre-employment physical.
800 13th Street South, Humboldt • 515-332-4104 (Apply within)
QHC Humboldt Care Center South
EOE/AA/Vets
HELP
WA N T E D
HUMBOLDT CARE
CENTER NORTH
has the following full-time
positions available:
Nurse (RN or LPN)
6 p.m.-6 a.m.
CNAs • 2-10 p.m.
Environmental Aide
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Housekeeper 6:30-2:30 p.m.
Shift Differential Pay and
Sign-On Bonus
Must enjoy assisting aging
adults. Competitive wages and
benefits available.
Must pass drug test and
pre-employment physical.
1111 11th Avenue North,
Humboldt - 515-332-2623
(Apply within)
Humboldt Care
Center North
EOE/AA/Vets
Here’s
To You!
At Christmastime
we’re filled with cheer,
When we recall the folks
who’ve stopped by here–
So as we lift our glass today,
We wish you a happy holiday!
220 Railroad Ave
Owners John & Sandy McGrath
Beautiful music
Tessa Yackle (left) and Sandy Muzzey (right) sang a beautiful duet
together, leaving the crowd at a hush as they listened carefully
to the two harmonize perfectly. Photo by Kim Demory
Dear Santa…........
Jordan Fonken
Third Grade - Cont.
Dear Santa,
How is your elves and the reindeer?
This year I want a Jurassic world
Game and a playing station. And a
new sleth for christmas. Hope you
have a merry christmas.
Your freind,
Zabdi Castro
Dear Santa,
I want a taablet for Christmas please.
We would like to have a lot of food
for christmas dinner. How many
reindeer do you have?
Your friend, Yoxan
Dear Santa,
I waant dolls that have different colors. My mom is home now. She was
sick I want to give my family presents. Santa you make me happy.
Your friend, Yasmin
Dear Sant,
How are your elves doingand is
Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,
comet, vixen, Blitzen, Donner, cupid
and for christmas I want a new amicin girl doll and I want a christmas
fest and new car Mrs. fonken
Your friend,
Monique. Garcia
Dear Santa,
How are your elves. I would love for
Josue to get xbox 360 game is called
Minecraft story mod. Have a good
mery christmas!
Your Friend, Josue Maldcnado
Dear Santa,
Does rudolphs nose really glow and
how many elves do you have. Is this
the way you say your reindeer Dasher, Dacer, Prancer, Vixoon, comet,
cupid, Donner and Blitzen. This is
what I want for cristamas a American girl Doll or a puppy or my life
Doll stuff. have a very merry cristamas.
Your friend,
Savannah. gilbert
Dear Santa
How are the elves? I want a playstaion 4, for christmas. I hope you
have a merry chirstmas
Yoour friend,
Ayden
Dear Santa,
How are your raiindeer? For chrismas I want a realistic boy baby thaat
takes a binky. Hope you have a merry chrismaas and by the way when
are we going to get a elf in are class.
Love
Haley Darland
Dear Santa,
How aaare your reindeer? What I
want for christmas is a patriots flat
top hat or a patriots slocking hat
please!!!!!!
Your freind
Jaxon Morris
Erin Milner
Third Grade
Dear Santa,
Could you say Hi to Rudolph for me?
The most thing I want for christmas
is a sister and a brother. My other
thing is a cat because she would be
company in my room. And thats all.
Now if you need any help ask me.
I could be an elf if you need a another elf. Just call me. How is Mrs
Claus doing? How do you make an
elf. Is an elf a persoon or a kid. Is the
song where rudolph got bullyed, is it
true that rudolph got bullide? Do you
get a present for Mrs. Claus. Have a
merry christmas
Love
Jersey
Dear Santa,
How are you? There is only one
thing I want it’s an Amiibow of Megamaan! How are the raiiiindeer?
That’s all yoou need to know.
from
Salvador
Dear Santa,
How are the reideer, elfs and Mrs.
Claus? I hope you have a good
christmas! Santa how are you going
to get in my house, I don’t have a
chimney. How do kids get their presents so fast. Am I on the natghy list
or the nice list? I want all the kids
to get a toy. I want a La-La-loopsy
that you feed beacuse I want to see
te playdough she poops. I also want
a big La-La-loopsy house beacuse I
want them to be ogeniasd.
Your friend
Ashley
Dear Santa,
How are you and every one at the
North pole? Do you have a elf jail?
How can you hide from everyone?
I want mutiplayer ps4 game and remote for me and my brother. Dont
forget other things thoght please!
from
Aidyk
Dear Santa, How are you? Can you
say hi to Mrs. Claus and to reindeer? I wish you give other kids
toys for christmas? I want a forzne
toy becaues I love forzzne. My sister want a boll for chrismas becaues
she love bolls. My brother want a
racecar becaues he like racecar. My
Mother want a new dog and a cat.
Tidings
of
comfort
and joy!
My faather want a big car. I want a
elf name Elas. How are the elfs? My
family love chirstmas. I wish you
came to my house.
Love
Asriela
Deaar Santa,
There aare only a few things I want.
Can I please have a stuffed animal in
my stacking. Can you make sure that
every ooone is nice. My last present I want is a new christmas ornament. Can you give the people that
don’t get present’s a present. Are
your Reiiiindeer ok? Do you like hot
coco? Is Mrs. Claus ok? I hope you
have a nice christmas!
Love
Emilee
Dear Santa,
How is Rudolph? Are the elves making a lot of toys? Do you llike getting
letters? I would like TMNT movie
and toys
Reese
Dear Santa,
I wish I could see Rudolph. This is
wate I want for Christmas I want a
Ethangamer tv Fan Shert because
he is the best you tuber. Sumting els
the lage juasick wold because it’s
fun. Can are elves stae? how is Mrs.
Claus? also for christmes I want to
met Ethangamer tv.
Love,
Layne
Dear, Santa
Can you tell Rudolph I say hi. I hope
I get some presents I hope kids who
can’t afford toys get them. How is
Mrs. Claus? I Love candy caanes. I
am going to leaave milk and cookies
what is your favorite color.
Your, friend
Tarissa
Dear Santa,
How are the reindeer? I would like
the lego movie and the lego movie
vodoe games. I would like you to say
hi to Mrs. Claus plese.
Love,
Ryan
Dear Santa,
I would like to pet your reindeer Rudoph. How are you doiing? What I
want for cristmas is a phone and a
car and a fish tank becuse I like those
things. I wish you can stay at my
house.
Love,
Renee
Dear Saanta,
Will Rudolph be pulling the sleigh
this year? My wish is to be able to go
see my Grandma? I would like to go
to see my Grandma because I miss
her very munch. Will you pleas get
mymom a stuffed elephant?
Love
Ian
Dear Santa,
How are you and your reindeer?
How are your elves? I want books
because I love to read and I can take
test. I want a new backpack because I
don’t like Hello Kitty. I want a lunch
box to go with the backpack I want.
Can my elf stay at my house?
Love,
Destinee
Dear Santa
How are you. Who is youer favorite
reindeer I like Rudolph. For christmas I want WWe toys because I
colet them anather thig I want is a
sea hawks jerses and a sea hawks
hellmet. You are the best guy in the
world.
Love
Jesus
Dear, Santa
How are the reindeer going? Can you
say Hi to the reiiindeer. For chistmas
I whant a ipod for where ever I go
so I doon’t get bord at my grandmas
house. If you can get me a elf on the
shelf.
Love
Izzy
Eagle Grove Eagle
Keep Christ in Christmas
The Spirit of God hovers over our land,
Like a wispy net in the sky,
It decends to the earth, touching us all,
Some know—but others ask “Why?”
What is this warm feeling deep in my heart,
Something’s happened—what can it be?
It’s a wonderful feeling—and this I know,
Though once I was blind—now I see!
Dear, Santa
Can you give my stepdad a wii
u. I now all the reindeer’s name’s
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen
on Comet on, cupid! on donder and
Blitzen but Rudolph is my favorite
Reindeer of all.
from
Lalito
It’s Gods’ Love—wants all to receive it,
It’s His way for Him to show it,
If like me, you want to receive it.
Just open your heart—you will know it!
Dear Santa,
How are the reindeer? what do you
get Mrs. Claus for Christmaas?
Have you timed you self delivering
presents? All I want for Christmas
is a BB gun. So me and my dad can
shoot together. I hope you have fun
delivering presents!
your freind,
Zach Hogrefe
At this season, we tend to remember,
It’s Christs’ Birth that named the day,
So let us Keep Christ in Christmas,
And take a few moments to pray!
Dear Santa,
How are you? How do you deliver
presents in one night? Do you have a
favorite reiiindeer? I hope you give
every one a gift this year. The only
thing I want for Christmas is a puppy. I want a puppy because I use to
have a puppy but we gave it away.
Now I play with my cousin’s dog.
Love
Jocelyn.
Dear Santa
How are the reindeer doing? For
christmas I want a xbox one and a
jersey. How is Mrs. Claus doing? Is
Rudolph’s nose still bright? How are
the elves doing? How are you goiing to fit in my chimney? The reason why I want an xbox is so Im not
bored.
Duflan
Christmas Cheer
What do you call
people who are afraid
of Santa Claus?
Claustrophobic.
14B
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people. For unto you is born this day in the
city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2: 10-11
Wishing you tidings of great joy
this holiday season and beyond.
SADLER CONSTRUCTION
EAGLE GROVE
By Lois Sheets
Webster City
Christmas
past
Christmas
past
marilyn anderson
Marilyn had lots of Christmas
memories she was eager to share.
One of her favorites is how as a
child, each year her family would
stand around the Christmas tree
and sing “Silent Night.” They
also would make a cake and place
the Baby Jesus on top. Then there
was the year her parents put up
a crooked Christmas tree and the
only way to get it to stand up was
to lean it up against the wall. That
made her laugh just talking about
it all these years later. When
Marilyn got older, she used to open
Christmas gifts at her brothers
house. There were no names on the
gifts, so some of the boys ended up
with girls’ presents, and vice versa.
“Those are good memories,”
Marilyn said. As a child, her
favorite gift was a walking doll she
affectionately named Carol Ann.
As an adult, her favorite gift was
a crock pot because it was nice
to come home after a long day of
work and have supper ready and
waiting to be eaten.
ellen taylor
Ellen Taylor has enjoyed nearly
100 Christmas’ and has many good
memories of Christmas past. Born
in 1918, Ellen and her brother
lived with her grandparents in
Delaware.
She recalled how
on Christmas Eve they got their
pajamas on each year and went
upstairs to their bedrooms to watch
for the Christmas tree lights by the
bank to come on. When they did,
that was their sign to jump into
bed because Santa was on his way.
Of course, like most kids, they
were always up early Christmas
morning to see what he had left.
One Christmas, Ellen got a set of
books. When she was in sixth or
seventh grade, she got one of her
favorite gifts ever...a guitar. In the
spring she was even able to take
lessons. Ellen said Christmas got
even better when her grandfather
built a new home they moved into
because that one had electricity.
With a string of
glad tidings to
you and yours at
Christmas and
beyond.
Season's Greetings
from
Miller Grain Systems
Goldfield, IA
Eagle Grove Eagle
Treat holiday guests with
this chocolate confection
Fareway Holiday Open House
No holiday celebration is complete without dessert. The
holiday season is one time of year when no one seems too
worried about indulging in dessert or having an extra cookie.
Many families have their own traditions when it comes to
holiday fare, but those who want to wow their guests with
something new this holiday season can try the follow1ing
recipe for “Chocolate-Dipped Sesame Tuiles” courtesy of
Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage’s “Chocolate Obsession”
(Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Inspired by the classic French tuile cookies, these delectable treats are sure to draw a crowd to
your holiday dessert table this season.
Chocolate-Dipped Sesame Tuiles
Makes about 48 cookies
1⁄2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, unhulled
1⁄3 cup granulated cane sugar
1⁄3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1⁄8 tablespoon kosher salt
2 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat,
very soft
8 ounces tempered 70 percent chocolate for coating cookies
Flavorless vegetable oil for the pans
To bake the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line the bottoms of four 12-by18-inch sheet pans with parchment paper. Lightly coat the
paper with flavorless vegetable oil. Put a rolling pin on a
work surface. If you have two rolling pins, ready both.
Combine the sesame seeds, flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk by hand until combined. Mix — don’t
beat — the egg whites into the sesame seed mixture with
a rubber spatula. Stir in the butter with the spatula until no
streaks of butter remain.
Measure 2 level teaspoons batter onto a prepared sheet pan.
Using a small offset spatula, spread it into a round about
31⁄2 inches in diameter. Repeat with the remaining batter,
putting 8 rounds on each pan and leaving 11⁄2 inches between the rounds.
Bake the trays, one at a time, until the cookies are a uniform golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven
and, while the cookies are still warm, run the offset spatula
under each cookie and place it upside down on the rolling
pin so that it curls around the pin. (You should be able to do
5 cookies on a rolling pin, so by the time the sixth cookie is
about to be draped over the pin, a few should be ready to be
moved. Ideally, though, you will have two rolling pins.) If
some of the cookies are not a uniform color, or if some cool
too much and are no longer pliable, return them to the oven
for another minute until evenly golden brown and again pliable.
Leave the cookies on the rolling pin until they cool completely and have become brittle, a matter of seconds. Carefully lift them off and store them in an airtight container at
room temperature until you are ready to dip them. They will
keep well for up to 3 days.
Dip the cookies in chocolate:
You can store the cookies and dip them on a day when you
have tempered chocolate for another use. Or you can temper
chocolate specifically to finish the cookies. Use a tempering
machine to temper the chocolate.
Dip the convex (smooth) side of each cookie into the
chocolate and then smooth the chocolate with a small offset
spatula. Place on a work surface, chocolate side up, and let
sit until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in a cool place, not in the
refrigerator. They will keep for up to one week.
15B
The meat counter was a busy place as shoppers rushed to wrap
up the savings and stock up for holiday meals.
One of the best parts of the Fareway Holiday Open House is
enjoying all of the free samples - everything from egg nog to
pizza to little smokies to crackers and cheese.
The star on top of the
Rockefeller Center Christmas
tree is made of shatterproof
glass and adorned with 25,000
Swarovski crystals.
Michael Powell was manning the prize drawing table as all the
shoppers were encouraged to stop and sign up to win.
Produce Manager Jennifer Lesher welcomed guests as they
came in the store. In addition to a drink and cookies, shoppers
could also choose a free gift.
A preschool favorite
“Tuti Tah” might not really be a well-known Christmas song, but
it is a preschool favorite, which is why they perform the silly
song with crazy actions every year at the First State Bank and
Town and Country Holiday Open House. Photo by Kim Demory
We’d like to wish everyone a blessed Christmas
full of love and joy. As we celebrate the birth
of our Savior, we’re reminded of how grateful we
are for the gifts of your friendship and goodwill.
Thank you for letting us serve you this past year.
We look forward to seeing you again very soon!
Dr. Jordan and Nicole Moffitt
Dr. Mike and Reba Moffitt
Kay Chamberlin
Ann Shriver
Cassie Eger
Jenny Anderson
Mariela Baez
...And To All A Goodnight!
Here’s hoping all your dreams and prayers are
answered this holiday season. We know having you as
our customers has been a real dream for us.
Merry Christmas!
Stevenson Insurance Service
316 Hwy. 3 E., Goldfield
825-3476
16B
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas present Santa visits
Landyn and Ayden Ganzeveld were happy to share Santa’s lap and take turns telling him exactly
what they would like to find under the Christmas tree this year. As they talked to Santa at the
library on Saturday, Dec. 19, the brothers assured Santa they had tried very hard all year long to
get along and play nice together. Photo by Kim Demory
Christmas past Santa visit
Christmas Popcorn
8 C. popped popcorn
1/2 stick butter
3 Tbsp. corn syrup
1/2 C. white or brown sugar
1 small envelope red gelatin
Preheat oven to 300. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add in corn syrup and sugar. Add gelatin and remove from
heat. Pour over popcorn, tossing to cover all of popcorn. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes. Eat
and enjoy once cool.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
As another year hits the road,
we'd like to acknowledge all the
people who have been key to
our success and wish you all a
very, very merry season and a
truly memorable year.
Thanks for your valued business,
and we look forward to seeing
you again in the new year.
Natalie Beckley, Laina Christensen, Luke Beckley, and Landon Christensen are cousins
who decided to go visit Santa all together last Saturday at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library.
Photo by Kim Demory
Jace Conaway thought very carefully before telling Santa what
was on his Christmas wish list. Santa enjoyed seeing all the
little boys and girls of Eagle Grove during his stop on Saturday,
Dec. 19.
Eagle Grove Eagle
17B
First grade Winter Travel Day
There may not have been much (okay, any) snow on the ground Monday, Dec. 21, but that didn’t
stop the first grade students at Eagle Grove Elementary from enjoying a Winter Travel Day in
school. The kids spent the morning going from one first grade teacher’s classroom to another,
listening to the teacher’s favorite winter/Christmas book, and then doing a related activity.
A Christmas secret
Santa listened very carefully as Kearsyn Tolbert whispered her Christmas wish in his ear at
Breakfast with Santa held Saturday, Dec. 19 in Eagle Grove. Photo by Kim Demory
In Ashley Flatebo’s room, they read “The Mitten.” The story
told of how eight different animals crawled inside a warm winter
mitten before it wripped apart. After the story, kids had to cut
out eight of their own animals, glue them on top of a paper glove,
and then color them all. It was a great lesson on cutting, gluing,
coloring, and making things fit.
Featured artist
In Jen Conaway’s room, first graders read “Three Cheers for
Tacky.” After, the kids got to break up into small groups and
work out their own cheers. In addition to being a lot of fun, it
taught the kids about team work as they each had to contribute
an idea for actions to a set word pattern for a cheer.
Amaya Torres (left) and Carmen Vasquez (right) enjoyed playing
a gingerbread board game that allowed them to sharpen their
reading skills after first grade teacher Denise Axtell read a book
to the class about gingerbread men.
Each year Robert Blue Middle School invites members of the
community to a Christmas lunch and talent show. Featured on
the invitation this year was the artistic talents of Briauna Mingus.
Watch for pictures from the luncheon and talent show in next
week’s Eagle. Photo by Kim Demory
Merry Christmas to all...and
to all elementary teachers,
a good winter break
Eagle Grove Elementary office secretaries Sarah Sisson, Teresa
Kist, and Principal Joe Erickson, made a special delivery of
Christmas pops and cupcakes to all elementary teachers and
helpers as a “thank you” for all they have done this past year,
both in and out of the classroom. It was a nice surprise just
one day shy of their upcoming winter break, which they and the
students were both looking forward to. Photo by Kim Demory
Thank you for your
business in 2015,
and we look forward
to working with you
in 2016.
Family Christmas
Izzy, Skylar, Rebekah, and Gage Gamache set aside some brother
and sister time to visit with Santa. Photo by Kim Demory
Gold-Eagle
18B
Eagle Grove Eagle
Christmas
past
Making beautiful music
joan stensland
“I had a Godmother who
remembered me every Christmas
and every birthday,” said Joan.
One gift in particular that Joan
remembers receiving from her
for Christmas was a fur hand
muff to keep her hands warm in
the cold winter months. She also
remembers the year her parents
gave her a pair of cross country
skies for Christmas. “I used them
a lot,” Joan said with a big smile.
Joan also enjoys her memories of
helping her mother decorate the
Christmas tree each year.
Choir in seventh and eighth grade at Robert Blue Middle School
is an elective. It was nice to see the risers filled with so many
young singing enthusiasts when they performed their Winter
Concert on Thursday, Dec. 10. Photo by Kim Demory
Featured singer
Makinzy Kennedy did an
outstanding job singing a
solo during “The Best Gift
of All” which she performed
during the RBMS concert on
Thursday, Dec. 10.
Photo by Kim Demory
Soloist
Emma Nett was one of four
soloists featured during the
seventh and eighth grade
Winter Concert.
Photo by Kim Demory
“The Christmas Song”
Briauna
Mingus
did
an
outstanding job performing a
solo section of “The Christmas
Song” at her school concert
held recently.
Photo by Kim Demory
Mother/daughter time
Lydia Kienzle and her mom, Karen, got to spend a little quality
time together doing something fun, compliments of the Eagle
Grove Memorial Library, on Saturday, Dec. 12. Parents and
kids were invited to stop by and enjoy free Christmas crafts
in celebration of the season. Without surprise, there were
a lot of special things created that day, some that will hang
on the tree, and others that will be captured in a memory.
Photo by Kim Demory
Future Santa’s helper?
Jaxson Powers will be four months old on Christmas Day. He may be a little too young to be
one of Santa’s helpers this year, but coming to the Breakfast with Santa event at the library last
Saturday, all decked out in his finest red and white striped reindeer outfit, sure did put him on the
cute list. Maybe in Christmas future he can grow up to be one of Santa’s keeper of the reindeer.
Photo by Kim Demory
The history behind
some beloved
Christmas songs
Santa hugs
Kenley Porter was a little nervous about sitting on Santa’s lap this
Christmas, but before she left, she did decide to give him a big
hug...just to make sure he didn’t miss her house on Christmas
Eve. Photo by Kim Demory
With warm wishes and gratitude
from our house to yours.
We appreciate your calling
on us this past year.
Lalor Construction
Eagle Grove • 515-448-5040
Holiday traditions vary from family
to family, but one component of the
holidays that seems to be universally
enjoyed is a good Christmas song.
In 2014, Time magazine researched
records at the U.S. Copyright Office
to determine the most popular and
most recorded Christmas songs since
1978. when copyright registrations
were digitized. The following are
some of the more beloved holiday
tunes and a bit of their history.
• “Silent Night”: One of the most
rerecorded songs in history (733
versions since 1978), “Silent Night,”
was composed in 1818 by Franz
Xaver Gruber and put to lyrics by
Joseph Mohr. It was first performed
on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas
parish church in Oberndorf, a village
in Austria. Today’s version is a slow
lullaby, but it’s believed the original
was a dance-like tune in 6/8 time.
• “O Holy Night”: This popular
song was composed by Adolphe
Adam in 1847 to a French poem
titled, “Minuit, chrétiens (Midnight,
• “Silver Bells”: Now a Christmas
classic, “Silver Bells” originally was
written for the Bob Hope film, “The
Lemon Drop Kid.” Songwriter Jay
Livingston wanted to title the song
“Tinkle Bell,” but his wife dissuaded
him from using the word “tinkle.”
• “White Christmas”: Irving Berlin
believed his song “White Christmas”
would be an instant hit. His prediction
was correct, especially after singer
Bing Crosby recorded it.
• “Jingle Bells”: Although it has
become one of the more popular
Christmas songs, “Jingle Bells”
really was written for Thanksgiving.
It’s also one of the oldest holiday
songs of American origin. James
Lord Pierpont, the song’s author,
was inspired by the famous sleigh
races of Medford, Massachusetts.
• “Do You Hear What I Hear”: Noel
Regney wrote this song as a call
to peace during the Cuban Missile
Crisis. The original context has long
been forgotten, and “Do You Hear
What I Hear” is now a staple of
holiday celebrations.
Eagle Grove Eagle
Secret Santa makes
Christmas look brighter
by Kim demory
[email protected]
This is one of those “feel
good” stories that really reminds
us of what the Christmas season
is all about. While it’s easy to get
caught up in the hustle and bustle
of purchasing all the gifts on our
loved-ones’ wish lists, making sure
our homes are decorated perfectly,
and planning holiday meals that are
big enough to feed an army, what’s
most important is remembering it’s
not about the biggest and the best,
but rather, giving from the heart.
That is truly the best gift anyone
can give...or receive.
When a local resident (we’ll
call her Mary) realized Christmas
was going to be tough this year, she
decided to accept a little good will
from those around her.
“I heard about the family
through a mutual friend (we’ll call
her “Friend B”). She called me up
and asked how we could help and
if I wanted to help. So of course I
wanted to help,” said “Friend A.”
The first thing she did was
write a post on Facebook, asking if
anyone had an artificial Christmas
tree and/or decorations that they
were no longer using. Within
only a few minutes she had a tree
donated. Within only a few hours,
she had received responses from
“Friend A,” “Friend B,” and “Mary” all decorate the tree together.
Their identities are being concealed to maintain the intent of the
Secret Santa. Photo by Les Houser
people willing to donate enough
lights and ornaments to fill the
tree.
“I had more offers but I had
enough (for what was needed),”
said Friend A.
On Thursday, Dec. 3, Friend
A and Friend B arrived at Mary’s
house, Christmas tree in tow.
Before they left, the tree was
glistening, and so was Mary’s heart
at this act of true giving from so
many people, and the fact that most
of them didn’t even know who they
were donating to. People in the
community just knew there was a
family in need and they provided
what they could.
“The experience made me feel
really good,” said Friend A. “I’m
proud of Mary for realizing she
needed help and that she reached
out to Friend B for help. I’m proud
of Friend B for getting the ball
rolling. I’m just glad I can help.
Mary is a good person and does her
very best to provide for her kids.
But just to make sure that
Christmas is extra special for
Mary and her family this year,
there’s going to be one more Secret
Santa stop at her house...to unload
a few special presents for under the
Christmas tree.
It’s not too late to make your
own Secret Santa impression on
someone. It doesn’t have to be
a fully decorated and delivered
Christmas tree.
Something as
simple as an unexpected note or a
plate of holiday cookies can be the
difference between a tough holiday,
and a joyous one to remember.
All names were kept anonymous
to preserve the intentions of the
Secret Santa.
Better watch out
Luke Beckley isn’t really sure he wants to sit on Santa’s lap, but he definitely wants one of those
candy canes. Although he tried his very best to be good, temptation finally took over and he
helped himself to a candy cane while St. Nick was talking with another child about their Christmas
wish list. Photo by Kim Demory
Did you know?
Approximately 30-35
million real (living)
Christmas trees are sold
each year in the U.S
19B
20B
Christmas
past
Christmas future...
Alena Pickett is only five months old. She is the picture perfect
representation of Christmas future.
marie manning
Marie Manning was born and
raised in the Eagle Grove area.
One of her holiday memories
she’ll never forget is the year she
was waiting for her brother and
boyfriend to both come home after
the war had ended. It wouldn’t be
until January, but she was okay with
waiting a few extra weeks for the
best Christmas present she could
imagine. She was only 19 then. A
few months after his return, Marie
and her boyfriend were united in
marriage. After they had children,
more Christmas memories were
made - like the time they stayed up
until 2 a.m. putting toys together
for their kids. She admitted they
enjoyed it, though, because it was
for the ultimate enjoyment of their
kids when they saw what Santa
had brought them. Marie also
remembers how one year Santa
came to their house while the kids
were awake, but they recognized
him as an imposter because he had
on the same shoes as someone they
knew. Marie just laughed. Her
favorite Christmas song is “White
Christmas.”
Eagle Grove Eagle
Willards excited for
Christmas future
by Kim demory
[email protected]
Logan and McKristie (Jeske) Willard are excited
about spending their first Christmas together as husband
and wife, but McKristie says they also can’t help already
looking forward to next Christmas. Why? Because there
will be a baby Willard in the house. They are excited
about the joy that will fill their hearts and home and look
forward to sharing their Christmas family traditions with
their new son or daughter.
Both 2010 graduates of Eagle Grove High School,
Logan and McKristie are now able to look back at
Christmas’ past and realize how filled with tradition
their childhood was. Both centered around family and
gathering together for the holidays.
McKristie is excited that all of those traditions still
happen even though she is an adult. Christmas just
wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Grandmother’s
house in Creston on Christmas Eve for church services
and a soup dinner. Then it is always back to the Jeske
home in Eagle Grove for Christmas day, complete with
food, family, and of course, present opening. It was
always fun to see what Santa left them wrapped in their
stockings.
Logan’s Christmas traditions involve his
grandmother’s house as well where the family would
enjoy a Norwegian meal complete with Kumla.
Another fun tradition for Logan and his family
over the years has been opening new pajamas to wear
to bed on Christmas Eve. It’s fun to have them on in the
morning as they sat around the tree opening gifts.
Now that McKristie and Logan are married, they
are excited to merge their family traditions, and perhaps
create some new ones.
“It’s been fun to decorate our own home,” McKristie
said.
She added that just being able to spend time together
all throughout the holiday season has been wonderful.
In year’s past, they’ve been away at school. This year,
they’ve been doing the simple things they haven’t had the
time to do as a couple in year’s past, like watching lots of
Christmas movies.
“Just having him here is pretty fun,” said
McKristie.
As for this year’s plans, they won’t change a lot.
While they will have to find time to open their own gifts
from each other at their own house, they still plan on
traveling the short distance in town to spend the holidays
with both sets of parents and siblings, and of course, be
a part of the grandparents’ traditional festivities as well.
What will be different this year, however, is there will be
a little added excitement to the atmosphere. It won’t be
about what’s under the Christmas tree, but rather the idea
that next year there will be a new little baby included in
the mix. Since this will be the first grandchild for both
Scott and Deb Jeske and Brandon and Betty Jo Willard,
it’s no doubt they are all looking forward to the holidays
next year.
“I’m really excited,” said McKristie. “To have
another person to share it with and share our traditions
with is really special.”
One of those traditions McKristie would like to hand
down is a special ornament for her child each year.
“My grandma always gave me an angel ornament
from my very first Christmas on,” she recalled.
Those ornaments have come to mean a lot to
McKristie over the years, and no doubt, the ornaments
will one day hopefully mean as much to baby Willard.
McKristie and Logan Willard are excited about
their first Christmas as a married couple, but they
know next Christmas will be even more exciting.
Photo provided
McKristie also plans on getting the baby a nativity
scene for his or her first Christmas next year...just like
she got for her first Christmas. Her nativity had extra
special meaning this year as she put it up for the very
first time in her new home with her new husband.
Oh yes, and we can’t forget about the new pajamas
on Christmas Eve. It’s no fun to open new presents in
old sleepwear.
The most important tradition, however, that Logan
and McKristie look forward to passing on to their new
little one is that of family. It’s not about what’s under the
Christmas tree, but rather, who is around it that makes
the holidays memorable.
Baby Willard’s due date is June 22, which means he/
she will be six months old for Christmas 2016. What a
Christmas gift that will be.
McKristie (Jeske) Willard Christmas past.
Photo provided
Logan Willard Christmas past. Photo provided

Christmas past - The Eagle Grove Eagle

Transcription

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