May your days be merry and bright
Transcription
May your days be merry and bright
Special Christmas Edition Inside the Dec. 26, 2013 of the EAGLE GROVE EAGLE you’ll find... Breakfast with Santa Throughout the section Hiding elves keep watch for good behavior at school Page 19B Cookie Jr. left Alison Gerhard’s second grade class this message one morning. In the afternoon, since the kids had followed his rule, they got to eat the M&Ms. Photo by Kim Demory Nora Olson showed Santa her best “I’ve been good” look during Breakfast with Santa. Photo by Kim Demory Revisiting memories Making spirits bright Pastor Jason Cooper and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove is trying to keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Page 4B Photos from the annual Eagle Grove Memorial Library Holiday Crafts event. Scandinavian delicacies Drake Weland Page 15B Located throughout the section Photo by Kim Demory A blended family Christmas The perfect example of how a blended family can get along, making the holidays merry and bright. Page 7B May your days be merry and bright Page 13B 2B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE Another Old Fashioned Christmas in Eagle Grove by Kim demory [email protected] The Eagle Grove United Methodist Church sponsored their second annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 7. Kicking off the evening’s events was an elf contest. Kids ranging in ages from preschool to retirement age came dressed in their most creative elf outfits. Some were homemade, while others were actual costumes, but they were all adorable. Be sure to look for their pictures throughout this Christmas section. After the elf contest, the crowd bundled up to head outside. People who saw the tree last year in all its glory didn’t even think twice about braving the frigid temperatures to behold the breathtaking sight of the tree lighting. Mike Agnew, Pastor of the United Methodist Church where the tree stands in front of, was pleased to present the tree for the entire community to enjoy. He hopes, though, that it will serve as more than just a beautiful sight. He hopes it will also remind people of their loved ones this holiday season. The Nativity Star that has been placed atop the tree was given by Paul and Bev Wilde in memory of Denae’ Schaumburg, a beloved family member who went home to be with Jesus recently. It was given in memory of all their loved ones who have gone before them. They hope it will serve the same purpose for others who have lost a loved one, finding comfort in the star that points to the Heavens. There’s no better way to warm up on a cold night than with a hot, homemade bowl of soup, and that’s exaclty what people got to enjoy after the tree lighting. Thanks to numerous volunteers, a hungry, cold crowd could choose between ham and bean soup, chicken noodle soup, or a hot dog. There was also homemade cornbread and dessert - and it was all free. After ample time to eat and visit with fellow neighbors and friends, the crowd headed back upstairs to the sanctuary to enjoy a free community program. People from around the Eagle Grove area volunteered their time and talents to bring some holiday entertainment to the event. There were soloists, family acts, church groups, and high school performers. Each and every one of them were amazing and added to the Christmas joy of the season. Be sure to look for their photos throughout this edition as well. The evening concluded with community caroling. There’s nothing quite like “The First Noel” and “Silent Night” to prepare you for the coming of Christmas. This event was about more than an evening of entertainment, however. It was about spreading the message of Christmas - good will towards men and peace on Earth. Seeing double The crowd gathered outside the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove on Saturday, Dec. 7, to experience the magic of the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree. The tree is meant to serve as a reminder of loved ones to all who pass by. Photos by Kim Demory Robert Blue Middle School held a tree decorating contest to get into the holiday spirit. Each ET room came up with their most creative tree ideas, which were then judged my Principal Scott Jeske. The winning ET was Long’s La Spezia Lovas, who created this look-a-like of Jeske. Jeske admitted that even he himself had to stop and take a double-look once in a while, thinking it was a real person. The tree was even dressed in Jeske’s clothes, he assumes with a little help from an elf named Deb Jeske, his wife. Photo by Kim Demory Yasmin Reyes Martinez created this paper penguin in Abby Butson’s elementary art class. Jocelyn Gonzalez created this paper water globe. The kids were excited to see their artwork on display throughout the holiday season in the hallway of Robert Blue Middle School next to the art room. Photo by Kim Demory “If Santa was stuck in my chimney” Students at Eagle Grove Elementary had a fun writing assignment lately. These adorable stories about what they would do if they found Santa stuck in their chimney are proudly displayed on the second floor of the school. Be sure to look for a few of the ideas inside this week’s Christmas edition. Photo by Kim Demory EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 3B Dear Santa… Mrs. Porter’s Preschool Dear Santa, I havve Rudolph at home. For Christmas I want Lego friends, a kitchen set and a Baby Alive. Love, Lola Krietlow Der Santa, How is Rudolph? For Christmas I want a Nerf guns, Super Mario building set and a drum set. I gunna have cookies ready for you when you come! Love, Grayson Chamberlin Dear Santa, Are you coming soon to my house? For Christmas I was a guitar, a Sophia doll, and some Octonauts toys. Thank you for the new guitar! Love, Salem Willard Dear Santa, I want Elmo for Christmas. I want a Barbie. Love, Kirara Tincher Dear Santa, I love you! I like you! I want to see you. For Christmas I want a Power Ranger morpher, sword, and a Jake and the Neverland Pirates ship. Love, Isaac Sadler Dear Santa, I have been good but my brothers have been naughty. Andrew won’t get anything. For Christmas I would like camera, a kitchen set,, and Imaginext Batcave. Love, Trenton Robinsoon North Central Iowa Handbell Ensemble The handbell choir is always an enjoyed addition to the Eagle Grove Chorale during their annual Christmas concert. This year’s performers included (in no particular order) Barbara Flowerday, Sandy Muzzey, Shelley Ellerston, Diane Doering, Lavonne Breitenkamp, Susan Maier, Linda Singer, Deb Peterson, Jo Reaman, Linda Hutchinson, Jessica Christensen, Ann Shriver, Karla Tweeten, and Patrick Gagnon. Photo by Kim Demory Christmas carols The Eagle Grove Chorale, after performing a more formal portion of the show, came back after intermission dressed in their holiday attire and performed more familiar Christmas tunes like “Let It Snow,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Silent Night.” Photo by Kim Demory •Dr. Burmeister • Dr. Brosamle Dear Santa, My birthday is coming soon! For Christmas I want a Teenage Mutant Turtle play set, Plasnes toys, and Monsters University toys. My sister Natalie wants a Doc McStuffins toy. Love, Gavin Pedersen Dear Santa, I love you! I want a Dora microphone, a treasure chest and some Lalaloopsy babies. Love, Nicole Menke Deasr Santa,,, I want a kitty and a talk baby that has food and diapers. I want an IPod too. Love, Keylyee Collins Dear Santa, I want a minion, ninja turtles and angry birds game. Thank you! Love, Austin Thompson Dear Santa, I want a Doc McStuffins bed, a kitchen and animal headphones. Love, Rebecca Gamache Dear Santa, I want an ipad, kitchen and a Doc McStuffin bed. Lovee, Annye Pineda Dear Santa, I miss you! Are the reindeer being good? For Christmas I want a Sully doll, Futterbye doll, and a Zummer. Love, Ryan Ettinger Dear Santa, i want a dragon, a T-Rex and Transformer Legos for Christmas. Please and Thank you. Love, William Page Dear Santa, I want a Sophia doll, Doc McStuffins play set and a Minnie Mouse doll. Love, Laina Christensen Dear Santa, I want earrings. I want a fairy toy. I want a kitchen set. Love, Syndal Castaneda Dear Santa, Give me my toys please. I want a Hungry Hippo game, Ninja Turtle set and Batman toy. Thank you. Love, Jamie Barcernas-Stefenson Dear Santa, I want some games, superheroes, and a sword. Thank you! Love, Jackson Babcock Dear Santa, I would ;like some pink play dough and pink scissors. I would like a Sophia Doll and a cuddle monkey doll and some new clothes. Love, Myka Anderson. Mrs. Porter’s Prep-Kindergarten Dear Santa, I want a princess doll, I wants an Ipad and monster high Barbie. Love, Carmen Vasquez Dear Santa, I want a princess with a castle. I want a big bear wo is pink. I want some play dough too that is blue. Love, Catherine Orozco Dear Santa, I love your reindeers! Your elves are cute! Sometimes they make little messes. For Christmas I would like a zebra phone, a zebra purse, and a baby doll like we have in class. Thank you! Love, Mya Morgan Dear Santa, I want a green electric scooter, a gocart and a Nerf gun. Love, Cooper Kist Dear Santa, I want a Doc McStuffin set, a camera,, and a Doc McStuffins chair that turns into a bed. Love, Maggie Green Dear Santa, I want a Lego’s, Star Wars and Ninja’s. Love, Kale Christensen Dear Santa, I want a Sophia doll, princess leap pad, and monster high dolls. Love, Araceli Avila Dear Santa, I want please a fubry, a princess bike, and play dough. Love, Brenda Alejo 4B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE Dear Santa… Dear Santa, Can you please give me a DS and computer and can y ou please give me a Ipad and can y ou please give mee Wii games for my Wii. Love, Junior Dear Santa, Please bring me a zoomer. Luv Matthew Dear Santa, Can I have a DS? Can I have a Ipad. Love, Trinten Dear Santa, Please csan I have a Lillies Pet Shop and Ba Be Bon. Love, Bella Dear Santa, Please give me pillow. Please give me a baby. Please give me a ipad. Luv, Chloe Dear Santa, Can I haf a DS? Love, Carlos Dear Santa, I like ipad. Deeer Santa I like a computer. Dear Sanmta, I like a Zumr. Dear Santa I like massttrr truck and remote control muster truk. Love, Joe Dear Santa, Please gimme a DS. Please gimme a ipad. Love, James Dear Ssanta, Can I have Bucky. Remote control dube. Luv, Landyn Dear Santa, Plez gev mey a dol. and I want a BaBe dol and I want a Justin Bieber blanket andd I want a Justin Bieber pillow and I want as fon. Love Deanna Dear Santa, Ples giv me a doon buggy and remote control car. Love, Leelan Dear Santa, Please give me give me p lease a laptop. Dear Santa, ples give me please I want a computer. Love, Marian Deaaar Sasnta, Can you bring me a DS. Love, Alanna Dear Santa, May I please hav a drem house.. May I ples hav a pla monkey. Love, Kearsyn Dear Santa, I am excited for y ou to come! For Christmas I would like some new games, a smartboard, and a Ipad, and some new toys, I’ll leave some cookies. Love, Carter Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a new video game, some Hot Wheels, a new bike, and a football, so we could play together. We will leave you cookies nd milk. Love, Kaden Johnson Dear Santa, Please bring me a zoomr. Luv, Matthew Mrs. Osborn’s Kindergarten Class Dear Santa, We have been working hard at being good listeners. We have learned a lot like; letters, numbers, writing words, skip counting and popcorn words. We are wondering how your reindeer fly? We are also wondering how your elves got their magic? We wish you a Merry Christmas! Love, Mrs. Osborn’s Class Dear Santa, I wut a DS. How does the Elf do majci? Love, Madeline Dear Santa, I wot a Seke Dog. Love, Christiasn Dear Sata, I like a stinky dog. Love, Emilio Dear Santa, I wut a bat man. Love, Blaz Deasr Santa, I want a Woodin Track Master. I will poute cookes out. Love, Corbin Dear Santa, I want a rock the spots. What is yr elfs gunu mack me? Love, Payton Dear Santa, Can you giv me a princess amit and a princess dress and princess shoos and a toy zoomr. He plays ded. Love, Veronique Dear Sasnta, I wot a Babee. I wot a fone, I wot a I-pad, I wot a flsh light friend, I wot a sea pet, I wot a cat. Like, Mollie Dear Santa, I want a baybe. How do your dere fiy? Love, Nevaeha Dear Santa, Can I hvve a I pad? Can I hav I computer? Lov, Skylar Dear Santa, I wut a fone. Haw das your elvs fliy? Love, Landon Dear Santa, I want a game boy game, I want a bok. Can I av a pillow. Can I hav 2 DS games. Luv, Hayden Dear Santa, I wot a BrBe dream hys. Love, Caitlin Dear Santa, Please gimme the DS. Love, Leo Dear Santa, I want a Ipod computer, teddyber, fon, doll. Love, Kaitlyn Dear Santa, I like SRR Man. Love, David Deear Santa, I wot a xylophone. W wwwonder hw rander fliy? Love, Çhloe Pugh Dear Santa, I want a DS. I want a Batmn,, ples. Love, Braylon Kling Dear Santa, I want a pape and a liol Barbe and I Wii and can I have a toy der. Maliena Tores Dear Santa, I wut a DS gam. How duz the elvz moov? Love Jayden Kreitlow Dear Santa, I wnt a DS. How iz Rudof? Luv, Reece Demuth Dear Santa, You like Santa. Can we see your raindeer. Love, Nevaeh Deaar Sasnta, How are the elfs being gud or bad? Will you put candy in my stocking. I bet you will if my mom or my dad dot. Love, Sami Dear Santa, I love you. How is your raindeer? Have a happy Birthday. I love Santa, Perla Dear Santa, Is roodof gud? Dear Bude or gud? I like you Santa. I love you Santa, Kendra DeaarSanta,, I have bin gud. How have yoo bin theis yr.? Haw r the elves? Theis yr yoo can git me Max. Syrus Dear Santa, I want a DS. I want a der and a fone. Love, Kayson Manson Dear Santa, I hvr bin gud this yer. Can you bring sciLanders. Haw have the elves. Thax Santa. Love, Brayden Dear Santa, I wnt a tablit and Barbe pool. Love, Maria Calles Dear Santa, How elfs Ski Lader’s. Drake Dear Santa, I wot dog. I wot a Hawki dog. I wot a gloo., Love, Brady Mrazek Dear Santa, i lv u Santa. How is you elfs? Love,. Perla Dear Santa, I wot a BrrBe. Love, Liliana Jose-Antonio Dear Santa, Thankkk you for my gifts lst year. This year I want a Dora book and a camera. Love, Rosa Deasr Sasnta, I have a BrBe hus. Love, Natalia Dear Santa, How R U. CAN I HAV A bRbi hows. Lov, Evelyn Mrs. McCoy’s Kindergarten Class Dear Santa, Hav ben goob. I love yr. I want a play house. Lily Locke Dear Santa, I hav ben good. How r you.How r yor raders? Can you breg me a doll house? Love, Hailey Dear Sasnta, I have bin gud. Can i ples have a brbi hows. Love, Baylee Dear Santa, I like you Santa. Can you bring me a BaB dol. Love, Amy Dear Santa, I hav bin good. How r you elf. Lov, Felix G. Dear Santa, Ples breg mer BrBee boll the Love, Rebecca Garcia Dear Santa, How R you? Can I have Brbi hors? Love, Marlen Dear Santa, Ples breg me a? Sum art stu ff. I hav bin good. How r you? How r the elf. Love, Tucker Woodbeck Dear Santa, I like you. I luv you. Kael Dear Santa, I wnt a tablet. I wnt a toy Santa. Love, Crystal Flores Dear Santa, I want a doll and a princess. Loce, MacKenzie Thank you for your business in 2013, and we look forward to working with you in 2014. Gold-EAGlE & CoRn, lP All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth That really is on McKenna Woodbeck’s Christmas wish list she sent to Santa. Of course, there were a few other suggestions as well, just in case he couldn’t do anything about the teeth. Photo by Kim Demory True or false? Reindeer and caribou are the same animal? True Alycia Dahllhauser’s Kindergarten Class Revisiting memories by KiM DeMOry [email protected] Although the date of Christmas still remains December 25, it seems Christmas comes earlier every year...in the stores that is. But Pastor Jason Cooper and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove is trying to keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on celebrating the birth of Christ. For many, the thought of Christmas brings back memories of Christmas’ past spent in church the smell of the advent pine wreath; the look of the red poinsettias by the alter; the sounds of Christmas hymns being sung; the warm holiday greetings from neighbors and friends. So when it becomes too hard to make it to Christmas mass anymore, an important part of the celebration is gone. In Cooper’s former church, they held a “shut-in” service in order to bring that joy back. It was so successful, that he decided to try it here in Eagle Grove. When he went to the church’s fellowship committee, they agreed it was a great idea. So Cooper sent a letter to family members of each of the church’s shut-ins, inviting them to take a little extra time on Thursday, Dec. 19, to bring their loved one to church for a special Christmas service at 11 a.m. “It was a way for (the shut-ins) to come and revisit their Christmas memories,” Cooper said. “It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.” The shortened mass came complete with traditional Christmas hymns, communion, and the feeling of rejoicing the birth of our Savior. Volunteers were also on-hand to accommodate the shut-ins in any way necessary to insure they had the best experience possible. Cooper referred to these volunteers as the shut-ins’ personal shepherds. Cooper added that he was grateful for the cooperation of Rotary Senior Living as well for taking the time to bring their residents to the service. It really does prove what is possible when a community works together. After the service, a soup lunch was held for all in attendance. No doubt, this will be another cherished Christmas memory for all those in attendance. It was a small but appreciative crowd who gathered for Evangelical Lutheran’s Shut-In Christmas service on Thursday, Dec. 19. As you can see on their faces, those in attendance were filled with the Spirit of Christmas as joy filled their hearts to be worshiping together, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Photo by Kim Demory did you know? It took Charles Dickens only six weeks to write A Christmas Carol. EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 Dear Santa… Mrs. Hanson’s 1st Grade Der Santa, For Christmas I want pilo pet and yon and toyo. Your friend, Blake Smith Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a sill fone. I want cande. Your friend, Renee Beason Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a dog and a now toys and now Santa toy and a tablet and a fish and wut dus Miss cbs do? and wen can I see you? and you have a good Christmas! Your friend, Gabriela Lobato Dear Santa, For Christmas I want Motxr track chiness and new bat man shooss and new gluvs and new hat. You tour ove the woold?? Santa you like hat coc coc?? Your friend, Patrick Heaton Dear Santa, Christmas I want a tablit and a culring set. Wat do you do for fun in your hows. How meny cids do you met i oun day. How mene frens dus Mi. Tengls have. Love, Addy Jeske Dear Santa, Christmas, I want a ameruckn Girl doll ccichin and a bed. how do yooou make a chimoney if a hous dusnt have one? do you ever get stuck? Love, Ashley Deaaar Santa, For Cristmas I want a sword and a hachit. Hew meney efs do you have? And a bow arow and sovvet armor and a sheild algow 25,000 arrows. Love, Aidryk Terwilliger Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a pntbasll gun. Do you get stuk win you ge in the chimn. Love, Taylor Larsen Dear Santa, For Christmas I want Nikes. I want a Pakrs jrse... Tank you. Do rainder have red ose? Yor friend, Dorlan Olson Dear Santa, For Chirthday I want a Reel phon and a Sis worm sweshrt and Santa I love your elfs like mistr Jengland I love you Santa. Love, Hannah Terry Dear Santa, For Christmas I want as ipod tuch. I allsop want a some clows for Daisey. How do your elfs fly? Do your randers ave a red nows? Love, Haley Darland For Christmas I want a bla p10. I osso want a bice. Santa wao menye elf do you hav? How do the randeer fliy. And how is ms cloos, roodof and his red oows. Can you get me a sciland swot I oso want a pet bog. Yor friend, Jesus Bez Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a mastre hydole and a Swechrt. I want to now your ranederes name? and I want to now how meny elfs you have. Love, your Friend Myah Edwards Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a big Princess house it cums with dolls. I also want a lot of Princess dress up stuff. What are your elfs dowing. I no that your elfs make a lot of toys. Love Savannah Gilbert Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a bonaro. And the bonaro is green. It has three dorts. One is stickee and the other two have a thin top and thin sids. And tenag mutin turtus stuf. Ol that you can bild. Love, Brett Ascherl Miss Nelson’s 1st Grade Dear Santa, My name is Ayden. I want for Crismiss is a octopoddtax. I have ben good ples can I have what I want for Crismiss ples. Your friend, Ayden Dear Santa, I want a La-La Loopsy Doll. I want a necles and a La-La Loopsy adwar. I want a stuffanimal. I want a La-La Loopsy dress and a La-La-Loopsy shirt and sckrt. allso a sckarf. Your friend, Ashley Deleon Dear Santa, I want a play sashomni 4. 5 citrolrs for it An X box one and a I pad all of the DIARY of a Wimpy Kids books. Your friend, Landon Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a toy turtle. His name is Raphel, Dontellol, spliter and markre aer brush. Yor Friend, Lalito Dear Santa, I wott for a Brbe toy and a babe. Your friend, Izzy Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a pinck and black Zebara with a Bow. I want the bow to Be pinck. Your friend, Natalie Dear Santa, I wont a gutor and mine l.pid. and sum sporclejess and a minel.pid caassu and school spliss and a Borden Christmas doll. Your friend, Piper Dear Santa, I want a FaBlet and a rag Doll and a Pink sock monky and a baby shirts and a baby Dipr bag and two babys with strolrs and a baby cradl. Your friend, Maya Dear Santa, I want a gtav and a x box 1 for Chistmas and a base ball bag and a noo bat and 100 craons and 100 Markers. Your friend, Cohen Dear Santa, I want a PsP. and a X Box 360. I also want a Dsi. Your friend, Caden Dear Santa, I want a Brbe Kupoodr and a Ipod and a Brbe and a pupy and a Lolloopse and a Makap Kit. Your friend, Karstyn Ms. Gloede’s 1st Grade Dear Santa, What cind of cookes do you like? in aer clas room we sue yoer Elfs. I want a BaBy a Live and I want a Jug of BaBy watr. And I want foor meele and I want BaBy food. and I want a Big BrBe haoos. From Addyson Dear Santa, Santa haiw or you. Im good to haiw or elfs. I wot a books too and u dol and u dress and a marldal and a naw ded. From Jersey Dear Santa, I want to now yore randerss name. Wat cind av cuces do you liek? I want a bobe and dorin and a ipad cus I get to play on it. From Izbelle Nearly 50 members of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club of Eagle Grove spread a little Christmas joy by Christmas caroling on Saturday, Dec. 14. Their first stop was at Rotary Senior Living South (pictured directly below). They then sang some old familiar favorites for the residents of the North building (pictured at bottom). A few even stopped and gave a private performance in the room of Pat Miller (pictured at right). Photos by Kim Demory Dear Santa, Haw is Roodoff? I wont tirmnadr 3 and reshive evill 6 and a trapleen? From Dashawn Dear Santa, We like your Elf? Santa what is your frate cooe? for crimse I wat iaq bad. From Josue Dear Santa, I wubr haw yr ranbers are? I wut to dols and a bookshef. Yr the best. From Paige McDaniel Dear Santa, why is my Elf not comin to my house? can you tel me? I wunt for chrismis an ipod and an a laptop to. I Love you. From Gracie to Santa Dear Santa, Waey is my elf not coming to My hose? I want a lasptop and I need a trampalen. From Reese Dear Santa, How do your ran der fly? Santa I want fac boinaro nd as fack gun. wut koces do you like? From Andrew Dear Santa, How do youor elf make toys? I wot a box uv gloing bloons and a ipad nd a box uv culrs and marcrs and a base bloon. From Kevin Dear Santa, I like you,re Eafs? I like win you make us toss. I wont for Crismis is a now bieck and a now motcuncow. I like Santa, how are you,re Eafs? From Austin Dear Santa, For Crismis I wont a now Bick and a now gatar for Crismisss and a La La Loopsey for Crismis and a amerecin doll. Your friend, Monique Dear Santa, I wot a dress and a scrt shos a And Santa stuf And elf stuf And Prises. Your friend, Destinee Dear Santa, I like yuor Elf. Hau mmmmene renders? I want a Staryas lego. From Salvador Dear Santa, I want a litte ras car with ri molt in I want aa helikoptir. Your friend, Darwin Dear Santa, How was yres adere? Want cide of cookes od you like? I like yr Elf. I want a Brbare and a brbare casll and a brbares klase and a brbare magssee. From Avery Dear Santa, I want for Christmas a Robot. How many elfs do you have? I bleey in you. Your friend, Ryan Wright Warriors spread Christmas joy Dear Santa, How your randre? I wot toy. I wat a brbare. I like croime. I wat a ipad. From Monsy Dear Santa, I want to know how Rotof the red nose rainder is doing? I want a Baby alive and a Bardie house why dos’nt my elf come to my house? and I want a Zepodog fluter by fairly and a laptop and a kindle and a ipod. From Tarissa Dear Santa, May I have a X box 360 with 2 controlers, a gutare, a pick, a laptop, a ipod 5th genrdsheon, BB gun, emote controe car, star war lego set, and X box games. Your frend, Dylan 5B Dear Santa, Wut kind of cukies do y ou like? I wast presents. I wud like sum cande and a parrot. From Yasmin Santa’s helpers Jaclynn Demory and her dog, Buddy, showed up at the Old Fashioned Christmas event as Santa’s Helpers. Photo by Kim Demory Star of Wonder, Star of Night We wish you and your family a season full of fun, celebration and great times! Thank you for all the joy and happiness you’ve brought to us this year. 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 MALLOY LAW FIRM Robert Malloy, Nathan Malloy, Joshua Borchert, Lynn Seaba The head elf Dennis Lee proved that you’re always young enough to get in on the holiday fun that happens around Eagle Grove. He showed up to the Old Fashioned Christmas event dressed in his finest elf costume. The kids loved it, and he took home second place in the junior high and up division. Photo by Kim Demory 6B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE Dear Santa… Mrs. Axtell’s 1st Grade Dear Santa, I want a Ipod for Chrismas. I want a real live hores for Chrismas. I want a zebra helmet for Chrismas. I want a joolereey box for Chrismas. My brother wants a tracter. My sister wants a blue pony for Chrismas., My mommy asnts one car Chrismas. My dad wants anuther dog for Chrismas. How do you get down my chimney. Love, Emilee Snider Dear Santa, I wot the rest the nija trtrs and a toy care. I wot it to bee vaee big and miexx bruy thrwos anoo exs box. Haw d you git yr big belee down the chimney. Love Dylan I wish I can have a bog, I wish I can have a computer. My mom wish to have to bog. Maria Meadez Deaaar Santa, I want a competr. I want a fone. My brother My sister want a doll. My dad want a rimot hunchrl helcptr. Love, Christian Cleaveland Dear Santa, I want a lite sadv with one lit sadv on a sid and a nothr lite sadv on a nuthr side. I want is a eds tthat is black. I want for my mom is car a green car. how bo uor elfs mack toys? Love, Jaime Lopez Dear Santa, I want a Ipad. I want a 3D TV. My mom want a Christmas. Love, Adam Champagne Dear Santa, I want a romote ckoncherul hellacopter and I want a 3DSXL a my bruther wants a new game for his 3DSXL. were dus majik come from. Love, Braeden Pamperin Dear Santa, I want a I.Pad and snow pans. my family wants a happy family. what’s you’r name is it red. Love, Rylee Mogan Hanus Dear Santa, I wud like a ipad and Hollck panching gllaves for christmas andsome spie theings. My sistr wunts some borbe, clos. Haw do your Randers fly. Love, Zach Hogrefe Dear Santa, I want a new Ipadd. I want a new game. My Dad want a new caar. Josue want a new bike. My Mom want a new bike. way you have a white beir. Love, Zabdi Castro Dear Santa, I want a compooter. Iwant a gril. My Grama wonts a gift. How do your rander fli? Love, Nydia Lopez Dear Santa, I want a ipad and dres. My brothr wots tractrs. War do you live? Love,Celine Covington Dear Santa, I want a noo poen. I want a iy pad., I want Zoomre., howdo your rander fly? Love, Alex Anderson Dear Santa, I want I.,pad., And Insrmint. My mom want a new houes. How did your dears fli. Love, Michelle Calles Dear Santa, I want hors for christmas. And a good family. And go to mexico. My hol family want good lif. Santa how do you get your stamick in the chimney? Love, Jocelyn Gonzalez Dear Santa, Iwant to let my cuzins thair name is Dalis and Brana and Odum and Thair Mom is care and Dad name is Jode and Ndl is thair dog. Kendra Dear Santa, I want a Ipad and I want a remot kentrole raccre and a monstr truk game. And a petfish .My bruth wants a Ipad. How are you doing? Love, Beau Warland I wish I can have a dog. I wish I can have a computer. My mom wish to have a dog. santa have you giv the presants to everyone? Love, Maria Meadez Mrs. Watson’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa, What does your house look like? I hope you will come tonight. I would like Disney Infinity. You are the nicest person ever. Make sure you put a candy cane in my stocking. I will really like that. Also give my dog a treat, my mom a book, and dad a tool. What does your deer look like? Tel me how your day will be. I hope you will? Lucian Benjamin Dear Santa, Are you nice to people? I wish for you to bring my presents. I sure would like a bear, and some books because I am learning how to read. I also want a phone and an Ipad. Do you like your house? If you go to my house, I will have a cookie nd milk so you are not hungry. I will have a present for you because you 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. worked very hard. My family wants a monkey who talks. My dad wants a car. Love, Jenifer Zacarias Dear Santa, For Christmas, Iwill like for my family a Super man suit. one for my brother, mom, dad, and one for me too., I want a baby dalmation dog, a fairy flyer, and a purse. Santa, is Rudolph real? We will have cookies and milk. Love, Morgan Christiansen Dear Santa, What I sure would want for Christmas is baby stroller and crib. a basket, dream light, a dolphin, stuffed bear, make-up and jewelry. My whole family would like a computer and blankets. Love, Erin Smith Dear Santa, Do you like eggnog? What is it like living in the North Pole? Write back to me. Maybe you could bring my family some money please. I would sure like Barbie, Ken, and the new Barbie Dream House. Love, Lily Huse Dear Santa, I sure would like an Xbox 360, a Mircraft Cd, game boy, and the Legend of Zelda. I like you. Are you magic? Love, Damon Barkhaus Dear Santa, My family would want a garden for my mom. My Dad would want tools. I would want a doll. What is it like in the North Pole? Do you see seals in the North Pole? JoJo Zigrant Dear Santa, I want a four wheeler., Please Please please! I wish for my family to be happy. Santa, you re awesome, Santa, I wish to have an XBox. I wish I could see you; too. Love, Ricardo Gaytan Dear Santa, Can you please bring me a zebra lamp for my room, a fairy that moves to your hand, or a diary box? How can you see through our house and walls? Have a great Christmas! Love, Harley Schnobrich Dear Santa, You are nice to everyone. Are you magic? How do y ou make toys for kids to play with? Can you make anything for kids to play with? You are very, very, very, very nice. What is it like a the North Pole? Do you like your job? Love, Addison Hindt Dear Santa, I want an I pod, a trampoline, all WWE costumes and a pingpong table for my family. What is it like in the North Pole? I want an elf on the shelf. Love, Braydon Carr Dear Santa, Are you magic? Do y ou love your elves? Are they your sons and daughters? I want a real horse, a TV in my room, a real dog., Are you watching down on me? Did you make is snow? Love, Jaz Mrazek Dear Santa, What is it like at the North Pole? I would sure like a Cuddle Cuddle vpit. I want to see your workshop where you and your elves make toys. I would sure like a phone, and a diary too. I like you and your elves. Does Mrs. Claus have gray hair? I want to see Mrs. Claus. Love, Grace Johnston Dear Santa, I sure want a One Direction movie, a CD, and a One Direction Big Joe beanbag chair, computer. My family wants a new dog., What is the North Pole like? Love, Analise Olson Dear Santa, My family needs some food. My family needs some Christmas plates. I want three Ipad’s, two Barbies, two race cars, and four blankets. Blankets for two boys, two girls, and one baby. Love, Yairin Ramirez Dear Santa, I need to ask some questions about you. Do you pay your elves? I want three Xbox controllers and a Wiiu. So do y ou actually give a bad kid coal? I don’t want any. Do you really live at North Pole? Love, Evan Thul Dear Santa, I would like a Kindle Fire HD and a bigger jewelry box. What is it like in the North Pole? Do you have lot of elves? Mom would like a new car. Dad would like some new tools. My Dog Bandit, would like some new toys. Love, Sydney Haugland Chicken and noodles and needles The pine needles of the Christmas tree in the Eagle Pharmacy window showcased the ingredients to the making of the famous Sacred Heart chicken and noodles enjoyed at the Wright County Fair each year. Photo by Kim Demory Dear Santa, Are you magic? I sure would like a Barbie Dream House. I would like a Doc McStuffin chair. I would like a Naill One Direction doll. My family would love a new house. Love, Adyson Steig Dear Santa, Today I would like a boomerang and pet Smurfs. The pet Smurfs I want are Grumpy, Clumsy, Smurfette, Farmer Smurf, Papa Smurf, and Happy Smurf. I would also like a Storm Pegasus Beyblade, a Ninja Turtle lair, and M & M’s. I love you Santa! Thank you. Love, Antonio Tilley United Methodist Praise Band Members of the United Methodist Church enjoy combining their talents for musical worship. The band was happy to perform “Born in Bethlehem” during An Old Fashioned Christmas in Eagle Grove. Photo by Kim Demory 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. “God so loved the his only begotten believeth in him but have everlasting world that he gave son that whosoever should not perish life.” John 3:16 As we celebrate the miracle of His birth, please accept our sincere wishes that you may forever bask in the warmth of His love. yor of Quali urve ty” P “ SADLER CONSTRUCTION 323 S. Commercial Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-4567 323 S. Commercial Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-5177 EAGLE GROVE Deli Phone: 448-3300 EAGLE GROVE Plant Phone: 448-4286 EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 7B A blended family Christmas Talented musicians David and Cathy Moklebust accompanied the Eagle Grove Chorale, performed solos, and were both featured in a solo performance during the Eagle Grove Chorale Concert and An Old Fashioned Christmas event. Photo by Kim Demory Family fun Nora Olson (left) and Analise Olson enjoyed a Christmas donut with their aunt, Arial Quintus, on Saturday, Dec. 14, before going to sit on Santa’s lap and tell them what they would like to find under their Christmas tree this year. Photo by Kim Demory by Kim demory [email protected] It was December 24, 2000 and Jen Tew was about to embark on a journey she never imagined. The birth of her baby boy would first bring fear, then joy, then worry and concern for his well-being, and then, finally, an unforeseen friendship. The story began when Jen went into labor on Christmas Eve at her mom and dad’s (Kim and Carl Steil) house. By 2:30 a.m. Christmas morning, she and the baby’s father, Travis Woodbeck, were on their way to the hospital. It was supposed to be a joyous time. Instead, it quickly turned into an experience she doesn’t remember, but the rest of her family will never forget. Jen began hemorrhaging and there were warning signs of a potential stroke. Jen was whisked away for an emergency C-section. She said there are only three things she’s remembers after the chaos began - hearing her doctor call home and tell his wife to put Christmas dinner in the oven because he was going to be late; looking at the clock and seeing red and black spots and not telling the doctor about it because she was scared; and a nurse telling Travis to put his head between his legs and to breathe because of all the chaos and not eating. The rest is blank. Before long, Travis came back out of the operating room. He had been asked to leave because the doctor didn’t know if Jen or the baby were going to make it. Kim later told her daughter that the staff even came out asking for next of kin to make decisions, like if they were to save only one, who should it be? The next thing Jen remembers is seeing her new baby boy, Peyton, the next day. Jen and Travis married in December of 2002. When they divorced only a short time later, Jen never expected what was to come next. At first she was angry when Travis started dating Chelsea Sisson. Jen knew her, but admitted she didn’t really care for her much. “I thought since she was so much younger, she wouldn’t be able to take care of a two-year old,” Jen said. “I was apprehensive to think that she could do it and was here for the long haul instead of just wanting to play house.” While Jen said she was never “mean” to Chelsea, she did confess to having an “attitude” towards her. Then a game-changing phone call came from Jen’s mother. She said she had seen Chelsea and Peyton at a local store shopping, but Travis wasn’t even with them. At first, that made her mad. Why was Travis not spending time with his son? Why did Chelsea have her son?” Was it just cool for her to have this cute little boy? But her mother quickly changed her way of thinking, saying, “Be thankful that (Peyton) isn’t just pushed off onto someone else and that Chelsea is spending time with him.” After thinking about it for a little bit, Jen realized her mother was right. Things could be so much worse. Chelsea said even her parents, Kenny and Darcy Sisson, took to Peyton right away. They never forced him to call them grandma and grandpa, but that’s always been how they’ve treated Peyton - as if he were there own biological grandchild. Chelsea and Travis were married April 22, 2006. Jen admitted that although the connection between her and her ex’s new wife was generic and only existed because of her son, Peyton, it eventually developed over time. The two women began talking to arrange schedules of where Peyton would be and when. Through these conversations, a friendship started to form. They realized that they had so much more in common that just the love for one little Christmas miracle baby known as Peyton. “I now consider Chelsea one of my best friends,” Jen said 10 years after they were first forced together. “Don’t get me wrong, we still have our arguments, but not often,” Chelsea said lightheartedly. Their last fight was Mother’s Day 2012 over a miscommunication of where Peyton spent the day. “Getting along just makes life so much simpler,” added Jen. That also means the holidays are much easier as well. There’s no squabbling about who gets him for how long and who buys what. Instead, they have a plan that works every year. His father and Chelsea get Peyton Christmas Eve through 10 a.m. Christmas morning. He and his two sisters, McKenna and Tucker, are Chelsea Woodbeck (left), Peyton Woodbeck (center), and Jen Andrews (right) are the perfect example of how happy a blended family can be, making the holidays merry and bright for everyone. Photo provided sure to have all their gifts open and played with from Santa long before he has to leave. Then, when he gets to his mom and Galen Andrews’ (Jen’s husband) house, he opens gifts there with his sister, Brenna. To an outsider, it may seem confusing, but for this family, having a blended family Christmas works. There’s no “step mom” and “step dad.” There’s no “step sisters” either. They are all just simply “family.” While Peyton has never been forced to refer to Chelsea as “mom” or Galen as “dad” Jen corrects him if he refers to them as “step mom” or “step dad.” “If Peyton does slip up and call Chelsea ‘step mom,’ I quickly explain to him that Chelsea is a mom, too,” Jen said. When it comes to Christmas, they have even learned to work together on gifts. At first, he loved fire trucks, so he had tons of fire trucks at both houses. Now, they make sure they get different things for him. The only request Jen had for Chelsea is “Don’t wrap his birthday presents in Christmas paper.” “I figured if that’s all she’s asking of me, I can do that,” Chelsea said. When it comes to the Christmas birthday boy, they’ve even worked out a schedule for that. Jen and Galen have a birthday party for him on Christmas Day. Travis and Chelsea do it the weekend before or after. There have even been years where both families celebrate together. “The fact that Jen and I are so close surprises a lot of people,” said Chelsea. “But it just seems so natural for us now,” Jen added. In a situation that often times brings fighting, resentment, and heartache, these two women have found a way to instead foster friendship by putting family first. Because of Peyton and the relationship he has with both families, even his sisters on his dad’s side, McKenna and Tucker, and his sister, Brenna, on his mom’s side, act like sisters. All four kids go back and forth between the Woodbeck home and the Andrews home. In fact, McKenna and Tucker go home with Jen each afternoon after school lets out until Chelsea gets off of work and pics them up. That way, all the kids get to spend a little time together every day. Chelsea and Jen are glad to say that even Travis and Galen have become friends, too, and work well together. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jen said. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I could have it really bad, and so could Peyton, so it makes me thankful for everything that happened up to this point.” Peyton truly was a Christmas miracle to these two families in more ways than one. All I want for Christmas Jaime Steffenson told Santa he would like a racetrack for Christmas. Jazsalene Gonzales wants a monkey. That made Santa laugh. He told her he loves gorillas. Baby Zoie Steffenson and Amelia Gonzalez (pictured left to right) were just happy to sit on his lap and say nothing at all. Photo by Kim Demory Galen and Jen Andrews with their children, Brenna Andrews and Peyton Woodbeck. Photo provided Travis and Chelsea Woodbeck with their children Tucker, Petyon, and McKenna Woodbeck. Photo provided Christmas Trivia According to tradition, how does Santa get back up the chimney? Laying a finger beside his nose Make the most of your holiday with family, friends & festivities! First State Bank and Town & Country Insurance First State Bank and Town & Country Insurance created every child’s dream tree - one made of candy and popcorn. Their tree was on display throughout the holidays in the Christ Furniture warehouse window. Photo by Kim Demory GoLdFieLd ACCeSS NeTWorK 536 N. Main, Goldfield, IA 50542 515-825-3996 • goldfieldaccess.net 8B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE Dear Santa… Ms. Gerard’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa, Santa I want a helecopt for Chrismas and a robot and a elf and a shelf. Santa how are your elfs? I believe your elfs are good. Love, David Gomez Dear Santa, I want for Christmis I want nerf guns vulcan a sniper a mega star trit. Iwasnt a phone a flat skrean tv. Love, Hunter Adolf Everyone loves a snow globe Micah Nesvold, Ava Kienzle, Johnathan Olson, Drake Canavan, Dominick Melendrez, and Skylar Gamache (pictured from left) show off the results of their efforts in making homemade snow globes. Photo submitted Dear Santa, I want a longshot, volcon tadlit crossbow. Dose it ever get cold? From, Jake Jeske Dear Santa, I would like an ipad for Chrismastas. how are your elfs? My elf wade is was hard to find. I hope Criismistas is good. Love, Olivia Conaway Dear Santa, Can I please get a sew cool; and can I have 13 wishes, and a nerf rebelle crossbow. Can I have another elf on the shelf with a beard for my brother to give him for Christmas. Me, Dawson and Piper have been very good this year. I hope you have a good X-mas this year. Do you and my elf get presents for X-mas. From Emma Lalor Cora Spangler If you could go anywhere for Christmas, where would you go? “To New York City to see my son. I’ve been there many times and it is beautiful at Christmas time...watching them skate and all.” Photo by Kim Demory Serenity Dobbs Betty Bowles If you could give one gift this holiday, what would it be and to whom? I would buy my mom a house. Photo by Kim Demory If you could go anywhere for Christmas, where would you go? “I would be together with all of my children.” Photo by Kim Demory Dear Santa, I want mune$ and a flatscren tv, goinch and a masnchin and as sporst car and a iphon 5.. Can you send boy elf wif my grell ellf? Love, Connor Christopher Dear Santa, I want puppy, pig and a hamsters, and a easy bake oven and some mice for Crismas. Santa can I come to the North Pole with you? Love, Brooklyn Osborn Dear Santa, I want a ipad that is purple for Crismiss. nd a miny ipad and a elf on the shelf. Do you give gifts for your self? Your friend, Kaylynn Kepler Dear Santa, I want elf for Cristcrys aand as Baby Monkey who is nice., I want a wii. I will liv some cookie and mlke. Love, Ana Morles Dear Santa, I wont a ipod tuch and a elfa on the shelf name Chrlit and a pet bunee and a flat skren tv and 10 Ifons Santa how do you get to all the kids hous? rit bak ples. Love, Angelina Binkerd Dear Santa, I want a Phone, ipod, baby doll; Can you get my brother something to, mom, dad? How are your elf’s doing? What are their names? Can you get my brother a ipod? Love, Emalee Sisneros Dear Santa, Can I get a phone and a ipad and can I get a lot of chooclite? Is the north poile cold to you? Is riding the slay fun? Can I get a cputer. Can I get a vicings cup and do you like the north pole? From, Noah Thul Dear Santa, I am just only asking for presents, 3 presents. One Santa hat and I want a cputer and I just want my famly to have a good crimise. And I want to have a doll. Love, Maddie Elsberry Dear Santa, I want ds games and a bow in erow and a i pad and a i pod and a wii. Can I have a elff on the shelf? Love, Quinn Whaley Dear Santa, Can I pleas have an ipad, anything hellow kitty, your phone number, flat screan tv and tumy sttufer. What is it like in the north pole? What is Charley’s favorit thing I want to get him a presint for comeing to are hous every year. Love, Jaclynn Demory Dear Santa, I want a i phone five and could you write y our phone number? I also want ax box three sixty. by, BrodyAllen Dear Santa, I want a kendel fire hdx. I want a ipod. I want a puppy xlo. Iwant a boy monster high dol. I want a girl monster high doll. Love, Chloe Steil Dear Santa, Thank you for the gifts last year. This year I want a glove and ball to play catch, a bowling set, and an iPod to listen to music. I will have cookies for you to eat with me. Merry Christmas! Love, Darci Anderson Mrs. Alt’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa, Can you get me a baby swing for my Barbie house? Speaking of babies, my sister’s having a baby,, so can you get her or him a present but she isn’t having it yet. And can you get me more babies for my Barbie house? Sincerely, Hannah Resh Ps. Do your elfs work hared? Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a doll house, I pod, nail polish kit, and a drawing set. What is the temperature where you live? Our lowest is negative 3F. How do you deliver all those toys in one night? I also want 10$, and every Monster High doll, and a wii with Just Dance cds. From, Makaylae Betts Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a moped, a real puppy beagle, a real cockersppaniel, that’s a puppy! And a two wheeler four snowmobile for SAM, Corbin, Dady and me. A cupl more things i want a humongous or gigantic robeot animal that’s a pink cute puppy. That has a reamote. How do you fly with all that stuff on your slegh? How do you make all those toys in one night? Do you ever get tired doing what you do all night? Your my favorte Santa Clause! From, Jolet Pinkele Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a bell from your sleigh, telescope, remote control helicopter, 1D pajamas, 1D stuff, just anything you can make. Santa what do you dowhen your elves work? Do your elves work all year long? Sincerily, Ava Kienzla Kay Gray What is your one Christmas wish? “To have my family with me. They are scattered all over.” Photo by Kim Demory Incognito Lisa Foust’s Christmas tree was in disguise as a hunter for the holidays. Her creative masterpiece was featured in the main store of Christ Furniture. Photo by Kim Demory With warm wishes and gratitude from our house to yours. We appreciate your calling on us this past year. Second place Liliana Waldo Martinez looked adorable in her elf costume on Saturday, Dec. 7. She was cute enough to take home the second place prize from the Old Fashioned Christmas event. Photo by Kim Demory Lalor Construction Eagle Grove • 515-448-5040 EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 9B Dear Santa… Starting a new Christmas tradition Mrs. Alts 2nd Grade continued I want areal fea baby and a real dog. Where do you get the toy? I like you! How do the elves make toy? Sincerely, Charity Bork Dear Santa, For Christmas I want everything from Justice. How is Mrs. Clause? How are you? What degrees is it at the North Pole? How many elves are helping you? Do you stay up all night to work? How many toys do the elves make? Does Mrs. Clause help you? Is it cold at the North Pole? From, Celeste Figueroa Dear Santa, I want a skate board and a Zicke and a race car. How is yor dar. I have been good at home and day care. From Angel Vasquez Dear Santa, How fast does your sleigh go? How do you give presents to everyone in the world in one night? How do you understand every language? I would like an Xbox 360. Will you get mee ne? From, Mack Morgan Dear Santa, I want a ipad. How big are your elfs? Are your elfs funny? I want Denver Bronco gloves! They’re my favorite team! I hope the elfs are not mean to you Santa. From Drake Canavan Dear Santa, I want a baby and a baby stroller and baby stuff and earings. Ialso want a real dog and clothes for the dog and toys for the dog! Santa what do you do when it is not chrissmiss? From, Calli Steil Dear Santa, I want a Santa toy and a turkey toy. I want a monster toy. Why do you have Elves to make toys with you? Do your Elves havt to do a lot of hard work for you? From, Dominick Melendrez Dear Santa, I would want a toy like 90 barbie dolls please. May I please have a binder for at homee please? May I please have 20 casts and 20 dogs please. Are you fluffy Santa? No name Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a real computer, an ipad, an ipod, a dorr sighn with my name on it and real gold. Why do only come out at night? What do you look like? Merry Christmas, Sarah Thies Dear Santa, I want a Mind ccclaf accaunt, Michel Jorden shoes, lime green sweat, basetball shoes, and green beats. Why do people think you are fake? From, Jonathan Olson Dear Santa, Do you like snow? I like the snow. Can I have a bike? I like to ride bikes! From, Kolten Johnson Dear Santa, I want a play horse, please! Do you like me? Can I have drums? Do you like dogs and cats? What would you like for Christmas? From, Izabella Kreitlow Mrs. Lenane’s 2nd Grade Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a Furby boom, Markers maker, easy bake oven, miss mes jeas, jordas, elf on the shuf. plaes and thank you. Sincerely, Lyndsey Mendez Dear Santa, i want a dude wwe toy that toke and a weii 1000000 doeller and a lorreur and a xbox dead riasing 3 andaaa the waking dead and ganntot. Love, Drake Slaikeu Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a easybake oven, zoomer, just dance 2014, Fake money, horse riding owfit and 1D shirt and ghostbusters shirt. Love, Reese Ettinger Dear Santa, For christmas I want a puppy, dress, barbie, furby, doll, books, gamne, markers. Love, Macie Lalor Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a furby boom and a easy-bake oven. Love, Noel Kovacs Dear Santa, For Christmas I want furby boom, fun tape, monster high house, and easy bake oven. Love, Dakota Alt City Administrator Mike Boyd with Araceli Day and Susan Maier With Christmastime once again upon us, we pause to remember the simple joys of days gone by. Though times have changed, the true spirit of the holiday remains forever constant. May the enduring happiness and brotherhood that marks this wondrous season be yours always. and Eagle Grove Municipal Utilities Dear Santa, I wont a Barbie for christmas. I wont a guitar to. I wont new shoes and cloes. And more easy bake oven stuff. Love, Ayden Feske Dear Santa, For Christmas I want just dance 2014 and just dance 4 and a furby boom. From, Justin Krog Dear Santa, I want a helicopter, and Legos, and wii games and just danc and chocklits, and a dog, and a wii. Sincre, Gabe Reyna Dear Santa, I want for Christmas a doll. I want a stuff animals. I want a new ordimint. I want a Santa doll. I want a new book. Love, Cloey Reese Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a furby boom, beatrix girls, barbie life in a dream house, flutter bye fairy, Zoomer, techno; Just danc 2014, Just dance 2. Love, Olivia Anderson Dear Santa, I hope you give me aa Furby Boom, remote controle car, cloths, shert, pants,, Santa I love you and your wife and elfs so so so so so much one more presint zomer, that is it. by Zach Garcia Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a Elektric scooter. Love, Justine Olson Dear Santa, I wont a simi for christmas and a resoing truk and a arplan. From, Coltan Hurtado by KiM deMory [email protected] Each holiday season, I ask people from around the community to share their Christmas photos, traditions, and stories with me. This year, I decided to share one of my own. We did something new in the Demory household this year, one I hope to do for year’s to come. It all began with a late fall walk on the 3 Rivers Trail. My daughters discovered a fallen branch from a tree that stood tall and had lots of small limbs coming from it. It instantly inspired me. Why not paint it and use it as a decoration in our house. Then the scrapbooker in me kicked in. I had recently purchased some Christmas paper at a scrapbook store that had the numbers one through 25 on it. Put the two together and we had the perfect makings for a Christmas activity tree. When we got home, the girls didn’t even go into the house. They ran straight to the backyard and waited for me to come with supplies to start our project. As Jaclynn spraypainted the branch silver, Hannah and Mollie worked on painting an old terra-cotta pot with chalk paint. This would allow us to write fun messages on the pot throughout the month of December, be it Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas, how many days left until Christmas. While we were waiting for the paint to dry, we headed inside the house where we cut out the 25 days of Christmas from my scrapbook paper. While we did, we talked about all the different ideas we could do. Then we had to narrow them down, picking out our favorite top 25 activities we wanted to enjoy. Some were quick and easy for busy days that I knew would not leave a lot of extra time - like calling grandma and grandpa in Minnesota to Christmas carol over the phone. Others took more time, like baking cookies and delivering them to friends’ houses as an unexpected holiday surprise. Mollie, Jaclynn, and Hannah Demory enjoyed going to the Event Tree each day to see what fun Christmas-themed event they would be doing next. Photo by Kim Demory I wrote one activity on each day of the month and then attached silver and green glittery string from each. The next step was to fill the terra-cotta pot with sand, insert the branch, and hang the 25 days on our stick tree. And so the adventure began. Each morning, the girls would rush to our little silver Charlie Brown tree to see what the day’s featured activity would be. I admit, that on a couple of days, time just didn’t allow like we had hoped, so we would simply do two things the next day. One of our family favorites turned out to be something we did early on in the month. As a family, we made up a progressive Christmas story. Each of us took our turn adding on to the story, a little piece at a time. By the time we were finished, Dave and I and the girls were all laughing. I am especially excited because I video-taped our original Christmas story, so now we can share it with extended family when we get together for the holidays. I guarantee they have never heard a Christmas story quite like this before, and the starts of the tale are Santa, aliens, a dog, and Dave. Other activities ranged from drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace, to ordering pizza and watching a Christmas movie, to reading Christmas books, to eating Christmas treats for breakfast. We also went to see Santa, made homemade Christmas ornaments, and wrapped Christmas presents. Another family-favorite turned out to be cellular caroling - when we called our loved ones and started singing Christmas songs after they said “Hello.” While some activities were more grand than others, what was best about this tree to me, was the fact that it helped us to slow down just a little bit, if only for a few moments each night, and take time to enjoy each other during the most wonderful time of the year. Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a iPad and xbox 360. Love, Felipe Calles Dear Santa, For cisdmise I want aa mostrni dollss and a rodt dog and a elfe on the shelf. Your friend, Rilyn Robinette Dear Santa, I want a helicopter wihe a controle and as car that I can drive that it is for kids for christmas. Love, Bryant Bravo Homemade snow globes Second graders Makayla Betts, Angel Vasquez, Landen Rogers, Charity Bork, Isabella Kreitlow, and Celeste Figueroa (pictured from left) love to watch the snow fall inside their homemade snow globes they made in art class at Eagle Grove Elementary. Photo submitted 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. 10B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EAGLE GROVE EAGLE Dear Santa… Third Grade Letters to Santa from Ms. Milner, Mr. Jacobson, and Ms. Everson’s Classes Dear Santa, How are your raindeer and I would like a Japanese Big Bang Pegosus, flash sagottareo, Nemeses and Jade Jupiter. Love, Brody L. Reese Dear Santa, I would like a ipad miny, $20.99. I would like an fone,, 20 in fall of snow. Love, Cole Fouarge Dear Santa, Do you life in the North Pole. I want an ipod, ipad,, and snow pants and boots. Love, Jack Mendoza Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a PS3 a play station, call of Duty;; humansys. zombies, dragon, a Se,, Dragon a gez, a skyrim, all the monster high dolls, Love, Abby Valentine Dear Santa, May I have a Play Station pleas and a smart phone pleas and a computer pleas. I have ben vary very veary veary veary veary veary veary good!!!!!!! Love, Drew Beauvais Dear Santa, I wunt Lago chima, star wars, carrs, star wars: the clone wors, a fone a camportr and tellascop, call a doder black one; 2 tap PaPre, a tigr and a longich lachir. Love, Dustin Dawson in e questions call 448-41-45. Dear Santa, Four christmis I want a xbox,, go cart, 3DS, books, call the duty ghost, ipod, smart phone, clothes, football,, ply station, DS games, soccer,, manson tv,, lap top Legos. I want all of it Santa pleas. Love, Damon Richter Dear Santa, How are you and I don’t want enething except ... 1,0000$. Love, David Varland Dear Santa, I was wondering what is it like at the North Pole. How is Mrs. Santa doing? Oh just saying I want a xbox one for chrismis! Ps: give Katie cool. PSS I mean it. Love, Sarah Kreck Dear Santa, I think I’ve been good this year well that what my mom said and I gues I want monster highe girl, nrf rabel bow and aros. Please git a presen for Devin and Nakota my two little sisters oh and they like noesie things. Love,, Havana Anderson Der Santa, I want a nintendo 225 a xbox 360 a kindle fire and a smart phone and a furby boom. I think i been very good this year. Love, Aden Wieth Dear Santa, Thank you for the teapot set. I would like 2 books, a teddy bear, a paid of shoes, and a green coat like Miss Jacobson’s coat, and Happy Christmas! Love, Ashley Ramirez-Marcelino Dear Santa, I want a xbox because my brother has one and it’s fun so I want one. Or I want a 305 or an ipad or an barbie in the doll house because one of the barbie in the doll hous I have and want a different one. but the one thing I really want is a smart phone. Love, Lauren Dear Santa, What dos it feel like in the North Poul. I like presens and toys. I want a xbox 360 and I also want as tablet. I am being good. I like chismis and march is on crismis. Love, Gage Fibikar Dear Santa, I think I have been good I now I have been good, but what I want for christmas is a ipod, ipad, a computr or a kindle. Would you like cookies for your drive at night cause if my mom made a ton of cookies for nothing thats weird would the raindeer like some carrots for the drive just send a note back tome. Love, Abby Smith Dear Santa, Do you have sunshine. can i please have a 3DS. and a computer.. Please and thank you. Love, Cody Nichol Dear Santa, I want aa cat for cristmas and the elf on the shelf is back. I also want aa PS4 for cristmas and a PS3 game. Love, Caden Mason Dear Santa, How cold are you, Mrs. claus and cippie. When is cippie comeing to my hous? I want a ipod. Love, McKenna Woodbeck Dear Santa, This is what I want for christmas I want a chucky costume, tremors (the movie), some Jim Carrey movies,, timoerrery book, I phone, pop the balloon, laptop, Micael myers mask, bride of chucky or seed of chucky and a diamond ring for ms twetten. how do you get to all the houses in one night? I have been good. Love, Drake Weland Dear Santa, How cold is it in the north pole? For Christmas I want an ipod and school play things. I also want american girl doll hangers and clothes. I want clothes like, scarves, boots, and fancy shirts. What’s your favorite thing to make? Love, Elise Olson Dear Santa, I want a xbox with a kinect and a laptop to. ipad.. a 3DSXL. money. zoomer... the 23DS. big screen tv. a big giant house. a ipfone. a ipod and and a nother tablet. i have at home to., Love, Dale Covington Dear Santa, I would like a American-Gril doll, I padd and a tablet. Peas and thank you if I get it. If you get my mesges. I would like tape to make brlaselets and pleas. Becuase I have no more tape. Love, Madison Reed Dear Santa, Can I have a laptop, lagos, starwars, viking and cylon helmet. Love, Noah Rethman Dear Santa, I would like a tablet, American girl doll crazy loom, and laptop. How is the work shop? How are you and the raindeer. Love, Kenya Martinez Dear Santa, I want legos, cyclone stuff, iipod, spy gear, Xbox. Love, Tate Richardson Dear Santa, I will like a i pad and a new bed and iphone and some pants and a laptop. Love, Janessa Morris Dear Santa, I want call of Duty ghost for my Xbox 360 this christmas please. Love, Korey Anderson Sharing Christmas with others Lavonne Deuel and Kay Derscheid were just two of nearly two dozen people who came to help pack boxes for the Share Christmas program on Tuesday, Dec. 10. There were 133 boxes filled containing an estimated $150 worth of grocery and hygiene supplies. The boxes were distributed to local families in need on Saturday, Dec. 14. Watch for more photos in the Christmas edition of the Eagle next week. Photo by Kim Demory Dear Santa, I want a lego set and a fishing pole and a nerf gun and a redskins helmet. Love, Johnny Pamperin Dear Santa, please get me ghost for play station 3 a Xbox 360 and a viking helmet with all the temantes segnnres and can you find a von mier Bronco and a kinect for my xbox at my moms! Thank you! Love, Cody Gearhart Continued on Page 11 Happy Holidays from the Bradford Group Front row: Margaret, Jim, Shallon. 2nd Row: Sandy, Angela, Beth, Judy, Monica. 3rd Second Row: Marty, Darla, Annette, Chris, Front row:Mendi, Jim, Shallon,Deb, Margaret, Taunya and Darla. row: Deb, Denise, Julie, Cheri, Megan, Racheal and Sara. Third row: Stacey, Marty, Chris, Sandy and Kim. Judy, Cassie. Back Row: Kim, Connie, Cheri. Our most sincere wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year! Bradford Group 215 N. Main St., Clarion, IA 50525 800-348-4419 or 515-532-6661 Fax 515-532-6547 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 EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 11B Dear Santa… A TREEmendous project Kenya Martinez-Romos, Mckenna Woodbeck, Noah Rethman, and Korey Anderson (pictured from left) enjoyed making these origami Christmas trees in art class. Photo submitted Third Grade Letters to Santa from Ms. Milner, Mr. Jacobson, and Ms. Everson’s Classes (cont.) Dear Santa, Do you have a lot of snow. I want everyting. Love, Brandon Crail Dear Santa, I would like a i phone, a charmm book, a puppy book and the movie frozen. How are you? How is the workshop? Love, Ella Jensen Dear Santa, How are you doing in the north pole. I will like as kindle fire and a barbie dream house with some barbies to. I want a I pad and a dress and Furby boom. Love, Maritza Calles Dear Santa, I would like a ipod, ipad, iphone, kindle, 3DSXL, 2DS, laptop, Xbox 360, kikinet, all of Call of Duty, and a stalker costume. I have been good santa. Love, Darrin Madson Dear Santa, I will like a tablet and Xbox One. I will like a book and American Girl Doll and ipod for Christmas and ipad and BarBres. Love, Susana Gutiererz Dear Santa, I want an i phone, and some clothes. Please give me some art stuf. May I have an American doll, ipod, ipad, and laptop. May I please get a tablet, and a charm book. May I have a ton of legos. Youre friend, Kayla Martz A winter wonderland Calli Steil, Hannah Resh, and Kolten Johnson (pictured from left) made snow inside the school before there was ever even any snow outside on the ground, thanks to the direction of Abby Butson, Eagle Grove Elementary art teacher. Photo submitted Dear Santaa, I would like for Chrismas, a pet shop gift card, Ipad, sour gummy worms, alive earth worms 5 Packer Jerseys, ferrty.. How is Mrs Cluse. I would kohls Gift card, tickets to advinture. Love, Madison Axtell Dear Santa, I want call of duty. I want to ask if you have a big work shop and a lot of elves. Love, Trenton Hans Sorensen Dear Santa, Can I please have presents. I want a cat, some books, an ipad, an ipod, an tablet, an kindle, an laptop, and some games. How are your riegndeer? Love, Dakota Gilbert Dear Santa, Do you like to live in the north pole? The six things I want are iipad, animal crossing, new leaf, bicycle, Acoustic guitar, kindle, and a skee mask. You can give any to me if I was good. Love, Jayden Gump Dear Santa, I would like to have Xbox one, Xbox 3660, Scary movie 5, Nintendo 2DS, Football Jerseys, Plays station 4, ipad,, phone, Wii U, computer (touch screen), Left 4 Dead 2, is it cold at the North pole. Love, Orlando Melendrez Dear Santa, I want a Nintendo 3DSXL and call of duty Black ops for DS. Do you have a lot of snow. Love, Jaxson Baack Dear Santa, I would like to have a furby boom. I like you Santa. I would like a Mario bros Wii game too. Love, Alex Wieth Dear Santa, For Christmas I whant a Acoustic Guitar, I tunes card, a white dress & white high heels. 1,000,00000000 American Girl Doll Accessories & a American Girl Doll! Love, Mackenze Renae Ell Dear Santa, For christmas I would like a violin and some art splays. Santa is rotof rely rell. What I also ipad and a 1,000,0000,000, socks and American doll and American doll Accessories. Love, Emily Dawson Dear Santa, I want a bicycle, DS and I want a dog. How are you? Love, Fatima Golvan Dear Santa, How have you been? I have been very good this year. I would like to have an X-box this year. I would also like to have a radio. Tell Mrs. Claus hi for me. I will leave you cookies and milk like I always do. Stay warm! Love, Dakota Johnson Dear Santa, My name is Cayden! I want an iphone, playstation 4, peyton manning football Jersey #18 Denver Broncos. That’s all I want because that is a lot of stuff. One question are y real! Love, Cayden Schultz Dear Santa, I want a phone. And I want a dirt bike. I want a Kansis cite chiefs jersey. I want a liserd. Love, Jordan Morris Dear Santa, Can I please have a pet dog and cat? Does your raindeer really fly? Can I please have all the animals that are stuff animals? I hope you come to my house. I might put out milk and cookies and a carrot for you and one of your raindeer. Can I have a pillow pet, glow pet, dream light, flashlight friend, and an art studeo. Love, Dayanara Gudo Dear Santa, How old are you? How long is your beard? OK enough with the chitchat I want 1,000,000,000 dollars, a kohls gift card, and a I pad. (I don’t know what else to write so I’m going to write you a poem) Christmas is fun so are you I love you cause you love me to happy christmas to all and to all a good night. Love, Braxton Steil Dear Santa, How old are you? I really want $1,000000000 a Ipod and a guinea pig. If you could get me everything it would be really nice. I hope you could get me all of my presints that I wanted. Have fun giveing all of the little boys and girls ther presints. Love,VanessaTilley Dear Santa, I want a real steel video game for my X-box. I want a blue bike. I wish all people are happy and well. Love, Brentcint Middleton WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS DAY Lord, my heart’s all aflutter, As we all approach Christmas Day. I’m thinking of Sweet Baby Jesus As in the manger He lay. Sweet Mother Mary of Jesus, How wonderful she seems to me. Honored to give birth to God’s only Son, Our blessed Savior to be. Oh Christmas tree It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree, so Tate Richerdson, Johnathan Pamperin, and Ella Jensen made ones that will last all throughout the year. The best part is, they won’t leave any needles behind for clean-up. Photo submitted We need to remember the meaning Of what Christmas is all about. A chance for us all to believe in Him To trust Him - Not one single doubt. To follow His steps in our daily lives, To allow Him to lead the way, To find New Joy in each of our lives, On this Wonderful Christmas Day. God Bless Everyone! By Lois Sheets Webster City AMPRIDE Our energy cOmes thrOugh. 215 N. COMMERCIAL, EAGLE GROVE • 603-6412 ® Arts and crafts Janessa Morris, Drake Weland, and Elise Olson (pictured from left) proudly show off their Christmas masterpieces they created with art teacher Abby Butson at Eagle Grove Elementary. Photo submitted Did You Know? The first manufactured Christmas tree ornaments were sold in 1880 by the former Woolworth department store. HAVE A WINNING SEASON! From our home team to yours, go our warm wishes for the very best Christmas on record! We appreciate your patronage and hope to see you soon. J & J SPORTS 118 W. Broadway Father/son time Since Christmas really is about spending time with loved ones, Ken Umthun took advantage of crafts at the library to spend some time with his son, Michael. Photo by Kim Demory Margo ~ Kelly ~ Angie ~ Alycia ~ Lisa ~ Jeremy ~ Kim ~ Sammi ~ Duane ~ Leesa ~ Jordan ~ Ashley ~ Don Your business is much appreciated! ~ Scott ~ Matt Dec. 24 ~ Open 5 a.m. Dec. 25 ~ Closed 12B Thursday, December 26, 2013 “Candy” Kayne takes first Kayne Carlson (left), AKA “Candy Kayne” took first place in the junior high and up division of the Old Fashioned Christmas elf contest on Saturday, Dec. 7. Posing with him are his dad, Lenny, and his little dog dressed as Santa. Photo by Kim Demory EaglE grovE EaglE New band teacher performs Alison Anderson-Kahl, the new band director at Robert Blue Middle School, performed a solo descant during the Eagle Grove Chorale concert held earlier this December. Photo by Kim Demory “Noel, Noel, Noel” Louis Shriver and Leslie Cooper performed a vocal duet that captured the attention of the audience at An Old Fashioned Christmas held Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Kim Demory Merry Christmas from Sampson Accounting High school carolers Members of the Eagle Grove High School Choir, under the direction of Sandy Muzzey, volunteered to perform “Canticle of Carols” at An Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Eagle Grove. Photo by Kim Demory Voices of Angels Laurie Tomke (left) and Jennifer Larson (right) sang with the voices of angels during An Old Fashioned Christmas performance. They sang a duet, “The Little Drummer Boy,” and also performed “Mary Did You Know?” Photo by Kim Demory It’s been our pleasure serving you this past year! All in the family Tidings of comfort and joy! Chancel Choir Cheryl Bougher directed the United Methodist Chancel Choir, who opened the community performance portion of An Old Fashioned Christmas. They performed the song “Rejoice.” Lenny Carlson (center) and his son, Kayne (left), and daughter, Kya (right), performed “Kentucky Homemade Christmas” during the second annual An Old Fashioned Christmas event held in Eagle Grove this holiday season. Photo by Kim Demory Photo by Kim Demory “Rise Up, Shepherd” Alan Linn was featured in a solo performance during the Eagle Grove Chorale concert held Sunday, Dec. 8 at the United Methodist Church. Photo by Kim Demory ...And To All A Goodnight! With a string of glad tidings to you and yours at Christmas and beyond. Stevenson Insurance Service Season's Greetings 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! 316 Hwy. 3 E., Goldfield 825-3476 from Miller Grain Systems Goldfield, IA EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 13B — Making spirits bright — wine from 100 percent juice. That works too, but they are more fulfilled when they know their wine is 100 percent homemade with fruit they’ve produced themselves. When the fruit is at perfection of ripeness, a new batch of wine begins. “When grapes are in their prime, they are really juicy. You need to pick them when they are sweet enough and plump enough,” Ann said. The grapes are picked sometime in September (taste-testing to determine if sweet enough), washed, placed in a nylon bag with water poured over them, and eventually are lifted out and the remaining ingredients added. From day one, Ann keeps meticulous notes about when the batch of wine was started and when it went into the bottle. She also labels each bottle with the date and flavor. In all, Ann said it takes them between four and five months to make a bottle of homemade wine. The best part of the whole process, they agree, is that this is a hobby they do together, from tasting the grapes to bottling the wine. “The worst job in the world is picking the grapes from their stems,” Ann laughed. But she knows the fruits of her labor will pay off in the end, not to mention it’s time spent with her husband. Over the years, the best trick Ann has learned for perfecting their wine-making skills is to just be patient and let Mother Nature take it’s course. “The less I fret (about how the wine will turn out), the better the wine,” she said. While Henry and Ann hope to one day develop their own brand elf fun Jolet Pinkele had fun pretending to be an elf at the United Methodist Church’s elf contest earlier this December. 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Be ixtur at lea f desi : g n tly, n va ing spo w m for ng i o i e i filli ke onstan d stir e, stirr rom a hmall igerat e serv a m f s r r t c To ring eat an igera pped r mar st, ref befo stir om h . Refr n dro ff. Sti o cru candy fr ring whe l sti nt d o tly unti Pour i rushe l o c ligh wl c . s bo ream with lled ped c rinkle i h c hip sp w ay M Le f r e v to OD our friends and customers. eyer i Jo M r r e T & y r r La Knutzon's Gifts 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! The Idea Store 211 W. Broadway 448-4425 220 Railroad Ave Owners John & Sandy McGrath Wishing you & yours a very happy holiday! From all of us at the ... Tim, Kim, Lynn, Mitch, and Les ALL SEAS SHES ON I W LO Enjoy the spirit and warmth of the season and please accept our profound gratitude for your support this year. Hunter Waldo Martinez was a brave, but shy little elf, who participated in the Old Fashioned Christmas elf contest. Photo by Kim Demory Thank you to all wine - “If it’s good now, drink it. If it’s bad now, wait a year.” “It’s right every time,” Ann said with a big smile. She also has a few other tips for wine-drinkers that they’ve learned from their hobby - did you know that the punt (otherwise known as the indentation on the bottom of the bottle) is meant for settling? The deeper the punt (on a purchased bottle of wine), the more natural fruit that is used in making the wine. This holiday season, Ann and Henry look forward to once again sharing their spirits with others around them. A bottle of wine makes a great host/hostess gift. It makes a great finish to a special meal. It makes a great gift for someone who has everything - except their own wine-making kit. G Numerous volunteers from the United Methodist Church of Eagle Grove spent time preparing and serving a delicious soup supper, held in conjunction with An Old Fashioned Christmas. This was the second year for the event, and like last year, the supper and entertainment was free and open to the public. Pictured above in the serving line are Kelly Ponson, Peg Hill, and Trish Wadle (left to right). Photo by Kim Demory se u e name and labels for their wines, for example - Rose Hill Rose’ (after Rose Hill Cemetery where family members have been laid to rest), they have no desire to turn this hobby into a money-making business. It is strictly for their own enjoyment and the opportunity to give the gift of spirits to family and friends around them. “I don’t want to turn my joy, my hobby, into a business,” said Ann. Henry and Ann are proud to say that in the process of making their five different kinds of wine, nothing goes to waste. Even the peels of the fruit are used, being fed to the chickens or the pets. Their wine is also chemical free and uses 100 percent natural products, unlike store wines. Henry and Ann only have two rules when it comes to sharing their N soups on Ann Shriver checks on her latest batches of homemade wine that she is making. Photo by Kim Demory GO (MS) -- While the most widely known American version of Santa Claus is often credited to the 1823 Clement Clarke Moore poem “The Night Before Christmas,” Santa as we currently know him can be traced back even further, with origins dating as far back as the 4th century. An early Dutch depiction is based on legend of Sinter Klaas, which was brought by Dutch natives when they settled in New York in the 17th century. In “History of New York,” famed author Washington Irving, writing under the pseudonym Diedrick Knickerbocker, provided detailed information about the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. This Saint Nicholas would arrive on horseback every year on the Eve of St. Nicholas. The Christian-era Santa Claus owes much of its origins to Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (now Turkey). Rich and generous, Bishop Nicholas was said bring joy to poor children by throwing gifts in their windows. The legendary Santa Claus has evolved over the years, and it should come as no surprise that he continues to enchant children no matter the era. by Kim demory [email protected] Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, a fourth of July celebration, or a Christmas gathering, Ann Shriver of Eagle Grove always has a way to make spirits bright. While most people usually bring a gift or food to these events, Ann Shriver brings something she’s spent months preparing - homemade wine. “There’s less ingredients than baking cookies,” Shriver laughed. “It just takes patience.” It all began roughly eight years ago when a friend, Becky Bax, made a homemade bottle of wine from grapes grown on the Shriver acreage. When she brought a bottle of wine to Ann and Henry as a thank you for the grapes, the Shrivers knew they had to get her recipe. The Shrivers had originally planted grape vines to grow for eating and making homemade jelly and jam. Now, they had found another use for their abundant crop. Becky set them up with a wine-making kit, they did some research, and they were off and running. It didn’t take long before Henry and Ann started experimenting with other types of wine as well, using apples, strawberries, rhubarb and raspberries. They grow all of these themselves as well. Henry and Ann got so enthused, they even bought an apple press from Ann’s uncle, Joe Umthun. Now they press their own apples into cider. This year, they pressed 25 gallons of cider. Some they drink, and some they make wine out of. “Everything we make is a dessert wine,” said Ann. Of course, there have been tough years, when the fruit doesn’t produce as hoped, so they have made Happy Holidays! 14B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE Breakfast with Santa Jen Conaway Wilma Vilmain A little help from Santa Jace Conaway was excited to get a candy cane from Santa, but quickly returned and gave it back to him, wanting Santa to open it and then give it back again. Photo by Kim Demory “My favorite gift I ever gave and received was a memory book to my Grandma Krahling. It asked questions about events from her life that she had to write about. I now have had that gift given back to me.” One of Wilma’s favorite Christmas memories is the first Christmas after her brother came home from the service overseas. Photo by Kim Demory Photo by Kim Demory Wayne’s Christmas wish All Wayne Schope wants for Christmas, so he told Santa, is a Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner. Photo by Kim Demory Emilio Figueroa was a little shy as he sat by Santa, but that didn’t stop Santa from finding out what he wanted for Christmas. Photo by Kim Demory A family visit with Santa Second place EGHS student talent Mackenze Ell, all dressed in red and white, took home second place in the first through third grade division of the elf contest held at UMC on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Cheer Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Gage Behnkendorf and Louis Shriver have been playing together in the Eagle Grove High School band all year, but on Saturday, Dec. 7, they played a duet during An Old Fashioned Christmas. Photo by Kim Demory First place elf Trenton Sorensen (back) enjoyed participating in the Old Fashioned Eagle Grove Christmas contest held Saturday, Dec. 7. He received first place in the first through third grade division. Knox Brosamle gave Santa’s beard the test to make sure it was real and that he wasn’t an imposter just helping Santa out for the day at Breakfast with Santa in Eagle Grove. He passed the test. The beard stayed on. Photo by Kim Demory Photo by Kim Demory Marilyn Anderson If you could be anywhere for Christmas, where would you be? “In Florida because my niece is getting married there on January 11, 2014. I would also like to go to California to see all the movie stars.” HO-HO-HOpe It’s Merry! Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Cheer What kind of music do elves like best? wrap Reece DeMuth was happy to get the chance to tell Santa what was on his Christmas wish list when he arrived at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Kim Demory Parrott Family Chiropractic displayed a tree in Knutzon’s Gifts window, showcasing services and products he offers for body well-being. Photo by Kim Demory The real deal? Say Merry Christmas Give you a hand Rosie, Matthew, and Noah Thul (L to R) were happy to go as a family to see Santa before Christmas arrived. Photo by Kim Demory Because it soot’s him. Christmas portrait Phone: 515.603.6280 www.parrottfamilychiro.com We know we’re filled with joy as we recall the good times we’ve had serving our friends and neighbors this year. Thanks, folks! Cookie concentration Dyllan Terwilliger and Payton Terwilliger concentrate on making the perfect Christmas cookie during EG Library Crafts on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Hannah Demory EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 15B Scandinavian delicacies are a holiday tradition for these churches Photos by Kim Demory Potato cakes and other goodies are labor intensive but a big hit There were nine potato cake rollers. By Les houser [email protected] Jerry Kist was one of two volunteers who spent the morning of Nov. 7 making potato cake dough in the Evangelical Lutheran basement in Eagle Grove. As a young teenager growing up in Humboldt, my best friend’s parents served a wonderful Scandinavian Smorgesborg in their home each Sunday after Church. It was our job to peel many pounds of potatoes on Saturday, but after that job was completed, we were “out of the kitchen” & I really did not realize the work involved in turning the humble potato into a glorious gourmet treat !! Sunday would arrive, & we would help in the kitchen, clear tables, and do the dishes - and eat a couple of potato cakes, if there were any left !! Her Mom made the best, and to this day, that same friend orders several dozen from me when she knows it is time for our Samuel gals to begin our baking project, as she says these are the closest she has ever had to compare to the ones her Mom made. W\hat a wonderful compliment I feel like a “dealer” as many friends outside of our church call & ask “do you have any potato cakes made yet?” I tell them “Yep, how many dozen do you want ?” !! I don’t recall how long I have been helping in the kitchen at Samuel Lutheran during this process of making potato cakes - I only know it has been a long time, because I have a picture from “way back when” & I am much thinner & taller than I am now - perhaps too many potato cakes under the belt all these years !! I now seem to look like the plump little ladies that taught us all how to make these potato cakes !! It was so much fun just to be there - among those precious women, each with their own ideas & “rules” as to which was the correct way to peel, cook & mash, etc. It seemed that some liked them rolled thick, some liked them rolled thin, and a variety of “in between” just kind of squeezed i n. and the expression, “Well, we always have done it this way” seemed to be heard several times . Thank Goodness, Peace prevailed & arguments , or should I say friendly disagreements, went by the wayside & all the energy went into the baking . I am usually involved with the music & money - but on potato cake baking days, I turn into “flipper” !! (They don’t let me roll anymore since I broke the handles off Gen’s rolling pin trying to get the dough very thin !! ) After the griddles are hot & the rolling begins, the baking is underway, & the “flipper” had better pay close attention to what she is doing - because some people don’t like a “dark” potato cake - seems like the preferred color is “golden” !! If they get too dark, those are considered “rejects” but we are very welcome at the coffee time table during our break in the action ! At the age of most of us now, it is important to take a “break in the action” & rest & refuel with good strong coffee & those potato cakes, & then we are ready for action again !! I know there are 2nd generation participants at Samuel Lutheran, but not many 3rd generation is available to help. The young gals are working & busy with their families, but we are thankful for recently retired gals who are willing to come be with us at the fun venture now @@ Many hands make for light work !! And we appreciate our husbands who help peel & handle the large boiling pots of cooked potatoes fur us. Some of us can relate to the “Church Basement Ladies” plays, - the last one was about a declining membership & willing workers, and the old cook stove was sent off to a Mission church in Fargo !! Well, we hope to be “Rolling & Baking” for a few more years, the Good Lord Willing !! Our proceeds from the bake sale of all these wonderful Scandinavian Goodies are given to our local & area missions. It is fun to think that the HUMBLE POTATO can provide much fellowship to our small but dedicated group of workers, and make a LARGE IMPACT on some deserving individual or mission project. I am primarily of Norwegian heritage, and grew up in a house that featured the aroma of freshly baked cream lefse, potato cakes and krumkake every Christmas. My mom would put in a full day of work, and then some, on just the lefse alone. I was the official ‘turner’ as the cakes browned on the large, and extremely hot, lefse griddle. Between us, we would finish the last of the baking late at night, then let them set until the next day when she would use hot water to moisten them prior to finishing off the rounds with butter and sugar and slicing them to eat. As good as they were, the potato cakes were my favorite because I just thought they had more flavor. She riced the cooked potatoes first, because she believed it worked better and brought out more flavor. They were best warm right off the griddle, and believe me it wasn’t hard for a growing boy to pass up eating a fresh and warm potato cake after looking at them all day long. Oh by the way, I forgot to mention I was also the ‘official taste tester.’ That was a perk of the job! They would literally melt in your mouth. Yum, I can still taste them! To satisfy my once-a-year craving for them, I now utilize a couple of Eagle Grove churches that bake up the cakes and other goodies for the public for fund-raising purposes. The Scandinavian heritage of Eagle Grove, like many other parts of Iowa, is alive and well here and many people love to have some of these treats during the holiday season. Several of the ladies involved in this endeavor, at both the Evangelical Lutheran and Samuel Lutheran Church’s, agreed to share their love of this yearly event and what it takes to make it happen. The Scandinavian Coffee and Bake Sale by the Evangelical Lutheran Church Women (ELCW) started in the late 70’s when Ruth Hanson attended a similar event in Story City. She came back with ideas on what to offer and how to prepare it. “There are still a lot of Norwegians here, so this event helps us preserve the heritage and customs of our European families,” said Joann Halverson. Proceeds from the bake sale go towards mission work in the church. According to Linda Spangler, they have cut back quite a bit on the number of potato lefse rounds since the first year. “I think they might have used about 200 pounds of potatoes at one time, but we only used 80 pounds this year,” said Spangler. Obviously, that still is a lot of spuds to prepare, and the men of the church volunteer their time for that task. A group of them spend a morning at the church peeling, slicing and mashing as their contribution, after which the mashed potatoes are chilled until the Thursday before the sale. “We add the flour and start rolling them out for baking,” said Spangler. “The men show up again to be the turners as they bake. We end up with roughly 80-dozen rounds, and package them in a choice of six count or a dozen. We also offer other Scandinavian favorites for sale. We used to do demonstrations that morning on how they’re made, and would then sell those at the bake sale.” After purchasing their selections from several tables covered with goodies, people can enjoy coffee and a breakfast treat. While the potato cakes incorporate the mashed potatoes, the traditional lefse is defined as Norwegian unleavened-type bread with flour, milk or whipping cream, shortening, sugar and salt as ingredients. The mixture is then rolled out very thin, using a special rolling pin for the purpose, and then carefully transferred to the grill using a wooden stick so as to not stretch the dough. They are baked until brown flecks form on each side, and when cool the rounds become dry and brittle. They can either be stored that way, and will keep for months, or can be moistened and prepared with butter and sugar for eating fresh. It is even said that true Norwegians will roll their lutefisk in a lefse round to eat it. While I have eaten lutefisk, I have never tried that! Kringla is a very popular and well-known Scandinavian treat, and is a rich and mildly flavored cookie that is rolled out in a rope-shape and then braided into either an ‘8’ or an ‘O’. They are great with coffee, and are not frosted but most people like a little butter on them. Another type of cookie is a Spritz, which is a rich and buttery curlicue-shaped cookie made from a cookie press and usually in an ‘O’ or ‘S’. A Krumkake is a cookie baked on a special iron for that purpose, which is designed to turn the cookie while baking. While still warm off the iron, the thin cookies are rolled up into the traditional cone shape. The design of the iron makes a slight impression into the cookie, giving it a distinctive look. All of these goodies are usually offered at the Evangelical bake sale tables. Other Scandinavian specialties include Sand Bakkels, Fattigmonds, Rosettes and Kaffee Krans (a Swedish tea ring). Spangler said that the ladies really appreciate the men’s help with this huge yearly undertaking. “They not only help prepare the potatoes, but help at the grills as turners,” said Spangler. “They’ve really gotten involved the last few years, and I think it would be hard for us to do without them.” She explained that there are younger members now that don’t have as much time to be involved in something like this. “Things have changed, in that we used to have this on a Thursday but changed to a Saturday because it’s easier for working people to get here,” said Spangler. Halverson also pointed out that, to add to the Scandinavian theme of the day, the church basement is decorated and several of the ladies are dressed in authentic Scandinavian costumes. Table decorations are provided from the private heirloom collections of Cass Larson and Arlene Spangler. She has also noticed that, since starting the bake sale, Knutzon’s gift shop has been carrying more Scandinavian items. “We were having to go to places in Story City to find things before, but now we can find them here,” said Halverson. Both ladies admit that, while it takes a lot of hands to make it work, they all have a good time getting ready for it and that it continues to be a successful fundraiser for them. “There are still a lot of Norwegians here, so the Scandinavian heritage is strong,” said Spangler. “We just keep it going with the chance it will continue to be supported, and we are grateful for all that support.” At Samuel Lutheran, 88-year old Gen Hamer is a longtime member that can recall when potato cakes were made in her house. “I was a young girl, and my mother made them on top of the old wood stove,” said Hamer. “The top was scrubbed and they were baked directly on top, with corn cobs used for the fire.” Of course, the process is not quite like that anymore as the church prepares for their annual bake sale that features the tasty and always-popular potato cakes. Though they are not totally sure what year it started, they think the tradition dates back to the early 1900’s. “We do know it’s been going a long time,” said Marlene Kleppe. As is the case with Evangelical Lutheran, the Samuel Lutheran Church Women hold the event with proceeds used to support both local and area missions. “It’s our gift to others,” is how Kleppe said they all see this endeavor. She said they originally started with about 150 pounds of potatoes and now just do 80 pounds, which gives them 80-dozen cakes. There are at least 15 to 20 women helping in the preparation and the event itself, which is done in two baking sessions a week apart. “We cannot do the baking the week before like Evangelical does, due to our limited number of workers,” said Jean Lehman. “We make them ahead, because we also need time to make other items for the sale. It’s whoever can show up to help. Some even take their vacation days to help. We have some faithful, dedicated volunteers who help a lot with this fun venture.” Kleppe explains that the Monday morning of the first preparation week starts with the peeling, cooking and mashing of all those potatoes. After the first session, congregational members are welcome to come and make their purchases. The rounds left from that, and the second baking session, and then sold at the bake sale. “There are no preservatives in these, so we label them to either use right away or keep them in fridge or freezer,” said Kleppe. According to Marge Brown, the group has the two days of prepping down to a science. “We have special pots and know how many potatoes and how much water to put in,” said Brown. “We also know just how much better to put in each pot when mashing.” Kleppe added that they watch for specials at Fareway on butter and stock the freezer up ahead of time. “We have assigned work stations, and work in teams,” added Vicky Wagner. “It’s all set up ahead of time.” Jean’s husband Mel is in charge of the mixing, with several others helping out. “You have to get the right ratio of potatoes to flour,” said Kleppe. They use about five lefse grills, but it varies according to who is available to come for the baking sessions. “The hardest part is finding people to roll them out,” said Lehman. “It takes a bit of strength.” The ladies also appreciate Bud Hamer’s talents in making the flipper sticks, which are specially designed with a taper so they’re very thin on one end, and also boards for rolling. In an interesting and historical twist, he made all of them using wood from old church pews. They also want to give credit to Vicky and husband Arnie for the important part they play in this. The ladies all agree that the social aspect of working together is probably the most enjoyable part of ‘potato cake days.’ “I feel it exists for the fellowship,” said Lehman. “While it’s a lot of work, it’s enjoyable because of the fellowship.” “We tell jokes, and it’s a lot of fun,” adds Brown. It’s probably safe to say that, for as long as people continue enjoying them, these churches will continue to make them year after year. It is almost a lost art, which to their credit, they’re trying to preserve. Perhaps someday, some members of the next generation will decide to learn the process as well. Then we know we’ll be able to have the tasty treats around for a bit longer. Christmas Trivia Christmas Trivia Christmas Trivia Sterling Anderson was happy to help. Photo by Kim Demory My introduction to potato cakes MarLene KLeppe “Potato cake flipper“ Name the first president to put up a Christmas tree in the White House. Franlin Pierce What are traditional Christmas songs called? Joan Kist and Joann Halverson showed their teamwork skills while bagging the potato cakes. Name three of Santa’s reindeer with names that start with the letter “D” Dasher, Dancer, and Donner Sterling Anderson was one of six potato cake fryers on the job. carols 16B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE RBMS Tree Decorating Chromebook man This Chromebook robot near the entryway of Robert Blue Middle School, disguised as a Christmas tree, reminded students that after Christmas break they will all be getting new laptops. Photo by Kim Demory Duck Dynasty The long-bearded men of Duck Dynasty have become a sensation, which is why Mrs. Groth and her students made themselves into bearded ornaments for their holiday tree. Photo by Kim Demory Star of wonder Merry Minion Alison Anderson-Kahl and her RBMS ET class based their decorated tree on a blockbuster hit from this summer, Despicable Me 2. Photo by Kim Demory “A Christmas Story” Andy Ettinger’s ET class at RBMS chose to decorate their tree in the theme of a holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” complete with the leg lamp shade as the tree topper. Johnston’s Jumping Juggling Jellybeaneating Jamaicans showed off their origami skills for their RBMS tree. Photo by Kim Demory Photo by Kim Demory A snowman your kids can build in the house…really Kids have been making holiday ornaments since the dawn of time. Parents of school-aged children have grown to expect their child to bring home a homemade ornament to hang on the tree or around the house each year. Even if the tradition is overlooked at your child’s school this holiday season, you can make your own ornaments in the comfort of home. And you don’t even need to hunt down materials, as your household recycling bin and garage have some of the main ingredients you’ll need. Soda Can Snowman Supplies • 1 clean and dry aluminum soda can • 1 sheet of white construction paper • 1 full page of newspaper • white paint • masking tape • scrap fabric • Fiberfil or quilt batting Instructions 1. Wrap the entire can in the white construction paper. 2. Using the entire page of your newspaper, form it into a ball and, using the masking tape, tape it to the top of the aluminum can. This will form the head of the snowman. Cover the rest of the newspaper with masking tape. 3. Paint the taped newspaper ball with the white paint and let it dry. 4. Cover the white body of your snowman with the Fiberfil. 5. Buy or make a construction paper hat for your snowman. Add jiggle eyes and an orange pom-pom for the nose. Cut a scarf using your scrap fabric. If possible, use pinking shears and cut approximately 20 inches long and one inch wide. 6. Display your snowman or snow family around the house. Snow Cream One gallon of clean snow One can of Carnation Evaporated Milk 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar (depending on your sweet tooth) 1 teaspoon of vanilla All smiles While Sophia Calderon wouldn’t mind one front tooth for Christmas, she also told Santa what other treasures she was hoping for. Photo by Kim Demory Beautiful beads The bead station was a popular place at the craft day held at Eagle Grove Memorial Library earlier this month. Some kids made bookmarks, others bracelets, and still others made a necklace. Photo by Hannah Demory Mix all ingredients together and freeze. Top with our favorite topping and Christmas sprinkles. Eagle Monument Company 1310 Southwest 1st Street • Eagle Grove Phone: 515-448-4131 Cell: 515-851-0061 May this season of spirituality and miracles bring serenity and joy to all those near and dear to you, and may Heaven shine its grace down upon you. 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. WRIGHT COUNTY LAND TITLE COMPANY Box 307 • 112 Central Ave. E, Clarion, IA 50525 • 515-532-2259 EAGLE GROVE EAGLE Thursday, December 26, 2013 17B Welcome to our businesses Would you care for a sample? Music to stroll by Mac Derscheid provided musical entertainment for Sip & Stroll participants to enjoy while they visited his mother’s shop, Inner Dynamic Designs, on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Kim Demory Joni Harvey helped out at Knutzon’s Gifts, offering a sample of some of the goodies to Roger Thompson during the Sip & Stroll held Saturday, Dec. 7 in Eagle Grove. One of their most popular sellers was a pourable spread that can be placed on cream cheese as a dip, on pancakes, meant as a marinade, and much more. Photo by Kim Demory Eagle Grove businesses sponsored a Sip & Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 7, inviting shoppers to come in and look around, all while enjoying a cup of cider, a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers, or a little sweet treat. Pictured above are Inner Dynamic Design owner Jan Derscheid (center) with her son, Eli. Also sponsoring food and beverage during the event at Inner Dynamic Design was Deb Vance (right) of Ryerson Realty LLC, and Two Eagles Bakery (not pictured). Photo by Kim Demory — Library Crafts — Christmas cookie monster Being crafty Livia Nelson enjoyed spending time at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library doing crafts that her grandmother, Renee Evja, planned for the youth on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Hannah Demory Cookies with friends Kendra Schild (standing) and Mollie Demory show that there’s not too many things better for kindergartners than spending some time with a friend and eating cookies. Photo by Hannah Demory Look at what I can make Evan Cooper enjoyed letting out his artistic side, just in time to make some homemade Christmas decorations. Photo by Kim Demory Michael Umthun couldn’t get enough of the decorate-it-yourself Christmas cookie station at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library during free crafts on Saturday, Dec. 7. There’s nothing like enjoying the fruits of your labor, especially when they are as delicious as these were. Photo by Kim Demory At This Season Of Giving… In Step With The Holidays 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 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! Eagle Pharmacy 311 W. BROADWAY - EAGLE GROVE, IA Across From The Sr. Center 18B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EAGLE GROVE EAGLE The kindergarten and first graders from Eagle Grove Elementary made their annual holiday visit to Rotary Senior Living on Thursday, Dec. 19. The residents of both the North and the South homes enjoyed listening to the youngsters and their teachers perform a variety of Christmas carols. Their favorites, undoubtedly, were the ones they performed that had a little original childhood flair added to them. Photos by Kim Demory Evelyn Esler What is your favorite Christmas memory? “When my son was very little, he went shopping and purchased me a gift that was not really to my liking, but I displayed it prominently for several years because I loved who it came from.” Photo by Kim Demory Jolly elf Santa Clause sure did like Larry Stueland’s monster hat he wore to Breakfast with Santa. It made him chuckle a big “Ho, Ho, HO.” Photo by Kim Demory Pictured above left: Evelyn Jergenson (left) takes a candy cane from Marilyn Anderson (right) at Rotary Senior Living South as a reward for doing such a great job Christmas caroling. Pictured above right: The kindergarten students of Eagle Grove Elementary sing at Rotary Senior Living North. Pictured below: First graders sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to residents at Rotary Senior Living South. Eagle fans visit with Santa Addi Hindt and Grace Johnston wanted Santa to be sure and know they are Eagle Grove Eagle fans, so they wore their eagle tattoos on their cheeks proudly. Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Cheer Jonah Kramersmeier wasn’t too thrilled to sit next to Santa at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library on Saturday, Dec. 14, despite the fact his mom even posed for the picture with him. Photo by Kim Demory Nine Holiday jitters In the song “The 12 Days of Christmas,” how many ladies were dancing? Artwork by Sarah Kreck. Photo by Kim Demory Artwork by Connor Willard (left) and Cohen Mason (right). Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Cheer What do snowmen eat for lunch? Dig yourself out of a hole this holiday and enjoy the season Icebergers Christmas Cheer What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic. May you and the ones you care for enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season. Eagle Grove Reflections by Melia 322 W. Broadway St. Eagle Grove Everything here is looking good for a beautiful holiday season, and your continued business is the reason! With best wishes and gratitude to all our valued customers. Dave Anderson Trenching 115 S. Commercial Ave., Eagle Grove 448-5902 EaglE grovE EaglE Thursday, December 26, 2013 19B Can you see me now? Hiding elves keep watch for good behavior at school by Kim demory [email protected] Santa has always had a big job, watching boys and girls around the world to see who should be on the naughty list and who should be on the nice. That’s why he came up with the idea of sending an elf to help him keep watch. He decided that each family who received an elf should be able to name him/her for themselves, since they would become a part of the family during the holiday season. Since then, kids everywhere have looked forward to the arrival of their magical elf and have learned how important it is to be on their best behavior. Beds are being made, toys are being put away, and siblings are getting along better - after all, Santa, or at least their elf, is watching. Now, Santa has come up with yet another great idea. If the elf in their homes are helping them behave better, why not send one to their schools as well. Several have already arrived in the Eagle Grove School District. Ashley Hanson’s first grade class came to school on December 1 to find their new elf. They decided to call him Mr. Jingles. Sometimes he brings notes telling them how proud he is of them and what they are doing well with in school. If they have a not-so-good day, he gives them encouragement to do better. Sometimes the kids write letters to Mr. Jingles, which helps them with their penmanship, spelling, and grammar skills. They are excited when he writes them back. “The kids are super motivated to write about Mr. Jingles or even to him,” Hanson said. “It’s good creative writing practice.” They especially enjoy looking for Mr. Jingles each morning. So far, they have found him in a tree, playing the guitar, in a snowflake, in a bean bag reading a book, on a picture frame, and in the fish tank. He was also spotted taking a bubble bath in the marble jar. A couple of times, Mr. Jingles has even brought links for their good behavior link chain they are working to build. “Mr. Jingles gets them really excited,” Hanson said. A baby elf named Tiny arrived in Stacy Osborn’s kindergarten classroom in early December as well. The kids just came to class one day to find him watching for good behavior. “My favorite place we found him was on the lamp,” said student Nevaeha Stueland. “I thought it was funny when he sat on the ‘quiet bottle,’” added Maliena Torres. He’s also been in “The Dog Pound,” also known as the reading center and hanging upside down from a clothesline to mention just a couple. If Tiny isn’t impressed with the behavior of the students, he doesn’t move the next morning. Osborn said that’s made a difference in classroom behavior because the kids want to be able to look for him in a new spot each morning. The first graders in Angela Gloede’s room got a chuckle when they came to school one morning to find their classroom elf, Grace, taped to a cup by none other than the Grinch. Grace taught him a lesson though, wrapping the Grinch up in yarn the next day. Grace also let it be known earlier in the month that she wanted some Christmas decorations put up in the classroom. When they arrived one morning, all Did you find Ashley Hanson’s classroom elf? The first graders loved watching him twirl around in their homemade snowflake all day Friday, Dec. 13. Photo by Kim Demory the Thanksgiving decorations were gone and the boxes of Christmas decorations were sitting in the middle of the room. Grace has also spent some time on Gloede’s desk, between two lamps, on the SmartBoard, and on the Christmas tree. Gloede admitted that there has been a time or two where Grace has been a distraction, so she tells the class Grace needs to go to a quiet spot. In order to do so, she has to touch her, which all the kids know is not okay. If she gets touched, she reports back to Santa about the incident and it goes on the naughty list. Gloede is willing to take that responsibility, however, in order to make sure her students learn the lessons they have come to school for. Grace has always returned, so Santa knows that Grace is being touched for good reason and Gloede has remained on the good list. Flash has made the kids laugh, and the goldfish unhappy, in Beth Nelson’s first grade classroom. He hid behind the fishbowl one morning so his head was huge. “The fish wasn’t very impressed, but the kids loved it,” Nelson laughed. Dr. Jeff Neighbors (center), owner of Broadway Vision Clinic, came dressed as the head elf for the recent Sip & Stroll event held in Eagle Grove. His staff, although not as festive as their boss, dug out some holiday wear of their own for the event. Pictured from left: Nicki Asche, Denise Reed, Dr. Jeff Neighbors, Brooke Terwilliger, and Jess Feske. Photo by Kim Demory First place E is for elf - and for extra cute, which is why McCoy Yackle was awarded first place in the three-year-old to kindergarten division of the elf contest held at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Trivia What is added to a Christmas tree to make it look like moonlight shining through the branches? The littlest elf Teddy Yackle received third place in the three-year-old to kindergarten age at the Old Fashioned Christmas Elf contest. Photo by Kim Demory Photo by Kim Demory Stacy Osborn pulled fare sticks to see who got to have their photo taken with Tiny the Elf on Friday, Dec. 13. The lucky winners were Nevaeha Stueland, Maliena Torres, and Mollie Demory. Photo by Kim Demory Look carefully in the color cut-out and you’ll spot Beth Nelson’s classroom elf, Flash, hiding up in the top of the lamp pole. Photo by Kim Demory Tickled pink Spreading holiday joy Austyn Baack and Gracie Severson chuckled when they came to school and found their classroom elf, Grace, had gotten even with the Grinch for taping him to a cup the day before. Andy Ettinger’s ET students at RBMS decorated their tree based on the popular Christmas classic, “Christmas Story.” Each students face, including Ettinger’s, was used to make a pink bunny suit ornament based on the infamous gift received in the movie. Photo by Kim Demory Lights 20B Thursday, December 26, 2013 EaglE grovE EaglE How the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas from Eagle Grove Elementary students by Kim demory [email protected] Special Education Teacher Angie Anderson, with the help of associates Heather Darland and Alyssa Pedersen, held a special Grinch Christmas party for their students at Eagle Grove Elementary on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The party was complete with the reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a giant Grinch poster, Grinch games, Grinch crafts, the movie, and even a Grinch meal. The kids enjoyed a meal of roast beast, Christmas Corn, Who pudding, Renee Beason carefully places her Christmas cookie on the cookie sheet. Photo by Kim Demory Special Education teacher Angie Anderson reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to start the party. Photo by Kim Demory Pictured at left: Angie Anderson puts Christmas corn on the plate of Reese Elsberry. Photo by Kim Demory Pictured front, from left: Reese Elsberry, Kaden Johnson, Darwin Ordonez-Gomez, Carter Bourne, Renee Beason, Kendra Smith, Maria Mendez, Ayden Ganzeveld, and Veroniq’ue Tincher. Back: Angie Anderson, Alexis Gump, Kandace Sorenson, and Heather Darland. Photo by Kim Demory Some of the kids had never seen the classic Christmas cartoon of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Photo by Kim Demory Each of the children got the chance to pin the heart on the Grinch. Ayden Ganzeveld (pictured above) was the winner. Photo by Kim Demory Christmas Cheer Where do snowmen go to dance? Snowballs! Kendra Smith and the others enjoyed making Grinch faces out of a grape, strawberry, and a mini marshmallow. Photo by Kim Demory and Grinch portrait fruit. For dessert, none other than a Christmas cookie they helped prepare. When the Who Feast was over, the kids finished off their Christmas party crafting Grinch ornaments from green bulbs. The Grinch was not successful at stealing Christmas from Whoville, nor was he successful stealing it from the students at Eagle Grove Elementary. It just proves again that wherever people gather to enjoy each other’s company, joy will abound.