Free
December 2018
Tidings of Great Joy
The Angel Gabriel will again proclaim heavenly news when the Springfield Nativity Pageant returns for its 33rd season Dec. 7-8. Sarah Kottke portrayed the angel in the 2017 production. See pages 6-7 for more.
Your Holiday Guide to Southwest Minnesota Published by Tracy Publishing Company, Inc. • 207 4th Street • Tracy, MN 56175 • (507) 629-4300 • www.swmnsailor.com
2 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
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Southwest Sailor, December 2018 – 3
‘Winter Wonderland’ coming to Pipestone Al Opland’s legacy still making music By Shari Dalin Nelson
In late summer of 1945, a young Colton, South Dakota, native became Pipestone High School’s vocal and instrumental music instructor; and a dedicated and influential musician set things into motion for a now beloved tradition to begin. In 1947 the highenergy musician, Al Opland, created a vocal group named the Pipestone Male Chorus. No one knew it at the time, but a Pipestone musical tradition that would span seven decades had begun. The men’s chorus evolved into the coed Al Opland Singers, which will present their “Winter Wonderland” concerts on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, Friday, Dec. 7, Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 pm; and Sundays, Dec. 2 and 9, 2 p.m., at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center. Rehearsals for Winter Wonderland began in September, with rehearsals ramping up to twice a week as singers perfect staging, music and choreography. The show includes secular favorites like “Silver Bells” and “Winter Wonderland,” spiritual carols like “O Holy Night,” and music that’s just for fun, like. “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.” Santa, it is rumored, may join the dancers during the show. Tickets are on sale at the Museum Box Office Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 507 8252020 or 877 722-2787 or on-line at www. pipestoneperformingartscenter.com The show’s producers are Coleen Punt and Carol Van De Stroet. Director is Carla Elgersma, and accompanist is Jeanine Olson. • • • One wonders how proud Al Opland would be if he knew today how successful this community choral group has become and how his influence on that community continues 70 years later. Allen “Al” Opland (Sept. 17, 1918-April 27, 1984) taught music at Pipestone High School for 33 years. He continued to direct the chorus until he
Rehearsals for “Winter Wonderland” begin months before December performances. Singers must learn choreography along with the music. (Photos courtesy Carol Van De Stroet.
died suddenly in 1984. In 1977, 30 years after the chorus’s first concert, singers from the male chorus asked some local women to form a women’s chorus and invited them to perform with the men in upcoming shows. Approximately 25 women sang with the male chorus for the first time in the spring of 1978 show, and the group changed its name to Pipestone Male Chorus and Friends. In December of 1979, the choruses combined and changed their name to the Al Opland Singers in honor of the men’s chorus founder and first director. At one time, the singers traveled to nearby towns and performed concerts and provided dinner and
Jeanine Olson is the group’s accompanist.
show fundraisers. At those shows, the performers cooked the dinners, served the people, and sang. For their early shows, they usually stood in rows and held their music in folders. Today they memorize their music and dance and have incorporated set decorations, special lighting, and more elaborate costumes. Early concerts were set in the old high school auditorium. Concerts are now performed at Pipestone Performing Arts Center twice a year, with spring and Christmas shows. When the choruses combined, each person paid an annual fee, which was used for purchasing additional music and were required to provide their own costumes. Later, as the singers became busier with their families, the group stopped going on the road and limited the number of performances each year. During his teaching career, Al Opland received many honors and awards, and his student musicians brought home countless trophies and awards. When high school musicians returned home from the First Chicagoland Music Concert in 1955, cars that lined up all the way to Trosky met them. Thus began another Pipestone tradition that of welcoming the band home from performances with vehicles lined up along the highway into Pipestone. One group traveled to the World’s Fair in New York in 1964, which was a tremendous experience for rural students many of whom until then had
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not been out of Pipestone County. Opland and the teacher who took the reins of the music program after Al’s retirement were two of the first three people inducted into the Pipestone Area School Instrumental Music Hall of Fame, and twenty years after his death Al was inducted into the Minnesota Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. The directors of the Al Opland Singers include Allen Opland (1978-1983), Bob Jones (Spring, 1984), Don Crane (Christmas 1984-Spring 1985), Bob Jones (Christmas 1985-Spring 1991), Jim Smith (Christmas 1991-Spring 2006), and Jessica Smith (Christmas 2006-Present). Assistant directors include Linda Erickson (Spring 2005-Spring 2006) and Sandy Roemmich (Christmas 2007-present).
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5,000 Free Circulation Published by Tracy Publishing Company 207 4th Street, Tracy, MN 56175 (507) 629-4300 • FAX (507) 629-4301 www.swmnsailor.com tracypublishing@headlightherald.com per@headlightherald.com Seth Schmidt – Publisher Per Peterson – Editor April DeSchepper – Ad Composition Julie Johnston – Office Manager Kris Knott – Advertising Sales Lisa Sell – Advertising Manager Carol Strand – Bookkeeper PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR: The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.
4 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe & USO show coming to region
Really! Palace Theatre hosting two shows in Luverne By Shari Dalin Nelson
For some 50 years, Bob Hope and countless other entertainers brought USO shows to American soldiers overseas, from World War II to the Persian Gulf War. During World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the third phase of the Lebanon Civil War, the last part of the Iran-Iraq War, and the Persian Gulf War, this was one of his jokes: “You should have seen the Christmas cards I got this year. I got one card from Marilyn Monroe with a picture of her in a bathing suit. What a picture! You know how George Washington looks straight ahead on a two-cent stamp. Well, on this envelope, he kept peeking over his shoulder.” His trademark song at the end of shows was “Thanks for the Memory.” This holiday season, Southwest Minnesotans can experience the aura of Hope’s USO shows at Luverne’s Winterfest celebration. Professionals and local musicians and actors will present a walk down memory lane and a tribute to the military men and women serving our country, past & present. The show is planned Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Historic Palace Theatre in Luverne. Bill Johnson will portray Hope. According to Luverne Area Chamber Executive Director Jan Wildung Lanphere, Johnson, who is from Los Angeles, has portrayed Bob Hope all over the world.
Todd Echart steps into the musical shoes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis.
New Yorker Jorie Kosel, who has Minnesota roots, plays Marilyn Monroe, who sang “Santa Baby” and other Christmas songs when she entertained the troops during World War 2 and Korea. Joining her is Todd Echart from Duluth who will portray Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley. The Sandbulte Sisters, who are from Luverne, will portray the Andrews Sisters. And Sheila Crawley from Heron Lake will also sing. Fulda Big Band will accompany the show, while also featuring numbers from the band’s pianist. The band under the direction of Michael Peterson has been preparing since last May. Last year Johnson performed for Luverne’s 150th celebration to an
almost sold out audience, and Wildung Lanphere stated that the shows may sell out this year. She added that tickets for this touching and nostalgic show would make good early Christmas presents. • • • Other Winterfest activities include: Friday, Nov. 30— Puppet show story hour with Jim Oliver at the Rock County Community Library, 10 a.m. Wine & beer tasting, Blue Mound Liquor, 5 to 8 p.m. Cribbage Tournament, Luverne Eagles Club, 7 p.m. Holiday Trivia Team Tournament , Rock County Community Library, Take 16 Event Center, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1—Arts and Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. school commons and gym. Rusty Nutz Vintage Snowmobile Club Show, 10 a.m. Howling Dog Saloon. (Sledders plan to ride if there is snow).
Bill Johnson has performed all over the world as Bob Hope.
Pictures with Santa, school commons area, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Santa’s Workshop for grades kindergarten through grade 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hinkly House open house, 1 to 4 p.m. Eagles steak fry from 6 to 9 p.m. Wine and beer tasting, Blue Mound Liquor from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2—Snow and Glow activities, city park, including lights, Santa, hot chocolate, and sleigh rides. Sleigh rides begin at 5 and end at 6:30 p.m. Open car drive and/or wagon rides will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Horse drawn carriage rides will also be available. Visitors may purchase tickets at the gate. Visitors may view and hunt for nutcrackers throughout the city. Each nutcracker is unique. A huge display of nutcrackers will be located at the Rock County Historical Museum.
Jorie Kosel portrays heart-throb Marilyn Monroe.
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Southwest Sailor, December 2018 – 5
Pheasants till the bitter (cold) end I do like ice fishing. Quite a bit, in fact. And bow-hunting late in the season can be a pleasant, but chilly way to spend a morning or afternoon. But above them both, this sportsman likes pheasant hunting. And if he must forgo the other two late-fall/wintertime options to continue his chase of the colorful bird, so be it. I’m reminded each December that if it weren’t for some changes made about 14 years ago, we’d still be hanging up pheasant-hunting vests considerably earlier in the month – just when the gettin’ can be gettin’ pretty good. And a few years after the season was extended in 2004, the DNR did pheasant hunters another favor and upped the daily limit from two birds to three – for the entirety of December and what fleeting days the season might run into January. I don’t consider myself a lobbyist of any sort, but it was the early 2000s when, as a recent hire at Outdoor News, I began to wonder why we weren’t hunting pheasants until the end of the calendar year, such as was done in a couple of neighboring states. I may have written about it more than a few times. When the extension happened, a fellow writer emailed me something like, “Well, you finally got your season extended.” I’m sure others, too, had suggested the season be lengthened, but, I thought, finally, indeed. Finally the chance to hunt pheasants during the Christmas holiday, New Year’s perhaps. Why wouldn’t one wish to do so – one of the more social types of hunting – with friends and family during the holidays? Or, to perhaps escape the aforementioned, if not for just a couple of hours? It had always saddened me when that season ended, when no longer could I watch my dog do what I presumed by her actions she loved most. Now, she had a few more weeks to do it. For the record, this year’s season ends Jan. 1. I’m sure there are those who questioned – and maybe still do – the wisdom of hunting pheasants when they’re dealing with potentially harsh winter conditions during December. So, recently, I revisited the matter with the DNR’s Nicole Davros, whose lengthy title is farmland wildlife populations and research group leader. She works from the department’s Madelia office. “There are some people who love that late-season hunting,” Davros said. “For some, it’s when things really ramp up.” That may be true, but it’s also been shown that the vast majority of the state’s pheasant harvest occurs during the early part of the season, mostly in October. Still, the truly serious hunters relish December hunting. Its effects on pheasants, Davros said, are negligible. “There is no negative biological effect in continuing the season,” she said. “The biological reason is, roosters don’t really matter.” Because pheasant roosters are the only legal target, continuing to hunt and harvest them really has no effect on the population of birds overall. “It’s the hens that are needed to make it through winter,” she said, adding that it’s estimated one rooster can successfully mate with about 10 hens. And if hens are disturbed during the hunt, it’s
Tim Spielman
likely they’ll make it back to their preferred cover in short order. “They’re a lot smarter than we give them credit for,” Davros said.
Hunting during December Hunting pheasants in December (and January) is a far cry from doing utdoors so in October – especially this year, when a wet spring necessitated “renesting” by pheasant hens, which in turn led to a lot of young – and tough to identify, male- or femalewise – birds when the season began in mid-October. Those birds are all grown up now, and, trust me, they’re a lot wiser, too. In many cases, the birds that remain have outwitted hunter and hound possibly several times, and that’s why they’re alive. They’ll attempt to remain in that condition as long as is required. Primarily, they’re skittish. Make a lot of noise, and you’ll be watching them fly away far from where your shotgun can lethally scatter pellets. That means there are a few rules by which you must abide: Don’t slam your vehicle doors when you arrive at your hunting spot. Don’t yell at your dog, no matter how much you’d like to. Only chuckle slightly at your hunting friend’s bad jokes. If the pheasants don’t know the chase is about to begin, all the better. One advantage hunters typically have in December is that pheasant habitat has been greatly diminished. No longer can they evade those who pursue them by hiding out in cornfields. It’s likely, too, that some of the prime grasslands have been flattened by snow. Come December, it’s mostly about tree lines and cattails, and both can present their particular challenges.
O
Tree lines are prime locations to find pheasants in December when the snow piles up. Eventually, you’ll want that dog to sneak into the trees and roust the birds that await.
Santa SayS
youv'e been nice! It’s time for a new…
Aaron Meyer, of Big Lake, was assisted by his black Lab, Ruger, in harvesting this pheasant on a snowy morning.
How you approach a hunt can depend in large part on how much snow is on the landscape. It’s entirely possible that by the end of December, enough snow will have fallen in southern Minnesota to make even cattails stands undesirable to pheasants. But that takes a lot of snow. I’d hunt ‘em just in case. Ideally, cold weather will have frozen the lake or small slough that the cattails surround. It’s a lot easier walking on a frozen lake than it is trying to skirt the outside edges of cattails where snow has drifted in. And it isn’t much fun walking through a thick swath of cattails, either. That said, it’s best to have a hunter or two on the inside and the same on the outside. I’d suggest the youngest hunters earn their keep and hunt the outside. They’ve got energy to burn. You might need to remind them to keep quiet … Dogs go in between – into the cattails, in other words. They won’t mind. A word of caution: Know where the inlets and outlets are to any certain water body. Soaking wet feet – or worse – in December isn’t something you want to experience. Those canines won’t mind, either, zigging and zagging through a tree line/wind break. Birds love them, as I’m pretty certain they’re like me: A cold wind in the face isn’t comforting in the least. (You’ve probably noticed, too, that pheasants try to avoid being subject to brisk prairie breezes pretty much at all times of the season.) Most tree lines have a distinct beginning and end. At the end, there’s really no place for pheasants to go but up. Which they’ll happily do hastily if they hear something is amiss in their small bit of shelter. It’s for this reason that it’s a good idea that someone from your merry band of hunters high-tail it to the “end” of the tree line and stay there while other hunters
Pheasant hunting: See page nine
33rd Annual
Voted “Best of Minnesota” Live Nativity by WCCO viewers in 2017
Springfield Nativity Pageant Friday, Dec. 7 & Saturday, Dec. 8
7:00 p.m. each evening New Location – Springfield Area Community Center Grounds Springfield, MN
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Springfield’s 2018 Nativity Pageant re-enacts the story of the birth of Jesus with an all-local cast, a live manger scene with camels, special lighting, and music featuring a community chorus. • Free of Charge – A gift from the community of Springfield. • Pageant is 40 minutes • Bleacher seating available
6 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
Springfield brings Christmas story to life By Seth Schmidt
The timeless story of the birth of Jesus is told each year in the Springfield Nativity Pageant. Shepherds, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, converge around Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the 2017 pageant.
Lake Benton Minnesota
In Springfield, the miracle of Christmas is more than a slogan. Some 200 volunteers are busy with preparations for the 33rd annual Springfield Nativity Pageant. The outdoor spectacular, which was voted Minnesota’s best live nativity by WCCO television viewers last year, will be presented twice: Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. As always, the 40-minute pageant has no admission charge. Performances are offered as a Christmas gift from the Springfield community. The pageant re-tells the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Angels, shepherds, and a heavenly chorus follow Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where the Baby Jesus is born in a stable, after no room can be found at an inn. A mysterious star appears over the stable, which three kings from the east follow to find the holy family. The kings arrive on camels. Sheep and goats accompany the shepherds. Professional sound and lighting systems enhance the production. Large painted backdrops recreate the Biblical aura. Characters are attired in authentic period costumes. This year’s pageant will be presented at a new location, near the Springfield
Springfield nativity: See page seven
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Southwest Sailor, December 2018 – 7
Springfield nativity Continued from page six
at a new location, near the Springfield Community Center on the east edge of the downtown. The pageant has traditionally been staged in front of football stadium bleachers in Riverside Park. But flood damage this summer, and the need to allow repaired turf to become reestablished, required the venue change. Portable bleachers will be set up for spectators. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly for cold winter conditions and bring blankets. Pageant performances have gone on even in subzero temperatures. Organizers feel that the community center location has logistical advantages, and haven’t ruled out the possibility that the new performance site could become permanent. Visitors are invited to join the pageant crew and cast for holiday refreshments at the community center following performances.
An angelic children’s choir includes Kylie Wells, Skyla Dauer, Farrah Daur, Abigail Jensen, and Brielle Brown. Kiera Lafferty is the shepherd.
Camels have become a cherished tradition for the Springfield Nativity Pageant. Three kings arrive from the East with the camels, bearing gifts for Jesus.
The Springfield Area Nativity Theatre Association is the official sponsor of the event, with volunteers from each of Springfield’s churches participating. A local tot has traditionally been chosen to portray the Baby Jesus. Leaders of this year’s pageant include: Technical Director — Nick Dauer Artistic director — Justin Hillesheim Music Director — Joyce Schwarzrock Choreographers — Jennie Vanderwerf and Jill Moriarty Narrator — Jack Hartjes Set and Staging — Ben Luense Costumes — Lucy Potter Lighting Coordinator — Mark Clennon Sound Crew — Nick Dauer, Isaac Rasset and Grady Meendering Executive Board, Finance — Edward Meidl, Mark Clennon, Edna Petersen and Doris Weber
HiStoric Palace tHeatre calenDar of eventS Friday-Sunday, November 23-25
Joseph (Pastor Josh Doughty) and Mary (Abby Larson) make the difficult journey to Bethlehem with a donkey, only to be turned away at an inn.
and Marlene Hartjes; United Methodist, Lucy Potter; Zion Lutheran, Jan Krieg.
The angel Gabriel (Sarah Kottke) and other dancing angels joyfully proclaim the birth of Jesus.
Communications Director— Doris Weber Church representatives are: Assembly of God, Pastor Mike Franklin; St. Johns Lutheran, Arliss Petersen and Marian Thorston; St. Paul Lutheran, Jeff Krueger; St. Raphael Catholic, Bev Fults
• • • The community center venue represents a return to the pageant’s roots. The pageant’s first performances in 1986 were staged in the Springfield downtown on South Marshall Ave., with six performances over three days. The nativity pageant was an immediate success, attracting large crowds from a wide area. After four years, the pageant was moved to Riverside Park in order to accommodate audiences that had become as large as 1,000 people.
Movie TBD Saturday, December 1 (7:30pm) Sunday, December 2 (2pm)
“USO Christmas Show” Thursday, December 6 (6 pm) Bank Nite
New Year’s Celebration
FREE Family Movie “The Star”
SongblaSt Dueling guitarS
Sponsored by Papik Motors and First Farmers & Merchants Bank
Saturday, Dec. 29 • 8 p.m. $20.00*
New Year’s Celebration
The voices of a community chorus warm hearts no matter what the outdoor temperature.
*Public on sale Nov. 26, Pre-sale for season subscribers/business underwriters Nov. 19
Saturday, December 8 (1:30pm, 4pm, 6:30pm) Luverne Street Music presents
Shop indoors out of the wind and cold at both our Tracy and Marshall locations for your fresh cut Fir Christmas tree.
“Sounds of Christmas” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018 • 8PM
Saturday, December 15 (8pm) The Locals present
-Cash Bar Available-
“A Rock & Roll Christmas”
Presales for Season Sponsors - Nov. 19 • Public Sales - Nov. 26 Tickets - $20
Online tickets available at www.palacetheatre.us Palace Box Office • 507-283-4339 • Monday - Friday 12 - 5 @palacetheatreluv
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Trees are hanging so you can get a full view of your selection.
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8 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
Volunteers carry on for Chippewa City Christmas By Scott Thoma
It takes a village to prepare a village. That’s especially true this year for the 40th annual “Christmas in the Village” hosted by the Chippewa County Historical Society at its historic pioneer village in Montevideo. The holiday happening is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The pioneer village is called Chippewa City and is located at the intersection of Hwys. 7 & 59. “It does take a lot of volunteers and crafters to put this on each year,” said Celeste Suter, who is in her first full year as Executive Director of the Chippewa County Historical Society. “We have more than 50 volunteers, plus others that donate baked goods and money.” Chippewa City has 24 pioneer buildings, including a town square, centrally-located gazebo and a boardwalk. There is also a schoolhouse, church, general store, buggy shop, bank, millinery shop, blacksmith shop and more. Many of the buildings are perioddecorated for the holidays. “We have been coming here every year for the last four or five years,” Denise Thomsen of Watertown, SD, said at last year’s Christmas in the Village event. “We read about it and decided to see what it was like. And we had so much fun that we keep coming back. It really feels like an old-fashioned Christmas in a small town.” Suter became the Executive Director of the Chippewa County Historical Society in Sept. 2017 following the death of longtime director June Lynne. The historical society’s 11-member board of directors begin planning the Christmas
Horse power often returns to Chippewa City for the holidays.
event as early as January, with marketing and actual preparation work beginning in September. “There is a lot of planning involved,” she said. “We want to make it enjoyable for all ages.” Christmas in the Village has a different theme each year. This year’s theme is called “Winter Holidays Around the World”. “Each child that comes is given a passport,” said Suter. “And we will have 15 countries in which they have to find information that is in the buildings. When they find the information, we will stamp their passport. When the passport
is filled, they turn it in for a prize.” Santa Claus will be on hand in one of the buildings to greet the children and have photographs taken. Grandma Claus will greet the visitors at the door inside the main entrance, which also has gifts, books and baked goods for sale. A hot meal will be available again for hungry visitors. This year’s menu includes a traditional roast turkey lunch with potatoes, green beans, bread and a beverage. There will also be corn dogs available for the kids. And traditional holiday treats such as lefse, rosettes, pizzelles and krumkake can also be purchased.
A live old-fashioned radio show will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. inside the village church. Horse-drawn wagon rides Many of the buildings will be open with vendors selling homemade baked goods and candies, as well as various crafts. The price of admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 12-17, and free for those 11-and-under. Admission is free to Chippewa County Historical Society members.
Pipestone Performing arts
Holiday Events al oPland singErs PrEsEnt
“Winter Wonderland” Al Opland Singers will be performing a variety of Christmas Songs. Reserved Tickets Adult $17; Student $7
Friday, nov. 30 • 7:30 p.m. saturday, dec. 1 • 7:30 p.m. sunday, dec. 2 • 2:00 p.m. Friday, dec. 7 • 7:30 p.m. saturday, dec. 8 • 7:30 p.m. sunday, dec. 9 • 2:00 p.m.
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Lake Shetek Lots For Sale!
Six Appeal “Ugly Sweater Holiday Party”
thursday, dec. 20 • 7:30 p.m.
A world-class vocal A Capella group infused with sharp comedic timing and the energy and vitality of a rock band. A Six Appeal show will split your sides, feed your musical sweet tooth, and leave you wondering how in the world they pulled it off with just their voices. Tickets: Adult $25; Student $10
Autum Blaze – 4 Lots available
Edgewater – 2 Lots available
Dylan’s Lookout – 8 Lots available These activities are made possible in part and by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the SW MN Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund”
104 East Main strEEt • PiPEstonE, Mn Box office (507) 825-2020 or Toll free (877) 722-2787
www.pipestoneperformingartscenter.com All dates and programs are subject to change. Check the website or box office for additional show. Vouchers can be used for many Center shows. However, we reserve the right to withdraw any show from voucher use!
1301 E. College Drive • Marshall, MN
Call the Archbold TeAm for details! bill – (507) 829-5407 molly – (507) 530-6036
Molly & Bill Archbold
— Upcoming holiday events — House Christmas Show Christmas tree walk twinkles Opera The Lake Benton Opera House will present its The Lyon County Museum Christmas tree
annual Christmas Show, Saturday, Dec. 1. Two shows are planned at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The Christmas Show features a multitude of musical talent from the region, including past performers on the opera house stage, singing holiday favorites. General admission $11 tickets are available at the door.
walk will be on display through Dec. 31. The museum is located at 301 W Lyon St, in Marshall. Area service and non-profit organizations have festooned a host of holiday trees for the event. The museum is decked out for the holidays as well. Visitors can select their favorite tree or trees by placing donations next to the tree. The three trees that generate the most donations will win a contest. The sponsoring organizations will receive $150 for first prize, $100 for second, and $50 for third in Marshall Chamber Dollars. Proceeds from the Christmas Tree Walk support the Lyon County Historical Society.
Christmas” at the house. Twenty Christmas trees are decorated in the Victorian style at the house, with other vintage holiday trimmings displayed as well. Holiday tours of the 19th century house are available during regular Murray County Museum hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The museum and house are closed over the Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends. A $3 admission includes coffee and a cookie.
‘Very Prairie Christmas’ Bazaar, parade set in Tracy The Southwest Minnesota State University A Holiday Parade of Lights is among the Chorale, SMSU/Community Concert Band, Men’s Glee Club, Bella Voce and SMSU Jazz Ensemble will present “A Very Prairie Christmas” Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts at Marshall High School. The crowd-pleasing concert concludes with a sing-along. Admission is $5, and children 5 and under are free. All proceeds are earmarked for SMSU music scholarships.
SMSU ‘Tuba Christmas’ The annual “Tuba Christmas” concert
at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall will be performed at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 in the college’s Student Center lobby. A 9 a.m. rehearsal will be held in the SMSU band room, FA 135. Participation for this band is open to all low brass players regardless of age or experience. There is a $10 participation fee for musicians, but the concert is free and open to the public.
Victorian Christmas
How did Minnesotans decorate their homes for the holidays during the Victorian era? Find out, by visiting the Dinehart Holt House in Slayton through Christmas. The Murray County Historical Society has staged a “Very Victorian
activities planned by the Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, Nov. 24. The downtown parade begins at 6 p.m., and coincides with a 5 to 7 p.m. soup supper sponsored by the Tracy Lions at the MultiPurpose center. A Holiday Bazaar is planned at The Caboose from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children’s pictures with Santa will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greenwood Nursery.
Favorite folksongs & carols The Southwest Minnesota State University
Men’s Glee Club and Bella Voce, under the direction of Stephen Kingsbury, will perform “I’m Bound Away: Favorite Folksongs and Carols” on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church in Marshall. This concert is free and open to the public.
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Pheasant hunting Continued from page five
walk the edges toward that person who’s posting. Be safe! Dogs can be told to be quiet, but they seldom listen. And when the scent of pheasant excites them, it’s probable they’ll bust a branch or two or otherwise tip off the pheasants, which already are quite wary. Best your hunters are situated for various shot options. Dress for the occasion I’ve sat in deer stands while wearing approximately 14 layers of clothing and still felt like a block of ice after just a few hours. I hate that feeling. The beauty of pheasant hunting in December is that it’s awfully hard to under-dress. You’re constantly on the move, and it ain’t all easy terrain you’re covering. Plodding through thick cover or wading through snow drifts has a way of making the body warmer, even if the thermometer is pointing only to the 10. It’s the wind that bites. Keep your face covered and for goodness sake, buy some good gloves – ones that’ll keep your fingers warm but allow you to pull the trigger with ease when the moment arrives. Speaking of shooting, there are those who suggest late-season pheasantchasers use heavier loads – to catch up to those birds that are flushing farther away than they might have been a month earlier. While that might sound like sage advice, I don’t take it. But I’ll leave that up to you. It’s not the first advice I’ve rejected for no good reason. The fish will bite throughout the rest of winter and if you haven’t shot a deer by now, maybe you should’ve tried harder. Late December is for pheasant hunting, as far as I’m concerned. Just thinking about it is giving me a warm feeling inside.
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10 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
Santa, reindeer to make trial run to Granite Falls By Scott Thoma
Volstead’s only child, Rudolph won’t be at d a u g h t e r the pre-Christmas Santa Laura, was an gathering planned at influential marketer the Volstead House in and lobbyist for the Granite Falls. But Santa reindeer industry. In the & Mrs. Claus will have a 1920s, Lomen was known for pair of their reindeer on bringing part of his Alaskan reindeer hand. herd to winter carnivals and parades in The festive holiday St. Paul and other large cities. gathering will be held So it was a natural fit for the Granite Sunday, Dec. 23, from Falls Historical Society to bring reindeer 1 to 4 p.m. The historic to the home where the Volsteads lived in Volstead House is Granite Falls. located at 163 9th Ave. “Kendallville Farms take good care of The reindeer used their reindeer,” said Terri Dinesen, the for the Christmas at President of the Granite Fall Historical the Volstead House are Society for 16 years. “They don’t keep rented from the North Santa and Mrs. Claus have a pre-Christmas their reindeer in pens here. And they Pole, also known as tradition at the Volstead House in Granite Falls. lead them around on halters with leads Kendallville Farms in and allow people to pet them.” Excelsior. Bob and Sandy The reindeer are trained to step up onto Kendall have raised reindeer for over 20 years. straw bales located next to the sleigh and people can “We have around a dozen or so reindeer and we breed pose for pictures with them. them here and work with them from the time they are “Reindeer like to be higher than anyone else so they born,” said Kendall. “I have 18 elves that help me on can see what’s going on,” said Kendall. “They are very the farm and at the different events we attend. I enjoy observant. So we work with them when they are young. doing this because it brings so much joy and magic to We don’t want them to feel any danger or fear because so many people.” people like to pet them on their head and under their And they bring just as much joy to the Kendalls; all bellies. And we only bring the friendliest, the biggest year long. and the ones with the best antlers with us to the events.” “I can see why Santa likes reindeer so much; they’re The reindeer arrive from the North Pole in a horse furry, they stay warm all the time, they can see far away trailer. But Kendallville Farms provides the reindeer so they know where to go, and the they have ‘clickety- with a sleigh for their holiday events. clacks’ in their tendons so that’s the ‘clickety-clack’ you “It takes an entire community of individuals and hear on the roof.” organizations and businesses to bring these reindeer to The reindeer have been a part of Granite Falls holiday town because we don’t make traditions for the past eight years. any money off this event,” Reindeer and Granite Falls also have a historical said Dinesen. “But it is a very connection. Andrew and Dorothea Volstead’s son-in- fun event and we all leave law, Carl Lomen, was known as the “Reindeer King” in with smiles on our faces.” the early 20th Century. Lomen, who was married to the Every child that attends the
event is given a satin pouch containing reindeer treats to take home. “The children can sprinkle the treats on their lawn to attract reindeer to their house,” said Dinesen. “It is all edible food grade ingredients consisting of edible oatmeal glitter and sprinkles in a pretty satin pouch with a little tag on it saying what it is. “One of the cute things is that the parents have to try to keep the kids from feeding it to the reindeer (at the event). They have to ask the children to save it until they get home. We gave out all 275 treat bags that we had last year. The reindeer brought in from Kendallville Farms eat a specialty dietary pellet with the right amounts of fiber, protein and fat to keep them healthy and strong. There will also be refreshment of Christmas cookies and juice at the Volstead House, as well as coloring pages of reindeer and Santa Claus, handouts with an abbreviated reindeer story related to the Volsteads, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus and/or the reindeer. “We do sell some trinkets that day such as reindeer antlers for kids to wear,” Dinesen noted. “Everyone that donates $60 or more gets a Historical Society membership for next year, plus a sleigh bell for
Reindeer:
See page 11
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Southwest Sailor, December 2018 – 11
Reindeer Continued from page 10
their Christmas tree,” said Dinesen.
• • • Andrew J. Volstead, a former lawyer and Granite Falls mayor, was a United States Congressman for 24 years. He is closely associated with the National Prohibition Act of 1919, or the Volstead Act. The Constitutional Amendment famously banned the “sale, manufacture or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in America. The law, which proved to be unenforceable, was repealed in 1933. The Capper-Volstead Act, which enabled farmers to form locally-owned cooperatives without fear of prosecution, is still in effect. The Granite Falls Historical Society has the dual mission of preserving and interpreting the history of Andrew Volstead, and the community of Granite Falls. Yes, Santa really does have reindeer. Some of St. Nick’s antlered friends will be in Granite Falls during December.
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12 – Southwest Sailor, December 2018
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We wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
May all your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season. For your faith in us, we are forever grateful.
OKABENA OPEN HOUSE Wed., Dec. 5
•St. John’s Lutheran School to perform at 10 a.m. •HLO High School Choir to perform at 1 p.m.
www.murraylandagencyinc.com Tracy 212-6688–Currie 763-3599–Slayton 836-6996–Okabena 853-4421
Ten turkeys will be given away on Dec. 14 at both offices. Stop by either office & register any time.
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Serving holiday goodies, sandwiches, coffee & hot cider throughout the day.
•Trinity Pre-School Children from Slayton to perform at 10 a.m. •Tracy Area High School Jazz Choir to perform at 1:30 p.m.
Stop by and see our brand new addition to Currie State Bank