The Crow's Nest - October 27, 2016
More and more I am aware of how very fortunate Chuck and I are to have retired in this community of Edinburg some 24 years ago. At the time, an Edinburg retirement was not even on our radar. We ended up here because Chuck made a rash statement saying if our home sold in a day just maybe we should move “back home”. That quick remark became a reality and I am so very grateful for the choice we made. That being said--------
Last night we had another community meeting regarding the future of our grocery store. There were 73 people who listened attentively as preliminary plans were laid out. The committee of Marji Jonasson, Loretta Monson, Chuck Mielke and TJ Hall had spent countless hours preparing a possible direction in which the community could go to keep and maintain a grocery store in town. As everyone knows, keeping the grocery store open is so very vital to our community. Loretta Monson gave a wonderful “pep” talk about how much we depend on the grocery store daily. It would not be easy for many in the community to go to Park River, Grafton or beyond whenever they needed milk, eggs, etc. The grocery store is a full-service store and serves way beyond the boundaries of Edinburg. The meat department is well known for its quality and is the provider for community functions not only in town, but in the surrounding communities. From a personal standpoint, I think of all the meals that are served for funerals, brunches, breakfasts and such and how we take for granted just running to the store to pick up supplies needed at a moment’s notice.
If the store closes it would also affect the other businesses in town. Soon people would not only buy groceries out of town, but also their gas, household items and needed items. Property values would decrease and we would slowly become another dying town statistic. WE DO NOT WANT THAT TO HAPPEN to this well- kept, beautiful town.
Chuck Mielke shared the proposed plan of the committee which would ask for donations/pledges from the community. Their recommendation was a plan to target operating costs for 6 months. A monthly operating cost would be $7,000 – that includes salaries for a manager, meat cutter, other help plus stocking/restocking fees. The initial amount needed is $125,000. That seems like a daunting figure, but $40,000 has already been pledged by the city and the local American Legion. The community is being asked to donate/pledge whatever they feel comfortable with to help keep this proposal alive. I am hoping there may be someone out there reading this who possibly once lived in the area with wonderful memories who may feel this project is a worthwhile investment for the future of our great town and area. If there is, donations or inquiries can be made to Marji Jonasson % Citizens State Bank, Edinburg, ND 58227. Thank you for your consideration.
It was great fun receiving an email from Erik Heskin, former pastor of Trinity Lutheran, the other day. He said he was pastoring Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, MI on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. He said Jif works has personal director for Walmart. Their oldest son Leif, is 20 and studies welding at the local community college. Thor is 17, a senior, and has signed up for the National Guard. Pastor Erik said Thor plans on attending Northern Michigan University after basic training and being in ROTC while in college. Time sure does fly by.
If you noticed by the last posting on the Events Page, you will see how the community has been blessed with little babies being born. My goodness, there is nothing better than sweet little babies to bring smiles to everyone’s face.
I received an email from Terri Carter the other day about the death of Sylvia Gestson Lowe. Terri is the daughter of the late Lyle and Gail Gestson. She said she passed away October 6th in Longview, WA. Terri said Sylvia’s son Gary mentioned she wanted no fuss at her passing and wanted to tell everyone she knew to go on with your lives, be happy and always remember that “life is good”. I remember oftentimes when Sylvia and Dolly (Halvorson) would worship at Trinity on Sunday mornings when she was back here visiting.
Word was just received of the passing of Dan Hayes. I understand he was in a Veterans Home in Michigan near his son Pat. Someone said there would be a memorial service later. I heard that Bonnie is in a facility near Pats also. They both will be remembered in my prayers.
Beverley Hall, it is good to have you home from the hospital. Please know you are missed at your ladies afternoon coffee group at Cenex. Life is good and we will talk with you later.
ADDITION:
Please note this addition to the Crow's Nest. I received a call from Jonathan Hayes this morning saying there would be a visitation for his dad Dan on Saturday, November 19 at the Tollefson Funeral Home here in Edinburg. Jonathan said his mom is doing very well in the home she is in and son Pat would be bringing her for the weekend.
Some sad news Jonathan conveyed was one of Glenda (Berg) Bjornson's daughters died suddenly just recently. She had not been feeling well, went to the doctor and within 8 days passed away. Our sincere condolences go out to Glenda and her family during this very sudden and tragic loss.
