Four churches gathered at the Clarkfield Assembly of God last Sunday for Special Musical Guests Kevin Cheng, who plays piano, and Heidi Cheng, who plays violin. Joining the festivities were new Interim Pastor at the Assembly of God Church Pastor Carl Lindelien, and Pastor of New Life Church, Pastor Doug Clevenger. Pictured are: (Left to right) Kevin and Heidi Cheng, Pastor Carl Lindelien, Pastor Doug Clevenger. Photo by Cherry Heisner
When it’s the middle of July and summer finally arrives in all of its glory, it is hard to imagine that fall is just around the corner, bringing with it all the traditional backto-school activities. Each time I enter a store with their big BACK TO SCHOOL signs, I remember going shopping with my mom to find the perfect book bag, the trapper keeper with the kittens on the cover, and that so important first day of school outfit. A new school year was coming bringing new adventures and endless possibilities.
Larry Cole, who grew up on a farm near Hazel Run, visited Minnesota’s Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls, as well as the KCC in Granite Falls on Saturday for book-signing events. Cole, who now lives in Texas, published a book in November of 2021 about his life experiences, including playing for the NFL. In June of 1964 at the age of 17 and a half, Cole left the local area for the Air Force Academy and an entirely new lifestyle. When he left the academy after two years, he was recruited by other teams. Cole ended up being drafted to the Cowboys team where he spent the next 13 years. He finished college at the University of Minnesota during the off season. In one of the off-seasons, Cole decided to start his own business, and he and his wife started a family. “I have shared in the book how I started the business and raised a family. The book is about the man inside the story and it’s meant to share more with the audience. I get a lot of feedback that you can read all the stats and everything, but what the player was feeling and what was happening each year tells a different story,” he says. His book, “Living the Dream on America’s Team” was on hand for purchase Saturday, as well as copies of action photos from Cole’s time in the NFL. Photo by Jessica Stölen-Jacobson
Luwaina Al-Otaibi, of Granite Falls, has spent the last few weeks finding her way as the new Community Engagement and Events Coordinator of The Yes! House, located downtown in an original brick building.
On Sunday, July 24th, Terry Baxter, co-founder of GoServ Global will be speaking at the Echo Community Center about an opportunity to participate in a worldwide humanitarian project. The project involves turning Sukup grain bins into homes, school classrooms, birthing centers, dental clinics and orphanages.
A new business is opening soon in Granite Falls at 826 Prentice Street. The former salon is currently in the process of being transformed to be Falls Spaw, a dog spa and eventually pet boutique.
Last Wednesday afternoon, the windows of our farmhouse rippled with rain; the barely-visible cornstalks beyond whipped back and forth like ocean waves. Positive the Makers Market was not happening, I texted folks in Granite to confirm. Vendor Betsy Pardick responded with a video taken from her booth: a throng of wet folks clustered under her tent, cheerily perusing bracelets. Minnesotans are made of strong stuff, and will apparently venture out to purchase art in any kind of weather.
The Redwood Falls Tank Company of the 135th Infantry Division held their annual reunion at the American Legion in Redwood Falls on June 25. Many interesting stories were told and old friendships renewed.
Sunday July 10th 9:15am Coffee Farewell Party for Pastor Jeanine Megorden was held at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. She was given a quilt in her favorite colors black & white by the church ladies,a bouquet of flowers & a basket of cards.
When I was in grade school most of my report cards said things like, “She’d be a good student if she just paid attention.” I meant to pay attention, I just seemed to lose interest in whatever we were studying before we got to the end of the study. Because of this, I didn’t always do as well on testing as I could have because I didn’t know what the subject was really about. Occasionally, there would be something that I would remember; this didn’t mean it was the most important part to know, it was what caught my attention. For example, I still know all the words to a song I sang as a solo in first grade, a song I’ve never heard anywhere ever again.