Support the Diaper Drive

Not long ago, Kristen (Wiener) Grode saw a need and wanted to fill the void.  The need: clean, dry diapers for infants and toddlers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  So rather than sit idly by, she decided to do something about it, creating the first charity of its type, The Diaper Drive www.thediaperdrive.com.

The purpose of the Diaper Drive is four-fold - to help prevent health and neglect issues for children by giving low-income families access to fresh, properly fitting diapers; to partner with the community, collecting diapers and/or funds to purchase diapers; to act as a vendor to public service agencies with diaper needs; and to advocate, through the use of technology and social media, that "basic human needs" include diapers and that these needs are not being met for many children and adults.

Since beginning the Diaper Drive, Kristen has been featured in various media - a front-page article in the Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/local/99177504.html), Twin Cities Live (http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1645700.shtml?cat=10698), and the Minnesota Sun (http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2010/07/15/news/fw/fw15diapers.txt) as well as getting other publicity through things like Yoga Nights.

On Thursday night - 29 July 2010 - the Diaper Drive, along with Families Moving Forward, will host Dinner for Diapers ... a night of music by Glen Everhart (remember when he used to sing on the Deck Bar with his partner, Fyder?), silent auction bidding, and noshing on great food!  If you live in the metro, or will be in the metro area on Thursday night, please consider attending.  For a small $5 donation (suggested), you too can help make a difference in the lives of the diaper-wearers and their caretakers. The event will be held at 1808 North Emerson Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55411 and will begin at 6:30pm.

In the meantime, check out the Diaper Drive's website and consider donating any unused, spare diapers you may have toward Kristen's efforts.  Andria (Fisher) Kvitek has also started a branch of the Diaper Drive in the Duluth area.

Welcome, Liam Douglas Kohn!

On 15 July 2010, Sara (Baustian) Kohn gave birth to her third son, Liam Douglas, in Sartell, Minnesota. Liam weighed 6lbs. 10oz. and measured 19" long.

Sara, Eric, big brothers Jackson and Brady, and Liam are home in Sartell. Please join me in congratulating Sara and her family on this fabulous event!

Welcome, Olivia Grace Pearson!

On 8 May 2010, Jeff Pearson's wife, Sarah, gave birth to their second daughter, Olivia Grace, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Olivia weighed 8lbs. 13oz. and measured 21.75" long.

Jeff, Sarah, big sister Emilia, and Olivia are home in Richfield. Please join me in congratulating Jeff and his family on this amazing event!

Art in the Park is Next Weekend

The annual Art in the Park, now in its 35th year, will be held at Alexandria City Park next weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24-25 July.

Get your Kettle Korn, City Park, windy weekend, and art fixes all in one weekend!

Art of the Lakes Studio Tour is This Weekend

This year’s annual Art of the Lakes Studio Tour has been set for this weekend. The tour will take place Friday 16 July 16 from 9:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday 17 July from 9:00am to 5:00pm and on Sunday 18 July from 12:00noon to 5:00pm.

Some studios, however, will not be open on Sunday. Check the Art of the Lakes website – http://www.artofthelakes.org/ – for detailed information.

Participants in this free event can visit with a number of artists in many different studio locations and visit the Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake.

View artworks in progress, watch demonstrations, ask questions, buy art direct from the artists and enjoy refreshments. Purchases made on the tour will help fund children’s art programs.

Meet John Hawkes next Friday!

The Alexandria Area Arts Association and Midway Mall Cinema 9 are excited to announce an event scheduled for Friday 23 July.

John Hawkes, who was known as John Perkins when he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1977, is the star of the newly released movie, Winter’s Bone.  You probably last remember seeing Hawkes in the movie, A Perfect Storm, in which he played the character, Bugsy.

Hawkes will be on hand at an exclusive showing of the movie at noon on Friday 23 July.

The downtown arts theater and Cinema 9 are partnering together for a light lunch, movie premiere and a meet and greet with Hawkes.

The proceeds from the event are being donated to the AAAA Theatre.

There are only 250 tickets available and the cost is $10 per ticket.

Tickets are available at the AAAA box office from 11:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Either call the office at 320.762.8300 or stop by at 618 Broadway.

Welcome, Brett Tyler Orpen!

On 8 May 2010, Angie (Skramstad) Orpen gave birth to her second son, Bretty Tyler, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Brett weighed in at 8lbs. 10oz. and measured 21" long. He's already sleeping through the night, giving his mom so many more opportunities to love him!

Angie, big brother Tate, and husband Scott are back home in Spirit Lake, and getting lots of family adventures in already! Please join me in congratulating Angie and her family on this beautiful, blessed event!

Shawn Nelson is Back in Action on the Field

Shawn Nelson, as I'm sure many of you will remember, was a standout on the Jefferson High School Cardinal football team.

Last year, after taking six years off, he once again laced up his cleats and hit the field, this time as a multi-functional player for the semi-pro team, the Brainerd Lumberjacks. Finding a deep-rooted drive to play football once again after the passing of his mother, Shawn has rediscovered his love for playing the game,

The Lumberjacks are made up of many former high school and college players, though I'm told the hitting and level of play are much stronger than back in the glory days.

Similar to the Alexandria Mustangs from a few years back, the Lumberjacks play teams from the upper Midwest. Last year, they claimed the championship in their division.

Since joining the Lumberjacks, Shawn has played running back, wide receiver, and line backer ... and is now settling into his favorite role, defensive end.

The Lumberjacks are in action this Saturday in Forest Lake, as they open the playoff season against the Northern Terror. At this time, it's looking like the game will kickoff at 3:00pm.

Watch for Shawn wearing #31 for the 'Jacks!

Beth (Abbott) Rogers' Sister is Omaha-bound!

Brandi - Corinne (coach) - Sara

Sara Abbott, sister of our classmate Beth (Abbott) Rogers, is headed to Omaha this weekend to compete in the National Special Olympics.

Sara qualified in January as one of two athletes representing Minnesota at the national level .  She'll be competing in gymnastics events.

The entire Abbott clan is caravaning to Nebraska this weekend to watch Sara perform!

Make the Bride Money is Open for Business!

Our classmate, Krista Senesac, has opened a business aimed at helping a bride-to-be make money at her bachelorette party or other special event.

Bouquets made out of lollipops, more commonly known as "suck for a buck" bouquets, are Krista's specialty. Each bouquet is handmade and custom-designed by Krista, and combines both lollipops and silk flowers. Various sizes and colors are available.

For more information, or to order, please visit Krista's website: www.makethebridemoney.com or her dedicated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/makethebridemoney.

Class of 1998 classmate update

Class:

Last night at 5:45pm, Shannon Simonson (Class of 1998) was killed in a two-car accident on Co. Rd. 22, just east of Garfield.  She leaves behind two young daughters and a son.

Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Sunday 11 July between 4:00-7:00pm.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday 12 July at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Please keep Shannon's daughters, son, friends, and family in your thoughts and prayers.  Give your kids an extra hug and kiss tonight and be sure to tell those that matter to you how you feel about them ... you never know when the last time you'll be able to do just that will be.

Love to you all!

Chain of Lakes Boat Show is This Weekend

The annual Chain of Lakes Boat Show will be held at Arrowwood this weekend.  The show opens to the public at 9:00am and runs until 3:00pm.

While the event is not judged, there are both a People's Choice Award and Skipper's Choice Award given out.

Expect to see old fishing boats, canoes, outboards, inboards, and showboats on display ... also expect to see Andy Akenson there, as his dad is a classic boat aficionado.

Admission is free to the public ... so are sunburns, so bring your sunscreen!  Mr. Melby would have been proud of you.

Shear Ink Open for Business

Our classmate, Nicole Ed, has opened a brand new business in town - Shear Ink, Permanent Cosmetics by Nicole Ed, MPS.

Located in her home, Shear Ink is fully licensed, inspected, and insured.  She assures everyone that there's nothing shady about the location whatsoever ... a long process ensured that!

Shear Ink is open by appointment - consultations can be made by calling 763.222.3848 or by emailing shearink@yahoo.com ... website forthcoming.

Permanent cosmetic services offered include eyebrows ($395), eyeliner ($395 for both upper and lower, $250 for either upper or lower), lip liner ($250), and full color lips ($495).

Shear Ink is currently running a Grand Opening special of 20% off all procedures.

Nicole is ready and waiting for you and your permanent cosmetic needs and will happily take referrals from other '97ers!