In the fall of 2019, when Spring Valley quilter Jan Poldervaard learned that the proposed new veterans home in Preston was to become a reality, she knew how she wanted to help. Jan had a vision of a handmade quilt on every one of the home’s 54 veterans’ beds. She contacted the Veterans Services Office in Preston to share her idea, and, after a three month wait, Jan got the … [Read more...]
Leaders Who Made the Veterans Home a Reality
More than seven years ago, a group of veterans gathered together at the Preston Servicemen’s Club in Preston to consider the possibility of a veterans home being built in Preston. At that time just one home was being considered in Minnesota. Last spring, veterans Don Gildner, Ron Scheevel, Don Brockway and Cliff Sackett met once again to share the work they did to make the new … [Read more...]
Words from David Dunn, Preston Veterans Home Administrator
The new year is underway, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has opened their first new veterans home in over 25 years here in beautiful Preston! We officially opened our doors on January 3, 2024, admitting our first four residents. As a veteran myself I am honored and excited to lead this phenomenal team and serve fellow veterans. Sitting on top of the 15-acre … [Read more...]
They Keep Answering the Call to Serve
Acknowledging membership in the American Legion, Commander of Post 68, Nathan Pike and District Commander Mark Maloney presented pins and certificates recognizing 16 veterans. “What personally does membership in the American Legion mean?” was the question asked to each veteran. Among these awards were 70-year pins for two members, Roy Christopherson and Harlan Marchant. … [Read more...]
Prevent 22 Task Force Donates $10,000
Did you know that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide daily in the U.S.? That’s a shocking number of veterans who faithfully served our country, isn’t it? Well, Flo Litwinczuk thought so too when she learned the statistic and she and some friends decided they needed to do something about it. For 25 years Flo and her friends had been doing benefits and fundraising for … [Read more...]
Thompson always ready for a challenge
Maynard Thompson began his teaching career at Peterson High School in the fall of 1957 and stayed there his entire career in education. That’s definitely not to say that he had a boring career. Thompson was originally from Peterson; his mother was a teacher there. The summer after his second year of college, the local superintendent saw him downtown and asked him what he was … [Read more...]
Ninety-seven years strong
Hidden within a life story 97 years long are lessons for living a fulfilling meaningful life. Fillmore resident (the village, not the county) Myrtle Winslow Schwartz graciously shared her story that is filled with many practical lessons, and lots of laughs. Ninety-seven-year-old Schwartz was born in Fillmore on November 25. She was one month and one day old when her parents … [Read more...]
Bertram Boyum’s fountain of youth
Bertram Boyum of Rushford will turn 104 years young in September. He lives in his own house, drives his own vehicle, and makes his own supper. Who else would you turn to for advice on aging well? When asked what he credits for his longevity, he replied, “I don’t have the answer – I just keep going!” He then continued with some answers. First he said he must just be blessed … [Read more...]
Magnum Sports a one-stop shop for archery supplies
In general, magnum means “great in power” and visiting Magnum Sports at 21 1st St. SE in Chatfield exemplifies its name because has much to offer the sportsman. Tucked into the back of the former Ford dealership and garage on Main Street in Chatfield, it was once the garage part of the building. This lends itself well as the ceilings are higher for displays and mammoth enough … [Read more...]
Big screen, big ideas – what to look forward to at the JEM Theatre
Doors that are usually open had to close suddenly during the March-April shutdown. The ticket window was dark, and the popcorn popper was still and quiet. The seats, so recently filled with friends and families, sat empty, and an empty theatre could have been a sign of the times. No new movies could have meant no more movies if the theatre closed down, but with the incredible … [Read more...]