Johnson Park picnic set for July 21

Here’s hoping for good weather next week, as we are expecting a houseful, including all of our children, grandchildren, great grandson, and others who consider themselves part of our family, about 40-45 in all. The property will probably look like a tent city, so hopefully no rain.

I will not be contributing a Down River Dispatches column in next week’s Eagle, but will resume in the following week’s paper. Thank you for understanding, family first.

This column will also be abbreviated as I am in preparation mode and I finally have a kitchen which includes new cabinets.

On July 21, Johnson Park will host a community potluck/picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share (salads, main dish or desserts), and the whole family for an afternoon of fun. Johnson Park will provide barbecued hot dogs. If you have suggestions for some fun activities or would like to help out please contact Cindy Lahti. Come join us for a good time, good food and getting to know your neighbors.

Unfortunately, the date and time of this event was changed in the editing process so it was listed as taking place last week. My apologies to the readers that called me and to anyone who showed up at Johnson Park. Please don’t let that deter you from coming on July 21. We look forward to a wonderful family friendly day.

One of the mainstay groups at the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park is TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). They meet on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the well equipped exercise room. Creative Flaire Restaurant and Gift Shop is donating a gift certificate for the best weight loss among the members from June through August. Though they are in the middle of this program, it can’t hurt to check them out and join in the contest. This program has made a big difference in many lives and has been around for a long time. It strives to help members take off pounds sensibly just as its name proclaims. For more information please contact Mrs. Lyle Haataia or Mrs. Bjarne Rostad.

I spoke with Noreen Fitts last week and she tells me that the Art Group that meets at the Grays River Valley Center will be on hiatus for the summer, and will begin meeting again in September.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall each week at noon, will not meet on July 4th, but hopefully will be enjoying the company of family and friends at home. They will meet again on Wednesday the 11th for a summer meal of hamburgers with the trimmings and are asked to bring a potluck dish to share. Pat says “Happy 4th of July, everyone.”

Senior lunches are also served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the above location. On Thursday, the 28th the menu will include chicken parmesan, polenta cakes, glazed carrots and strawberry shortcake.

Happy Birthday to the following folks for this week and next week as well: Adelynn Meghan Crozier, Henry Varila, Garth Ullakko, Madison Headley, Samantha Donlon, Andrew Nortrup, Keegan Magee, Don Raistakka, Jason Stephan, Debbie Welsh, Jennifer Smith, Dan Wilson, Cherise Bjornsgard, Jamie Eastham, Stacy Agee, Taylor Rose Eaton, Courtney Lemon, Alan See, Angelee Torppa, Eleanor Saari, Don Revis, Jeffrey Mennen, Wilho Saari, Morgan Weston, Matt Helvey, Conner Leaf, Ethan Smalley, June Berquist, Mindi Linquist, Dale Rose, Conner Smith, Jason Gradt, Dan Edmondson, Kaye Weimer, Cliff Weimer, Ross Badger and Whitney Maddux.

Special Happy Birthday wishes go to a couple of really good friends of mine, Judy Durrah and Nancy George. Wishing all of you a wonderful day.

Happy Anniversary to Rod and Darlene Ammer, Wilho and Kaisa Saari, Cliff and Kaye Weimer (50th), Brad and Crystal Lanz, Steve and Lorie Smith, Larry and Berniece Helton, Bill and Debbie Littlefield, Paul and Darlene Bjornsgard, Mike and Barb Swanson, Bryan and Jen Penttila, Evert and Rowena Ehrlund, Chuck and Judy Torppa, Leo and Mary Saari, and Tom and Sue Gradt.

Congratulations to good neighbors Al and Nancy George on their anniversary as well, and hoping you are enjoying your visit with your family from California.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!