Anamoose, ND

You might not think a wedding & an auction have much in common, but they did yesterday.  The southwest corner of Anamoose was bustling with Emanuel & Angie Kesler’s auction, & down the street at the Lutheran Church Londa Dusek (daughter of Lowell & Linda Dusek)  & Brandon Weninger (son of Brent & Faye Weninger) were married at 5pm. (Click on pictures to open).

The Kesler auction extended today (Sunday) from 12 noon to 4pm.  I was amazed when a large old clock went for $1000. 

A neighbor, Mary Dockter, was selling her quilts out of her garage. 

Wow, was it hot Saturday!  But that didn’t stop all the activities in Anamoose.  From 7:30am to 2pm there were city wide rummage sales all over town.  What a variety!  1.  Delilah Engen, Barb Helm & Sandy Cartwright joined forces for a rummage sale.  2.  Wayne Vannette’s rummage sale. 

The Domolition Derby started at 2pm north of the tracks.  There were 18 entries.  They really pounded the heck out of the cars, but Zach Ponzer, Anamoose, emerged the winner of the $1000 first prize.  Micky Schmaltz, Anamoose, took the 2nd prize of $500.  Pat Jund did a great job of entertaining the large crowd with music and contests. 

In the evening K-Hook furnished the music for the street dance.  Good music!

Do you like corn?  You will be able to eat corn, visit with friends, and listen to music at the Corn Feed/Silent Auction Fund Raiser on Sunday, August 22 from 11:30-1:30.  The Anamoose Area Community Foundation is having their 2nd Annual Cornfeed at the Anamoose Park.    The menu is corn, grilled hamburgers, cloverdale hot dogs, bars and beverages.  Root beer floats will be sold for $1.  (Click on pictures to enlarge). 

There are many great Silent Auction items donated by businesses and individuals.  Jerry Helm has donated a 16 ft. fiberglass fishing boat, trailer and 65 hp Johnson motor.  Other great articles to bid on are a new 19 inch color TV, decorative mirror, toys, gift certificates, many wood crafted peices, and many more items. 

Frances Seefeld will be entertaining the crowd with his accordian, and the Jim and Kimberly Rott family will be singing gospel songs. 

If you want to know something about Anamoose’s history, the person to go to is Helen Nolden.  At age 86 Helen remembers things that happened back in the early days as if  it just happened yesterday.  She gave me  7 more articles to add to our History section on our Anamoose web site-www.anamoose.com.  I laughed so hard reading the article about how she caused all the balloons to pop just before a wedding anniversary celebration at the Catholic Church. 

Helen was a columnist in the late 80s & early 90s for the Velva Valley Star.  For 10 years she wrote articles twice a month.  She also wrote several articles for Harvey, Minot, & Towner newspapers from 1972-1999.  Helen told me “People need to remember these articles were written years ago about things that took place back then.  You need to project yourself back in time.”

Virginia Fairbrother, a columnist for the Mouse River Journal, told us at a Senior Citizen meeting last week that “when a person dies, a library dies”.  —-”See that stories are handed down.  They are history.”

Bonnie Helm wrote the following article up for our blog:

On July 12, the first organizational meeting of the Anamoose All School Reunion (AASR) 2011 central planning committee met at the Senior Center.  Getting a head start on planning for the reunion to be help July 1-3, 2011 were Sandy Peiler Cartwright ‘59; Ron Cartwright; Donna Reinowski English ‘79;, Barbara Engen Helm ‘61; Norma Martin; Stan Martin ‘63 and AAST Treasurer; Shirley Nitz, Jacque Reis;, Dennis Zimmerman ‘55, Phyllis Peiler Zimmerman ‘56; and led by Bonnie Helm ‘65, AASR Chair.

A full range of events are being planned, including: Friday Night Kick-Off; Joe & Ana Welcome; One-Act Play; Pancake Breakfast; “Moose on the Loose” walk/run; Interdenominational Church Service; Pig Roast; Demolition Derby; Fireworks Show, Street Dance, Street Fair, Horseshoes Tournament, Softfall,  ”Hoops” Competition; Bingo; Movies Under the Tend (of past reunions and centennial celebrations); and a Tribute to Out Veterans & Soldiers.

Two additional events are looking for involvement from our alumni:  the “Blast from the Past” Talent Show, and the Alumni Crafts & Hobbies Show.  More information about these in future blogs. 

You will be receiving your announcement/questionnaire in the mail very soon.  Please take 3 minutes to compete and return it to us.  We want your ideas and suggestions.  Of course, we also encourage you to volunteer to help with the many little details during the reunion itself. 

If you wish to be involved in the central planning of the reunion, the Central Planning Committee will be meeting every 2nd and 4th Monday at the Senior Center at 1pm.  You are welcome to join us. 

Pictured are:  (Standing) Jacque Reis, Sandy Cartwright. (On right) Stan Martin, Shirley Nity, Dennis Zimmerman.  (Sitting) Ron Cartwright, Bonnie Helm, Donna English, Phyllis Zimmerman, & Barb Helm.

Spring & summer brings improvements around Anamoose.  I know of 3 homes that got new roofs-1.  Duaine & Lyla Dockter, 2.  Linda Uhlich  3 & 4 Emanuel & Angie Kesler.  Kesler’s roof is unusual.  It is the only round roof in Anamoose &  I counted 7 different roof sections on the north side of their house.  It is a Victorian home. (Click on pictures to enlarge)

 Emanuel Keslers purchased Selma Swanson’s home on Main St. & are in the process of painting & doing some remodeling inside.  Bonnie Helm has purchased the Kesler home. 

Ron & Sandy Cartwright have a new 20 by 32 ft. storage shed behind their house.  They call it “the Cartwright Hall”. 

Wayne & Arla Vannett just added another garage beside their single car garage.  They are having the cement floor done next week.

At Schmaltz’s Greenhouse Mike built a waterfall area with rocks & flowers. 

The outside of the school has been recently painted.  Pictured are Cheryl Linardon & Mary Jane Schmidt scraped the yellow lines on the curb so they could paint the next day.  

The land north of the track is being leveled for Helm’s Flying Service business.   

  Something that needs improving is the sign 9 miles east & 1 mile south of Anamoose on the gravel road.  The whole sign needs replacing.  Any ideas? 

I went to Martin early this morning to see all the tractors in the 1st Annual Mid-Dakota Tractor Trek.  They journeyed 9 miles from Martin to Harvey where they joined the Harvey Fest parade at 10am.  Lawrence Bartz, Anamoose, was asked by the Harvey Chamber of Commerce to organize the tractor trek.  Lowell Dusek was in charge of the cooking with LJ Dusek & Jeff Lemer (all of Anamoose) flipping pancakes.  Lowell said they used 7 dozen eggs.  I even got to sample the sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, juice & coffee.  The breakfast was held in Doug’s Auto Body Shop due to the scattered rain showers. 

Thirty tractors took part in the trek.  Most of the tractors were older models.  Eugene Pillatzke had an old school bus on behind his tractor.  Jacob Ammon was proud to be pictured driving Lawrence Bartz’s John Deere,  a favorite of many.  Four $20 prizes were given out before the tractors took off for Harvey. 

There were 36 sponsors for the event.  From Anamoose the sponsors were:  Pete’s Tractor Salvage, Stan Martin Agency, Heringer Lumber,  Buechler Oil of Harvey, Martin, Anamoose & 1st State Bank of Harvey & Anamoose. 

I just came from the first Market in the Park for the year.  A rain shower went over, but the people in line for $1 hamburgers stayed put.  I am full after eating a delicious hamburger & bar served by the Anamoose Cafe.  I have a new kind of bread & kuchen on my counter for eating later.   (Click on pictures to enlarge)

The ad in the Harvey Herald says it best:  “Discover the best at the Anamoose Market in the Park.  From fresh vegetables to farm fresh produce, wonderful baked goods and crafts.  We will be serving $1 hamburgers.  Have a picnic in the park.  Visit with old or new friends.  Come join the fun.  You won’t want to miss this.  Starting the first Monday in July from 6-8pm.”

Today was the 10th annual Moose on the Loose Fun Run/Walk.  Pam Heim has been chairman for the last 9 years.  (Pictured is the registration line.) Click on pictures to enlarge. 

The $10 registration fee goes towards the Anamoose Ambulance Service.  Participants get a t-shirt, that each year has a different logo designed by Pam. 

Winners of the 5 k run were:

   First place-Steve Heim (24 minutes,34 seconds) getting a metal from Pam Heim who took 3rd place with 32 minutes, 51 seconds.

   Second place-Rebekah Lehnen (31 minutes,34 sec)

   Fourth place-Caleb Dockter (34 minutes, 26 seconds)

Winners of the 1 mile run were:

   Women- Kristin Reinowski (left) getting metal from Pam Heim

   Men-Lee Reinowski  getting metal from Pam Heim

I also took pictures of the Bonnie & Gary Dockter family with their 5 grandchildren, 2 of their friends, & 2 dogs. 

I have a picture of Kathy Selzler too.  She is the only other woman, beside Pam Heim, that I see out running in Anamoose, & competes in other races. 

It’s almost 2 years since we completed our 18 month Anamoose Horizons Leadership program.  We are still continuing on with projects, but on a smaller scale. 

Our Horizons committee met Monday evening to update our activities.  Following are just  some of the many things we discussed:

• Mardi Helm gives out Welcome packages to all new Anamoose residents.  To encourage them to shop locally the packages  include a $30 gift certificate from the Civic Club that can be used in any business in Anamoose.  Heringer Lumber gives discount coupons & the Anamoose Senior Center gives 2 free meal tickets. 
• Main St. buildings were discussed, as several are in need of repair. 
• Keeping residents informed is done with our monthly newsletter, the marque on Main St., the Anamoose web site-www.anamoose.com, & this blog.   Letting other people know about Anamoose is done with brochures in rest areas on I 94.  
• This fall we will again decorate the posts on Main St.
• Dead trees will be cut down by the Anamoose Fire Dept.
• Discussion was held on our area birding trails & how to promote them.  We will get a group together to go on one of the trails. 

        Pictured are members of the Horizons Steering committee standing in front of one of the 4 Main St. flower pots paid for by the city.  Janice Buchholz & I keep them watered.   (Dennis Zimmerman, Janice Buchholz, Bill Goodwin, Shirley Nitz, Joe Weninger, Mardi Helm, Bonnie Dockter.  Missing are Phyllis Zimmerman, Kaya Engen & myself (photographer). 

Yes,  Market in the Park will be starting again on Monday, July 5th at 6pm.  Time really flies.  Bonnie Dockter has been getting calls from many vendors.  The Cafe will be serving $ hamburgers each Monday, so that will help to draw people to the park. 

Keith Reinowski moved the Farmer’s Market sign closer to highway 52 & the road through Anamoose.  It was on Maurie Becker’s building, but was hard to see from the highway. 

There are 4 gardens planted in the Community Garden.  There is plenty of room for more.  Hopefully people are planting extra to sell at the Farmer’s Market. 

Sometimes it’s necessary for neighbors to take action when there is a lot that is owned by an absentee owner.  Brent & Joe Weninger have been cutting a lot near them.  Yesterday Joe & Rose Weninger, Judy Derrickson & I spent several hours trimming trees & shrubs, weed whacking, & cleaning out debris around the house.  We took pictures of us, but I had forgotten to put the memory chip back in my camera, so all I can show is the cleaned up yard. 

“Hats off to Seniors” was the theme for the 14th annual salute to seniors held at the All seasons Arena in Minot on May 11th. The event was hosted by the Minot Senior Coalition and KMOT.  A number of us were bused to the event where we met up with others who decided to drive.  Some of us even wore hats.  We were entertained by several talented musicians.  Arlene Saugstad (96 years old) modeled different hats and had a story about each one.  We were served a turkey dinner and were supplied with cookies and coffee throughout the day by students from the Burdick Job Corp.  Dr. Dawn Mattern lectured us on the importance of exercise.

Many vendors were present advertising their specialities.  Door prizes were given throughout the day.  Buck and Janice Buchholz and Dorothy Thomssen were lucky enough to be recipients by winning hats and Jan won a cactus terrarium.  The session wrapped up by dancing to the music of Bill Merck and Ed Bosch.  Next years event will be May 10th with “Power of North Dakota” as the theme.

Pictured below are: 1. Emanuel Kesler, Dennis Zimmerman, Phyllis Zimmerman, Walter Doubek, Janice Buchholz, & Reynold (Buck) Buchholz.  2.  Phyllis & Dennis Zimmerman 3.  Janice & Buck Buchholz.  4.  Angie & Emanuel Kesler.

Janice Buchholz (seated)  Phyllis Zimmerman, Alyce Heer, & Shirley Nitz (seated right) represented Anamoose at the Horizons Celebration in Bismarck yesterday.  It was to celebrate & reflect on the work of the latest 15 communities to complete the Horizons 18 month Leadership Program.  Anamoose completed the program in 2008. 

Gov. Hoeven spoke on the need for all to work together to make good things happen This includes “from the very young to more experienced”.   The perception of ND is changing.  We hear good things about ND.

Following are some of the projects of the 2008-2010 communities:

Dunseith-Turtle Mt Suicide Prevention program.  Will focus on developing education & leadership in addition to providing employment opportunities, improve high school graduation rates, develop a business incubator. 

Fessenden-new sports bar & supper club, full service pet grooming business, sign, adult education classes  Working on day care, fitness center, senior activity area.

Fordville-engagement of youth in programs, housing development, health & wellness for all, reducing underage drinking, creating a volunteer welcome program with brochure & gift basket.  Working on single-story apartments, wellness facility.

Fort Yates-city park, Farmers Market, clean up, Youth Education Center

Hannaford-renovation of Hannaford & Business Center, new sewer lines, paving of existing roadways, new sidewalks, streetlights & banners, new Community Fitness Center, marketing community, brochure, new logo.   Working on Farmers Market, & housing analysis.

Lakota-community garden, garden area for Good Samaritan home, technology education, Main St. USA class for business employees, established a Lakota Youth Council, started an Independence 101 class for graduating seniors, plan to open a Community Chest where citizens donate items that can later be checked out by families just moving to town, people in need or in case of an emergency.  Working to have Community Emergency Response Team classes, Welcome Wagon, list of volunteers.

Leeds-food pantry, adult education classes, pre-school program, refurbished swimming pool, new picnic shelter, clean-up of city, basic services brochure as part of welcoming new residents, working on wellness by holding quarterly events, exploring recreational opportunities.

Marion-had Super Woman’s Saturday for entrepreneurs, welcome basket program.  Working on housing, possible farmers market, recreation for youth,  beautification & improving cell phone service.

McClusky-newsletter, transportation services available one day a week, hot meal delivery, welcome basket, resource library, new fitness center.

Minnewaukan-fashion show fundraiser for Endowment Fund, cleaned & planted flower beds & containers on Main St, brochure, dry/erase board for notices,etc, community garden, support for emergency medical services, Bait Shopt & grocery store, obtain better cell phone service.

Napoleon-new livestock barn, new cement plant, new sewer & water project completed, local wind energy project beginning tower construction this spring, new cafe, school program that pairs a high school or middle school student with an elementary student, free fruits & vegetables for school for grade students, selected for Local Foods Project.

Rolla-created Info Hub Committee to consolidate efforts, formed Community/Activity Center Committee to investigate the feasibility of new construction or renovation, promote murals that were painted by local artists, held job fair with 30 local presenters, looking at community garden, had computer training. 

Sheldon-planning a sign that can post events & a sign that can promote the Home of the BueLingo cattle, welcome brochure, , organization known as Save the Hens Foundation to improve habitat for wildlife, Community Center remodeled, involved youth, cleaned up elderly people’s yards, young girl published a book.

Tolna -fishing area built, dock installed, & sign erected for Tolna Bay, new cafe started in Senior Center, new garage & repair shop, recycling center, an ATM machine made available, beauty shop reopened, bait shop expanded, new business-Schiltz Foods & Goose Farms-that brought in 8000 geese.  Planning brochures,housing, improvements to city park, use of vacant school building, community bulletin board, newsletter, library-computer center & an apprentice program

Underwood-will be purchasing flat-screen TV for local grocery store to broadcast community events & information.  Researching feasibility of a central drop for recyclables, mentoring program for 5th-6th graders, & posssibly adult classes.  Had Swing into Spring event to raise funds for projects & recruit more volunteers.  Will paint & improve buildings in downtown business district.  Held seminars on housing grants, & now holding seminar for entrepreneurs.  New businesses. 

In Anamoose we continue to work on project, but not as diligent as when we were in the Horizions program. 

As a member of the Anamoose Senior Citizens there are many things to get involved in.  Meetings are held the first Monday of every month.  A Brunch is served the first Sunday of the month.  Pictured is: 1. Phyllis Zimmerman, president.  2.  Phyllis Zimmerman, Janice Buchholz, sec.; & Bill Goodwin, treas. 

The Senior Center just purchased a new 52 inch LED Samasung TV that is mounted on the wall.  It will be ideal for the Monday & Thursday exercise class, & also for movies. 

There are 63 members.  In April 12 members went to the Region II Council on Aging at Kenmare.  On April 27th 17 members went to Velva for the McHenry Co. meeting.  Raynold (Buck)  Buchholz is the new county president. 

Angie & Emanuel Kesler were presented with a plaque today.  It read “In Appreciation for your years of dedication as Secretary & Director of the Anamoose Senior Citizens”.   

Members are busy selling quilt tickets on a quilt that will be raffled off in September.  Wayne Vannett is our biggest ticket seller. 

At the meeting today Nancy Miller brought her 2nd graders to the Sr. Center to recite poetry & show pictures that they had made of monsters, dogs, flags & birds.  They seemed to really enjoy themselves, & did a great job on their dog & bird sounds. 

This is the 3rd year I have taken pictures of Schmaltz’s Greenhouse for our blog site.  As usual I couldn’t believe all the beautiful flowers.   When I asked Mike what was different this year he said he has more large containers-that are good for Mother’s Day & Graduation.  He has more colorful baskets, as the 12-16 inch baskets were very popular last year.  He also has a nice selection of perennials.  Mike provides plants to other greenhouses in ND within a 150 mile radius. 

I saw where he is working on a rock waterfall site between his buildings. 

The Greenhouse is open 9am-8pm Monday-Friday, 9-6pm Saturday, & 12-6pm Sunday. 

            Scott, Tami & Mackenzie Piper were visited by Mardi Helm from the Anamoose Welcoming Committee today.  They have been in the city for a few weeks and are busy doing some Spring clean-up.  Tami was at work at Cenex so she missed having her picture taken.  The other two are shown with the sign made especially for them.  Scott came to ND about 1 1/2 years ago and met Tami in the Denhoff/McClusky area where she lived before she came here.  Scott’s hobbies are hunting, fishing, gardening, flowers and cooking.  Tami likes the areas of cosmetology and Mackenzie likes playing outside and with her stuffed animals.  She attends Anamoose/Drake Public School and is in the second grade.  Her favorite food is “Hot Wings” which is one of Scott’s specialities.  Please welcome them when you see them about town.   

I talked to Brent Weninger about future plans for the Anamoose Fire Dept.  Brent said a new tanker truck will be purchased.  Uniforms & about 6-10 SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) are to be replaced.  A new pump for the grass fire unit has been ordered. 

The monthly meeting night has been changed to the last Friday of each month.  This will allow men that work out of town during the week to attend.  At the March meeting the firemen watched 2 videos on Forcible Entry; & Search & Rescue.  They  practiced these skills & also how to safely advance on an anhydrous tank leak & keep the fumes down with spray till they could turn the valve off. 

Sunday, March 28th the Firemen had a Turkey Bingo Fund Raiser.  Seven Turkeys, ten hams, & many donated door prizes were given out. 

 Brent Weninger is the new Fire Chief.  Other officers are: Assistant Fire Chiefs: Dean Martin & Jeff Lemer, Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Rudnick.  The Fire Dept. has a full roster of 30 members plus 4 reserves.  Pictured are: left to right:  John Hase, Jeff Lemer, Nathan Martin, Jason Mann, Dean Martin, Mark Engen, Ernie Lageson, Bob Becker, Joe Linardon, Brent Weninger, Adam Ehrman, Zach Fitzgerald, Scott Mack, Glen Mayer, Scott Meckle, & Brad Lageson (right front). 

I just got home from a chili feed benefit for Sally Pillatzke at the Anamoose VFW hall.  Civic Club members made 7 roasters of chili, but the large crowd was putting a big dent in that. 

Sally is undergoing chemotherapy cancer treatment.  The free will offering was for medical expenses. Pictured is Sally & husband Eugene. 

The Anamoose Civic Club furnished chili & bars. Thrivent for Lutherans will give matching funds up to $1500.  The VFW donated the use of their building.  Volunteers like Linda & Lowell Dusek; & Jackie & Dean Martin made it happen!  Picture 1-Jackie Martin, Dean Martin, Lowell Dusek.  Picture 2.  Jackie Martin & Linda Dusek. 

I had heard that Mike Schmaltz was busy at his greenhouse, so I went to see what was going on.  Mike & Monica Schmidt were busy transplanting & starting new seedlings.  He also has 4 part time workers. 

Mike has a germination chamber for germinating seedlings.  It was fascinating to see the equipment he has for planting the seeds.  Several of the buildings are already full of large pots & hanging planters. 

Some remodeling has been done since last year.  Concrete floors have been poured in 5 buildings with plans for having the 6th building done this summer.  Mike also has been redoing some wooden tables, which he says is almost a yearly job. 

Brent Weninger, president of the Harvey Eagles Club, presented donations to the Anamoose Senior Center, Anamoose Fire Department and the Anamoose Area Community Foundation.  The Senior Center plans to use their money for a much needed larger T.V., &  the Fire Department will  use their money for training materials.  The Community Foundation will use the money towards reaching their goal of $10,000 for 2010. 

 We are grateful to the Eagles Club for this consideration and their generosity.

Pictured are: 1.  Brent Weninger giving check to Phyllis Zimmerman, president Anamoose Senior Center.  2.  Brent Weninger (right) giving check to Mike Rudnick, secretary/treasurer of the Anamoose Fire Dept. 

Plans for this year’s Market in the Park got under way Monday evening at Bonnie Dockter’s.  Market in the Park will start the first Monday in July-July 5th from 6-8pm.  The committee discussed having tasting of products, so customers know what they are getting.  The Anamoose Cafe will serve $1 hamburgers each Monday. 

At the meeting RoseMary Vollmer reported on “Boot Camp for Entrepreneur”, a seminar she attended October 27,2009 at Bismarck.   

The Market in the Park sign that is on Maurie Becker’s building by Highway 52 will be moved, so it will be more visible.

There will be a “Biggest Pumpkin” contest.  Young people-kindergarten through 6th grade_ will be given giant pumpkin seeds to grow.  In the fall the one with the largest pumpkin will receive a prize. 

Students & adults alike are encouraged to use garden spaces in Woody Selzler’s Community Garden located in south east Anamoose.   The lots are free.  Contact Bonnie Dockter at 465-3088 if you are interested in planting a garden there. 

Today Anamoose held their annual city-wide Customer Appreciation Pancake Day-but no pancakes.  It was decided to serve French toast & sausage this year.  Mike Rudnick chaired the event. 

It is sponsored by the Anamoose VFW 6831 & the Anamoose Civic Club.  It is mostly run by volunteer men-I only saw one woman working.  I don’t know why, but it has always been men doing the planning & work.  I doubt that any women are going to protest, especially since the men do such a great job. 

After volunteering to do the Community Calendar for over 5 years, Kathy Selzler has decided to let someone else take over.  Every month Kathy would collect event dates & enter them on her computer calendar.  Copies of the calendar were  then printed at the school.  The Civic Club is the sponsor of the Community Calendar & pays for the printing. 

Norma Martin has now taken over the job of putting together the calendar each month.  The calendar is available at the Anamoose Cafe, Senior Center, & the Bank.  It is also on our Anamoose web site www.anamoose.com under events. ( Click on web site to view). 

If you have events to be listed you can drop them off in the bank drop box, or call me at 465-3476. 

I have been blogging several times recently about Anamoose Area Community Foundation donations we have received from alumni & local residents, but I failed to mention that memorials can be made to honor individuals. 

Three such memorials were given in honor of Bob Tuchscherer who died February 15th.  Bob is a 1960 graduate of Anamoose High School.  Bob’s name will appear in the ND Community Foundation 2010 Annual Report Memorials section when it is published in the spring of 2011.  Pictured is Bob & Marti Tuchscherer.  (Click to enlarge)

  Memorials for family or friends can be mailed to: Anamoose Area Community Foundation, PO Box 174, Anamoose, ND 58710