Anamoose, ND

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. 

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. 

What do men do in their spare time?  Watch sports?  I know 2 Anamoose men that enjoy woodworking. 

In addition to his job as County Commissioner, Bill Goodwin likes to make children’s furniture, although he has made many shelves for LaDonna.  Over a 5-6 year span Bill has made about 25-30 chairs, 20 cradles, doll highchairs & chairs.  He showed me a doll bed that the side goes up &  down.   He gives most of his furniture pieces away, but does sell some too.  Bill says that it is relaxing to work in his shop.

David Gienger has been doing woodworking for about 25 years.  He works  in his shop that is built onto his garage.  David says he mainly makes shelves.  His business is called D & D Wood & Craft.  David & Deloris sold items at the Market in the Park this summer.  David also refinishes desks & other items.  He is making picture frames & Deloris is cross stitching pictures for gifts for grand-kids. 

At 88 David still helps Rick & Bob Bartz farm in the spring & fall.  In the winter he has more time to do his woodwork. 

Dr. Donna Beegle was the main speaker for the Horizons Partnership luncheon yesterday at Bismarck.  Her topic was “Interrupting Generational Poverty Barriers”.  Beegle is a national public speaker & author of “See Poverty, Be the Difference”.  She is the only member of her family who has not been incarcerated.  After growing up in generational migrant labor poverty, leaving school for marriage at 15, having 2 children & continuing to cope with poverty, she found herself at 25 with no husband, little education, & no job skills.  In 10 years she obtained a GED, an AA in journalism, a BA (with honors) in communications, a Masters Degree in Communications, with a minor in Gender Studies (with honors) & completion of a Doctorate Degree. 

Beegle told that she received $408/month in welfare & $150/month in food stamps. ($3 per day per person).  She had a rent payment of $395/month, so had $13 left for clothes for herself & her children, utilities, transportation, the laundromat, soap, toilet paper-everything that food stamps would not buy.   She learned that when sleeping in a car with your parents & 5 brothers, the seat next to the rear window is prime real estate.   In poverty you loose a sense of hope, & concentrate on just getting by. 

Beegle stated that every year we spend 26 billion dollars on Hannah Montana articles, 33 billion on pet toys, & 1.5 billion a month on video games. 

Janice Buchholz, Mardell Helm, Shirley Nitz, Phyllis Peiler Zimmerman, & I attended from Anamoose.  In the afternoon we split up  & attended meetings on Grants & Resources, Small Business Development & Expansion Opportunities, Housing, Marketing Your Community, Community Development, Value Added Agriculture Development, & Youth-Adult Partnerships. 

We are among the 21 Phase 2 Horizons communities that finished the Horizons program in June, 2007.  There are 15 Phase 3 (present )communities.  Each community received a Rechargeable Portable Wireless PA Amplifier. 

Pictured:  1.  Speaker Donna Beegle.  2.  Phyllis Zimmerman (center) in her group.  3.  Getting Donna Beegle’s book autographed.   4.  Janice Buchholz (center) in her Youth-Adult Parternship meeting.  5. Janice Buchholz, Shirley Nitz, Alyce Heer, Mardell Helm (sitting).  

Scott Knutson has his hands full with attending Northland College, MN to obtain his RN degree, & working for ND Dept of Human Services in home & community based home health services.  He also cares for his grandchildren Portia (not pictured),  Joshua (part time) & Karissa.  Scott is able to take his grandchildren along to some of his private patients. 

Scott is practicing his head to toe physical assessment skills on his daughter, Jasmine.  He has to make a video to send in to the school. 

Mabel Forschen was the 1st place winner at the Art Fest 2009 in Harvey.  At the judging on September 3-4th she received a $100 prize for her large tatted doily.   The event was sponsored by the Harvey Council on the Arts. 

Schedule of August events for Market in the Park:      1st Monday: $1 Hamburgers                 2nd Monday:  Callie Maddock (County Agent) Presenting Food Preservation    3rd Monday: $1 Hamburgers        4th Monday:  Music in the park by Francis Seefeld.    

Bonnie Dockter just emailed me this August schedule.  I have been at the park every Monday, & it looks like it is a success. There were long lines when the Anamoose Cafe/Bakery had $1 hamburgers, plus every week people were busy buying the produce, baked goods, etc. 

This sign, made by Midwest Graphics & Signs in Martin, was put up on Maurie Becker’s building  just north of Hiway 52.  It can also be used for advertising other events.             

           Leela Sprenger & Tami Miller were the leaders for the June Craft Class on 6/15/09.  The ladies painted wood stars red white and blue.  The wording -”United We Stand for America” was then painted on the wall hanging before they were put together in the signs you see the ladies holding.  Those in attendance were: Tami Miller, Leela Springer, Barb Martin, Janice Buchholz, Phyllis Zimmerman, and Angie Kesler.  The craft classes will not be available for the months of July and August as the leaders are having a busy summer - see you again in September for some GREAT classes!

Geocaching is probably a new word to most of you.  It is high-tech treasure hunting using a GPS device.  Last Thursday four of us women from Anamoose-Phyllis Peiler, Mardi Helm, Janice Buchholz & I-wandered the grounds of the Red Willow Bible Camp near Binford with our GPS devices hunting for hidden treasure.  What fun to find an ice cream pail with odds & ends where you can take one item, but then need to leave something in exchange.  geocaching.com is a web site to find out more.  Last week there were 857,590 sites throughout the world. 

This was just one portion of the day long Profit from the Prairie Tourism conference.  We learned about touring the National Scenic Byways, Mosasaur & Dinosaur Digs, tourism opportunities to capture wealth & people, & culinary & agricultural tourism opportunities in ND.  Tourism is the second largest industry in ND next to agriculture.  It brings in 3.96 billion dollars a year.  For every $1 spent on tourism, we get $123 back.  Triple A calls ND the most affordable state, and we are called the most friendly. 

Mike Shaw, a “kite addict” gave a presentation on making & flying kites.  He said he capitalizes on the wind that we complain about.  His largest kite sells for $5-7,000.  Mary Ann & Jim Miller make Prairie Bilt Dog sleds & sell them all over the world. 

Sue Balsam, Dept of Agriculture, stated that one third of our travel budget is spent on food.  44% of travelers want unusual & different tours.  There are tours to farms where you “feed it, pick it, cook it & eat it”.  Farmers Markets are being promoted that include food, recipes, events, fun & festivals.  We should be promoting our cultural, ethnic foods.  I am Scandanavian, but I am outnumbered by Germans here in the Anamoose area.  So guess we should be promoting knepfla, sausage, sauerkraut, potato dishes, etc rather than lutefisk & lefse.

I couldn’t resist taking a picture of the little boy shown after he saw his first baby calf.  He is so cute!   

Anamoose once again will be having a Farmers Market & Community Garden.  If you are interested in selling or buying homemade crafts, baked goods, fresh fruit or vegetables contact Bonnie Dockter at 465-3088 or email at bonniedockter@yahoo.com 

       Today eleven crafty ladies participated in this months craft class at the Anamoose Senior Center.  We made snowmen out of a paving brick, paint, and parts of an old sweater.  As you can see each of them took on their own personality.  Those participating were: Lillian Schmidt, Leela Sprenger, Mardi Helm, instructor, Shirley Nitz, Angie Kesler, Marlene Whitaker, Kathy Rademacher, Tami Miller, Sandy Cartwright, Reannie May and Phyllis Zimmerman.  Our next class will be March 30th at 1 PM at the senior center and we will make a cute bunny wall hanging.  The class will be taught by Leela Sprenger and Tami Miller.

     WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?  Seven ladies attended the January craft meeting given by Tami Miller and Leela Sprenger today at the Anamoose Senior Citizens Club.  Cupids were cut out of wood by the leaders and the ladies painted them.  Each has it’s own special personality and most carry a message of “Happy Valentine’s Day, I Love You or Be My Valentine”.  Craft classes are held monthly -at our next class we will make snowmen out of paving bricks. COME JOIN US - WE HAVE ALLOT OF LAUGHS AND GO HOME WITH A CUTE CRAFT ITEM!    Pictured are Angie Kesler, Mardi Helm, Phyllis Zimmerman, Kathy Rademacher, Michelle Vaughn and Leela Sprenger, not in picture is Tami Miller (took the photo)

Our goal was $50,000 & we made it!  Our Anamoose Area Community Foundation was started in May with $10,000 from the Horizons Leadership program.  We raised another $25,000 in order to get a $15,000 match from the ND Community Foundation.  We plan to award grants this spring. 

 The largest single contributor was the Anamoose Civic Club.  Pictured is Linda Dusek, treasurer (left) giving me (Alyce Heer, Chairman AACF) a check for $5,000.   

The Anamoose/Drake grade school students ( K-6 ) held their annual Christmas concert in Drake on December 11th. It was an evening of entertainment with piano, vocal, and instrumental selections led by Valerie Holler. Good job musicians!!!!!

             Eight ladies made “Christmas Swags” to decorate their homes this afternoon at the Anamoose Senior Citizens Club.  The monthly gathering has turned into a fun event for all and many friendships have developed. The following ladies participated in this month’s craft class: back row=Tami Miller, Angie Kesler, Leela Springer, Mardi Helm, Leader, front row= Phyllis Zimmerman, Kathy Rademacher, and Marlene Whitaker.  The class is open to everyone - just call to reserve a spot.  We will make Valentine Cupids on January 19th.  Call Mardi Helm for more information @ 465-3746.

   We have had 12 classes this year and 103 individuals have made 103 craft projects.  We have allot more ideas and plan to continue this great project in “2009″.  We will welcome anyone that would like to show everyone how to do their creative crafts and remember YOU are welcome to join us in Anamoose!

Since some of us are on both committees, we decided to have the Horizons Steering committee & Anamoose Area Community foundation meetings Wednesday evening.  We are continuing many projects that we started during the 18 month Horizons program.   A few of the many things that we plan to continue are: improving the cell phone service, promote Sunday meals in Anamoose, promote present & new businesses, Anamoose brochure, Farmer’s Market & Community Garden, keep Anamoose attractive, & an ice skating rink next year. 

The Anamoose Area Community Fund has reached $33,000 which included a $5000 bonus from the ND Community Foundation.  The Foundation is now matching $ for $ up to $10,000.  We would like to raise another $8100 before the end of the year.  Donations can be mailed to: Anamoose Area Community Foundation, PO Box 17, Anamoose ND 58710.  In March we will be giving out our first grant money to community organizations. 

             Nine “Crafters” met at the Senior Center to make the cutest pair of snowmen with a warm holiday greeting this afternoon.  This wooden plaque or wall hanging class was given by Leela Sprenger & Tami Miller.  Those ladies that created them included: back row -Angie Kesler, Lois Rott, Tami Miller, Marlene Whitaker, Kathy Rademacher, Marlene Whitaker, and Leela Sprenger ; front row - Mardi Helm, Phyllis Zimmerman and Lillian Schmidt.   Our next class will be on the 8th of December and we will make a Christmas Swag.  Open to everyone - call to reserve a spot - 465-3746!

             Ten crafters made large tin Pumpkin Luminaries to get ready for Halloween Night and light the way for the the many “Trick or Treaters”.  Those participating were:  Phyllis Zimmerman, Judy Derrickson, Melissa Lucas, Leela Sprenger, Janice Buchholz, Sandy Cartwright, Angie Kesler, Kathy Rademacher, Nina Hellund and Mardi Helm, instructor.

          Janice Buchholz taught the ladies how to crochet using the basic skills of double and single crocheting.  Those participating were: Agnes Faul, Judy Derrickson, Melissa Lucas, Phyllis Zimmerman, Angie Kesler, Kathy Rademacher, and looking on and giving guidance were Nina Hellund and Mary Schatz.

Last night Janice Buchholz & I went to an informational Horizon’s meeting in McClusky.  We gave a power point presentation on what we had done in Anamoose under the Horizon’s program.  Patti Patrie also presented what Bowden had done.  McClusky did decide to join the new Horizon’s session that starts this fall. 

Six ladies in Anamoose took plain T-shirts and transformed them into fashionable tops under the leadership of Janice Buchholz, today.  The July craft was a make-over of something we already had in our closets and now we have a new looking top. The participants were: Marlene Whitaker (displaying a top for her lucky granddaughter), Kathy Rademacher,Lois Rott, Mardelle Helm, Alyce Heer, and Janice Buchholz (leader).  The August Craft Class will have us making felt wall hangings - check the posters or call Mardi to register.  The classes are open to everyone - come join us!

  Ten Anamoose crafters made welcome signs for their doors today at the June craft class.  They each had a “MOOSE” displayed on them with the warm welcome.  Please click on the pictures to see them in action and the final product held by each crafter.  We had 2 Bottineau crafters that joined us today, after seeing our handiwork on this blog site.  They are Byrnae Feight and Betty Lund and are pictured in the top picture with Kathy Rademacher.  Other  participants in action are Alyce Heer & Phyllis Zimmerman (see bottom picture).   In the middle picture back row is Leela Sprenger, Marlene Whitaker,  Kathy Rademacher, Byrnae Feight, Lois Rott, Betty Lund and front row seated are Phyllis Zimmerman, Alyce Heer’s sign being held by Chloe Gunderson (Lois’s Granddaughter), Arla Mae Vannett and Mardelle Helm (instructor for this lesson).

We have many volunteers in Anamoose.  I will show just a few.  1.  Janice Buchholz planting 4 barrels of petunias on Main St.  2.  Wayne Vanette goes to Granville to get commodities from the McHenry Co Food Pantry during his 6 months in ND   3.  Pam Heim painting in the park  4.  Phyllis Zimmerman organizes the annual Blood Drive.  5.  Myself & Angie Kesler were helpers for the  Blood Drive.  6.  Mardell Helm gives monthly craft lessons at the Senior Center.  7.  Community Foundation Fund thermometer painted by Pam Heim & Phyllis & Dennis Zimmerman keep it current. 

Some other examples of volunteerism are: workers at Monday night bingo, taking care of flowers & shrubs by Anamoose sign, delivering Monday meals to shut ins, cutting grass for others, changing the marque, senior quilters, and the list goes on & on. 

    Several city residents gathered together at the future home of Katie & Zach Fitzgerald and children, to plant a garden as a surprise, when they arrive in Anamoose in July.  Katie loves gardening but just had a baby girl in Jamestown recently (in fact after the garden was planted).  Seeds and labor were donated by these caring people of Anamoose.  I’ve been waiting for pictures of the actual action but have not received them to date - (they will be added if I get them as I didn’t have my camera with me).  The picture is of the planted plot waiting for the little seeds to sprout.

Twelve ladies made the glass decorated block lights as shown ( click on picture to make larger).  As you can see there were as many variations as there were ladies making them.  Mardelle Helm was craft leader this month.  Craft classes are offered monthly to anyone interested, for the cost of materials.

   Participants at the first class were Kathy Rademacher, Marlene Whitaker, Arla Mae Vanette, Phyllis Zimmerman, Janice Buchholtz, Angie Kesler, Barb Martin and Lois Rott.    Participants at the make up class were Lillian Schmidt, Leela Sprenger and Alyce Heer.                                                                                                                          

It’s a little early yet with this cold weather for garden vegetables.  But we had some vendors at our Farmer”s Market Monday evening.  We hold it Monday evenings as the VFW has Bingo at 8pm. 

I found a great idea when I visited the Gackle blog site.  Gackle, ND will be adding a Summer Arts Program “Capture the Coteau” to their Farmer’s Market.  They will “look at all the wild life and Flora which surrounds Gackle, study it, draw it, sculpt it, photograph it, and then use it to adorn banners, planters, benches, or what ever we can think of to help us beautify the town”.   Go to gackle.communityblogs.us   to learn more about this program and the grant they received.