Outside Looking In
Gayle Van Vooren, a former Mascot employee, was among the 10 winners of the recent Friends of the Library fundraiser raffle (to replace the Chocolate Affair which was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic) and turned her win into an evening to remember for her and two friends.
VanVooren shared her story with the Mascot.
"I was the lucky winner of a ticket to the SMSU Taste event that is held in the spring and fall semesters. I was delighted, of course, because I had never been to their formal dinner events.
"It was also fun to realize the ticket was for two, so I invited Barb Okrina to be my guest, and then we encouraged Laurel Johnson to come with us.
"The Taste dinner we attended was on April and the best April Fool's joke I could ever imagine. The dining area was quiet with formal settings and quiet music playing. We were greeted by hostess Carla Anundson (of Minneota) and guided to a table. What began then was a true experience. The server was polite and greeted us with a big smile to share answers to the questions we had for the meal.
"Water/wine/soft drinks were offered and the nicely planned menu told us what to expect. Fresh bread with honey/cinnamon butter began the meal and from there on each course was just a delight. We three feasted on steak, chicken and pork dishes for our entrees and each was full of flavor and beautifully plated.
"As we prepared to enjoy a peach custard for dessert Chef Ron Walker stopped by our table as a welcome from the students who were so busy in the kitchen preparing the meals. He said he is thoroughly enjoying his position at the Culinary program at SMSU and compliments the students on their fine work in the kitchen.
"We left the area with our expectations met for the wonderful meals we had enjoyed. It may have been April 1m but this one will be remembered for a long time. I thank the SMSU Culinary Department for sharing the ticket for Minneota's Chocolate Affair fundraiser and delighted that my name was pulled from the hat.
"No foolin' ... it was wonderful."
Blood Drive
Please take the time to donate blood to the Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, April 21 at the Minneota Public School gymnasium. Donation can be given between 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. that day. To schedule your appointment, call Angela at 320-223-2499.
Girl Staters wanted
For the past three years, the local American Legion Auxiliary has offered a chance for Minneota High school junior girls a chance to experience Girls State at no cost. From talking with some that have gone to Girls State in the past, it is something they will always remember for many reasons, including the learning experience about government on all levels and the camaraderie with other girls from other towns.
But no one from Minneota has accepted the offer for the past three years (not counting the 2020 COVID year). The Auxiliary is hoping someone steps and accepts this valuable opportunity this year, the 75th anniversary of Girls State. Because no one has accepted here, the local Auxiliary even sponsored a girl from Worthington one year.
Anyone interested can contact Sandy Josephson at 507-872-6706.
For the month of April, the American Legion Auxiliary focuses on children. April 15 is Purple Up Day for military children. Purple is the color chosen because it symbolizes all branches of the military; a combination of Army green, Marine red, and Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy blue.
Hand, Knee & Foot
When Minneota Senior Center director Joanne Myrvik notified us about putting "Hand, Knee and Foot" on our calendar, I figured it was something to do with a discussion group complaining about those parts of the body.
It's actually another card game they have added to their popular weekly card games like "500" and "Bien".
At the request of one of the regulars at the Senior Center, Myrvik agreed to include it on Wednesdays. There were 10 players the first week and 12 the second week.
"Hand, Knee and Foot" is a more challenging points-based card game designed to be more complicated than traditional card games, requiring more math and strategy. It requires several players and several decks of cards. The game required around 324 cards, which works out to about six decks.
Anyone interested in joining should stop at the Senior Center to sign up. The game is played at 1 p.m. every Wednesday.
The Senior Center here has become an increasingly popular place with activities enticing seniors. Myrvik has been involved with the Senior Center for 29 years.
"I love this place and I love the people here," she said. "They have the best spirit. Without the people, it's just a building."