Americanism Essay Winners - American Legion Auxiliary - Carrington, ND

 

Every year the American Legion Auxiliary sponsors an Americanism essay contest for students in Carrington Elementary and High School.  This year's topic", "What America the Beautiful Means to Me," engendered some very thoughtful, inspiring essays from our children.  

Sam Simons won 1st place at the high school level for grades 11/12, with Nela McKibben in 2nd place, and Kaitlyn Solway in 3rd. Rachel Boeshans won 1st place for grades 9/10, and Kirsten Biel won 1st place in the Special Needs category. Winners in grades 5/6 were Rylee Partlow/1st and Adalee Hintz/2nd.  Winners in grades 3/4 were Sarah Boeshans/1st, Kenny Helseth/2nd, and Parker Wilson/3rd. 

Sam Simons' essay will go on to the ND American Legion Auxiliary to compete with other students at the State level. The Auxiliary wants to thank all the students who submitted such sincere, expressive essays, showing how they feel about America the Beautiful. Congratulations to everyone!    (In these pictures, ALA member Bernice Sandvol presents money awards to the winners of the Americanism essay contest.)

Clara Edwardson Retirement - Carrington, ND

 

Federated Church members honored Clara Edwardson in a retirement party after church on Sunday, March 16, 2025. They wanted to show their appreciation for her many years of playing the organ for their Sunday services.

 As the Carrington community knows, Clara has shared her musical talent with many other churches and events in the past... all who appreciated her willingness to play for them. The Federated Church was especially happy that Clara's expertise allowed her to play beautifully on the incredible pipe organ at their church. 

As she chatted with friends during the party, Clara mentioned that her father had been a concert violinist.  When they questioned her for more information, she showed them a picture of her father alongside a picture of her younger self.  One friend mentioned that she has CD's of Clara playing with her son, who is also a concert violinist. To think of all the wonderful music that she and her family have created for so many years!  

It has been a true blessing for Federated Church to have had such a gifted, dedicated musician enhancing their services.  

Best wishes to Clara as she takes a well-deserved rest from all her practicing and playing commitments! However, we hear that she will still be helping Skyler Patzer become familiar with Federated's immense pipe organ. Thanks so much, Clara, for continuing to help out with that.  Good luck and God bless you in your retirement. 

American Legion District 4 Spring Meeting - Carrington, ND

 

The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary District 4 Spring Meeting took place in Carrington at the Chieftain on Friday, April 4, 2025.  After a social hour and a delicious meal, the American Legion posts and their auxiliaries met together for mutual greetings, introductions and honors. 

The dedication of its members to support our veterans/military and their families was evident throughout the meeting.  One especially impressive part of the meeting was when all Vietnam veterans were acknowledged and honored for their service. A beautiful silver coin was given to each member who served during the Vietnam War era.  

Afterwards, the men and women separated into their respective groups to take care of various Legion business issues.  Before leaving, they were reminded to help themselves to brownies, pumpkins bars and other yummy treats provided by Carrington Unit 25.  

As the evening closed, many members expressed their appreciation to Carrington for hosting the event.