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. 

Tablescapes 2024 - Carrington, ND

 

Did you go to "Tablescapes" at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, October 12th?  One could tell it was a popular  event for ladies because they filled the church dining room to view the tables... each with a beautiful, unique table setting! 

The sponsor, Carrington Medical Center Auxiliary, did a great job of recruiting community ladies to decorate each of the 15 tables with their best ideas... including a theme for each table. 

 After visiting and viewing the tables at 11 a.m., everyone sat down to a nutritious lunch provided by the auxiliary.

 They enjoyed listening to a short program by Sherry Florhaug, as well as musical entertainment by her grandson, Austin Trelstad (who received a standing ovation!).

 The money raised from this event will be used for medical equipment and furnishings for the Carrington Medical Center. 

The Market - August 8, 2023 - Carrington, ND

 Hello everyone! Did you get to come to The Market in Carrington on Tuesday, August 8th?  One whole side of Carrington City Park was filled with all kinds of awesome products being displayed and sold to a huge crowd of community folks. 

As you can see from these pictures, there were quite a few enterprising youngsters selling their own creative products... some who could actually explain how much money they had invested and what kind of profit they hoped to make. Such amazing young people... with whom it was so much fun to visit!  Huge compliments to the parents who supported their children with these projects!!!

Of course, there were all kinds of wonderful baked goods, canned goods, fresh produce, arts and crafts, flower arrangements, food vendors and so much more.  You could tell from the crowds of people that our community is absolutely thrilled with this bi-weekly event and is looking forward to the next Market on Tuesday, August 22nd. 

 #themarket #marketplace #foodvendors #artsandcrafts #photography #freshproduce #bakedgoods #youngentrepreneurs #educationaldisplays

American Legion Post 25 - New Officers - 2023

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, two men from the Carrington community, Tom Sauby and Ryan Zink, were elected as Commander and Adjutant of John Raymond O'Hara American Legion Post 25. 

As many of you know, the meeting was called to discuss whether or not to close the post due to lack of active members.  Several American Legion leaders from across the state came to offer their suggestions/support because they didn't want to see Post 25 close.

 The closure would have affected many important events/activities which we take for granted in Carrington, such as American Legion baseball, Veterans Day and Memorial Day festivities, placing flags in the Carrington cemetery, providing education scholarships and more. 

 Also, the American Legion Auxiliary ladies who are very active in supporting veterans' issues and organizing community events, would also have had to close. 

Hopefully, Carrington folks will show their appreciation to newly-elected Commander Tom Soube and Adjutant Ryan Zink for being willing to take over the important responsibility of managing Post 25. Because of them, Carrington can continue to benefit from and look forward to so many worthwhile Legion activities. 

(Way to go, Tom and Ryan!)

#americanlegion #commander #adjutant #post25 #johnraymondohara #carringtonnd #carringtonndnews

Zink Farms Garden Tour - Carrington, ND

 

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, was the perfect time of year for some Carrington community ladies to tour Brenda Zink's flower gardens. 

 They were thrilled to see such an abundant variety of flowers and colors on such a wonderful, sunny day!  

As you can see from the pictures, Brenda has interspersed rustic tools and antiques throughout her flowers... which enhances the overall beauty of her landscaping.

  

And, if you look closely, you can see all kinds of interesting items peeking out... in, around, and through the green foliage. 

 Not only did the ladies appreciate the immense amount of time and effort that Brenda had dedicated to her gardens, but they also appreciated the yummy luncheon which she prepared for them.  

One of the ladies remarked that it would be wonderful if Brenda would host a tour open to the entire community... as she had done once in years past.

 So, what do you think, Carrington? Maybe we can talk her into to it for next year... when her flowers are at the height of their beauty... just waiting for admirers to come and appreciate them!

Memorial Day Ceremony - Carrington, ND - 2023

 

For those of you who live locally, don't forget to attend Carrington's Memorial Day Ceremony & Luncheon next Monday, May 29th, at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

 The American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries have arranged the program and are providing lunch for the entire community.   The community Memorial Day program and luncheon will be at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

The auxiliaries were happy to see that many community folks came out to Carrington Cemetery to help them place flags on veterans' graves.  Every year they can depend on the thoughtful help of the community to make the cemetery look especially beautiful. 

Attached is a picture of the Veterans' Memorial where our ceremonies were held in the past.  The memorial was placed in the cemetery in 1949 in honor of all military individuals who have given their lives for our country.

America Legions Poppy Poster Winners Honoring Veterans

 

Every year the American Legion Auxiliary, John Raymond O'hara, Post 25, sponsors a poppy poster contest.  Students from Carrington Elementary School create posters which show their honor and respect for our veterans.  This year the auxiliary gave certificates and monetary awards to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place winners of their Poppy Day Poster Contest.  Just take a look at their awesome creations! 

 The winners are:  6th grade: 1st: Mya Neis; 2nd: Laken Johnson; 3rd: Parents don't want his name published. (back row)5th Grade:  1st: Anna VanRay; 2nd: Emerson Bauman; 3rd: Jennie Lee (front row)  Posters of the 1st place winners are sent on to be entered into the contest at the ND state level.  

Be sure to drop by Leevers and look at many of the posters that were entered this year.  Thank you to all students who put effort, time and artistry into their entries... and to the Carrington Elementary School teachers who supported their endeavors. 

Dandelions & Military Children

 

Hello to everyone on this beautiful late-Spring day!  Now that the dandelions are flourishing all over town, I'm hopeful that our ND Summer is finally almost here... especially since our temperature is 85 degrees right now!  When I was looking through some of my American Legion Auxiliary papers this morning, I found an awesome clipping which compares military children to dandelions.  I'm sure many of you have been in the military and perhaps in the position of being a military child, so I'm sharing this ALA article with you.  Hope you enjoy it.

THE OFFICIAL FLOWER OF THE  MILITARY CHILD IS THE DANDELION.  WHY?

"Dandelions put down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy them.  It's an unpretentious plant, yet good looking... and it's a survivor in a broad range of climates.

"Like dandelions, military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them.  They are hardy and upright.  Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military... planted swiftly and surly.  They're ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.

"Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant and extremely resilient.  They have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are... and that a good friend can be found in every corner of the world.

"They learn that to survive means to adapt... that the door that closes one chapter of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences."

I drove around town, trying to find a picture of children playing in the dandelions... but I guess they were all in school.  I did find an interesting looking little deer in a dandelion patch that I thought was cute enough to share.

Wherever you live, I hope you're having a beautiful day!  Good-bye till next time! 

NOTE: The American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries are providing a Memorial Day Program & Luncheon for the community next Monday, May 29th, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Hope you can attend!

 #dandelions #militarychildren #memorialday #americanlegionauxiliary #carringtonnd #carringtonndnews