Rosenfeld News Sept. 12 by Tina Wolfe

Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            The gardening for this year is done and if you could see my face, you’d see a huge smile. I’m taking a holiday for the whole month of September. That doesn’t mean I won’t have anything to do but it will be projects which I chose while I’m having my morning coffee.  The first task chosen was downsizing my clothes closet; a big garbage bag was filled within a short time and taken to the MCC. Adult clothes are not great sellers at a garage sale so it’s pointless to keep till next spring when we plan to have one. The next closet tackled was my fabric stash and crafts supply. I’m planning to move my sewing room down stairs which entailed getting the grandkids to go through all the stuff they’ve played with over the years. This produced two garbage bags one of which will be kept for spring and the other to go to the MCC. Watching the grandkids decide what to keep was very interesting.

School news

            The tally for the Rosenfeld School enrollment is in which sits at 105 and the number is down a bit from last year. There have been some staff changes and this is the update for the new year. Kindergarten – Karen (Enting) Banman who is not new but got married during the summer and has a name change. We would like to extend congratulations to her. Yvette Froese stayed with the Grade One class as well as Jackie Harms with the Grade 2 students. Barb Rempel and Lauren McPhail are sharing the Grade 3 class. Jennifer Klippenstein has taken full time with the Grade 4’s and Denise Wolgemut and Jackie Nickel are sharing the Grade 5 class. Kathy Schroeder stayed in her Grade 6 room, Jason Pilkington kept his position as principal and Rob Fleming as gym instructor. EA’s are Terry Braun, Kathy Thiessen and Nettie Wall and rounding off the school staff are Warren Schroeder as custodian and coordinating the whole she-bang is secretary, Gladys Klassen. We’d like to welcome them back and wish them all a great year.

            The month started busy with picture day on Monday, Sept. 10 and the Grades 3-5 had a Kids at Play in the Park day in Altona on Wednesday, Sept. 12. On Thursday all the parents and staff will be enjoying a Back to School barbeque at 5:30.

            The Stay and Play program will be up and running starting Tuesday, Oct 2.The summer fun may be over but fun activities continue.

Fall hunting

            Fall decorations have begun to appear and pumpkin stands offer a wide range of different sized pumpkins. The corn mazes will soon be busy as families spend time in the fall outdoors. For the hunters it’s the beginning of bird hunting season with the start of crane season and duck and goose are just around the corner. Goose breast when ground up makes very delicious burgers. In this family it’s become a three generation tradition and I’m happy for the guys when they have a good shoot.

August 20, 2012 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            It’s a wonderful sunny morning as I sit down to write the column. The forecast for the week is hot, hot and hot but the nights cool off and the windows are wide open. Many farmers are baling this year so it makes for less smoky nights and is much appreciated. The leaves on our big old cottonwood have begun falling and the scent of autumn is here. We did get rain last week which was a plant saver as even some of the perennials were beginning to show stress. Many farmers, who have combined wheat, barley, oats and canola, have already worked their fields and are waiting to begin harvesting their beans. It’s almost as if we’ve missed the month of August and have gone straight into September.

Plum Fest

            The Plum Coulee festival may not be the biggest but it sure is fun. The committee plans something for all ages but attendance wise it appears that the parade and the dance tent is probably the most popular. The weather was great, even the rain went around so the events flowed right along. One of the bands playing on Saturday night was none other than Jordon St. Cyr from Niverville. Sunday wrapped up with a band doing a Johnny Cash tribute for a large toe tapping audience. The committee deserves a pat on the back for a job well done.

Afternoon in the park

            The children of John and Betty Warkentin hosted an anniversary celebration on Sunday, August 19 at the Altona Park. Due to some family members being gone the weekend of the actual anniversary date, August 11, the gathering was scheduled a week later. Approximately 30 family members helped John and Betty celebrate their 50 years of marriage. Everyone enjoyed the meal catered by Danny’s Whole Hog which of course included barbecued pork, beans, coleslaw, Caesar salad and buns after which coffee and cake followed. The Rosenfeld community would like to wish John and Betty, former residents of Rosenfeld, a happy anniversary.

September 3, 2012 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            The hot days of summer have past and we are definitely into the fall season. The temperature was 12 on the morning of last Monday and you could feel the nip in the air. The lazy, hazy days of summer weren’t lazy around here at all; in fact this summer seems to have been one of the most hectic ones in recent years. I would like to state on record that I will plant a smaller garden next year even though the local MCC does take all the produce I bring. I’m tired and need a holiday. The garden is almost empty; only the melons and carrots are left to take care of. My hairdresser and her husband will be celebrating their 25 wedding anniversary on their yard in the middle of the month and will be taking most the gourds for a fall theme and the melons will go to the MCC. Ah, only the carrots left to dig, wash, peel, chop, blanch and freeze. I don’t know how I would have managed to mow the yard if we had received rain so the dryness was a blessing in disguise. I’m looking forward to a rainy, quilting day.

Farewell

            Long time residents, Harry and Ellen Schmidt have moved to Winkler. They were avid walkers and our streets will definitely be emptier without them but the community wishes them the best.

Let the fun begin

            The Altona and Area Resource Center will again be providing the Play and Stay program for parents and tots. We begin the first Tuesday in October at the Rosenfeld School and it will run mornings from 9:30 – 11:30.

New development

            Nickel’s field on the southeast corner of Rosenfeld will soon be under construction for a new development by MP Properties. Martin Friesen purchased the land and has placed billboards at the corners. These denote lot size and names of streets which include A. J. Thiessen and of course, Nickel. From all reports there is much interest in this development.

Baseball win

            Nate Smith, son of Ron and Loretta Smith, has been very busy with baseball this summer. He plays with the Altona Bison Midgets and on August 19 they won their second consecutive Western Canada AA Baseball Championship. Congratulations on this outstanding feat.

School bells

            The school bells will once again be calling kids in for class this week and the empty halls will be filled with boisterous students. They will definitely be jockeying for the best desk in the classroom and no doubt be moved within the second week. The first month is always an exciting time for students and teachers before everything settles into a routine. Here’s hoping that you all have a good year.

Blue moon

            Did you know that the month of August had two full moons? And this is called a blue moon? And that this is where the phrase “once in a blue moon” comes from?

Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe Aug.14

August 14, 2012 Rosenfeld News by Tina Wolfe

            Fall seems to be coming at full speed. Even though we’ve had a very long hot summer, somehow it’s hard to say goodbye to the days at the beach. The days are quickly getting shorter and many birds have started heading south like the orioles, wrens and brown thrush. The apples are falling from the trees and the tomatoes and peppers are at the end of the canning season. Many farmers are reporting that if they don’t receive rain this week, the corn and beans will be a write off; the ears won’t have kernels and the pods will be empty. Too bad, it started on such a good note this year but the saying goes, “there’s always next year.” How do people live when you run out of hope and prayer?

            I’ve begun setting out my fall displays of gourds and broomcorn. Many of the annuals are drying up and on pulling those out I noticed that they haven’t even formed a root ball which of course explains why they’re dying. I will definitely not be buying any petunias next year: my own are much nicer, hardier and have formed a bunch of roots before going out in spring. They don’t need watering everyday which makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable summer.

Congratulations

            The Rosenfeld Good Neighbour Center was filled with celebration on Sunday, Aug.12. Ed and Diane Heppner celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary and hosted family and friends to an afternoon of visiting and faspa. A short program was held which was followed by much reminiscing.

Car show

            Martin Friesen and Dave and I drove up to Selkirk to take in a car show on Sunday, Aug.12. Friends of ours, Marv and Sara Ginter of Sanford, were participating in the show with their 1952 Ford.  The show was a fundraiser hosted by The Compassionate Friends Winnipeg Chapter organization and entitled the Memories Show N’ Shine. Everyone associated with the organization knows how it feels to lose a loved one because it is made up of bereaved parents A sheet with names of lost loved one was a stark reminder of missing family members. The Candace Memories Show N Shine began nine years ago and has grown from 76 vehicles to over 400 from Skinner’s lot to Selkirk Waterfront and Docks. Due to the rain the turnout was not as busy as usual but Manitobans are a hardy bunch and were seen using anything from umbrellas to orange plastic ponchos while taking in the cars on display. Show participants need not be members of any particular club in order to be part of the fundraiser. Marv and Sara travel to many different shows throughout the summer and enjoy meeting the car enthusiasts.

Aug. 6 Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

            Good news on the Rosenfeld front, we finally got rain. It didn’t hit the inch mark but the plants were all dancing and the flowers were smiling. One week without dragging out the hose is a good thing.

            We have one more corn picking this week and that’s another chore taken off the list. I’m getting a very good crop of corn with not many bugs; let’s hope the farmers are too. The USA farmers are experiencing a corn crop drought which likely will mean a rise in all corn products including my favourite snack; Doritos. I’ve finally scrounged enough cucumbers off the plants and finished canning dills. Now I’m on to the apples which are being attacked by cedar wax-wings. Thank goodness the trees are loaded and I don’t mind sharing.

            The farmers in this area are mostly finished harvesting their wheat and oats and have begun swathing canola. The fields are filled with rows of hills of swath; now let’s hope the seeds are as plenty. From all reports the yields are very good and the prices are in the higher ranges. But like my senior friend always reminds me, “You can’t count the money until the grain is in the bin.” The corn and bean fields are looking good but could use a bit more rain to fill out the seeds and from the looks of things clouds may be here by the end of Tuesday.

Busy long weekend

            I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. We were so busy that I knew I’d need a nap on Tuesday but only after this column and a few chores got done. Saturday we attended a small intimate wedding of nephew, Chris Wolfe and Lisa Dyck. It was held in the Plum Coulee Community Hall and they will be making their home in Winnipeg. Congratulations to the couple.

            On Sunday we made our way down to Lake Bronson, Minnesota to the International Carver’s Show. It’s not a huge event but it’s held in the park and has some interesting displays from antler carving to quilting to bird watching walks. It covers topics for all ages and also music on an outdoor stage. On the way home we stopped for a bite to eat at Lancaster. The restaurant was named The End of the Line and we’ve never been served at the speed we experienced at that place. It was unbelievable.

            Monday morning brought us to Mitchell and breakfast with friends, Jim and Judith Schellenberg. We took in the flea market at the Heritage site and of course came home with a few treasures. It was nice to meet cousin, Anne Dueck, at the sale and what a beautiful day weather-wise. Did you know that there’s a place in Steinbach where you can buy a cup of coffee for 52 cents? Even MacDonald’s can’t beat that price; only when they have their free coffee with breakfast promotion. As you can see, it was a great weekend.

           

Farewell

I would like to end this column on a personal note. Throughout the past few years we’ve been receiving the Ari Post and I enjoyed one columnist in particular, Farm Philosophy, which was written by Mel Groening. I have clipped many of his columns and shared them with family members. He passed away in July but his humour will live on due to his family publishing a book filled with his columns. Condolences go out  to his family. I will miss looking for the next topic.

            Many kids have gone off to camp and some families are visiting friends and family. Harvesting is well on its way and life is busy. Life is good. I’ll attempt to obtain some traveling stories for next week, take care and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Rosenfeld news Aug.2 by Tina Wolfe

The last week in July has arrived and still no rain in sight and habanero hot temperatures. The joke in Mexico about the people sitting around in the afternoon shade is that they’re thinking. Well I’ve been doing a lot of thinking during the month of July. I hate having to retreat inside and admit it’s too hot so very often you’ll catch me sitting on the patio with my feet stuck in a pail of cool water. Just call me stubborn. But I know that since we live in Manitoba those nasty cold days will arrive and then I’ll miss those hot sunny days.

            No matter how much water we’re dumping onto the garden, plants are slowly dying. We usually have cucumbers to share with the neighbours but now are barely getting enough for fresh eating and the dozen jars I want to pickle. The corn which should be ready for picking in August is ripening in full force and we can’t keep up with eating and so the freezing begins. How are the farmers going to be able to provide corn for the Morden Corn and Apple Festival unless they planted some later crops and then will it get enough moisture? And as to the apples; ours have started falling off the trees due to the lack of moisture and stress. There however is always a bright side to all things; we have never had so many melons, cantaloupe and honeydew. Anywhere from 4 to 5 nice sized melons on one plant and the pumpkins and gourds are taking over the garden. The snapdragons which grew by volunteer seeds are absolutely amazing and doing well without watering so those are definitely in the plans for next year’s garden.

Altona Sunflower Festival

            Dave and I have never been as busy on the festival weekend as we were this year. Due to Amber, our oldest granddaughter, being one of the contestants meant we attended more functions than in past years. The business began Friday afternoon when all 15 girls made speeches which were judged by the three festival judges. Theresa Patel was a former queen in 1965, Renee Funk won in 2002 and Megan Bachelor received the crown in 2004.

            The first speech dealt with working as a team and how her and her siblings and cousins were put to work pulling weeds on a canola field. She explained how her negative attitude had rubbed off on all the others and how a change in attitude changed the entire situation. The next girl had spent time in Kenya this spring and spoke of the people being thankful for everything even though it looked as if they had nothing, “We have so much and still are not satisfied.” One girl picked the topic – perseverance and how it had taken three tries to get her driver’s license and many wet tissues, Another topic was concerning making the right decision for the future. The last speech was given by a girl who had spent time up north and how it had been very inspirational to help the students attending a Bible camp. Fifteen speeches and fifteen different topics and very well done.

            Saturday afternoon we watched the contestants dance and walk the runway as they paraded through various themes of the fashion show. It was quite hot but you never would have known by the energy generated by the girls. From old school basketball and baseball uniforms to costumes from around the world the audience was kept entertained. The Australian Sunflower Festival Queen had speed rehearsed in order to be on stage with the local contestants.

            That evening the crowning of the first and second princesses and the queen drew a huge audience. The Altona Park was filled with chairs and for those who had forgotten to bring one, there were benches to sit for the evening show. It began with a four young woman band, Little Darlings, who had just returned from a European tour. They had the audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands as they performed their repertoire of jigs and Celtic music. Once the band was done the contestants made their way on stage and again put on the fashion show only this time it ended with them wearing elegant gowns and the crowning of the queen. The judges must have had a difficult time making their final decisions and Amber wasn’t chosen but what an experience for all the girls and their families. To all the girls who weren’t chosen a bit of advice: you didn’t lose anything. Think of all you have learned, the new friends made and the entire experience. It will make for great stories to your children and grandchildren. And congratulations to the girls who were chosen, may you have a great year.

Best wishes

            Happy anniversary wishes go to John and Betty Warkentin of Altona as they celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary on August 11.  A big happy birthday wish goes to Gabby Wolfe on her 15^th birthday on that same day. Another birthday wish goes out to Martin Friesen on his 68^th birthday on August 20. I have a feeling we’ll be eating lots of cake this month.

July 23 2012 Rosenfeld news by Tina Wolfe

            Summer, what a season! I’m not one who runs to turn on the air conditioner and sit inside when it’s hot but wow, these last few weeks have been hot tamale hot. Okay, I admit I’ve finally said “uncle” and set the a/c at 24 for during the day and 22.5 at night. It’s so humid at night; we’ve stopped opening the windows. Manitoba usually has some hot temperatures but this long stretch of humidity is out of the ordinary.  Our garden is suffering from lack of moisture and emptying the Red River for a couple of peas is not an option so those are drying up. We had a wind storm go through last week Thursday to Friday night but it left little moisture behind. Some farmers in the area have started combining wheat and I imagine they weren’t hoping for rain; or maybe only for their bean and canola fields. This must be a difficult period for the farmers to hope for rain or no rain. All the harvesting I’ve seen so far is being done by straight combining with no swathing first; saves time and money I would assume.

Wedding bells

            Herman and Helen Kuhl began their summer on a very busy note. On May 25 they celebrated the marriage of their granddaughter Amanda Kuhl and Mark Budala which took place in Steinbach. Amanda is the daughter of Glen and Deb Kuhl. The wedding colours were navy and white. The newlyweds are making Steinbach their home.

            Then on June 23 another granddaughter, Teri Kuhl, walked down the aisle to wed her loved one. Teri and Joel Gonske were wed in a ceremony which took place in Winnipeg. Teri is also the daughter of Glen and Deb Kuhl. Their wedding colours were purple and off-white. This couple is making their home in Winnipeg.

            Everyone who knows Helen also knows that she is a very good seamstress. This led to her being very busy prior to the weddings with many alterations which seem to come with wedding occasions. Congratulations to all the wedding couples and their families.

Family gathering

            Martin and Dorothy Friesen of White Rock/Altona held their annual family gathering on July 21. The meal as always was outstanding with varenika, farmer sausage, shmont fat and Saskatoon sauce. The guests added to the meal by bringing salads and desserts which filled an entire table. This gathering was made even more special due to the fact that we celebrated a birthday and an anniversary. Aunt Anna Friesen of Winnipeg hit the number 79 and by the way she looked absolutely gorgeous in her multi coloured red blouse and red earrings, Movie star quality if I do say so. The couple celebrating their 55 years of marriage was Ron and Anne Dueck of Steinbach. The fact that they’ve been going down to Mexico for three months every winter for the past 17 years must factor into their youthfulness; I’m trying to convince my husband of this. Everyone spent the afternoon getting reacquainted. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and though it got hot there were enough umbrellas to sit under so as not to get sunburned.

Baseball

            Russ and Gladys Klassen drove up to Hamiota for the past weekend to watch their son Brett play baseball. They camped in the provincial camp ground in Rivers which is approximately 25 minutes from Hamiota. Brett plays with the Altona Midget AA’s and the team took home the gold after winning their last game against Plumas with a score of 9 – 1. They played 5 games and won all of them. This placed them in the Provincials and they will be busy in Morden on the weekend of Aug.18 playing in the Western tournament. Congratulations to the team.