Cardinal ground game mashes Spuds, 34-14

By Kerry Collins
The Fargo Forum

These Cardinals are flightless, and they love it.
Alexandria used a punishing ground game to pile up 386 rushing yards on the way to a 34-14 victory over Moorhead at Jim Gotta Stadium on Friday.
That's pretty normal for us, said quarterback Dillon Kelly, who rushed for 83 yards and a score. Everybody knows it's always going to be a run, and they still can't stop it if we get on a roll.
Nathan Kelly and Jack Trebelhorn had 25 carries apiece for Alexandria (3-2). Nathan Kelly finished with 141 yards and two TDs, while Trebelhorn had 134 yards and a score.
The Cardinals led 14-7 at halftime and started the third quarter with a 15-play, 87-yard charge that ended with a 1-yard scoring plunge by Kelly.
The drive chomped 6 minutes, 30 seconds off the clock. Alexandria had the ball for 17:10 of the final 24 minutes. Its first 27 plays of the second half were runs.
They do a good job mixing it up and they are very physical up front, Moorhead coach Rick Eidsness said. They kept pounding it, and we couldn't stop it. They really took it to us.
The bulk of the runs were up the middle, as the three interior linemen were getting tremendous pushes all night.
For example, the Cardinals averaged 5.1 yards per carry on their six quarterback sneaks.
"That's our deadliest weapon," Dillon Kelly joked. Our line works so hard on their strength every one of them squats like crazy. They get a great push every time."
As if the Alexandria needed any help, they got it in the form of a couple key Moorhead (2-3) injuries.
The biggest hit came in the loss of Eric Dowling. The senior standout pinched a nerve in his neck on the last play of last weeks win over Fergus Falls and aggravated the injury in practice this week.

Not by the Cub Reporter

This photo of Abby Williams battling the Apollo soccer team was not taken by the Cub Photographer. He doesn't do action shots. That's why he's the cub. This photo appeared in Tom Obert's hometown newspaper, which he refers to as "The Heckler." Tom liked it because it is a great shot of the girl he has "adopted" so he forwarded it today for use here with the story below. You're welcome. (No word yet on last night's football game. Was there one? Blog fans breathlessly await the news.)

What do we know?

By Tom Obert, Cub Reporter

St. Cloud Apollo 2, Alexandria 1
While it was a disappointing result for our valiant Cards, the cub reporter and cub reporter in training, covering their first soccer game of the year, agreed that Alex had the better of the play and many more quality shots. Too many times, however, they missed from point blank range or, to her credit, were stopped by great plays by the Apollo goalie. Apparently, based on what the St. Cloud fans around us were saying, it was an upset - but what do we know? We went to see our hockey girls, Abby Williams and Kathryn Del Zoppo, getting in shape for the hockey season . . .
Abby Williams chooses U of M, Mankato

The St. Cloud blog correspondent is justly proud of his kids recent accomplishments. In the absence of progeny of my own, I'm proud to report that "our" Abby has chosen to attend U of M, Mankato, where she will play Division 1 hockey (Del is still a free-agent). Her mother told us Tuesday night that after visiting several campuses, including Harvard and Boston College, Abby decided to stay in-state where her family, and the Diehard Fans, will have opportunities to see her play.

Alexandria this Fall -- under the rainbow

Photos by

Diane Hoffman O'Brien

Papa John Herdan reports with pride

John Herdan writes:

Big day for the Herdan kids. In the morning David is the master of ceremonies as his twin sister Jennifer (above, with escort) is named Cathedral High School Homecoming Queen.

In the evening, Cathedral hosts its annual Heritage Recognition Dinner where David plays his saxophone, Jennifer sings with the Minnesingers and David (right) is featured as the keynote speaker in his position as Student Body President. In his speech about what Cathedral means to him, he brings the whole crowd to tears and is the most quoted speaker of the night.

And it's only Monday!!!!!!

Hey Gopher fans, listen up

The Pat Osterberg family of Alexandria will be singing the National Anthem at the Gopher football game tomorrow (Saturday) night - it's Pat, his wife, Stephanie, and their two sons, one a past drum major for the U marching band and another who is currently with the band.

Fall favors the Cardinal

If you think the Cardinals are not the natural favorite come fall, you haven't been looking around. Cardinal red is everywhere. Not just the sumac, or the last rose of summer or the first burning leaf, there's much more. Crimson and maroon flags abound!

Best of luck to the Cardinals this fall. These pictures prove it's your season!

'64 grad Susan Voss to headline Fame lunch

Outstanding District 206 graduates
and staff named to Hall of Fame
Alexandria Echo Press
Published Friday, September 21, 2007
The School District 206 Education Foundation will host the first annual Hall of Fame luncheon to honor outstanding District 206 graduates or staff members.
The event is scheduled to correspond with Jefferson High School Homecoming festivities. The luncheon is Friday, October 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Broadway Ballroom. The emcee will be Alexandria native and 1964 Jefferson High School graduate Susan Voss.
Tickets are $20 each and are available at Cherry Street Books, Elden’s Food Fair and Pete’s County Market, all in Alexandria.
Honorees will be part of the Homecoming parade, as will several other Alexandria alumni.
The Hall of Fame was established to honor outstanding alumni who have earned significant distinctions or achievements in their chosen fields.
Any graduate who graduated in 1987 or earlier, as well as any staff or faculty member who made an impact on the lives of students and retired from the district after serving a minimum of 10 years is eligible.
Nominations were accepted over the course of several months. This year’s honorees were selected by the Education Foundation’s board of directors in August.

Wanna march in a parade?

Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 3:46 PM
Subject: Invitation to Central High/JHS Alumni to participate in Community Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 5th
From: Jill Johnson
First, I'd like to thank the Alumni that took part in the Homecoming Community Parade last year. We had a tremendous response last year from our alumni community with approximately 75 alumni taking part in the parade, ranging from the Class of 1936 to the Class of 2006! I'm working off a list from last year so if you're receiving this email and you are not an alumni, please let me know and I will correct my address book.

It's hard to believe but it's that time of year again and I look forward to the opportunity to grow the participation level even more! Continuing with our celebration of our school district theme "Rich Tradition, Bright Future", Terry Quist (Class of 1971) & I are once again organizing a Central High/Jefferson High Alumni group to walk/ride in the Community Parade in celebration of Homecoming on Friday, October 5th.

The parade begins at 3:30PM, participants need to meet prior to that at the parade starting point @ St. Mary's Church, 420 Irving St. The JHS Parent Advisory Council (PAC) suggests arriving no later than 3:00pm so all the floats & participants can get lined up and the parade can begin on time. The parade route to my knowledge starts at the St. Mary's parking lot; 5th to Broadway to 12th St; ending at JHS with a rally on the far end of the parking lot (close to the football entrance). I invite you to include any children/grandchildren you have attending our schools or that will be future students. They can wear school spirit/Cardinal colors if they want & I think it just reinforces once again our theme of "Rich Tradition, Bright Future". Also, please share this message with other friends or family members that are alumni and may have an interest.

Alumni are invited to stay for the pepfest in the JHS Parking lot, and/or attend the Homecoming Football game that evening at 7:00PM at Citizen's Field when the Alexandria Cardinals take on Little Falls. If you wish to return to your vehicle at St. Mary's after the parade, we will have a District 206 school bus available at the front of Jefferson should you need a ride.

For those of you that participated last year, hopefully you kept your bright red short-sleeved alumni t-shirts with "Class of ...." denoting the year you graduated on the front. If you didn't get a t-shirt last year or need a replacement or different size, Cowing Robards will generously provide those at a cost of $5.00 per shirt. (It may be a good idea to order 1 size up from what you normally would wear so that in case of chilly weather it's big enough to pull over a sweatshirt/sweater). Just let me know when you respond if you need me to place an order for a t-shirt for you. I'll need to know the t-shirt size you want to order and the year you graduated. The t-shirt order deadline is one week from today, Friday, September 28th. I will take care of turning in the orders to Cowing Robards, bringing the shirts to the parade & collecting your $5.00 at that time.

I look forward to hearing from you and truly hope you can join us in this fun, community event! Go Cardinals!

Jill Johnson

First putt today on No. 16

Days are shortening, the dew stays on the grass longer in the morning, but there is still plenty of fall left. The shortest season is the best of all.(Photo by the trailboss)

Mary Jo's Mom dies

Anna Simenson, 84
Alexandria Echo Press
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Anna Mae Simenson, 84, died September 13, 2007 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Ann was born March 16, 1923 in Madelia. She was the first of three children born to Oliver and Henrietta (Holte) Martin. Ann attended school in St. James and graduated in 1941. As a young adult, she worked for a dentist in St. James.
On April 8, 1944 Ann married Melvin Simenson. They moved to Alexandria in 1944 where they raised their three daughters. During this time Ann worked at Knute Nelson Memorial Home as a receptionist. She also was the neighborhood Avon Lady.

Ann was a long time member of First Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing the piano, entertaining, visiting with friends, going on camping trips with her grandchildren and playing cards. Some of the best years of her life were spent traveling the U.S. with Mel in their motor home. Ann will be remembered for her kindness and generosity to others.

Those left behind to cherish Ann’s memory are her daughters, Connie (Terry) Brueske of Alexandria and Lu Johnson of Carlos; grandchildren, Chris (Kelly) Brueske, Jill (Luke) Vestrum, Lacey (Adam) Baumann and Lindsey (Ryan) Hanson; great-grandchildren, Austin and Mya Baumann; brothers, Robert (Elaine) Martin of Alexandria and George Martin of Platteville, WI; dear friend, Lavina Larson; nieces, nephews and many other friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Mel; her parents, Oliver and Henrietta; daughter, Mary Jo Benson; and son-in-law, Larry Johnson.

A memorial service was held Monday, September 17 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Reverend John Peshek officiating. Music was provided by organist Randy Morken and soloist Bruce Nelson.
Inurnment was held at Evergreen Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Ann’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many special friends.
-------

(Thanks to Paul Strandberg for forwarding this obituary. We have many fond memories of the family, particularly of our late classmate Mary Jo, and we extend our sympathies.
Mary Jo Benson died surrounded by her family and friends on February 28, 2003, at the age of 55, after a courageous fight against cancer. )

The people have spoken, Obert retains title

The results of the weeklong Alexandria JHS Boomers blog poll are in. By a 4 to 5 margin, voters decided Tom Obert was paid just about right and that he should keep his title as Cub Reporter.

Apparently, after five years of service, classmates like things just the way they are.

Keep up the good work, cub.

Thanks to readers for participating in the survey. Watch the right-hand margin for the next important survey question: "Is it more fun at 60 years than it was at 50 years old?" The survey is confidential. The system allows you to vote only once per computer address.

And, by the way, while you're here, feed the fish. Just click on the mouse a few times. Don't overfeed.

Like the article

Hi Stan,

I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your Rusty Rolandson article.

I too went to "First" English Lutheran Church and attended Sunday school across the street. I don't remember Rusty in that setting but everything else brought back memories.

I wish you would contribute more often as you have a wonderful way with words!

Bonita

Ercel's girl files her first report

Hi Stan-
Just had to comment that I am certainly enjoying the cub reporter's stories on Cardinal sports. I know it seems impossible, you may remember I am only one year younger than you, but my 16 year old son, Andrew, is #67 in the first team photo in Tom's report. Andrew played a flawless game, although he never hit the field.

My sister Marilyn (class of 62) is in town for her 45th class reunion tonight, Larry Bjurlin (class of 66) left me a message of condolence today as my brother, Dick Aga (class of 59), was buried this week. Me thinks I just filed a report!

Love the blog, keep up the good work.

Kathryn (Kathie) Aga Lee

Trailboss says: Kathie, thanks so much for the report and kind words. We add our sympathies on the passing of your brother Dick.
Sure enough, that's ol' No. 67 doing his part in the photo below. With the cub's enduring help, we pledge faithful coverage of Andrew Lee's developing career. Please augment our coverage as your time and inclination permit.

Somewhere in this sports report there is a score

The cub reporter headed out on assignment Friday night to cover the excitment of Cardinal football. The editor would like you to know that if you finish reading his story you will eventually learn that the Cardinals lost the game to Sartell, 22-21. But read the story anyway for the drama and suspense. And then you can vote (in the right margin) on giving the cub reporter a new title and a raise. One day left and he's behind, 5-4. He needs some help.

By Tom Obert
Cub Reporter
Of course, any story from Minnesota must begin with a discussion of the weather. Two weeks ago, Dave Rogosheske (Robo) and I (among others) attended the Cardinal football opener in shorts and t-shirts - it was 85 degrees with matching humidity. Last night there were frost warnings so we dressed in full winter attire (it did turn out to be a beautiful evening - the 30 mph winds we had been experiencing all week finally abated at kickoff!).

But, back to the game. The evening began under a dark cloud when the cub reporter-mobile (now 9-years old) refused to start - both the ignition and the steering wheel were totally locked up. We moved all our game paraphernalia into Ruthie's pick-up and belatedly headed to our downtown "tailgating" location. But half way to town I realized the game tickets were still back in my car - a quick U-turn to retrieve them made us about 15 minutes late to our pre-game festivities with Robo.

But, back to the game. The Cards came out firing on all cylinders - half way through the 2nd quarter they had a 21 - 6 lead on the Sartell Sabres (a further bad omen at this point - the Card cheerleaders held up a big "Beat the Sabers" [sic] sign), including a 75-yard TD run by quarterback Dillon Kelly.

It was at that point, however, that the Sabres figured out the Cards don't have a passing game. They put 9 men "in the box" from then on and held the Cards to 3 first downs the rest of the game. Sartell has a big, strong-armed quarterback and many large receivers - that combination dominated the rest of the game. Though the Cards stuffed the Sabres ground game throughout, Sartell came back for a 22 - 21 victory on the strength of their passing attack. Both teams now have 2 - 1 records (Sartell lost to conference favorite, St. Cloud Tech), but Sartell clearly was the better team and deserved to win. We tip our hats to them.

We still expect the Cards to have another fine season (and only two more months to girls hockey!).

Editor's note: The cub has discovered it is tough to take football photos without a telephoto lens, good anticipation and a steady hand. Flashing his blog credentials and positioning himself on the sidelines might help as well, but management has deemed that strategy too risky for an employee with 60-year-old reflexes and some signs of befuddlement. His senior chum, "Robo," pictured above with the cub, is not on the blog payroll. Robo has a son who is an assistant football coach at Ohio State.

Marlene Bettin is new downtown honcho

This week's Heckler reported that Class of 65er Marlene Zimmel Bettin, owner of Sweet Seasons, has been elected president of the Alexandria Downtown Merchants Association. For people interested in downtown merchant activities, a good general Alexandria website is http://www.downtownalexandria.com./

Bettin has long been active in the organization. You go girl.

It was Rusty Rolandson's 61st

By Stan Rolfsrud
The first big star I ever saw in person was Rusty Rolandson. It was at First English Lutheran Church Sunday School. Oh yes, that's right, it’s just First Lutheran Church now. It never was about English parishoners. The name just let you know that services weren’t being conducted in Norwegian or Swedish any more. And apparently they were the first in Alexandria to do this, although there never was a Second English Lutheran Church in Alexandria. No Second National Bank either, for that matter.

The biggest lie I ever heard told to an adult was in First Lutheran Sunday School. It was told to my mother, who was leading a sing-a-long in the main assembly area before we were to dismiss to individual classes. A small firecracker, probably a wickless Zebra, had been broken in half and stomped on. It exploded and the room went absolutely silent. My poor mother wanted an explanation. John Seim had one. “A firecracker fell out of my pocket and he accidentally stepped on it,” he explained, pointing to a wide-eyed pal. My mother had no experience with the accidental ignition of fireworks, so she bought it.

We continued on with “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” or whatever was up. The only one to suffer consequences was me. I was roundly scolded later in the car for having such a big grin on my face after the irreverent occurrence.

I came by my big dufus grin honestly. I was a simple country school student, sitting with Lorlee Bartos, Carol Navratil, Darrell Williams, Kathy Kakac and two dozen other simple folk in a tiny one-room school house south of town. Farmers didn’t like to pay taxes much then either. We had one harried schoolteacher teaching ABCs to first graders and long division to eighth graders.

It was a time of unabashed innocence. Wonder Bread had just been enriched in 12 ways. We played “stretch” by throwing jack knives. Sugar was its own food group. Television was something others watched and told you about. The biggest diversion we had was driving to church functions in Alexandria to witness wonders known only to town kids.

Rusty Rolandson was a very big deal. I learned this one morning when he was late to Sunday School. We were in general assembly in the Parish House parlor room at Ninth and Douglas. The church used this big ornate mansion for a time, before the education wing was built onto the main church. We were probably hearing about our missionaries bringing Jesus to the heathen. Our mission work heavily favored the island of Madagascar. Little stick pins on the world mission map were clustered there, with just a modicum of stick pins sprinkled over the huge adjacent African continent. Only when I learned that there are no lions or tigers in Madagascar did this obvious disparity make any sense to me.

We were five minutes into Sunday School that day when suddenly someone shouted “Rusty!” All heads snapped to the back vestibule. “Rusty!” “Rusty!” I gaped in wonderment at a small, freckled, crew cut lad, who was only mildly embarrassed by the disturbance he had created. “Rusty, sit here!” Boys fortunate enough to have a vacant folding chair next to them would bang on it. “Rusty, here!” Meekly, Rusty selected his lucky companion, settled in, and only then did services resume.

I was probably the only one in attendance who did not know that this was the son of the storied Russ Rolandson, legendary major league baseball player, who had had a brief career somewhere unknown to me, but the glitter of that experience would shine on forever, even through his progeny. Russ came to Alexandria and was a hero to many in the summer recreational leagues and elsewhere. When I learned third hand that Russ Rolandson says you should never call anybody a “bush leaguer” because that was a horrible insult rarely to be invoked, that was good enough for me and I never, ever did.

Even in later years, when I was Rusty’s teammate in varsity basketball, some of the Rolandson magic dust lingered. A comment from him had an extra gravitas. After all, to this very day, I have never seen anyone totally disrupt a meeting by stepping through a vestibule five minutes late.

I haven't seen Rusty since high school. I read he was an All-American on the Gophers baseball team. Classmate Pat Osterberg has seen him. He sent an email to birthday boy Tom Obert a couple days ago:

"OB,

"The captain of the Bears should remember Russ Rolandson and this is his son Rusty’s 61st (he was young for his class, too) birthday. It is also the day Russ Sr. died although I can’t remember the year and it is also Russ and Grace’s wedding anniversary.

"I went back to school in 1990/91 and had a part-time job in Mound working for the Post Office, which included sometimes doing rural routes as a sub (not my favorite job). One day when I was at a large apartment complex tossing mail in the lobby of one of the buildings I heard this loud, 'Osterberg, what are you doing here?' and it was Rusty who lived there.

"We had a short chat and while I got out there several times in the year I had the job I never saw him again nor have I seen him since. He was 41 or 42 at the time and looked just like he did as an 18 year old. He was working for Lego and I believe he still does.

"Have a good one.

Patrick "

----
Thanks Pat. Now, does anybody else have an update on the first big star this country boy ever saw? trailboss@swpub.com

Mike Perreten's Mother dies

Katherine Perreten, 95
Alexandria Echo PressPublished Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Katherine E. Perreten, 95, New Brighton, died August 28, 2007.
Katherine is survived by her children, Mary (Robert) Archer, Ellen (Warren) Larsen, Peter and Michael (Sherry); grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jonathan, and five brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to donor’s choice.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 20, at 10 a.m. with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, (612) 781-1999, 2610 19th Avenue NE, Minneapolis. A brunch will follow the service.
Interment will be held October 20 at Lakeside Cemetery in Osakis at 3 p.m. following the memorial service.
Arrangements are with Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel in Minneapolis.

John Herdan reports that today's Echo also included obits for Bob Davis, father of the late Bill Davis (66) and Dick Aga, brother of Kathy (Aga) Lee (also 66) and son of Ercil (KXRA).

Class of '65 gets KXRA radio recognition

Patty Bratten Wicken at her KXRA post. Bonita Olson Gilbertson, below, who listens to the KXRA morning show regularly, filed this report today:

This morning on the morning show on KXRA our honorary classmate, Patty Bratten Wicken (class of '67) and her co-host Dennis Anholt started talking about the class of '65.

Patty evidently had seen pictures of Tom's birthday bash (which was a hoot, by the way) and she started talking about what a cool class we were.

She said her class looked up to us and wanted to be like us. She then mentioned the blog and said how fun it was to read about us. Dennis asked if her class had a blog and I think she said they had a site but people weren't as chatty and full of news and notes as our class is. Dennis then asked who some of the locals were and she did a pretty good job of remembering a lot of us.

Patty has a memory like a steel trap. I don't think she forgets anything. Too bad more of you can't hear the show as she can really take one down memory lane.

So good for us. People are watching and liking what they see.

One of Tom's daughters,
Bonita Gilbertson

(And Tom, don't take the guff too seriously, my sister saw your picture and wondered if you were single!!! Sorry, Ruth.)

Full coverage of major Alexandria event...

See it now.

The Cub Reporter turns 60!

Media event draws stunning reviews, marvelous photography, sparkling prose, produced by. . . the cub reporter.

Friends of Tom and Ruthie Obert gathered yesterday on Lake Darling to witness and be a part of the social event of the year for all of Douglas County, and possibly Pope as well.

Wine flowed, cake was cut and kudos filled the romantic log cabin as well-wishers gushed over the honoree for his completion of 60 years on life's exciting journey.

Later. . .

This morning the trailboss awoke, poured his coffee, stumbled to his computer and found it stuffed with photos of yesterday's spectacular event. In his enduring attempt to chronicle the important as well as the absurd, he busied himself, trying to make sense of the copious images and notations. The result herewith presented honors faithful readers hungry for news of the cub.

Here is the 60-year-old Obert with his daughters, Bonita Olson Gilbertson, Robin Movold Niedenfeur, Kathy Sherry Skadsberg, and Diane Hoffman O'Brien.
Tom writes: "The day started with a beautiful sunrise, but in keeping with the all good things must come to an end principle, it was rainy, chilly, and windy all afternoon (the ONLY time the entire summer it rained!!). So, unfortunately, we had to move it all indoors where the assembled masses were still able to enjoy the musical stylings of Terry Kennedy and Al Lieffort, (upper left) warmed up while Ruthie and her son, Rob (his first visit here), completed preparations. "(below) That's Dave Harris (above right), voice of the Cardinals, with his trademark Coke.

Upper right, Robin and Margi Movold. Below, with other guests, are Bill and Anne Riggs.


Paul Donley, John Fahlberg, Darrell Maloney, Bruce Bauer.

Kathleen Patrick Kramer

Kathleen "Kathy" Kramer, 60, Alexandria, died September 1, 2007 at St. Cloud Hospital.

Kathy was born July 22, 1947 in Alexandria to Eugene and Anne (Cihler) Patrick.

She was united in marriage to Edward John Kramer on October 23, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union two children, Barbara and Jason, were born.

Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter who gave everything for her family.

She is survived by her husband, Edward of Alexandria; daughter, Barb of Alexandria; son, Jason and wife, Laurie of West Fargo; brother, James Patrick of Alexandria; sisters, Patty LaFond and husband, Kenneth of Blaine, Elaine Weber of Alexandria; lifelong friend, Ruth Terhark. Her memory will be carried on through her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services were held Sept. 5 at Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating.

Pallbearers were Matt Patrick, Joe LaFond, Mel Lukes, Tommy Hedstrom, Dick Susag and Craig Krafthefer.

Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria;

Take the survey; feed the fish

We place tons of photos on this blog; we are curious about whether that causes difficulty for some browsers. Does the presence of a lot of pictures, large pictures, slow your computer to a point that it is not worth it to come here? Please take the survey on the right. Just click your opinion and then press Vote. That will help us in the future.
And while you are at it, please feed the fish in the Marland Madson aquarium. Simply drag your mouse over the fish. They will follow it. Then, a couple of clicks, and they will chase and eat the food. Thank you for your help.
These fish are specially-bred Cardinal fighters; Greg Johnson will look up the genus and species.
Thank you.
The Trailboss
trailboss@swpub.com

Their field is now just a dream

The Cub Reporter drove through the old neighborhood the other day and wrote this lament:

By Tom Obert

For the kids who grew up in Victoria Heights in the 50's and 60's, Fred Foslien Park down by the boat landing is where we all learned baseball, football, basketball, and probably some other things borderline felonious. In what was once a slough protecting the lake, the park was created in the early 50's in a manner that would now be considered a real environmental "no-no!" It has now been returned to its original purpose, leaving in its wake many wonderful, if distant, memories . . .

As I recall, the Heights Class of '65 - John Seim, Pete Hintzen, Chris McCabe, Russ Bey, and me - outgrew the park's baseball diamond about the time we hit our teens, when our voices started to change, and when "Jungle Pete" began to shave. It was also when Pete, who went on to become a power-hitting outfielder for the high school team, began hitting all of our baseballs into the lake and over Swanson's fence (that fence is still there, as seen in the photo).

This trip thru the Heights also produced other revelations. The big "V" basswood tree in Sherry's front yard, where we always caught the school bus, is now completely gone - one arm of the "V" had remained standing until recently. And McCabe's front yard, always a virtual forest - the McCabes could enlist neighborhood kids to help with the raking because they would burn the big leaf piles in the street, creating a lot of excitement - has been thinned considerably.

Obert taking time off his reporting duties to celebrate his 60th birthday. This comment was posted by a friend, Mark Brown: "Wait! Isn't that the same picture as last year when you were 59? Or maybe Ruth should spring for some new clothes for your birthday so it doesn't look the same. Imus is going to mention your birthday on his show."

Goodbye, summer garden

Perry and Betty Larson Butcher departed their summer home on Elm Street in Alexandria this past weekend, heading back to their winter home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Betty grew up in the family home on Elm. She and her husband acquired it a few years ago and have been working diligently to restore it. Her friends remember the big back yard and the old porch swing where the trailboss (above) joined her for a nostalgic moment. The interior has been redecorated and new areas added to it, making it, among other things, a great party house -- at least according to Betty's granddaughter.

Always be wary of a skinny judge

Regrets have been received from the bench. Retired Judge Jim Clifford had hoped to participate in the annual Sevey Open, but undisclosed conflicts prevented his attendance. He did, however, indicate his desire to tee it up with classmates next year, so, Sevey, if you've started the list. . .

Looking slim and hearty in this post-retirement photo, Jim didn't send along much detail about his present activities, location, etc. But in his role as Gonzo Journalist for this blog, we expect new copy shortly, or whenever warranted.

McPhee

The only known photograph of Jim McPhee taken at this year's Sevey Open. Good intensity, good form, true, but anybody got something from another angle?

More pix of Sevey Open arrive in PO box

These came from California. . .
Nee Marilyn Olson, Lynne Spellman, Betty Larson, Sara Smith; Olson and husband, Gerard; Bob Watson, Jeanne, Mary Berglin Oorlog, Russ Oorlog, Smith, Olson.


This one came from Arkansas. . .

From left, Betty Butcher, Diane O'Brien, Stan Rolfsrud, Bonita Gilbertson, Kathy Skadsberg.

The old Cub dons Cardinal feathers again

Tom Obert writes:

. . . we're off and running for the 2007 - 2008 school year! It was a way-to-warm, though beautiful, evening at Citizens Field for the football season opener. The Diehard Fans met before the game for a little downtown "tailgating." Unfortunately, that caused us to miss the first play of the game - which was either a long kick-off return or a long run from scrimmage, the in-stand reporting was fuzzy on the matter.

Anyway, the Cards scored shortly thereafter and went on to 22 - 0 victory over the Bemidji Lumberjacks. Despite pre-season prognostications of a potent offense and an unknown defense, the offense was erratic at best and the defense carried the day. Coach Denny Kalpin, in his 17th season, is now 123 - 54, for nearly a .700 winning percentage.

The Cub Reporters have to admit to leaving the game at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Maritime Museum was hosting a "Boats, Blues, and BBQ" fundraiser, and we wanted to get there before they stopped serving food at 9:00 pm - we just made it. Although it was reported that they had only sold 40 tickets a week and a half before the event, it turned out to be a great success with about 600 attendees.

Will and Kathy Skadsberg auctioned off a boat ride on Lake Minnetonka (photo of Will and Kathy waving from their boat, and used for the auction, taken by the Cub Reporter, c. 2005) - thus continuing Kath's much appreciated contributions to her old home town.

More reports to follow in what is expected to be a banner sports year for the Cardinals. For example, the girls soccer team is unscored upon so far - and if memory serves (though it often doesn't), I believe they have only allowed one shot-on-goal in 2 games!