Wright/Cromwell news

As I’m sitting here in front of my computer typing this week’s news, it is not without pain. I finally had my left knee replacement surgery on Aug. 5 at the hospital in Cloquet, after having it postponed twice due to Covid-19. Yes, I was happy to get it done and over with, but now the hard part, which includes therapy and recovery at home. It’s not that the exercises are hard to do, but I really have to push myself to stretch these muscles back into the best mobility as possible.

I want to thank all the Community Memorial Hospital staff, as they were just great. They were all so patient and kind and so helpful and encouraging. We can be so thankful for the area medical workers as they are truly the essential workers in our area.

Also, thanks for the cards of encouragement, prayers, phone messages and calls. They help more than you will know.

Congratulations to Deb Torvick, as she is retiring from the Floodwood school district after seven years as the school secretary. Deb was usually the first person who greeted me when I subbed there, and she also helped me a lot with the routine at the school and with making changes as needed on my subbing days. I’m not sure if I will attempt subbing again this year, but if I do I know I will miss her welcoming personality.

Joyce Heckman, 82, of Hermantown passed away Aug. 5. Her husband, Fabian, died in 2012. Some of you may remember he was a teacher at the Cromwell School back in the 1960s. He wasn’t at Cromwell long, but I still remember the time our class rebelled and wouldn’t take a test for some long forgotten reason and only one student stayed in his classroom. I don’t remember if we were punished, but it’s amazing what students tried even back in those days.

Several folks have asked how they can send messages of condolence to the family of Lois Gray. You can send your cards and letters to her daughter Kimberly (Gray) Thiede, 16351 Java Circle, Lakeville MN 55044. Contributions in Lois’ memory may be sent to Fairview Hospice Metro at http://www.fairview.org/giving.

The annual Wounded Warriors United Minnesota event has been canceled. It was to have taken place at the Cromwell Park and Pavilion Aug. 22. I talked with Logan Shiflett, one of the organizers, who said some riders might do the ride on their own, but there is no organized event. Send your donations to Wounded Warriors United Minnesota, care of Logan Shiflett, P.O. Box 5, Cromwell MN 55726. All donations go to help wounded vets.

Ann Markusen is resuming teaching her yoga group at the pavilion from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays. Wear a mask. There’s plenty of dance floor space to be appropriately distanced, so no mask wearing is required during yoga. Take your yoga gear home with you. The mayor asks that the bathroom not be used.

The second annual Extreme Teens Youth fundraiser in the Big Top in Wright will be held 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 with a pig roast, music by the Holy Hootenanners and silent auction. Masks and social distancing requirements will be observed. Silent auction items are needed, so call Liz at 218-428-6733 if you can help them out. Funds will support the youth attending the national Lutheran gathering in 2022.

Congratulations to Erv and Lola Pettit as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Remember, you can send your news to me at [email protected], or call me at 218-357-2385. That’s all the news from the Edge of Wright. Stay safe and please wear a face covering when in public.