Spring in Wrenshall

This month is feeling a lot more like a new year to me than January did. Social media is filled with posts from folks remembering their last public event before lockdown measures swept the country, and I can’t help but compare each day to where we were last March. There are hopeful signs on the horizon as case numbers fall and vaccinations continue to expand.

Spring in Minnesota is an inherently unpredictable time and the precarious nature of our place in this pandemic seems matched by the season.

The last public event at the Historic Scott House was the annual “pub night” This year, proprietor Jimmy O’Sheetz (as he is lovingly known in March) is presenting the evening to patrons as a virtual affair. Celebrated tenor Marcus McConico and pianist Rachel Inselman will perform Irish favorites that can work easily as singalong ballads in the privacy of your own home. As a special bonus, Sheetz is offering audiences a signature pub night dinner that will be delivered to homes on Wednesday, March 17, which can be enjoyed alongside the music. The menu features cock and bull stew, creamy cabbage salad, rye bread and apple bread pudding with caramel sauce. Both the music and dinner are pay-by-donation, and folks can sign up by calling Mr. Jimmy at 218-384-9005.

One of the annual events that I am feeling particularly sad to miss is the annual homecoming basketball game at Wrenshall school. Anything that mixes formal wear with sports jerseys, I’m up for. The school did announce the 2021 court. Homecoming king candidates are Joseph Bergman, Caleb Johnson, Mark Johnson, Mason Perry and Zeke Rousseau-Sheff. The list for homecoming queen is Brooke Kent, Angelina Kuehnow, Anne Mattson, Samantha Nyberg and Hailey Tauzell.

Wrenshall School will host a virtual Scholastic Book fair March 15-28. The fair will include Virtual Fair 360° interactive opportunities, author talks and book trailers. All proceeds benefit the school’s library.

This year’s kindergarten roundup is planned for April 30 in person. Interested families can sign up by emailing [email protected]. All MDH Covid guidelines on masking, social distancing, and cleaning will be observed.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead with the wish that some things could never be brought to mind again – Zoom, for instance? But “We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”

Share your own Wrenshall-specific story. Call 218-310-4703 or email [email protected]