July 2010 Class News

This month we continue with remembrances of the tornado experiences and move into the recovery phase- 'How can we help?' You will find out more about assisting with tree planting and replacing books. This newsletter wraps up with 'Social Briefs'.

From Kathy Newell "It still seems surreal. I did go to Wadena the next Friday just for the day. Found the Newell tombstone down amid such devastation in the cemetery. Talked with Judy Otte Bender – they had a tree down but no other damage." Kathy

Thanks, Chuck for the different link--I was just about to let you know I couldn't get into the other site, but everybody else obviously beat me to it!! Interesting that I was one of of those people who was around all weekend, & never saw a single soul from the class of "57. It was pretty chaotic at that time. However, I do have to say, we are still in the phone book!! We had little or no damage at our house, thank the Lord!! The touchdown started west & south of us. The sirens went off twice, but in spite of that we really had no idea it was as bad as it was until it was all over. Our VFW served thousands of meals to emergency workers, law enforcement, & volunteers for nearly 2 weeks following the tornado. The sad part is all the houses destroyed, the high school & community center. It is really a miracle that no lives were lost.
Sandy Veden White

Delores Simmons Schwartz and husband Don had tornado damage to their home. Dee has started up a facebook account and has photos of the damage on her facebook page. Sorry about the damage Dee and we applaud your courage to enter into the cyberworld.

How You Can Help

Trees for Wadena
Ike Halliwill has been busy getting personally involved:
"Last Friday I returned to Wadena for a meeting to further discuss the "trees for wadena" program. Please forward the web site information to those on your email list. It is a well organized program. Because many of us have a vested interest in the replanting of the cemetery, I have focused on that area. Even though a great amount of progress has been made in cleaning up, it is still a surreal experience to see familiar landmarks changed drastically.
I have committed to a tree purchase and tree planting program.
Some trees have already been planted at the cemetery, but most will be planted next spring."
.
Susan Thompson adds;
I've learned that there is a method already set up for contributing to the tree fund for Wadena. It can be accessed through the website named, not surprisingly, www.treesforwadena.com. There one can click where indicated, which brings you to the website GiveMN.org. where the donation can be made. I got this info from Molly at the soil and water conservation "authorities" in Wadena, so I know its legit. Also contributions can be mailed to Trees for Wadena at 405-First St. S.E., Little Falls, MN 56345.
I went through the paces just now and saw on GiveMN.org that contributions of $10 will buy a plant/seedling. "They" say that $10,000 will be enough to re-tree (my word) Wadena. As of a couple of minutes ago, $960 had been contributed. (July 29 update: $1695)

Dave Olson is a past president of the Rotary club where he lives. "I just read the info on all the tornado experiences which you had posted. Very interesting. I will ask my Rotary Club if we can free up a few bucks to buy some trees for Wadena . . . 2 weeks later . . .
The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary had its board meeting this morning.
I asked for money for trees for Wadena. The board decided to challenge the Wadena Rotary Club. The club will match every dollar the Wadena Rotary raises, to a maximum of $500.
So, let us hope the Wadena guys can do this." Dave

More information on donating to Trees for Wadena or volunteering to plant trees see wadenawind.blogspot.com

Books For Wadena
Ike has also alerted the Newsletter staff of an important further opportunity to contribute back to Wadena. A great need has been found to replace books lost to the tornado from the High School Library. For more on this
go to wadenawind.blogspot.com

Social Briefs
On another front, the Wayne Huffmans visited the Chuck Zosel's at their rented lake cabin in Wisconsin last week. For more on that see chuckofthewoods.blogspot.com