Last Friday was a bang-up evening

Thanks to the city for putting on a spectacular 4th of July show at Engler Park last Friday. Even Mom Nature mellowed out for the evening to provide a dry and pleasant night for listening to the bands and viewing the fireworks. The DDA (Downtown Development Association) manned the food stands, earning money to help keep downtown beautiful. Many of those on hand for the evening were curious about a burning object that was spotted in the southern sky. Best guess by those who seemed to know about such things, was a balloon designed to flare brightly before extinguishing itself and falling to the ground. Hum-m-m.

Well Traveled … Angie Hahn has returned recently from a two week tour that included Copenhagen, Norway, and Russia. Angie and six of her close friends from graduate school days boarded the Princess Cruise Line in Copenhagen for the tour of numerous cities in Russia, where the intrepid Angie had a couple of hair-raising experiences not listed on the travel brochure.

M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E … Shelia Allen, her daughter and son-in-law Dustin and Laura Murray, and their two children Carter, 5, and Clara, 1, spent a fun-filled week in Orlando, Fla., taking in the many sights and experiences of Disney World. They stayed in a family cabin at Fort Wilderness in the Disney World complex and each day took in the attractions in Fantasyland, including Character Lunches and watching the nightly spectacular parade.

Meanwhile, on the other coast … Arlene Jones and daughter Emily made the trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., in late May. They went with Arlene’s mother-in-law, and a good friend, Jamie Boyer and her two daughters. Disney is promoting a “Year of a Million Dreams” event this year, where each day the park gives out little ‘prizes’ ranging from free trading pins, tattoos, and stickers to even larger prizes such as VIP seating for shows, no waiting for specific rides, and free items from stores. The big prize daily is being the Honorary Grand Marshall of the Parade of Dreams. The Jones crew was thrilled to receive several of the dream prizes and to be picked as Grand Marshalls one evening. Pictures available for viewing on request.

Over all, it was a lovely wedding … Doris Overall Hawkins of Columbia and Robert Griffith of Lexington, Ky., were married in Columbia on Saturday, June 14. The happy couple are living in Lexington. Those from Farmington who attended the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Kollmeyer and son, Terry, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Cole, Margaret Norton, Elma Jennings and son, Ben Jennings. Also attending were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wamble and daughter Kathryn, Mr. David Bequette and daughter Caroline, and Mr. & Mrs. Mike Adams, Casey, Dan, and Kayla from St. Louis.

Big news … Tyler June Crites was born on June 10 to proud parents Jason and Erin Crites of Farmington. Tyler weighed 10 pounds, 13 ounces and is a brother for 2-year-old Elijah Crites. He is the fifth grandchild for paternal grandparents Dale and Lynn Crites. His maternal grandmother is Kathy Rasmussen. Congratulations to all!

Cruising for a Cause … Contact Sheila Allen at First Bank to learn more about the exciting three-day cruise to the Bahamas to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Carnival cruise ship leaves on Feb. 27 from Miami, and returns on March 2. Along with the events available on shipboard, there is one full day for fun in Nassau. Give Sheila a call at 701-0651 to learn more about Cruising for a Cure.

They’re the winners … Mary Barton held the winning ticket for the beautiful handmade quilt at the Country Days Quilt Show. The Show was sponsored by the Presbyterian Women as a project for their mission outreach. Mary is the daughter-in-law of Don and Jane Barton.

Those who won handmade quilts at the 34th Annual St. Joe Parish Picnic were: Sue King, Aline Hollinger, Regina and Marvin Seaton, Susan Ringwall and Winona Haris. They all now have new family heirlooms to pass on.

What went up, must come down … The former Wendy’s Restaurant located on the Wal-Mart lot in Farmington, has been deconstructed, and the rubble removed. We’ll watch with interest for signs of a new building.

Go Navy! … Justin Louis Arnold, a 2008 FHS graduate, has joined the Navy and leaves for Michigan on July 29 to begin his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Station. Justin is the son of Larry and Angela Arnold of Farmington.

Beautiful, beautiful Copenhagen … Yon Wibskov returned on July 1 from a great trip to Copenhagen, Denmark where he spent two weeks visiting with his mother, brothers and their families. While there he also attended his 40-year high school reunion.

And at Copenhagen closer to home … the 9th annual Copenhagen Community Reunion and Croquet Competition will be held on Saturday, July 26. The annual family-fun event is held at the Copenhagen Pavilion on Old Fredericktown Road. The day includes excellent barbeque, prepared by organizers Larry and Joyce Stam, and a wide variety of delicious covered dishes brought by those attending. Croquet begins at 4 p.m. with competition for children 12 and under, Seniors, those 60 and over, and Adults, anyone over age 12. Gay Wilkinson will again thrill the crowd with his famous anvil shoot. Everyone is welcome! Call Joyce or Larry at 756-7295 for information.

Your chance to be a hero or an ingénue … Doc. Reney is looking for a young (teens or early 20’s) girl and boy to take the leads in the melodrama, “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” that will be performed Sept. 27 at Long Hall. A piano player is also needed to provide the exciting background music that lets the audience know something is afoot! To audition, contact Doc at 756-1680. It will be a really fun experience, complete with a villain and his dastardly deeds!

They’ll never heal if you don’t quit picking at them … Blueberry picking began on Thursday, July 3rd at the Mayfield Berry Farm south of Farmington at 1450 Highway OO. The farm is open Monday through Saturday from 7a.m. until 7p.m. Blackberries are still a couple of weeks away from being ready, and probably around late July. Customers can pick-their-own berries for $1.99 per pound, or buy them pre-picked for $3.99 a pound. Fortunately the berries bushes are well spaced along rows and not like the impenetrable wild berry thickets many of us remember from our youth that came complete with chiggers and ticks.

They’re Golden … Both Chester Hager (Esther High School, Class of 1954) and Larry Meyer (Farmington High School, Class of 1954) have achieved the title ‘Golden Alumnus’ in recognition of their 50 years of dedication and service to the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Mo. Both Hager and Meyer received their Golden Alumni awards, along with nearly 60 of their 1958 graduate classmates at a Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Castleman Hall in Rolla. Hager was accompanied by his wife, Sandy, and Meyer by his wife, Sharon, to the three day event on the campus of the Missouri University of Science & Technology. The Hager’s now live at 3001 W. Alveria Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, while the Meyer’s live at 1606 West Lake Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Send a note of congratulations to the golden boys.