By Randy Nelson
Since this issue is following so closely on the heels of the fall issue of C-M-C, there is not too much to report in Meanderings. The staff is working furiously to work through the holiday mentality — with only three weeks between Thanksgiving and the holiday break, this mentality seems to have started earlier than usual….. Doug is thrilled to see the early snowfalls hang around and enable him to pursue his favorite outdoor activity, cross-country skiing (and you thought Mini-School canoe trips were his only passion!)….Pauline and Ramona have been enjoying learning the intricacies of the Laser Disc machine and envision its use in their classrooms….we are making sure Joanne keeps in good physical shape with our countless demands on top of her usual coordinating of the program demands — and she still joins a health club!
Alumni News: Josh Stinson assisted on the recent Grantsburg pre-Thanksgiving Hike in Wisconsin — he provided shuttle service, encouragement on the trail, and how-to around the campsite — along with his friends, Sarah and Seven (his dog), he was a great addition to the hike. Although the kids paid more attention to Seven — we always appreciate it when former students come back and help out with the program….Karen Kenefick (mentioned in the last issue) continues to show up and help where needed as well….On the MHS Career Day, five former Mini-Schoolers took time out of their day to give the students insight into their careers and what Mini-School meant in their lives — Kathy Seamans, Ginny Reifenberger, Ron Byers, Joe Riefenberger, and Brad Johnston gave the students some sound advice and we hope, inspiration (article elsewhere in this issue)….Brad Johnston took over for Jamie Brisley and coached the Mound-Westonka Boys Varsity team this fall — regretfully, he did not get an opportunity to play his former team and coach, but there is always next year….Matt Morseth is pursuing auto mechanics at HTC while still working at Amoco in Excelsior — Matt’s younger brother, Pat, is one of Randy’s soccer captains for the 1997 season….former staff member, Joe Komarek, who now teaches in the Wayzata schools, is the sophomore girls soccer coach at state champion Wayzata — congratulations, Joe! — Even parents of former students are getting into the act — the Mini-staff thanks Marlys Bucher (Scott Hedtke) and Craig Cooper (Patrick) for stopping by and grabbing Weatherguide Calendars to sell to co-workers — speaking of calendars, present students Kortnie Hansen and Maya Diedrich are challenging reigning sales champion, Phil Lynott, for the most sales — Phil is going for a unprecedented back to back sales title….Minnetonka staff like Pete Hegrenes and Bud Leak (Super-sub) continue to support the program by overpaying for calendars– thank you…
Mini-School students do the soda pop can recycling for the building — while their efforts go largely unnoticed by most staff and students, the administration and Mini-staff appreciate their time and effort — again this year, these students and Mini-School will contribute $200 to Sharing and Caring from the money received through recycling — the mini-staff applauds the efforts and generosity of the students who participated in recycling.
In student news, Tony Cruikshank remains busy — after performing in Spoon River Anthology this fall, Tony is out for wrestling, which means upon returning from HTC in the afternoon, he still has quite a workout….Another Tony (Kohman) is our key recycler — not only is Tony quick and efficient, but his enthusiasm get others working with his same positive attitude….congratulations to Tami Olson, Ann Kohman, and Marcelle Dorenkamp for their student recognition for first quarter….Christina Sedlak continues to do well in the post-secondary program at Normandale….Angie Peterson has finished her high school career with Mini — we wish her the best and will miss her — congratulations. Angie!….Before this gets too long, I’ll just wish everyone a happy holiday and a healthy and prosperous New Year — see you in 1997….