FROM THE CORNER

On Sunday afternoon, May 22, Pat and I took in the last production of Choral Music Director Jan Mickelson, who has served at least two generations of students in the Stanley-Boyd School District. To Stanley-Boyd’s fortune, Ms. Mickelson has held this position in the school district for the last 35 years. All of the performances she directed have been outstanding. This year’s performance labeled the “Final Curtain Variety Show,” could only be judged super outstanding. It was a time for the hard work done by the students to be showcased. No one was disappointed as each individual, or group of students performing, were outstand- ing. Prior to the final three selections being performed by the mass chorus, Ms. Mickelson invited former students to join the choir in singing Africa. About 10-15 attendees joined the choir.

Ms. Mickelson’s hard work and dedication has built a program with few equals in the Cloverbelt and beyond. A number of her students have gone on to be music teachers. And many students have gained a real appreciation of music in their lives. At the conclusion of the program Ms. Mickelson’s fellow teachers recognized her retirement, the senior students gave her a gift and the entire choir also presented her with a gift. I do question where was our school board in publicly recognizing her loyalty and service to the district. We have retired out many teachers in the past 20 years, who have given their entire, or most of their teaching career in the district, without much, if any public recognition from the school board at the end of their service. Some districts have an annual special evening of awards for district employees during which longevity is recognized. It would be nice if our district did something like that.

*** Sunday, May 22, there was a retirement gala at the Stanley Theater, for Village of Cadott Police Chief Louie Eslinger. To tell you the truth, it was the second most elaborate retirement party Pat and I have ever attended. The most elaborate was my brother's retirement party from Pfizer Drug, where money was no object, although attendance was by invitation only. Louie’s party may have been the second most elaborate but let me tell you it was much better in that many, many friends of Louie’s and his family turned out to celebrate and congratulate him on a job well done. And the attendees were there because they wanted to be and to celebrate with Louie. His family should be commended for the party that was put on. The Eslingers have certainly put notes in the history of Stanley, Louie has cemented a chapter in the history of the Cadott Police Department and his service to Boyd will also be recorded in history. God speed Louie and we hope you have an enjoyable long retirement.

*** Did you know? Don’t let the moonlight or streetlights into your bedroom at night. According to Northwestern University researchers even a small amount of light exposure (from TVs and lamps) while you sleep can activate your nervous system, which elevates your heart rate and can disrupt your metabolism. And just what are us older people with a bathroom nightlight suppose to do? Carry a flashlight to light our path? +++ Kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and radishes are most often recommended as disease-fighting vegetables. +++ In 2021, Wisconsin ranked fourth in maple syrup production with 300,000 gallons produced.

I do wonder how accurate that figure is considering all the small producers that operate around the state. Many produce enough for their family, share it with extended family and sell a little to friends. *** There is lots of building going on all over Chippewa County.

While it is mostly housing, there are a variety of other projects in various stages of development. The earth is being moved for the new Festival Foods Store to be located along Highway 29, near the Chippewa Falls exit, there is lots of housing being built along Highway 29 in Lake Hallie and there are some pretty impressive other developments reportedly on the drawing boards, or soon to start in Hallie. Marshfield Clinic is reportedly going to build a micro-hospital near its clinic in Lake Hallie and there may be a doctor's ovce building also going up. Look for a new Menard’s in Hallie – Menard’s has owned land for such a store for years. And reportedly the Menard’s warehouse, located in the former Shopko building is going to be doubled in size. And if the Northside Elevator project and the Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative solar project both get started this summer, there will be more activity to watch develop along Highway 29 at Stanley.

*** On Tuesday, May 24, the S. C. Swiderski Housing Project, located at 1415 Pine Street in Stanley, held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for their 48 units. The project con- sists of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The project fills a housing need that has been labeled severe in Clark County.

Many communities have jobs available but no housing for perspective applicants. Stanley is fortunate to have a total of 62 new apartments/duplexes under construction or recently completed and available for renting.

*** Here is something to look forward to! “The Greatest Show on Earth” is coming back. Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey have announced that in September 2023, they will be producing a show that will only include performers – no circus animals.

They have already auditioned more than 1,000 performers from five countries and will be making their selections soon. The tour will initially take place in the Untied States, before it goes International.

*** Smile time. Written by Andy Rooney of CBS”s 60 Minutes TV Show: I’ve learned … That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. +++ I’ve learned … That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day. +++ I’ve learned … That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. +++ I’ve learned … That being kind is more important that being right.

+++ I’ve learned … That you should never say no to a gift from a child. +++ I’ve learned … That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way. +++ I’ve learned … That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. +++ I’ve learned … That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. +++ I’ve learned … That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. +++ I’ve learned … That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. +++ I’ve learned … That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. +++ I’ve learned … That money doesn’t buy class.

BY DAVID JANKOSKI