I have a new son, my daughter is growing up, and I have the most amazing wife. Business is good and growing despite the economy. I am thankful for a supportive family. What will you be thankful for next week?
Though who had the first Thanksgiving is debated between Plymouth, MA and El Paso, TX. I am referring to what El Paso, TX residents now claim as the first Thanksgiving in North America. The town of El Paso hosts a modern event commemorating a day of thanksgiving, celebrated by Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate and his expedition on April 30, 1598.
Plymouth, MA claims theirs happened in November of 1621. First or second really does not matter in my book, the fact remains that two separate groups got together to have a day of thanks. Today we remember it this way according to History.com; “In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.”
So take some time this holiday and give thanks to your God, family, and friends for everything you have!
University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey
UND moved up one spot to No. 5 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, at the same time UND maintains its No. 6 ranking in the USCHO.com poll, following a split last weekend at St. Cloud State.
UND will host the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs on Friday and Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. While not ranked, the Bulldogs will put up a fight. These should be some great games for sure!
Nonprofit Leadership Student Association collects food for Kids Plus program
I am a sucker for food drives. I cannot state how important food drives are for the community. According to student writer Leigh Kelly at the UND office of Media Relations: “University Of North Dakota’s Nonprofit Leadership Student Association (NLSA) is teaming with Great Plains Food Bank, Northlands Rescue Mission, Hugo’s grocers and the Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre (GGFCT) to collect food for the Kids Plus Program to make sure school-aged children do not go hungry. The Kids Plus Food Drive is working to supply children, who qualify for free or reduced school lunches, with nutritious food at home over the long weekends and holidays. The goal is to help more than 100 students in the Grand Forks area by sending weekly bags of food students can discreetly take home for the days they are not in school. Donations are also being accepted at the showing of the children’s production of The Little Mermaid at the GGFCT Fire Hall Theatre Nov. 1 -11. Children participating in the production have made food donations and patrons attending the performances are encouraged to bring a can good or food item to benefit the program. Students will also work with area churches for more food donations until Nov. 30. Please make sure all donations are peanuts and tree nut free and non-perishable.”
Donations will be accepted at all Hugo’s locations Nov. 11-24 in the form of $5 or $10 pre-packaged bags, or by donating the following items:
•Capri Sun/ Juice boxes (no hot chocolate)
•Fruit and Veggie cups/ cans (smaller individual sized is preferred, and pop-top)
•Family sized boxes of mac-n-cheese
•Something like Zataran’s rice and beans (protein)
•Soup (pop-top as well)
•Spaghetti-o’s Gold-fish snack
•Oatmeal and small boxes of cereal
For more information please contact:
Heather Helgeson, Nonprofit Program Coordinator, Heather.helgeson@und.nodak.edu, 701.777.3741
UND Law School Alumnus Elected to the Bench
Big congratulations to Three UND Law School graduates as they were elected to the new positions. They are:
Greg Pinski, Class of ‘99, was elected to the Cascade County, MT 8th Judicial District.
Brad Cruff, Class of ‘94, was elected Judge of the Southeast District of North Dakota.
Dann Greenwood, Class of ‘77, was elected Judge of the Southwest District of North Dakota.
Around Town
GF Public Library: Basic Computer Class- Library2Go
Do you know someone that has trouble with new technology? Get hands-on experience with the library’s newest source of e-books, audiobooks, and videos. You are encouraged to bring our laptop and/or e-reader this Thursday, the 15th from 6 Pm to 7 PM.
UND Sports
Several of UND’s teams are in action this weekend. Men’s Hockey, Women’s Volleyball, and Men’s Basketball are all in town, while UND Football, and Women’s Hockey are out of town. For more information and tickets, go to UNDSports.com
Hairball: An 80s Tribute Band
This Saturday finds Grand Forks going back to the 80s with the arrival of the 80s tribute band: Hairball. Hairball will be playing all your favorite 80s hairband hits. Come rock out at the Alerus this Saturday at 7:30 PM. For more info visit: www.aleruscenter.com
READ Dogs
READ dogs will come to the library the second Sunday every month at 2:00 p.m. Please contact the Children’s Department at the Grand Forks Public Library to make an appointment. Each child reads to the dog for fifteen minutes.