The OABCIG FFA banquet and awards ceremony offered a chance to celebrate. Awards were given for the FFA Degree recipients, Local Proficiency awards and more. At the end of the ceremony, Jerry Chizek was thanked by the students for coming out of retirement to help them through this year. The students were greatly appreciative. The event was adjourned 3-4 times before the students remembered another part of their program, but the ceremony succeeded nonetheless.
Letters From Home/50 states tour, won the hearts of many on Tuesday night, March 28. Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann touched hearts with laughter and tears as they sang and danced through the war eras. They honored veterans in the audience with hugs and handshakes during one performance. Yet, other performances throughout the event involved the audience. One man was smacked with kisses from Erinn Dearth’s bright red lips leaving imprints of her lips all over his face. Another performance had audience members in a pretend car honking and laughing with their black hats on.
OABCIG Solo/Ensemble showcases talent at the King Theatre on March 31. Directors for the event were Jacob Welper and Jacob Pedersen. Accompanists on the piano for the acts were April Wells, Carol Sadler, Kay Bloyer, and Jacob Pedersen.
Much talent occupied the stage this evening from singers in groups, duets, and solos in vocals and instruments. The students were all smiles as they cheered each other on for each act. When one might need their confidence built, their peers were there for them giving hoorays of support. The students performed wonderfully.
The Passion Play at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove on March 29 told the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. High School students acted out the parts as a narrator told the story. The beautiful voices of the choir sang familiar hymns setting the tone of solacement.
OABCIG Elementary Spring Concert was held March 30. Director Neil Anders started the evening out with his 5th Grade band. They played an Irish Folk Song and an American Spiritual among others. Then Linda Johnson leads her Children’s Choir to the stage as they sing with strong, loud voices “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Old King Cole.” Neil Anders and Linda Johnson recognized the 5th graders with a pin and certificates for ice cream at The Bolt in Odebolt.
Mary Lou Redenius provides a place of comfort to travelers who have family in the hospital, or come for holidays, class reunions, or work. Her guesthouse has served the community well. It all started when Redenius worked for a doctor who was starting to provide treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The families had to come for treatments spanning over five to ten days. They were looking for a more homey place to stay rather than a hotel. Redenius had inherited half this house from her aunt. Her aunt’s brother owned the other half, which Redenius eventually bought.
Malcom’s Hardware in downtown Ida Grove has been owned and operated by Brian and Shelley Malcom since 1999. The store provides a variety of paint and hardware products for area residents. Shelley Malcom shared a brief history of how she and Brian came to be the owners. They had experience in the hardware business prior to opening the Ida Grove store.
It was an amazing night well attended at the Pheasants Forever Banquet on the eve of March 25 at the Skate Palace in Ida Grove. Quite a slew of live and silent auction items were lined up to the circumference of the Skate Palace rink. There was hunting gear, many beautiful framed prints and other decor, and many different guns, and more!
The most delicious dinner provided consisted of a generous slice of prime rib, potato casserole, salad, whipped dessert, and buns.
There were auction games for kids and adults and drawings enjoyed by all.
