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“Over the river and thru the woods, to grandmother’s house we go” Volume 19 Issue 12 is great, but I think we took a wrong turn….at Mars, maybe? December 2019 Have a Merry Christmas anyway! Weather: “Far Out” man. “All of the news you really need. Probably more” “Noli credere omnia legis” Go Ahead….Let It Snow. By Mark Minnick As I am writing this article, there is clearing winter paths and moving the nary a flake of snow on the ground in our excess out of the way. fair city. In the Nov. ‘19 issue, I mentioned Who is this person that likes working the little shot of the white stuff that we got with the very stuff that the rest of us in the middle of October. I’m guessing that ‘normal’ people despise? The village idiot? the most of us old boomers were annoyed, An Innuit transplant? A Wampa from the sniveling about how we hate winter and all ice planet Hoth? that goes with it. Nope, it’s the ever smiling Dave As a reminder, winter activity Medina (surname is pronounced just like enthusiasts welcome the white stuff, for the ballroom, he says), maintenance person snowmobiling, skiing and the like. They for the City of Cosmos. He told me that he are generally happy to enjoy life, no matter is looking forward to the winter snow what the weather. Some even ice fish. removal. The general populace disregards these Being the nosey local, I inquired as to goofy people that embrace winter, his roots, his work background and how he preferring to complain and whine, while ended up in Cosmos. I’m not going to tell being grumpy till the next summer. Then his whole story here, but it’s pretty they whine about the humidity and interesting. I bet if you ask him yourself, mosquitoes. Ahhh, Minnesotans. he’ll be glad to tell you his story. Photo by Mark Minnick Anyway, there’s at least one guy in the He filled me in on his employment I hereby invoke the wisdom and power of “The Simpsons” TV series and give Dave the city that is looking forward to the little history, working as a common laborer, moniker, “Mr. Plow”. The title comes from one flakes, falling from the sky for hours, driving trucks and heavy equipment, of my all-time favorite Simpson’s episodes of the turning inches into feet of the white trucking over the road, and doing second same name, “Mr. Plow” - Season 4, Episode 9. powder. And he doesn’t even own a shift snow plowing for the City of Willmar If you haven’t seen it, snowmobile. Throw in some prairie winds after his regular job. It looks like the guy you’re missing one of the best. to pile the stuff up is all the better as far as didn’t sit around much. he’s concerned. Then he goes to work, Continued on next page “A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful…

Here is the sequence in that the snow *If you say you don’t have off street gets removed in the city; parking, figure something out before the 1. Fire Hall snow season begins. It’s your 2. Both sides of Business responsibility, not the city’s. Hwy. 4 (Milky Way) As I finished up my conversation with street & sidewalks Dave, we talked some about holiday foods. 3. City Center Parking Lot I mentioned winter lagers and smoked fish. 4. City Streets He talked of his weakness for the 5. Residential sidewalks on Scandinavian treats, lefse and klub. Hwy. 4 (Milky Way) (pronounced ‘kloob’ for us Germans and He wants everyone to know that other lesser ethnicities.) removal times are going to vary, depending I asked him if my street would get on when it snows and how much we plowed first if I offered him some of my receive. He is aware that there is going to wife’s fresh homemade klub for morning be some learning curve to getting things lunch break. He just smiled and muttered, Photo by Mark Minnick done the most efficiently, but he’s confident “Hoo boy” but didn’t answer. The Tool Cat, left and Skid Loader, right that things will work out just fine. I went home and told wife Deb to have Continued from front page His message to the residents, “Be those potatoes ready to grind and a ham Dave has done all of the preseason aware of the winter parking rules on city bone thawed at the sign of the first big chores that must be done before the first streets, simple as that. If folks wish, they snowfall. I’m ready for snow. So is Mr. snow plowing and removal commences. can get a copy of the actual City of Cosmos Plow. The plow truck, the Tool Cat and the Skid Winter Parking ordinance from City Hall.” Loader are ready to go. Curb stakes and (There is also a quarter page ad that covers other markers are installed in their proper the basic requirements in this Gazette. locations. -Editor-) He has also taken the time to In case anyone has any questions or personally talk to people that normally park concerns about the winter season snow on the street. He wants to make sure that removal, he encourages folks to get a hold they are aware that they can’t park on the of him. There are three different ways; street when snow has to be plowed and City Cellphone: 320.221.4943 removed from it. He added that he doesn’t Personal Cellphone: 320.221.2553 want to be the bad guy if their vehicle gets Email: [email protected] towed. I don’t blame him. As this editor sees it, the upcoming winter He has two individuals that will help season with it’s necessary snow parking with snow removal part time and as needed rules shouldn’t be that tough for us this season, locals John Fruetel and Tom residents to follow. In a nutshell; McCarthy. *Your street can’t be cleared if your vehicle or stuff is in the way. *If it has snowed or is going to snow, don’t park on the street until the snow is Image courtesy wikipedia.org cleared away. Call me Mr. Plow, that’s my name, That name again is Mr. Plow! “Money often costs too much.” Local Chicken May Sub for Rudolph

Local Chicken and the gang trying out some new techniques before the big night. Times are Changing people think chickens are dumb….OK I think it would be a big upgrade. It would then. be faster and maybe keep the jolly old guy Just talking to them, I found out that from getting grandpa rash on the sleigh they don’t even have Netflix or watch but, we’ll let him decide, for now. YouTube ‘cause they’re scared of the So, if you see me leading the flying internets. Sheesh. Of course, I even had to group around before Christmas, don’t be school Santa, as he had no idea that alarmed. We’re just running test flights By Local Chicken chickens could fly. before Christmas Eve. In case you’re I know that it gets I asked him where the heck he’s been wondering, I sprung for a bright red nose. tougher for Santa every and he just shrugged his shoulders. You’d I know the story and am fully aware that year. More kids, better toys and added think that the guy with flying reindeer it may be foggy. stops. I thought that I could help the jolly would be more up on this stuff. I didn’t By the way, talking with Santa, I old guy get the job done quicker and better, want to look like a know-it-all, so I didn’t learned that the naughty kids don’t have to if I could lead the sleigh instead of a even bring up pigs. worry about getting a lump of coal in their reindeer. Think about it, those reindeer I informed him that I just wanted to stockings this year. It seems that the EPA hang out on the cold, cold tundra and eat help out with the cause, while making put the kabosh on that practice, as coal is lichens 364 days a year. Can’t be too bright things easier too. So he agreed to make a just too evil. So, Santa decided to give can they, if that’s all they wanna do in their few test runs before Christmas Eve and see those naughty kids a pair of argyle dress time off? how it goes. If he doesn’t think that I can socks instead. That should make ‘em They could hang out on the beaches help him out, he can go back to old groan. of Hawaii or Florida, sipping fancy drinks Rudolph. It’s his call, I’m not gonna totally with the little umbrella in ‘em and enjoy mess with tradition. fresh seafood. But no, they think it’s great Just between you and me, if we live in the coldest place on the planet. And replaced all of the reindeer with chickens, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From everyone on the… Cosmos Fire Department & Ambulance Squad MINUTES CITY OF COSMOS REGULAR MEETING November 12, 2019

A regular meeting of the Cosmos City Council was called to order by Mayor Gary Martin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Members Tom McCarthy, Emily Van Hatten and Jody Fruetel ABSENT: Angelica Hopp ALSO PRESENT: John Douville, David Medina, Josh Halvorson, Shannon Sweeney and Meeker County Deputy Sheriff Adopt Agenda – A motion by Fruetel, seconded by Van Hatten, to adopt the Agenda. Motion carried Adopt Consent Agenda – A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Van Hatten, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Motion carried. a. October 3, 2019 City Council Minutes VISITORS PRESENTATIONS Allina Ambulance Coverage – Pat Egan was present to present a proposal from Allina to provide workday backup ambulance ser- vice for Cosmos when the community is short of EMT’s/1st Responders for the day. The Cosmos Ambulance Corps has lost sever- al key day coverage EMT’s and may from time to time be short on the coverage due to that. Allina Ambulance – A motion by Fruetel, seconded by McCarthy, to approve Allina Ambulance to provide workday backup coverage as needed for the community. Motion carried. David Drown & Assoc. – Shannon Sweeney was present on behalf of David Drown and Assoc. to discuss potential funding options and timing for projected street and utility projects. David Drown & Assoc. work closely with MN Rural Water which can provide low cost interim financing while the city waits for secured state and federal funding to reimburse for the projects. Bolton-Menk Engineering. – Josh Halvorson was present to discuss project timing, financing and the current schedule for project- ed street projects. Meeker County Sheriff Department – Ryan Schaefer, Deputy Sheriff was present to report on the October activities for the de- partment. There were 55 calls for service in the month, a slight uptick in activity.

November 12, 2019 Bills List - A motion by Van Hatten, seconded by McCarthy, to approve the November 12, 2019 Bills list with check numbers from 13967-14033 for $64,615.33. Motion carried.

Public Hearing 2019 Pay 2020 Utility and Maintenance Assessments Recess Regular Council Meeting - A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Van Hatten to recess the council meeting for the assessment hearing at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried. Open Assessment Hearing - A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Van Hatten to open the 2019 Pay 2020 Utility Assessment Hearing. Motion carried. Mr. Donald Scott was present to discuss his utility and stated he would have it paid by the 1st of December. There were no other comments received by the public either at the public hearing or in writing regarding the 2019 Pay 2020 Utility Assessments. Close Assessment Hearing - A motion by Van Hatten, seconded by McCarthy, to close the 2019 Pay 2020 Utility Assessment Hearing. Motion carried. Reconvene Regular Council Meeting - A motion by Fruetel, seconded by McCarthy to reconvene the regularly scheduled council meeting at 5:40 p.m. Motion carried. 2019 Pay 2020 Assessments - A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Fruetel, to authorize the 2019 Pay 2020 Utility and Maintenance Assessments to be submitted to the Meeker County Auditor for 2020 collection. Motion carried. Shop Office Bids – bids were received for the installation and construction of a maintenance office in the new shop. Total bids received for the 10 X 18 office, including restroom was $22,167. A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Fruetel to approve the construction bids for the office shop. Motion carried. Financial Advisor - A motion by Fruetel, seconded by Van Hatten, to appoint David Drown and Assoc. as the city’s financial advisor. Motion carried. Snow Plowing – Part Time - A motion by Van Hatten, seconded by Fruetel, to pay $17/hr. for temporary part time snow clearing and $19/hr. for snow clearing with CDL license. Motion carried. MnWARN- A motion by Van Hatten, seconded by McCarthy, to participate in the MnWARN system where public entities support each other through natural disasters or other municipal emergences. Motion carried. Public Works – Dave Medina, public works, discussed how informative the training workshops that he has been able to attend. LMC Insurance/SpaceFest Fishing Contest – A motion by Fruetel, seconded by McCarthy, to authorize the City’s LMC insurance to cover the liability for the Spacefest Ice Fishing Contest February 15, 2020. Motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn - A motion by McCarthy, seconded by Van Hatten, to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried.

______- DRAFT-______John A. Douville, Administrator/Clerk -Michael Degner- MINNESOTA -Certified by- *Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine *Equine Gnathological Training Institute USED TRUCK SALES -Member of- *The Equine Dental Providers of America John Boll Exams*Equilibrations*Floating Cell: 612-868-6835 [email protected] Office: 320-877-7331 PO Box 216 Fax: 320-877-7224 Cosmos, MN 56228 www.minnesotausedtrucks.com The Galactic Gazette “All of the news you really need. Probably more.” “Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin layed an egg, Batmobile lost a wheel and Joker got away….”

“We gotta mention this holiday song,it’s Eunice’s favorite from 4th Grade.”

Grove City Area C.A.R.E. Program Proud to be a “Living at Home Program” 205 3rd Street South City of Cosmos Grove City, MN 56243 Find us on 320-857-2274 [email protected] f Facebook Winter Parking Notice www.grovecitycare.com * No parking of vehicles or trailers on city streets, Bone Builder’s Exercise Class: highways, alleys and all public parking lots until Meets Mondays & Thursdays @ 9:45am snow maintenance has been completed. Friendship Club-2nd Thursday @ 2pm FootCare Clinic-3rd Wed. -8am-12n * No placement of snow from private property shall Walking – 8:30am-3pm Monday-Friday be put on city streets, alleys or sidewalks. Socialization - BINGO & Education Events Support Groups, Meals, & so much more! Vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed during snow clearing operations. Owner will not be able to Thank You retrieve vehicles until towing fees are paid. We want to thank everyone for their The City will be plowing its own streets this year, visits, cards and kind expressions of sympathy. your cooperation in keeping them clear will be a Especially Duane for all of his tremendous help in getting the whole community loving support and comfort. cleared of snow in a timely manner. Pastor Steve, Pastor Carlson for all their prayers. City staff WILL NOT have time to contact owners to His doctors and staff, all the Hospice people and anyone who touched Brian’s life in any way. have their vehicles moved. The plow will go around A heartfelt “Thank You!” your vehicle and the Sheriff’s office will be called for ticketing and towing. -Family of Brian Radloff- PIONEER HERITAGE INSURANCE LLC Trade Goods f in

520 E. Hwy 12/Suite 104 Litchfield, MN 55355 www.pioneer-heritage.com Office: 320.693.7908 Fax: 320.214.5583 Trisha Kruse Direct: 320.214.3922 Cell: 320.583.4494 Agent [email protected] ID #20334851 Lietzau Taxidermy

From the

Gazette

“By Popular Demand”

Lunch In the -Cosmos City Center- Wednesday, December 11th 11:30 AM till ? For more information contact: Sandy Meyer 320.877.7734 Leave Msg. Gloria Anderson 320.877.7460 Leave Msg. Brought to you by the brain trust at…. The

Gazette It truly is, “All of the news you really need. Probably more.” Veteran’s Breakfast Hosted By Cosmos Legion Family

Photos and commentary by Cheryl Schauman supported by the American Legion family. The dollars you The Cosmos American Legion Family hosted a Veterans donate go directly to our Veterans, Military families and our Day breakfast buffet on Sunday Nov 10. We had a great turnout. communities. Ramona Wright’s birthday was on the ninth and her family joined The Cosmos American Legion family would like to wish her on Sunday to celebrate! The Degner’s had their newest you all a Merry Christmas and wish you peace, love, joy and family member along, what a sweet little baby girl. We heard a prosperity in the new year of 2020! few hunting stories from the hunters who took a break to come Just for fun: One night a Viking named Rudolph the Red was in and eat. The tables stayed full most of the morning while looking out the window when he said, “It’s going to rain.” His people enjoyed the awesome food and company. Thank you to wife asked, “How do you know?” “Because Rudolph the Red all you ladies that labored and provided all the food! It was, as knows rain, dear.” always, very good. Our breakfast buffets are the Auxiliary’s only fundraiser. Joke by Jorgen R., Prunedale, Calif. We truly appreciate your support! At our November meeting, May God Bless You! we did our annual donations to many different Veterans programs Veterans Day Activities at ACGC Auditorium

Students from Mr Hagstrom's class Guest Speaker Gary Smith POW, MIA Table Photos and commentary by Curt Meyer The guest speaker was Gary Smith, a Marine Corps Veteran. The 2019 Veterans Day program was held on Friday He gave a very interesting presentation. He told of all the different November 8th at the ACGC High School. Presentation of the places he served and how in his 12 years of service his family colors was done by the Boy Scout Troop. The Star Spangled moved 11 times. Banner was played by the ACGC symphonic band. Mr. Canavan Program ended with the playing of the Taps. A big thank you gave a welcoming speech. to Gary Smith and to the staff and students of ACGC. Songs were sung by the ACGC Choir and the ACGC Junior Refreshments were served to all the guests. High Choir. Students from Mr. Hagstrom's class did a presentation in honor of the POW's and MIA's. Each branch of the Military was recognized. “Take a moment to remember those you have lost along the way, and, let them know you thought of them this Christmas Eve day” Cosmos Learning Center We’re Gearing Up for the Winter walk our kids through the construction to the disabilities area and show them the progress being and behaviors made. that many of our The kids (and staff) were amazed to students have, see the difference in the building already. the parents are often afraid to take them to Many of the interior walls are gone, rooms family gatherings. The parents are invited have been gutted, windows removed and to share a meal with their child while our By Jason Northrup, Dean of Students the ceilings are all gone. What has been staff is there to assist them with anything It seems crazy to say that we have truly amazing is how much progress is that happens. It is a judgement free gone through the first quarter of our school being made with the renovations. New situation where the parents feel year already. The year is really flying by, walls are all up, drywall is in place, comfortable having the meal with their kid especially with all the changes going on. windows are framed out and painting in and if a behavior happens, we are there to We were a little anxious about the some parts has even started. assist and teach them how to handle the construction and how it was going to We are hopeful that the first phase situation. affect our students. All in all, things have will be completed by our winter break in We also have our holiday show that gone really well with that in mind. The late December so we can move out of the will be happening in December. This is added noise, hustle and bustle of the north end of the building into the also very popular because we invite construction so far has not really caused renovated end. Our fingers are crossed! parents in to watch what the staff and any behavioral issues. Needless to say, We are excited for some of our students have put together for the show. we are pleasantly surprised by this. Our upcoming events. This month we will be Things are really moving along for kids have been curious about the hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for our the learning center and we are excited for construction and of course ask a lot of students and their parents. This has what the future brings…especially when questions. We were given the chance to become a very popular event because due we get into our revamped classrooms! Decorating with Nature Green Thumb Garden Club doing what they love doing best. By Grace Kamrath The Green Thumb garden club had a great time decorating the Christmas tree destined for the library in Cosmos. The ornaments are a collection of home made and ones collected over the years. The club is made of 19 women from Atwater and Cosmos. We meet once a month, usually in our homes, and study one topic for the year. This year our topic was herbs. Also the hostess plans a games usually centered around something gardening. We still have roll call like "name a song with a flower name in it". We also have a secret pal for one year at a time which changes comes December when we draw a new name. Back row: Jennifer Shaul, Marge Flatten, Linda Burns, Green Thumb garden club has a long Pam Walter. Karen Ackermen, Marilyn Sammons, Twyla Lietzau, history with some second generation Bunne Lu Johnston, members. One of our projects this year Front Row: Grace Kamrath, Norma Holmgren, Anne Lund, was to was to weed one of the flower beds Judy Michelson along the boulevard in Cosmos.

“I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” “Food and spices….together. What a concept!” Remember; Take the time to teach a kid how to cook! Himmel’s Futter By Grace Kamrath This recipe is called Himmel's Futter. What in heavens name is that you ask. Well it is heavenly. Translated it is Heavenly. Hash. I was raised in a very German community in Wisconsin with hardly a Scandinavian to be found. So a lot of the recipes in my box have German names. Anyway, this was my aunt Alice Schuett's contribution to family dinners and pot luck at church. It is quite easy to make but unique to see and definitely to eat. It even looks kind of Christmasy. Try it, you might like it!!!

HIMMEL'S FUTTER (Heavenly Hash) ● 2 eggs ● 1 c. sugar ● 1 tsp, baking powder ● 1/2 c. dates, chopped ● 1/2 c. chopped nuts ● 8 rounded tbsp. flour ● 1 tsp. vanilla What if God had sent three wise women Beat eggs well. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and bake instead of three wise men? in 9 x 13 pan at 350 oven for 20 minutes. Cool. 1. They would have ask for directions. Break cake into small pieces and mound it on a nice plate. Cover 2. They would have arrived on time. with sliced bananas, whipped cream and maraschino 3. They would have cleaned the stable. cherries. Some folks put sliced oranges on top for decor but I 4. They would have made a hotdish. prefer the cherries. 5. They would have brought practical gifts. By Grace Kamrath

ACGC October Students of the Month List & photo by Quincy McNeil, Dean of Students

Front Row: Brooke Johnson, Rylan Summerlet, Brinley Grimsgard, Jada Rosenquist 2nd Row: Jillayna Schroeder, Vince Lee, Abbigale Thomas Back Row: Mia Eisenbacher, Elizabeth Malvin, Kady Martin, Calista Ziehl, Jeana Denton Not Pictured: Kaedon Eversole, Savannah LeTourneau Musical musings, recollections and discoveries worth writing & talking about.

So you hang out, eat that sandwich and warm up the toes. Then mom flips ‘em over to listen to the other side. In the Oh Boy, meantime, you’re playing with your ‘old’ Black & White toys while dreaming about what you were gonna get for new toys this Christmas. Cartoons! Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Nat King Cole were just some of the heralded artists that were showcased on the variety albums. Chipmunks and would surely play said Throw in the Carpenter’s, Anne Murray album. and some Glenn Campbell and you’ve got As it turned out, the album was really quite of a variety of genres to learn, savor well produced, becoming a classic in it’s and enjoy. Quite the holiday potpourri of own right. Beside the covers, there was tunes. You could almost smell pine one original number, “The Chipmunk needles and taste the hot cocoa. Song” probably better known as By Mark Minnick There were also the humorous “Christmas Don’t Be Late”. I can still Album covers courtesy wikipedia.org holiday albums that made you smile in a almost sing it word for word, but can’t It seems that as holidays near, we little different way. Stan Boreson and remember what I had for lunch today. think back to good memories from our Doug Setterberg’s “Yust Go Nuts at (Sigh.) youth, and the Christmas season is no Christmas” was one that poked fun at our A second Christmas album with the exception. Christmas vacation from European heritage with loose and funny same name just “Vol. 2” added, was school brings up fond memories for me. covers of Christmas standards, performed released in ‘63. It contains new Christmas Us wonderful kids get a two week with a strong broken-English and song covers with one original called, break from the drudgery of going to Scandinavian accent. My favorite was “Wonderful Day”. I didn’t even realize school every day. Start off by sleeping in “Christmas Goose”, a send-up of Anne that this album existed, so I am going to and getting out of bed an hour or so later Murray’s gold record hit, “Snowbird”. have to give it a listen and see what I’ve than normal. Then it’s a bowl of Cap’n Another was “Uncle Sven (instead of been missing for forty-five plus years. Crunch and morning cartoons in your Santa Claus) is Coming to Town”. Uff I’m not going to list every song that underwear till 9:00 or so. Your mom Da, both remakes (and the whole album) they play on the albums, I’m going to finally suggests that you shut off the TV, are a hoot and fun to listen to. make you go look. They’re classics, I go outside and shovel off the sidewalk. The other fun album I liked was know you’ll recognize the names. Both Groan - OK mom…. “Christmas with the Chipmunks”. Us albums are still available. I checked After that, you meet up with your sixties kids were all familiar with the Amazon and both can be had for around buddies and do some competitive these guys because of the Saturday $15 bucks in CD form. You could also downhill sledding. Tomorrow you might morning cartoons. “The Alvin Show” was stream them from your preferred source. go ice skating on the newly flooded town introduced in 1961 and canceled in ‘62, Give ‘em a listen, maybe a kid like smile skating pond or better yet, the adjacent with 26 episodes. Alvin, Simon and will end up on your face. slough. Just don’t hook your skate on a Theodore were always on an adventure By the way, have you slept in late, muskrat pile. and getting into trouble, instigated by grabbed some Cap’n Crunch and watched If you want to stay home, you call Alvin. Unknown at the time, this little any cartoons in your underwear lately? your buddies to come over and build a rodent surely had what we now describe snow fort or dig some tunnels. This winter as Attention Deficit Disorder. His vacation stuff is great, with the exception adoptive dad, Dave Seville, was always of frozen feet in the five buckle overshoes. there to reign things in just in time for this Eventually you have to come in the trio of anthropomorphic rodent brothers. house, thaw out and have a snack. Once Through syndication, these 26 inside, you realize that black & white TV episodes ran over and over for many more is gonna stay off, because Mom has some years, to the delight of all kids, including LP vinyl stacked on the record player, me. I’m guessing here but, when the playing holiday albums, one side at a Christmas album came out in 1962, most time. You don’t mind it though, you’ve parents were familiar with the characters. grown up with this. Music is good, They proceeded to purchase the album for especially the Christmas type. their kids, knowing they liked the

“A goose never voted for an early Christmas.” -The Galactic Gazette Presents- Tales from the Jingle Bells “All the way?”

thank you. There are actual recognized lyrics at the top of their lungs. There’s big smiles, Tavern to the goofy “Jingle Bells” song parody we sang attentive ears and probably a few tears shed by in grade school. Cool. (See Knowledge Man adoring parents, grandparents and concert By Mark Minnick ad.) goers. Always a great listen and hard to not sing This is another of my adventures that As usual when searching for something, along with the little ones. started out with absolutely zero predetermined the search engine recommends other places you As I dug into the story behind the song, I intentions. A big story wasn’t planned. Just in can go in the search of similar knowledge. In was surprised and intrigued. There’s a lot more case you didn’t know, I tend to wander off to this case, it was ‘planet’ Wikipedia - one of my to the story or should I say song, than most various electronic ‘planets’ in the universe of favorites that I couldn’t do without. Under the realize. Instead of paraphrasing and rewriting the ‘internets’ in search of entertainment, title, “Jingle Bells” it stated, "Jingle Bells" is what I learned from this Wikipedia account of information and exceptional visual art. one of the best-known and commonly sung the tune, I decided to bring the reader sections This tale started out as I was searching for American songs in the world. Hmmm, I of the article that I deemed most interesting. info about a simple, cherished tune but, turned thought, who knew? As I continued to read the I also didn’t realize that Currier & Ives into much more. The resulting journey and short blurb, it didn’t take long to take off for produced so many lithographs depicting this story doesn’t fit in a category defined by one of ‘planet’ Wikipedia and read the whole article - popular activity from the era. I included a our regular columns. Sounds like another tale and read it I did. couple of reproductions for the article that I from “The Cosmic Tavern & Lounge” to me. Holy cow, I did not realize the history of hope you enjoy. I also got a kick out of the Get ready…. this tune, one of my holiday favorites. It seems “Racy” attitude of the tune, referring to taking I actually started this journey on to me that this tune is one of the earliest and the girls for a ride, driving fast while racing Microsoft’s search engine, Bing. I was digging first that we learn in our youth. First or second others and showing your best dolly the trail around to see if there were actually lyrics for graders, even under the instruction of a hard through the woods, just the two of you. What the school kid parody of “Jingle Bells” working music teacher, sometimes have trouble could happen? Oh my… involving Batman. I typed in my query and by memorizing the verses. The chorus is a different Take a look at the Aussie version too; I gosh, I found even more info than I wanted, story though, as the kiddies usually belt it out thought it was great. Written content on this page courtesy of wikipedia.org

"Jingle Bells" is one of the best-known and commonly sung American Pierpont's lyrics are strikingly similar to lines from many other songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) sleigh-riding songs that were popular at the time; researcher Kyna and published under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh" in the autumn of Hammil reasoned that this, along with his constant need for money, led 1857. It has been claimed that it was originally written to be sung by a him to compose and release the song solely as a financial enterprise: Sunday school choir; however, historians dispute this, stating that it was "Everything about the song is churned out and copied from other people much too "racy" (and secular) to be sung by a children's church choir in and lines from other songs—there’s nothing original about it. He’s the days it was written. making money." Although originally intended for the Thanksgiving season, and "Jingle Bells" was often used as a drinking song at parties: people having no connection to Christmas, it became associated with Christmas would jingle the ice in their glasses as they sang. The double-meaning music and the holiday season in general decades after it was first of "upsot" was thought humorous, and a sleigh ride gave an unescorted performed by blackface minstrel performer Johnny Pell in Ordway Hall couple a rare chance to be together, un-chaperoned, in distant woods or in Boston in September 1857. Some area choirs adopted it as part of their fields, with all the opportunities that afforded. repertoire in the 1860’s and 1870’s, and it was featured in a variety of parlor song and college anthologies in the 1880’s. It was first recorded in 1889 on an Edison cylinder; this recording, believed to be the first Christmas record, is lost, but an 1898 recording also from Edison Records survives. Composition It is an unsettled question where and when Pierpont originally composed the song that would become known as "Jingle Bells". A plaque at 19 High Street in the center of Medford Square in Medford, Massachusetts, commemorates the "birthplace" of "Jingle Bells", and claims that Pierpont wrote the song there in 1850, at what was then the Simpson Tavern. According to the Medford Historical Society, the song was inspired by the town's popular sleigh races during the 19th century. "Jingle Bells" was originally copyrighted with the name "One Horse Open Sleigh" on September 16, 1857. Mrs. Otis Waterman, one of Pierpont's friends, described the song as a "merry little jingle", which became part of its new name when published in 1859 under the revised title of "Jingle Bells, or the One Horse Open Sleigh". Lyrics Music historian James Fuld notes that "the word jingle in the title and opening phrase is apparently an imperative verb." (Meaning in other words, ‘jingle your bells’.) In winter in New England in pre-automobile days, it was common to adorn horses' harnesses with straps bearing bells as a way to avoid collisions at blind intersections, since a horse-drawn sleigh in snow makes almost no noise. The rhythm of the tune mimics that of a trotting horse's bells. However, "jingle bells" is commonly taken to mean a certain kind of bell. Jingle Bells *In the next verse (which is often skipped), he Down Under Bells Dashing through the snow falls out of the sleigh and a rival laughs at him: *The Australian "Aussie Jingle Bells" broadly In a one-horse open sleigh A day or two ago, translates the idea of the original song to the O'er the fields we go The story I must tell summertime Christmas of the Southern Laughing all the way I went out on the snow, hemisphere: Bells on bob tail ring And on my back I fell; Aussie Jingle Bells Making spirits bright A gent was riding by Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden ute, What fun it is to ride and sing In a one-horse open sleigh, (Aussie Chevy pickup) A sleighing song tonight! He laughed as there I sprawling lie, Kicking up the dust, esky (beer cooler) in the boot chorus But quickly drove away. (trunk), Jingle bells, jingle bells, chorus Kelpie [an Australian sheep herding dog breed] by Jingle all the way. *In the last verse, after relating his experience, my side, singing Christmas songs, Oh! what fun it is to ride he gives advice to a friend to pick up some girls, It's Summer time and I am in my singlet In a one-horse open sleigh. find a faster horse, and take off at full speed: (undershirt), shorts and thongs (sandals) Jingle bells, jingle bells, Now the ground is white chorus Jingle all the way; Go it while you're young, Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh! what fun it is to ride Take the girls tonight Christmas in Australia on a scorching summers In a one-horse open sleigh. and sing this sleighing song; day, Hey! *Although less well-known than the opening, Just get a bobtailed bay Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut!, the remaining verses depict high-speed Two forty as his speed (2) Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden ute. youthful fun. In the second verse, the narrator Hitch him to an open sleigh takes a ride with a girl and loses control of the And crack! you'll take the lead. sleigh: chorus A day or two ago *Notes to lyrics I thought I'd take a ride 1. "Upsot" is an alternative poetic version of And soon, Miss Fanny Bright "upset". Was seated by my side, 2. Two forty refers to a mile in two minutes and The horse was lean and lank forty seconds at the trot, or 22.5 miles per hour. Misfortune seemed his lot This is a good speed, and suggests the horse He got into a drifted bank should be a Standardbred. And then we got upsot. (1) chorus Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

“Peace on Earth,Goodwill Towards All.” From the members of the…. The Cosmos Lions “We Serve” We appreciate the support we always get from the community and look forward to serving the area again this coming year. Remember, we are always looking for new gals or guys to become members & join us. Feel free to talk to any Lions member or email; [email protected]

FalconThe ACGC

Events, Activities & Happenings in the Atwater/Cosmos/Grove City School District

Josh Kinzler & Cael Blom. All Varsity Awards District Honorable Mention Most Improved: Zach Hinther MVP Specialist: Shelby Shoen Tanner Berghuis and Dawson Miller MVP Lineman: Tanner Berghuis Tanner Berghuis and Shelby Shoen All District Team MVP Back: Josh Kinzler All Section Team MVP Receiver: Dawson Miller Hype Man: Logan Sebus Football Awards

Grid Iron Workers Tanner Berghuis and Mason Studermann Iron Man Award: Carl Blom Team MVP: Tanner Berghuis FalconThe ACGC

Events, Activities & Happenings in the Atwater/Cosmos/Grove City School District

Varsity Awards: MVP Jeana Denton MVP Rachel Wilner Most Improved: Miley Narragansett, Falcon Award: Nicole Whitcomb Volleyball Jeana Denton All Conference and Varsity Letter Winners Rachel Wilner All Conference Honorable Mention Awards

JV Awards

Photo and commentary by Kristi Lilleberg-Barber ACGC Head Dance Coach On Nov 16, 2019, the Falcon Dance Team placed 2nd at Delano on Saturday, only one rank point behind 1st place, Crosby Ironton. All Conference Academic Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Cosmos Legion Family Beack-Thompson Post 126

100th Anniversary 1919-2019 The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. M 2 Sauerkraut hotdish T 3 Chicken pot pie W 4 French dip w/ff T 5 Meatloaf dinner or commercial ttįUG SttíOTS F 6 Ham & cheese sandwich w/soup Bar & Grill M 9 Chicken Alfredo T 10 Hamburger w/soup W 11 Spaghetti T 12 Chili cheese dog w/ff F 13 Roast beef dinner or commercial Happy Holidays!

M 16 Tator tot hotdish T 17 Baked chicken dinner W 18 Salisbury steak dinner T 19 Fish sandwich w/soup Ugly Sweater Party st F 20 Chicken spaghetti *1 Place - $50 Gift Certificate* M 23 Broasted chicken dinner December 27th T 24 Beef stew w/cornbread W 25 Closed Christmas Day 8:30-12:30 T 26 Lasagna F 27 Sloppy Joe’s w/ff Live music by the M 30 Grilled cheese w/chili T 31 Smothered chicken dinner Valley Garage Boyz playing Vintage Rock

Cosmos Community Center Time Warp 24 hour Fitness Center Whozit? Sign up fee: $35.00 $23.00 per month 1st Person $15.00 per month 2nd person $10.00 per month 3rd person

Sign up during regular hours or E-mail [email protected] or call the city office at 320-877-7345 for after hour sign-ups for the fitness center. A Kids Holiday drawing in 1979-with Santa Claus no less! Some of them still live around here, in town even! Ask us about the Extended Library access cards! Can you name any of ‘em? Whozit? The Galactic Gazette Time Warp

“Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.” The Winter Solstice & The Yule Log

Image by Przemyslaw "Blueshade" Idzkiewicz Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day Burn for 12 days, eat some gruel, and pray for the best. Let’s go. of the Winter Solstice on Northern Hemisphere. By Mark Minnick The Winter Solstice arrives here in the Northern Hemisphere As the winter solstice or Christmas approaches, you light the on December 21st. This is when the sun is in it’s lowest daily Yule log and keep it burning continuously for 12 days in maximum elevation in the sky, resulting in the shortest day of the celebration. Then you pray to God, on the shortest day of the year, year. At this time, it is also straight overhead at the Tropic of that a warm spring comes and the seeds germinate. Tough life. Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. The Yule log was a big part of winter solstice celebrations in The length of the day in Cosmos will be eight hours and fifty pagan Europe and morphed into a Christmas tradition, as Europe two minutes. The rest of the time is simply cold and darkness. Here was converted to Christianity. The Yule log tradition has carried in modern day Minnesota, we go over and turn up the thermostat over in a lesser degree to us in the United States as our ancestors if we’re cold, go the the fridge if were hungry and watch the “Yule brought the tradition with them from Europe. Log” burn on TV. It’s Christmas everyday here. So, if you’re feeling a little down and chilly, you better fire Just imagine this astrological event and the resulting weather up that Yule Log, ladle up some grog and chase that yule goat conditions in medieval Europe. You are living in what amounts to around the domicile a few times - it’s gonna be a long winter. It a hut, with very little to eat, trying to stay warm. You ‘celebrate’ could be worse. Remember the humidity, heat rash and deer flies the winter solstice, with your meager crops harvested, a scrawny during the Summer Solstice? animal butchered and the meat hung. Hopefully you have enough An excerpt from wikipedia.com that explains the early Yule Log to ride out the damp, cold and dark winter. In , historian Gerry Bowler notes that the yule log was one of the most widespread Christmas traditions in early modern Europe, with the first recording of its appearance dating to 1184. Bowler notes that the tradition's roots are debated—some saying it is an "enfeebled version of the ancient Celtic human sacrifices" and others saying it's simply related to a feudal obligation of acquiring firewood. Nevertheless, the log was a huge block, lasting for the Twelve Days of Christmas, and it was not burned completely its first year: part of it was saved to light the following year's yule log. While the mostly burned wood waited for its duty to light a new yule log, it was kept around the house to ward off a range of misfortunes, including toothaches, mildew, lightning, house fires, hail and chilblains (an inflammation of small blood vessels brought on from exposure to cold). The log had other magical properties, particularly in An illustration of people collecting a Yule log from parts of Northern Spain and Southern France. Robert Chambers - (1864)

Whoa! Didn’t see that comin’ “Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” Email The Galactic Gazette: [email protected] The Galactic Gazette . . 350 Neptune St. North Look! Cosmos, MN 56228

Co-editors: Rich Gieser and Mark Minnick Reporter for the ACGC Falcon Flyover: LeAnn Melberg Behind the scenes dirty work: Delores Arndt

*A non-profit monthly publication, mailed to the local residents free every month Chicken Dinner! *Out of town subscriptions, 12 months for $25.00 *We encourage our readers to exercise their writing muscles In last months Whozit and showcase said talents. Contact us with your ideas, we can “Bowlerama” edition, we only had use help with reporting and writing articles. Letters to the editor one reader identify most of the are welcome. guys. That person was Kitty Hey….wait a minute! *We will, to the best of our ability, work with you to design an Wothe/Schlueter, depleting our advertisement or announcement to your satisfaction. Drop us Kewpie supply quite a bit. Maybe an E-mail, a letter or talk to any of us personally with your ideas Santa will bring us another batch for the New or questions. Year. If not, were screwed. It’ll be lumps of coal instead…oh *We reserve the right to accept or refuse to publish any and all wait…coal is evil. A nice piece of eco-friendly dead wood then, submissions. All submissions must include the writer’s name or maybe a rock….we’ll see. Merry Christmas anyway. and phone number/E-mail address. Submission deadline is the 15th of the month

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B & W Color ● 1/8 Page $12.50 $20.00 ● 1/4 Page $25.00 $35.00 ● 1/2 Page $50.00 $70.00 ● Full Page $80.00 $100.00 We will do announcements, thank you’s, open houses, bridal showers, etc. Use above pricing and decide how big you want your announcement to be. Feel free to contact us for more info; -Contact Methods- E-mail: [email protected] E-mail for Falcon Flyover: [email protected] Ground Mail: The Galactic Gazette 350 Neptune St N Cosmos, MN 56228 Delores’ Phone: 320-359-0120

See you next month, same Bat time, same Bat channel! Please remember the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces and our veterans, both alive and deceased. America owes them an immense debt of gratitude along with an every day simple “Thank you”.

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” Mug Shots Sign up for prize drawings

Kids & Adults Kids Activities Starting at 5:30

Santa, his helpers and Disney characters will arrive on The Holiday Express 18-Wheeler! Hotdogs, Beans & Soup will be served , starting at 5:00 *Freewill Donation*

Sponsored by The Cosmos Community Club The Galactic Gazette Postal Customer PRSRT STD 350 Neptune St. North ECRWSS Cosmos, MN 56228 Cosmos, MN 56228 U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL