Five generations of the family of Mary Johnson, of Minot, formerly of Towner, met recently for this photo. Bottom row, left to right, is Johnson. Next to her is her son, Leonard Johnson, Granville; holding her great-great-granddaughter, Ava Smette, Granville. Back row are her granddaughter, Nancy Smette, left, and her great-grandson, Travis Smette, both Granville.
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Jacket giveaway project a success
Article Photos
Submitted Photo
Through the generous and kind work of Minoter Bob Gross, about 300 winter coats and jackets were recently distributed to elementary students in Minot.
Gross has been organizing various give-aways for several years in memory of his nephew DaySun Gross who lost his life in a motor vehicle accident.
Michelle Hoff, DECA advisor for Minot Public Schools, coordinated this year's distribution of the coats, jackets, hats and mittens and Perkett, Lincoln, McKinely and Sunnyside schools.
"We gave away anywhere from 45 to 55 jackets at each school," Hoff said. "Some of those schools are in the flood zone. Some kids had coats in storage and didn't know where they were at and some were, maybe, lower income. Teachers sent down some kids they noticed didn't have warm jackets."
According to Gross, donations for this year's jacket give-away included Envy Gentlemen's Club, CTI Trenching, Copper Head Corporation, Global Auto, Acme Electric, United Rental, Homesteader's Restaurant and various individuals. Gross said he was very grateful for all the donations and for the help in distribution.
"We definitely enjoyed being able to help out families," Hoff said. "It was fun to talk with them and find out how many kids they have and to see the expression on their faces when they got new coats, hats and mittens."
Kim Fundingsland
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Open house to celebrate Osts' long-time service
The public is invited to an open house for Wally and Esther Ost Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Center in downtown Minot.
The Osts have been long-time residents of the Minot community. Musically gifted, Wally Ost worked as a piano tuner and was active both as a composer and a vocalist for the First Lutheran Church choir. He also served as a musician in the Western Plains Opera Theatre band and was a long-time member of the Minot Symphony Orchestra. He is perhaps best known as the founder and director of the Brass Band of Minot.
Esther Ost, also musically gifted, owned and operated a private piano and vocal studio. She also served as director of the youth handbell choir at Zion Lutheran and as director of the Cherub Choir at First Lutheran in Minot for many years. Always active, Esther also played the organ at Trinity Lutheran in Lansford for seven years, served as a member of the Piano Teachers Guild and as president of the Minot Music Boosters and the city PTA. Esther's latest gift to the community was to serve as executive director of the Carnegie Center for the past 13 years.
Organizers wished to thank this "gifted and giving couple, and in wishing them a safe journey to their new home in Sioux Falls, S.D."
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Roller derby team seeking coaches
The Mouse River Rollers roller derby league is seeking coaches.
According to release materials from the nonprofit group, coaching experience is preferred, but not necessary.
According to derby league member Alyssa Swiney, the ideal candidate must be highly motivated, have a great work ethic, and the desire to have fun.
Those interested should contact Lisa Pond at 340-9525, or check the group's page on Facebook under Nodak Knockouts.
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Horticulture group to discuss decorations
James Lowe of Minot will be the instructor for a hands-on-project, "Making a Living Holiday Decoration," that people can complete at the Northwest Association of Horticulture meeting Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church's Fellowship Room. The cost is $25 and people need to preregister by calling 525-6795. People should bring pruning shears and a couple of newspapers. The project and meeting are open to the public.