“‘Truly love the people that you serve,’ is what the bishop said to me when I was ordained,” Pastor Elizabeth Stempinski stated adding, “I’ve tried to follow that in my ministry.”

The Red Cross Bloodmobile made a stop in Caledonia Jan. 19 and collected 77 units of blood, which was eight more units than the goal organizers had set at 65. In the photo above George Moe of Caledonia took time to give “the gift of life” during the Bloodmobile’s stop at the Four Seasons Community Center last Tuesday.                                Photo by Zach Thomas

The Red Cross Bloodmobile collected 77 units of blood at the Four Seasons Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The goal was set at 65 based on past drives. Thanks to all donors, and especially to those who waited an exceptionally long time. There were a couple of years that we were not able to reach our goal, so the goal has now been lowered, and that means less staff also.

The Red Cross is stressing the importance of making appointments. If they know how many donors will be coming they can staff accordingly. It also helps to have the donations spaced as evenly as possible during the day. Donors are able to reserve a time for the next drive on March 30 by logging onto givebloodgivelife.org. Enter your zip code, choose Donate Blood, select day and location and select time. Then enter your name and phone number or donor ID#.

It is hard to believe that 15 years ago we had an average of 135 donations in a day. We are working our way back up, and appreciate all the return donors as well as those coming in for the first time.

Those receiving pins for units given are: Todd Lemke 1 gallon, Helen Augedahl 6 gallons, Rita Svehaug 8 gallons, Curt Goetzinger 11 gallons. First time donors were Sue DeWall, Patty Goetzinger and Lynn Fisch.

Persons in Southeast Minnesota have been treated to some amazing winter scenes, as warm nights and high humidity have produced some very thick and beautiful hoarfrost for all to enjoy during the morning hours. About the time the sun finally burns through the thick fog, its warm rays melt the shimmering icing and it falls to the ground. In the photo above, frost-covered trees on North Ramsey. 

At right, pampas grass and a birch tree in the back yard of a home on West Adams were still coated when the sun popped out around noon Wednesday.

Photos by Charlie Warner