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Wednesday, December 13, 2023
What’s Inside.... C3 — Mick Vander Griend reflects on his own “to grandmother’s house” experiences C6 — Bob & Sally Cook continue to inspire young minds at Lynden Christian C8 — The incredible story behind Pat Hagen the pianist
A supplement of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
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ENCORE At right, Norman Rockwell's quintessential family feast, Freedom from Want, was published on March 6, 1943. Below, the Mick Vander Griend family was chosen the Whatcom County Dairy Family of the Year in 1972. The Guide Meridian farm is where Vander Griend grew up and then would raise his own family. Says Vander Griend: "It seems that many Americans are going somewhere during the holiday season. I think I know where they are going. It is one of two places, either to grandma’s house or as far as they can go from grandma’s house. In other words, a resort or a long trip. I do not understand this second person because I have been the first person all of my life. Neither is right or wrong, but who we are by the circumstances of life that have molded us. So this is written about person number one who I am and understand." (Tribune file photo)
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023| Ferndale Record
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To grandma’s house ‘Back to where one has come from ... it is very important to do so’ By Mick Vander Griend For the Tribune
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ust today in the first week of October I read that it is almost too late to buy tickets for your holiday travel plans. It seems that many Americans are going somewhere during the holiday season. I think I know where they are going. It is one of two places, either to grandma’s house or as far as they can go from grandma’s house. In other words, a resort or a long trip. I do not understand this second person because I have been the first person all of my life. Neither is right or wrong, but who we are by the circumstances of life that have molded us. So this is written about person number one who I am and understand. One has the need to go somewhere, and it is back to where one has been or come from. It is very important to do so. Why else would one submit oneself to the busiest travel day of the year by car or air to go there by driving (or not), looking for parking places, standing in various lines? And when all this system fails, you end up sleeping on a very hard terminal floor. Then you can board your late plane to find a spacious seat just for you, a gourmet three-course meal is served, and you use a clean large restroom exactly when you want it. All this sarcasm is meant to show how important it is for one to go to grandma’s house and the discomfort you are willing to suffer to do so. Not only that, but you are willing to do the same thing next year! So now you have arrived at grandma’s house. You have gone somewhere and now you expect to meet someone. It may not be grandma, but it will be a dear one or dear ones who are very important and treasured. They may be family or friends that bring back memories. Please nurture these relationship of your history. Now you are back there with them and it is so much of who you are -- your identity. When you are there with them, there are several things that need to be done. Certain foods to be enjoyed, events to be attended, conversations and memories shared, church services to participate in. What I have described is a pilgrimage into your past. My suggestions are: anticipate, prepare to enjoy, hug tightly and sing loudly “over the river and through the wood to grandmother’s house we go.” Now I want to share with you a story about when I was a young soldier and could not go to grandma’s house. The needs and desire are as alike today as then. Christmas Eve 1956 While a soldier in Munich, Germany, I spent a very unique Christmas Eve. It was homesick time and I needed to do something to make the best of it. I grabbed a streetcar into downtown in the late afternoon and went out for dinner. Continued on next page
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
In those days you could eat in a pretty fancy restaurant for a couple of marks or 50 cents U.S. I had wiener schnitzel and an apple strudel, two favorite food items of mine. In Karlsplatz there was a brand-new glass-sided Lutheran church that I knew was going to have a Christmas Eve service, which I planned to attend. Karlsplatz was the main square in Munich and there were still a lot of bombed-out buildings in the area including the main post office and the Hauptbanof (main train station). After my meal I went to the church service. I always wore civilian clothing when I went off base so I would fit into the civilian population -- the most important item being German shoes because if you wore blue suede or penny loafers you were always picked out as an American. I looked so German when out in the civilian world that people would often ask me street directions or public transportation information. Then they would be startled when I replied in English or very bad German. At the church service there were many familiar things. We recited the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles Creed in unison. We sang “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger,” songs which were composed in
that part of the world. At first I listened, but then became bolder and joined in with my American voice. An older lady, about 40, beside me smiled at me. She shared her program and hymnal with me as we sang together. The service ended with a tree lighting led by children who came in with candle holders as we sang “O Come Little Children” and “O Christmas Tree.” Both songs are of German origin as well. As we left the service, the lady thanked me in German for being there and being part of the service with her. When I left the church I saw the ruined bombed-out buildings. I thought of the empty part of the congregation, few men between the ages of 25 and 50 and so many women who were alone. I realized the price these people were paying for the choices their leaders had made 20 years before. Yet in that evening she did not judge me nor I her because of what had happened, but we were one together in our faith. Remember: “There is one body and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” Ephesians 4:5-7. Grandma’s house At that time I could not go to grandma’s
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house, but what I chose was to go to the civilian world and away from the harshness of the military world. This was where I was from. The right clothes needed to be worn. I had to be prepared to go. When I got to the civilian world, there were things that had to be done, the meal for me and the church service. Somebody was the lady who shared her hymnal with me and her thank-you. God had given it all to me that evening, even if I was not in the farm home on the Guide eating Christmas goodies with loved ones or in First Church on Front Street in Lynden. Now I want you to come with me to the present. Now I live at grandma’s house or condo. Our dear ones need to come to our home and be with us. They step into the condo and see certain decorations even if they are far fewer now. Grandma’s table is still set with the same china and silverware, gifts from our wedding. It has been set in the familiar gracious way that the dear ones expect. The smells of traditional and new food fill the air, but it does not come from her oven but rather all brought by loving hands in special food containers to keep it warm
Knowledge & Experience
and fresh. After hugs and kisses are exchanged and new ones met, grandpa and grandma are instructed to leave everything in the kitchen and dining area to others and to enjoy the situation. During the next hours this small group of people together carry on their traditions, and it is very good. All too soon, good-byes must be said. Everything has been put away and the dishwasher is loaded. The condo is quiet again. We are all filled with more and new memories. There must be many similar scenes where love and peace still survive. I know for many this is far too idyllic a portrayal of the holidays you will have. Perhaps it may be possible to start your own grandma’s house where someone you know needs to go. There you could be the person with warm open arms to just be with. Remember the very first Christmas day. Someone went somewhere to be with people to do something for them. Christmas blessings. — Author Mick Vander Griend and his wife, Lena Marie, have lived all their lives (except military service) in the Lynden area.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023| Ferndale Record
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Lynden Community/Senior Center alive with cheer By Jennifer Lautenbach For the Tribune
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he Lynden Community/Senior Center is alive with holiday cheer. We kicked off the season with a Christmas Market which included vendors, a center bake sale, silent auction, Saturday community pancake breakfast, selfies with Sinterklaas and face painting with Karli. The center was also a stop in the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. It was so much fun seeing all the people come into the center, some for the first time. The weekend raised about $2,500 that will go toward center programming which includes our awesome Friday entertainment. The festivities don’t stop as the center hosts a Christmas carol sing-along on Dec. 22 after lunch. Lunch that day is chicken enchiladas, and you are welcome to join us. For $6, you get the whole enchilada. And if midnight on New Year’s Eve is a stretch, we invite you to our New Year’s Eveternoon (my new word for a party held around noon on a day around New Year’s) on Dec. 29. The theme is black and white, and our entertainment will be a
tribute to Frank Sinatra. While food, fun, and socializing are a big part of what we do at the center, we also offer education, information and support. On Dec. 19, Lynden Fire Chief Mark BIllmire will be at the center to speak about emergency preparedness. In January we will have presentations on the Whatcom Clean Water Program and the 2024 tax season. David VanderYacht, superintendent of Lynden School District, will speak about the upcoming school bond and levy. I am also working with Dementia Support NW on beginning a monthly dementia caregivers support group. I hope to have that in place by January or February. To keep up to date on all the happenings at the center, become a member. Membership for 2024 is $45 and includes a subscription to our monthly newsletter that outlines all that’s happening at the center as well as our monthly menu. We will close 2023 with 552 members and hope to grow to 600 in 2024. Whatever your stage in your aging journey, know that the Lynden Community/Senior Center is here to help you thrive in our amazing community. As Washington Irving said,
“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.” Please know that our doors are open, and we welcome you to come for lunch, take part in a class, or just warm yourself with our hospitality. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you soon – at the center.
The Lynden Community/Senior Center is alive with holiday cheer. Clockwise from above, the Lynden Middle School Jazz Band performed at the center on Dec. 5. Below right, LCSC member Mary Lou Childs hosted a Christmas centerpiece making event on Dec. 8. Below center, Sinterklaas visited the center on Dec. 2. Below left, Hunter Burger has his face painted by Karli Raftery on Dec. 2. (Photo courtesy Lynden Community/Senior Center)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
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41 years of love and teaching Bob, Sally Cook continue illustrious careers at Lynden Christian By Nathan Schumock Sports Editor
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or more than 40 years, Bob and Sally Cook have been at Lynden Christian, teaching and molding Lynden’s youth. Bob and Sally first met at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1981, but a little luck and some fate brought them together and to Lynden. Sally, who is originally from Everett, traveled to Michigan for school, where she met Bob through a roommate of his. They then began going out and started a relationship that carried the couple to the Lynden area. Bob found a job at LC, working as a fourth-grade teacher and Sally, being from Everett, decided to look in the area too. Sally’s mom informed her that there was a job opening as an elementary school teacher, so she snatched up the opportunity to join Bob and teach the youth of Lynden. They have been at the school for 41 years and a pillar of their interest has been watching the generations go in and out. They frequently have kids who come up and say, “you taught my dad” or “you taught my mom.” The school’s close community and the community at large have encouraged them to continue their work. “This building, is pretty tight-knit,” Sally said. “If you are sick, we’re bringing you food. We’re taking care of you. If there’s something going on, just the ability to just stop and pray in the classroom and for our friends. Cause this is my family here. If you just get us all together, you will hear a lot of laughter.” Both Bob and Sally said the reason they are still teaching is to see the kids succeed. Bob said the “ah ha” moments he sees in kids every year makes all the years of teaching worth it. A few years ago, Sally and Bob’s daughter Emma
For the past 41 years, Bob and Sally Cook have taught in the same building at Lynden Christian. Both Bob and Sally said the reason they are still teaching is to see the kids succeed. Bob said the “ah ha” moments he sees in kids every year makes all the years of teaching worth it. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023| Ferndale Record
ENCORE joined them at LC as a first grade teacher. Emma shares the same building as her parents. Sally said it is a blessing to have their daughter work in the same building as them. “We never expected a thing like this would happen, and then when it did, it was a real blessing,” Sally said. “We live across the street from each other, so we carpool. It’s a really neat thing.” Despite teaching for this long, Bob likes to have fun and stay fresh at school. He is often fashioned with fun t-shirts and said, “You can make me grow old, but not grow up.” Even after 41 years, the Cooks said they do not have an exit timeline from the school. They still love teaching and even if they were not teaching they would still be around with their work family. “It has been a beautiful time and as we near the end it gets more and more beautiful,” Sally said. -- Contact Nathan Schumock at nathan@ lyndentribune.com.
This staff photo of Lynden Christian Schools in 2007-2008 shows Bob and Sally Cook side-by-side in the middle front. (Photo courtesy Bob and Sally Cook)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
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A steadfast commitment to service
Pat Hagen plays piano at the Lynden Community/Senior Center on the second Friday of each month. Hagen's steadfast commitment to service and her unassuming way of sharing her story and faith was a light to Jen Lautenbach, the center's director, in her journey of service to her community. (Photo courtesy Lynden Community/Senior Center)
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023| Ferndale Record
Love of piano, religious walk are key to Lynden resident Pat Hagen By Jennifer Lautenbach For the Tribune
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met Pat Hagen as a volunteer at the Lynden Community/Senior Center. She was one of our first entertainers to come back to the Center after the COVID-19 pandemic. Pat is a wonderful piano player and plays at the center the second Friday of each month. It was just recently that Pat’s friend Marie Van Rooyen told me I had to take a moment and listen to Pat’s story. I was on my way to a meeting, but I am so glad I took that moment to listen. Pat spoke of her childhood, moving to Alaska, and being abandoned by both parents in Spokane when she was a high school sophomore. Pat was led to King’s Garden school in Shoreline where her life changed, and she became a Christian. By the end of Pat’s story, I had tears in my eyes as I listened to her describe her journey from an unstable childhood home to a young woman, convicted in faith and the love of Jesus. I also knew I had to learn more, so I asked Pat if I could interview her and share her story. She agreed and we set a date. When we met again, Pat said her mom and dad were “kids of the depression” and wanted to get rich. They bought a tavern in Spokane, but they didn’t get rich. In August 1951 when Pat was 14, her mom packed up Pat and her three younger siblings and decided to move to Alaska. They traveled in a ’48 Oldsmobile and after three-and-a-half weeks pulled into Fairbanks on Labor Day. They had traveled up the new Al-Can Highway, had seven flat tires and had to pay to get towed through the mud along the way. Pat’s mom had flipped a quarter to decide between Fairbanks and Anchorage, and Fairbanks won. They lived in a one-room cabin while her mom worked as a cook. It was a short stay in Alaska and Pat’s family was back in Spokane for her sophomore year at John R. Rogers High School. Pat described that as the “worst year.” Her mom and dad fought constantly. Pat struggled in the 1,700 student school. Although she earned A’s in English and band, she flunked her other classes. Then her mom moved with Pat’s three younger siblings to Montana and Pat’s dad moved to Idaho to work on bridge construction. At 15, Pat was alone until a friend took her to a youth meeting where the speaker was talking about Mike Martin starting
Pat and Lee Hagen celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. (Photo courtesy Pat Hagen)
King’s Garden and taking in kids from broken homes. Pat’s friend elbowed her and encouraged her to talk to the speaker about moving. When Mike Martin heard Pat’s story he said, “send her over.” Pat got on the bus to King’s with a cardboard box of stuff and no money. Pat had hardened her heart by now and didn’t know what to expect. She lived in a dorm with other female students and was expected work two hours each day during school and eight hours a day in the summer for tuition. Her first job was in the kitchen with other kids like her – original orphans. They weren’t really orphans but didn’t
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know the address of their parents. One night while working in the kitchen, Pat was the last one out. She went to check something in the big walk-in freezer and the door shut behind her. They was no way out and Pat sat in the cold, dark freezer thinking she might die. Up until then Pat said she really didn’t understand what being a Christian was all about. But as she sat there shivering, she prayed and told God that if she survived, she would become a Christian. Mr. Hoy, a cook, after having gone upstairs to his apartment for the night returned to the kitchen because he remembered something he had left out of the freezer. Pat said he opened the freezer and was shocked to see her there asking what she was doing in the freezer. Pat exclaimed, “Mr. Hoy, I want to get saved.” Mr. Hoy directed her to the principal, David Sheridan, who helped Pat discover her savior. Pat spent her junior and senior years at King’s Garden and during that time they paid for her broken leg, tonsil surgery, and bought her a trumpet. She played trumpet for the next 55 years in various bands. During her senior year, God called Pat into mission work and she moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute. There she met Lee, who would become her husband. After three months of dating, they got married on June 16, 1956. They were walking back to the dorm when Lee proposed and Pat was so shocked she said “no.” She said “yes” the next day. Pat and Lee started their family and settled primarily in Vermont where Lee’s family was. The family moved to Seattle in 1960 and Lee and Pat were dorm parent for the girls dorm at King’s Garden for four years. Mission work continued to call Lee and
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Pat and they pursued numerous opportunities over the next several years in Wisconsin, Vermont, New York and Florida. In 1969, they received an acceptance letter from Alaska Village Mission in Homer. Homer would be their home for the next 40 years although Pat went outside (what Alaskans call the rest of the U.S.) to get her BA in education at Vancouver Bible College. Pat went on three mission trips to China with Overseas Missionary Fellowship and in 1993 went for three months and taught English at Chengdu University. Pat played the church organ for years and played the piano at the Homer Senior Center every week for 20 years. She was awarded the National Adult Day Services Association 2010 Outstanding Volunteer Award. In August 2013, Pat and Lee moved to Lynden. Pat continues her service to seniors by playing piano at Lynden Manor, Meadow Greens, the Lynden Community/ Senior Center and Alderwood Park, where Lee is now a resident. For the two-plus years I have known Pat, she has been a faithful volunteer at the center and brings joy to so many with her talents at the piano. Her story of perseverance and overcoming adversity as a young person is an inspiration. Pat’s steadfast commitment to service in the Lord’s name and her unassuming way of sharing her story and faith was a light to me in my journey of service to my community. Pat plays piano at the center on the second Friday of each month. I invite all of you to share in the joy of her music. -- Jennifer Lautenbach is executive director of the Lynden Community/Senior Center
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
LYNDEN COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES Dec. 19 Painting with Anne Anne Levinson assists students to create a painting with acrylic paints, which will be completed in 2 hours! Classes will be on Wednesday Dec. 19 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Registration is required, before the class begins. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org.
Dec 19 Emergency Preparedness At 12:45 p.m. Dec. 19, join Lynden Fire Chief Mark Billmire as he discusses how to be prepared for all emergencies, at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org. Dec. 28 December Birthday Party If your birthday is in December, celebrate with the Lynden Com-
munity/Senior center on Thursday, Dec. 28. There will be a special lunch at noon, for $6 to begin the party and then cake to celebrate at 12:30 p.m. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. Call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information. Dec. 29 Tribute to Frank Sinatra/ Black and White New Years Party The Lynden Community/Senior will welcome Tim Kraft who will per-
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form a tribute to Frank Sinatra at the center’s Black and White New Year’s Party, Dec. 29 which begins at 12:45 p.m. Enjoy a charcuterie and heavy snack lunch at noon for $6 before the music begins and we celebrate the new year. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org. Through Feb. 29 Enhanced Fitness in the Afternoon
The Lynden Community/Senior Center has updated its enhanced fitness class. This session is a drop-in class. Cost is $2 for members, $4 for non-members. You also can purchase a punch card. Class is from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You must get physician approval before you enroll in the class. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023| Ferndale Record
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | Ferndale Record
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