SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B1
Brian Bias checks out a framed July 21, 1969, edition of the Albert Lea Tribune — then the Evening Tribune — detailing the moon landing that hangs in Tribune Publisher Crystal Miller’s office. Bias was 8 years old at the time of the moon landing and remembers his father waking him up to watch the coverage on television. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
50 YEARS AFTER THE MOON LANDING RESIDENTS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF THE DAY IN HISTORY By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
On May 25, 1961, thenPresident John F. Kennedy addressed Congress with the challenge of the U.S. being the first country to land someone on the moon. “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth,” Kennedy reportedly said. “No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.” It would take eight years — and Kennedy would not be alive to witness it — but on July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission reached the moon, and in the early morning hours (Coordinated Universal Time) of July 21, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin walked on the moon’s surface. About 2 1/2 hours after landing, Aldrin radioed to Earth: “This is the LM (lunar module) pilot. I’d like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way.”
‘You gotta see this’
Back in Minnesota, it was a little after 3 p.m. when Apollo 11’s lunar module named Eagle would land
aspects of the moon landing. Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip had a moon landing-themed storyline for Snoopy, and tubes of food fashioned after what the astronauts ate while in space and the powdered Tang drink mix were novelty items in the grocery stores. Textbooks had Armstrong’s picture on the front when Bias went back to school about two months later. The moon landing is an event that has stayed with Bias, and is something he has talked about with his parents over the years and with his own children as well. His family went on trips to Cape Canaveral and Houston to visit space centers. He said it’s hard to put into words for his children, though. “To my kids, the space program is kind of ho-hum,” he said. “They (the astronauts) were the first original rock stars. … You look back and think, ‘My gosh, they were John McGaughey points out the area where the Apollo 11 astronauts splashed down on their return to Earth on a wall crazy to do what they did.’” map in his Albert Lea home. The astronauts then boarded USS Hornet, a ship McGaughey served on during his time in the U.S. Navy. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE ‘It almost felt like
on the moon, with Armstrong and Aldrin walking on to the surface about six hours later while Michael Collins stayed in the Challenger command module the Eagle had launched from once reaching lunar orbit. Alden resident Brian Bias was 8 years old at the time, and remembers his father waking him up excitedly to watch the broadcast on TV, saying “You gotta see this” over and over. “This is history,” Bias said his father told him at the time. “They’re going to talk about this forever.” Bias, now 58, said while he didn’t completely realize the magnitude of what was happening then, as an adult he’s grateful for his dad making sure he didn’t
miss out on witnessing the historic moment. “Being woke up to see it, I’m glad my dad did that,” he said. “As a kid you don’t really realize what it’s all about.” While it was an incredibly grainy picture Bias watched with his father, he heard Armstrong’s famous words. “That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind,” Armstrong said, words that would transmit back to Earth and be broadcast throughout the world, and would go down in history. Bias said the moon landing was a much-needed reprieve from heavy news at a time when Vietnam War coverage was continuous and the nation had mourned the untimely deaths of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy
in 1968, and the death of John F. Kennedy five years earlier. “NASA, the space program was a bright spot in that time,” he said. “It was like cheering for your favorite sports team, but bigger.”
the aftermath of the moon landing, from the astronauts’ splashdown return on July 24, 1969, to the coverage of the quarantine astronauts went through upon their return. “We don’t know what this could be,” Bias said of the
“NASA, the space program was a bright spot in that time. It was like cheering for your favorite sports team, but bigger.” — Brian Bias He remembers watching Walter Cronkite on “CBS Evening News” with his parents. The program tracked the astronauts’ journey to the moon, which took almost four days, by showing the mission’s progress on a graphic. Bias remembers a lot of
mentality following the astronauts’ return. Space exploration was such a new frontier that it was unknown if astronauts would come back with radiation poisoning or other such complications at that time. Bias also remembers the surrounding entertainment
homecoming’
For Albert Lean John McGaughey, watching the Apollo 11 TV coverage evoked feelings of recognition and familiarity. McGaughey served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, during which time he spent two years on USS Hornet, a World War II aircraft carrier. When McGaughey, then about 38 years old, was watching coverage of the astronauts splashing down into the Pacific Ocean, he saw something familiar as Aldrin, Armstrong and Collins were flown to their recovery ship. “It was the aircraft carrier USS Hornet,” he said. “This historic ship had been my home for two years. It almost felt like homecoming.” The astronauts were on a
See MOON, Page B9
A photo that ran in the July 21, 1969, Evening Tribune shows U.S. soldiers watching moon landing coverage while serving during the Vietnam War. COPY COURTESY FREEBORN Then-President Richard Nixon is shown after speaking with Apollo 11 astronauts in a photograph that ran in the July 21, 1969, Evening Tribune. COPY COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
PAGE B2 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2019 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
INFLUENTIAL CITIZENS OF THE
PAST By Kelly Wassenberg
kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune.com
Where everyone stands today is the direct result of the footsteps of those who walked before them. Citizens of the past shaped their communities, enriched their cities and laid the groundwork for all who would follow. Whether it was aiding in establishing a city, contributing in the areas of business and job growth, or enhancing the lives of others by bringing about changes in education, these individuals positively influenced the lives of others who, in turn, have the opportunity to positively affect the lives of yet another generation. This list of citizens of the past was collected with the assistance of Linda Evenson of the Freeborn County Historical Museum.
Bidney Bergie poses with a doll made in his likeness. PHOTOS
Lloyd M. Herfindahl
COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
June 15, 1922 to Jan. 21, 1996
World-recognized artist Lloyd M. Herfindahl had many ties to this area. Born in Emmons to Albert and Betsy (Singelstad) Herfindahl, Herfindahl was baptized at Lime Creek Church in rural Lake Mills. He attended schools in both Emmons and Albert Lea before he began his work as a freelance artist. In addition to studying art at the Minneapolis School of Art, he privately studied under Austrian expressionist Oskar Kokoschka and Adolph Dehn. In 1957, he founded The Albert Lea Art Center. During his lifetime, Herfindahl had many accomplishments. He served as the international cultural counselor of the International Guild in Monte Carlo and was co-president of the International Grand Prix of Painting, he was recognized in “Who’s Who in American Art” and “Who’s Who Above, Lloyd in the Art World,” and his artwork Herfindahl. and his art work and history were Right, Herfindfeatured in a book entitled “Fragahl teaches an art ments.” He also exhibited his work class in 1961. PHOTOS in commercial galleries, art museCOURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY ums and international competitions HISTORICAL MUSEUM throughout the world.
Bidney Bergie Jan. 22, 1917 to Feb. 26, 2002
Born and raised in Forest City, Bidney Bergie came to Albert Lea in 1939 to become a meter reader and serviceman. He entered the Army in 1942, married in 1943 and was deployed to Africa and Italy in 1944. He returned to the U.S. in 1946 and was honorably discharged. Upon his return to Albert Lea, he continued to work at Interstate Power Co., working his way up the ladder until retiring in 1982 as a district manager. He also worked for a year at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce as Jobs Inc. secretary, served on the Norwest Bank Board, Naeve Hospital boards and served on the building committee for the 1976 hospital. Bergie was a member and past president of the Lions Club, and designed and helped build the Lions bingo stand at the fairgrounds. He also built many exhibits at the Freeborn County Historical Museum and enjoyed giving historical slideshows throughout the area. A doll created with the likeness of Bergie is displayed on the wall in the Freeborn County Historical Museum Library.
BEFORE
A blend of authentic Mexican cuisine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Family Owned & Operated
AFTER
HAPPY HOuR TUES-SUN 3PM-5PM
507-383-1345 • 507-402-5966
150 W Main St. • Glenville
DiNe iN OR TAkeOuT
2588 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-9194 plazamorenarestaurant.com SunDAY - ThuRSDAY 11Am-10pm FRiDAY & SATuRDAY 11Am-10pm • CLOSED mOnDAYS
Alex Johnston Financial Advisor
Angie Eggum, AAMS® Financial Advisor
Andrew J Irvine Financial Advisor
David S Kramer Jr Financial Advisor
Paul A Nolette, AAMS® Financial Advisor
James Stubkjaer, AAMS® Financial Advisor
126 South Washington Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2353
127 S Broadway Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2000
Northbridge Mall 2568 Bridge Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-1150
1206 W Front St Suite 6 Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-9050
1506 E Main St Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-0668
126 S Washington Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2353
Call or visit our financial advisors in the Albert Lea area. To find an Edward Jones office near you, visit www.edwardjones.com.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B3 Ruben Schmidt with his second wife, Ila.
Elizabeth Stacy was the first female physician to practice in Minnesota.
Ruben Schmidt Oct. 8, 1920 to March 11, 2013
PHOTOS COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Elizabeth Stacy 1817 to 1906
A native of New York, Dr. Elizabeth Stacy moved to Geneva in 1856 and then Albert Lea three years later. She is remembered as the first female physician to practice in Minnesota. For several years during the Civil War, she was the only physician and nurse to serve those in Freeborn County, as others were enlisted in the war effort. The Dec. 26, 1906, Freeborn County Standard said of Stacy, “Deceased was one of the noble and representative pioneers, who gave character to the early history and progress of the county. She was one of the foremost and beneficent factors in the development of the social, moral and material qualities, which have given Freeborn its noble rank and repute, and during her life here of half a century, her personality has been known and familiar to all and all have esteemed and loved her for the good she has done and for her rare qualities of head and heart.”
Stan Sevaldson Jan. 21, 1918 to Dec. 31, 2002
Stan Sevaldson came to Albert Lea in 1939 to play baseball with the Albert Lea Packers. In 1940, the Packers were the state champion city baseball team. After working at Wilson & Co. for a couple years, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon his return, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves and took a position as a mail clerk at the post office in 1945. In 1958, he was named postmaster, a position her served in for 20 years before retiring. He remained passionate about baseball. He played on the St. Louis Cardinals farm team and coached Legion baseball for many years. Sevaldson was a member of several service organizations and received both the Freeborn County Senior Citizen of the Year Award and Elks Citizen of the Year Award in 2002. In his final years, Sevaldson was a driving force in the organization and development of a skateboard park in Albert Lea.
Left: Stan Sevaldson prior to his retirement as postmaster on April 30, 1978. Right: The Albert Lea Packers were the 1940 State AA Champions. Pictured back row, from left, are Ray Ackland, Stan Sevaldson, Lyle Kelly, Gerald Olson, Russell Bock, Marion Mills, Bob Hills, Russ Schmidthuber, Ed Ahern, Clayton Hougard and Henry Behr. Front row, Shanty Dolan, Lawrence White, Lefty Bertrand, John Menke, Stan Larson, Gordy West and bat boy Bobby Dolan.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Ruben Schmidt moved to Alden in 1947 after serving in the Army Medical Corps in Korea. He began his medical practice in the previous practice of Dr. T.M. Hansen. In addition to being a physician, Schmidt served in the position of Alden’s mayor for 14 years, during which time the town saw the conversion of a party line telephone service to a private, self-dial telephone service and the installation of the Alden sewer system in 1963, which provided substantial savings for the community. He was also active in the Alden Lions Club and Alden Area Development Corp. His appreciation of history led to his involvement in the development of the Alden Area Museum. His appreciation for learning led him to join a group of regional leaders who founded Lea College — now Riverland Community College. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Schmidt joined the Albert Lea Medical Center staff and the Alden Clinic became one of its satellite clinics. This ensured continued local medical care for the Alden community.
• Commerical Storefronts • Overhead Doors • Entry Doors & Hardware • Glass & Door Repair • Mobile Locksmith • Auto Glass • Custom Glass Shower Enclosures • Mirrors • Thermal Units
507-373-9446 | 316 Main Court, Albert Lea | southernlockandglass@gmail.com www.southernlockandglass.com | Follow us on Facebook
See CITIZENS, Page B6
Page B4 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2019 | COMMUNITY | saturday, February 23, 2019
Images from the past
Some of these businesses have stayed the same over the years; Others have changed. Can you name what’s in these buildings today? See the key on Page B11.
1
2
3
4
5
Is Coming Back! WATCH FOR FUTURE POSTINGS
6
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B5
8 7
9
10
11
Answer key 1. 1940s street view of Broadway from Main Street looking north. 2. In more recent years, Tiger City Sports and then The Albert Lea Art Center occupied the former Dickerman Appliance & TV building. 3. What was once American Legion Post 56 is now the office for the Lofts at Lea Center. 4. Herbergers at its original downtown location, which is now Brick Furniture. 5. Youth for Christ now occupies the old Gordon’s Electric location. 6. Freeborn National Bank building, which will soon become Mortarr. 7. First National Bank is now Wells Fargo Bank. 8. Andersens Fashions is now Adams Originals and Innovision Eye Care. 9. The Albert Lea Tribune looks much the same as it did years ago. 10. The former St. Paul Clothing House is now Community Cornerstone. 11. Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast was originally built in 1905 for the cost of about $8,000 and was constructed by H.A. Paine.
Clothing on Consignment
SHOP
DOWNTOWN
ALBERT LEA
elevate your space Retailer of fine cabinetry, countertops & flooring. Specializing in kitchen & bath design, custom tile showers & backsplashes. 128 Broadway Ave S • Albert Lea, MN 507.473.2800 www.broadwayhomedesign.com
Gently worn, first class quality clothes at a fraction of the cost. As well as household furniture, antiques, glassware, jewelry and very unusual gifts.
We are watching your budget too!
The Mary Go Round Shoppe 106 W Clark St. | Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-7911
Bring a Touch of Spring to your Life
20% OFF any REGULaR PRICED ItEM Excludes special orders, fresh flowers and plants.
Expires 4/30/19
Create, Educate, Promote & Showcase the Arts 101 S Broadway Ave | Albert Lea, MN | 507-373-5665 alartcenter@gmail.com • www.thealbertleaartcenter.org
Addie’s Floral & Gifts
216 South Broadway | Downtown Albert Lea | 507-377-2081
Don’t Overmedicate Your Symptoms US Patients consume 80% of the Global Opioid Supply Source from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Try Chiropractic First! A Leader and Innovator in Real Estate. International Network - Community Expertise
204 S. Washington • Albert Lea, MN • 373-8963 www.cbhomeconnection.com Each office is independently Owned and Operated
SHOFF CHIROPRACTIC Promoting Health & Wellness Since 1950 Dr. Christopher Shoff
Located in Historic Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-7054
Step into Fashion Prices to put a smile on your face.
Apparel • Outerwear Accessories • Shoes
New to you CoNsigNmeNt
123 North Broadway 507-373-0388
“Agents Readily Available To Help You Today”
Jamie A. Kyllo
General Practice at Law Downtown Albert Lea 202 W. Clark St. | Albert Lea
120 S. Washington Ave. Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-5469
507.373.4680
Mon-Fri 4:30am-1pm Sat 4:30am-11am
AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • BONDS
373-3062
209 S. Washington, Albert Lea
Representing Fine Companies Such As:
Progressive • Travelers • Farmers Mutual Ins. Co. RAM Mutual Sateco • AAA • Dairyland
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10 am - 5 pm Thurs 10 am - 7 pm Sat 10 am - 3 pm Sun - Closed
Unique women’s clothing & accessories 144 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 507-473-2111
spot on satisfaction lothing are enter
C
Locally owned & operated by robin Carstens ''The Professionals'' 116 S. Washington Albert Lea, MN Phone 373-2318
HourS: Mon.-Fri.6:00-5:30 ,, Closed Sat. 9:00-11:00 Hours: Mon.-Fri.6:00-5:30 sat. & sun.
We Carry Raleigh, Felt & Redline Bicycles Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:30 pm Thursday Till 7:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-3:00 pm CLOSED MONDAYS UNTIL SPRING 114 S. Broadway Ave. | Albert Lea 507-373-2060
PAGE B6 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2019 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
CITIZENS Continued from Page B3
Bottom: Sara Janson was the first woman to graduate from the University of Sept. 13, 1874 to Feb. 20, 1969 Chicago with a Sara Janson, a native of Albert Lea, gradudegree in medi- ated from Albert Lea High School at 16. After cine. high school, she completed teacher’s training, becoming a teacher and then a principal. She Top: The Janson also put herself through medical school. In 1902, family: Sara, she was the first woman to graduate from the Mattie, Martha, University of Chicago with a degree in mediSoren C. and cine, according to Freeborn County Historical Mary. PHOTOS Society and museum records. COURTESY FREEBORN She was a pioneer in the fields of medicine, edCOUNTY HISTORICAL ucation and women’s suffrage and equal rights. MUSEUM On March 16, 1910, the Chicago Record-Herald noted she was the only woman in Chicago who had registered to vote. On May 29, 1941, she delivered a commencement address to the Albert Lea graduating class, which she entitled “Hurdles.” She advised the class on how to face the hurdles in life, “by being prepared for them and rising above them,” she said.
Bottom: Samuel Simonson and his business partner L.S. Whitcomb formed Albert Lea Publishing Co. in 1882.
Sara Janson
y o ur d o o h r o neighb tore S y r e groc reSh
the beSt
Top: Simonson served as the head of several local businesses, including Queen Stove Works and Olson Manufacturing Co.
Samuel “Otis” Simonson 1867 to 1945
A native of Hartland, Samuel “Otis” Simonson was a lifelong resident of Freeborn County. He was noted to be a strong supporter of schools and civic organizations and a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis club and Sons of Norway. Simonson entered the printing business in 1882 with partner L.S. Whitcomb. Together they formed Albert Lea Publishing Co. and printed the Albert Lea Evening Tribune for a number of years. In addition to being a publisher, Simonson also served as the head of several local businesses, including Queen Stove Works and Olson Manufacturing Co. At the time of his passing, he was a stockholder of the newly organized American Gas Machine Co. Simonson was also a veteran. During the Spanish-American War he helped to form Company I of Freeborn County, serving as its second lieutenant. Upon conclusion of the war, he became the department commander of the Minnesota Spanish War Veterans.
1615 W. Main Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-6337
Medication Services
Free Home Delivery
Long Term Care Services
Medication Adherence
Medication Synchronization
Flu Shots & Immunizations
Mail Delivery
Medication Therapy Management
Private Consultation
at f
507-373-7357 | 1619 West Main Street | Albert Lea, MN Find us on Facebook!
Monday-Friday: 8:30am–7pm Saturday: 9am–2pm Sunday: 11am–2pm
Get the Shot, Not the Flu! www.curtspharmacy.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B7
Darcy Nielsen discusses with the committee the route for the Out of the Darkness suicide prevention and awareness walk, scheduled for its first year in Albert Lea on Sept. 7. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Woman touched by suicide looks to increase awareness in A.L. with walk By Sarah Kocher
sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com
Darcy Nielsen walks for Tommy. After her cousin died by suicide two years ago, she went with his children to counseling in the Twin Cities, where she heard about Out of the Darkness walks from a support group. “It became my mission, I guess, because after Tommy had passed away, I didn’t want him to be a statistic,” she said. “... He’s a number now that has taken his life by suicide, and I want to be his voice because he can no longer be here to be his voice. And I want people to know that, you know, it’s an epidemic
and it’s a big, it’s happening big here. And they’re not alone — that there is people that are out there to help them and, you know, there’s people out there that love them.” Austin hosted five yearsworth of these walks, which raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In addition to money, the walk intends to encourage prevention and awareness. Nielsen was a co-chairwoman for the 2018 walk in Austin, and this year, she’s bringing it to Albert Lea. The cities will trade off hosting. “We wanted to get the two communities together,” she said. Last year, Austin had
around 30 walkers and raised over $5,000, Nielsen said. Of that, her team raised $1,100. Participants can walk and raise money individually or as part of a team. Nielsen walks with Team Avengers. Her cousin, Tommy Aldrich, was into the Incredible Hulk. Her team T-shirt has the Marvel character on the front. He was a friend to everyone, she said. “When we got the phone call, you never think it’s going to happen to your family,” Nielsen said. “But it does.” Nielsen said she hopes to bring more walkers to Darcy Nielsen’s team, Team Avengers, made T-shirts with the Incredible Hulk on them because of her cousin’s love for the superhero. Tommy Aldrich, Nielsen’s cousin, died by See WALK, Page B8 suicide two years ago.
KicK bacK &
Providing Business
Banking Solutions
Relax
with the
financial strength
you deserve!
Where your family’s safety & comfort alWays come first.
HANNA’S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 213 McArthur Dr. • Albert Lea
373-8435
Servicing the community since 1988
Reliable Comfortable Cleaner Air High Efficiency Quiet Call today for fast, professional service at reasonable rates.
Security’s Commercial Lending team Tim Reed, Tim Lenhart, Paul Troe, Justin Oman Our knowledgeable commercial lending team is here to assist you with all your business needs. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and a commitment in serving the financial needs of the businesses and residents of Freeborn County, with high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner. Best of all, decisions are made right here locally.
“For All Your Construction Needs” New Home Construction Roofing • Siding • Garages Additions • Decks & More
MARK ATTIG
507.383.0339
Lic. #20573223 Albert Lea, MN
Voted Albert Lea Tribune’s Readers Choice “best bank”
Voted 2010 “Medium business of the year”
ProuD to be your CoMMunIty bank 113 years of Growing Strong
437 Bridge Avenue Albert Lea 373-1481
201 Main Street Emmons 297-5461
195 N. Broadway Alden 874-3363
Member FDIC www.securitybankmn.com
PAGE B8 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2019 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
WALK Continued from Front Page
Albert Lea. According to the walk’s webpage, this year’s fundraising goal is $5,000. To fundraise herself, Nielsen sells candy bouquets on Facebook and at craft fairs. To organize the walk, Nielsen has gathered a committee that met for the first time in January to begin planning. Verlaine Williams said she joined the committee in the name of friendship. “I’m doing this because of Darcy,” she said. “I’m on her side.” Williams said she was shocked by how fellow committee members have been touched by suicide. Although Williams said she has not been personally impacted by suicide, her church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, has recently been affected. She sees being a part of the committee and participating in the walk as a learning opportunity. She said she has many questions about how to understand and help those struggling with suicidal thoughts as well as about what resources are available to them. “I don’t know what you
To raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Out of the Darkness walk, Darcy Nielsen makes and sells candy bouquets. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
can do for those people — but I want to find out,” she said. The walk is a chance for others to do the same, Williams said: to gain awareness about suicide prevention. “I hope that by having this walk it will make everybody so much more aware of what a problem it has become, because I think it’s a monster problem,” Williams said. In addition to a walk, the event will also include a craft and concessions. Those who have reached out to Nielsen will send in photos of loved ones who
have died by suicide, along with their years of birth and death, to be displayed Verlaine Williams, right, and other committee members gather for the first planning at the event. There are committee meeting for the suicide prevention and awareness walk. more decisions to be made about the day, as the committee is still in the planning process, Nielsen said. The route will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church. “If I can touch one person’s life, if I can make a difference, it’s all worth it, you know?” Nielsen said. Where suicide ranks Percent of U.S. suicides The goal for amount Those who would like in the leading causes of accounted for by white raised at the first Out to participate in planning death in Minnesota as of males in 2017 of the Darkness suicide the walk can contact Darcy 2016, according to the prevention and awareness Nielsen at 507-402-7886 or American Foundation for walk hosted in Albert Lea nielsendarcy55@gmail. Suicide Prevention. It ranks on Sept. 7 com. 10th in the whole country.
By the numbers
8
77.97
$5,000
BUSINESS DIRECTORY IS YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE STILL A GOOD FIT? DR. DANIEL SMITH
I’m an independent agent who can work with you to make sure you’ve got the right plan for the life you’re living today. Please contact me to setup a free, noobligation, personalized consultation.
We offer: Dentistry, in house lab, digital X-ray, therapy laser, laser surgery, convenient location, medicine, behavorial consultation and puppy classes. Hear Dr. Dan’s “Pet Talk” Friday Mornings at 8:35am on KATE Radio-1450AM
SERVICES Virus & Spyware Removal • Data Recovery Computer Optimization • Complete Care Plan LCD Screen Replacement • Data Backup New Computer Sales • Remote Support Diagnostics • Upgrades
Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic 401 St. Thomas Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-8161
916 S. Broadway Ave. • Albert Lea, MN
Guiness and Felix
507.320.5921
curt@cscomputers.tech
Caring Hands Enhancing the quality of lives at home.
FOOD & DRINKS
• Personal Care Assistance • Homemaking • Home Care Nursing
Check out our unique yet classic menu. we are sure to have something for everyone.
Jan Jerdee Insurance
Jan Jerdee | Ron Peterson 1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2804
TTY 711
Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Visit us at www.albertleatribune
ERNIE’S CANVAS PRODUCTS
“For All Of Your Canvas And Vinyl Needs” • Boat Covers • Truck Tarplins • Tent Rentals • Custom Awnings • Canopies ALL TYPES OF COVERS • REPAIRS OF ALL KINDS
Mon - Sat 11AM - CLOSE
Best Place to Work & Best Home Health Care
112 S Broadway Ave | Albert Lea, MN | 507-373-3000
507-369-5701 204 S. Washington Ave., Suite 100 • Albert Lea, MN www.embracehomecarellc.com
www.erniescanvasproducts.com On County Rd. 46, 3/4 Mile East of I35, Ext. 11 Off of I35
20902 782nd Ave., Albert Lea
507.373.8996
IT’S NEVER TO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR LAWN CARE NEEDS
plumbing
Ask a our F bout inan Optio cing ns!
Heating
lower your utility bill with an energy efficient furnace! Call for your estimate 373-1301
M&S
For the Precision Cut you Expect 519 Prospect Ave. Albert Lea, MN OutdOOr EquipmEnt (507) 377-7705
tues-Fri 11-7 sat- 11-5 sun 12-4
507.473.2117 Northbridge Mall
2510 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007
CheCk out our daily sales!
Like us on Facebook | Find us at Northbridge Mall
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B9
MOON Continued from Page B1
helicopter that lowered by elevator onto the USS Hornet’s hangar deck — a deck McGaughey had walked on many times during his two years aboard the ship. The astronauts were then placed in a mobile quarantine facility, with a sign placed on it reading “Hornet plus three.” They would be met there by then-President Richard Nixon, then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and other dignitaries. About four months later, USS Hornet would pick up the Apollo 12 astronauts — who were quarantined with a sign reading “Three more like before” — before the ship was decommissioned shortly after. McGaughey would revisit USS Hornet decades later, though, and its Apollo 11 ties. McGaughey and his son traveled to Alameda, California, in October 1998 for a recommissioning ceremony as USS Hornet was being turned into a museum. The keynote speaker was none other than Aldrin himself. His personal tie to USS Hornet and its history is something that has stuck with McGaughey, leading him to produce a DVD detailing its history, called “Eight Ships Named Hornet.”
‘What am I doing here?’
Albert Lean Paul Hanson, 74, had a more detached experience with the moon landing. Twenty-five years old at the time, Hanson was serving in the Vietnam War when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. He vividly remembers flying an Army helicopter on a combat assault, when it came across the radio: “We (the U.S.) just landed on the moon.” Hanson said he had all of a few seconds to register the news, as he was in the middle of a dangerous assault with his fellow soldiers. They had known a mission to the moon was in the works, but had very little connection to U.S. news at the time, so they hadn’t been privy to the
buildup or progress of the mission. “I’m here flying this helicopter in the war, and they just landed a man on the moon. What am I doing here,” Hanson said he remembers asking himself. “If they put this much effort into ending the war, maybe I wouldn’t be here.” Hanson said he is not anti-war and doesn’t regret his service, but said it was hard to feel connected to the event when he was so far from home and in the middle of the jungle. There aren’t many memories of people talking about the moon landing back at his Army base, Hanson said. He was overseas from January 1969 to January 1970, so he missed just about all of the Apollo 11 news coverage back home. “I wish it meant more to me,” he said.
‘I had to see it’
David Andersland now lives in Hawaii, but grew up in Emmons and was 15 at the time of the Apollo 11 landing. He said his family’s TV set wasn’t working at the time, so his dad took him over to neighbor George Johnson’s home to watch the moon landing broadcast. “I had to see it,” Andersland said. “I am retired from the U.S. Navy and have traveled to many places in the world. It (the moon landing) is one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed.” He said the technology used had to be “unbelievable” to accomplish the historic feat. “It was just amazing,” Andersland said. “It’s just something you had to see.” The Apollo 11 moon landing will reach its 50th anniversary this July. While Kennedy and Armstrong are not alive to witness it, their accomplishment — along with Aldrin’s and Collins’ — lives on. As Kennedy said at the end of his challenge to Congress in 1961: “In a very real sense, it will not be one man going to the moon — if we make this judgment affirmatively, it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him there.”
The July 21, 1969, Evening Tribune dedicated its entire front page to moon landing coverage. COPY COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
BUSINESS DIRECTORY RIGHTWAY ROOFING
“Do it the Rightway the First time” Commercial | Residentail Bob Hanson (507) 373-0409 Cell (507) 391-2362
OVER 35 YEAR EXPERIE S NCE
FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF WITH MYPATH. • Discover your career path • Learn new skills • Match your traits to jobs
don’t bite!! They are friendly guys!!! You should be one!!!
Great Projects • Great Contacts
Call: 507.369.4804
Meet 6 p.m. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Join us this spring for rush night!
MN ID# 20037743
ADAPT TO TOMORROW, TODAY.
Albert Lea Cloverleaf Lions
Wangen
excavating & Septic Tank Pumping
Motorcycle Sales, Service & Accessories V-Twin & Metric
41 Years in business Complete baCkhoe, bobCat, dozer, septiC tank pumping & parking lot sweeping, hauling & snow removal
Northbridge Mall
2564 Bridge Ave | Albert Lea | (507) 377-7410
www.manpower.com/mypath
Albert Lea
507-377-3577
919 West Main, Albert Lea, MN Mike Owens - Owner Dustin Rafdal - Master Technician Cell: 507-720-4114 Shop: 507-369-5292
PAGE B10 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2019 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
Beyond the football field
4 ALBERT LEA GRIZZLIES PLAYERS SHARE WHAT THEY DO OUTSIDE THE SPORT By Colleen Harrison
Chad Woodall
Faustino Moreno III
Age: 25 Hometown: Skiatook, Oklahoma Day job: cook in the restaurant at Trail’s Travel Center in Albert Lea Seasons with Albert Lea Grizzlies, including this year: two Position(s): defensive end, linebacker, fullback
Age: 29 Hometown: Lockney, Texas Day job: manager at Qdoba in Albert Lea Seasons with Albert Lea Grizzlies, including this year: four Position(s): defensive end, offensive guard, defensive tackle
Deven Benton Age: 22 Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia Day job: high school ministry director at Youth for Christ-The Rock in Albert Lea Seasons with Albert Lea Grizzlies, including this year: one Position(s): cornerback
Helping members save since 1930 From your first savings account to planning for retirement, and everything in between, Accentra will be there for you.
Federally Insured by NCUA
accentracu.org • 800-533-0448
Colton Opsahl Age: 21 Hometown: Alden Day job: second shift checker and lead man at Minnesota Freezer Warehouse Co. in Albert Lea, and specialist E4 infantryman for the National Guard out of Albert Lea Seasons with Albert Lea Grizzlies, including this year: three Position(s): running back and defensive linebacker
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 | COMMUNITY | PROGRESS 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE B11
YOUR KIND OF
PLACE COVER
COVER Featuring over 925 slots and video poker machines. Plus, live blackjack, craps, roulette, poker room & more!
www.alamcowood.com www.alamcowood.com 1-877-679-9663 1-877-679-9663
PrOUDlY MaKiNG YOU COMFOrtablE SiNCE 1968!
• SUPERIOR PRODUCT QUALITY • WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
Dine at our award winning restaurants. Elegant dining at Woodfire Grille or casual dining at The Kitchen Buffet.
Bryant is a proud sponsor of the Minnesota Wild
WATER SOFTENERS · WATER HEATERS PLUMBING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES 220 ElizabEth avE • albErt lEa, MN 56007 507-373-2828
Dance and listen live as national and regional acts perform at the Big Wheel Bar every weekend.
Rest your head at one of our hotels. Accommodations include the Country Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express.
BUY ONE, GET ONE
FREE BUFFET! VA L I D N O W - J U N E 2 9 , 2 0 1 9 Present coupon to B Connected. Valid during regular restaurant hours. Offer non-transferable. One-time use only. Offer valid through June 29, 2019. Not valid with any other offer.
YOUR KIND OF PLACE
LOCATED ON I-35 AT THE IA/MN BORDER EXIT 214. YOUR KIND OF PLACE
Must be 21 or older. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA | DiamondJoWorth.com
PAGE B12 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PROGRESS 2019 | COMMUNITY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019
Visit our website to learn about all of our great career opportunities.