‘Little House’

When I was growing up, every Monday night my sisters and I would gather around the TV to watch our favorite show — “Little House on the Prairie.” It premiered on NBC in 1974 and ended in 1983. The show was one of the most watched shows on television. Today, the show is still popular spanning generations of fans.

Set in the late 1800s, the show follows the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the Ingalls family—Charles, Caroline, Mary, Carrie and Laura (later adopted children Albert, James and Cassandra) —who settle down Walnut Grove, Minnesota on the banks of Plum Creek.

Noelle’s Notes

Noelle Olson

The townspeople are a big part of the show. Mrs. Oleson is the rich snob, her daughter Nellie is the “mean girl” (mainly because she was raised that way) and you have the beloved Dr. Baker, Rev. Alden and school teacher Miss Beadle among others who come and go throughout the series.

The show is loosely based on the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and dealt with conflicting issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, financial struggles and racism. The show also was very emotional at times and in almost every episode, it’s hard not to tear up. A friend of mine used to call it, “Little Ball Baby on the Prairie.” It’s funny because I caught him watching it a few times and guess what, he had tears in his eyes.

I don’t have a favorite episode because they are all so good. Here are three of my favorites.

“If I Should Wake Before I Die”

A woman named Amy Hearn is about to celebrate her 80th birthday and she wants to see her children. She decides to “fake her death” and have a funeral in place of a birthday party. Hearn states that it’s OK for someone to miss a birthday or a holiday but heaven forbid you miss a funeral. She wanted to see her children when she was alive, not when she was dead. This made sense to me because when children leave the nest, they go off and live their own lives. Our busy schedules keep us from spending time with the elderly people in our lives and someday it might be too late.

“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”

This one is an emotional roller coaster. Charles and Caroline are devastated to learn that their eldest daughter Mary is going blind. Charles struggles to find the words to tell her. Mary soon goes blind and feels sorry for herself. She is sent away to a school for the blind where she learns to accept her blindness. Back in Walnut Grove, the town is dying and people are being forced to pack up and leave. Charles tells his friend Jonathan Garvey, “Life is a funny thing. If you would have told me a couple of weeks ago that the mill was shut down and the grange was collapsing, I’d be the most upset man you ever saw. Now, I don’t even care. It doesn’t mean a thing. I just wonder how much our lives are spent worrying about things that just don’t mean anything.”

“The Legend of Black Jake”

This is a light hearted and funny episode involving two dim-witted bank robbers, a kidnapping and a man with a black hood. Mrs. Oleson’s husband Nels is kidnapped and the robbers/kidnappers send her a ransom note (I think $100) which she refuses to pay. Needless to say, Nels is not happy. He feels his life is worth more than $100. The events throughout the episode will make you laugh. I know I did.

I saw an interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls on the series. She said the keys to the show were four things — compassion, community, faith and love.

So, if you need a little comfort in your life, tune in to “Little House.” I guarantee you won’t be disappointed (just keep a box of Kleenex nearby). The show has been in reruns since the series ended, can be streamed on Peacock and has never been off the air. That is truly an amazing feat.

Noelle Olson is editor of the White Bear Press. She can be reached at 651-407-1229 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Sowing the seeds for a greener future

Gardening encourages kids to form connections with nature, learn about responsibility and patience, and acquire valuable life skills. By nurturing their love for gardening, we are sowing the seeds for a greener future and raising a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Here are some practical ideas to help you get started on your gardening adventure with kids: Create a kid-friendly garden space

Designate a specific area of your yard or allocate containers for the children’s garden. Make sure the space is easily accessible and safe for them to explore. Consider using raised beds or vertical gardening options to maximize space and make it easier for children to reach the plants.

Let them choose Involve your children in the planning process by allowing them to choose the plants they want to grow. Provide them with a selection of age-appropriate plant options and let their preferences guide the decisions. This empowers them and encourages their active participation in the gardening process.

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Start with quick-growing plants

To maintain children’s interest and enthusiasm, opt for plants that have a shorter growing cycle. Fast-growing vegetables like radishes, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes are great choices. Herbs such as basil and mint are also quick to grow and can be used in the kitchen later, adding a culinary element to the experience. Looking for flowers? Zinnias and marigolds germinate quickly and are low maintenance.

Make it hands on

Children love to get their hands dirty! Allow them to experience the tactile nature of gardening by involving them in activities like planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, and watering plants. Encourage them to feel the texture of the soil and explore the various parts of the plants.

Teach environmental stewardship

Use gardening as an opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment. Explain the benefits of composting and recycling and involve them in creating a compost pile. Discuss the significance of pollinators and how to attract them by planting flowers.

Incorporate learning activities

Make learning fun by incorporating educational activities into the gardening experience. Create a scavenger hunt where children search for different types of leaves, insects, or specific plants. Introduce

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them to the concept of measuring by asking them to track the growth of plants over time. Engage their creativity by encouraging them to keep a garden journal or draw and paint the plants they observe.

Celebrate harvest time

When it’s time to harvest, involve children in picking the ripe produce. Let them taste the fruits of their labor and encourage them to create simple recipes using the harvested vegetables and herbs. This not only reinforces the connection between gardening and healthy eating but also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride. Remember, the key to successful gardening with children is to keep it enjoyable and age appropriate. Be patient, embrace their curiosity, and celebrate their achievements. Gardening together fosters a love for nature, instills valuable life skills, and creates lasting memories for the entire family.

Do you have yard and garden questions? Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics are held at Bunker Hills Activities Center on Wednesdays through Aug. 16 from 6 - 8 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener Online is held the first Tuesday of each month, through December, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Visit anokamastergardeners.org for more information.

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• After a property owner at 6908 Oak Circle requested approval from the city to install 60 feet of draintile/piping to direct stormwater away from their home while also proposing to participate in the city’s Stormwater Utility Cost Share Program, council discussed the viability of the program. Council took no action in changing any part of the program, except to consider making changes in the future.

For now, council will authorize city staff to work with groups of property owners, not single property owners, to resolve private drainage issues where possible by constructing drainage facilities in public easements. The city will contribute 25% of the costs, with the property owners agreeing to be assessed 75% of the costs. The city will contribute a maximum of $10,000 per year using money from the Stormwater Fund. The property owner portion will be paid for by voluntary special assessments paid over a maximum five years at a 4.5% interest rate. Council may one day consider raising the interest rate to 5% or the maximum amount to $20,000.

With the Oak Circle drainage project still calling for a council decision to formally deny or approve the property owner’s waiver of an assessment hearing, council once again tabled action of this item, which had been tabled from the July 14 meeting

• The city will fix rusted areas on the water tower that were recently discovered when the tower was being cleaned. While they were working, the cleaner, Kangas Tank Restoration, noticed many rusted areas without paint in a two-foot area around the tower. Some spots were pitted, they said. The consultants said that repair work would extend the longevity of the tower, and proposed sanding and repainting the area with epoxy primer and finish coat for $11,800.

Kangas said the rest of the paint on the tower looked in very good condition. A second quote was obtained for the work described, but was significantly higher. The work will be paid for with money from the Water Fund.

• Council approved three encroachment agreements through the consent agenda process. The first, at 7206 LaValle Drive, was for underground drain tile; the second was at 1805 Laramee Lane for a boulder type retaining wall and the third was at 1872-73rd Street for a fence. All three projects occurred within within the city’s right of way/drainage and utility easements and required approval from the city.

• One of two open seats on the Parks & Recreation Committee has been filled, after council formally approved the appointment to Ashley Fuchs to that vacant seat. Fuchs attended the July 5 committee meeting, participated in the interview process and attended the most recent Main Street Market. One seat on the committee now remains open. The Parks & Recreation Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Meanwhile, the Planning & Zoning Commission still has two open seats. The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, also at City Hall.

• Public Works Technician James Huisenga has been given a raise, after council approved a step increase from grade 6/step 5 to grade 6/step 6. Huisenga was given a satisfactory performance review by his supervisor, and his pay will be increased by $1.41 per hour, effective on the date of his employment anniversary. The cost is a budgeted expense from the General and Utility Funds.

Loretta Harding

If you are an active person or have an active family, and you are looking for a companion that can keep up with you, then meet Owen. Owen, according to his foster, is the most fun, loveable, occasional ball of chaos, that you will ever have the pleasure to know. Owen is about two-and-a-half years old. He is a Pit Bull Terrier/Bull Terrier mix and weighs about 45 pounds. He is social with other pets, with kids, and he is friendly towards everyone he meets. Owen is house trained and knows his basic commands. He is very smart and a quick learner. Owen is playful and eager to please. He is goofy, likes to play with his toys, enjoys swimming and likes to play fetch. Owen has a high energy level and would do well in home with another active dog. When he’s not busy, Owen is a very affectionate lap dog and likes to chill with his people.

If you are interested in learning more about Owen or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

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