December 1, 2009
The "Mad About the Ducks" Show...premiers with it's first "Show". When you talk about sports there is one person to talk with and Bob Kuntzmann is the special guest of this first show. We think you will enjoy this conversation between our very own "Mongo" Kolves and Mr. K, click the link below...
December 2, 2009
An important assembly...at Havana Junior High on Tuesday unveiled the 36 entrants in the HAPT Poster Contest. This contest was held to create an awareness to all about the dangers of abusing over the counter cough medicines. Debbie Yetter was there representing HAPT, Jason Blanchette from Chestnut, Sheriff Wayne Youell was there to support the kids and their efforts, and of course HJHS Principal Jerry Wilson lead the many teachers present in their support of the stand against the abuse of these dangerous medications. As each student creating a poster was announced to the assembly they received quite an ovation from the remaining students and supporters. I photographed each student and they will receive a free copy of that photo, you can see them by clicking the link below. The posters were judged and three winners picked. The top three creators won gifts ranging from fries at McDonalds and Hardee's, gift cards, and a free family portrait from Ted Connolly Photography.
December 3, 2009
Posters and a battle for life...some of the HJHS Students receive their prizes and gifts for joining the fight against the abuse of over the counter medications from Debbie Yetter, President of the Havana Area Prevention Team. For more about this project and a related personal story from a brave and loving mother battling for her son's life please click the link below...
December 4, 2009
Mike Silvernagle is a great guy and friend...he is also a very lucky guy, because his photo above is where he works. Mike owns Misaw Lake Lodge which happens to be one of the most remote and beautiful hunting, fishing, and resort spots on the planet. Can you imagine a hunting/fishing resort with 5 Star meals from a famous Chef? Mike's lodge is Saskatchewan's most remote fly-in trophy fishing destination,1000 miles from the US border and 125 miles from the nearest road plus Misaw and his area has an unusual strain of Trophy Pike, Lake Trout , and Arctic Grayling. You must see more of the photos and information on his website, just click the link below, and BTW, you will NOT believe his rates, got any fishermen on your Christmas list? See you soon Mike...
December 5 & 6, 2009
The Ducks...took on PORTA Friday night in their only home game for the month of December. The JV scored a win and the Varsity held their early lead into the 4th Quarter. The Bluejays came out on top at the final buzzer. The "Mad About the Ducks" team was on hand to shoot a location show in the stands. We will be shooting another show with some special guests you won't want to miss. Both shows will air early next week.
December
7, 2009Doing the show...The photo above is from the Mad About the Ducks show taped on Saturday morning. Did you know that Havana had two female football players this past season? These two brave and lovely young ladies stepped up and put on the pads for their first season in the HHS Freshman Football Program. This interesting show will let you meet them and learn about their experience, Coach Mark Opp also joined us for the great conversation with show host Zac "Mongo" Kolves.
This show is presenting a great new advertising opportunity for area businesses. This very reasonable opportunity will not only provide a great amount of exposure but you will be supporting the college fund's of three talented senior students who produce the show. These guys are headed to SIU to study film making and production. Any advertising purchased at our regular low rates will see 50% of the sales will go the three students college piggybanks and the other 50% for expenses of producing and airing the show. For more information contact Zac, Seth, Derek, or myself. To view our latest show, click the link below...
December 8, 2009
Reflexology...The demo is here. Many have heard of this ancient Eastern miracle technique but many have never seen the actual practice applied. In this continuing series, Grace Sarff, a Certified and practicing Reflexologist shows us the application process of this ancient healing technique. Grace will also explain and show us the difference relationship of other similar techniques such as acupressure. To view this demonstration, click the link below, and for more information see Grace's ad throughout this e-publication...
Take two...The core of the location show was done on Friday night when the Ducks took on PORTA in their first home game of the season. The rest of the show was done at Saturday's Lady Ducks Shootout where we caught up with a special guest...
The ultimate decoration...Two friends sent this to me, along with the photo there was the following story. I couldn't resist sharing this with everyone...
"Good news is
that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The
bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come
screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me
take it down. First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic
accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by. Second, a 55 year old
lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my
house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was
not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that.
My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where
people literally drove up my yard."
New member of the team...
New Winter Fare...
A year
ago...w
Jason Blanchette...i
Our Park District Rocks!...It is a wonderful thing to be with a bunch of kids having fun. It is also a great thing to be with a bunch of adults having fun. You know, that pretty much sums up a big part of what our Havana Park District does. They have many great programs for both our youth and adults alike. Last year I became involved with most of these activities by photographing those participating in these activities and donating the photographs to the Park District to sell at a profit which goes for further program development for our kids and to provide them with activities in a good, clean, and fun environment. Last year the Park District started their Annual Christmas Dance and it was an instant hit. I was there and the atmosphere was electric, the music was hot and loud, the young ladies and gentlemen were all dressed up...and looking "Marvelous"! To say they had a great time would be a huge understatement. Tonight (Friday, December 18th) the Second Annual Christmas Dance will again take place at the Chester Center and I will again be very happy to be there having almost as much fun as the kids are. Many thanks to the Park District for all these great activities, keep up the great work. To find out more about your Park District and all these important programs and activities begin with the link below then continue on to their website at a link there.
I think we had fun!...I think we should do this at least once a month. The group shot above was just before the dance was over. We had a great time shooting photos of everyone, the music was great, but the kids were a little better dancers than I was, but then I never did dance very well. It was great seeing everyone including the chaperones having that much fun. I will have the photos processed for Angie tomorrow, just keep in touch with her to get your photos, remember you can always get more from her if you want, it all goes to the Park District to have more dances and other fun events like this. Thanks everyone, you made my day, all of you have a very Merry Christmas, and I just may see you at the basketball game tomorrow morning.
HJHS Basketball...The Canton Little Giants came to town Saturday morning for a couple of games on the Jr High courts. The photos from the game are up, just click the link below. The crew from "Mad About the Ducks" were also at the game doing a show, it is currently in post production editing and will be uploaded Sunday evening.
It's "Mad about the Ducks" Monday...
Bob Kuntzmann provides us with all the totals and inside information from his office headquarters, and all who know Bob knows there will always be more. The rest of the team has been busy out on the Havana sports beat for an interesting location report. Join the "Mad about the Ducks" fan team and get the real story on Havana sports, click the link below...
Not even Bullets can bring down the Ducks... Coach Jerry Wilson's Lady Ducks have been flying pretty high again this year. Monday night a tough Williamsville Lady Bullets team came to town with guns blazing. Two fast paced games including an OT session in the varsity game left the Williamsville girls out of ammunition and our girls 12-1 for the young season. The girls full court press is coming alive once again this year and is becoming a trademark for Lady Duck basketball. Come out and see these girls play some basketball, you will be glad you did. All of our Ducks basketball teams are headed off for holiday tournaments. Coach Nathan Brady's Boys Varsity Ducks team will be returning home on January 5th after a long December away from the roost. To view or purchase photos from the Lady Ducks twin victories over Williamsville last night click the link below.
CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS, you ROCK!
2010 is near...The new Calendar is here. What a great stocking stuffer for that history buff or a great way to have a piece of Havana's history. Cost is $13.50 each or 2 for $25.00. Profits from the calendar go to the Building & Memorial Fund of the Havana Public Library District. Calendars available to pick up in the library starting on Wednesday, the 23rd of December and the library is open 10am to 8pm. Support the library...for more information please click the link below...
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Written by:
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that no body's going to
know whether you did it or not."
