By Brian G. Schommer

WE HAVE A WINNER. In the July 16, 2020 edition, the “Name the Column” contest was announced. Our selection committee of Chiropractor and Hastings Rotary President Dr. Linden Pfeiffer, Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik and Volunteer Extraordinaire Heidi Lund was established and regularly reviewed the submissions as they trickled in. On Monday, August 31, 2020; A WINNER was declared. Hastings resident Mildred M. Ruhr offered a few suggestions with “Outdoor Adventures” being the name selected. But wait, there is more!! MUCH MORE!!! Here is how it all shook out.

Publisher John McLoone received a letter dated August 26, 2020, written by Mildred offering a few different suggestions for the column name and some additional bits of wisdom and appreciation for getting a local newspaper back in Hastings. “I sure like your newspaper,” she stated and continued, “Even though it is slim, every article is meaningful and interesting.” She said she needed to use “snail mail” as she had sold her computer. She closed by adding, “I am 99 years of age and living in Park Ridge Assisted Living.” All our hearts were warmed by this comment. Lund replied by saying, “I LOVE this letter and I am completely behind “Outdoor Adventures… And this sweet lady should win a prize!” Dr. Pfeiffer added, “99 years old and still killing it.” Slavik was quick to agree and the decision was unanimous. After contacting Mildred, we set up a time to meet up with her and do exactly as Lund suggested… give her a prize!!!

On Friday, September 11, 2020, I had the blessed opportunity along with John McLoone and Bruce Karnick to meet “Millie” in person to give her a little piece of recognition. I asked her if she preferred Mildred or Millie and she said, “I answer to both.” To me, “Millie” denotes a “younger minded spitfire type” so I told her, “I am calling you Millie.” Being an active and engaged community member at the age of 99 and being a supportive voice in difficult times are attributes that simply could not be overlooked. She shared stories with us of her late husband; a World War II Marine Veteran and how our current times remind her of the “rationing days” of WWII. Before the photo, Mille said “take those masks off, people need to see our faces,” and we weren’t going to argue with her… we knew we would not win. While Bruce was taking the photos, she added “It takes three of you to take a picture,” with a bit of sarcasm in her voice. This was Millie’s time and we were just pleased to be allowed to be part of it. It is said that pictures speak 1,000 words and while we may have presented Millie with a coffee cup with flowers in it; she provided us so much more. Millie and the residents are not afforded as much opportunity to get outside. We hope there is a time soon that she can again get out for some OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. COLUMN PART TWO: The “Urban Dictionary” (www.urbandictionary. com) defines the phrase “No Pic, No Proof” as what is “Usually said after someone makes a statement about something and you’re looking for proof.” The Urban Dictionary may just be written by Captain Obvious. We all know our share of yarn spinners, embellishers and flat out Bull Sh… well, you know. Many of us might see one of those types of people every time we look at a mirror. Some people think Insurance Agents and Columnists fall into those categories… crud, DOUBLE WHAMMY. My experience over 53+ years is many, if not most hunting and fishing TRIPLE WHAMMY. We have all heard the “one that got away” stories or “I caught a 32” Walleye on two-pound test and a lightweight rod with a Zebco 202.” Stories like these generate the phrase “No Pic, No Proof.” The weekend of September 26th is Minnesota Duck Opener and my intent is to share the story or stories from our duck blind in Western Minnesota. I also plan on providing photo evidence. There may or may not be ducks in the pictures; time will tell. What about you… are you going to be hitting the blinds, woods and fields soon?? WE WANT YOUR HUNTING AND FISHING PHOTOS!!! The Journal is inviting you to send your hunting and fishing photos for publication. Please keep the “blood” pics to a minimum. We know that unless you are showing a photo of a completed taxidermy project, it is all but impossible for there not to be a little blood in hunting and fishing photos. If you send a picture that requires a photo credit, please let us know who is to be credited. Keep the submissions tasteful and we should be just fine. If you could include information about where you bagged your game (no specific coordinates necessary… you don’t need to give up your honey hole) and if there are any interesting tidbits you want to share with us, please do. For example, you have a photo of your daughters first deer taken during the Youth Hunt or pictures of your son with his first Mallard… please share that. The smile in a “first time success” photo is rarely duplicated. Here is your chance to brag a bit and share your outdoor experiences.

We hope to secure sponsors to provide prizes in trade for advertising and have an actual “photo contest.” With Minnesota and Wisconsin fishing openers tentatively scheduled for May of 2021, maybe a 2021 Fishing Photo Contest. Why tentatively? Because like most things, the only thing we can be certain about is uncertainty. For now, “Bragging Rights” is what you get. If you own or work for a business that might be interested in learning about advertising with The Hastings Journal and/or The Pierce Country Journal, feel free to contact Bruce ([email protected] news) or Jack ([email protected] news). Finally, for Millie – Get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Brian Schommer – Outdoor Adventures Columnist (left), and John McLoone – Owner of The Journal (right), finally get to meet Mildred “Millie” Ruhr age 99 of Hastings. Millie’s submission for the “Name the column contest” was chosen as the winner, not only for the title, but the spirited and touching “snail mail” letter she wrote that embodies what the column is about. Photo by Bruce Karnick types also fall into these categories.