August 11th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
A little over 100 years ago, the citizens of the village of Upsala, Minnesota voted to incorporate as a city. A weekend celebration, “Come Home to Upsala” begins tonight at 7pm with a concert in the City Park. Tomorrow, there will be a 5K run, a bake sale and a parade followed by a party at the Rec Building with fireworks at 10pm. I grew up in Upsala and I am planning on driving one of my high school buddie’s old cars in the parade. The weather forecast is great, so maybe now would be a good time to visit a small town in central Minnesota which may very well be Lake Wobegon. I make this claim, because if you study the APHC program from a show performed on October 2, 2004, a copy of which is attached, you will see that “Upsala” has been removed and “Lake Wobegon” is positioned north of Holdingford. You can get details about the Upsala Heritage Days Festival online at www.cityofupsala.com
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of the January 14 show from the Symphony Center in Chicago, Illinois. Andrew Bird plays “Pulaski” and “Plasticities,” Laura Marling sings “Nouel” and “Wild Fire,” Beth Stelling investigates the story of her mother’s childhood imaginary friend, and John Williams and Katie Grennan highlight a few tunes you might hear at an Irish music session in the Windy City. Plus: Chris Thile celebrates the Cubs’ World Series triumph with “We, Joe Maddon”; Bertrand Falstaff Heine dines with his ex-wife; and there will be a visit to the Cook Country Library with Ruth Harrison, Reference Librarian.
The St. Cloud Downtown Art Crawl is today from 3pm until 9pm. This is a great way to spend a Friday evening. Be sure to check out the White Horse bar and restaurant.
“We all find time to do what we really want to do”. William Feather
August 7th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
In the winter of 1971, I attended a Coon Rapids City Council meeting to complain about the snowmobiles that were running up and down the streets in my neighborhood. I was not impressed with my representation, so that fall I decided to run for the Third Ward Council seat. I had met a few folks at a caucus in 1970, so with their help, we managed to pull off an upset victory. The fellow that we beat was going for his third three year term. One of the guys that helped me get elected was Gene Merriam. We had spent a lot of hours collecting rummage for a garage sale fundraiser, so we got to know each other quite well. The next year Gene ran for Council at Large and he won that seat. Rick Reiter ran and won from the first ward and in late 1973, we filled a vacancy in Ward 2 by appointing Dave Therkelsen. We served together in the year 1974. This week we met for a 43 year reunion. We decided that today we were all too long in the tooth to solve the world’s problems, so someone else is going to have to do it. We simply spent two hours sharing stories and laughing. Picture attached.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of the first show of 2017 at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington. The Shins perform “Gone for Good” and “Saint Simon”. Regina Spektor sings “Grand Hotel” and “Older and Taller.” Plus Chris Thile and the band back up Sarah Jarosz on her song “Comin’ Undone,” There will be a message from the sponsor Memory Foam Mattresses — the mattress that contours not only to your body but to your mind — guitarist Chris Eldridge fields an online request for “Church Street Blues,” and the gang will close things out with everyone singing “In the Pines.”
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt.
August 7th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
Donald McNeely made his fortune in the warehouse business. “A savvy entrepreneur and a forward thinker, he joined his father’s business, The St. Paul Terminal Warehouse Company after the war and turned it into a national company called Space Center, Inc.” (St. Paul Pioneer Press obituary) Donald was instrumental in helping to launch many of Minnesota’s organizations including the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins.
However, one of his passions is housed here on the campus of St. John’s University on the third floor of Simons Hall. The `Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship’ is dedicated to giving young men and women the skills to succeed in business. Every year the Entrepreneur Scholars participate in special classes and work with mentors to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit. As a recovering entrepreneur, I deeply appreciate this educational resource. Details are at www.csbsju.edu/cfe
I crossed paths with Donald McNeely in 1986. Jimmy Dorr and I had opened the Knoll Office Furniture showroom in the International Market Square. Jimmy was big on design but I insisted that we print temporary calling cards immediately, not waiting until his graphic designer perfected his concept. As it happened Jimmy’s locker at the Minneapolis Athletic Club was near the locker of the President of Space Center. He apologized for the quality of the printing, but handed it to his buddy and told him about our new venture. To make a long story short, that exchange lead to a $250,000 order for Knoll furniture including Knoll carpet which was top of the line. Donald McNeely kept his old furniture, but all around him was state-of-the art modern contemporary furniture influenced by the Bauhaus school of design. Never go anywhere without your calling card.
The APHC show this week is a look back to the second of two bonus May shows from the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Jim James sings “Here in Spirit” and “Wonderful (The Way I Feel),” Aimee Mann performs “You Never Loved Me” and “Goose Snow Cone,” and Hari Kondabolu shares a few thoughts on the Roman Empire and mom jokes. Plus: Chris Thile with his final Season 1 Song of the Week, “Feedback Loop,” Jerry Douglas plays “What If,” the band tackles Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut” for the Powdermilk Instant Song Request, and Bertrand Falstaff Heine reviews the local daycare facilities. Enjoy the show on your radio or your computer or smart phone.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred with dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with the cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt
July 21st, 2017 by Gary Osberg
“We’re having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.” I don’t remember the name of the singer, but I heard this song a lot when I was young. Last week we were at `The Cabin on Amelia’. We checked in on Sunday at 4 and checked out on the next Sunday at 11am. My niece and her husband live in Phoenix and they purchased the cabin, which is only 5 miles from Glenwood, so that they would have a place to get away from the 110 degree temps in Arizona. They decided to rent it to others on a weekly basis when they were not using it. The cabin has 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms plus a great room with `state of the art’ entertainment in case it rains. The beach toys include two kayaks, a canoe, a paddle boat and two paddle boards. It was perfect for Barby and her 10 grandchildren. I even had time to read a book. You can find the details on Facebook, by searching for “The Cabin on Amelia”.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of a show from just a few months ago, in May, from the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Josh Ritter sings “Getting Ready to Get Down” and “Oh Lord (Part Three)”. Jon Batiste performs “New Orleans Blues” and “What a Wonderful World” and Emma Willmann shares a few stories about Maine, roommates, and New York City. Plus Chris Thile debuts “Comey’s Waltz”. Pekka Kuusisto and Eric Jacobsen stop by to play a little Bach, and there will be a word from APHC sponsor Gutenberg Pressed Juice.
“I wish to live because life has with it that which is good, that which is beautiful, and that which is love.” Lorraine Hansberry
July 7th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
Tomorrow is the 32nd annual Hagstrom/Osberg Golf Open. This year we are going to be at the Island Pine Golf Club in Atwater, Minnesota. www.islandpinegolf.com My cousin John Hagstrom’s son Josh is the General Manager. His grandmother was my mother’s sister, Leone, Auntie to me. Auntie married Duane Hagstrom, owner of Hagstrom Chevrolet in Upsala, Minnesota. Between the two sisters there are 10 of us. Auntie’s youngest, Kevin, is a very good golfer and for many years he and I won this best ball event every year. For that reason, we named our team ‘Ming’. After all we were a dynasty. Not so much anymore.
There was a time when you had to use at least one drive and one putt for each of the team members. Now there are no such rules. There is a traveling trophy with the names of each year’s winning team engraved on a brass plate. Kevin and I are due. It has been a while. After golf we will gather at John and Carla’s house for a picnic and the award ceremony. We are fortunate to have a number of traditions in our family. I trust that your Fourth of July Celebration was a safe one.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast a show from November 2016 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver, Colorado. Trey Anastasio plays “Brian and Robert” and “Water in the Sky,” The Staves sing “Sadness Don’t Own Me” and “Hopeless,” and Tig Notaro discusses what it’s like to be a comedian. Plus: Chris Thile debuts “The Elephant in the Room” and leads the band on Radiohead’s “True Love Waits”. Other highlights include a word from a new sponsor, Container Pants; and a look at some of the alternative choices available at your local animal shelter. Enjoy the show on your radio or mobile device.
“Day after day, we discover our own lives. Because we never know what we will find, every discovery is an unexpected gift we give to ourselves.” Barbara J. Esbensen
June 30th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
“Put your John Hancock here.” Next week these `United States of America’ will celebrate a 241st birthday. Fifty six men, members of the Second Continental Congress, signed `The Declaration of Independence’ on July 4, 1776. The largest signature on the `unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America’ was that of John Hancock. Hence the idea that “your John Hancock” means your signature.
The final paragraph of The Declaration of Independence reads: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” A signed copy is displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. May we all pledge to do the same this coming Tuesday as we celebrate “Independence Day”.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of a show originally recorded last November from The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jason Isbell sings “24 Frames” and “Speed Trap Town,” Angélique Kidjo performs “Kulumbu” and “Orisha,” The Dover Quartet plays Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Billy Collins reads his poems “After the Funeral” and “Cheerios.” Plus: Chris Thile and the band with the Song of the Week, “I Made This for You,” Stuart Duncan and Chris Eldridge lead a medley of fiddle tunes. Also, there will be messages from sponsors, Offerman’s Noise-Canceling Headphones and the American Duct Tape Council. Tune in on your radio or smart phone.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson.
June 23rd, 2017 by Gary Osberg
The three Osberg Fishing Tournament team members each caught fish last Saturday at the Camp Confidence Classic on Gull Lake. We went to the same `hot spot’ as last year, but this year Rock Bass was not allowed for the `mixed bag’ category and we could not catch a walleye. It is very likely that had we been able to catch a walleye, we would have placed. We ended up turning in 3 largemouth bass, but their total weight was less than 6 pounds.
The highlight for Papa Gary was seeing Walleye Willie, age 8, featured by the Camp Confidence’s Jeff Olson in a side bet. This is Willie’s second tournament and he did win the side bet. The prize was Jeff Olson’s favorite fishing cap. We have now decided that this is a “must attend” event. Tradition is big in the Osberg family.
The APHC show this week is a October 2016 rebroadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul. Esperanza Spalding performs “Unconditional Love” and “Good Lava,” Dawes lends a bit of California sunshine to a Minnesota autumn with “Roll with the Punches” and “When the Tequila Runs Out,” and Aparna Nancherla talks life in New York City. Plus: Chris Thile debuts a Halloween number, “The Dark Half of the Year,” and joins Julian Lage on “Gardens”; Gaby Moreno performs “Illusion”; and messages from APHC sponsors, the Catchup Advisory Board and the American Duct Tape Council. Enjoy the show on your radio or your iPhone ap.
“Learn to get in touch with silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose.” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
June 16th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
A great time was had by all. My son and grandson, Walleye Willie, showed me how to fish under a full moon. We were out there until 11pm on Saturday night. We trolled with plugs and we managed to bring 5 walleye home in the live well. We are going back to Holly’s Resort next year for sure. What a blessing to have four brothers to share this tradition with. The only near tragedy came from a runaway dog that ate a big portion of the Rhubarb cake that Jean Marie had baked. The eight Osberg men range in age from 8 to 73. Picture attached.
Erik, Willie and I have signed up for the 34th annual Nick Adams Fishing Classic on Gull Lake tomorrow. Last year we placed third in the mixed bag category. This is a fund raiser for the Confidence Learning Center. You can still get in on the fun by going to www.campconfidence.com
The APHC show this week is a look back to October 2016 and the second broadcast of that season, from the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats turn things up with “Wasting Time” and “Parlour,” Anaïs Mitchell performs “Now You Know” and “Clyde Waters,” and John Hodgman shares a few stories about beards and septic systems. Plus: Chris Thile and the band play “I Blew it Off”; and the Acting Company shares a word from the new sponsor, the Super Monster Mulching Mower. Chris and John Hodgman square off in a Star Wars trivia contest. Tune in on the radio or online.
“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” Thomas a Kempis
May 26th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
When I was a youngster in Upsala, we always had a Memorial Day service in the school gym, followed by a parade down Main Street. Sometime after I graduated in 1961, the practice died out. Then in the 80’s, Lorna Koehn, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary brought back the Memorial Day Celebration in Upsala. I can still picture her marching in front of a group of children, each holding a bunch of lilac flowers. The parade ends at the City Park, where the children still wait in anticipation for the chance to collect the spent brass shells after the 21 gun salute. They make good whistles. After that, the `Upsala First Responders’ serves a picnic lunch including “Bee Bop A Ree Bop Rhubarb Pie”. Be sure to take the time to honor those that you know who have served. If you meet a service member, simply put our your hand and say “Thank you for serving”. They deserve our respect.
You can help to raise funds for the Veterans Educational Historic Monument art project by going to www.vetsart.org The Army, Navy and Coast Guard paintings are hanging in the Committal Hall of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Funds are needed to complete the Marine Corps and the Air Force paintings. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day service will be Sunday starting with The Richfield Symphonic Band at 1:30 pm followed by the program at 2 pm. The speaker is CSM (Retired) James Kampsen, Command Sergeant Major, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Here is the Vets Art PSA. https://youtu.be/gcOEvxkesZw
The APHC this week is looking back to January 2016 with a rebroadcast from a show performed at the Fitzgerald Theater. Ben Folds sings “Capable of Anything” and “Not a Fan,” and teams up with Chris for “Army”; Ed Helms stopped by as a member of the APHC acting company and tried his hand at a little storytelling. Brandi Carlile performed “The Eye” and led everyone on “Lovesick Blues” to close out the proceedings. Plus: tunes from Chris and his fellow Punch Brothers, along with friend Sarah Jarosz; scripts from the Royal Academy of Radio Actors, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, and Fred Newman; and a few reminders that in Minnesota, even as summer nears, winter is always on the horizon.
“Moral courage, the courage of one’s convictions, the courage to see things through the eyes of the world, is in constant conspiracy against the brave. It is the age old struggle – the roar of the crowd on one side and voice of the conscience on the other.” General Douglas MacArthur
May 19th, 2017 by Gary Osberg
Toe rings may have to wait for a while. Last Saturday it was 80 degrees. Tomorrow it will be in the mid 40s. For the fishing opener, my grandson Walleye Willie, went to Lake Mille Lacs with his dad and a couple of other guys. They caught over 20 walleyes and Willie landed his personal best, a 25 ½ incher. Picture attached. If you go to Mille Lacs, check out Appeldoorns Sunset Bay Resort.
50 years of broadcasting public radio in Minnesota started with 90.1 KSJR from here in our studio on the third floor of Wimmer Hall. In case you missed it, here is a story done by our very own Cathy Wurzer on the TPT Almanac broadcast May 5th. http://www.tpt.org/almanac/episode/the-early-days-of-mpr-in-collegeville/
The APHC show this week is the second of our two bonus May live broadcasts from our home base in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Fitzgerald Theater. Joining Chris are musical guests Jim James and Aimee Mann, and comedian Hari Kondabolu. Host, Chris Thile, has a brand-new Song of the Week; our friend Sara Watkins joins as Chris’s duet partner for the first time this season, and she’ll also add a little fiddle to the band, along with Jerry Douglas on Dobro, music director and pianist Rich Dworsky, guitarist Chris Eldridge, Alan Hampton on bass, and drummer Ted Poor; the Royal Academy of Radio Actors, Serena Brook, Tim Russell, and Fred Newman, will amaze and astound on scripts and sounds effects; and they will celebrate a few musician birthdays. Tune in on your local public radio station or watch live (Saturday, 5pm-7pm Central Time) at prairiehome.org!
The Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud presents the Carpe Diem String Quartet tomorrow evening at Atonement Lutheran. www.chambermusicstcloud.org
“Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” Robert Louis Stevenson.
Category :
General 
Comments Off on August 11, 2017 