Summer festivities everywhere!

Welcome to August. The big news and activity around here this week is the Green Fair Folk Festival happening Wednesday evening. Many people have been very busy making things for the Fair. Wednesday they will be making fresh bread (whole wheat and white bread) for the peanut butter and jelly slices that will be sold at the Fair. Last year we used 23 loaves of bread (23 slices per loaf) and lots of peanut butter and jelly. I know it will again be a very popular booth. The horse drawn wagon tours of the campus will also be popular. The U-Rock bands have been practicing the past two weekends. There are 6 bands and each will play three pieces at the concert starting at 5:30. And there will be many other activities, too. You are invited to join us between 4 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

August 1 and 2 we had the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of MN (GFWC) meeting here. This is their third time meeting here at St. Francis. “This organization is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.” There were about 40 ladies: 28 stayed at St. Francis Center overnight. They came from Park Rapids, Grand Rapid, Sleepy Eye, Crookston, Warren, Golden Valley, Fertile, Henderson, Waubun, Fosston, Hawley, Delano, Plymouth, Hancock, Morris, Starbuck, Silver Lake, Hutchinson, International Falls.

Saturday was the Morrison County Paint-A-Thon. Eight houses were painted. The Franciscan Sisters furnished the caramel and cinnamon rolls for the breakfast. Home owners are so proud of how their home looks with a fresh coat of paint. We had about 100 painters. The slogan on the green t-shirts said, “Building Community by Working Together.” So true, isn’t it?

This was the weekend for the “Eltgroth Family Camp-Out.” There were about 27 of us at Lindbergh State Park. (Three of us stayed here at the convent.) Some came to go swimming at the pool Saturday afternoon. A good time was had by all.

The County Fair starts on Thursday. I need to figure out when I can go for a few hours. I like seeing the exhibits and the 4-H projects.

The flowers near the west entrance are so full and fragrant. Thanks, Steve, for taking such good care of them.

Sunday, August 10, is a special day as we celebrate Jubilees for Sisters Bea Eichten, Carol Virnig, Mary Dumonceaux, and Sharon Fitzpatrick who have been Franciscan Sisters for 50 years. Sister Mary Hroscikoski celebrates her 25th anniversary. Congratulations, Sisters…and Thank You for all the good works you’ve done these 225 years.

Have a great week.
Peace and blessings,
Sr. Mary Lou Eltgroth