West End News: August 8

Well, this is hardly news, but if you’ve just arrived in the West End, or if you live under a rock, the blueberries are ripe, plump and plentiful.
 
It’s an ancient tradition to keep your favorite blueberry picking spots classified at the same level that the C.I.A. uses for its most sensitive classified intelligence.  Even immediate family members can lose their “need to know” status if they fall under suspiscion of being a blabbermouth.
 
At the risk of turning myself into a traitorous whistleblower, I can say that right now, in the West End, you can go to almost any clearing, and you will find blueberries.  Look for clearings that have lots of low ground cover and abundant sunshine.  Berry pickers are reporting harvests of more than a quart per hour, without even trying.
 
Long story short, if you have any spare time at all, get out there and pick.
 
There are a lot of fun activities scheduled in the next couple of weeks around the West End:
 
The North Shore Stewardship Association at Sugarloaf Cove in Schroeder is offering a two day exploration of North Shore geology, on the weekend of Aug. 17. 
 
The Sugarloaf Cove is home to what most geologists would say is the best place on the North Shore to explore basaltic lava flows and all their features. The class will begin with a good look at these world famous lava flows, learn the basics of recognizing the different local rock types, then expand beyond Sugarloaf to recognize features seen at other fascinating locations along the Shore. 
 
Pre-registration is required and the class size is limited.  You can get more information and register by putting “Sugarloaf North Shore” in your Iinternet search engine, or by calling 218-525-0001.  As always you can contact WTIP for full contact details.
 
The North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in Tofte will be dedicating their new Grindbygg-style timber frame boat shelter Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m.  The new world’s leading expert on Grindbygg-style timber framing and foreman of the construction crew of this beautiful building, Peter Henriksen, will be on hand to talk about the amazing history of Grindbygg-style building. 
 
Refreshments will be served.  Call the museum at (218) 663-7050 if you need more details. 
 
Schroeder’s annual festival, John Schroeder Lumberjack Day, is coming up Saturday, Aug. 17.  As always, there will be a number of fun events for the whole family. 
 
A pancake breakfast at the Schroeder Town Hall kicks things off from 8 to 10 a.m.  Vendors and kids activities will be found at the Heritage Center in downtown Schoeder. Skip Lamb will be leading his famous walking history tours of Schroeder starting at 10 and 1.  A sawmill tour and demonstration will be hosted by Tony and Deonn Cicak at 11:30 and 2. 
 
Also at the Heritage Center in Schroeder, the next weekend, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m, part-time Schroeder resident Tom Berg will be speaking about his recenly published book, “Minnesota’s Miracle – Learning From the Government That Worked.”
 
Tom was an influential legislator back in the ‘70s when Minnesota was renowned for its effective and productive bipartisan law making.  Much of what is best about Minnesota’s government was put in place during his tenure in the legislature.  In this day of legislative gridlock, Tom has many suggestions for good government.  Tom’s experiencce and personality make him an engaging speaker, so don’t miss the chance to hear this important presentation.
 
Of course, there will be lots of good food, fun and conversation at both Schroeder events.  If you have questions, call Susan at the Heritage Center, 663-7706 or look for the posters that are scattered around all the public spaces in the West End.
 
Many people will have heard of the best selling author, Barbara Kingsolver.  She is one of the best contemporary American authors, both in fiction and non-fiction. 
 
What many people don’t know is that she used to vacation in the West End with her parents when she was growing up.  After she left the nest, her parents, Dr. Wendell and Virginia Kingsolver, continued to camp at Crescent Lake Campground for two weeks every year.  
 
Avid birdwatchers, they enjoyed becoming experts on the habits of northeastern Minnesota’s feathered wildlife. They have also been good friends to many other campers at Crescent Lake and to the extended Sawbill family.
 
I am saddened to report that Ginny Kingsolver passed away July 1 after being diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago.  She was 83 years old.  Ginny led an incredibly full life and was one of the most cheerful and generous people that I’ve had the pleasure to know.
 
She took great pride in the accomplishments of all her children, but of course was most often asked about her famous daughter, Barbara.  Ginny told me that she wished the parent figures in Barbara’s books were portrayed in a better light, because most people assume that the novels were at least somewhat autobiographical.  Barbara’s reply was that happy childhoods don’t make for compelling plots, but she assured her mother that her own childhood was happy and fulfilling.  Knowing Ginny and Wendell, I have no doubt of that.