BACK TOGETHER

It may have only been grass, but it didn’t make any difference for Chuck and Jerrie Wencl of Medford to kick up their heels and do a little dancing.
With some music blasting on the PA, the Wencls whooped it up in a field by the Medford Veteran’s Memorial during the opening festivities of Straight River Days Thursday night.
“We thought it would be fun to go dance,” said Jerrie. “We usually go faster and higher, but it’s hard on the ground.”
Like most people, the Wencls are thankful to finally be able to get back together with friends and neighbors again after a year of COVID-19 restrictions brought an end to fun the way most people know it.
“It’s nice to get together with each other again,” Chuck said. “We love it. We need to do more of it.”
Jackie Svenby came with her son Calab’s family, including her 2-year-old granddaughter, Cecilia. They grabbed some free hotdogs and munchies as well as balloons.
“It’s fun to come out to see people I haven’t seen in a long time and not worry about anything,” said Jackie, adding COVID “sealed the deal where you didn’t go anywhere.”
She admits she kind of got stuck in a rut at home after being cooped up for so long. “It will be interesting to be back out in the community,” Jackie said.
United Way Director Annette Duncan is using the re-opening of activities as a way to bring the organization to the people. For the first time, United Way is featuring a display at all community celebrations.
In addition to mingling with people, the focus for United Way is balloons, books and bubbles. Duncan has a helium tank to inflate balloons, a bubble machine to make bubbles and books.
“We need to turn those frowns upside down,” Duncan said. “How can you not with balloons, books and bubbles?”
She has noticed people are feeling more optimistic and even giddy. “Human beings are meant to be together,” she said.
Duncan, who took over the United Way last year, said the organization needs to be out in the community, especially coming after a year of what everyone experienced with COVID-19. “I love the energy of being around other people. It just melts my heart, and everybody just feels better. This is our light at the end of the tunnel.”
So far, it has been a positive move for the United Way. Duncan said many people don’t know the resources that are available to them.
Ellendale Days is the next community festival set for this weekend followed by Blooming Prairie’s Fourth of July celebration July 3-4.