Three old-timers from Denmark Township will share some local history this week with anyone who cares to swing by the town hall.
The township's historical society presents "family stories" from longtime residents Ivan Bahe, Jim Herman and Dick Klem at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. The Town Hall is at 14008 90th St. S., rural Hastings (90th and Oakgreen in south Washington County).
Bahe's great grandfather came from Germany in 1865 and settled the land on which Ivan and his wife, Carol, still live.
Klem's grandfather came from Germany in the late 1880s and homesteaded in the North Branch area. Klem's parents found their way to Denmark Township in 1956.
Herman's great-grandfather came to Cottage Grove in the late 1880s, then moved to Denmark Township.
The Denmark Township Historical Society organizes programs and events that build awareness of traditions and history. Members are working to restore Valley School, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1852 that they purchased in 2012. Information is available from the president, Carena Kelz, at 651-357-4244.
Woodbury
Rec programs on tap for kids
Woodbury's parks and recreation department is offering sessions this month called "Meet the Milk Makers" and "Camp Caterpillar."
Nature in the Park: Meet the Milk Makers concerns mammals that produce milk for their young and for us. There's a chance to make and taste homemade butter.
This session is on Tuesday, May 19, 6:45-7:30 p.m., for $6 per child. It's aimed at ages 3-10 (must attend with an adult).
The registration number is 550920-05. To register, visit www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/recreation-division or call 651-714-3583.
Science Explorers: Camp Caterpillar investigates bugs, plants and the weather with activities, projects and songs.
The three-day camp is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 26-28, at a resident cost of $54, nonresident $64, for children ages 3 to 6. The registration number is 551270-01.
Mud pit crawl is featured for kids
Climbing, jumping, sliding and running through obstacles will end with a crawl through a mud pit at Woodbury's Mud Run later this month.
Waves of 10 will begin the run and a DJ will keep participants entertained. All participants get a T-shirt.
Preregistration is recommended to guarantee a spot. Onsite registration will only occur if spots are available.
The event is Saturday, May 30 at Woodridge Park, 9000 19th Street, Cottage Grove.
Children ages 6-9 will compete from 9-10 a.m. (Registration No. 551606-01). Children ages 10-12 will run from 10-11 a.m. (551606-02). Fee is $25.
To register, call 651-714-3583 or visit the city's website [http://tinyurl.com/qdosogb]. For more information call 651-414-3437.
Washington County
Campfire programs start this weekend
Washington County campfire programs start this weekend.
The Warner Nature Center will present one on the red-tailed hawk at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Dodge Nature Center will present a program on chickens at 7:15 p.m. the same evening at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Participants can see a variety of chickens.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at the intersection of County Roads 19 and 10. The program will be held in the campground amphitheater and is free with a park permit ($5 per day, $25 annual).
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park is along the St. Croix River on County Road 21, between County Roads 76 and 78, in Denmark Township. The program will be in the campground amphitheater and is free with a park permit.
Call 651-430-8240 or see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks for more on such programs.
Writer on 'Mother Earth' has readings
Judy Stern, an author who lives in Marine on St. Croix, will offer readings at two sites in the county over the next month.
Her books, under the general title "Teachings From Mother Earth," concern an American Indian worldview. The readings will be held:
• May 21 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at ArtReach, 224 4th St. N., Stillwater; and
• June 12 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, Marine on St. Croix.
David Peterson
