Golf Party
The only other party I ever crashed was as a teenager, along with an equally daring girlfriend. The occasion was the wedding reception of a local socialite. My friend and I wrapped an empty blanket box in gorgeous wedding paper and joined the elite crowd who filed in to the Country Club. The bride’s parents thought we were friends of the groom, and the groom’s parents thought we were friends of the bride. We were welcomed with open arms. It was a wonderful party. They even fed us!
But the Village @ Apache Wells Golf Party held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2014 was even better. I just told the nice man at the door that I had a handicap of 17, and he let me right in. Seated at a table with Dale and Audrey Sommem, they filled me in on the origin of the golf group, known first as the Sun Ridge Golfers. The two Vegoe brothers, Harold and Cliff started the whole thing. Harold is now almost 100 years old, while brother Cliff is still golfing in Minnesota. Bill Kautt was a member, as well as Dick Lawler, and Charlie Paige. When Charlie moved to the Village, the golfing group came along. It was than that Dick Akers joined, and was put in charge. The group name changed to The Village @ Apache Wells Golfers. The Lommems informed me that Dick is by far the best man for the job that they have ever had. They hoped he’d be their leader for another twenty five years.
Martin Aaser took care of the entertainment and stated that he had connections with Dorothy, the piano player. “How big a connection?” called a heckler from the back of the room. Martin presented a Non Talent Show. His and Hers diaries were read by the Aasers. Jim Erie had a joke or two between acts. The Dual @ the Village was performed by Lee Hain and Martin Aaser. Armed with dangerous charcoal lighters, the two fought to the last spark, and it was a toss up as to who got the last finger.
Maestro Bentley accompanied the Lutefisk Village singers. Director Byron Slicer Johnson, Jim Hooker Erie, Mike On the Green Halvorson, Jim One Putt Mootz, Terry Par Shooter Lutz, Lee Penalty Stroke Hain, Virgil Chipper Christianson, Bill Throw Your Club Kautt, Dick In the Water Seehafer, and Jim Par Endright, belted out their practice number and then the real thing. It went something like this:
Oh Lutefisk, oh Lutefisk, how fragrant your aroma.
Oh Lutefisk, oh Lutefisk, you put me in a coma.
You smell so strong…you look like glue.
You taste yust like, an overshoe. But Lutefisk, come Saturday,
I think I’ll eat you anyway!
Erie and Aaser gave us an idea of a typical Saturday night in town at Granite Falls, Minn.
Erie announced the Snow Bird Open for the coming summer.
Martin informed us that his friend Frank called and wanted the size of his instrument, so he could build a case for his scrub board. He and Dorothy did a bang up job of playing a duet of the Boogie Woogie March, and an encore of a Polka. Had there been open space, I am certain they would have had a few dancers on the floor.
Finally, Dick Akers reminded everyone of the March 22 golf event, with a $5.00 entry fee. Kudos to Dick and his capable crew of helpers for a super golf party, the best I have ever crashed.
................................................... -Mary Weeks
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