FOUR LEAF CLOVER CLUB

        The December meeting of the GFWC Albion Four Leaf Clover Club was the annual Christmas dinner and program for members and their guests.   The ham and chicken dinner with trimmings was catered by the Wild Flour Café in the Albion Grange Hall.  The Burley business is owned and operated by Yvonne Desind.

        During the meal, Robert Kinsel sang Christmas carols and songs accompanying himself on his guitar.  Following dinner Matt Desind performed “Telephone Man” for which he earned first place in the serious solo category of state high school drama competition. Yvonne Desind sang “Mary Did You Know” to taped accompaniment, and then she and Kinsel directed a karaoke sing-along of Christmas music and country songs.

        Lorna Caliouette, club president, gave the Welcome and then  Keith Amende gave the prayer before the meal.  The dinner committee was the executive committee members.  Caliouette arranged for the program.   The tables were decorated by Carol Amende.  Part of the decorations, four holiday ceramic dishes full of candy, were given as door prizes to those who had a snowman sticker on the crystal ornament at their place.

        The January meeting will be Monday the 2nd at 7 p.m. in the Grange Hall.  The program is under the direction of the Home Life Committee.

Santa Came to Town

        It was a cold, blustery night when Santa came to visit the Albion Valley December 3.  He was escorted into town by the Albion Fire and Police Departments with lights and sirens.  He was greeted in front of the library on Main Street by valley residents of all ages who braved the weather to see him.    Christmas lights on trees in front of the library/city office had been turned on as part of the welcome.

        Upon alighting from the fire truck, Santa was accompanied by the attendees to the Memorial Tree just north of  the library for a short memorial service.  After the white lights on the tree were turned on, Keith Amende led the group in a prayer.  As Sue Keller led the singing of “Silent Night,”  those who had purchased wooden angels this year in memory of a deceased loved one hung them on the tree.  The angels from previous years had already been hung.

        Santa then moved inside the library where a special place had been prepared for him to visit with the children and give

them treats.  He received a variety of requests, but some just wanted to be surprised.  He then was driven to the homes of shut-ins in the community where he presented each with the gift of a little Christmas tree.

        The evening was sponsored by the Club with Edie Fitzgerald serving as chairman.  The club would like to thank the Albion Telephone Company, its employees, City Maintenance Supervisor Stewart Waldemar, City Maintenance Assistant Kay Powell, and Chief of Police Bruce Bristol for putting up the Christmas lights and banners.  Appreciation is also expressed to Fire Chief Jeff Leach and all the fire department crew who helped make the evening a success.

Community Christmas Program

        The annual Albion Community Christmas Program was held in the LDS church building.  The Albion Elementary School students presented “A North Pole Polaroid” under the direction of the teachers, Marsha Meissner and Jan Hartwell assisted by Shirlene Rogers and Cedar Knudsen, teacher assistants.  Piano accompaniment for some of the songs was taped by Priscilla Richins.  Recitation was interspersed with songs sung by groups and/or all the students.

several songs.  The evening’s program concluded with a dance performed by Amber Koenig and Ciara Bailey.

        Keith Amende, on behalf of the Albion Grange, presented carved wooden plaques from the State Grange to Dawn Koenig for being named State Teacher of the Year; to Don Gunderson, State Fireman of the Year; and to Bruce Bristol, State Policeman of the year.  They were nominated for the state competition by the Albion Grange.

        Bruce Bristol, Master of the Albion Grange, presented this year’s Grange Community Citizen Award to Dean and Priscilla Richins for their acts of service in and for the community, especially the Hometown July 4^th Celebration.

        Jan thanked the school staff and the community for its support, expressing special appreciation to those who helped with the performance.  She presented a gift to Priscilla.  Jacque Whiting, on behalf of the PTO, thanked the community for its support of their two fundraisers that made it possible for the PTO to purchase a desk for every student.

        To conclude the evening, Santa appeared to visit with all the children and hand out bags of treats prepared by the Albion Grange.  Local businesses and civic organizations contributed to help provide the treats.

A GRAND NIGHT

December 30 was a wet and blustery night; but, inside the new Albion Community Center, it was cozy and cheery.  The Albion Valley Players and the Albion Valley Historical Society revived some Albion history by replicating in a small way the Grand Balls that used to be held many years ago in the former Masonic Hall, now the Community Center, on  Main Street.  It was held following a reception honoring retiring Albion Mayor Donald Danner.

The hall was decorated with evergreens as was the first ball held in 1883.  However, this time the trees were lit with strings of small white electric lights.  Candlelight did light the circular tables around the hall.  The decorations were provided by First Class Catering.

        The reception began at 7 p.m.  Don and his wife Shirley were seated on large decorative chairs under an arbor of evergreen to greet the guests. A “dance” program similar to those of the past was given to attendees.  It included some historical information.  A brief biography and tribute to Don were given by Robert Price, a classmate and long time friend.  He related some anecdotes about their growing up in Albion.  Shari Bell, an Albion Valley Players Board member, then presented Don with a Space Pen that can write anywhere.

        The floor show was under the direction Clay and Kristine Handy.  Clay gave a brief history of the Grand Balls held in Albion and the surrounding communities.  The first dance of the evening was the Virginia Reel and couples from the audience participated as Kristine called the steps.

        Their dance troupe then exhibited some dances from yesteryear.  The performers included the Handys and their son Branson, and  Ilene and David Coats and their children Katie, Emily, and Andrew.  The “ball,” just as those of yesteryear, began with a Grand March of attendees directed by the Handys.  Music prepared by Deric Bell was played so that attendees could dance after the March. 

        There was a biographical display honoring Don prepared by his daughter Kathy Adams, and historical displays about early Albion and the new Community Center.  Refreshments made by Annabelle Ottley were served.  Members of the Committee arranging the event were Tressa Toner, Verlene Powell, Shari Bell, Mary Lynne Bristol, Lorna Caliouette, and Sue Keller.

        The  Masonic Lodge did its part to promote the social life of the valley and surrounding area; the first Masonic Ball was held on November 29, 1883.  When they moved to the building on Main Street, the balls were held on the lower floor.  For many years, the Masons sponsored the Christmas Dance, the Odd Fellows the News Year Dance, and the Eastern Star the Washington Dance in February.  Early dances in Marsh Basin, as Albion was known is those days, were well attended and often lasted for three or four successive nights.

THANK YOU NOTES

To my secret pals and many friends,

     I do so appreciate your gifts.  They help me look forward to each day.  They made me happy and helped me breath correctly.  Thank you for the love shown to me.  I want to thank the carolers, especially for singing my favorite Christmas carol.  I especially want to thank Jeff and Abby Dayley for the singing Christmas tree they gave me.  Thanks to all the people who brought me food and goodies.  Being alone, I truly had a very nice Christmas.  I wish to thank everyone who has been so kind to me and wish you a happy, healthful New Year.

        Phyllis Tracy

     We want to thank the community for the beautiful flowers and the food that was provided following Bennie Chatburn’s funeral.  Thanks for the great kindness shown.

            the Chatburn family

MEMORIAL TREE RELOCATED

        A Christmas tradition begun in 1997 to honor those of the Albion community lost to death during the year could have ended this year when the construction of the new highway eliminated the juniper tree on the Albion grade that was decorated year after year.  But thanks to the efforts of Loleta Merrill, Renie Parrish, and Arlene Meyer, the tradition was continued in a new location although the tree used is not permanent.  But they are looking to resolve that issue, too.  Those added to the list this year were Stuart McLachlan, Chris Cagle, and Bennie Chatburn.

@@@@@    The American Legion     @@@@@

        December came and went very fast for this adjutant, but I guess it’s due to his age and effortless time on his hands!  We had our annual Christmas Dinner sponsored by both the Auxiliary and Legionnaires.  We had a pretty good turnout including a new Auxiliary Junior Member, Kaitlyn Dawn Denning, her parents Jody and Scott, and her brother Colton.  Other special guests were the Department Alternate National Executive Committeeman, Cleve Rice and his wife Rita, and the Auxiliary Department Vice-president Kim Cohen and her husband Mark.

        We had a Christmas ham prepared by Marcella Mahoney and all of the favorite trimmings that make up the special dinner prepared by the women of the auxiliary.  The ham and rolls were provided by the Legion.  The gift exchange was again a battle to see who was going to be the last called to take away a gift from one of the fellow competitors that showed up for the dinner.  Yes, Mr. Bruce Bristol got the honors this year.  Our Commander Ron Beedle got his dates mixed up with time and place, and he and his wife Ann showed up in Las Vegas.  That’s why they were not at the Christmas party!!!  Our Vice Commander Bruce Bristol took over for Ron and did an excellent job.  

        In membership this year we are sitting at 54 (49 Renewals & 5 New), giving Commander Beedle 91.52%.  I have sent letters to members who have not paid.  Please get those dues in so that you don’t end up dropped from the files at National.  Commander Beedle would like to have the Post at a 100% plus for 2006.  You still have time, and if you have a problem let the Adjutant know.

        We helped with one funeral this last month.  The veteran was Monte Bailey, a member of the Declo Post 144.  He was from the Albion Valley and was buried in the Albion Community Cemetery where his brother Robert, who was a member of the Albion Post 124, is buried.  Thanks, goes out to those members that attended the funeral.

        In the coming month of January, we have the Department’s Mid-Winter Conference at the Holiday Inn in Boise.  The Legislative Banquet is Thursday, January 12 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Meetings are the 13 – 15^th.  Don’t forget to bring all those new stuffed animals and games for the Toy Barn at the Mountain State Tumor Institute (MSTI) St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise.  Those of you that are planning on attending, please make your reservations at the Holiday Inn.

        Next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m.  There will be a lot of business to start off the New Year, so bring your buddy or a potential new member (I know of a few right in Albion) and lets make this a great meeting.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  2006

        Still Serving Our Veterans, where ever they are serving for our Country, and our Youth.

              Don  G. Gunderson, Post Adjutant

LEGION AUXILIARY

        We had a wonderful Christmas party.  The ham dinner with trimmings was great and of course the company cannot be beat!  Thank you to all of the people who brought the delicious things to eat!!  We really appreciated having our Department Vice-president Kim Cohen and her husband Mark in attendance.    

        Thank you, too, to all who brought the toys for the MSTI Toy Barn.  We had a great response and they will be delivered to the Mountain States Tumor Institute representative during the Department  Mid-Winter Conference.  We know the toys are a great comfort to those children who have gone through so much.

        American Legion Department of Idaho Mid-Winter Conference is January 12-15 at the Holiday Inn in Boise. 

        Thanks to the great effort of President LaDean Pace, our membership is over 100 per cent and we were commended by the Department Vice-president during the Christmas dinner.  We still have a couple of renewals that need to be turned in to Mary Lynne Bristol.   So please, if you have not yet sent in your membership fee of $20, please do so now.

        Our January meeting is on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Albion Grange Hall kitchen.  See you there!

SENIOR NOTES

        The Seniors had a special Christmas treat following their dinner on December 14.  The Albion Elementary School children presented a Christmas program of song, recitation,  and bell choruses.  The students were each given a candy cane.

        Representatives of the Albion Campus Foundation attended the December 21^st dinner and talked about their proposal for the campus.  They answered questions from the Seniors.

        Dues are again due now that a new year has begun.  They are $1 per person per year.  They are to be paid to Iona Bailey.

        Menus for January are:

January 4-spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, relish tray, green salad, peaches and cake, and beverages;

January 11-meat loaf, baked potatoes with sour cream, buttered carrots, Jello fruit salad, Texas toast, fruit and cookies, and beverages;

January 18-ham and beans, corn bread, relish tray, ice cream, and beverages; and

January 25-tuna casserole with green peas and onions, green salad, buttered corn, rolls and butter, tapioca pudding, and beverages.

OBITUARY

BENNIE GERALD CHATBURN

71, died Thursday, December 8 at the Park View Care and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born December 11, 1933, to John Benjamin and Zella Ada Handy Chatburn in the Albion family home where he lived his entire life.  He was the youngest of seven children.

        He attended elementary school at the Albion State Normal Training School and graduated from the Albion High School in 1951 as Valedictorian of his class.  He attend Idaho State College, Boise Junior College, and graduated from the College of Idaho (Albertson College) in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  In 1962 he won a National Science Foundation Scholarship to the University of Idaho.

        He taught for 18 years at Declo High School serving as senior class advisor for most of those years and two years at BJHS.  He was always eager to go the second mile for his students.  He was well liked, respected, and always prepared to help them succeed.

        He was a lifelong cattle rancher and a stockholder in the Chatburn Brothers Ranches in Albion.  Bennie was a member of the Albion City Council for several years and served as City Clerk/Treasurer for 20 years, retiring in 2001.

        He was a 50 year (Golden Sheaf) member of the Albion Grange.  Always active in the Cassia Masonic Lodge No. 14 A.F. & A.M., he became a member of the Paul Lodge when the Cassia Lodge closed in 1999.

        Always interested in local history, Bennie was an amateur historian.  He was one of the original directors of the Cassia County Historical Society which organized in his front parlor.  He was also an active member of the Albion Historical Society until his health failed him.

        He was an excellent pianist especially liking to play Ragtime and honky-tonk pieces.  In college he had his own dance band.  His nieces and nephews always loved to hear him play when they visited.

        As a Master Gardener, he secured seeds for all types of vegetables and flowers from all over the United States to plant around his home.  He also ran a tree nursery where he grew and sold trees.

        Editor’s Note:  When the Four Leaf Clover Club began the Albion Valley News, it was printed in the city office which was in Bennie’s home for a while.  He not only helped with the printing, but contributed some historical articles to the paper.  When our subscriber list became to cumbersome and expensive for the city office machine, another printing source was found.

        Bennie is survived by his brothers, Ace, Joe, and Dean; his sister, Frances Field; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Vard and Arthur.

        The funeral was held Monday, December 12 in Rasmussen Funeral Home.  Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Albion.

ALBION GRANGE

        The Grange family Christmas dinner and program was again held between Christmas and New Years on Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall.  The traditional homemade chicken noodle dinner with trimmings was served buffet style.  The prayer before the dinner was given by Keith Amende.

        Performers on the program included members, their children, grandchildren.  Gloria West gave a couple of readings.  Harley Bristol sang “Jingle Bells” with his sister, Sabrina, accompanying on her clarinet.  Sabrina then played a solo.  Helen Anderson gave a humorous reading  followed by Kris Wenslawski reading  a fairy tale.  Keith Amende presented “Jeb Tyson,” a stick puppet clogger.  The poem, “A Gift,” was read by Mary Lynne Bristol.

        A pinochle party will be held Friday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall.  The fee is $1 per person.

SCHOOLS

        The end of the second nine weeks or semester will be January 13.  School will be dismissed three and half hours early that day for District Staff Development.  A teacher inservice will be held on Friday, January 20.  School will be dismissed two and a half hours early that day.

ALBION BULLDOGS

        Each student attending Albion Elementary School has a new desk thanks to fundraising by the PTO and support of the fundraisers by the community.  The old desks have been used since the school was moved from the Training School on the campus, having gone through some renovation through the years.  The staff and students are very grateful for the new desks.

        Albion Elementary students presented part of the  program for the Albion Community Christmas Program.  They were directed by their teachers, Marsha Meissner and Jan Hartwell, with assistance from Shirlene Rogers and Cedar Knudsen, educational assistant.  They performed a play, “A North Pole Polaroid”, recited some poems, and bell choruses played a variety of Christmas songs.  At the conclusion of the evening Santa appeared to visit with the children and hand out treats.

WATER DISTRICT MEETING

        The Marsh Creek Water District 45F will be holding the annual water meeting on Monday March 6,  2006 at 2 p.m.

The place of the meeting has not yet been determined.

Respectively submitted,

Don G. Gunderson,, Watermaster 45F

Note:  The incumbent Watermaster will be running for reelection for 2006.

WINTER’S FRIENDLINESS

by Vera Hardman

Gray wisps of smoke from the chimney

        spiraling to the sky;

Golden candles in the windows

        welcoming passersby.

Touches of warmth and friendliness,

        log fire and candle glow,

Lend magical charm to winter

        this wondrous night of snow.

CALENDAR

JANUARY 2006

1- NEW YEARS DAY

   Church

2- *Four Leaf Clover Club-7pm-Grange Hall

3- *School resumes

     Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

    *CITY COUNCIL-7pm-Community Center

4- *Senior Citizens-Board meeting-10:30am

                              dinner-noon 

      Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

5- Students to library-9am

6- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

7- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      Library open-10am-2pm

         Lorna Rogers, Mary Amende

8- Church 

10- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      *Legion &Auxiliary-7:30pm-Grange Hall

      School Board meeting, 7pm-Central Office

11- *Senior Citizens-dinner-noon

       Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

12- Students to library-9am

      Highway District meeting-7pm-988 S 1000 E

      * Legion Legislative Reception-Boise-5:30 pm

13-15- *Legion Mid Winter Conference-Boise

13- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      *End of second nine weeks

         school dismissed 3 ½ hours early

14- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      Library open-10am-2pm

         Arlene Smyer, Mary Lynne Bristol

15- Church

17- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

18- *Senior Citizens- Blood Pressure Check-11am

      dinner-noon

Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

19- Students to library-9am

      *Grange-7:30pm-Grange Hall

20- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      *Teacher Inservice-school dismissed 2½ hours early

      *Card party-Grange Hall-7:30pm

21- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      Library Open-10am-2pm

         Edie Fitzgerald, Lorna Caliouette

22- Church

23- MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY

24- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

25- *Senior Citizens-dinner-noon

       Scouts & Young Women-7pm-LDS Church

26- Students to library-9am

27- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      Albion Valley News items due

28- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

      Library Open-10am-2pm

         Carey Leach, Hollie Bailey

30- Church

30- *Souper Bowl Week begins

31- Transfer site open-10am-5:30pm

FEBRUARY 2005

5- *Souper Bowl Sunday

6- *Souper Bowl Week ends

*For only $1 you can have someone’s birthday or anniversary or other celebration put on the calendar.  Just call, send a note, or put a note in the AVN box.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

-Melinda Harper, a ground water protection specialist with the Idaho Rural Water Association, presented a Certificate of Achievement plaque to the Council;  it was inscribed with “In recognition of outstanding efforts to protect the City of Albion’s drinking water through the development and implementation of a certified Drinking Water Protection Plan;”  the plaque was signed by Governor Kempthorne; Toni Hardesty, director of the state Department of Environmental Quality; and Don Munkers, executive director of IRWA;

-Harper stated that the city was now one of 90 out 2900 cities in the state that has a certified plan; she thanked the citizen planning team chaired by Councilman Rick Mahoney for its work in preparing the plan; a couple of large signs designating that the city is a “drinking water protection area” and some small posters to place on the well houses were also presented to the council; these small signs state that “tampering with this facility is a federal offense;”  the council thanked Harper for her help with preparing the plan; at the conclusion of her presentation, she gave the mayor a personal check to purchase a tree to place in the city park.;

-Jeff Poulsen, City Auditor, was present to review his firm’s 2005 audit of the city accounts; he stated that it was a clean report; after pointing out that the General Fund was over budget for the third year in a row, he and the council discussed the reasons for this; he stated that the total budget was in the black due to enterprise or business funds being under budget; he commended and thanked City Clerk Mary Yeaman for her help; the Council accepted the audit.

these was tabled until the council members could review similar ordinances from some other communities given to them by City Attorney Kerry McMurray;

-a city water rate fee structure prepared by IRWA from facts about the city water usage sent in by Yeaman was introduced;  Mayor Don Danner noted that the suggested fees are just slightly lower than the ones presented by the council in an earlier town meeting; he council members agreed that more time was needed to study the information before making a decision on the new rates which will be based upon the reading of the water meters;

-Mayor Danner outlined some items that need to be addressed before dialogue can begin on the lease or sale of the campus property; he announced that a letter had been received from another group wanting to purchase the campus; in the November meeting, the Albion Campus Foundation expressed interest in purchasing the campus; Don stated that he had contacted Steve Pierce about a new survey of the property after the city determines what part of the campus it wants to keep; he also noted that the exact property leased to the ASN/SICE Alumni Association for its museum needs to be determined;

-Mayor Danner announced that the official public hearing on the newly formed water district that includes Albion will be held Thursday, December 15 in the Burley City Council chambers; he also announced that a local meeting would be held Saturday, December 10 at 6 p.m. in the fire station in order to determine what the input from the Albion sub-district to the hearing will be; it was noted that several valley residents including Mayor Danner and Mayor-elect Don Bowden attended an IRWA informational meeting held in Burley during November; 

-Chief of Police Bruce Bristol reported that he wrote seven citations and one report last month;it was announced that all city council meetings will be held in Community Center from now on;

-approval was given for an electrician to rewire the pavilion in the city park to accommodate more plug-ins;

-discussion was held about the need to establish procedure for use by others of the Community Center;

-approval was given to purchase new back tires for the city backhoe; it was announced that the local historical groups are sponsoring a reception to honor retiring Mayor Danner that will include a “Grand Ball” somewhat in the style of yesteryear on Friday, December 30 in the Community Center beginning at 7 p.m.; and

-Mayor Danner announced that he now has the paperwork needed to apply for a permit to replace a culvert under north Main Street.

COUNCIL AGENDA

presentation of certificates of appreciation; unfinished business by present council including, implementation of drinking water facilities plan, Title 9 and 10 Ordinance review, annexation process review, establish water rate structure, obtain permits for culvert/bridge projects, budget process review, sludge permits for lagoon, and finalize restoration of the Community Center; swearing in of new council members; new business by new council including selection of new council president, make selection of campus proposal and set date to start contract negotiations, appoint a new member of the P & Z Commission, and Albion Gem Community Program update; and reports from council members and city employees.

JANUARY                                                                                                                                                         2006

Albion Valley News                                              SPECIAL                NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

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Out of town subscription: $5 per year

e-mail—bristol@atcnet.net

**********

    EARLY ALBION HISTORY

Cassia County Seat-1879-1919

Stage, Mail, and Freight Stop

Home of Albion State Normal School-

  1893-1951

Diamondfield Jack trial-1897-1902

D. L. Evans Bank est. 1904

Telephone Co. est. 1920’s