To the Editor:

When my phone rang the other day, it was Carol Brandt who is in charge of CREST in the Trimont area. She said there was a group of teenagers from Martin County West High School in Sherburn who wanted to know if there were any elderly folks in the Trimont area who could use some help getting ready for winter in our gardens and yards.

I had already hired Trimont Greenhouse owners Butch and Marilyn Pierson to take care of that project for me, and it was all hauled away too. Carol said "Well, how about windows?" I lit up and said I needed the porch outside and the inside ones done. She said she'd check and the next thing I knew we were setting aside a day and hour to do my windows.

The day and hour arrived. Rick Stenson was with the group supervising them. They helped me out to my garage. I have two artificial knees, so am very careful so I don't fall. I showed them the tall ladder I had. They carried four heavy statues I have for decoration out front and in the back. They took them to the garage and stowed them away for the winter.

I showed them what I needed to have done on the back and front porches, and I tell you there were so many boys and girls. I couldn't believe all the wonderful help the Lord and Martin County West had provided for me.

I worked with a smaller group on the back porch and Mr. Stenson supervised the outside (boys and girls). They got done in record time, so then he came to me on the back porch and I went out on the front to show them how to move some of the furniture and leave some of it in place.

So we had lots of activity outside and inside here in Trimont. They finished the job in record time. I have had a smile of satisfaction on my face and in my heart ever since.

I am writing this letter to praise the kids at Martin County West. Seems as though you hear all the bad things kids do now days. They were not allowed to take any money as a tip. I told Mr. Stenson I wished I could do something in appreciation for the great job they did for me.

As they were leaving, I said to Mr. Stenson, "By the way, who is in charge of the magazine drive? No one has called on me for a few years." He stated he was and that he would see that someone comes by. I thought, great. I need to renew my Martin County Star for sure and I'll see what other magazines I need, as my family is happy when I continue to renew their subscriptions. It makes a convenient way to shop at home and they're all happy and content with their Christmas gifts.

It was suggested that I write a letter to the local newspapers to praise the young folks. Hope I've done a thorough job. Hurray, MCW Great Expectations!

Bonny Ekstadt

Trimont