By Marilyn Hagerty

May 16, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
"Grandma and Grandpa's backdoor always is open. My Grandma has about 50 pictures of family on her living room wall. Since she spends a lot of time in the kitchen, she also has her refrigerator covered with pictures .?.?."

That, in part, is the way Stephanie McWilliams of Ben Franklin Elementary School describes her grandmother, Lucille McWilliams. Stephanie was one of 36 fourth-graders from 15 Greater Grand Forks schools who were invited to read their winning essays on "My Favorite Older American" at the annual tea this week in the Grand Forks Senior Center.

The students wrote about the fun they have with older people and why they love their grandparents and others elderly people. Here are some excerpts:

n "The reason I picked my Grandpa Jim is because we have lots of fun together. He takes me fishing out on the pontoon and on the dock. I like to catch bass and northerns, but he likes to catch walleye." -- Ben Carolin of Century Elementary, Grand Forks.

n "Grandma Bohan has us look through her big closet and black trunk to find her old clothes to have a fashion show. We put on dresses with funny hats and fancy purses. I hope when I am a grandmother, I can do fun games with my grandchildren like her." -- Brynn Bohan, Century.

n "When I am at Grandma's house she always makes me cinnamon fingers. They are really good! Cinnamon fingers are bread with butter, cinnamon and sugar." -- Garrett Huus, Kelly Elementary, Grand Forks.

n "I love it when my Grandpa puts his hand out and I try to slap his hand before he takes it away. Plus in the winter, he saves his change so my sister and me can spend it at the arcade at the lake." -- Elli Strand, Kelly.

n "When my Grandma and I get bored and need some exercise, she takes me to a garden and we run around. We pretend that I'm a little bunny and she's a big scary owl." -- Doris Zhou, Lake Agassiz Elementary, Grand Forks.

n "When the leaves start turning red and yellow and winter is fast approaching, I know Grandpa will be leaving for Arizona. We always go out to supper before he and Grandma Doreen take off." -- Rylie Heisler, South Point Elementary, East Grand Forks.

McKenzie Vacura of Winship School summed up the feelings of the children for grandparents and older people in their lives. She wrote that her Grandma, Annie Rollefstad, also is her friend. And she added, "She is the greatest blessing in my life."

Mayor Mike Brown, who spoke to the essay winners, told them it's important to pause and say, "You matter to me. I love you. You are an important part of who I am. Thank you." The mayor also invited the essay winners and their favorite older person to be recognized at the meeting of the Grand Forks City Council at 5:30 p.m. June 7 in Grand Forks City Hall.

The annual contest is sponsored by Service Providers for Seniors. Contest chairman is Karen Hillman, director of the Foster Grandparent Program.

In addition to winners mentioned, the others are: Brianna Schumacher and Trey Hess, Ben Franklin Elementary; Karl Peterson and Christian Stevens, Century; Brady Schumacher, Holy Family; Jaeden Holt and Jessica Rosenkranz, Kelly; Xiaolan You and Dakota Running Bear, Lake Agassiz; Madisynn Noeldner and Courtney Friend, Lewis and Clark Elementary; Jamie Diaz, Mikey Hull and Malorie Honeycutt, Nathan Twining, Grand Forks Air Force Base; Lexi Mercil and Vaida Crofutt, Phoenix Elementary; Ryan Holte, East Grand Forks Sacred Heart; Mackenzie Burris, Shaelyn Mosher, Rylee Skyberg, Kimmy Fenton and Mercedes Clauthier, South Point Elementary; Dylan Spicer, St. Michael's; Sadie Green and Olivia McLean, Viking Elementary; Karleigh Gause and Melody Sondrol, West; and Audrey Sand, Wilder.

Whazzup?

The question of the week is whether the races will go on tonight at River Cities Speedway. They were canceled because of the weather the past three weeks .?.?. There's an Art and Wine walk scheduled for Saturday afternoon in downtown Grand Forks .?.?. And Norwegians around here will celebrate Syttende mai

.?.?. While Grand Forks Master Chorale has its 25th season finale planned for Sunday evening in Calvary Lutheran Church .?.?. "Brighton Beach Memoirs" is in its last weekend at Fire Hall Theatre .?.?.

Leland, Ole and Lena

Cheerful person of the week: Leland Lipp. Runners-up: Ole and Lena.

Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0074-25335693