Dear Martha Keifenheim,
You say that working with art gives children a sense of pride-and that spills over into other subjects. That's why you have enjoyed heading up the ArtWise program in the Grand Forks schools.
They tell me you are retiring now. There will be an open house party for you at 4 p.m. Thursday at Ben Franklin School. Arlene Gunderson, who is president of ArtWise board of directors, says you deserve bouquets for your leadership.
And you say you will volunteer at Ben Franklin after retirement. Right now, you are looking ahead and moving on. Your husband, Bruce, will be retiring this year, too, from his work at Crystal Sugar.
You have raised three children. There will be more time to visit with them. I can see why you call your retirement bittersweet.
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This is a season for retirements, for moving on. The UND campus is fairly quiet. In another week there will be house parties up and down the streets. They will lead up to graduation for seniors at Red River and Central high schools on Sunday, June 4.
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I don't know exactly where you live, Martha, but here on Cottonwood Street we know that spring has sprung. The lilac bush in my backyard is in its full blooming glory. The purple tulips that the late Liz Boucher planted next door years ago are beautiful as ever. I have more rhubarb than I ever wanted. The peonies are showing promise.
I guess all that snow that packed us in last winter is long forgotten. Even the grass it smothered is recovering well.
Friends here gathered at the Historic Norman Funeral Home Monday afternoon to say farewell to Evelyn Warner. An excellent violinist, she served for many years on the Grand Forks Symphony Board. She was married to Dr. Robert Warner, who survives. Since leaving Grand Forks, they have been making their home in Anoka, Minn.
Let me join all the others, Martha, in wishing you well in your retirement-even though I know you will be helping children enjoy and prosper from art.
Sincerely, Marilyn
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P.S. People around Grand Forks will have to pay attention to the law and stay out of mischief this week. That's because there are 40 judges in town for a workshop at the UND School of Law until noon Wednesday. Since the school has been enlarged and refurbished, the judges hold their sessions here every two years.
Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at (701) 772-1055.
