News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday December 23rd 2025
By the Way
By Peter Molenaar
Just recently, while traveling north on Cedar Avenue, this writer was forced to slam his brakes near the tangled intersection known for its Taco Bell. A long-haired youth had stepped abruptly in front from the parallel traffic which had stalled for his benefit. My horn refrained, yet the youth approached with a finger on display.
Note: Eventually, I did travel east on Riverside Avenue to pay a bill at an orthopedics clinic.
Then, en route home, a stop at the Community Peace Garden was in order. (This oasis appears just west of Cedar and adjacent to east-bound Highway 94.) While watering a plot, to my astonishment, “Long Haired Youth” again approached, this time clutching one stolen luscious red heirloom tomato!
Flight was not an option. Yet the hose kept running, flat upon the ground, as I presumed to block his path””at which point mutual recognition occurred. He kept coming.
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October at Ingebretsen”'s: A Real Scream
By Carstens Smith
Ingebretsen”'s presents a month of events, including a lecture on the life of Edvard Munch, food tastings, author talks, craft demonstrations, and a porcelain signing. People can drop by the store to get a flyer with a full listing of events or check the website, www.ingebretsens.com. The events start on October 5 and continue into the Christmas season. Below are a few of this month”'s highlights.
Peace Coffee will be at the store on Wednesday October 9, Leif Erickson Day from 11 am to 1 pm. The neighborhood roastery will provide samples and representatives will talk about their fair trade practices. You can”'t have coffee without chocolate, so we will have samples of our signature chocolates plus a new lingonberry-chocolate fudge.
On Saturday, October 12, Sonja Anderson, the designer of the Sonja Rose dinnerware produced by Berquist and a beloved fixture on many dining tables, will visit the store to sign plates. Sonja used rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian folk art painting style, as the inspiration for her design.… Read the rest “October at Ingebretsen”'s: A Real Scream”
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e-mail to community Sister Rose: saint among us
Something certainly SHOULD be named for Sister Rose. Perhaps the only “Saint” I will ever meet. What an uncannily moving little lady. When she asked you to be a better person, it was almost impossible to not be.
I well remember when, after giving Rose a ride home, she reached over and grasping my arm said,” I am so happy that my prayers have been answered and God has made you a better person who will help me with Peace House.” I replied that I was not aware I was a bad person but that I promised to help her save Peace House.
I am not sure it took the prayers of a Saint to make me a better person, but I did try to help save Peace House; not the building but the idea.
That old building was NOT Peace House. Just as that frail little body was NOT Sister Rose.     Peace House will continue in a better building that better serves the people to whom Sister Rose devoted her life. That frail little woman of steel and that old building served that idea until they were laid to rest, but the Spirit goes on.
There was no “Demise of Peace House” nor of Sister Rose.… Read the rest “e-mail to community Sister Rose: saint among us”