2024 Schmeckfest

The 2024 Schmeckfest was held March 22, at the LCHS gymnasium on a 60 degree day. The walls were lined with displays of buffalo, LGS school kids’ beautiful art, quilts in honor of McKenna Bell, a student who completed her chemo treatments, and LCHS Basketball team pictures with their trophies and team ball. It is always wonderful to see the family heritage quilts brought to show, and new ones made for the occasion. The mild evening with good roads were all part of making it successful with an attendance of 744. The theme of the evening was “God Over All Things.” Aaron Flint of Montana Talks and MT Congress Representatives Mr. & Mrs. Miles Knudson were in attendance.

Online and silent auctions of donated items were held until Saturday, 7 p.m. Wall hangings, paintings, gift baskets, beautiful handmade furniture as well as a large quilt donated by former Pastor’s wife, Lois Korns with blocks embroidered by 48 Lustre women in 1985 were among them.

After a fine meal of foods common to our parents and grandparents, an auction of larger items was facilitated by Robert Toavs of Toavs Premier Auctions. Donated items included two sets of Knotty Alder Leaning Ladder Shelves made by Keith Unger, a Lion quilt made by Cindy Berglee, “Blue Reflections” Stained Glass art by Joan Unger, and a large Mechanics Tool Box by C&B Operations. A Consule table crafted from the reclaimed lumber of the steam boiler cleaning shop located in the Wolf Point Roundhouse of steam engine days was built by Whatley Woodworks. The EMB Church Ladies donated a queen sized “Blooming Nine Patch Quilt” pieced and quilted on a long arm by Kim Wagner. Glasgow photographer Sean Heavey provided “Prairie Watchman” framed by Dan Reddig. Rod and Carma Bartel donated “At the Cross” Framed Quilt Poster and the MB Church ladies made a quilt “Hello Posey.” The final item of the live auction was “Prairie Squall” a hand-tooled Leather work with barnwood frame by Dan Reddig.

After the auction, emcee Ron Reddig called the LCHS boys basketball team to the stage to present them with an award that means every bit as much as the State C Third Place and Divisional titles. It was the Stockman Bank 2023-2024 Team Sportsmanship Award at the State C tournament. The criteria to be selected includes these qualities: “Treats the opponent with respect, Respects all contest officials, Has pride in his/her performance, Cooperates with the coaches and fellow participants, Proudly represents the community, Enjoys the activity and promotes enjoyment for others, Takes pride in his/her school, Exhibits grace in victory & dignity in defeat, Displays positive attitude at all times.” The award applied to the fans as well.

The program followed the recognition of five juniors who excelled at the Academic Olympics. (more next time). The LCHS Band did “Never Back,” with the permission of Sight and Sound Theaters, arranged by Dan Marasco. Lisa Neufeld and Mindy Olfert sang a duet called “I Speak Jesus over every heart and mind.” Gary and Roxann Funk and Janeen Unruh with daughter Jaylee, sang a “Going Home Medley,” which included “In the Sweet By and By,” “Want to Stroll over Heaven with you” and “But Until Then.” The MB group (The Associates) sang “Never my Love,” emphasizing faithfulness and promise keeping. 2018 Alumnus Braden Shimmin and his alumni backup of Zach Brown, Dan Reddig and Landon Olfert, with KJ Brown on drums, closed with “Faded Love” and “Orange Blossom Special.” Thank you all for your hard work and good music.

My father, Tom Heidner, 12 days shy of 98 years, finished his sojourn on earth’s landscape well, and Dwaine and I were privileged to be with him March 7, 2024 when he passed to heaven’s shores. He greeted us warmly that day and within hours had greeted his Lord & Savior. He had lived in Lustre with us a brief 11 days before going to Valley View Home for his final 77 days.