May 4

S e r v i n g To d d C o u n t y , M N

Country Courier VOLUME 19; NUMBER 8 - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 CIRCULATION 10,000 - FREE

Cornerstone Pines lets 7th Annual Children's

Memorial Service
families particiapte in
an enjoyable event
By Tim King As visitors walk the farm they Fraser Fir is known for not drop-
Chuck and Kathy Parker, of will see that, even though there ping its needles. But, since it
Cornerstone are thousands of coniferous trees comes from
Pines, have a high in the
clear vision for Appalachian
the 100 acres of Mountains, it’s
wooded and not partial to
rolling hills, Minnesota's hot
along with some summers and
9 , 0 0 0 inadequately
Christmas drained soils.
trees, that they C r o s s i n g
purchased in Fraser with
Round Prairie native Balsam
Township near Fir makes the
Grey Eagle two tree more toler-
years ago. ant of Travis and Kristina Kramer lighting a candle in honor
"We want to Minnesota con- of their son, Kevyn.
give an opportu- ditions while Members of the community who have lost a child at any age, and
nity to families keeping the from any cause, are invited to join in a candlelight vigil, held at the
to participate tendency not to First Congregational United Church of Christ, 221 7th Ave. W,
together in an drop needles. Alexandria, Sunday, December 13. Gathering begins at 6 pm with sign
enjoyable The Parkers in, time to display memorial photos or small mementos, and reflective
event," Chuck are also plant- music. Service begins promply at 6:30 pm. This event is organized by
said. ing a fir called the Alexandria Area Support Group for Grieving Parents of All Ages
Starting in Koreana that and the M.I.S.S. Infant Loss Support Group. This non-denominational
late November, likes to hang event is open to anyone who has grieved the loss of a child, including
u n t i l unto its nee- parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family, friends, doctors, nurs-
Christmas, the dles. The es or other professionals. The memorial service will include live vocal
Parkers already underside of performances and harp music, poetry, lighting of remembrance candles,
have an event the Koreana's and reading of the children’s names. Candles will remain lit from 7-8
planned for dark green nee- pm in participation with the WorldWide Candlelighting observance.
families that dles is silver- Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. To be sensitive and
would enjoy Chuck and Kathy Parker. blue. compassionate to those who have recently lost a baby or small child,
spending some Customers nursery services will be provided free of charge, and are encouraged, for
time together out doors. At the that are planted in blocks preferring blue and white spruce infants and small children.
heart of the event is the search throughout the farm, there is or scotch and white pine, along Why? Because although our children are not physically with us dur-
for just the right pine, fir, or still land available for more. with regular Fraser and Balsam ing the holiday season, they continue to live on in our hearts, regard-
spruce to cut and take home for "There are native oak trees Fir trees, will find plenty of those less if it has been three months or 30 years since their death. The holi-
decoration. Visitors can walk across the property," Chuck said. species among the new species. days often intensify the emptiness their absence has left in our lives.
through the well-kept tree farm "There are openings in the oaks. After planting the trees the We still think of the gifts we would like to buy them, the cookies we
or they can ride on a hayrack or We want to plant in those open- Parkers mulch them. All the would bake together, imagining them dressed up for church on
sleigh, depending on weather ings and link them with wagon trees get mulched but special Christmas Eve, and what our family gatherings would be like if they
conditions. trails. Then we can take people attention is paid to the Fraser were here. They are still vitally important members of our families but
"People also have to dress for out there, they can cut a tree, Firs. The mulch keeps the soil are rarely acknowledged by the world around us. This service allows
the weather," Kathy said. "It's have a picnic, and we'll loop back cool. That's the way the moun- parents, family and friends to take a little time out of their Christmas
important for people to wear with the wagon and pick them up tain trees like it. season to honor and remember the child who has died. Hearing their
warm clothes and boots or sturdy later." The summer is spent mowing, names spoken out loud is reassurance that they have not been forgot-
shoes." Chuck and Kathy's vision of a controlling weeds, and shearing ten. The flame of the candle that represents them during this world-
The Parkers will provide fam- beautiful place in the country the trees. The hand shearing wide observance brings honor and respect.
ilies with a hand saw, or they can where families can start their shapes the trees. For additional information about the memorial service, directions, to
bring their own. Chain saws are holidays together involves a lot "We try and shear them so volunteer your help, or for local support information, call Heidi
not allowed because of liability of work and preparation. At that some are open and others Ciepielinski at (320) 859-5660 or Kathy Fischer (320)763-5781.
issues. After the tree is cut the Cornerstone Pines that work are tighter," Kathy said.
Parkers will shake any lose nee- started when Mike and Debbie "Everybody doesn't want the has the tree species and the price
dles off, with a shaking machine, Warzecha purchased an old dairy same thing." marked on it. The tree tag elimi-
and, if you wish, bale the tree at farm and turned it into a
no extra cost. Christmas Tree farm. Mike was
The Parkers also try to keep
everything as natural as possi-
nates surprises and also allows
the Parkers to keep track of
Merry Christmas
what's been cut.
In addition to choosing their a DNR forester who loved trees.
tree, families can visit the He too had a vision for the land
ble. As a result they do not spray
their trees with green food color- If you are planning to visit
Cornerstone Pines, the farm is
from Blade
Cornerstone Pines gift shop. The as a peaceful place for his, and ing the way many commercial
gift shop is packed with locally other, families. Unfortunately
made crafts including colorful cancer took Mike a few years
Christmas tree farms do in the
middle of summer. In pursuit of a
east of Round Prairie at 19180
281st Avenue. Just follow the Publising, LLC:
quilted tree skirts, Amish-made ago. Then Debbie had to sell the natural appearance they have signs on Highway 71 at Round
wooden toys, jewelry, books by a land. The Parkers didn’t know
local author, and more. In the Mike but they hope what they
kept many of the birch trees that
Mike Warzecha left among the
Prairie or at the intersection of
Highway 71 and 287 in Long
Aaron
Prairie. You can also visit their
gift shop visitors can enjoy a free are doing would please him.
drink of hot chocolate or apple The Parkers, like the
Christmas trees.
"The customers really enjoy website at www.Cornerstone-
pineschristmastrees.com or call
Peggy
cider. They can also buy a Warzechas before them, start the the birch trees," Chuck said.
Christmas wreath, swag, or gar- Christmas tree season each
land made by Cornerstone Pines, spring by hand planting trees. In
One of the final steps in
preparation for harvest is to tag
them at 320-732-3299. When you
get to Cornerstone Pines look for Stacey
visit Santa's workshop, and even recent years they've been plant- the trees to be harvested. Each the people dressed in bright red.
take a walk through the wooded ing some Fraser Fir trees that tree that is ready to be cut is They'll be ready to help you find
property. are crossed with Balsam Fir. The marked with a white tag. The tag the tree you want.