Meetings are the last Monday of the month, 6:00 P.M. at the Colvin Town Hall located on Vermilion Trail (Hwt #4) in Markham.

Cookbooks are still for sale at JT's General Store in Markham or call 218-638-2859. The cost is $10.00 for this unique book.

Out annual meeting will be in April with date to be determined. There will be a guest speaker, entertainment, and alunch in the Finnish Tradition.

Memberships are $15.00 per year with our membership drive being in April.

The bake sale we have yearly on opening weekend of deerhunting season brought in $2076.00. We want to thank everyone who helped out in the bake sale.

Any questions call Darlene at 218-638-2859.

Kiitos!

Listed from left to right, Jim Nesselroad, Bill Aho, Arnold Ranta, Darlene Saumer, Gerry Kangas, John Kangas, and Keith Nelson.

Arnold Ranta presents Wirtanen Farm president Darlene Saumer with a $10,621 check for the restoration and preservation of the historic farmstead in Markham. Also present is Bill Aho who donated $5,000 to the effort. Ranta is matching all donation made to the farm in this fundraising effort. To date, the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm committee has raised $30,182.65 towards their goal. This is the second $10,000-plus check that Ranta has donated matching fund by the farm group.

Restorations of the farmstead are to begin in June, 2005.

We appreciate everyone's support!!

Friends of Wirtanen Pioneer Farm Annual Bake Sale held on opening weekend of deer hunting at JT's General Store was again a huge success. Over $1,700 was brought in with the delicious baked goodies. This money will be matched by Arnold Ranta. The knife raffle was won by Ray Stecker.

Arnold Ranta, a native of Markham, and now a St. Paul businessman, came forward with a challenge grant to help with the restoration of the farm. He has expressed a real desire to give back to his community and to ensure that the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm will be preserved for generations to come. Arnold has very generously donated $5,000 for restoration and $5,000 for maintenance, and he has agreed to match any donations that we receive through April 18, 2005.

Bill Aho, also a native of Markham, has come forward with a contribution of $5,000 to help meet our goal to begin renovations on the farm. Bill is an Eveleth, MN businessman.

We have received estimates for the buildings and with donations and contributions for the challenge we can begin projects this spring.

We appreciate all the support everyone has shown our organization.