Did you catch my recent article in the Beltrami County Historical Society newsletter? Read below!
Read MoreFood surplus from canceled school hot lunch programs leads to discount for area food shelf
On a Sunday morning not long ago, our minister asked what gifts our church family can share with others. For many years Patti and I have volunteered at Bemidji Community Food Shelf (BCFS). A gift I share with others: Thanks to my thirty years’ experience in the meat industry, I often help make meat purchases. …
Read MoreMy New-Found Family Visits Minnesota
My new-found brother, Louis and his wife Patty recently spent time with us her in the Bemidji area. It was a wonderful week not to be forgotten. Visit these links for a great interview Dennis Doeden with the Bemidji Pioneer did: https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4699087-Finding-his-roots-Bemidji-man-connects-with-half-siblings-through-DNA-testing Malaak Khattab a reporter with Lakeland PBS did a wonderful job interviewing us. …
Read MoreBROTHERHOOD
My new-found brother Louis and his wife Patty, from Long Island, New York, will spend next week at our home near Bemidji. Louis and I had originally planned to speak at Bemidji Public Library. The location has changed to Beltrami History Center. Please join Louis and me on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30, listen to …
Read MoreMeeting My New Family
Our host family: Patty and Louis at each end; daughter, Elizabeth Rose, Laurel, daughter Camille, and Wendell Back row: Janine, Laurel, Louis, David, Wendell, Laurie Jean. Middle row: Janine’s husband David, Ginger and Larry Grignon and their grandchildren. Three new brothers and baby sister—left to right: Louis, Guy, Wendell, Yvonne, Michael. (I met Larry later …
Read MoreDNA Miracle: Discovering My Father, 72 Years Later
Tomorrow morning, June 14, 2019, I set off on a journey that began in New York the early winter of 1947. Questions from a lecture by my friend, Professor Mark Christensen haunt me as I pack my suitcase and map my route: What is my state of mind before I leave? Am I on a …
Read MoreSOMEDAY
Last night we did a presentation at Bemidji Public Library based on a series of letters a friend and I exchanged while he was in prison. Our goal is to develop it into a Young Adult book of stories about how drugs and alcohol can take one down the wrong path and the consequences one …
Read MorePast Events
Below is a list of past workshops, signings and speaking engagements that Wendell has been featured at. To bring Wendell to your event, contact him here. 2020 March 16 | 1 p.m. Wendell will speak at the Christian Women’s Luncheon at the Bemidji Eagles Club Veterans Writing Workshop at Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN (Details …
Read MoreBarbara Affield Mini-Concert in the Old Farmhouse (1987)
I recently discovered an old VHS tape I recorded three decades ago of my mother playing the old Masters in our farmhouse living room. Go to https://youtu.be/Kw3WD0khAmE For the folks who have read my latest memoir you can get a glimpse of how Barbara mellowed in her later years.
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