The St Croix Valley Shrine Club really knows how to throw a party.

They held their Valentine’s Day party on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Hancock Lodge #229 Masonic Center. Club President Carl Gaulke and his board of directors combined a fun gathering with a business meeting. This year they welcomed the owner of Common Man Tap and Table in Ellsworth as the guest speaker. Russ Korpela not only explained how beer was made but also had samples for all in attendance.

Korpela is originally from Ashland, Wis. where he holds the record of being the youngest mayor in that northern Wisconsin community. He now lives in Ellsworth. He not only owns the Common Man Tap and Table, he is also the executive director of the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau.

Noble Charlie Webster, who was Korpela’s very first customer, introduced him to the Shrine gathering.

In his talk before the nobles and their ladies, Korpela explained that regular beer sales are on the decline right now and craft beers on the rise. He said the making of beer can be traced back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and outlined how modernday beer is made. There are three main ingredients in all beers, said Korpela. Barley malt is the primary ingredient, then water and hops.

There are two kinds made today: Lager and ale. Lager has a crisp taste, the kind you find in Miller, Budweiser and other popular brands. Ale has more flavor like the 21 tap offerings at the Common Man.

Korpela not only explained the many different varieties, but with the help of his wife, offered attendees samples of some of the more popular ale offerings.

Also on the agenda was a report from Bob Hering of the Shrine Board of Governors. He mentioned the upcoming 2022 camp and events calendar. Among the activities being planned are the prom on April 2; Camp Achieve for ages 5-8 on June 20-22, and also on June 22 will be trout fishing in Star Prairie. Camp Achieve for ages 9 to 14 will be held July 10-20 with trout fishing in Star Prairie on July 20. Camp Bravo will be held June 27-30. Achieve Adventure is set for Aug. 4-7. Events with dates to be announced are: Water Skiing, Summer Family Fun Day and Halloween Party.

In the report on onion sales, President Gaulke said the popular Vidalia onions go on sale depending on the harvest at the end of April or beginning of May. The coming year the club is in need of someone in Clear Lake to head up sales in that area and Jim Hines in Ellsworth could use some help with sales in that village. The annual sales provide much needed funds for all of the club's activities as well as Shriners Children's in the Twin Cities.

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