Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Marty's Goldenaires 'thrill' crowd at town celebration

To the Editor:

The town of Woodruff, Wis., just celebrated on Saturday its 125-year anniversary with many appropriate activities.

Among them was a beautiful parade commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Million Penny Parade. It was a reminder of Dr. Kate Newcomb (a local doctor) and teacher Otto Burich, who inspired students to think about the concept of a “million” of something. They came up with a million pennies, which flowed into Woodruff from all over the United States and were responsible for the start of a local hospital in her name. That hospital has since closed, but helped pave the way for the fine medical facilities at Howard Young Medical Center today.

In the parade was Marty’s Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps of Bessemer, which thrilled the crowd who followed the corps to the One Penny Place where they performed a number of selections. Your area is fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of musicians with a spirited director, Dan Pitrone, who inspires them to enjoy performing and take pride in the finished product.

Your area has had a history of first-class bands over the years and it is so gratifying to see this remarkably well-trained group of men carrying on the tradition of fine professional music. They are definitely worthy of your support and admiration!

Norma (DeRubeis) Rusch

Minocqua, Wis.