New photo venture

I have decided to create a new web site which will hae the ability to sell my photos online. www.DennisBensonPhotos.com. My first entries were taken at the Kandiyohi County Fair horse judging competition. I've used the Smugmug site for processing the payment and photofinishing.

Family Reunion 2009

We had a wonderful family reunion at the Oak Hills Christian College Retreat Center. All from our families were there except 2 spouses. We were able to play, work on crafts with the kids, fish, play volleyball, catch up on visiting, visit Itasca State park and walk across the Mississippi headwaters, eat at Dave's pizza, visit Bemidji University, have a smore building bonfire, hear the Loons call, and more.

Prairie Winds band 1st concert of 2009

Our first community band concert in the park went well last night. We had about 230 in attendance. Besides the free popcorn and water we were able to meet the new Dairy Princeses. They also brought free ice cream bars for everyone.

Next week we will be meeting the cast from the upcoming ANNIE production as well as playing a selection for the show.

Summer is Here, band concert in the park

I will be directing our Prairie Winds Summer band this summer. We will have 4 concerts in Rice park here in Willmar on June 10,17,24, and July 1.

Come and join us in the park on Wednesday evenings for FREE popcorn, water, and a wonderful band concert. Bring your lawn chair. The concerts start at 7:30pm.

Brian's Great Progress

Brian is making wonderful progress. When one remembers that he was given the option of amputation twice and now can move like this.

Technology Seminar

On February 17th I was honored to be part of a technology presentation at Ridgewater College here in Willmar. It was put on by Ridgewater College and the Economic Development Council and was intended to educate businesses on the value of having a web site. I spoke basic web design and the questions one might ask before starting the development process. Chris and Nick Davis spoke about using the web site to market one's business, and Justin Mattern gave a very thorough talk on e-commerce and search engine optimization.

The attendance was pretty slim this year but many of them said it was valuable.

Benson Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful time this year in spite of being in the hospital over Christmas. Our son Mark and his wife Mandy had their first baby on the 28th of December. They named him Niles Wallace.

Our Christmas was held on New Year's day at our daughter Heidi's house. She is such a great hostess. Our son Brian and his wife Jill were there with 2yr old Bode and 7 month old Haley. Our daughter Heidi and her husband Jason have 4 year old twin boys and 8 year old Madeline.

One special thing happened when the twins were bowling on their WII. Watson rolled a perfect game. Watson bowling a 300 game on You Tube.