Exactly 38 years ago, the Twin City Polo Club hosted its very first Annual Polo Classic, held in Maple Plain. The mission was, and remains, an event where 100% of the proceeds are donated to worthy organizations like this year’s recipient, This Old Horse in Hastings, which is always in need of donations.
If you are not familiar with this organization, This Old Horse's mission is to find a “happily ever after” for horses in transition from hardships to healing, from career to retirement, and to revere and respect those who have served us well. As these horses age, time and effort take their toll, and they are no longer capable of full-time work. Often their owners or handlers must move them out to make room for more able-bodied replacements. This Old Horse gives horses a safe harbor where they can age in place, be loved, honored, and respected to the end, or move on to a happily ever after in a loving new home.
Over the many years, the Polo Classic has been not only a true crowd-pleasing and successful event, but an event where those who attend are encouraged to “dress appropriately,” and this year’s event had no shortage of well-dressed handsome men, beautiful children, and stunning women sporting exceptional hats — rather “Downton Abbey” attire, if you will.
While taking in the ever-so-grand ambiance during halftime, the crowd was introduced to a very special guest. The announcer began by saying, “We feel very honored to have with us today, Donald J. Halvorson from Roseville, a true World War II veteran who is celebrating his 103rd birthday with us all!”
Immediately, the crowd erupted with cheers comparable to fireworks on the Fourth of July. Donald was asked to stand up and greet his fellow onlookers, and so he did. I was fortunate to catch his eye as I motioned to him to come over to where I was sitting to answer one question. I wished him a very happy birthday, and then I asked him, “Donald, have you been a good boy for 103 years?” Without delay, he said, “Well, yes, but I told myself that if I could make it to 100, that after that I could be bad!”
I so enjoyed our brief chat that later that day I did a bit more research and learned that he attributes his longevity to “quitting smoking back in the '40s and consuming a bit of whisky and water as a preventative.” Donald joined the U.S. Army in 1943, and to this day, remembers his time while stationed primarily in Italy as “some of the best years of his life because the Army enabled him to see countless areas of the world; all for free," he said.
I took my research a bit further and put together a list of organizations that will once again this month give back to veterans as a thank you for their service to our country. Please take a moment to thank and share this information with your favorite veterans! Here are some opportunities to consider this Veterans Day:
Local Restaurant Deals
- Mirabelle: Located in Excelsior, they traditionally offer active military, veterans, and a guest a 25% discount on Veterans Day.
- Parlour: With a location in Excelsior, this establishment typically offers a similar 25% discount for veterans, active military, and a guest.
- Shiki: Also situated on Water Street in Excelsior, they normally honor veterans and active military with a 25% discount for them and a guest.
- National Chains: Surrounding areas in Minnetonka and nearby Eden Prairie feature major brands that historically participate, such as Applebee's, Texas Roadhouse, and Chipotle.
Coffee and Breakfast Specials
- Caribou Coffee: Vets and active-duty members can typically drop into any Twin Cities location for a free small, brewed coffee or cold press.
- Starbucks: Historically offers a free tall, brewed coffee to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses.
- Hy-Vee: Local Twin Cities locations usually provide a free breakfast for veterans, often coupled with a 10% grocery discount.
Retail and Services
- Great Clips: Participating locations near 55331 and 55345 generally offer a free haircut or a bounce-back card that is redeemable through the end of the year.
- Target: Target offers a year-round and Veterans Day 10% military discount that can usually be applied to two separate transactions.
- Kohl’s: Veterans and immediate families normally receive a 15% discount on in-store purchases.