Veterans Day 2013

There is a strong tradition in my family of serving during times of conflict ... there are members of my family who have served in every war since the time of the American Revolution through the Vietnam War. They all chose to serve a cause that was greater than themselves. Beginning with John Space, Joshua Clarke, Willet Clarke and Sylvester Pendleton who fought for the cause of American independence and freedom during the American Revolution to both my paternal and maternal grandfathers, Charles Bergeron and Harley Space, veterans of WWI; my father H. John Bergeron, a veteran of the Korean War; and his three brothers: Earle C., Leland K. and Melvin F. Bergeron who were part of the WWII "Greatest Generation" to my very special veteran, my husband ...

Thank you for your service
Welcome Home
We have not forgotten

To all those brave men and women who willingly raised their right hand and took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to defend their country at home and abroad ...

Thank you and God speed you home

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Rocky Mountain High

The excitement of my niece and her Air Force husband getting ready to begin their new life's adventure, brings to mind when Al and I spent six months in Colorado Springs while Al finished out his tour of duty at Fort Carson.

1972 - John Denver's breakout hit Rocky Mountain High was on everyone's stereo. We saved $20 a month by having our windows face away from the mountains - our parking lot view of Cheyenne Mountain was always breathtaking and a good reason to get outside.

A lifetime ago but it's where we had a chance to find a place to start.

"Rocky Mountain High." Digital Image. December 1972. Original photograph privately held

by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski (c) 2013

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Alvin Scherwinski Helping His Mom

I owe Al Scherwinski an apology: for years he recounted stories of his mother taking advantage of his presence at the kitchen sink to wash every plate, cup and saucer in the kitchen cupboards. I was convinced he was embellishing just a little. However, from the look of the piled up plates on the counter - he might have been telling the truth.

You rock, Ida.

"Alvin Scherwinski Helping His Mom." Digital image. January 15, 1961. Original photograph

privately held by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski (c) 2013

Wordless Wednesday: A Tribute To A Loving Military Dog - Oscar

Al's faithful companion during his tour of duty in Vietnam 1971-1972.

"Oscar." Digital Image. Undated. Photographer: Al Scherwinski. Original photograph

privately held. Copyright (c) 2011.

Treasure Chest Thursday: Baaaa

My contribution for this Treasure Chest Thursday blogging prompt is as old as I am.

Don't bother checking my Facebook page to see if I've inadvertently listed my year of birth ... I'll save you the trip: 1953

At the time of my birth, my Dad was serving in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Japan while my mother (and eventually yours truly) were at her parents outside of Antigo. I'm convinced this is the reason I am so drawn to this piece of property, which my husband and I now own. Call it good vibrations, feng shue, karma ... whatever it is, it was where I spent my first few weeks of life and apparently it made an imprint on my life.

To mark the occasion of the birth of his first child, my Dad ordered flowers, pink and white carnations, and they arrived in this lamb vase.

Fast forward some 19 years later to the arrival of my first child and the new father, fulfilling a promise he made to the new grandmother, arrived with carnations for the new mom in the appropriate color (in this case, blue and white) in the lamb vase. Following it's first appearance in 19 years, the lamb vase and its blue and white bouquet made two more encore appearances.

Maybe this year we'll celebrate my birthday with a sentimental vase filled with pink and white carnations.

Copyright (c) 2010 Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

What I Do When I'm Not Doing Genealogy

Aren't you thankful that Saturday Night Genealogy Fun is hosted by Randy Seavers instead of NBC? Who needs all that drama!! We can always rely on a good time - and no Sunday morning hangover! This week's mission (which I hope everyone has decided to accept is:


"Tell us about your "other" hobbies or interests outside of genealogy and family history research, writing, speaking, etc."


I'm a born-again stay at home Mom ... only in this chapter of my life, I am enjoying my role as Mom to adult children. Our oldest son (soon to be 36) and our beautiful daughter-in-law live in Michigan's Upper Penisula; son's #2 (age 33) and #3 (age 31) live nearby which allows for a lot of time to tell them how much their Mom loves them.


Photography is an activity I enjoy and share with my husband of almost 38 years, Al. Combined with outdoor activities, I am rarely without my camera.


I love to travel .... I have been fortunate to have made several trips to England and Scotland with my favorite traveling companion - my mother. Memories of each trip never fail to bring a smile to my face. It is a rare moment when I am in front of the camera so photo's such as the one below - taken at (one of) our favorite restaurants in London, Pont de la Tour, are special.

Dogs - like genealogy and family history research - has taken on a life of its own. From the moment I laid my hands on my first field bred English cocker spaniel, I knew they would always be a part of my life. It was also my introduction to the world of dog behavior and training. We purchased Casey from Badger Kennels in 1991 which was the start, as they say, of a beautiful friendship. Jim became my mentor, introducing me to upland bird hunting, something my husband had always enjoyed but now we added a merry little cocker to the hunting team. I will always be grateful for Jim sharing his wealth of knowledge on dog behavior and helping me understand the order of the pack. Our lives have been forever changed by each one of the cockers who have come into our live, each one unique and a joy to train and work with. The Anahar line was established in Scotland by Denis and Dorothy Douglas; having several of his dogs earn the title of Field Trial Champions. Now in their 80s, Denis and Dorothy have graciously opened up their home in Laurencekirk in Kincardineshire to Mom and I on several of our trips. Sixteen years after our first introduction to the Anahar cockers, we continue to work with Badger Kennels to keep the Anahar line of cockers going. Our son Jeff took the Anahar line in a new direction when, at his mother's insistance, he entered his dog Riley in a Dock Dog event. Proving little dogs can fly, Riley held the #2 position in the nation for dogs 17" and under, two years ago placing 7th at the national event.

                                                                              Photographer: Al Scherwinski

When the entire family gets together, a bit of dog hair in your potato salad is to be expected. In 2009 we lost two of our beloved dogs - matriarch, Emma (second from the left) at the age of 14 and her 12-year old girl, Lucy (far right). Seen in the photo below with my nieces, Alissa and Becky, is our son's Flat-Coated Retriever who is convinced she is one of the cockers.

When I'm not filling up my digital card and computer with photographs or running Camp Cocker - I am involved with the D.A.R. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer woman's service organization dedicated to historical preservation, education and patriotism. I made my application on John Space, who served from the state of New Jersey. John was a descendent of my mother's father's line. After informing my Mom we were making our application to DAR, she has enthusiastically added "Daughter" to her life description.

While it seemed as if helping others with their membership application and genealogy was a perfect fit for me in DAR - I have really enjoyed exercising my creative side. I am the editor of our chapter newsletter (which of course allows me a venue for my photographs as well as a chance to share my love of nature and silent sports). During the past state administration I served as editor of the state newsletter, created a monthly e-letter for the state regent, created all the handbooks for state events, magazine ad's ... if it looks like public relations and media, I have a hand in it. I also played a role in our state regent's successful campaign for the national office of Vice President General in 2009.

During this time, I produced two full size, full color calendars that were sold to benefit the State Regent's project. I was especially proud of the last calendar which was dedicated to our veterans. Between the State Regent and I, we were able to assemble our special family relics that spanned four generations of military service to our country for the cover shot.

Dubbed "the Daughter with the camera," I'm known for catching those moments that are not the standard "stand and smile" photographs - such as the petal perfect butter rosettes on our table during the State Officer Dinner.

Finding beauty in the ordinary and sharing my love of nature - passed on to me by my grandfather, shared with my husband and children - is what helps define who I am and keeps me centered when I'm not tracking down those elusive ancestors.

Copyright (c) 2010 Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Military Monday: Al Scherwinski

Alvin John Scherwinski

Military Service: Inducted 3 Dec 1970, Minneapolis, MN; Honorably Discharged 1 Dec 1972, Fort Carson Colorado. Basic Training, Fort Campbell Kentucky; AIT, Fort Benning Georgia; Advanced AIT, Fort Gordon Georgia. Overseas: Vietnam, 27 Sep 1971 - 21 May 1972. National Defense Service Medal; 1 Overseas Bar; Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Sharpshooter Badge with M16 Rifle Bar; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star. 31 E20 Radio Repair.

Copyright 2010 Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

A proud wife in debt to her husband for service to his country

From The Front Seat

One of my favorite Mary Engebreit cards says "Don't look back - you're not going that way."


While that may be true, sometimes the view from the front seat looking back reminds us of some of the little things in life that brings us joy.


Heading anywhere with Al on a Friday afternoon with the road bikes securely in place on the Cycle-On and the promise of a charity bike ride. It doesn't matter if there is SAG, and the rest stops may be nothing more than a couple of cookies and over ripe bananas. What is important is after two years of volunteer service to the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution, I've handed over my committee duties to the next administration and with that comes a sense of pride in a job well done. But also a sigh of relief and knowing I can trade volunteer time for time spent clipped in and enjoying the ride.


Our first organized ride of 2009 happens to be the Lupine Fest in Mercer, WI. The weather was perfect - overcast with enough of a breeze to keep the bugs away - and the route spectacular as we rode through pine and boreal forests, past pristine lakes and blueberry bogs. To quote Lance Armstrong: It's Not About The Bike. But it doesn't hurt when someone comments, "I like your jersey." It was as if someone had welcomed me back into the cycling community. On this day my jersey happened to be my new favorite. It says simply:

Ride Like A Girl

Copyright © 2009 by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

One Sweet Ride

If a man is defined by the company he keeps, then a lot can be said about the car he drives. While the political views of our family are all personal and individual, we are, without a doubt, a Ford family. While you won't find any of those annoying stickers of little boys peeing on a Chevy 'bow tie,' you won't find a GM product permanently parked in our driveway either.

From the time I met Al, he has driven a Mustang. He tells me that it was 'love at first sight.' Not necessarily making a reference to his future wife, but certainly to the moment he first laid eyes on a Ford Mustang.
Park Falls, Wisconsin during the mid-1960s was just like any other Midwest small town; the latest news and gossip made the rounds quickly. April 17, 1964, was like any other spring day with the exception of the arrival of a Mustang at Vincent and Vincent Ford Dealership; a white convertible with red interior. Even at 12-years of age, Al remembers it was a six-cylinder, 3-speed on the floor. It would be another five years before he would slip behind the wheel of his own Mustang - a 1968 Mustang coupe; Wimbelton white with red interior. Later, the car underwent a radical upgrade when Al and his brother-in-law, built a racing motor that transformed the car from a pedestrian vehicle into a muscle car.

Volunteering for the draft in the early 1970s, marriage and a tour of Viet Nam made it impractical to keep the car and brought to the end an important part of Al's youth. His love for the classic Mustang's continued and at various times in our life, we have had other pony's parked in our garage. They were all very nice cars but never held a special place until 1994 when Al found an ad for a 1965 2+2 Fastback for sale in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A California car (no rust) and a check of the VIN showed it to be a true San Jose assembled vehicle with the rare Champagne Beige paint. The drive home made it clear that a lot of work would be needed on the engine.

The car is known simple as "The Sixty-Five" - it has since undergone a transmission transformation and engine upgrades that makes it one quick pony. We drove it to Charolette, NC, for the 35th anniversary of the Mustang and again to Nashville five years later. She will never be a trailer queen; it is my favorite vehicle to go out for ice cream and long drives along the backroads during Autumn, when the fall colors are best enjoyed with the windows rolled down.

Every year Al threatens to take it out to the Iola Car Show and see how much someone would pay to own The Sixty-Five. I'm not too worried. We've been down that road of watching someone else drive away in our car and don't think that we're about to have history repeat itself.

Copyright © 2008 by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski