Greg Carlson’s family, friends, colleagues and fellow Ole alums held a surprise party for him last night at the Northfield Golf Club. He was formally notified that he’s a 2007 recipient of the St. Olaf Alumni Distinguished Service Award (DSA).
Greg and his wife Nancy were captured near Farmington, blindfolded, and brought to the club with no clue as to what was going on until the gathered crowd began singing a special version of Um! Yah! Yah! (Click photos to enlarge.)
Among the many perpetrators were left, Jeff Carlson, brother and business partner; left and right center: Justin Stets, business partner; right: brother and songwriter Gary Carlson (apologies for the lousy photo).
Gary composed special lyrics to the song I’ve Been Everywhere and I captured the audio:
Click play to listen. 3 minutes, 43 seconds. Gary’s promised to send me the text of the lyrics and when I get them, I’ll post them here.
Update, Sunday, Jan. 14, 9 PM: Here they are. Thanks, Gary.
There’s a man who hails from Northfield, everybody knows his name,
He likes to work in the background, tends to shy away from fame
But tonight we’ve got him cornered, gonna receive his due respects,
He’s here with his family, friends, and out of town guests,
That’s right he’s a super Ole, Distinguished Service Alum,
So come and join me in this song as we have some fun . .
REFRAIN
Greg is everywhere man
Greg is everywhere man
If you have a care man
Greg will come and share man
No one is more fair man
Greg is everywhere
Wood, Cox, Aus, Oglesbee, Brown, Follen, Odden, Husby, Benson, Hanson, Christensen, Estensen, Star, Stets, Foster, Huebner, Dimick, Tarr, Will, Carter, Bush, Cheney, Mother Teresa.
REFRAIN
Fair, Fun, Wise, Smart, Authentic, Loving, Honest, Big Heart, Intuitive, Honorable, Passionate, Visionary, Loyal, Gentle, Colorful, Faithful, Genuine, Creative, Humble, Joyful, Perceptive, Wise, Solid, Sexy.
REFRAIN
Rotary, ISLA, Bethel, St Olaf, Fifth Bridge, Coaching, Mt Carmel, St Benedict, Jingle Bell Run, American Center For Philanthropy, Vote Yes, Bike Tour, Food Shelf, Governor’s Ball, MPR, KTCA, YMCA, United Way, Northfield Schools, Northfield Area Foundation.
REFRAIN
Lyrics now added to “Greg is everywhere, Man.”