We've been waiting to see what the local bank was going to do to celebrate their "Century of Service." Now we know--the 100th Anniversary Celebration is coming up this Wednesday, May 3. They'll have free coffee and cookies all day, a live radio broadcast from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along with free hot dogs and pop. They're going to have some drawings: Adults can register to win a 20" television, a 9" portable DVD player, two Savings bonds, and a Radio/CD player. The kids can register to win a girls' bike and a boys' bike. There is also an Anniversary Jar filled with coins. Everyone will have the opportunity to guess the dollar amount of the coins and the winner will receive the jar and the money! We think there will be many folks downtown that day (besides, it is Social Security day for many of the local seniors, so the third of the month is always a busy day at the bank!). The local mayor has issued a proclamation honoring the bank on that day. The bank will definitely be the place where things are happening that day!!
OMIGOSH! Our social studies teacher from the 50's and 60's is turning eighty! There is an Open House to "toast and roast" him on May 13th. Should be a grand time for everyone!
The Kindergarten Round-Up is Thursday, May 11. Have to round up those kids and then get the parents on a tour and to an informational meeting.
The local HRA has some lots for sale at very affordable prices! Now that the school referendum has passed, we are looking for more new families to move to the community. According to the school superintendent, many families have indicated that they will move here now that the school situation is in place. Sounds as if this is a good time for the HRA to advertise for these lots in a "beautiful wooded setting."
The Methodists have their Rummage, White Elephant and Bake Sale on May 5 and 6. Might have to check it out to see these white elephants. They must come from the North Pole or something!
The local Volunteer Fire Department is now taking applications. As our local population ages, we need to find some younger folks to volunteer to help out. Hopefully, they will find enough people for these positions as we have wonderful volunteers in our small communities. They spend hours getting training to provide these services and do many other things in the communities to make them a good place to live and to raise a family!
There are several ads for the local Clean-up days in our fair cities. We'll all have to get involved in "spiffing" up everything! The local governments help out by offering to pick up a lot of junk for nothing--try that in a big city!
Someone wants to buy some rotted cow or chicken manure with no dirt or straw in it. He/she is willing to load it and haul it away. That's always good for the gardens. Hope he/she finds it.
The local hospital and nursing home had its annual luncheon for its volunteers. Each year it is held at the local Baptist church and there are hundreds of volunteers in attendance. The Activities Director has a note of thanks in which she says, "Sometimes while waiting for big impressive miracles, we miss the magical moments that occur daily when one person connects with another." There is a VERY active volunteer group--many of whom have been volunteering for years and years and for many hours each week (in fact, many of the volunteers are older than the Elders in the nursing home!).
The Optical Shop at the hospital has re-opened and is ready for business. They are offering a good discount on frames through May.
A BIG holiday is coming up in less than two weeks--the Fishing Opener! It ranks right up there with Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July, and, of course, the Deer season Opener! There are several ads in the paper for some specials coming up. Next week there will be many ads for that plus Mother's Day. Unfortunately, in Minnesota, the Opener and Mother's Day always fall in the same weekend. Of course, mothers sometimes get bigger gifts because of the "guilt factor."
"R.V." is playing at the theatre and "Mission Impossible 3" starts on May 5. We do get the movies as soon as they come out--pretty great for our small town!
Until next week . . .
