Enjoying Life This Fall
Brakebush is a US Family-owned manufacturer of great tasting chicken products. Headquartered in Westfield, WI with additional state-of-the-art production facilities in Wells, MN; Irving, TX; Mocksville, NC; and Hartwell, GA; we have been helping foodservice operators create exciting and innovative menus since 1925.
Over 2,000 team members help produce menu staples ranging from filets, tenders and wings to specialty items like Chicken Burgers and Chicken Sausage Patties. We take pride in being socially responsible and believe people and relationships will always be the foundation of our business.
Economic Development in Freeborn County
Freeborn County, located in the heart of southern Minnesota, is a region marked by its rich agricultural heritage, diverse industrial base, and a commitment to community growth� Strategic initiatives, collaboration, and a focus on workforce development, the county is poised to navigate the challenges of the modern economy while fostering a vibrant and resilient community for future generations�
Agricultural Foundation
Agriculture is the backbone of Freeborn County’s economy, leveraging its fertile soil and favorable climate� The county is known for producing significant quantities of corn and soybeans, as well as dairy and livestock farming� The local agricultural sector not only provides employment but also supports ancillary industries, such as equipment sales, grain processing, and food distribution� Efforts to promote sustainable practices and technological advancements in farming have further strengthened this sector, ensuring its resilience in a competitive market�
Manufacturing Sector
Freeborn County’s manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in its economic landscape� The area hosts
a mix of companies, ranging from food processing to medical device manufacturing� Notable employers, such as the Albert Lea Medical Center and several industrial manufacturers, contribute to a diverse job market� The county’s strategic location along major transportation routes facilitate the movement of goods and attracts businesses looking to establish operations� Local efforts to support workforce training and development have been crucial in maintaining a skilled labor pool, aligning workforce capabilities with industry needs�
Tourism and Recreation
The natural beauty of Freeborn County, with its lakes, parks, and recreational opportunities, has fostered a growing tourism industry� Attractions like the Myre-Big Island State Park and the two Lakes offer residents and visitors alike ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping� By promoting these attractions, the county aims to enhance its tourism appeal, contributing to economic vitality�
Economic Development Initiatives
To drive economic growth, Freeborn County has established various initiatives and partnerships aimed at fostering business development� The
We create delicious, high-quality foods so everyone has time to enjoy life.
Freeborn County Economic Development Authority (ALEDA) plays a vital role in this effort, offering resources for business planning, financing, and site selection� ALEDA identifies opportunities for growth and investment� Additionally, community programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation support new business startups, helping to diversify the local economy�
Workforce Development
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, Freeborn County emphasizes workforce development through collaboration with Riverland Community College� This partnership facilitates programs that meet industry demands, equipping residents with the skills needed for emerging job opportunities� Efforts to promote vocational training and apprenticeships are also crucial in addressing workforce shortages in key sectors�
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Freeborn County is wellpositioned for sustainable economic growth Ongoing investments in infrastructure will enhance the county’s attractiveness for new businesses� Additionally, initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices will likely resonate with a growing market focused on environmental responsibility�
Get More Rest While Holiday Traveling
The holiday season is a time of year when there never seems to be enough hours in the day Calendars are jam-packed with all sorts of activities from the moment Thanksgiving arrives until revelers scream “Happy New Year!” Travel also is a common component of the holiday season, as millions cross time zones in order to see loved ones each December
Rest does not always come easy while away from home� A number of factors can contribute to this inability to settle�
In an unfamiliar place, our brains become instinctively more alert, increasing adrenaline to keep us awake and ready to defend ourselves or our loved ones� This “fight” response may be even stronger when traveling with family
People have a lot on their minds and tasks to get done in a short period of time during the holiday season� It can be challenging to wind down and find rest when one is so frequently on the move
It is possible to get more rest for those who plan accordingly� Here are some tips for getting some relief while traveling for the holidays�
• Bring familiar items from home. It is not just children who can benefit from some comforting items from home� Adults also can enjoy the benefits of familiar pillows and blankets, for example� Aromas are strongly associated with familiarity and triggering memories So a pillowcase that smells like a home laundry detergent can trigger the body to relax�
• Utilize noise-cancelling earplugs/headphones. Unfamiliar noises can interrupt rest and sleep Using noise-cancelling products or listening to white noise while settling down to rest can induce sleep�
• Follow the two-day rule. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends those who will be staying somewhere for fewer than two days to try to keep to a typical schedule� By the time your body adapts to a different schedule, it will be time to come home again�
• Don’t overfill your schedule. It’s tempting to try and do too much during holiday visits, but jamming your schedule could lead to additional fatigue� That could translate into not enjoying yourself as much as possible because you’re simply too tired
• Avoid too much alcohol. Some people indulge a bit too much while celebrating the holidays� Although alcohol initially can make you feel sleepy, it leads to poor sleep quality that eventually can wake you up in the middle of the night or contribute to a restless few hours of sleep� Limit drinking, particularly late at night�
• Put electronics away. The blue light emitted from many digital devices can disrupt the circadian
rhythm in your body that regulates sleep and wake� When the sun begins to set, turn off devices and stick to darker rooms to begin to set the body up for rest This is a great time to gather in a room filled with firelight or candlelight�
• Move your body. Be active during the day even when you are traveling for the holidays� Physical exertion is good for the mind and the body, and may help you get better rest each night�
Resting while traveling during the holiday season may not be so easy� But some simple strategies can increase the chances holiday travelers get adequate rest while away from home
Convenient Schedules
A Different Kind of Intelligence
By Mary Boorsma Albert Lea Seed House & Garden Center
One of the first questions I ask potential Seed House employees is the difference between an annual and a perennial� This question seems basic to many a gardener and irrelevant to the rest of the population and it’s an important question, not just with landscape plants, but when it comes to weeds� Indulge me for a moment while I teach you how to “think like a weed ”
I know, I know, weeds don’t think� You could put an infinite number of dandelions in front of an infinite number of typewriters for an infinite number of days and not get anything, let alone the works of Shakespeare� But the intelligence of plants, especially weeds, is real and can teach us a lot Because if you put one dandelion in front of a patch of bare soil you will get as many dandelions as there are words in all the works of Shakespeare and that’s almost as impressive
Consider crabgrass� In the spring, it’s an innocuous little blade, poking its little cornstalk-like arms out in lawns, gardens, cracks in the concrete, bags of topsoil, anywhere the soil has been disturbed� You might notice the bright green blades among the deeper green of your bluegrass lawn� But most likely you won’t notice crabgrass at all until late August, when suddenly there’s a strange flat spot in your yard�
You bend over to investigate and discover a star shaped rosette� It seems easy to pull out� You grasp the plant, give a tug and make a six-inch crater in your yard� When you straighten up, you notice an entire constellation of rosettes among your lawn grasses� If you pulled them all, your yard would be visible from space� So, you set the mower blade lower and mow that ugly weed off� SO THERE!
Until next week, when you notice the rosettes are still
there, and now they’re putting out spiky seed-coated fingers practically flush with the soil� Your mower doesn’t mow that low Now you feel a little desperate and angry Where did this stuff come from and how can an ordinary person get ahead of it?
Crabgrass seeds germinate with a single goal� This exclusive focus makes crabgrass very, very good at its job� And its job is to make more crabgrass seeds Lots more A single plant can make 150,000 seeds in one season� That’s like you, populating Rochester in ninety days�
But wait, there’s more Those 150,000 seeds aren’t going to make 150,000 plants next spring� Crabgrass is thinking ahead Some of the seeds will germinate Some will hide in the soil, waiting� There’s no matching the patience of a seed than can wait up to 15 years� You’ve raised your children and sent them off to college before some of those seeds emerge from dormancy and start the process again
There’s simply no way to get ahead of crabgrass in August� Think like a weed! Raise your mowing height to decrease seed germination Apply a preventer in April before the seeds sprout� Spray or root out seedlings in June Expect to see crabgrass whenever you disturb the soil� Staying one step ahead of crabgrass takes some attention, some time and some effort�
And take heart, crabgrass is annual weed and can’t live through a Minnesota winter�
Self-Care & Preventive Wellness
Sheila Calderon, Family Nurse Practitioner
Self-care refers to the habits, lifestyle choices, and behaviors that promote health, prevent disease, and help individuals cope with illness It emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social wellbeing, which together influence our overall health and quality of life� Each person has a personal responsibility to enhance their own physical, mental, and emotional health, which can lead to better health outcomes�
Importance of Preventive Health Screenings
Participating in recommended screenings is a vital self-care task, as these screenings offer early opportunities for treatment and can help reverse chronic diseases It's important to respect individual preferences regarding screening methods� For example:
• Colon cancer screenings are recommended for both women and men starting at age 45, typically repeated every 5-10 years or more frequently based on family history or the presence of colon polyps� Colonoscopies help reduce cancer risk through early detection and the removal of precancerous polyps
• Mammograms are recommended annually for most women to screen for breast cancer� Regular self-breast exams can also help decrease the risk of death from breast cancer�
• Cervical cancer screenings generally begin at age 21 and
are repeated every 3-5 years until age 65� The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus that can cause changes on the cervix, while the Pap test screens for precancerous changes�
• Bone mineral density testing (DEXA scans) uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone strength and is typically recommended starting at age 65 to diagnose conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis
• PSA tests provide a non-invasive means of screening for prostate cancer by measuring prostatespecific antigen levels in the blood� Recommendations for this test vary based on age and other risk factors�
Vaccination guidance, routine dental exams, and eye exams are also integral components of preventive health Prevention of Disease
Addressing unhealthy behaviors early and making changes to poor lifestyle habits can significantly help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases�
• Sun Protection: To reduce the risk of skin cancer, apply UVA/UVB broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when outdoors, even on cloudy days Wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection or UV400 is also important
• Bone Health: Bone density can decrease with age or due to certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis� To preserve bone density, aim for at least 30 minutes of weightbearing exercise five days a week, limit alcohol and tobacco use, and ensure sufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium� The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1200 mg, while vitamin D is typically 1000 IU daily, but this may vary by individual
• Joint Health: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial since being overweight typically increases strain on joints Regular physical activity that includes working major muscle groups and
stretching promotes flexibility, balance, and strength as you age� Practicing good posture and avoiding prolonged positions without breaks can prevent neck and back pain�
• Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease If you choose to drink, limit intake to one drink per day for women and two for men� Quitting smoking reduces the risk of many health problems, including various cancers, respiratory issues, heart disease, and stroke�
Weight Management
Weight management can be challenging due to differing environmental, metabolic, and genetic factors Individuals struggling with weight loss despite healthy choices should consult a healthcare provider It is also important to be screened for obesity related diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol� Try to focus on reducing sugars and saturated fats in your diet, eating smaller portions and limiting processed foods� Try to eat more whole foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy and an adequate amount of protein and fiber�
• Weight-related diseases include hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can all lead to coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)� Joint pain can also be worsened by obesity Obesity is also associated with increased risk of developing certain types of cancers
• Metabolic syndrome refers to the combination of low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, excessive abdominal weight and high triglycerides which increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the
accumulation of liver fat in people who drink little or no alcohol� It not reversed, NAFLD can lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis), similar to the effects of heavy alcohol use� Risk factors include obesity, history of gastric bypass surgery, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes Most people have no symptoms or NAFLD or elevated blood pressure which is why it is important to have routine lab screenings and blood pressure monitoring� Sedentary or inactive lifestyle can have orthopedic implications�
Mental Health/Quality Sleep
There are many factors that determine and promote either health or disease� Mental and physical health are closely connected� Therefore, people with mental health issues are more likely to develop physical health problems and vice versa� Chronic disease symptoms can be exacerbated or worsened by chronic stress�
• Common mental health conditions, including depression
and anxiety, can be screened for as people do not always realize that the symptoms they are experiencing, such as irritability or fatigue, may be physical signs of poor mental health�
• Memory difficulty and other cognitive changes can also be indicators of underlying anxiety or depression� Emotional stress and grief may lead to physical health problems� Drug and alcohol abuse and nicotine dependence may be used as coping mechanisms and result from untreated mental health conditions�
• Sleep disturbances are common and may include difficulty falling asleep at night or staying asleep through the night� If you snore at night or feel tired during the day, this may indicate possible sleep apnea� Screening tests for obstructive sleep apnea are available and recommended if you are experiencing these symptoms
• Sleep apnea causes interruptions in breathing which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and can
result in decreased energy, mental performance and even lead to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease or stroke�
Finding ways to improve the health of yourself, your family, and your community can enhance social connections and well-being� Volunteering and being active in your community contribute positively to mental health
Self-care through healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, good sleep habits, and mental health care, can maintain overall health and prevent or delay diseases� While some health conditions are beyond our control, focusing on self-care empowers individuals to adopt healthy habits and make behavioral changes that promote health and well-being� Resources:
Center for Disease Control National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Socializing in Our Senior Years
By April Schur Executive Director, Senior Resources of Freeborn County
As we grow older, sometimes our circle of friends can become smaller� You may find that you no longer feel comfortable picking up the phone to chat with people you were once close with� Life events such as children growing up and leaving the nest, retirement, moving, divorce or losing a spouse can all affect our social circles People may grow apart, but a healthy social life is important for your overall well being� Rebuilding your social circle can be an intimidating task, it is not easy to put yourself out there and try to make new friends at any age� However, one thing is certain, socialization is a key element to staying healthy and active
and keeping loneliness at bay
Everyone is different when it comes to finding the perfect balance for their social life� While one person may be satisfied with meeting friends once a week for dinner, another may need a fuller schedule with a variety of activities to be satisfied Just remember to create what YOU feel is a healthy social life and to nurture your friendships, so they will in turn nurture you A wellbalanced social life should include a variety of friends,
family, and acquaintances� Life will feel a little fuller having a diverse circle with varying types of friends Casual acquaintances, social friends, and close friends will all bring you different benefits� Open yourself to new friends of all ages and backgrounds�
There are many opportunities to meet people locally at little or no cost to you Some ways to meet new friends and stay socially connected with your community are to volunteer or be part of a local group
Volunteer� There are so many organizations that can use a helping hand� Schools, pre-schools, churches, Senior Resources, Albert Lea Senior Center, animal shelters, food pantries, hospitals, senior living facilities – the list goes on and on – even a few hours a week can give you a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem and provide an opportunity to meet new people
Senior Resources of Freeborn County offers advocacy to provide help to fill out paperwork, Check out the local library
The Albert Lea Public Library offers craft classes, summer reading programs and the ability to check out games, movies or even activity kits to broaden your interests also have a program where people are able to record books for others to listen to
The Senior Center in Albert Lea offers a variety of games, such as cards or Bingo and the like For a very low yearly membership fee, you will receive a newsletter full of their activities to do including holiday celebrations, day trips and more!
craft� Community Education offers so many ways to reach others through classes and group trips Facebook also has postings of local groups and classes from making wreaths to porch pots to quilting� The local newspapers usually have listings of various groups, activities and meeting times too� Church Groups� Spiritual fulfillment is a key component of overall well being Regardless of your denomination or how often you worship, you can find great support in your local church
Making just a couple of new connections will make you feel confident, healthier, and happier� Just know that you don’t have to go it alone� After all, that’s what friends are for�
Find a Crafting or Art Group� Do you like to knit, crochet, sew, scrapbook, paint, draw? Chances are there is a local group that meets regularly to practice their
Teaching Young Adults About Credit
A young person’s eighteenth birthday marks something of a turning point in his or her life In addition to acquiring various rights, such as being able to vote or serve on a jury, this is the age at which teenagers may be introduced to credit cards and loans�
According to Forbes, prior to age 18 it is possible to have a credit card if the minor individual is added as an authorized user on another account, namely a parent’s or guardians� However, a person must be 18 to be an account holder on his or her own credit card�
It’s important that young adults learn about financial planning and smart credit usage Here are a few ways to get started
Define credit and interest
Young adults should recognize that credit is not free money, and it comes with an expense in some instances� When money is borrowed from a lender, it is understood it will be paid back later� Interest is the money the lender will charge for borrowing money� It is based on a certain interest rate� Credit card companies will charge interest on money spent only if the full amount is not paid off by the bill due date
Credit limits
Quite often young adults who have not yet established credit will have a lower credit limit than someone else� Credit limit is the maximum amount that can be borrowed This limit may be raised as the lender has greater confidence in the borrower who is paying the bill each month�
Minimum payment
Many teenagers new to credit (and even adults) quickly get themselves in debt by only paying the minimum payment� It should be explained that while the minimum payment is advertised on a billing statement, it is in the account holder’s best interest to pay the entire balance to avoid paying interest, which can make it challenging to pay down the credit card bill In fact, if a credit card is treated like cash, it is less likely that a borrower will get into financial trouble�
Makeup of a credit score
Explain that a credit score is determined by payment history, how much money is owed, length of credit history, the types of credit, and the number of recently opened accounts� Payment history makes up 35 to 40 percent of the total credit score, and paying bills on time (even if only the minimum balance) is essential Credit scores can range from 300 to 850, and the higher score the better Young adults are trusted with managing their own finances as they get older� Learning the right way to utilize credit is among the most important lessons a young adult can learn�
Tips When Shopping For Insurance
Insurance is a necessity that can provide a financial safety net in the case of accidents, natural disasters, injuries, and other emergencies� Adequate coverage can ensure policy holders’ lives are not turned upside down when an unexpected event like an auto accident or harsh storm threatens to drain their bank accounts
The stakes are indeed high when shopping for insurance, as consumers want to be sure the policy they ultimately choose is going to safeguard them if or when they need it� With that in mind, individuals can consider these tips when shopping for insurance�
• Resist any inclination to make price your top priority� Price should not be an afterthought when shopping for insurance, but it’s important that consumers avoid making it their mission to find the lowest possible premiums Though a low-cost policy might suit your immediate financial needs, such a policy may not offer a level of coverage necessary to prevent adverse financial outcomes should you experience accident or injury� It’s best to prioritize getting the coverage you need over the lowest possible policy cost�
• Comparison shop� Once you have identified the level of coverage you need, you can then begin comparison shopping Most insurance providers can issue quotes in a matter of minutes, and many offer similar levels of coverage� So the process of gathering quotes on policies offering similar, if not identical, coverage should not take long�
• Choose additional coverage for particularly valuable items� Certain items, like engagement rings, may require additional coverage not offered by standard policies� For example, a standard renter’s insurance policy may
not cover expensive jewelry� But losing an item like an engagement ring to theft or a natural disaster can be emotionally devastating and costly to replace� Such a blow is easier to manage when policy holders know the items are fully covered�
Insurance is necessary whether individuals are looking to protect their health, their homes, their cars, or their financial futures A few simple strategies can ensure consumers have the coverage they need to avoid financial ruin should they experience an accident, injury or natural disaster�
Community Events Calendar
October 31st, 2024
• Halloween Party at The Pet Authority from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Halloween Event at Law Enforcement Center from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm�
• Spooktacular at Downtown Albert Lea from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
November 1st & 2nd, 2024
• Brookside Rock Gym Open from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm� Every Friday and Saturday� Preregistration is required online at albertleacommunityed org
November 2nd, 2024
• Purse Bingo at St� Theodore Catholic Elementary School Does open at 12:00pm, Bingo starts at 1:00pm
• Glenville Women of Today’s Craft & Vendor Fair at Glenville Emmons Elementary School from 9:00 am -1:00 pm�
• Glenville Days Bingo & Horse Races Fundraiser at the American Legion Post 264 in Glenville, Bingo 2:00 pm� Horse Races 5:00 pm�
November 3rd, 2024
• Fall Crafts from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Albert Lea Public Library�
November 4th, 2024
• Baked Potato Fundraiser at Thorne Crest from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Support the Freeborn County Humane Society!
November 5th, 2024
• Storytime at the Albert Lea Public Library from 10:00 am – 11:00 am� Every Monday and Tuesday in November
• Board Game Night at the Albert Lea Public Library from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Nighttime Storytime at the Albert Lea Public Library from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm� Every Tuesday In November�
November 7th, 2024
• Music and Movement at the Albert Lea Public Library from 10:00 am – 11:00 am�
• Needles, Pins & More at the Albert Lea Public Library from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm�
November 9th, 2024
• Autumn Craft & Bake Sale at Bridge Community Church from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm� bcchurchal�org
• Free Fall Concert at the Marion Ross Theater in Albert Lea starting at 2:00 pm
November 9th -10th, 2024
• Autumn Market at Wedgewood Cove from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm�
November 12th, 2024
• Harry Potter Party at the Albert Lea Public Library from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm�
• Adult Craft Night: Beaded Corn and Pumpkins at the Albert Lea Public Library from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm�
November 13th, 2024
• Tween and Teen Drop-in Crafts at the Albert Lea Public Library from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm�
November 14th, 2024
• Music and Movement at the Albert Lea Public Library from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
November 19th, 2024
• Choose Your Own Book Club at the Albert Lea Public Library from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Tween and Teen Game Night at the Albert Lea Public Library from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm�
November 21st, 2024
• Music and Movement at the Albert Lea Public Library from 10:00 am – 11:00 am�
• 3D Printing: Design Class at the Albert Lea Public Library from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm�
• Freeborn County Ducks Unlimited Sportsman’s Bingo at Good Shot Golf and Sporting Clays in Emmons, Minnesota starting at 5:30 pm�
November 24th, 2024
• Turkey Trot on Ice at the City Arena from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm� Call Bob Furland at 507-377-4370 with any questions�
Planning Ahead is Vital to a Successful Renovation
Remodeling projects are significant undertakings Homeowners must consider a host of variables before any such project can begin� While planning ahead may take time, it is essential to ensuring successful completion of a renovation project� Consider these pre-renovation planning pointers to help any job go smoothly�
Determine your motivation for renovating Renovation projects often involve balancing needs and wants, and determining if a project is a necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project� Is the roof leaking? If so, immediate action is necessary� Could the kitchen be a bit more functional? If the kitchen is still manageable, a homeowner may be able to wait a little bit to get better prices on appliances or contracting services�
Separating needs from wants helps homeowners map out a viable timeline that maximizes productivity and affordability
Get professional advice
Many homeowners are under the impression that doing the work themselves can save a considerable amount of money� This may be the case for homeowners with renovation experience� But by and large, professional contractors are an asset to any renovation� They can provide a realistic overview of the project, map out projected costs, point out areas that could be troublesome, and may have industry contacts that can keep supply costs low� Even if a homeowner will do a portion of the job, a contractor can do the bulk of the work and keep the project on budget�
Get necessary permits
Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner� However, they are not without additional costs and processing time, and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step A permit may be issued the day the application is submitted, while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later� Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan�
If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit, he or she may face penalties; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits�
Other considerations when planning a renovation include writing out a strict budget, gathering inspiration, drawing up to-scale renovation plans, pouring over material reviews, and getting recommendations for reliable professionals to do the job� While not every obstacle can be avoided, planning is a good way to start successfully
The Heart of Community: Faith in Action
Pastor Brian Mitchell
Worshiping together as a community is a beautiful and essential part of our faith � However, it’s easy to misunderstand the full calling of the church if we limit our vision to only what happens within the walls of the building � To some, it may seem that Christians have lost their calling to be people of faith in the community To them, faith is something people only practice on Sundays and leave at the door of the church � They see people of faith as a group of people who go to
a building and listen to a preacher talk about how they should love others, and while they are there, they show love and grace to the like-minded people around them � However, when they leave the building, the lessons of love and grace are left behind � This could not be further from the truth �
The church is made up of a mixture of the local community� Sometimes, the only thing the members have in common is their faith � However, it is this diversity that helps the members complete their mission of faith handed down by Jesus, Love God and Love people (Matt 22:36-40), and Go into all the world (Matt 28:1820) � Christians have always taken the words of Jesus to heart � He told his disciples to “Go” into the world and be salt and light � The gathering on the first day of the week is a rest from spreading
the Gospel message to the rest of the world � It is a safe haven to regroup and prepare to return to a hostile world � The followers of Jesus lived a life that effected change in their community, so much so that Christianity went from 12 sacred Apostles to one of the world’s largest religions � Christianity grew in a hostile environment because the early believers lived a life of true sacrifice and showed love to their neighbors � When the Cyprian Plage hit Rome in 250 A � D � , the Christians stayed and cared for the sick and saved and cared for unwanted babies by starting orphanages and hospitals � Throughout history, people of faith have always worked to better society and make a positive difference in their communities
�
Today, people of faith are still spreading the gospel message by showing the love of Christ in their communities � It’s the kindness of someone who visits a sick friend of their late husband in the hospital � It is a youth group that cares for an older person’s yard � It’s attending neighborhood
meetings, band concerts, or football games at the local high school, even though you do not have a kid on the team � It is lending a hand to a stranger in need � These are the acts of people of faith in the community� It is a place where people of faith gather and prepare to go out into the community and look for opportunities to share their faith while demonstrating the love of Christ � How can you share your faith in your community?
Answer the Following Questions and Enter to Win Our Readership Contest One Year Family Membership to the YMCA
Where can you go to get 20% off any one item in the store?
Who’s been serving you for over 90 years?
Who offers a pool, gymnasium, weight room and indoor track?
Who encourages you to enjoy a time of worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship?
Where is life better when you’re under our roof?
Which business wants to extend our R.E.A.C.H.?
Who has chicken to impress and people who help?
Who is helping the world thrive?
Who is located at 2501 Crossroads Blvd?
Which business is enhancing the quality of life at home?
Where can you find great careers, great benefits, great people?
Who is bringing people together and becoming disciples of Christ?
Where should you go for all your automotive maintenance needs?
Who is providing better hearing one patient at a time?
Where can you go to find the best plan from many carriers?
to a New Member
Who is connecting you to Southern Minnesota?
Who has affordable and flexible membership options for everyone?
Who offers complete septic service and is MPCA licensed?
Where can you go to enjoy great food & friendly service?
Who has the best salads & sides?
Where can you drive thru the Live Nativity?
Who offers independence when you want it?
Where is your health truly your choice?
Who is proud to serve the community since 1906?
Who is promoting health and well-being for Seniors?
Which business is professional, reliable, and family owned?
Who is ready to serve you 24/7 365?
Who tells you that having the right insurance counts?
Who’s mission is to provide a sound financial environment?
Where can you go where healthy habits are always in season?
Which business has memory care now available?
Name
Address
Phone
Mail or bring your entry form to The Freeborn Co. Shopper, 110 W. Pearl St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 by Thursday, November 7th, 2024 No photo copies, one entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older.
Healthy Habits Are Always 1n Season
Livingahealthylifestyleincludeseatingwell, exercising,andtakingcareofyourmentalhealth.
AtUnitedHospitalDistrict, weprovideroutine checkupsthatcanidentifyandstopproblemsbefore theydevelop. Withmorethan25specialtyservices offered,we'realsoequippedtokeepyouhealthy. FallintogoodhealththisFallseason.
Committed to care. Committed to you.
