Network of caring in the community

I would like to take a few minutes to acknowledge some good things and the people doing them.
 

Let me begin by saying how fortunate I feel to be part of a small town community. I acknowledge we are not all angels, but an amazing number of the people I interact with have the good of others as one of their chief interests. I am speaking here about family and near-family who go out of their way to support and assist others. That network of caring is the foundation of our communities, and lays the groundwork for all the other good things we see being done.

 

I would like to acknowledge Jason Casey of New Richland who has a group of people looking into the possibility of helping farmers learn more about camelina, a small-seeded flowering plant, as a cash crop.  Jason said at a meeting held in New Richland on Feb. 11 that he wants to serve as a catalyst in helping broaden people’s horizons–as well as their bank accounts.

 

Camelina is valued for its high oil content which has the right genetic components to be made into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). You can read more about the specifics in an article summarizing the event. What I am commenting on here is Jason’s motive: just to make things better and possibly improve the local economy.

 

My compliments to Jason for carrying through on a beneficial idea.

 

I also want to mention the two ice fishing contests that took place in the area on Valentine’s Day. 

 

One, held on Clear Lake from noon to 4 p.m. was a kids’ contest with fishing holes, bait, and even food and warm beverages provided. A good crowd attended, which must have been gratifying to the Riders of the American Legion, a group with the noble goal of supporting area veterans who chose to sponsor a wholesome event that encouraged children and families to get outdoors and enjoy the lifelong sport of fishing.

 

The other, sponsored by the New Richland and Fountain Lake sportsmen’s clubs and Fleet Farm, took place on St. Olaf Lake near New Richland. The crowd there was probably 150 or more, spread out amicably near the public park. All ages were eligible to complete and thanks to a donation from Owatonna Motors, the prizes for the three largest fish were truly impressive: $500, $300, and $200. 

 

Equally impressive was the $700 or more spent to acquire gifts for every child age 15 and under who attended. Items given away were outdoors-related, and included flashlights, fishing poles, and toys. New Richland Liquor and its patrons raised the $400 needed to buy a lifetime fishing license for the lucky winner of a youth prize drawing. An excited young 6-year-old had his hand shaken by County Sheriff Jay Dulas and his picture taken with some of the volunteers helping run the event.

 

If ever two fishing contests “deserved” good weather, it was the two sponsored by these area organizations. It is highly gratifying to me that they had such beautiful weather to carry out their heart-lifting plans.