We are thrilled that Matt Suby has been chosen to chair this year’s annual campaign for United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN). Matt Suby is a long-time Marshall, MN, resident working as a Business Development Specialist for Western Equipment Finance in Marshall. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Raise Your Hand!” What motivates you to raise your hand and get involved? Is it caring for others, helping those in need, or striving for a better future? Whatever your reason, UWSWMN invites you to join us and raise your hand because change cannot happen alone. With your help, we can bring hope to our community.

By now harvest is well underway. It started a bit slow for us over on the east side of the county; lots of cloudy days and light rain showers to limit the soybean harvest. Only a few minor issues; there is a new scuff on the bean head from a green grain cart driver and the freight-shaker may have seen its last load. I, of course, have been in the wrong spot a bunch of times with the header trailer, also. Other than that, things have been going pretty smooth. There were a few unfortunate events around the area this fall. It gets you thinking about safety. We are working with some big equipment and things can go wrong in a hurry. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time to stay sharp. If you find yourself sleepy during the day or feel foggy all day long, one thing to consider is this month’s topic: obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

We sometimes fall prey to the illusion that we can change others, that a convincing argument will change their mind or that a friendly piece of advice will get them to change some longstanding habit. But then we realize that arguments—no matter how convincing—rarely change minds, and that if someone doesn’t want to alter their habits or practices it usually doesn’t happen, and even when we want to change a habit, it can require a strong force of will to do so. But if our roles in life require us to be change agents (e.g., parents, teachers, coaches, and managers are all in some way expected to be change agents) what are we then to do? Realize first of all that it is your relation with the person you are helping to change that plays the biggest role in whether they will try to change. You need to have accurate empathy, meaning you need to truly understand who they are and what they are feeling. You also need to accept them for who they are— no matter their defects—and this acceptance has to be conveyed. One also needs to genuinely care about the people you are serving. Teachers, therapists and coaches who clearly care about their students, clients and athletes get more done than those who are detached (which comes across as not caring). And finally, one needs to have a sense of hope and positive expectancy.

By Arnold Krusemark This is the week prior to Halloween. If you have not already done it, secure a good sized pumpkin to be used as a Jack o’Lantern and then carve it. Sometimes this will be a good family project with any kids you may have. Then insert the candle (real) and ignite it for display. Sometimes we have put together a display of smaller pumpkins on the side.

Court Queen of Peace met Sept. 26 at 5:30 with 10 members present. Regent Amy Kathman called the meeting to order beginning with prayer and flag pledge. In the absence of a Recording Secretary the minutes from the August meeting were read by Deanna Konkol. The treasurer’s report was read and filed. Barb Minnehan sent information that all membership dues have been paid. She is working on a list of people who are able to work for any fund raiser that the court might have. Correspondence was read indicating that Wilmont court will celebrate their 100th anniversary on Nov. 19. Reservations need to be made by Oct. 24. SOS chair was unavailable. Youth chair sent information about the Middle School Youth Festival on Oct. 1. Confirmation is Oct. 8 at St. Gabriel’s, Fulda. The education contest theme is ’God’s Love and Kindness Shine Upon Us Like the Sun That Rises In Sky’ or How Does My Love Shine For Others’. Adults are encouraged to enter in one of the many categories. Caution: Follow the strict guidelines on the MnCDA website so as not to be disqualified. Jan Bryan, legislative chair handed out information about how newborns who survive abortion no longer need to be reported nor what measures are taken to care for those infants. Spirituality chair was absent.

MCC Elementary Backpack Program By Nikki Cheskie – MCC Elementary Mental Health Coordinator MCC Elementary is helping to meet the nutritional needs of our students in Junior Kindergarten – Grade 6 by offering the Backpack Program again this year. The goal of the Backpack Program is to reduce childhood hunger by sending food packages home with identified students each weekend.

Looking for another win, the Rebels were back in action in Edgerton on Tuesday, October 10th taking on the Flying Dutchmen in conference action. MCC came out in the first set ready to take down Edgerton but started off slowly through the rotation.

In non-conference action last week, the Rebels traveled to Pipestone to take on the Arrows in volleyball. MCC jumped out to a decent lead in the first set, sustaining it to a 25-11 finish.

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Monday, October 23: Breakfast: BeneFit Breakfast Bar, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk. Lunch: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Buttered Bread, Beets, Chilled Pears, Fresh Fruits & Veggies.