State Representative David Bly, District 25B

Earlier this spring I had the pleasure to witness and participate in the work of several groups in our community working in small ways locally to make the world a better place sand dollar by sand dollar if you remember that popular little anecdote of a few years ago.

 
Next two houses to be built east of Nerstrand.

At the Habitat for Humanity dinner held at the American Legion Club they announced the recipient of this year’s home projects.   Two homes to be built near Nerstrand.  It was very touching to be a witness to the joy of these young families joining Rice County communities as future homeowners.  I sat with Rep. Patti Fritz who was greeted enthusiastically through out the evening by her many supporters.  

Hope Center  held a luminary event on bridge square.  CC Lindstroth thanked attendees and those who have contributed to the Hope Center over the past year.  A singer performed while listeners contemplated the poignant messages on the many t-shirts decorating the perimeter of the square on this beautiful spring day.  Jan Sinna, posed here with a display explaining the Center’s work.

Healthfinders “A Night on the Town” Dinner celebrated this local organization and its efforts to offer health care to uninsured residents of Rice County.  Housed at Little Prairie United Methodist Church south of Dundas The Mission of HealthFinders is to provide quality, accessible and culturally appropriate healthcare services, at no cost, to low-income and uninsured residents of greater Rice County.  Their website includes a link to 2006 poverty Guidelines. The staff’s work is supplemented by St. Olaf students who volunteer in a variety of ways Breanna Peterson who just happen to be this years Senior Class Commencement speaker.  The HealthFinders Clinic operates on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., located on County Road 88/130th Street in rural Dundas, MN.To find it here’s a map

Another beautiful Spring day shined on Northfield’s ‘Relay for Life’ held at St. Olaf Manitou Field and organized mostly by St. Olaf students - though many Northfielders contributed.  The afternoon began with a recognition and walk around by cancer survivors, Northfield High School staff Charlie Black and Marilyn Neuville were among that group.  Then others, family members and supporters joined in the following laps. As the sun sets luminaries are lit around the track and another set on the bleachers spell out the word ‘HOPE’ - the word we all hold to for those loved ones we cherish and don’t want to lose.  Last year I recognized my uncle Chauncey Bly who spent the early years of his career researching a cure for cancer.  Cancer took him in the early 90s.  I thought of him again as I made my way around the track it is a simple but moving experience to share in the life struggle of others and in a small way you feel for moments the emotions I am sure they struggle with.