Thumbs up for giving back. This past week, staff in the Family Medicine department at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin wrapped up a month-long drive that gathered items for the pantries at Austin High School and Ellis Middle School. The pantries, containing clothing and food items, are there for students when they need them and this drive is helping ensure that the pantries have enough supplies that will allow kids to be kids without undo pressures. It’s a great example of how people can continue to give during the holiday season.
Thumbs up for Gift of Warmth. Even though it is postponed a week due to the impending weekend storm, the reminder itself is good enough to warrant a thumbs up for the annual Gift of Warmth, brought together by caring volunteers who want to do their part to get needed items of winter clothing into the lives of those who need them. Each year, families either don’t have or can’t afford the needed clothing to deal with a Minnesota winter, but thanks to the work of those involved, people now have that opportunity.
Thumbs up for longevity. You know that you have a good thing going when retirements are honored for the spans of time like that of Facilities Technician Bob Bailey, who was recognized during Tuesday morning’s Mower County Board of Commissioners meeting. Bailey has been with the county for 15 years and judging by those who came out to support him, he will very much be missed by those who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
Thumbs up for taking flight. Work is underway to breathe new life into the Mower County chapter of Pheasants Forever. Put on pause about a year and a half ago, efforts are underway to restart this important conservation organization, which brings with it so many pluses including land conservation and getting people outdoors. A meeting is being held Tuesday, Dec. 2 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the DoubleTree by Hilton’s Teddy Roosevelt Room. If interested and to RSVP visit this link.
Thumbs up for a goal reached. And here you thought the Texas Tenors meant the completion of the Historic Paramount Theatre’s renovation and expansion project. In a physical sense, yes, the project is completed, but fundraising efforts continued after the fact in order to hit the total goal of $1.2 million, a number that not only encompasses Austin Area Art’s portion of the project, but will also include money for maintenance costs going into the future. This week it was announced they made that number and shows once again that people are here for the Paramount.
