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Things to celebrate…
Last Thursday as part of the annual bus trip hosted by Growing Small Towns, five nonprofit organizations were invited to attend a lunch that gave them the opportunity to ask the people from Fargo to help with a specific challenge they were facing. It’s amazing the new ideas and energy that can be generated by complete strangers. The truth is, we get too close to our own problems and it sometimes feels like all we do is continue to meet with the same six people, rehashing the same problems, and basically, keep kicking the same can down the road. This exercise was a beautiful example of the stewardship of talent, which we talk about below in the “Ideas to Spread” part of the column. Thanks to Oakes Ambulance, Dickey County Senior Center, Oakes Mental Health Coalition, Oakes Golf Club, and Ellendale Opera House for being a part of the day!
News to know…
If you’ve never been to the Nome Schoolhouse in Nome, ND, we highly encourage a visit! Not only do they have a full event center with guest rooms, dining, and an onsite bar, but they host retreats, offer classes, and even have a fully operational fiber mill in the basement of the property. Tours of this operation are available to student groups, such as FFA chapters, 4H clubs, and more. It’s truly something to see this “barn to yarn” production facility run by Chris, one of the two co-owners, and connect the agricultural background of raising and shearing sheep to the final fiber products used to create so many things, including the yarn Teresa, the other founding partner, uses to make her incredible fiber art. Contact Kristin at the Nome Schoolhouse to inquire about getting your group set up for a tour. It’s an incredible learning experience!
Ideas to spread…
When it comes to giving back, we often think about it in terms of giving money. True personal giving is a mix of time, talent, and treasure. What are you particularly good at it? What are skills that you have but don’t get to use as often as you’d like? Every single one of us has things we can contribute and so often, we don’t think of these “talents” as special; many times, if it comes easily to you, that’s an indication it’s a gift area for you! We encourage you to consider the organizations, projects, and programs in town that you have a true love for and think about how you might support them with your time and talents. We need you and your special gifts; so do the organizations doing great things in Oakes.