Community Connections for September 28, 2023

Things to celebrate…

Our very own Emily Ptacek was recently selected to be a part of the 10th class of the Rural Leadership of North Dakota program offered through NDSU Extension. This highly competitive 18-month program is designed to empower individuals from across the state, fostering their growth as leaders for rural communities and equipping them to navigate agricultural and rural policy and emerging trends that may impact North Dakota's future. Class members will engage in a series of experiences, including seven in-state workshops featuring tours of agricultural and community businesses, a regional seminar, and a national seminar, providing opportunities to interact with influential figures in agriculture, business, and government. Additionally, an international study tour will allow them to gain insight into global agricultural policies and rural development, following the footsteps of previous classes who explored countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, and Spain. The 10th class will begin in November. Congratulations, Emily! We can't wait to hear all about what you learn!

News to know…

Unless you’re in a business that’s directly impacted by it, many of us have no idea about the economic impact made by hunters in Oakes. The deer season opens in North Dakota on November 10th this year, and as we all start to see more out-of-state license plates and people donned in orange clothing, we want to encourage everyone to welcome hunters to the area. Our local lodges do an incredible job of making Oakes a true destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts, so it’s important that we all do our part to let them know we’re glad they’re here. Even if, at times, we feel inconvenienced by the extra people, for our local lodges, bars, restaurants, and other retailers, the hunting season can often make or break their entire year. Let’s show off our small-town warmth and welcoming spirits!

Ideas to spread…

We’re all familiar with the phrase “Don’t sweat the small stuff; it’s all small stuff”. It’s certainly a great reminder to not let the little annoyances discourage us and make us lose sight of the bigger picture. But today, we have a slightly different take. Today, we’d like to encourage everyone to not overlook the small stuff; don’t forget to celebrate the little victories and seemingly insignificant joys. We recently saw a quote on TikTok that said, “If you can’t find joy in a simple cup of coffee, you won’t find it in a yacht.” Now, maybe coffee’s not your thing, to begin with, but the principle remains; if you can’t find joy in the simple moments, you won't be satisfied with more. There are literally thousands of moments in each day to celebrate, smile about, and even marvel at. We encourage you to look around and take them in. Ultimately, added together, the little things become the big things.

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