It’s November. First thing that comes to my mind is thankfulness and blessings. Perhaps we think of it more on Thanksgiving Day than the others. Yet we should be aware and thankful for all that we have. The instant replies are usually family, friends, a warm house, food on the table and comfy bed to sleep in. Yet I see that there is so much more we can be thankful for, if we stop and appreciate the moments in the day. For instance today it is a tad bit chilly, but I’m so very thankful for the blue sky and the warmth of the sun and the cardinal that was eating at my feeder this morning.

I also see much that I can be thankful for within my workday. Here at the Center we are able to offer numerous programs because of the collaboration we have with many businesses and organizations in the Marshall community and are able to stay connected with many senior service agencies so as not to duplicate services through the One Voice for Seniors group. So today as I write this I am thankful over the past year for ACE of SW MN, Avera, American Legion Auxiliary, Community Services, GOLD College, LSS: Senior Dining and Senior Companion, Lyon County Historical Society, Marshall-Lyon County Library, Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, Marshall Area Y, Marshall Police Department, Shetek Environmental Learning Center, SMSU, Southwest Min Mental Health Center, Wild Rose Home Health, Middle School, Relay For Life, U of M Extension, United Community Action, TruLight, Pizza Ranch, Hamilton Birk Funeral Home, Sounds of Summer, Lyon County Fair Senior Day, Nessa’s Naturals, Main Stay Cafe, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Service Organization, Heart to Heart, Lyon County Stamp Club, Pride of the Tiger Foundation, Camden State Park, United Way of SWMN, Lyon County Sheriff’s Dept, Aaron’s Toys.

Also through the group of One Voice for Seniors the Center is connected with the following: ACE of SW MN, Avera, Boulder Creek, Boulder Estates, Compassionate Care Home Health, Heritage Pointe, Hill Street Place, Kingdom Home Health Care, LSS — Senior Dining and Senior Companion, MADAN, MNRAA, Prairie Home Hospice and Health Care, SWMHHS, State Service for the Blind, United Community Action.

Yet I await the collaborations and programs that we will be able to offer in the new year! New connections, new programs and connecting seniors to the community they love! Marshall is a great community to age in place with so many amenities and opportunities to stay connected!