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Christmas lights from 5,000 feet

A few years ago, my husband, a private pilot, took me on a Christmas flight to enjoy a few of the Christmas Light displays in the area. We took off on runway 30 from the Marshall Municipal Airport, veered a bit to the left, and my husband said, “I believe Brookings is this way,” pointing in front of us. We flew quietly through the night, looking at the snow-covered ground and ice-covered lakes reflecting the twinkle of lights on farm sites and towns as we passed, noting the small icehouse communities on area lakes. When we arrived in Brookings, we circled the display at McCrory ...

Music helps to spread cheer throughout the holiday season

Christmas music in the modern world involves a mix between the sacred and the secular, a mix that’s usually reflected in annual holiday concerts. A big part of my childhood concert memories center around the Christmas programs at Holy Redeemer School in Marshall. Each year we performed for parents and the community. The stage always included a stable for two eighth graders who played Mary and Joseph and a real life baby who played Jesus. Confetti was dropped on the stage to symbolize snow. Sister Judy conducted from the balcony with two flashlights. She’d know if people weren’t ...

Christmas carded

Christmas is a traditional holiday that contains more traditions than raisins in a fruitcake. One of these traditions involves sending holiday greeting cards. Nobody knows exactly when this custom began, but it’s entirely possible that its origins can be traced all the way back to caveman days. “What that?” caveman Og asks his mate one day as he returns home from a hard day of hunting for and running from saber-toothed tigers. “It’s a greeting card,” replies his mate, holding up what appears to be a shingle that has been festooned with twigs and dried berry ...

A month of achievements and celebrations in Marshall Public Schools

As we approach the winter break, I am delighted to share some remarkable updates and achievements from our vibrant school district. It has been a busy month filled with events that showcase the talent, dedication, and community spirit of our students and staff. 1. School dismissal and winter break As a reminder, schools will dismiss on Friday, Dec. 22, at noon, and will remain closed through Monday, Jan. 1. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2. We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break and returns refreshed for the start of the new year. 2. Celebrating CTI expansion Last ...

Grief during the holidays: Some tips

The winter holidays are generally perceived as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for those who are facing grief after the death of a loved one, the holidays may instead be a time filled with pain and sadness. Even those for whom grief is not as fresh, the holidays may serve as an annual reminder of the loss—not only of that person, but of tradition and celebration. Bereavement professionals working in hospice and palliative care understand how difficult this season can be. They support families coping with loss all year long. Bereavement counselors stress the ...

Personalized service remains important in modern age

Two situations from the past year stand out in my mind as far as how much computers and mobile devices have changed our lives. The first occurred when I went to one of my favorite takeout places. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so I asked about a special. I was told that their specials are only available online. The second was when I had plans to go to a tourist attraction in the Twin Cities. They do not allow you to buy tickets at the gate. They have to be ordered electronically. Both situations treated people who aren’t adept at using the Internet as second class citizens. ...