There are good things going on in our community, and we need to take the time to celebrate them. What we offer are a few pats on the back to those who clearly deserve it.
• Congratulations to Free Source Energies, LLC on meeting the Energy Star program requirements for its ground source heat pump. This news not only adds credibility to the company which began just a few years ago, it also provides added incentive for people to invest in its product. The tax credits alone make geothermal something to consider. As this company moves forward with its unique technology, it has the potential for tremendous growth across the nation. The best part for the rest of us is the economic impact it could have. Should things continue down the path it seems this company is heading, there could be jobs created in our community. It seems as if the leadership of the company is committed to keeping the business in Redwood Falls. We applaud that commitment. This is certainly the kind of renewable resource that has the potential to help our nation overcome its dependence on foreign resources.
• We want to offer a pat on the back to the members of the public who actually turned out for the public meeting this past Monday to discuss the Redwood Area School District’s flexible learning year proposal. It is only through involvement and when people speak up that good dialogue can take place. The public still has one opportunity to share their thoughts at the third of three public hearings the school board is required to conduct. That meeting is one week from today, Jan. 25 starting at 6:15 p.m. in the board room.
• We have heard numerous stories from people who received help from others when they were stranded, stuck or just needed a bit of a push to get going in the snow that even after a few warmer days still seems to be daunting. Knowing there are good people out there who are willing to lend a hand can help to make what looks to be a long winter ahead a little more tolerable.
• The efforts of this like the members of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church to help others through collection of donations to the Red-wood Area Food Shelf is certainly commendable. When organizations move out beyond themselves and offer a hand out to those in need, the response can become contagious. We are certainly seeing that on a much broader scale as the world responds to the devastation in Haiti.
• Thanks to each of you who donated at a January Bloodmobile. Every unit collected means a possible life saved. A big pat on the back goes out to each of you, especially those of you donating for the first time and those reaching major donation milestones. Ten gallons is a lot of blood.
• The Redwood Falls Rotary Club recently donated a bunch of dictionaries to Reede Gray Elementary School. Efforts like this from adults to students truly confirm we as a community are living out the concept “it’s all about the kids.” The Rotary Club is one of many organizations in the community demonstrating benevolence on a variety of levels on a consistent basis.
We realize there are many others of you who are doing great things, several of which are done behind the scenes.
To each of you who is making a difference in your community we offer a pat on the back.
Your contributions are indeed helping to create a better community – a community where everyone benefits.
