Belinda's Birthday Week!

Belinda's birthday week is underway and today at the Glenville UMC, she was recognized with the birthday "frame!"

The Christmas Season is underway!

We joined the kickoff celebration for the Christmas season, live from Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland which marks the official beginning of the Christmas season!

Birthday treat!

Belinda's birthday is on its way (next week) and today, Belinda was surprised by a treat sent by Charles' sister, Sandy! This lighted "70" is a special way to celebrate this event in our home!   

Belinda in action

Belinda is second from the left

A quiet moment at the Annual Meeting!

Belinda's job at the Albert Lea - Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce keeps her very busy! Just this week, she took part in the groundbreaking for a new credit union here in Albert Lea and oversaw the Chamber's Annual Meeting event (170+ in attendance)!!

Big news from the Chamber of Commerce

Belinda and the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Valerie Lockhart, were featured in an article in today's Albert Lea Tribune!

Belinda serves as the Administrative Assistant, and she started her role in September.

New purpose and duties for Human Rights Commission

From the City of Albert Lea:

At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council adopted a new purpose and duties for the Human Rights Commission. The commission once investigated claims of discrimination. With the State of Minnesota now leading these investigations, the local group will instead serve as a resource for all those seeking equal opportunities and advise the city council on human rights issues. Clockwise, from the lower right, are members Angie Hanson, Peggy Olson, Cesar Zamora Victorino, Jeremey Corey-Gruenes, Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula, Aruna Evenson and Mayor Rich Murray. The mayor recently visited the commission to thank them for volunteering. Learn more about the commission at this link. 

An afternoon in Alden

150 years and counting

City of Alden's proclamation for Alden UMC

A nice group of people

While Belinda is in Alexandria this weekend, Charles went to Alden for the Alden UMC's 150th Anniversary. It was nice to be part of the continuing story of this faith community.

United Women in Faith Annual Meeting

Women from across the Minnesota Conference gathered this weekend for the Annual Meeting of the United Women in Faith. The gathering is taking place at Alexandria United Methodist Church where Belinda is on hand, representing the women of the Glenville UMC!

Alley Art

The newest addition to Albert Lea's art scene from Art Walk Albert Lea is this large mural in the alley behind the Alerus Bank and 112 on Broadway restaurant.

Sculpture Walk in AL

"Picture Perfect"

"Unfold'

"Just Keep Swimming"

"Just One More Page"

"Given the Choice, I Choose to be a Dragon"

Charles spent time this morning doing the Sculpture Walk in downtown Albert Lea and around Fountain Lake. There are thirteen pieces that enhance the feeling of this vibrant city in southern Minnesota!

 

Another Sunday in Glenville

We enjoy our Sunday mornings in Glenville and today was another wonderful day. Belinda stepped in to serve as the scripture reader and Charles was celebrated on the first Sunday in Clergy Appreciation Month!

Autumn at Glenville UMC

 

We're doing our part at Glenville UMC to share the joy that is autumn in southern Minnesota.

Click on this link to view short video!  (It gets a little topsy-turvy at the end.) 

A drive in early autumn

We took advantage of the beautiful weather today to take in some fall festivals just south of Albert Lea.

Starting off with two stops in Emmons, we were able to get some delicious treats from Bekah's Baked Goods at Good Shot Golf & Shooting Clays followed by a short drive to the second stop of the day at Border Market. 

Another drive took us to Lake Mills, Iowa where we stopped at Lazy Acre Vineyard for some treats from Sticky Bee Honey Farm. Our last stop of the day was at the Happy Time RV Resort (in Lake Mills) where we enjoyed a simple lunch.

Big news!

After an extensive search, we have found our next vehicle: a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with just over 104,000 miles. It had just one owner and is in excellent condition, was waxed every year, and stored in a garage.

Happy fall, y'all!

Wesley loves hanging out with us as we begin our first autumn today in Albert Lea!

 

UWFaith Prairie Winds District Fall Gathering at Hope UMC in Blue Earth

Belinda leads everyone at the UWFaith Prairie Winds District in a fun dance (The Bhangra move called "Punjab" embodies joy, hope, and positivity)

Four pastors celebrate Holy Communion

Photo Op with Belinda's mother's handmade frilly scarves

The Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula led the officers installation

Belinda arranging farewell goodie bags donated by Glenville UMW UWFaith Unit

Belinda on the job!

Belinda is rocking it at her new gig as the Administrative Assistant at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce!

Wesley's afternoon

While Charles was running errands today (including looking for a vehicle), Wesley was treated to an afternoon of Cat TV. 

Goodbye, red truck

The insurance company decided to total Charles' pickup and today was the "release" date and after nine years, our time with this truck is done. This is the longest Charles has had any vehicle and now it is time to look ahead to what comes next!

We went to Faribault to turn the truck over and when we got home this evening, a lovely card from Charles' sister, Sandy, was waiting for him.

Labor Day roadtrip

We took advantage of a day off for both of us this Labor Day and drove to Harmony and Lanesboro (both in southeastern Minnesota, about 1.5 hours from Albert Lea). Got some wonderful Amish breads outside of Harmony and then enjoyed a nice drive to the B&B capital of Minnesota in Lanesboro.

Another surprise in Glenville

From Roy Beighley

 

From Karen Grey

We had two treats in Glenville this morning. The first was a plaque made by Roy Beighley with a lovely mealtime prayer on it. The second was a lovely poem about small churches, like the one we love in Glenville!