Civic involvement in Albert Lea

From the Albert Lea Tribune:

"After a tornado warning led them to shelter on the lower level of City Hall for a time, the Albert Lea City Council on Monday ...

Approved the appointment of seven people to the Human Rights Commission. The commission had stopped meeting during the pandemic, but based on requests from several residents was revived.  Rigg said the city received applications from 14 well-qualified residents. 

The seven chosen were the following, Cesar Victorino, one year; Peggy Olson, one year; Jeremy Corey-Gruenes, two years; Angie Hanson; two years; Irasema Hernandez, four years; Aruna Evenson, four years; Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula, four years.  The commission will focus on local issues and operate as nonpartisan."

A nice touch in the backyard

We had taken lilies to the Thorne Crest chapel last week, and today, Charles planted them in front of our backyard shed. Hopefully they will thrive for a long time!

Almost ready

We have been doing a lot of work in the basement, getting ready for the installation of the sump pump next week. Today, Charles took the last of the wood shelving to the transfer station!

 

Wesley's days

Wesley does a great job keeping the house humming as he goes about his daily tasks as our professional house cat!  

 

Holy Week at Thorne Crest

Our first Holy Week at Thorne Crest was nice with special services and a full schedule of events. 

Charles Volunteers Today

 

L-R: Amanda, Marilyn, Montanah, Bridget, Charles

St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota, runs a "hot-meals-to-go" program called "Loaves and Fishes." Every Monday, 4:45-5:30 p.m., they open their doors and feed their neighbors a hot meal. Today, some of the staff members of the Thorne Crest Senior Living Community volunteered to serve.

Today on Fountain Lake

Charles was returning home this afternoon when he spotted these two White Pelicans by Fountain Lake. There is something special about seeing pelicans whether gliding in the air or on the water.

Being sheepish in Albert Lea

We ventured downtown this afternoon on our errands and stopped into a consignment shop where Belinda spotted a cute sheep. We just had to snatch it up for use in a future sermon by Charles.

A chilly day in Albert Lea

Charles has Fridays off, and with Belinda's urging, went to play golf at Wedgewood Cove on Albert Lea's west side. It was in the upper-40s when he started but at least there was no wind! Lots of water on this course which meant there were lots of geese and ducks!

This morning in Moscow

 

Charles took to the road east of Albert Lea this morning to attend worship at Moscow Lutheran Church. It is a quaint country church, reminding Charles of one of his early churches, Stark Valley UMC in Nebraska.

Night out in Albert Lea

When Belinda got home from work, we made our way to the American Legion where the Ladies Auxiliary was hosting a soup and dessert fund raiser. It was a lot of good food and a great atmosphere!

Backyard surprise

Our bird feeder is starting to attract more birds. We've also seen quite a few rabbits and squirrels in our backyard and even chipmunks. Today was a surprise however with the appearance of two mallards!