October 2022

How can that dog be scratchin' at the back door? We ran over him years ago How can that dog be lying under the shady tree Where we buried him years ago? Ghost of a dog Flyin' through the backyard -Edie Brickell

Nationally recognized Minnesota Partners in Policymaking selected Tara Solem Selected from a pool of statewide applicants, Two Harbors resident, Tara Solem has been accepted into the eight-month Minnesota Partners in Policymaking leadership training, which starts this fall. Participants include adults with disabilities and parents raising children with developmental disabilities. Solem is a single parent and has a daughter with Down syndrome. The disability leads to frustration and emotional difficulties when her daughter cannot finish her schoolwork. Solem would like to see more inclusion in after school and summer school activities since her daughter is often pulled out of class for special therapy services. This added support would allow her daughter to improve her skills and learning retention. Dental services that take Medical Assistance are hard to find in her area. Solem is the Duluth contact for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota and organizes monthly meetings for families and additionally coordinates delivery of Jack’s Basket, an organization that is a resource and support, providing welcome gifts to families who have a newborn with Down syndrome. Talking about her daughter, Solem said, “(she) has taught me to slow down and enjoy each moment. She makes me laugh and enjoy time together, she loves everyone she meets and spreads joy. I would not change her for the world, but the world needs a little changing.”

10 Reasons to Love Your Library Did you know that there are more than 16,000 public libraries in the United States? While every library is a unique reflection of its community, similar values run at the core of them all. Here are 10 reasons why a library is an essential part of a community.

Book Banning The other day I read “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. It’s a delightful young adult novel about a 14-year-old boy who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation while attending an all-white school.

Operation Green Light In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, calling on the nation to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” This November 11, we will come together as a nation on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate these brave individuals who have served our country in uniform. Now more than ever, our Veterans and their families need our support.