Greetings from Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley!  The signs of summer are upon us, and one thing that means is…BASEBALL!  Everyone is invited to join us, as we sponsor the Cannon Falls Bears game on Sunday, June 26th at two p.m.  The Bears will be battling the Wanamingo Jacks, and FREE tickets are available at Shepherd’s Center.  Please plan to join us that day, as we feature many special activities, events and prizes.  Hot dogs, popcorn and beer will be ½ off all afternoon and yours truly will be on hand to do the announcing throughout the game.  In addition, we’ll have prizes and surprises for everyone in attendance!  We’ll see you at the game on Sunday, June 26th at two p.m.!

 

When you stop into Shepherd’s Center to pick up your tickets for the ballgame, be sure to spend some time enjoying our “Gallery Wall.”  Currently on display is the brilliant photography of CannonFalls native Bob Remme.  Bob now lives in Milwaukee, and we thank his parents Pete and Bonnie for bringing in the wonderful variety of photos we have on display.  When you stop in, you’ll see colorful photos of birds, flowers, trains, fireworks, nature, landscapes and much, much more!

The Cannon Valley Fair is just around the corner, and this is our PLEA FOR HELP!  We are currently looking for volunteers to help sell tickets at the gate during this year’s fair.  All adult ages are welcome to help and it would be greatly appreciated.  Please, if you could spare some time during the fair to help us sell tickets at the gate, give us a call here at Shepherd’s Center.  This is one of our major fund raising events of the year, and it is not possible without the generous volunteers that donate their time.  Again, if you’re able to help us out, stop by or call us here at 507-263-2136.

We have over 50 folks heading to the Smoky Mountains next month for a wonderful tour.  If you missed out on this trip, we have great news!  Shepherd’s Center is sponsoring another trip in November, this time to Music CityUSA…Nashville, Tennessee.  Well depart Cannon Falls on November 27th and return on December 3rd.  For $575 you’ll receive motorcoach transportation, 6 nights lodging, great shows such as the Grand Ol’ Opry, the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with tours and much more.  If you’d like to come along, sign up now by contacting Shepherd’s Center; but hurry, our last trip sold out fast!

Thank you to all of the businesses who have donated to Shepherd’s Center since our “Business Appeal” letter last month.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated!  Also this month, we’ve received memorial gifts in honor of June Ista and Luella Burch.  Thanks to everyone who has graciously helped support Shepherd’s Center with financial contributions.

We lost a legend last month when baseball great, and former Minnesota Twin, Harmon Killebrew passed away.  I had the pleasure to meet Harmon on a couple of occasions, and he was a wonderful, wonderful man.  I even had the opportunity to conduct a benefit auction with him at the Metrodome a few years back.  I’d like to close this month’s column with a great quote from Harmon…. “Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own.”  May you rest in peace Harmon Killebrew, you will be missed.

Shepherd’s Center has seen a flurry of activity as of late, including a trip to Target Field where our group of 49 witnessed a Twins game against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The next day, a large crowd was on hand for our “Adventures in Learning” at St. Ansgars church which featured pianist Michael Nelson and a presentation on heart health from the Cannon Falls Hospital.

 

But even with the flurry of activity, Shepherd’s Center is currently struggling with its financial situation.  Our donations are currently running 70% below this same period one year ago.  Without the financial support of the community, we would not be able to continue the many programs offered through Shepherd’s Center. We are doing our best to continue the programs and services, but it is becoming difficult. We hope we can count on you for continued and vital financial support.

There are a number of different ways to help…cash donations, special bequests, trusts with charitable provisions, memorials or honorariums and we also collect receipts from EconoFoods.  Donations may be sent throughout the year to Shepherd’s Center, 120 State Street West, Cannon Falls, MN  55009.  We thank the community and all of you for your generous support of Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley.  This past month, we received memorials in honor of Mary Rauvola, Eleanne T. Miller, Mary Goudy, and Duane Anderson. 

As I mentioned in last month’s article, we are always looking for volunteers to help out in various ways through Shepherd’s Center.  If you have a certain talent or skill that you’d be willing to share, please let us know.  We have many requests for a wide variety of services…from a handyman…to assistance with shopping and various errands…to those just looking for someone to visit with…delivering meals on wheels and much, much more.  If you have the time and would like to volunteer in a particular area that you enjoy, please contact us here at Shepherd’s Center.

Due to the tremendous success of our “Smoky Mountain Show Trip,” we have put together another outing.  Just after Thanksgiving, our group will be departing Cannon Falls for a 7 day, 6 night trip that is open to the public for only $575 per person, double occupancy.  We’re looking forward to some great holiday shows, a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Barbara Mandrell’s former mansion, the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater and of course the world famous Grand Ole Opry.  We hope you’ll help us “kick it up” in the home of country music, from November 27th till December 3rd.  To sign up, contact Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136…but hurry, this trip could fill up fast!

We were very excited to find out that Shepherd’s Center was chosen by Gary and Nancy Hovel as the winner for Goodhue County in Minnesota in the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program. Supporting the organizations that help make rural communities a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family is important to farmers and the Monsanto Fund. Farmers enrolled in the project for an opportunity to win $2,500 for a nonprofit organization in their county that they felt strengthens their community. The Hovels selected Shepherd’s Center as the $2,500 recipient, and for that we say THANK YOU!

A reminder, Cannon Falls Area Senior Providers will present “Planning for Your Financial Future” from ten till noon on Saturday, May 7th at the Stonehouse Community Room.  Guest speakers include Lisa Pluto, an Elder Law Attorney and Laura Coble who will discuss Respite and Companion services.  Following the speakers, Area providers from the area will be available to provide written service information and consult with anyone interested with individual questions.  There is no charge to attend, and refreshments will be provided. Those planning on attending are asked to call Shepherd’s Center to reserve a spot at 507-263-2136.

That’s it for this month, please feel free to stop in, use our computers, check out the library or just enjoy a cup of coffee.  I heard this song the other day, and loved this line; “Don’t mind the grey in your hair…just think of all the fun you had puttin’ it there!”  That comes from the old song, “Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Age,” written by Bob Wills and Cindy Walker.  Here’s hoping all the April snow showers provide us with beautiful May flowers!

Rod Johnson

Executive Director

Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley