Fall/Winter 2008 Valerie’s Corner

Dear Alumni:

The seasons have changed. The kids are now focused on the school year. Summer vacations are distant memories.  Fall colors have disappeared and are now giving way to late autumn snows.

As our schedules change and we settle into fall and winter routines, it is the perfect time for reflection on our busy lives.

Community leaders are by definition busy people. We are called upon to participate and serve in so many ways ­ our children’s educations, a local economic development council, the newly formed community arts board, elected office, helping out with any number of boards, councils or volunteer groups that operate in our communities ­ the list goes on and on.

All those initiatives, groups, boards and councils are worthwhile causes and endeavors. But, when we say ‘yes’ too often, it is easy spread ourselves too thin, or even worse, we can end up burned out and of little use to anyone.

This edition of Community Leader focuses on the spiritual, recreational and artistic dimension of healthy community.  Spiritual and recreational opportunities are not only essential to the health of our community as a whole; they also are vital to our individual health.

The stories in this edition illustrate recreational opportunity as it relates to community, like the story about the Luverne Palace Theatre renovation on page 4, as well as the importance of recreation in our individual lives – our cover story on living life in balance.

It is the hope of the entire Community Leader editorial team that this edition of the alumni journal will be a springboard for thought, discussion and reflection on both the recreational opportunities in your communities and how recreation can help you become a more effective community leader.

And,  as always, if you have comments on this edition or ideas for a future edition, Please Share Below.