A NEW fundraiser is coming to Open Hands Midway this year. After 7 years of hosting our golf outing and dinner, we decided to go in a different direction. On Friday, December 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m. our Inaugural Community Night of Light - Feeding our Neighbors in Need event will be held onsite.
The Open Hands Midway food shelf is seeing an significant increase in the number of guests we are serving. With the price of food on the rise, and so many other basic life necessities, it is no surprise more and more food needs to be purchased to stock our food shelves. I would like to make a request/plea to you to assist us in purchasing the food we need. A list of what we need can be found on our website by clicking here. You may also make a financial contribution which we will use to purchase food through Second Harvest Heartland at a significantly reduced cost. See article above for more information and the address to send a financial contribution to.
By now most of you who read my 'Just Sayin'...' article know of my passion, might be better to call it an addiction, for riding my bike. I rarely miss a day of biking outside somewhere around the Twin Cities (even when the heat and humidity are excessive for others, for me it is instant air conditioning). Last year I hit a milestone by riding a total of 3,134 miles between March and the day after Thanksgiving. So far this year I have biked 2,201 miles, less than 1,000 miles to go to meet last years mileage and much more season left in which to do this. Bicycling is a popular form of transportation, recreation, and exercise. Why do I love riding my bicycle so much? Better question is why not? Having just taken an 87 mile ride recently it made me think of sharing with those who just do not get it why I am a self proclaimed bike-aholic. Here are some of my favorite reasons for my passion, or addiction:
I get to go places that cars cannot go and the scenery is amazing!
Bikes are one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. They emit zero pollution, so you can feel good about helping to save the planet while getting around.
Bikes save you money in so many ways. You do not have to pay for gas, parking, or insurance. Plus, you will save money on gym memberships and workout clothes because you will already be getting your daily dose of exercise.
You get to see the world in a whole new way because biking gives you a unique perspective of your surroundings. You will notice things you have never seen before and appreciate the beauty of your community in a way you never have before.
Biking builds strength and endurance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, when you are cruising down the street on your bike, you will feel like a superhero.
Bikes never run out of gas, bikes (well really the bike riders) run on food and water, which are readily available and always in stock. You will never have to worry about running out of gas or getting stranded on the side of the road (unless you have a flat tire, just sayin'...)
Biking is a great way to reduce stress and clear your mind. The fresh air, exercise, and scenery can help you forget about your worries and enjoy the moment. I can attest to this on so many levels and have shared with many how biking does just that for me.
Biking is just plain fun! It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and have a good time.
I hope you are lucky enough to have a bike and that you can get outside and enjoy some riding and have fun in the process. It truly is an AWESOME thing to do, just sayin'...
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