Sing along before parade

There will be a Fourth of July sing-along at 10 a.m. at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Third and Main streets in Cannon Falls. All are welcome to join in singing some patriotic songs before the parade begins.

Petition available at booth

If you visit the Cannon Valley Fair in Cannon Falls between July 1 and July 4, stop by the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life booth. At the booth, you can sign apetition to stop mail-order abortions, learn about the importance of protecting life, take home a free life size model of an unborn baby, and more. 

The booth will be located in the Commercial Building.

Military museum open for Fourth

The Cannon Falls Military History Museum will be open this weekend with an extensive display of Spanish American War, Mexican Border War and World War I historic military items. 

All items are from the associated era with no reproductions of remakes, making every item at least 100 years old.

This year’s display features the largest known private collection of World War I militaria in Minnesota. Because this collection is so extensive, it is anticipated that the museum will be displaying this era indefinitely, bringing in different artifacts on a regular basis.  

This display will include items from the Civil War through the occupation of Germany after World War I.

New displays for this year are:

• Civil War display with historic photos, weapons, ammunition, uniform items, field gear and era ephemera.

• Indian Wars display with historic photos, weapons, ammunition, uniform items, field gear and era ephemera.

• Vietnam display depicting the uniforms, awards, citations and personal items belonging to Richard Stock an Army first sergeant from Cannon Falls who served for 23 years. During those years Stock served in Vietnam, Alaska, Europe and numerous bases in the continental  United States.

There is no charge for admission to the museum. The address is: 33504 Warsaw Trail. Museum hours are: Saturday, Sunday and Monday this holiday weekend from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open on other days by appointment.

DAR donates blankets

The Josiah Edson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has donated 80 fidget blankets to veterans and patients struggling with Alzheimer’s or other disabilities.

Fidget blankets are made for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. In many cases, these patients have “fidgety hands” meaning their restlessness or anxiety is expressed by small movements with their hands. Signs of dementia can include pulling or rubbing at clothes or bedding, rubbing hands together, twisting fingers and generally keeping hands in motion.

One way to help people with Alzheimer’s is through sensory therapy with fidget toys or blankets. The blankets created by the Josiah Edson chapter are designed with simple touch-based activities to help keep hands busy in safe, soothing ways. A lap-size blanket may include zippers, ribbons, ball fringe, buttons, lace, Velcro, pockets, and other items that patients can

safely fiddle with.

Sewers include local residents Ellen Blume, Jackie Hunt, Jane Larson, Sharon Babcock, Sue Rew, Vicki Kline, and students of Jean Nelson’s in Indiana. The women donated the materials they used in designing and sewing these special creations. The fidget blankets are given to care

facilities in home areas with the majority going to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Goggin announces scholarship

State Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) announced a scholarship opportunity for children and spouses of Minnesota firefighters, both living and deceased.

“We are so grateful for the sacrifices that firefighters make to keep us safe,” Goggin said. “This is a great opportunity for children and spouses of firefighters to make school a little bit more affordable. I hope everyone will give it serious consideration.”

The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation has opened up applications for its post-secondary scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year.

The program will award at least two scholarships of $1,000 each. One will be awarded to the child or spouse of a living firefighter, and one to the child or spouse of a deceased firefighter.  Additional scholarships may be awarded if funds are available. One application is allowed per school year.

Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 15. For full details and an application form, visit mnsenaterepublicans.com/minnesota-fire-service-foundation-scholarship-opportunity.

Splash party planned

The Cannon Falls Education Foundation has booked a Splash Party at the Cannon Falls Community Pool on Sunday, July 17, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone is invited. 

All attendees will be entered into drawings for prizes and complimentary freeze pops will be available. Regular pool rules will apply, and pool capacity is limited to 240 people at one time. 

Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family for a fun, splash-filled way to cool off.

Welch resident honored

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota recognized Angie Collins of Welch, one of six honorees statewide who received the 2021 CEO Award of Excellence. The award recognizes exceptional employees who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire colleagues, drive innovation and build community.

Collins is the statewide director of quality and engagement with LSS Personal Support Services. She has been a champion of health and safety for individuals served in LSS community homes and for staff. 

She was instrumental in updating her service’s pandemic plan and hosting statewide calls to train teams on new changes. Her gifts for researching, drafting and communicating new policies also put employees at ease during stressful times. 

Collins also was honored for her steadfast dedication to her team and those supported, ongoing diligence and extra-mile efforts to ensure high quality service.