Frederick, SD

What better way to get fresh ideas and an insight for the future of Frederick than to involve the youth!! We had a group of High School juniors/seniors and staff that had their own study circle and a member from that group also participated in Leadership Plenty. As a result of their meetings, several things happened. I have recently visited with the school’s journalism teacher and presented the idea of having the students in her class join in the blogging frenzy. Since many of them have been involved with the study circle they can write their own blogs as to what they learned about Poverty, Leadership and Community Involvement and also about the projects they have helped with. I am looking forward to reading what these young adults have to contribute to our community. Looking to the future always involves listening to the ones who will be here to see the results.

Arrrggggg! Why does December get so hectic? I’d really planned to blog but life just got in the way.
We saw some awesome community activity with the local groups reaching out to those in need. The Angel Tree at the Community Store provided an opportunity to reach out to those who otherwise wouldn’t have much of a Christmas. The funds raised from the Cookie Walk helped those. Individuals and families who are struggling.
We’ve also had some real discussions about how we can help out those in need.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Westport put together 35 gift bags that were delivered to the elderly and needy in the community. Some of the recipients included people who had recently had surgery or were experiencing challenges in their lives. Some from the Horizons group helped provide names and suggestions of ways to reach out.

On Sunday Dec 9th, 2007 there was music in the air, Lots of HO HO HO’s and laughter to be heard at the Cookie Walk and Holiday Shop at the Frederick Lounge. We had a special visit from Santa himself, which put lots of smiles on faces young and old. We used our digital camera (thanks to Horizons) and took pictures of each of Santa’s visitors and emailed them to the parents. We had an excellent turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The proceeds were divided between the Horizons II, the Frederick Historical Society and the Frederick Lounge. The Horizons II in turn donated their proceeds to the Community Giving Tree. The Giving Tree makes the Christmas season a little brighter for many individuals and families in the area.

Our one and only cafe closed its door last May and since then we have seen our community struggle. So what happens now? All it takes is one or two to start the ball rolling and generate some spark in getting the residents thinking about doing some much needed and overdue cleaning of the facility. Now we have people talking about options and doing something towards reopening the facility. Much of the negative talking is now turning into positive actions. Thanks to those who aren’t ready to give up on our community.