February 2023

What healthy and unhealthy relationships look like

Becci ten Bensel and WRAP staff WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Program With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching it is important to discuss what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like. Oftentimes, things that may initially be seen as “cute” or “romantic” can lead to unhealthy behaviors in relationships. Something that might start out as innocent such as “my partner always wants to spend time with me” can lead to “my partner won’t let me leave the house without them.” Another example would be your partner telling you what to wear. Maybe they say, “I don’t like it when you wear a tight shirt because someone might check you out.” These seem like innocent comments that come off as protective or loving.

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CHARLES HOWARD SCHWARTZ

Charles Howard Schwartz died peacefully at home with his family present at the age 69 after a long battle with lymphoma cancer. He was born February 6, 1953, in Sleepy Eye. After growing up in Sleepy Eye he and his wife Helen and children spent time in Minneapolis, Spokane, and Denver where he retired after 40 years with Burlington Northern Railway as a Senior Special Agent in 2013. He enjoyed being with his family, especially grandchildren. Charles was a life-long Twins and Vikings fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, and coaching his children and grandchildren in other sports. Charles is survived by his wife Helen, children Amy (August) Valdez, Daniel (Tammi) Schwartz, grandchildren Dante Valdez and Zachary Schwartz, siblings Richard (Ann) Schwartz of Mesa, Ariz., Roger (Jan) of Rochester, Judy DesJardin of Rocklin, Calif., Patricia Small of Roseville, Calif., Linda (Roger) Rehse of Santa Clara, Calif., and sister-in-law Marlene (Gary) Schwartz of St. Peter. Charles was preceded in death by his parents Leone and Nieman Schwartz, brother Gary Schwartz, and nephew Eric Lundquist. Services will be held at 2 p.m., February 11, 2023, at All Saints Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colo. A gathering of friends and family will be at his home after the service. Memorial contributions are welcome in lieu of flowers to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://www.lls.org/.

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Saying yes to Jesus is saying yes to life

Personally I love the Christmas season! It is a unique and beautiful time of the year. To enjoy Christmas, we have four weeks of preparation for that beautiful and amazing day. During the preparation period of Advent, the mood and the attitude as well as the environment are focused on what’s coming ahead and the good feelings as we approach Christmas day.

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FFA Spreads Holiday Cheer

Junior High FFA members have been busy making cards for Valentine’s Day in order to spread some cheer at the nursing homes and Countryside Assisted Living. More than 25 junior high members made 45 Valentine Cards to lift the spirits of the residents.

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EDA Weekly Memo

I made a suggestion to the Deb, the Herald-Dispatch Editor, to change up the format of sharing EDA information with the readers. Instead of a monthly article, that was at times somewhat lengthy and repetitious, I am going to submit a Weekly EDA Memo that will highlight a few bullet items each week that the EDA is currently involved in. Hopefully this new format will keep readers interested and abreast of the EDA activities that are going on.

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College News

Southwest Minnesota State University announced Fall semester Dean’s Lists—High Honors for achieving a 4.0 GPA and Honors for 3.5 or higher GPA. Sleepy Eye students names to the Dean’s Lists are, High Honors: Cassidy Hoffmann and Mason Sellner. Honors: Kyle Goblirsch and Mackenzie Helget.

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