Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor
Emeritus, University of Minnesota

For thousands of years, people have searched for the meaning and beauty of
life in music, painting, poetry, and other arts.  Now scientists are finding
that the arts can benefit both your mental and physical health.

Research is following a number of paths.  Some scientists measure the
natural substances your body produces when you’re listening to music or
otherwise exposed to the arts.  Others look at what happens when you are
active in the creative process.  Researchers are now investigating how the
arts can help us recover from disease, injury, and psychological trauma.
Many scientists agree that the arts can help reduce stress and anxiety,
improve well-being, and enhance the way we fight infection.

Music plays a key role throughout our lives.  Parents worldwide sing and coo
to their babies.  At the other end of the life cycle music may be the last
thing to go in those with severe memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease.  Even
if they don’t know their own spouse, they can sing the songs of their youth.

Recent studies have found evidence that singing releases substances that
serve as the brain’s own natural painkillers.  Singing also increases the
“bonding hormone” that helps us feel a sense of trust.  When we listen to
music, levels of molecules important for fighting infection can rise.

Many of us intuitively use music for relaxation and enjoyment to socialize,
exercise or change our mood after a distressing day.  Music therapy is
sometimes used in the clinic as well, requiring a certified therapist to
interact with the patient.

To measure the effects of such therapy, one study showed how levels of an
important brain chemical that relays signals between cells increased after
four weeks of music therapy.  It then decreased after the therapy was
halted.

A report from Finnish scientists showed that listening to music helps stroke
patients recover both memory and focused attention.  The researchers also
found that music can reduce post-stroke depression and confusion.  Other
studies suggest that stroke patients may improve faster if they sing, rather
than speak, as part of their rehabilitation.

Scientists are also studying how art therapy can help to ease pain and
stress and improve quality of life.  When traumatic memories are stored in
the brain, they’re not stored as words but as images.  Art therapy is
uniquely suited to access these memories.

Once you draw or paint these images, you can then progress to forming words
to describe them.  This externalizes the trauma and moves it out of
isolation, onto the page and into a positive exchange with the therapist.
This process gives you an active involvement in your own healing.

Several studies have suggested that art therapy can help improve health
status, quality of life, and coping behaviors.  It can improve depression
and fatigue in cancer patients on chemotherapy and help prevent burnout in
caregivers.  It’s also been used to help prepare children for painful
medical procedures, as well as to improve the speech of children with
cerebral palsy.

Expressive writing, writing about traumatic, stressful, or emotional events,
has been shown to have a number of health benefits, from improving symptoms
of depression to helping fight infection.  Writing about emotional upheavals
in our lives can improve physical and mental health.  Although the
scientific research surrounding the value of expressive writing is still in
the early phases, there are some approaches to writing that have been found
to be helpful.

In a series of exercises, healthy student volunteers who wrote about
traumatic experiences had more positive moods, fewer illnesses, and better
measures of immune-system function than those who wrote about superficial
experiences.  Even six weeks later, the students who’d written about what
upset them reported more positive moods and fewer illnesses than those who’d
written about everyday experiences.

In another study of students vulnerable to depression, those who did
expressive writing exercises showed significantly lower depression symptoms,
even after six months, than those who had written about everyday matters.

Arts that involve movement, such as dance, can also bring health benefits.
Researchers already know that physical activity can help you reduce stress,
gain energy, sleep better, and fight depression and anxiety.  Researchers
are now studying Tai Chi, a sequence of slow, graceful body movements, to
see how it affects fitness and stress in cancer survivors.

Remember that the arts are no substitute for medical help when you need it,
but they can still bring health benefits.  If you enjoy writing or any other
art, go for it.  You don’t have to be “good” at them for them to be good for
you.

The arts may bring more than intellectual benefits.  Recent research
suggests they may help your physical and mental health.  Try these for a
start:

*       Write for at least 15 minutes a day, for at least 3 consecutive
days, about something that worries or bothers you.  If it makes you feel too
upset, simply stop writing or change topics.  Experiment to find what works
best for you.
*       Listen to music to reduce stress and improve quality of life.
*       Try a dance class or Tai Chi, a sequence of slow, graceful body
movements.  These kinds of movements can help reduce stress.
*       Try doodling or drawing as a way to work out tension.

If you would like more information on “More Than a Feeling – How the Arts
Affect Your Health” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed.,
C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at  <mailto:waldn001@umn.edu>
waldn001@umn.edu.  Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus(tm)
information in next week’s paper.

by Wayne Pelzel, Sleepy Eye Mayor

The last couple months, the primary focus has been on the budget. The Council has had a couple working sessions to bring the budget totals into better focus, but the results have not been real encouraging. Today, the budget increase could be as high as 10 percent. But I don’t think the Council will want to let that stand. Cutting is always an option, but not a very popular one. Another option is to use some investment dollars to “buy down” the budget. It is believed that option could be exercised with some restraint and thereby keep our investment balance high enough that the interest earned would still maintain the principal. This will likely be an agenda item at the August 13 City Council meeting.

A common topic of discussion is the lack of housing options in the City. Even though the apartment building was added, moderately priced single family homes are still in great demand. With that goal in mind the EDA has been looking to construct a patio home (without a basement) in the southeast portion (by the pond) of the community. That area was chosen because the lots are lower priced and the needed infrastructure is already there. There are no decisions made yet as far as who would build it, which lot it would be built on, and so on. But, the concept is being seriously looked at.

My term as mayor will come to an end this December 31. From day one, I have always supported term limits, so it is time to live by my words. I can’t believe how fast eight years have gone by. It really has been an honor to serve as the Mayor of this great community and I hope that I have contributed to the City’s progress during that time. I will have the opportunity to write four more monthly columns and I thought I’d use these columns to reflect on some of the progress that has been made during that time. It is important to note that the progress that has been made is the result of many good folks working together to accomplish those things. The City Council, the City managers, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, The EDA, the other various Boards, Commissions and Committees, as well as many individuals, all have contributed to moving Sleepy Eye forward.

In this column, I’d like to remind folks how far Main Street has come in the last years. The EDA, under the direction of Kurk Kramer, has put in place policies that have significantly encouraged businesses to look at development in our downtown. Although that work is not done, much progress has been made. If you stop and reflect on Main Street in 2016, you will see the progress I’m talking about. Allow me to walk you through new buildings and refurbishments along those 10 blocks.

Beginning on the corner of Highways 4 and 14, the old Skelly Station was removed and an attractive park replaced it. Continuing east on 14, numerous business places have been refurbished including the Mages Building and Pollard Dental Clinic, and certainly the Pix and the Veteran’s Memorial with the Huey should be mentioned, along with airbnb Sleepy Eye Uptown, Hawkins Chiropractic and Powerhouse Nutrition. Matt and Crystal Ibberson tackled two buildings on the corner of Highway 14 and First Avenue, while Matt Mages refurbished the second floor of the Beltz Appliance building, creating another airbnb. Further east is the Schroepfer building with a whole new look. Then at the east edge on 14, we find Kibble Implement, Caseys, AmericInn, the Sleepy Eye Event Center, Double B Car Wash, C and S Heating and Air Conditioning, and Sleepy Eye Apartments.

No doubt I missed some and I apologize for that. But, interestingly, there’s even more planned. There are plans waiting on financing, contractors and miscellaneous other factors to develop even more of our downtown buildings. We can be proud that Sleepy Eye is coming back to life.

Eight years ago, I spoke at the Chamber of Commerce meeting saying that our goal should be to make Sleepy Eye a destination. I think with the cooperative spirit that exists, “destination” is exactly what is happening.

In the next four columns, I’ll speak more about progress in Sleepy Eye focused on staff relations, finances, the lake, and attractions that bring people to Sleepy Eye.

Don’t forget….Summerfest is almost here!

I wrote an article about the rules of elec- tric foot scooter use a few years ago. This was at the beginning when we saw a few out and about. Scooters of that type have surged in popularity recently with most cities seeing a huge rise in the number. I wanted to see what they were like for my- self, so I rented one and went on a ride. My first thought was they were fast, I was surprised how quick they felt while riding. It was a fun way to get around and I can certainly see the appeal. I don’t see the popularity going away and more and more kids seem to be riding the rentals and having their own.

Fun but dangerous is how I would describe these scooters. I would have loved these as a teenager. I have heard rumblings from citizens concerned for the safety of the kids riding them. My honest thought is that Brown County will see a death or serious injury happening to a rider on a motorized foot scooter in the next few years.

There are laws for these scooters that I will go over again, but most par- ents didn’t see or follow the laws last time I wrote about this. This article really goes out to the par- ents and guardians of the kids riding these scoot- ers. If you don’t inform and teach your children about the safe way of riding these scooters the chance of your kid being involved in a life chang- ing incident goes up. Anytime we drive any- thing, there is a possibil- ity of a life-changing ac- cident happening. Using safe driving techniques, safety equipment and following the rules helps reduce the risks.

What makes these so dangerous is the lack of protection while driving them, the speed they travel, and kids are not usually known for following the rules on their own. Our kids need to be shown and watched for their own safety. We wouldn’t let our kids play on a busy street, so letting our kids drive these scooters outside of the laws seems like the same thing to me.

The state recognizes these scooters the same as a bicycle.

• All traffic signs must be obeyed, I have seen many kids blow though the stop sign by my house while I am outside. I cringe when I see it be- cause one of these times there will be a car that the rider does not see.
• Riding these scoot- ers on the sidewalk is prohibited.
• No one under 12 is al- lowed to ride these scoot- ers. If your child is 11 or younger, they cannot ride a scooter. Officers are not going to stop kids to check their age unless it is obvious that they are well under 12. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their child safe and not allow children under 12 to ride scooters.
• Helmets must be worn by anyone under the age of 18. Falling off a bike and hitting your head on a bike is danger- ous — I can’t imagine the damage that will be done falling off a scooter going 15 to 20 MPH.
• Scooters on the street must ride as close to the right-side curb as possible.

Please speak with your kids about being safe and following the rules to help keep them safe. No one is one hundred percent safe on a road, we can only try to minimize our risk. Please be safe and have fun.

Youth interested in watching small children or wanting to stay at home alone are invited to participate in the Babysitting Clinic. Topics include emergency and safety measures, child growth and development, handing the small baby, discipline and playing with children. Youth ten years of age and older are eligible to participate. The class is held in Room 134 at Sleepy Eye High School from 8 to 10 a.m. July 22-26. Certificates of attendance are provided at the end of the course.

Youth with speaking parts for “Little Mermaid Jr” will be having afternoon rehearsals the week of July 22^nd. Scripts have all been picked up so lines are being practiced at home. The set is nearly complete as well. The following week all 65 cast members will be coming to practice in preparation for the shows on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3.

The 4-H program is having a Backyard Adventures Day Damp on Friday, July 19 at Sportsman’s Park in Sleepy Eye. Time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore how to identify plants, get to know animals and how the ecosystem connects people to nature! Students need to bring their own lunch and do not have to be a 4-H member to attend.

ECFE staff and advisory board members will be at Party in the Park on Thursday, July 25 with program information as well as games for preschoolers to play. As usual, a supply of free books will be shared with families of preschoolers.

The ECFE Book Wagon will be visiting South Park on Wednesday, July 31, at 9 a.m. and Keifer Park at 10 a.m.

The next motorcycle safety class will be on July 27-28 on the Sleepy Eye School parking loit. There are two more offerings available in August. Sign-up by visiting the website http://ridesaferidesmart.com

The Bell Museum STEM One-Day Camp is being held at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center at Lamberton. Grades 1 and 2 attend Tuesday, July 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Grades 3-5 attend Wednesday, July 31 or Thursday, August 1 10 am-4 p.m. Students will meet researchers and take a closer look at soil, bugs, plants and the science behind where our food comes from. They will spend time outside learning about different plants and animals, playing games, and going on a tour of the grounds. Registration is online using the address in the Community Ed summer brochure.

Participants in the recent outing to see “Beautiful the Carole King Musical” saw a great production at the Chanhassen. The singing and dancing is always spectacular!

The next outing planned is to the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, August 26 which is senior citizen and kid’s day with discounted entry fees. Sign up is requested by August 16.

The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School.  Summer office hours are 9 am to noon, most weekdays. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up: pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org

Happy Independence Day to each of you. We are so fortunate to live in this country! A big “thank you” goes out to our Fire Department for their tremendous work in displaying the fireworks on the 4th of July evening. And wasn’t it a wonderful display! It’s too bad the Knights of Columbus had to cancel their noon activities, but as it turned out, it was the right call. I’ve been asked several times why we couldn’t have postponed our fireworks display as some other communities did. When we purchase our fireworks, we sign a contract with the insurance company through the League of Minnesota Cities to launch our display within a 24 hour period. Though we have this restriction, it allows us to save on the bottom line.

One item on the agenda for the July 9 City Council Meeting will be the approval of the purchase of a new ambulance. The City has a seven year rotation on its ambulances so our newer one is a 2017 and our older one is a 2010. Interestingly, in 2017 the ambulance we purchased cost $189,517. This year’s bid on a 2024 is $290,322. That is a pretty steep increase, but every measure to lower the price that was available has been applied including being part of a purchasing group. Fortunately, the State legislature approved a measure this year to help communities with rising EMS costs and so we have received a grant of $110,000. It is proposed that we would use this entire amount to help offset the cost of the purchase.

I’m sure you are experiencing these rising costs at home as well. There’s no doubt that costs are rising very rapidly. As we begin work on next year’s budget, the Council is really going to be challenged to keep our City costs down. There will likely be some decisions that lead to cutting services versus raising taxes. Hopefully we can keep cuts to a minimum while keeping costs down.

Over the last several months our City Manager, Bob Elston, and I have been attending meetings of Cottonwood Middle Minnesota Advisory Council to assist in developing a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for this area. Tied to this 10 year plan is comprehensive allotment of funds to improve water quality. Lots of state and federal funds are linked to the plan.

Fortunately Sleepy Eye Lake has been tied into this plan along with an effort to impact our concerns about sedimentation in the lake and its east arm. All of this will unfold as the plan is implemented here in the future. But we’re very fortunate to have been mentioned in the Plan as it should have some very positive implications for our lake’s future.

The EDA is looking at other housing options in the City hoping to increase options. Good things are happening in Sleepy Eye.

by Matt Andres, Sleepy Eye Chief of Police

I want to start off by thanking the citizens who have helped with keeping the grass off the streets. We have spoken to some, and overall, the conversations have been positive. I feel the results are good and we are not seeing as much grass on the streets. Please don’t stop what you are doing — again, if this helps keep our lake healthy it is worth the little extra work. Thank you all that are doing your part.

I have a couple of other subjects I wish to discuss this month. One of our Officers was bumped by a motor vehicle at an accident scene recently. The Officer was directing traffic, with flashing squad lights on, standing on the street pointing at cars, in broad daylight and was still hit by a car. The car was not moving fast, and the officer was not injured but how easily it could have been a disaster.

When people driving come upon an accident, I understand human nature is to want to see what is happening. I am asking everyone to deny that nature and realize that this is the time to slow down and look for objects in the roadway. You won’t see much looking at a crashed car, so focus and look for people in the roadway.

If an Officer is directing traffic lock your eyes on that Officer. The Officer will direct you, so people are safe. These scenes are chaotic and passerby traffic not paying attention only makes them worse and more dangerous. If you want to see crashed cars that badly the Brown County Fair Demo night is always great.

The other subject is dogs. Every spring and summer the number of dogs getting loose from their property climbs quite a bit. Please be a responsible dog owner and keep your pet on your property. Not only is it dangerous for the dogs, we have lost one to traffic this year, it can be dangerous to people.

I understand that your dog loves you, but it may not love the stranger it comes across. We try to be a very friendly Police Department; we write few citations to citizens in these situations. As we keep catching the same citizen’s dogs over and over it feels like they don’t care for their pet or for other citizens. We understand that this can happen once to anyone that owns a dog. We don’t have an issue with that, it is the citizens who continually have this issue.

The pound fee in Sleepy Eye is $20 the first day. There is a city ordinance that can be charged. If your dog is off your property, it does need to be on a leash.

This is my 21st summer in Sleepy Eye, maybe I am just getting old and tired of the same dog issue. Please take care of your dogs and have respect for the other members of our community. We don’t want to write tickets, but it feels like it is coming. People are taking advantage of our kindness, and the situation is not getting better.

by Mayor Wayne Pelzel

I was given the honor of making a presentation at the Memorial Day gathering at Home Cemetery. As I prepared for the talk, it caused me to reflect on the tremendous sacrifice some have given for all of us to live in this great country. I particularly called to mind three men from our community who died in the jungles of Vietnam within the span of a little over a year about the time I was graduating from high school. They were Gerald Milbrodt, Larry Barnes and Ron Sandmann. I salute these men and all who gave their lives. I thank all those who served as they also give us the freedoms we enjoy. I have visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, and paid tribute to their names and all the others inscribed on those walls. The sacrifice of these men and women leaves me feeling that I have inadequately given back for the freedoms I have enjoyed.

I also salute our community’s graduates as they prepare to go out into the world. When I’m given the opportunity to address our graduates, a message I always share with them is this: “Go and get the training and education you need for your chosen career. Then, come back to this community and serve the people of this area.” We need our graduates to come back as these young people will be leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations, graduates! We’re looking forward to your return.

Driving by the lake on these beautiful spring days and seeing all the people using the lake for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking always gives me a warm feeling. We are so fortunate to have that wonderful gem in our community. We had some of our grandchildren out there the other day and they all were able to catch fish. The fish kept them active and involved. It’s a great place to take kids fishing.

I’m happy to report that our police officer, Taylor Bolinger, who was injured in a motorcycle encounter with a deer a few weeks ago is making progress toward recovery. He is home from the hospital now and recovering nicely.

Graduation is this Friday for Sleepy Eye High School seniors. All students have an early out on Friday as well. There will be a month off before summer school begins on Monday, June 17 for a month.

The schedule for behind the wheel instruction is starting to fill up. Even though someone doesn’t have their permit yet, choosing a time will determine the summer schedule before sessions are canceled.

A number of youth are already registered for summer activities offered in the latest brochure. Activities offered by the Community Education program include:

“Little Mermaid Jr “performance scheduled for August 2 & 3 with rehearsals during the last two weeks of July – Open to 2^nd – 9^th graders in the 2024-2025 school year

Babysitting Clinic July 22-26 for those 10 and older

Summer Tennis Camps July 8-11 or July 15-18 for students entering 2^nd through 7^th grade

PreK summer school for 3-5 year olds for 10 sessions in June

ECFE Book Wagons in June and July as well as ECFE Story Stroll

Some local 4-H events include Explorers Afternoons June 24-26, 12:30-3 pm and Backyard Adventures Day Camp July 19. A Quilt camp is offered June 10-13 at Sewing Seeds Quilt Co in New Ulm and 4-H Camp Patterson is July 1-3.

Be sure to check out the other offerings for youth:

St. John’s Church soccer camp June 3-7

Dyckmann Library reading program starts June 3 as well as special events

Sleepy Eye Aquatic Center swimming lessons (sign up on line)

Bell Museum STEM camps in July at Southwest Research and Outreach Center

MN Twins Let’s Play Ball Clinic on Sunday, August 11

The deadline is approaching for a chance to be in the audience at the “Jason Show” for the taping which is done in Eden Prairie. One needs to 18 to attend this event. The afternoon will be spent at the Landscape Arboretum. This outing is on Thursday, June 6 and sign up is needed by May 17.

The next motorcycle safety class is May 18-19. Registration is on line and the class is limited to eight students a weekend. Check out the website http://ridesaferidesmart.com/register

Since the 2023-2024 school year is ending, this office will resume summer hours on Monday, May 20, 9 am-12 noon most days. The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. If the office is unattended, you can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up: pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org

Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota         

Preventing Tick- Borne Diseases:

 Preventing Tick- Borne Diseases:

 Avoid walking in woody and bushy areas with high grass.

• Stay on groomed trails when hiking.
• Wear long, light-colored pants, sleeves, and socks.  Tuck your pant legs into your socks.
• Spray exposed body areas and clothing with tick repellent.
• Search your entire body for ticks after being outdoors and immediately wash your clothing.
• Safely remove ticks.  Gently grasp the tick with tweezers and slowly pull upward to allow the tick to release its bite.
• Wash the bite area with alcohol or soap and water and contact a health care provider if you develop a fever, headache, fatigue, or bull’s-eye rash.

If you would like more information on “Season of Ticks” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Emeritus University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu.  Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.