On behalf of the board of directors, Twyla Geiken and myself, THANK YOU to all who supported our recent fund raising
concert, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. It was a huge success, with a sold-out crowd of over 600 people and just a wonderful show! Thank you to our major sponsors, First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Vasa-Spring Garden Mutual
Insurance, the Cannon Falls Lions Club, Merchants Bank and Freeberg Insurance. We also want to thank Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for matching funds, Mike Milligan from the Dairy Inn for supplying a delicious meal to the band, Hi-Quality Bakery for making some special “Cannon Falls Cookies” for the band, the Cannon Falls Police Department for security, all the volunteers and everyone who came out and enjoyed a night of entertainment in support of Shepherd’s Center. I can tell you that Ricky Skaggs and his band were very impressed with the people of Cannon Falls and the auditorium. As we visited after the show, Ricky’s manager commented that this was a great venue and a wonderful night, and “if you ever want us to come back again, we’d be happy to do
so!”

Our annual Book Buddies program has come to an end for this school year. This is a program coordinated through Shepherd’s
Center where volunteers read to first grade students at the Cannon Falls Elementary School once a week. Thank you to Gayle Prinzing, Phyllis Wilson, Jean Hawks, Bobbie Anderson, Donna Beckstad, Judy Dirckx, Dorothy Sladek and Karole Gehrke who were our volunteer readers thisyear.

Please plan on joining Shepherd’s Center for our next trip, when we head to Mackinac Island September 15th through the
21st. You’ll enjoy motorcoach transportation from Cannon Falls, a visit to Mackinac Island that includes a Guided Carriage Tour, plus Mackinaw City, a boat ride through the Soo Locks and plenty of free time for sight-seeing. The cost is only $609 and includes 6 nights lodging and 10 meals! To sign up, contact Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136 or email shepherdscenter@frontiernet.net.


As I frequently mention, Shepherd’s Center survives solely on the support of the Cannon Valley area and we sincerely appreciate all donations. This past month, we received memorial donations in honor of Glenn Molstrom, Jim Olson, Merlyn Munson, Mildred Anderson and Harold Olson. Thank you so much for the donations given in memory of these individuals.


Unfortunately, our first “Adventures in Learning” was cancelled because of the weather recently. We are trying to reschedule and will keep everyone posted. Our next Adventures in Learning will be held on May 31st and we plan on meeting in Hannah’s Bend Park. Our featured speakers will be Cannon Valley Trail Director, Scott Roepke who will discuss the trail, and a presentation on the Bluebird Recovery Program will be conducted by Keith Radell and Steve Malecha. Everyone is invited to join us for this interesting program and a picnic style lunch will follow. It gets underway at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 31st at Hannah’s Bend, for those who
would like to attend, please RSVP by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136 by May 24th. The cost is $8 and it includes
lunch.

Better Breathers will start meeting again, with the next scheduled meeting on May 23rd. This is free and open to the public, especially for anyone who is dealing with breathing problems or has family members with breathing difficulties. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and Lindsey Fleming of Lincare will be lining up speakers and providing refreshments.


I was sad to hear the news last week that
we lost country music legend, George Jones, who passed away at the age of 81. He
has left us with some wonderful music from throughout the years. I leave you
this month with this quote from George, “There are questions I'm still not wise
enough to answer, just wise enough to no longer ask.” – George
Jones.

Shepherd’s Center is very excited about our upcoming fund raising concert, featuring Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder on
Friday, April 19th at the Cannon Falls High School Auditorium. The show starts at seven with doors opening at six. Bringing in someone like Ricky Skaggs is a huge undertaking for Shepherd’s Center and we couldn’t do it without the help of the community and sponsors such as First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Vasa-Spring Garden Insurance, the Cannon Falls Lions, Merchants Bank and Freeberg Insurance. The auditorium is such a wonderful venue to hold a concert with its intimate setting and tremendous
sound. Ricky Skaggs is a 14-time Grammy Award Winner, was the CMA Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year, has had 12 number one hits, is the youngest member ever inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and last year was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  Appearing with Ricky will be his entire band, Kentucky Thunder who has won the coveted IBMA Award for Instrumental Group of the Year 8 times in the last decade! This will definitely be a night to remember as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky perform right here in Cannon Falls! Ticket sales have been going great and are still on sale. The cost is $35 and you can purchase tickets online at www.rickyskaggs.eventbrite.com or at the Cannon Falls Chamber, Shepherd’s Center or Scofield
Drug. All proceeds benefit Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley and we are hoping to sell out the auditorium, which has a seating capacity is 600. Don’t miss it; get your tickets now before it’s too late!

Our first “Adventures in Learning” for 2013 is rapidly approaching and will take place on Friday, April 12 at St. Ansgar’s Church starting at 9:30 a.m. Featured will be local author, Heather Sharp who will talk about her story and her book, entitled “Why Did I Survive.” Also speaking will be Library Director Justin Padgett who will discuss the new library which opened in early March. “Adventures in Learning” is open to the public and concludes with lunch at noon. The cost is $8 and those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136.

We are putting together a list of medical equipment that area residents have available for others to use. If you have medical equipment you’d be willing to loan out…or if you are in need of medical equipment, please contact Shepherd’s Center. We do not take the equipment, but instead match up those loaning out and those receiving. 

Although it’s a ways off, keep in mind we’re traveling to Mackinac Island September 15 through the 21 for our next Shepherd’s Center trip. We’ll be visiting Mackinac Island with a guided carriage tour, ride through the Soo Locks and have lots of free time and sight-seeing. We do have a few signed up already and the cost is $609 for 7 days and 6 nights. Contact Shepherd’s Center for more information.

A reminder, feel free to stop in anytime to use one of our computers, enjoy the library or just visit over a cup of coffee. We are open Monday through Friday from ten a.m. till three p.m. Let me close this month with a quote from the legendary Ricky Skaggs, who by the way, will bring his music to Cannon Falls on Friday, April 19th…”It's part of the calling to at least do a few songs in the show that give people some hope. There's so much hurt in this world and... music is such a great healing balm
  and a great way to forget your troubles.” – Ricky
Skaggs.

Hopefully not too many people are suffering cabin fever these days! Shepherd’s Center has been a busy place lately, which is
good. We’ve had a number of folks drop by to check out our library, use the gym to walk and use our computers with internet access. Please remember, Shepherd’s Center is open to everyone so stop on by anytime between ten a.m. and three p.m.
Monday through Friday.

It’s typical this time of year to see donations to Shepherd’s Center drop, and we’re always hopeful to make it through
the tough financial times. This past month, we’ve seen donations at one of the lowest levels ever, which is concerning. Our entire budget comes from the community and is spent in the community. We thank all of you for the donations made to Shepherd’s Center and could not survive without your help. This past month, we received donations in memory of Suzanne Keefer, Esther Wegge, Victor Blastervold and Julia Emery.

We still have some openings in our upcoming computer class. If you’re new to computers and would like to learn the basics,
this class is for you. It will be held at the Cannon Falls High School computer lab on Saturday, March 9th and Saturday, March 16th. Dan Bassett, the instructor, will touch on a number of things, including how to set up an email account, setting up and using a Facebook account and much more. There is a $25 charge to attend, which covers both sessions. Those interested are asked to please reserve your spot by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136. Computers will be available for each person to use during the class in the computer lab. Space is limited, so sign up early!


Shepherd Center’s trip to Savannah is in jeopardy, as we still need additional people to sign up to make it a go. If you’ve been thinking of taking a great trip to the sunny south, please consider coming with us! The trip promises to be wonderful and the price is right…just $699 for 9 days and 8 nights. We’ll depart Cannon Falls on April 20th and return on April 28th. Reservations will only be taken till the end of this week, so please contact Shepherd’s Center if you’re interested.

Our“Adventures in Learning” kicks off next month with two outstanding speakers. On Friday, April 12th we’ll get an update on the new library in Cannon Falls from the library director, Justin Padgett. Also speaking will be local author, Heather Sharp who wrote the book, “Why Did I Survive.” Heather has survived two life-threatening accidents. In the book, she describes her journey back from the brink of death, twice, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Adventures in Learning will be held at St. Ansgar’s Church in Cannon Falls, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending with a noon lunch. Those attending are
asked to RSVP by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136.

Last month, I lost a dear friend and business associate to cancer…Rick Berens. He was a wonderful man who truly enjoyed his short life. I want to end this month’s article with a quote from Rick…“Remember, never get too busy making a living that you forget about making a life. Are you enjoying life? Are you spending time with family and friends? If not, what are you waiting for?” 

Again, remember to stop in anytime and see us here at Shepherd’s Center, located at 120 State Street West in Cannon
Falls.


 
 

Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley is implementing a new program that would offer area residents
the chance to borrow certain types of medical equipment. “After visiting with Rosie Schluter, we determined there was a definite need in the area for a program like this,” said Shepherd’s Center Director Rod Johnson. “Rosie’s husband Paul recently had surgery in Rochester and was in need of some medical equipment. They were able to borrow some of the items, which was a great help. We felt that others might benefit by borrowing too. So if someone has such items that they could loan out it would be a huge help to those in need,” added Johnson.

The type of medical equipment needed would include Bath Chairs & Benches (all types),

Bed Rails (all types; short & long), Canes (all types), Commodes (all types), Crutches (all types) 
 
Chairs (such as lift, hip, Geri, & straight), Walkers(all types, with & without wheels) Walker Baskets & Pouches,
Wheelchairs, Orthopedic Braces, and other equipment.

If someone has these items and would be willing to loan them out, they are asked to please call Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136. A list of equipment will be compiled so when someone is in need, they can call Shepherd’s Center to see if the equipment is available and, if so, arrangements will be made to have them pick up the items. “So, if you have crutches, walkers or other items just sitting in your attic or basement and would like to make them available to help others, please give us a call,” said director Rod
Johnson.

Shepherd’s Center is a non-profit organization featuring senior adults who volunteer their life experience and skills to benefit the
community. The Shepherd’s Center office is located at 120 State Street in Cannon Falls and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. You can also contact the center by calling 507-263-2136 or email shepherdscenter@frontiernet.net.


 

Winter greetings from Shepherd’s Center! We’re over the hump with only 42 days till the first day of spring! Here at
Shepherd’s Center we had our annual retreat in early January, meeting at St. Ansgar’s church in Cannon Falls. It provided an opportunity for the board to gather and do some brain storming on the services and programs offered through
the center. Discussion also took place on the financial challenges facing Shepherd’s Center. Year in and year out, 100% of our entire budget comes from the community and is spent in the community. Next month we will be sending out
our “Business Appeal” letter to encourage donations from area business leaders. We certainly want to thank everyone for their wonderful support of Shepherd’s Center! Without the financial support of the community, we would not be able to
continue the many programs and services offered.


Congratulations to Loren Evenrud who was elected chairman of Shepherd’s Center for 2013. Elected vice-chair was Lou
Schulz, secretary is Carol McKitrick, and the treasurer is Bill Althoff. We are very excited to welcome four new board members to Shepherd’s Center; John Hobert, Jim Nelson, Dianne Latterell and Jim Althoff. A big thank you to our past chairman, Chuck Rademacher, past treasurer Sharon Vangsness, outgoing board member Karen Conzemius and Barb Martin who chose not to run
again.


A local group enjoyed an evening at Target Center to watch the Timberwolves play the Brooklyn Nets last month. Those attending watched the game from a luxury suite and had a surprise visit from the team’s mascot, Crunch! Thank you to Mark Sjoquist for driving and to all who attended.


Due to popular demand, Shepherd’s Center will once again offer a computer class for beginners. Dan Bassett of Bassett
Creek Technology will serve as the instructor for the classes on Saturday, March 9 and Saturday March 16. The classes will run from ten a.m. till noon at the Cannon Falls High School computer lab. The course will cover the basics, including setting up and using a Facebook account, email and much more. There is a $25 charge, which covers both sessions. Those interested are asked to please reserve your spot by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136.  



Thank you to those who responded to our newsletter with a donation to Shepherd’s Center. This past month, we had
donations in memory of Clara Samuelson, Gwen Carlson-Olson and Joyce Skaro. A donation was also made in honor of Bob Ballard’s 80th birthday. Thank you for your continued support of Shepherd’s Center.


Looking ahead, remember if you’d like to join us on our trip to Savannah in April you must sign up by February 13th. Please contact Shepherd’s Center to reserve your spot or give us a call if you have any questions. The trip leaves Cannon Falls on April 20th and returns on April 28th. This amazing trip is only $699 per person, double occupancy.


A reminder that our next Adventures in Learning is coming up on April 12th with two very interesting speakers. We’ll hear from Heather Sharp, a local author who wrote “Why Did I Survive,” and from the Cannon Falls Library Director, Justin Padgett.
“Adventures” takes place at St. Ansgar’s Church in Cannon Falls from 9:30 till
noon.


I hope everyone is staying active and busy
during this winter season. Just remember, as the late actor Leslie Nielson once
said, “Doing nothing is very hard to do... you never know when you're finished.” 

Hard to believe but we're into the holiday season. Shepherd's Center would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We've had a good year at Shepherd's Center with the number of people taking advantages of our programs and services on the rise.

Our trips have proved to be very successful and we'll continue to offer them as long as there is interest. So far we've been to the Smoky Mountains...Nashville...Cape Cod...Branson and in April we're off to Savannah, Georgia and next September it's Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan. For information on any of the trips, just contact us here at Shepherd's Center.

We are in need of more volunteer drivers for Meals-On-Wheels. Whether you can volunteer regularly, once a week or even just fill in as a sub, please contact us if it would work for you. The amount of meals we're delivering is on the rise and we want to continue this very important service.

Thank you to all who attended our 8th annual Health Fair, held this year at the Cannon Falls High School. At the present time, we're working on our Winter Newsletter, the "Feature." Look for this in your mailbox soon.

I truly believe that a good time was had by all at the Tim Watson Show last month! Thank you to all who attended this fund
raising event for Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley. We had 400 people on hand who hopefully enjoyed the number one show in Nashville, right here in Cannon Falls. Thank you to Greg Wulf of First Farmers & Merchants Bank and
White Rock Bank who served as our major sponsor of this event! Also, thank you to Mike Milligan and the Dairy Inn for the delicious meal served to the band and others, thank you to Niebur Tractor& Equipment of Miesville for helping with the motel expense and to all the board members and volunteers who worked so hard to make this event a success. Thank you for your support of Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley!

We will have our next Adventures in Learning on Friday, September 14th at St. Ansgars Church in Cannon Falls. Another interesting program will get underway at 9:30 a.m., starting with Dianne M. Knettel, who has been an Educator in the nursing field for 20 years and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology as well as a nursing degree. Diane will discuss better methods of communication when interacting with individuals that have dementia.

The second speaker will be Michigan based author Bill Jamerson who will present a music and storytelling program about the Civilian Conservation Corps. Jamerson's presentation features stories and original songs. He has performed at CCC reunions around the country. Concentrating on the CCC, it's about people both ordinary and extraordinary, with stories of wit, charm
and strength.

Adventures in Learning is open to the public and everyone is urged to attend. Refreshments will be served between
speakers and a noon lunch will follow, all for a cost of only $6 per person. Those who would like to attend are asked to call Shepherd’s Center to reserve a spot at 507-263-2136.

It’s that time of year again…Book Buddies! Shepherd’s Center annually coordinates volunteers who read to first graders once
a week at the Cannon Falls Elementary School. This program will start later this month and continue until May, with volunteers reading to students every Thursday morning at 8:20. If you are interested in volunteering for this very rewarding activity, please let us know here at Shepherd’s Center.

Thank you to all who have donated to Shepherd’s Center this year! As I’ve mentioned frequently, the survival of
Shepherd’s Center depends on the financial support of the community. We would not be able to continue the many programs offered without the generosity of the Cannon Valley area. Thank you for the memorial donations during August in memory of Doug Weber, Arlene Hansen, Lowell Anderson, Mary Rehbein, Reed Qualey, Mel Stanko, Lavon Thompson and Audrey Halbert. Also, thank you to the many individuals and organizations that have dropped off Econo Foods receipts. Every time we come up with $150,000 in receipts, Econo Foods makes a generous donation of $1000 to Shepherd’s Center. If you have any receipts we’d love to have them here!

We are open at Shepherd’s Center Monday through Friday’s from ten a.m. till three p.m. and we’d love to have you stop
by! Feel free to check out our library, use our internet access computer, receive help setting up email and try out our Wii game system on the big screen television! We also have the gym available to those of you who would like to walk inside.

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy turns 54 on August 6th, and we wish him a happy birthday! I’ll wrap things up this month
with the following quote from Mr. Foxworthy; “If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty.”

Goodbye summer and hello fall! 



 


 

Get your tickets now for “The Tim Watson Show,” to be held on Saturday, August 18th at the Cannon Falls High School Auditorium starting at seven p.m. This is the number one show in Nashville and Tim Watson is a pure entertainer, featuring outstanding music and comedy. He is known as one of the best fiddle players in the entire world. The high energy music of Tim Watson has been heard from stages around the world. His musical career has grown from performances in clubs near his home in Black Creek, Alabama to the Grand Ole Opry and venues in Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, and Holland. Tim has opened shows for many superstars like George Strait, Ricky Skaggs, George Jones, Keith Urban, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, and The Judds, just to name a few. This is Shepherd Center’s main fund raising event of the year and we hope you’ll come, enjoy a great show and support Shepherd’s Center at the same
time. Tickets are $25 each and available at First Farmers & Merchants Bank, White Rock Bank, Scofield Drug, Shepherd’s Center and online at www.shepherdcenter.eventbrite.com.


Please stop by our booth at“First Thursday,” on August 2nd. We’ll be on hand with information on Shepherd’s Center,
along with the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Tim Watson Show. We will also have a drawing for a free ticket to the show, so be sure to stop by and sign up! First Thursday is from 5 till 8 p.m. on Mill Street in Cannon Falls.


After a successful trip to Cape Cod, Shepherd Center’s next trip will take place November 25 through December 1 to Branson, Missouri. Cost for the Branson Show Extravaganza is $599, includes 7 days, 6 nights, motorcoach transportation and seven great shows. If interested, contact Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136. Currently there are 12 spots left before the trip is full.


One of the ways to help Shepherd’s Center continue their programs and services is to save your receipts from Econo Foods. Each time the amount of receipts totals $150,000, Econo Foods donates $1000 to Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley. Please drop off or mail your receipts to Shepherd’s Center, 120 State Street West, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. Thank you to all who responded with donations from our newsletter, “The Feature.” This month we received donations in memory of Mary Rehbein and Harriet
Travis. Remember, you can donate to Shepherd’s Center in a variety of ways; memorials, cash, real estate, securities, special bequests, trusts, will and more. Thank you to all of  you for your continued support!


TRIAD takes place on Wednesday, August 8thstarting at 10 a.m. at Shepherd’s Center. This month’s speaker is Cannon Falls native Mike Heski, who has been with the Savage Police Department for the past ten years. Heski was named the 2011 "Officer of the Year" by the Savage Police Department. Heski spent six years as an agent with the Dakota County Drug Task Force before returning to regular duty in Savage. TRIAD is free and open to the public.


Attention volunteers! It won’t be long and school will be starting again. “Book Buddies” is a wonderful program that Shepherd’ Center conducts. Volunteers read to first graders at the elementary school once a week, something that is very much enjoyed by kids and adults alike! If you’re interested in becoming a “Book Buddy,” contact Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136.


I close with some food for thought, from one of my broadcast idols, Paul Harvey, who said…
“Retiring is just practicing up to be dead. That
doesn't take any practice.” Enjoy what’s left of summer! 
 


 
 

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who helped us at the 2012 Cannon Valley Fair. This is a huge undertaking for Shepherd’s Center and an important fund raising event. We certainly could not do this if not for the support of our volunteers…again,THANK YOU ALL!

We have a group of over 50 area residents enjoying a trip to Cape Cod this month and it sounds like a very interesting  trip. We hope to have a few “day” trips coming up soon and our next big trip will be to Branson, November 25 through December 1. Highlights of this seven day trip include seven fabulous shows that include the Red Skelton Tribute Show, Hooray for Hollywood, the Jim Stafford Show, Tony Orlando show and many more. We already have a large number of people signed up, so if you’re interested please contact us soon before we’re full. 
 
Tickets are now on sale for our biggest fund raising event of the year. We are very excited to bring the number one show in Nashville to Cannon Falls on August 18; at the High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. “The Tim Watson Show” will be here, featuring a complete show with the best music, comedy and more! Last November we had over 40 area residents on our trip to Nashville, and Tim Watson was the best show we attended, by far. Tickets are on sale now for $25 at Shepherd’s Center, First Farmers & Merchants Bank, White Rock Bank, Scofield Drug and online at www.shepherdscenter.eventbrite.com.
Get your tickets early…the auditorium only holds 600 people. Special thank you to First Farmers & Merchants Bank along with White Rock Bank for their help in making this huge event happen!

I hope everyone enjoyed the“Feature,” our summer newsletter that came out recently. As you might have noticed, there was an envelope enclosed to use for donations to Shepherd’s Center. Thank you to those of you who have already sent in your donation, it is very much appreciated and helps us continue to serve the Cannon Valley area. This past month, we received memorial donations in honor of Mary Rehbein, Phyllis Fox, Colin Callister and Louie Davisson…we also received a donation in honor of Colin
Callister’s July birthday. Thank you all for the generous support of Shepherd’s Center. 

A reminder that TRIAD is held monthly at Shepherd’s Center, held the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting at 10 a.m. Each month features an interesting speaker…in June we enjoyed finding out about the Goodhue County Posse and this month the speaker is local Tech Wizard, Ryan Cooper. His topic will be “Have Fun - Be Safe on the Internet!” Kids and adults will become more aware of the fun or the danger in this computer age.

The Emmy award winning television personality, Art Linkletter passed away three years ago. July 17 would have been his 100th birthday. I’ve always enjoyed him, especially his favorite story about being old. Once he was visiting a nursing home and he gave his picture to an elderly patient. As she pondered his promotional photo, he asked, "Ma'am do you know who I am?" The women looked up at him and said, "No, sir. I don't. But if you go to the front desk someone there will tell you."

Enjoy the summer; it’ll be over before we know it!

Rod Johnson


Executive
Director

Hard to believe June is already here and the Cannon Valley Fair is just around the corner! Once again, Shepherd’s Center is
looking for volunteers to help work the gates at this year’s fair. It’s actually a lot of fun and you get to see and meet all kinds of folks! We are putting together 3-hour shifts for June 30th through July 4th. If you can help us out, please call Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136. If you have friends and family that would like to help out, you can certainly work together. Give us a call soon and let
us know what days you’d prefer to volunteer!

For the second year in a row, Shepherd’s Center took a bus up to watch the Minnesota Twins at Target Field…and for the second year in a row, they lost. Oh well, it was a nice evening and it really is a very nice stadium. We’re hoping to do a couple more day trips this year and if there is a certain place you’d recommend going to, please let us know.

 What a wonderful “Adventures in Learning” we had on May 4th! If you were part of the record breaking crowd of near 150 people, you know what I’m talking about. Beth Giese, Cannon Falls Superintendent of schools had a very informative presentation on the current state of our schools. As one person in attendance commented, “I wish everyone in the school district could have heard this
presentation, I really learned a lot!” Don Shelby, former WCCO Television Anchor, talked not only about his career and new book, but also had a message of “not being afraid.” If you would like to watch these presentations, Shepherd’s Center has both speakers available on DVD. 
 
Thank you to all who participated in our business appeal last month.  As I’ve stated so many times, Shepherd’s Center survives entirely on the financial support of the community. We would not be able to continue the many programs offered if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Cannon Valley area. 100% of our entire budget comes from our community and is spent in the community. If you have not yet given, please feel free to donate at any time. One of the ways to help support Shepherd’s Center is through memorials. This month, we received donations in the memory of Don Estrem and Wallace Swanson.

Speaking of donations, we are planning our major fund raising event of the year on August 18th and we are thrilled to bring the number one show in Nashville to Cannon Falls! Make plans now to attend this exciting show, featuring the best in music, comedy and entertainment with “The Fiddleman,” Tim Watson. The show will take place at the state-of-the-art Cannon Falls High School Auditorium on Saturday, August 18thstarting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now online at www.shepherdscenter.eventbrite.com or here at Shepherd's Center...First Farmers & Merchants Bank...White Rock Bank...and at Scofield Drug, all in Cannon Falls. Tickets are only $25!

Be watching for our summer newsletter, the “Feature” which should arrive in your mailbox sometime soon. An envelope will be placed inside each newsletter to make it easier for those who would like to contribute to Shepherd’s Center of the Cannon Valley.
Congratulations to our 2012 graduates! I leave you with these
lines from the song, “Forever Young,” written by Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart.



“May
the good Lord be with you
Down every road that you roam
And may sunshine
and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to
be proud, dignified and true
And do unto others as you'd have done to you


Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever
young.”