To the Albert Lea Family Y.

The Albert Lea Family Y is the latest of many businesses to become designated as a Blue Zones Project Worksite. The Y, which was a major driving force in the original Blue Zones pilot project, has always been a leader in the community for well-being, and this designation showcases that leadership.

 

To local Minnesota state cross country qualifiers.

Congratulations to Albert Lea brothers Jackson and Carson Goodell who qualified for state Thursday at the Section 1AA cross country meet.

Jackson Goodell finished with a time of 16:16.71 for third place, and Carson Goodell took sixth in 16:25.24. This is Jackson Goodell’s third time to qualify for state, and his younger brother’s first time.

The last time Albert Lea produced two state qualifiers in the same season was 2006.

Congratulations also to United South Central sophomore Beth Stevermer who took third place Thursday at the Section 2A meet. She finished with a time of 19:39.7.

This will be the third time for Stevermer to qualify for state.

Stevermer finished 14th at state her first year, and seventh at state last season.

We look forward to seeing the success of these three this time around.

 

To the Freeborn County Public Health Department and other community members who support breastfeeding.

We applaud the efforts of the Freeborn County Public Health Department, the Freeborn County Breastfeeding Coalition and all other residents who are making a concerted effort to support new mothers who are breastfeeding.

The Minnesota Department of Health this month awarded the county’s public health department with its gold award for breastfeeding-friendly departments. This was the first time the award was given out, and Freeborn County was one of two recipients.

While we respect mothers in their right to choose how they want to feed their babies, national and international organizations are increasingly drawing attention to both the physical and emotional benefits breastfeeding can have on both the baby and the mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding continue for 12 months, while the World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding up to age 2 or beyond.

The efforts of both the county, coalition and others help mothers with questions and support.