Editorial: Thumbs

To small business owners in our area.

We applaud those residents who have made an extra effort to start up a business in our community. We know it’s not easy, but our city wouldn’t be what it is without your efforts.

This week the Tribune printed a story about local couple Dave and Danielle Nelson, who announced they will open a new restaurant called D’Lish in the place of Albert Lea’s former Taco Bell franchise. We think the Nelsons are a good example of people who are community-minded, and we wish them the best of luck in their new endeavor. It would have been easy for them to simply walk away after Taco Bell closed, but instead they are out there giving this new idea a try.

We encourage you to shop as local as you can this season.

 

To a milder-than-expected Thanksgiving weather.

We weren’t sure what to expect for the weather on Thursday as some weather outlets were calling for as little as 1 to 2 inches of snow and sleet and others were calling for as many as 5 to 6 inches.

Regardless, we are pleased the outcome was on the lesser end. That made for a lower-stress holiday, particularly for those who were driving to visit family and friends.

 

To community volunteers.

The holiday season is a great time for people to get out of their comfort zones and volunteer for nonprofit organizations around the community. There are dozens of opportunities available, whether you want to walk a dog, hand out food at a foodshelf or help with a fundraiser.

At The Salvation Army community Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, for example, there were 55 volunteers, who handed out plates of food and helped clean up from the meal.

Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and every minute donated is greatly appreciated. Many of these organizations depend on volunteers to make their efforts happen.