To the Sunset Saddle Club.

Is it just us or does it seem the Sunset Saddle Club has been more active this summer? Perhaps they are the same level of active but doing a better job of reaching out to the community to inform people of their many entertaining, horse-related events at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Either way, people like seeing horses at the fairgrounds when they drive by. We want to thank the Sunset Saddle Club for hosting a game and pleasure show Friday at the fairgrounds and for welcoming the Southeastern Minnesota Saddle Club Association to the fairgrounds today for a show that lasts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the outdoor arena. If you like horses, show up.

 

To vandals.

It seems every other summer in Albert Lea there is a vandalism spree and the police eventually catch the offenders. Every time — well, just about every time — the arrested people turn out to be teenage boys getting cheap thrills out of damaging property. Arrests were made this week in connection with several acts of vandalism this spring and summer, and we strongly hope this sends a message to other teenagers that breaking the law has its consequences. They are quite fortunate that state law prevents the justice system from releasing their names because there are many residents of Albert Lea who feel printing their names in the newspaper would be an excellent deterrent to the next round of up-and-coming miscreants.

Surely, the young troublemakers will claim there is nothing to do in Albert Lea, but that is far from the truth. We argue that a city the size of Albert Lea affords our young people more things to do than many bigger places. For example, we have a pool like big cities, but it isn’t as crowded, which allows children more chances to go down the big, curvy slide, dive off the diving board or find a relaxing spot in the shallow end. The same logic follows for use of parks, trails, theater, church camps, youth centers, ice rinks, swimming areas, youth soccer and baseball leagues and other activities and amenities. We have stuff to do and, what’s more, we need more teens to participate. The fact is, only boring people are bored because Albert Lea is a great place to be a teenager.

 

To Charley Fleek.

Who knew this 13-year-old actress had so much talent? She plays Annie in “Annie, the Musical” now being performed on stage at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Actually, we knew she was full of talent. We had seen her performing in Albert Lea since she was 6. She sang “Jingle Bell Rock” in “Soft Sounds of Christmas” last December and acted and sometimes sang in “The Sound of Music,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Meet the Creeps,” “The Dickens Christmas Carol Show” and “A Touch of Broadway.” And probably some others, too. We need a version of IMDB (Internet Movie Database) for Fleek and our regular local performers. Let’s not forget Fleek’s appearances in figure skating and skiing shows. It appears she likes to perform. The next thing we know she will be driving a car at the demolition derby at the county fair. OK, maybe not. But if she does, it wouldn’t surprise us.