The Staples and Motley Community out shines other communities of our size. Those of us who live here are probably a little biased in our thinking. So be it. If we are able to count our blessings for living in these small cities in the heart of Minnesota, then we should shout to everyone that we are happy to be here.

Many people outside of our communities know of us only because we have outstanding extra-curricular accomplishments. That is so true and we can be proud of our kids over the past many decades. Some people recognize our community because AMTRAK stops here. That is also true…and many local residents are working to keep the AMTRAK stop a reality by restoring and maintaining our depot.

What other things do people outside of our communities think about when they hear the name Staples or Motley? Well, I do believe people recognize Staples for having a health care system that far surpasses any other based in a community of our size. Lakewood Health System draws patients and families from miles around… not only to Staples, but to the clinics in Pillager, Motley, Browerville and Eagle Bend. Wow. In that regard, Lakewood Health System and consequently our community is recognized nationally. Our little town of Staples? I say again, "Wow."

How about the arts…music, theater, painting, pottery…the list goes on. Oh, yes, we have all those things here in Staples. The Arts Council has provided incredible productions and opportunities for all ages over the many years since its inception. How about the Staples Area Men's Chorus, the Women's Chorus…and now we have one specifically for boys…and one for girls. How fortunate we are to have all those opportunities and make them available to our kids.

Service organizations…we have those, too. We have Rotary, Host Lions and Lions '93 Clubs, Motley Leader and Scandia Valley Lions clubs. We have Dollars for Scholars. We have the Living Legacy Gardens…what beauty for our summer months. Have you been there? How about those who work so hard to refurbish and expand the historical site of Old Wadena? How about the American Legion Auxiliary who faithfully fold pocket flags for our U. S. Military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. That is another heart-warming story we don't hear much about, but it is happening.

I realize I am treading on dangerous ground here by mentioning so many great things happening in our area. The danger is of leaving some out. To those involved, I apologize and want you to know how appreciated you and your efforts are.

People in the Staples and Motley communities care for all the residents as evidenced by the food shelves; the Heart and Hands in Motley; C.A.R.E., the organization that provides for those in need through the funding by our local churches. Yes, our churches, vital to our communities for our spiritual health which is so closely intertwined with the health of our bodies and minds. How fortunate we all are.

Every community has its problems and issues…Staples and Motley, too. But the good far outweighs those things that might be lacking. Think of our churches, schools and businesses…the foundations for any thriving community. We have them all. We have education opportunities from preschool through college…all in our "little" communities.

It is vital to our communities to recognize people who have made a difference in Staples and Motley and are behind all of these opportunities and organizations mentioned…people who give of their time and energy to create and sustain our hallmark community.

The Staples Community Foundation, a partner with the Initiative Foundation, is committed each year to honoring outstanding persons living in the Staples and Motley communities. Those recognized this year include Richard Donat who received the Dr. Duane R. Lund Lifetime Achievement Award; Amy Hunter was recognized as Citizen of the Year; Jenna Nypan received Youth of the Year recognition; the Organization of the Year was awarded to the Still Cruisin'Car Club; the outstanding Business of the Year was the Staples World; and last, but not least, the Chairman's Award was presented to Harriet Dent.

Nominations for awards are accepted throughout the year with recipients chosen in mid-June for the annual banquet which takes place in October. Put your thinking cap on now and nominate people you consider to be outstanding for the following categories:

o Lifetime Achievement o Citizen of the Year o Group or Organization of the Year o Business of the Year o Youth of the Year

o Chairman's Award

Additional information on the Staples Community Foundation can be found on the web at: www.staplesfound.org.

Bev Nelsen is a member of the board of the Staples Community Foundation.