“Mom, I’m Bored!”

How often have you heard the kids around you complain about nothing to do as summer winds down.  Boredom does seem to set in.  Best described in the book “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss where he says:

The sun did not shine,
It was too wet to play.

So we sat in the house
All that cold, cold, wet day.

I sat there with Sally,
We sat there, we two.

And I said, “How I wish we had something to do!”

The truth is, there are tons of activities right here in our community that are fun and do not involve balancing a fish bowl on your head.  These activities range from the Pet Parade and Heritage Days in Faribault to The Defeat of Jesse James days in Northfield and much much more. Many of these activities provide both entertainment and an opportunity to connect closer with your neighbors.  These “community building” activities are some of the things that make Rice County extraordinary.

I have written about community building activities before, so you know it’s a topic that’s of great importance from our perspective at Ruth’s House.  Community building brings people together, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Community building also promotes resilience, as it enables people to rely on each other during challenging times, creating a support system that can be vital in times of crisis.

At Ruth’s House we are acutely aware of the value of having a strong and supportive community around us during challenging times.  The women and children we serve at Ruth’s House  desperately need to be a part of a healthy and supportive community.  We all need this.

Also, strong communities are the foundation of a healthy society. Communities provide the structure for civic engagement, where individuals come together to address common concerns, advocate for shared interests, and contribute to the public good.

Ultimately, community building is about creating spaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered. It is a continuous process that strengthens the social fabric, enhances quality of life, and lays the groundwork for a more just and equitable society.

Look no further than a wonderful family event on August 23rd.  Ruth’s House will be celebrating 20 years of service to our community with a community party at Apple Creek Orchard, 5524 185th Street W in Faribault. The celebration will take place from 5-9 pm on Friday August 23, and will include games for kids and adults, hay rides in the orchard, live music by Sawyer’s Dream and Mary Clare Stroh, food trucks and lots of family activities.  The celebration is free and open to the public.  Please RSVP here!

Come and enjoy our wonderful supportive community and provide a great relief to late summer boredom.

Susan Stout

Ruth’s House Outreach Coordinator