Heart of New Ulm

THUMBS UP: The Heart of New Ulm program is holding its second "Heart Summit" today, and will present results of its screening of 5,000 people during its first year of operation.

Overall, New Ulm mirrors most of society. A sizeable percentage of people have health or lifetyle factors that put them at risk for heart disease. There are a lot of things these people can do to improve their odds of avoiding a heart attack, and "The Biggest Loser" trainer Bob Harper will be at the summit to talk about some of the things we can all do to make ourselves healthier.

Riverside camping

THUMBS DOWN: We took a drive down along Riverside Park after Tuesday's City Council hearing about the plans to put primitive camp sites in Riverside Park. Like residents who live across the street from the park, we wonder just where they are going to put them?

We have always thought part of the allure of camping was to "get away from it all," to get back to nature. Riverside Park is not exactly remote. You can see the whole park, down to the river, as you drive by, and we assume campers would see the cars driving by as well.

We can understand area residents' concerns about noise, too, and about looking down at an RV city during the summer.

We know the city has a deadline looming to apply for the Park Legacy Grant program, but we have to wonder if this is the best use for Riverside Park.

Lots to do

THUMBS UP: The New Ulm Shopping Opener is taking place this weekend, giving those of us who don't go hunting a chance to have some fun. The activies include a comedy show at the Holiday Inn this evening.

This is coming on top of the Heart of New Ulm Summit, and that's not all. Fans of Gilbert & Sullivan can head up to Martin Luther College for the MLC fall musical, "The Pirates of Penzance."

Let no one complain about being bored this weekend.