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Lifestyle Columns

Off the Shelf: Everyone has a story to share

Throughout the year, we have month-long observances reminding us of important issues, historical events, and groups of people that contributed to those things. February is Black History Month. It is a time to recognize the struggles, achievements, and culture of Black people here in the United States. The library is a great place to connect to people from an amazing variety of backgrounds through our collection and our shared space. Reading is a conversation between you and the text. You bring ideas, assumptions, and perspective to the conversation, and the author has done the same. It ...

Family Living Focus: Exercise safety tips for seniors

More seniors are including exercise as a part of their regular routine. If you are considering starting an exercise program here are some considerations and questions to ask. Before you begin your exercise program, keep safety in mind. Consider the kind of exercise you plan to do, your ability, and your health. Get your physician’s clearance. If you have not been physically active, have health concerns or have had an injury, visit with your physician before you begin your exercise program to determine what, if any limitations you might have. Check out the fitness facility. Visit ...

Antiques & Collecting: Moving-eye clocks made it fun to tell time

Most clocks have hands that move to tell the time, but a group of clocks that also had moving eyes were popular about 1850. Most of these figural iron clocks were made by Bradley and Hubbard of Meriden, Connecticut. A few others were made by Chauncey Jerome. The clocks are popular with collectors because they are so entertaining yet, because they are iron, hard to damage. Many were made to represent real people or animals. This owl motion clock with green glass eyes that move back and forth in a silver-plated case sold in 2021 for $1,900 in a Morford’s auction. You might be able to ...

Off the Shelf: Get involved at the library

One of my favorite things about New Ulm is how much our community supports the organizations and institutions it offers to its residents, including the library. Time and again I have been impressed by the way community members give their time and energy to the place they call home. The library can offer the kinds of services, programs, and materials our patrons want us to offer because of how engaged our patrons are. We have two new opportunities for the New Ulm community to get involved at the library. The library’s current strategic plan was written to guide the library from 2018 ...

Park & Rec

Swim Lesson Registration is open online or in person at the Rec Center for all sessions. Offerings/sessions can be viewed online at newulmmn.org The next session begins February 15. Recreational Swim Club offers swimmers the opportunity to build muscle, speed, strength and improve endurance while swimming in a fun and safe environment! The club focuses on teaching stroke refinement and training swimmers in a team setting. Swim Club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5 p.m. The next session starts March 1. Participants must be at least 8 years old and have completed Level 4 swim lessons. ...

Family Living Focus: Calories In, Calories Out

There are a few undeniable facts in life. One of those facts is that we are all subject to age in a predetermined way according to the genes we inherited from our ancestors. Yet, we are not helpless. We do control our environment, which triggers gene activity. For example, if your mom lost all her teeth by age 30, you do not have to follow her path. You can prevent tooth decay by using proper dental care. In the same way, our genes instruct our cells to use nutrients in our foods either efficiently or inefficiently. Although you may not be a muscle-bound male or a wafer-thin ...