THUMBS UP

Human Rights Award impressive honor

On Wednesday, the New Ulm Human Rights Commission (HRC) held its annual Human Rights Award ceremony. Each year the award is given to individuals or groups that contribute to the advancement of human rights in the community. In recently years, the HRC has expanded the number of recipients. This year the award was given to three recipients — Ali Gibbs, Betty Uehling and The Grand Center for Arts and Culture. The Human Rights Award is an impressive and honorable award to receive. It was pointed out during the award ceremony the HRC was founded in 1970, making it the oldest human rights commission in Minnesota. That’s impressive and says a lot about the New Ulm Community. Award recipient Ali Gibbs said it best. When she received her award Gibbs said she was grateful to live in a community that has a long standing history of prioritizing human rights. The Journal could not agree more.

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New communication board great addition

Earlier this month a new communication board was installed at Hermann Heights Park. A communication board is a visual aid with pictures, symbols and words that allows people with limited speech to point out what they need or feel. This is the first communication board installed in New Ulm’s park system and it is a simple and wonderful inclusion. One of the reasons for the communication board is to improve inclusivity at the park. There are many users of the park system with limited communication ability, including young children. Communication boards were specifically created to help children with autism or developmental disabilities, but it is easy to see how the board could also benefit all children. Each symbol on the board is labeled with the correct word. This makes it an effective tool for teaching all kids basic reading skills. It is great to offer something new at the park that can benefit all children.

THUMBS DOWN

T-wolves trade away Naz Reid

Minnesota basketball fans recently experienced an unpopular shakeup. In order to acquire star point guard LaMelo Ball, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded away fan-favorite player Naz Reid. Reid was the longest-tenured Timberwolves player at the time he was traded. Fans will need to wait until next season to see if the trade is worth it.