Just Sayin'...

Merry Christmas from the Open Hands Midway staff and Board of Directors. This time of year it seems we run ourselves ragged making sure everything is just perfect for our holiday gatherings. We try to have the best holiday lights displays, and make all kinds of special foods to eat. Maybe the best thing to do is just take the time to relax, gather with our families and listen to one another, stay off the ever present cell phone and find time to truly engage with each other, listen, share, laugh, and take time to put others before self, just sayin'...

In 2025 I lost a good friend, and mentor, Steve Slostad. Steve was the Executive Director of Open Hands Midway from its inception until his retirement in 2014. He meant a lot to me as he supported my efforts in taking over the role of Executive Director upon his retirement. He was passionate about the work being done at Open Hands Midway. He cared deeply about those we call our guests. He gave far more to others than he took for himself. He had a true servants heart. Gone but never forgotten. The news that Steve was gone left me in tears, missing someone I would never see again but knowing I have a wealth of memories to hold on to. We are blessed to have had him as part of the Open Hands Midway family, just sayin'...

I know that many of you have read in this space about my bike riding addiction. I wanted you to know the season ended sooner than I wanted, dang snow! I did bike 5,555 miles and that is pretty cool. I also spearheaded the "Miles for Meals" fundraiser for Open Hands Midway which raised a little over $8,000.00 as well as a $3,000.00 gift from an anonymous donor for a total of around $11,000 raised for the program! Thank you to all who supported this amazing fundraiser. Oh, and I biked 4,000 miles for the fundraiser too, just sayin'...

In November Open Hands Midway participated in Give to the Max Day 2025 and I would like to share a big thank you to all who help raise funds for our program. We raised about $9,500.00 and received matching funds form the Paul and Sheila Steiner Charitable Lead Trust.

As 2025 comes to a close, I am so grateful to our Board of Directors as they continue to place their faith in me as the leader of Open Hands Midway. Open Hands Midway continues to do some pretty awesome things in our community. We look forward with open hands, open hearts, open eyes, and open ears for the excitement of 2026. On behalf of myself, our Board of Directors, and staff members Steve and John, let me wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I hope your Christmas will fill your heart and soul with many blessings and that you will strive to make the world just a little better place wherever you are, or go, in the coming year, just sayin'...