When I was young, a homemade meal coordinated by the local “ladies’ aid” was a monthly event. We all looked forward to the food and fellowship at our small church. The delicious aroma filled the room and drew dozens of participants.

The phone rang, and I answered it because the call was from a nearby community. No big surprise that the caller was obviously not from anywhere near, and the caller was asking for a donation for some organization in which I had no interest. I said, in a kindly tone, “No thank you,” and hung up. They will never end the call. YOU MUST HANG UP.

I used to be a big college basketball fan. Every year I would follow the Top 25 teams and try to figure out who would make it to the tournament and which teams would be matched up in the bracket.

The Pembina County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) Foundation is calling on young artists in Pembina County to take part in its annual Calendar Art Contest. Open to students from pre-K through 5th grade, the competition welcomes participants from public schools and homeschool settings.

Congratulations to FCW agent, Kari Helgoe, on receiving this month’s NDSU Agricultural Affairs Core Values Award! The Core Values Award is a peer-to-peer traveling award, giving individuals the opportunity to recognize a NDSU Ag Affairs colleague for their commitment to the core values of integrity, impact and innovation. The award is a testament to the commitment displayed to NDSU Agricultural Affairs.

Have you ever accidentally stumbled upon a lunar landing? On Saturday night, I had just played a few rounds of Fortnite with some friends and rather than going to bed like the adult I am. Considering it was approaching midnight, I decided to pop on over to Twitch, an online chatting and viewing platform, to see who might be streaming and could distract me just enough to avoid going to bed.

Hello from your friends at PNC! On Thursday, Feb. 27, we held a slumber party for the residents. It was a blast! First, the residents gathered around the table and creatively decorated their very own sleep masks. Some used stencils to create images, while others free-handed their designs with things such as eyes. Everyone’s turned out to be unique and beautiful. I think they will all rest a little better now with designer sleep masks.

The Associated General Contractors of North Dakota has scholarships available for High School Seniors pursuing a career in the exciting and rewarding field of construction. These scholarships are for the 2025-2026 school year. The deadline is April 23, 2025. Scholarship details and applications are available at https://www. agcnd.org/scholarship $1,500 Scholarships available at North Dakota State University for Construction Management or Construction Engineering $1,500 Scholarships available at University of Mary for Construction Management or Construction Engineering $1,500 Scholarships available at Minnesota State University Moorhead for Construction Management $750 Scholarships available at Bismarck State College for Construction Technology, Welding Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator, Engineering Technology, HVAC, Diesel Technology, or Other Construction Related Majors $750 Scholarships available at North Dakota State College of Science for Construction Management Technology, Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Technology, Building Construction Technology, Architectural Drafting & Estimating Technology, Diesel Technology, or Welding Technology 'The AGC of ND is continually looking to partner with the next generation of industry professionals and is proud to assist with the financial aspect with our scholarship program' stateed AGC of ND Executive Vice President Russ Hanson.

Reading is the foundation of learning, opening doors to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth. Our goal for Reading Month is to encourage students to read for enjoyment and to discover 'just-right' books—ones that match their interests, reading levels, and help them develop as confident, skilled readers.

Greetings from the 'big city,' where the streets are either sloppy or icy. I'm not complaining much because I am sure looking forward to spring. I am no fool; I know we could still be in for some not so nice weather before March is over.