By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

Life is full of decisions, both small and big, and they can ultimately serve as a crossroads in our lives.

Sometimes these decisions can be as simple as deciding what to wear, who to follow on Facebook, and whom to sti with at lunch. Other times, they can be a little more life-altering, such as whether or not to drink or vape, what you do with after-school or free time, and whether or where to go on for post-secondary schooling.

These crossroads can shape future decisions, and they can take you directly to where you’re hoping to go, to places you never wanted to go, or even to places you never dreamed of going.

However, it’s important to remember that your past doesn’t have to determine your future. No matter what choices you’ve made, there is always a road that’ll get you to where you need to be. Whatever road you’re on, I hope that it’s the high road and that you always remember to treat people how you would want to be treated. May the reason for this joyous season be your guiding light. 

Gift of Friends

Are you looking for a gift for that person that has everything? You might consider gifting a one-year membership to join the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Gifting a membership or joining yourself would be helping to preserve the incredible Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for future generations. Check online at www.hormelnaturecenter.org, click on “get involved,” and then “Friends of Hormel Nature Center.” It is as easy as that to begin enjoying the benefits! 

Flag football

There will be Adult Flag Football offered and played in the Wescott Dome beginning Jan. 8 and running for eight weeks. The deadline to register your team is 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Park and Rec office. The team fee is $480 and players must be 18 years of age by July 1, 2019. A minimum of seven players are needed with a roster limit of 20 players. Game times will be 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Youth archery

Youth archery begins in early January and will be held in the 4-H building at Mower County Fairgrounds. Youth Archery will run on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 8 through March 11. Please register at the Park and Rec office by Jan. 3.

Packer Arena public skate:

• 7:15-8:30 p.m., Wednesday
• 3:15-4:45 p.m., Dec. 21
• 3:45-5:15 p.m., Dec. 26
• Noon to 1:30 p.m., Dec. 28
• 2-4 p.m., Dec. 29
• 3-5 p.m., Dec. 30
• 5-7 p.m., Dec. 31

Riverside Arena schedule:

• Squirt Tournament, Dec. 14-15.

Outdoor Rink Ice

Staff began making ice early this past week on the outdoor rinks at Galloway and Kaufman parks, and outside of Packer Arena as well. There will be portable restrooms added for the season at Galloway and Kaufman rinks as well as at Skinner’s Hill.