TRUMAN — Truman Active Living is comprised of community members whose goal is to promote healthier lives.

They meet at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Truman Museum. A core group of 8-10 people attend, along with others who visit for a variety of reasons.

“We meet with our Statewide Health Improvement Plan consultant for Faribault and Martin Counties,” said Pat Jones, an active member of the group.

Many of the funds the group utilizes come from its SHIP grant.

A main focus has been trying to promote and develop safer routes for walking and biking since many community members like to do both.

Jones said they are working on widening the shoulders along Highway 15.

“We’ve put up signs for ‘Share the road’ on 210th, Ciro and Fifth street,” said Jones, noting that the group has worked with the county highway department.

Another focus has been bike safety. On May 10, Truman Active Living held a bike rodeo for third-graders at Truman Public School. The Minnesota Bike Alliance set up a course. Larry Vogel from the Bike Shop in Fairmont was there to inspect students’ bikes. Mike Schutz, a Truman police officer, went over rules and regulations.

“We had the kids fitted for helmets,” Jones added.

One new thing the group is doing this year is an essay contest.

“We’re giving away two bicycles,” Jones said. “Students in grades 3-6 need to write a 200- to 250-word essay that says what they would do with a bike and why bike safety is important.”

Forms can be picked up at City Hall or the public library. Students in the public school and St. Paul’s Lutheran were given forms during school. Jones said students have until May 31 to turn in their essays. On June 14, the winner will be announced at 2 p.m. at the library.

“We haven’t had as much success with healthy eating,” said Jones, going on to explain that this will be the group’s first year without a farmers market.

Jones noted that they have had some contact with local restaurants to have healthier options on their menus.

“Casey’s is offering a little more than pizza; now they have some sandwiches,” she said. “Aardvarks has some options, including salads and things like that.”

The group wants to develop a trail behind the campground near the swimming pool. It has been working with engineering firm Bolton & Menk on the project.

Truman Active Living was established in 2015.

“We’re all volunteers and people pitch in where they need to,” Jones explained.

The group’s next meeting is June 11. Members of the community are invited to attend.