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 | | Volunteers pack the first Packing for the Weekend Bags in Lake City |
Lake City Doesn't Take No For an Answer
It started last fall with a United Way listening session in Lake City, when a group of concerned citizens met for lunch and sharing. They talked about what was great about their community and where they felt they needed help. Something they all agreed on was hunger becoming an issue for too many children in Lake City.Once that subject came up, there was no slowing them down. Someone mentioned the Packing for the Weekend Program and they were off and running.
Deb and Tammy from Horizon Milling got busy and raised funds through their United Way Drive and from the Cargill Foundation. Pastor Kristine from United Methodist Church talked to local grocery stores, convincing them to accept milk and bread vouchers. Both Fiesta Foods and KwikTrip readily agreed.
A small group of people met with school district administrators and they said..... "no thank you".
What?
"Any time an opportunity comes up to assist our students and families, our first desire is do our best to support and accommodate the opportunity. However, sometimes the school system is not necessarily in the position to take on the responsibility but may be in the position to help connect people with support services,"
Well, okay, accepted.
This may have meant a no-go to the whole project to some, but to this group it was only a set back. They regrouped and kept charging forward. The school district agreed to send the letters to all families explaining the program. Volunteers followed up with families and Pastor Kristine took the letters to other churches in town and collected parent signatures from families she knew were in need of the program.
Laura Huffman was recruited as coordinator, volunteers began calling, food was ordered and last Thursday the first bags were packed. "There were smiles all around the table as each volunteer took turns packing a bag. They know the need is out there and were committed to do what they can to help." said Tonya Roth, of the United Way.
Roth added "The Lake City site currently serves 13 families which include 31 children. We anticipate this number to grow in the next few weeks as word about the program spreads."
As of today the United Way office has five more families interested in the program. This group of caring people, who wouldn't let the word "no" stop them are working to feed hungry children in Lake City.
As one of my favorite bloggers, Seth Godin recently wrote "No" keeps losing. We live in a world of yes, where possibility and innovation and the willingness to care often triumph over the masses that would rather it all just quieted down and went back to normal.
Yes is the new normal. And just in time." I couldn't have said it any better.
Maureen Nelson
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SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH OTHERS
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 Listen, Act, and Live! Three words that could save your life during Tornado Season
May 22, 2011 one of the deadliest tornados in U.S. history struck Joplin, Missouri directly killing 161 people and injuring over 1,000. The massive EF-5 tornado, with winds over 200 mph, hit the city of more than 50,000.
Despite the tornado warnings why were there so many deaths?
A National Weather Service study on the Joplin tornado reveals important lessons learned:
* A majority of residents did not immediately seek shelter when tornado warnings were issued. * People needed between two and nine warnings to take action and seek shelter. For example, if they heard the sirens going off they would look in the sky, then go to a TV to get information and then call a friend, etc. * The time it took between those warnings and seeking shelter cost lives What can you do? SE MN VOAD urges everyone to Listen, Act, and Live! Listen: When severe weather is possible (Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch issued) pick a credible source of information and keep in touch with that source until the danger has past. One of the best tools is a NOAA Weather Radio (also know as an Emergency Weather Radio).
Act: When you hear a tornado warning (Tornado siren alerts, tornado seen by spotters or detected on radar) seek the best shelter you can find immediately. Don't waste time checking multiple sources of information. You may have only seconds to find a safe place.
Live: Your chances of survival multiply. Hopefully the storm will pass with no damage. But don't risk your life on a hope. |
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Red Wing 20/20 Public Meetings
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Later this month, Mayor Egan will convene the new Red Wing 20/20 group at a meeting hosted by Red Wing Shoe. The mayor will introduce the new Red Wing 20/20 organization, discuss the vision and ask for input on several important community issues. 2012 Red Wing 20/20 members include: Rich Bodentsteiner, Patty Brown, Kevin Coplan, Pam Gorman, Jan Graner, Scott Jones, Jim Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Don Kliewer, Kay Kuhlmann, Dave Murphy, Neela Mollgaard, Maggie Paynter, Mark Poss, Scott Wordelman.
The Red Wing 20/20 Executive Committee continues to meet monthly to develop direction and vision to move forward Red Wing 20/20 initiatives. This group is also collaborating with the Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing Chamber and other organizations to host quarterly community forums on important topics. These meetings are open to the public.
Upcoming Red Wing community forums:
Thurs. April 12, 2012. 5 - 7pm. Red Wing Public Library. An update on the Red Wing bridge.The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, the State of Wisconsin and the City of Red Wing, has initiated the Red Wing Bridge Project. The Project includes the Highway 63 (Eisenhower)
Bridge over the Mississippi River and the Highway 63 Bridge over Highway 61, as well as the highway connections to Highway 61, Minnesota Highway 58 and approach roadways in Wisconsin. MnDOT is currently in the preliminary design phase, which includes gathering data and reviewing options to determine if the bridges should be rehabilitated or replaced. Final design is scheduled to be completed between 2014 and 2017. Construction is proposed for summer 2018.
The business community and general public are invited to attend an informational meeting with MnDOT staff, consultants and local representatives to introduce the project, answer questions and receive comments and input. A short presentation will be given at 5:30PM. This meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the project, the process, key issues, provide feedback and get involved. For more information about the Bridge Project, contact Chad Hanson at chad.hanson@state.mn.us or call 507-286-7637.
Tues., June 12, 2012. 4 - 6pm. Sheldon Theatre.
Community conversation on local option sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase beginning at 4pm with program presentation from 4:30 - 5:30pm
Our community is at a critical crossroads. The local area economy has shown a mixed experience in the face of a very difficult economy. Manufacturing and service industries appear somewhat stable and in some cases have expanded. On the other hand, the retail markets have struggled. Community investments that promote a welcoming business environment; that support the business community; that create economic development and economic opportunity; and that make our community attractive to a retail and tourism market are critical. Shrinking revenues make it difficult for the community to make strategic public investments that promote enhanced economic opportunities and invest in our future prosperity.
One option for investing in our community's future, and promoting economic development and opportunities is to strategically invest in publically owned assets by establishing a ½ cent local sales tax. Representatives from the City of Red Wing Revenue Committee will give a presentation on the local option sales tax and ask for your input and feedback.
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Wish List
Healthy Snacks
(except Granola Bars - We have plenty)
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Cannon Falls
Omelet Breakfast
Join the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 142. You select the ingredients and let them prepare your meal.
All proceeds go to building of the Veteran's Memorial
8-noon
Cost $9 Adults
$4 for children 12 & under
American Legion / VFW Post Home
Cannon Falls
27th Annual
Celebrity Night
Presented by the Auxiliary Volunteers of Mayo Clinic Health System. Proceeds go to special hospital equipment and furniture for patients treatment and comfort.
Tickets
$10 at door
$8 Seniors
Children 5 & under free
Cannon Falls High School
3pm coffee
4pm Performances
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Lake City
Fri. April 13th
Lake City's Got Talent
The Auxiliary at Mayo Clinic Health System presents a Variety Show featuring local talent. All proceeds will benefit Life Matters Here and will be used to purchase patio furniture for the Care Center.
7pm
Lincoln High School Auditorium
Lake City
Tickets
Adults $8
12 & Under $4
At the Door
Adults $10
12 & under $5
Sat. April 28th
Girls Day Out
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Collect 5 stamps from participating merchants, then register for our Gift bag give-away , valued at over $900. Every participant receives a FREE Pearl of the LAke Paddle Boat ride ticket
Taste of Lake City
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sample local cuisine from participating restaurants and businesses.
Tickets $8
available at
Lake City Chamber
Lake City Dairy Queen
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RED WING
Thurs. April 12th
Red Wing 20/20
Community Forum
5-7pm
RW Public Library
Foot Room
See article in this newsletter for more information.
Fri., April 13th
Brown Bag Lunch
Panel & Community Discussion
about Child Abuse
and Sexual Assault in our community
11:30 am- 12:30 pm
This event will be held in the Community Room at the Red Wing Public Library.
Topics will include:
Creating awareness about sexual assault and child abuse in our community, current prevention strategies, barriers to creating a healthy and safe community, and ideas for the future.
This event is co-sponsored by HOPE Coalition and SARA in honor of April being Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
FREE, bring your own bag lunch!
Sat. April 21st
Walk a Mile in her Shoes
9:30am
Central Park, Red Wing
International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violations
To register of form a team
Contact Katherine at 651-388-9360 ex 15
or sara-agency@hotmail.com
Wed., April 18th
12th Annual Candlelight Vigil
for those affected by child abuse
6:30-8:30 pm
Hovda Auditorium, Red Wing High School
This year's theme is "Making a Change." Program will include:
*testimonies from local children affected by child abuse
*Performance by the "Soul of Red Wing" choir
*Songs and Poems by Kids Count youth
*Candle lighting and Safe Person ceremony
**Please note that the new location for this event**
This event is FREE and open to the community.
No RSVP's are required.
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2012
CHILI COOK OFF
Thursday,
Sept 27th, 2012
| Watch
for Updates Here
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| | | United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce Counties reserves the right to print material it deems appropriate and of interest to our readers. We may promote fund raisers, benefits and promotions for non-profit organizations working with people in our service area. All submissions should be sent to maureen.nelson@uw-gwp.org for consideration. Editing for size may occur in articles chosen to be printed. |
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