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SRTS  
 August/2012

Greetings!   

 

A HALF FULL GLASS - MINNESOTA ESTABLISHES BUT DOES NOT FUND A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM

  

The Minnesota Legislature has created a Safe Routes to School Program for the state but fell short when it came to funding the program.
 

Supporters of the program say they will work over the next six months to convince the governor's office to request funding for Safe Routes to School in his budget and to build legislative support for the program.
 

Safe Routes to School creates safe and convenient opportunities for children and youth to bicycle and walk to and from schools. The program is designed to reverse the decline in children walking and bicycling to schools. Safe Routes to School can also play a critical role in reversing the alarming nationwide trend toward childhood obesity and inactivity.
 

Under the program, projects that would be eligible for funds include pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, traffic diversion improvements near schools, sidewalks, and other infrastructure to help enhance the safety of those who walk and bike.
 

One of the arguments in favor of creating and funding a Safe Routes to School program for the state is because the existing federal program inadequately funds the needs of Minnesota's schools to create safer routes for children. In the 2011 funding cycle, only 16 of the 82 applications from Minnesota schools were awarded funding. In addition, the federal program provides no funds directed toward high schools - a key age group for biking and walking to school.
 

The effort to establish a Safe Routes to School program for Minnesota is supported by 30 organizations, including BLEND. 
  

Establishing the Minnesota SRTS program was a great first step, but now the program needs to be funded in order to be effective.  The Governor is working on preparing his biennium budget right now.  Ask Governor Dayton to fund the state's Safe Routes to School program.   
 

Take action today!    

BLEND Blog Posts

[Guest Post] Family Track Meet at Apollo High School!

With the track and field events starting soon at the 2012 Summer Olympics, I am getting excited because it is my favorite part of the Summer Olympics!  Read more!

 

[Guest Post] BBQ Bliss - NuVal and the Grill

One of my favorite parts of summer would have to be outdoor cooking. Ok, to be honest, it is outdoor EATING. In either case, the grill is the star of the show. Read the entire post!

 

[Guest Post] NuVal Spokesmom - Kelly Radi! 

I am a Minnesota mom who likes to cook and loves to eat.  I am passionate about food, good nutrition and feeding my family.  I'm not a registered dietician or a gourmet chef.  Read blog here!

Events

Sat, August 11, 2012:  Anderson Trucking, Inc. Family Field Day!

A BLEND Fit Kids Club Series Event!

Join us for the next Bernick's Family Fitness Series event presented by the Y! This is a family-friendly track and field event for all ages and skill levels! Click here to learn more and to register! 

 

Sat. August 11, 2012: Take a Day OFF (Outdoor Family Fun) on the Mississippi River!

Join us for a day of fun and adventure on the Mississippi River!  We're participating in a great FREE event on the shores of the Mississippi in August, to encourage people to learn about, and enjoy, this famous river in our community, and we hope you'll join us. You don't need to drive far, spend a lot of money, or bring any special equipment to have a great day of outdoor family fun. View flyer, here! Learn more!

  

Sat. August 11, 2012: Community Garden Day!

Community gardens across MN will host neighborhood celebrations for the public. Community Garden Day is a way to learn directly from community gardeners about these spaces & get to know your community a little better in the process! There are more than 50 Community Gardens across the State of MN! View flyer to find a participating garden near you.
 

Sat. August 28, 2012: Brainered Kiwanis Kids Triathlon

A BLEND Fit Kids Club Series Event!

The Brainerd Kiwanis Club is again hosting a youth triathlon at Whipple Beach, in Baxter, MN. The wide sand beach, protected swim area, and quiet, dead-end residential roads will create a fun and safe venue for beginner and experienced youth triathletes alike.  Learn more here!

 

Fri, September 7, 2012: GraniteKids Fun Run

A BLEND Fit Kids Club Series Event!

North Crest Kids Activity Center, Inc. is  proud to bring to you the Granite Kids Fun Run and Kids Fitness Expo. This event is open to kids ages 3 to 14. There will be age appropriate distances for each age groups. Runners will start and finish at North Crest Kids Activity Center in Sauk Rapids, MN.   Learn more here!  

 

Sat. September 15, 2012: Dash for Dad

A BLEND Fit Kids Club Series Event!

Bring the whole family to the St. Cloud Dash For Dad 5K chip-timed race, Kids 1K, and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk.  Competitors from across the state are invited to pick up the pace against prostate cancer.  To learn more and to register, click here!

  

Go to the BLEND Calendar to see more events.  Check out the events coming up this fall!  The Minser Chiropractic 5K and 1K Run, Sneakers and Wheel Run/Walk/Roll, Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis, and the Spooky Sprint 5K and Kids Dash!       

Take Action Today - Support SRTS in MN!

Jodi Gertken- Program Coordinator

Kathy Geislinger - Program Specialist

 

BLEND - CentraCare Health Foundation