Halloween party set for PineCone Marketplace
Shoppers will see plenty of little ghouls and goblins Saturday, Oct. 26 at PineCone Markeplace in Sartell.
On that day, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., parents are invited to bring children to a free Halloween party throughout the shopping mall. All businesses will hand out treats to children, who are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes. PineCone Marketplace is located on Pinecone Road S.
NHS students go door to door gathering food shelf items
The Sartell National Honor Society students will go trick-or-treating for canned food items on Saturday, Oct. 26. The students will begin at 6 p.m. making their way through the neighborhoods of Sartell to gather food.
CSB students gather canned goods Oct. 31
The Alpha Kappa Sigma service sorority at the College of St. Benedict is holding a food drive from Oct. 27-31 and will be trick-or-treating Oct. 31 for canned food throughout the St. Joseph community.
Dale Street hosts walk-through haunt
The second annual “Halloween Candy Buy-back” will take place from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at Pediatric Dentistry, 151 19th St. S. in Sartell.
The event includes a candy weigh-in, buy back and lots of door prizes, including an iPad and bike. All candy collected will be sent by Operation Minnesota Nice to military personnel and veterans.
The purpose of the buy-back is to help teach children the value of moderation, especially when it comes to sugar-rich treats, said Dr. David Smith, pediatrician and owner of Sartell Pediatrics PLC in Sartell.
Last year, about 400 families brought 1,400 pounds of candy to the event.
Commissioner sets informal meeting
Stearns County Commissioner Steve Bromenschenkel will host another coffee meeting from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cafe Renaissance in Waite Park.
The commissioner is seeking input on the 2014 budget and levy, which will be developed in time for the December county board meeting. Visitors to the casual meeting are encouraged to bring up any subject or concern for informal one-to-one discussion.
Bromenschenkel is commissioner for District 2, which includes Sartell and St. Joseph.
Those who cannot attend the meeting can contact Bromenschenkel by phone at 320-493-9180 or at mark.bromenshenkel@co.stearns.mn.us.
Library ‘Friends’ to host input meeting
“Friends of the Sartell Library” will host an informal public-input meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Sartell City Hall.
“Friends” are a loosely knit group of Sartell area residents who are working to get a branch of the Great River Regional Library in Sartell or to explore other options for library services in Sartell.
The Nov. 5 meeting will be informal – a chance for people to talk about ideas and options. Everyone of any age is welcome.
‘Mayor for a Day’ essay contest to showcase elementary school students’ ideas
What would you do if you were the mayor of your city for a day? Minnesota elementary school students (ages 7-12) are invited to answer that question as part of an essay contest sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities. The contest is being held to commemorate the League’s centennial year, and four prizes of $100 each will be awarded in two age categories (two winners in each category). Winners will be selected based on creativity, originality and legibility. Winning “Mayor For a Day” entries will be published in a future edition of Minnesota Cities magazine. Completed essays must be postmarked no later than Nov. 1. For more information and an entry form, visit www.lmc.org/mayorforaday.
The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to promoting excellence in local government. The League serves its more than 800 member cities through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management and other services. For more information, visit www.lmc.org.
Applications sought for military service academies
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s office is now accepting applications from Minnesotans interested in attending the nation’s military service academies. Each year, Klobuchar’s office nominates candidates to enroll at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The deadline to submit applications for consideration is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
“Each year it is my honor to nominate some of Minnesota’s most talented and skilled young people for selection to attend our four service academies,” said Klobuchar. “I look forward to helping this year’s applicants as they pursue entry into these distinguished institutions and begin their careers of service to this country.”
To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law. To be considered for a nomination, candidates should have a strong academic background, participation in school and community activities (particularly in leadership positions), a high standard of physical fitness, a desire to be challenged to the fullest and a commitment to serve in the military. You can view specific requirements and download an application at http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/military-academy-nominations.
To be considered for a nomination, send a completed application to 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN, 55415.
For the academy classes entering in the summer of 2014 and graduating in 2018, the deadline for applying is November 1, 2013 at 5 pm CT.
Read Nov. 2 with Blazers Tennis Team
Children ages 3 to 6 are invited to a storytime from 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Al Ringsmuth Public Library in Wait Park. Stories will be read by members of the women’s tennis team from the College of St. Benedict. The attendance limit is 25 and registration is required. For more information, call the library at 320-253-9359.
Here’s how to enter to win $1,000 for your K-12 school and an iPad for the home:
1.) Students bring the Red Ribbon Week® message home by working alongside parents to decorate their front door, mailbox or fence
with a red ribbon and this year’s theme “A Healthy Me Is Drug Free.”
2.) Take a photo with the family and your Red Ribbon Week decoration, then upload to redribbon.org/contest by Nov. 4. (must be 18+ to upload your photos).
3.) The voting begins! Ask your family and friends to vote for your entry at redribbon.org/vote Nov. 5-19.
The nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign reaches more than 80 million people nationwide
The DEA is co-sponsoring this year’s national contest. “DEA is excited to partner with the National Family Partnership on this contest that empowers communities to come together to talk about the drug problem,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “Red Ribbon Week is also when we honor DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”
Adds the NFP’s Peggy Sapp: “Take the Red Ribbon Week pledge across America to help children grow up safe, healthy and drug free.” Visit redribbon.org/contest for contest information.
About the NFP and Red Ribbon Week®
The NFP was established in 1980, and is a national leader in drug prevention, education and advocacy. Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. Red Ribbon Week® is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, reaching 80 million people. NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena.
United Way volunteer opportunities
Share the holiday spirit
Catholic Charities Share the Spirit program is looking for people to adopt families this Christmas. It may seem early, but the earlier those who wish to adopt a family sign up, the more families can be adopted through the program. Catholic Charities Share the Spirit program matches individuals, families or groups wanting to provide gifts and food to families in need. Each donor is given information and a holiday wish list for a family. The recipient families are referred by local human service agencies, and confidentiality for both donors and recipient families is respected. The gifts are to be dropped off at the St. Cloud Armory in advance. Contact Catholic Charities Share the Spirit program at 320-650-1654.
Donations needed for mothers, babies
New Beginnings is a home for single pregnant women and their babies. Their mission is to provide a safe, secure residence for the women and babies while fostering self-esteem, educational growth and skills of living, parenting and decision-making. New Beginnings is in need of the following donations: diapers sizes 2-6 and baby wipes, new baby clothes (sizes preemie to 2T), toys (ages newborn to 2 years old) and other baby products. Donations can be dropped off at any time. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Contact New Beginnings at 320-255-1252.
Tutor students who are homeless
St. Cloud School District 742 and the Boys and Girls Club are working together to provide tutoring for homeless students in District 742. Volunteers will work with students who are facing homelessness and need academic support. Tutor Kindergarten through fifth-grade students at the three Boys and Girls Club locations including Southside, Eastside and Roosevelt as well as in District 742 Schools. Volunteers will receive instructional materials and coordination from a District 742 teacher. Volunteers must have a strong interest in working with students and abide by policies including program rules and procedures. Contact Volunteer Services at 320- 529-6500 x6268 or visit volunteer@isd742.org.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota
The Boys and Girls Club can always use volunteers at any of their 16 sites. Whether you’re interested in playing basketball with teens, reading to a child or doing paperwork in the administrative office, they can use you. Just go online and fill out a Volunteer Application Form. Contact Boys and Girls Club at 320-252-7616 or visit www.bgcmn.org.
Help refugees and immigrant newcomers
Hands Across the World is a nonprofit organization that provides classroom instruction in ESL and other skills to refugee and immigrant newcomers to St. Cloud. We need five-10 tutors to help our students learn to use computers for work and fun. Working one-on-one with students, tutors will assist them in setting up email accounts, using Microsoft Word and Excel, using templates to write letters and navigating the internet. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in meeting and working with people from other cultures. Volunteers should have a good working knowledge of basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and the internet. Classes will take place on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mary Center. Contact Hands Across the World at 320-260-10721.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way community volunteer coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.