July 19

Summer Gardens Tour set Saturday, Sunday

The Summer Gardens Tour, cosponsored by Thomsen’s Greenhouse and Garden Center and Avon Area Arts, will be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 20 and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Tickets for the self-guided tour can be purchased at the Local Blend or Thomsens in St. Joseph, Aunt Annie’s Quilts and Silks or Green Ambiance in Avon, Byerly’s in St. Cloud, and Wild Bird Center in Waite Park,. The day includes a reception with music and refreshments from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Thomsen’s. All proceeds from the Summer Gardens Tour flow directly to Avon Area Arts, a 501C3 non-profit organization, to assist in operational costs, scholarships and stipends to artists, and to encourage and nurture the creative spirit in and around the Avon area. For more information, visit www.avonareaarts.org.

National Night Out set Aug.6

The 30th annual National Night Out will be held from 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Police are inviting all neighborhoods to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the event, which is designed to do the following: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Police are asking residents lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods will host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, flashlight walks, contests and youth activities.

For Sartell: Contact Officer Rob Lyon at 320-251-8186 if your neighborhood would like to participate.

For St. Joseph: Call 320-229-9426 if your neighborhood would like to participate.

WACOSA to benefit from Rox game

The Farm Service Agency is looking for candidates for the farmer-elected County Committee election this fall and is especially interested in identifying people who have not been active participants with FSA in the past.

The 2013 Stearns County FSA election will be held in Local Administrative Area No. 1, which includes the following townships: Brockway, Collegeville, Fairhaven, LeSauk, Lynden, Luxemburg, Maine Prairie, Rockville, St. Augusta, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, St. Wendel and Wakefield.

FSA wants to include farmers in non-traditional operations and people whose livelihoods are made by farming. All eligible voters in LAA No. 1 may nominate candidates of their choice by completing a nomination petition  and returning it to the Stearns County FSA Office by Aug. 1.

For further information, contact the Stearns County FSA Office at 320-251-7800, ext. 2.

Volunteers needed to grocery shop and run errands

Volunteers are matched with older adults needing help with grocery shopping or running errands. Sometimes the person may only need a ride to the store because they cannot drive. In other cases, job duties may include assisting with making a shopping list, transportation to the store of their choice, help with the actual shopping, (reading labels, getting items off of shelves) carrying the groceries in and putting them away. Some requests are for shoppers to shop for the individual rather than accompanying them to the store. Drivers must be 21, have a reliable car, provide proof of insurance and a good driving history. The Great River Area Faith in Action, St. Cloud program serves people in St Cloud, Waite Park, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Rice. Contact Cherise Robb, Great River Area Faith in Action, at 320-258-8678.

Help needed at community  lunch

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help in the dish room and clean up after their community lunch. Volunteers are needed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and the hours can be flexible. One day or more would be great. Contact Barb Nelson, Salvation Army, at 320-257-7435.

Hospice volunteers needed

Hospice volunteers provide emotional support and practical assistance, which enhances the comfort and quality of life of hospice patients, their families and loved ones. Due to the intensity of training and orientation, as well as nature of working with people at the end of life, we ask volunteers commit to volunteering with our program for a minimum of one year. Hospice volunteers may be utilized in many ways, including supportive listening, assisting with social activities, providing supportive services such as shopping and transportation, and assistance in the bereavement process. Respite care is an important volunteer function, allowing family members to take time for them. Volunteer coordinators work closely with families and patients to match their specific needs with volunteer services. St. Cloud Hospital Hospice Program provides services to patients and families living within a 45-mile radius of St. Cloud. Contact Jackie Cvancara, St. Cloud Hospital Hospice Program, at 320-229-3276 or e-mail cvancaraj@centracare.com.

Link to Life –St. Cloud Hospital

Independence, health and safety at home are important priorities for people of all ages. Whether you are a family member worried about a loved one who is alone at home or are concerned about being alone at home, St. Cloud Hospital Link to Life, formerly known as Lifeline, can provide peace of mind and comfort that help is instantly available. Volunteers are needed to assist Link to Life Department by delivering and installing Link to Life units in subscriber’s home. Requirements include a valid Minnesota driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage, and technical qualifications for troubleshooting telephone and electrical problems. Contact St. Cloud Hospital Volunteer Services at 320-255-5638.