Hot off the press
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Newsleader closed Dec. 23-27
The Newsleader office will be closed Dec. 23-27. A Dec. 27 edition will not be published. The office will reopen on Dec. 30 and will resume weekly publications beginning Jan. 3. Deadline for the Jan. 3 edition is Monday, Dec. 30.
Farmers’ market hosts holiday activities Dec. 20
The St. Joseph Winter Farmers’ Market hosts folk singer, songwriter Cathie English on Friday, Dec. 20. Decorate a natural ornament at the “Kids Kraft” table with Lisa Wallin. Shop the market for local goods for your last-minute gifts – maple syrup, honey, candles, soaps, popcorn, herbal tea, preserved goods, massage oils, candies, artisan bread, holiday cookies, eggs, produce from storage and much more – available for your holiday celebration. Market is open from 3-6 p.m. and is located in Resurrection Lutheran Church fellowship hall, 610 N. CR 2.
Community Ed offers swim instructor course
Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education is offering the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course for those 16 years old and older from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 at the Sartell Middle School. This is the Red Cross certification to become a swim instructor. Participants must attend all three class dates to be certified. Please call Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education at 320-253-4036 for more information and to register.
Charity Challenge matches up to $75,000 for food shelves
The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation recently announced a 50-percent increase in the annual Charity Challenge match for local food shelves to help more people in need this holiday season.
“This is our opportunity as a community to come together, help those in need and have a multiplier effect this holiday season,” CMCF President Steve Joul said. “Every dollar gets doubled by the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and then nearly tripled by the food shelves because of their buying power.”
The Skalicky Foundation will match every dollar donated to three area food shelves up to $75,000 this holiday season. Typically, the holidays put additional financial strain on many households, and the economic conditions continue to put additional stress on families throughout the community.
“We have families who are depending on the food shelves for not only their Thanksgiving meals, but their regular meals,” said Norm Skalicky, CEO of Stearns Bank, who established the Skalicky Foundation. “The need is great, but I know the generosity of our community is even greater.”
A reduction in the food stamp program that went into effect earlier this month is compounding the need. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 previously had provided additional dollars for the program. The change means a family of four with food stamps will receive $36 less a month.
The increase in giving follows a record response from the local community. Last year, the Charity Challenge raised $175,000 and surpassed $1.1 million raised during the past 12 years.
Donations for the Charity Challenge need to be received by Dec. 31. Contributions should be sent directly to any of the following eligible food shelves to the attention of “Food Shelf Charity Challenge”:
- Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 2390, St. Cloud, Minn. 56302 or online at www.ccstcloud.org
- St. Cloud Salvation Army, 400 U.S. Hwy. 10 S., St. Cloud, Minn. 56304 or online at www.salvationarmynorth.org/community/st-cloud
- St. Joseph Community Food Shelf, P.O. Box 384, St. Joseph, Minn. 56374
The Skalicky Foundation donates to charities and has challenged communities with fund-raising matching campaigns for worldwide, national and community disasters and needs.
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation, based in St. Cloud, is a public charity that administers more than 550 charitable funds totaling more than $80 million for the benefit of local residents. CMCF has been engaging people and connecting resources to build a better community since 1985. CMCF deepens its community impact through its affiliates, Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and Willmar Area Community Foundation, as well as its supporting organization the Minnesota Real Estate Foundation. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org.
“We are presently $30,000 behind the same time last year and our toy supply is less than last year as well,” said Major Lee Morrison, lead officer at the St. Cloud area Salvation Army.
Some stores have allowed bellringers inside with a quiet bell to at least get bellringers out of the cold weather. The money raised during the month of December will be used to provide new toys to an anticipated 1,000 children in the St. Cloud area as well as Christmas dinner.
The bell-ringing campaign is the Army’s biggest fundraiser and it also supports the 69-bed shelter, food pantry, community meals and other year-around programs.
“Our shelter is full and we have 18 children who are shelter residents.” Morrison said. It’s tough to see children living in our shelter and we hope to make this a special time for them. “Everyone deserves a second chance, but these kids haven’t had their first chance yet.”
Donations can be made at one of 23 kettle locations or dropped off at 400 S. Hwy. 10, St. Cloud.
Volunteer bellringers are still needed and can call Shannon at 320-257-7425. There are some indoor sites available. Bellringers can sign up for a shift of two hours or more and families, clubs and church groups are encouraged to volunteer.
Tales of the Carols set Dec. 20
“Tales Of The Carols,” two musicians who will play music and share the stories behind many beloved holiday songs, will be held from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at the Al Ringsmuth Public Library, Waite Park. The program will be presented by orchestral musicians Carrie Vecchione and Rolf Erdahl who play the oboe and bass. They are professional music educators, and as a duo they perform as Pages of Music. Everyone is welcome. The event is funded in part with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 320-253-9359.
United Way volunteer opportunities
Junior Achievement seeks volunteers
Each year, Junior Achievement in the St. Cloud area partners with community volunteers to deliver programs to more than 28 local schools in 275 classrooms. By sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills, volunteers help students make the connection between what they are learning in school and what they will need to succeed in work and life. The time commitment is minimal, scheduling is flexible and training is provided. Depending on the age of the students, volunteers make between five-seven visits to their classroom. Each visit lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Volunteers select a local classroom in which they want to work and are provided a packet of materials, which contains detailed lesson plans and hands-on activities to engage the students. As a volunteer you will help local students learn the value of controlling their own financial future, while they acquire the important life skills of communication, teamwork, critical thinking and decision making. Contact Ileana Merten or Sara Freeman at 320-345-0499 or Ileana@jaum.org or sara@jaum.org.
Donations for Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is in need of donations for the holiday season. Needs include: personal-care items, new toys, children’s coats, boots, food donations, new socks/underwear (all sizes), gift cards for teens and extra large coats for men and women. Contact Kathryn, Catholic Charities Emergency Services, at 320-229-4560.
Tutors urgently needed in St. Cloud schools
Become a tutor! Minnesota Math Corp is recruiting full- and part-time math tutors at Kennedy, Discovery and Oak Hill community schools, North Junior High, and Lincoln, Talahi and Westwood elementary schools. Math tutors commit to one year of AmeriCorps service. They are parents, grandparents, recent college graduates, mid-career professionals and retirees who may want to get more involved in school, explore a new career in education, re-enter the workforce or give back to their community. Math Corps trains tutors prior to service. Benefits of serving include: training and coaching in research-based math practice strategies; impacting the lives of students who need extra support to become proficient in math; biweekly living allowance of about $500 (for full-time) and education award of up to $5,550. Apply for 2013-14 positions that begin immediately. For more information and to apply, visit www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org.
Hospice
Hospice volunteers are an instrumental part of the hospice team. They provide emotional support and practical assistance, which enhances the comfort and quality of life of hospice patients, their families and loved ones. 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 opportunity; allowing family members to take time for themselves. 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. 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. Contact Jackie Cvancara, Hospice volunteer coordinator, at 320-240-3276 or cvancaraj@centracare.com.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way Community volunteer coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.