Movies in the Park set June 28 at Millstream
Movies in the Park is back! The first movie is on Tuesday, June 28 at Millstream Park. Join the community in the showing of Hotel Transylvannia 2 starting at dusk, around 9 p.m.
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Split water system to resume
Now that a water tower is back in shape, Sauk Rapids plans to switch back to its split water system as early as June 9 and 10. One of them is disinfected with chlorine, the other by chloramine. Most residents will not be impacted at all by the return to the split system. However, people concerned about their fish tanks and those using home kidney dialysis units are advised to visit the City of Sauk Rapids’ website for information and guidance about chlorine and chloramine.. Anyone with questions should call the Sauk Rapids Utility Department at 320-258-5318.
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Free trolley rides Wednesday nights
Thanks to a sponsorship by Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A., the Metro Bus trolley will run every Wednesday night from 5-9:25 p.m. for the Summertime by George! event June 15-Aug. 31. The cost to ride is free.
The trolley will make a loop between downtown and Lake George every 10 minutes, starting at 5 p.m. from the Metro Bus Transit Center, located at 510 1st St. S., St. Cloud. The last departure will leave at 9:25 p.m. from Lake George.
In addition to the Transit Center and Lake George, trolley stops are located near most downtown parking lots, River’s Edge Convention Center and the Paramount Theater. Stops are identified with a special “Summertime by George! Free Trolley” sign.
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Fare for All celebrates 30th anniversary
Fare for All, a food purchase program, will be in St. Joseph next from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, June 13 in Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2. Additional dates are Monday, July 18; Monday, August 15; Monday, September 19; Monday, November 14, and Monday, December 12. All are welcome; there are no requirements to participate.
Fare for All began in Minnesota in 1986 as “Fare Share,” part of a nationwide network of Cooperative Food-Purchasing programs. Ramsey Action Program, a non-profit in St. Paul, started Fare Share to encourage volunteerism and to help stretch food budgets.
The current Fare For All model is a mobile one, with product and staff leaving the warehouse in New Hope and traveling to different communities. It also enables customers to see what they are buying, eliminates having to pre-order and prepay and makes it possible for customers to pay onsite and take their food home on the same day.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the food program: still encouraging volunteerism and still helping stretch food budgets. Fare for All operates sales in 37 locations (including the warehouse in New Hope), averaging two sales every weekday of the month.
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Take a Kid Fishing set June 10-12
Minnesotans can take children 15 or younger fishing without licenses on Friday, June 10-Sunday, June 12 during Take a Kid Fishing Weekend.
“This weekend is a way to introduce a kid to fishing without purchasing a fishing license,” said Jeff Ledermann, angler recruitment, retention and education supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We hope the annual opportunity leads to great memories and sparks kids’ interest in fishing.”
Beginners and even those without fishing gear have abundant opportunities to try fishing in Minnesota. Fishing gear is available to borrow at Minnesota state parks and the DNR’s I Can Fish! program teaches all the basics of fishing and runs throughout the summer at state parks.
Throughout the state, anyone can fish from shore or one of Minnesota’s many fishing piers, which feature nearby parking and have hard surface paths from parking areas. Pier locations are listed at mndnr.gov/fishing_piers.
Metro area shore fishing sites that provide great opportunities to catch fish are listed by county at mndnr.gov/fin. Check the “Places” section on the DNR fishing page at mndnr.gov/fishing for even more ideas about where to fish. Visit mndnr.gov/fishmn to learn about the basics of fishing, explanations of fishing terminology and current fishing regulations.
At state parks, even when it’s not Take a Kid Fishing Weekend, Minnesota residents generally can fish in state parks without a fishing license if the body of water doesn’t require a trout stamp. More information is available at mndnr.gov/state_parks/starter_kit/fishing.html.
For a beginner’s guide to fishing and more, see the DNR’s Take a Kid Fishing page at mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing.
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Summer reading program begins June 13
Great River Regional Library will begin its annual Summer Reading Program for children and teens ages 0-18 on Monday, June 13, continuing through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Two programs are offered, both with the theme “Read For The Win.”
The children’s “Read For The Win” program is for ages 0-12.
The teen “Read For The Win” program is for grades 6 through 12.
The children’s program has two age groups: age 0 to age 3 and age 3 to sixth grade. Families may choose to enroll children ages 3 to 5 in either group.
Children who are 12 may choose to enroll in the children’s program or the teen program.
Children may enroll in only one program. Children sign up for the program at the library. Teens have the option of signing up online at griver.org/teens.
The goal of the Summer Reading Program is to encourage children to read throughout the summer. Children and teens receive a reading record to track their reading activities. They may read as much as they want and complete as many records as they like. Reading records must be completed and returned to the library by the end of the program in order to be eligible for prize drawings.
Numerous studies have shown the importance of summer reading. Children who do not read during the summer not only fail to build reading skills but are likely to lose reading proficiency. This effect has been termed the “summer slide.” The summer slide has cumulative effects over time. It’s estimated summer slide reading loss accounts for two-thirds of the ninth-grade achievement gap in reading between good and poor readers. In contrast, children who do read throughout the summer tend to maintain or even build on their reading skills.
The “Read For The Win” theme was chosen to complement the Olympic competitions taking place this summer. Individual branch libraries across the region will offer fun and educational activities and programs that relate to sports and reading.
Check the events calendar on griver.org to find out about special summer programs at your local library.
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Women’s Fund features Dancing with Our Stars
Dancing with Our Stars, a live event presented by the Women’s Fund 2016, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, June 20. This year’s event will feature a dance competition between six local celebrities who have been paired with a professional partner to face off for the chance to win up to $15,000 for the non-profit program/organization of their choice. Enjoy a casual, fun evening with a “small-plates” buffet and a variety of cocktails and beverages
before the dancing begins. For more information, visit communitygiving.org/WFP.
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Country Manor to host End-of-Life golf tournament
The 14th annual Hometown Classic Golf Tournament, presented by the Country Manor Foundation, will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, June 20 at Blackberry Golf Course in Sartell. Registration and lunch are scheduled from 10-10:45 a.m., the shotgun start is at 11 a.m. and dinner and awards will be held at 4 p.m in the upper level of Blackberry Ridge Club House. Individuals joining for dinner only should arrive at Blackberry Ridge at 4 p.m. During dinner, a short presentation will be held announcing contest and raffle winners. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. This is a fun event for businesses, families and friends. All proceeds will benefit the Country Manor End-of-Life services. For more information, call 320-229-0230 or visit hometowngolfclassic.com.
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Apply now to hunt elk in Minnesota
Hunters have until Friday, June 17 to apply for one of seven elk licenses offered this year by the DNR. The 2016 elk season runs from Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 10-18.
Apply at any DNR license agent, the DNR License Center at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, online or by telephone at 888-665-4236. Hunters may apply individually or in parties of two. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $4 per hunter. License cost is $287.
In addition to managing elk populations through hunting, the DNR continues to track 20 adult female elk that were outfitted with tracking collars in early 2016 for a research project that will enhance knowledge of elk and inform elk management in the future.
More information on elk can be found on the DNR website, including information on hunting and about elk research, history and management.
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United Way volunteer opportunities
Volunteer as family for Day of Action
Make a difference by taking action on Thursday, June 16 at Lake George Municipal Complex. Projects include: Canvas for a Cause, decorating placemats and cards, Storm Drain Stenciling and working in Munsinger Gardens. There is a variety of opportunities and times available. To register, visit unitedwayhelps.org. Contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.
Tents, sleeping bags and tarps needed
Catholic Charities Emergency Services has a high demand this spring for adult sleeping bags, tents and tarps. People experiencing homelessness are seeking shelter. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St Cloud. Contact Chad Kaushagen, Catholic Charities emergency services, at 320-229-4568.
Volunteers sought for Juneteenth Celebration
The 20th Annual Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled from 6- 9 p.m. Friday, June 17 at Riverside Park. Volunteers are needed to help with setup and takedown, clean up, cook, serve food and do many other duties associated with a large-scale community picnic. There are multiple shifts available throughout the day. Contact John of Promise Neighborhood at 320-251-0571 or promiseneighborhoodofcentralmn@gmail.com.
Donate furniture for family in need
No child should sleep on the floor. You can help by donating gently used items to help out a low-income family in need. Items accepted include couches, love seats, lamps, recliners, rockers, kitchen tables and chairs, end tables, night stands, dressers and complete bed sets (no king). Furniture with rips, stains, rust, tears or mold cannot be accepted. Tax receipts and pickup are available. Contact the Community Furniture Program at 320-656-9004.
Lemonade Art Fair needs volunteers
Volunteers are needed for the St. Cloud Granite City days. The Children’s Lemonade Art Fair is scheduled for Thursday, June 23 from 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Two shifts are available for volunteers to assist with children with art-related projects at an outdoor art booth including face painting, murals and other small art projects. Contact Jennifer Wucherer at 320-650-3119.
Run a food drive
Collect food to support children and youth this summer. Suggested items include easy macaroni, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, cereal and more. Drop off food donations during the United Way Day of Action from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, June 16 at Lake George Municipal Complex. Food will be donated to Catholic Charities Emergency Services and the Salvation Army. Contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or Mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.