SWAT team to practice training at Army Reserve Center
The SWAT team will participate in local training exercises on Friday, May 13 at the Army Reserve Center located in St. Joseph. The Army Reserve, Stearns County Sheriff’s office, and Waite Park and St. Joseph Police will also be present during the training period.
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City seeks volunteer for Planning Commission
The City of Sartell is accepting applications for a volunteer to serve as a Planning Commission member. The commission consists of five Sartell residents appointed by the city council which meet monthly (first Monday of every month) or as needed. The commission serves as an advisory board to the city council and provides recommendations to the council on the physical development of the municipality, and considers and makes recommendations on land-use and zoning matters. Member terms are three years, with the ability to be re-appointed for an additional two terms. Deadline to apply is noon Friday, May 27. The council will interview candidates from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, June 7, 8 or 9 with formal council approval Monday, June 13. Applications can be obtained by visiting the city’s website at www.sartellmn.com under e-forms or by stopping at city hall.
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VA Health Care seeks youth volunteers
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is seeking youth to participate in its Summer Student Volunteer Program.
The experience is open to anyone 13 years and older who has parental/guardian consent, completes an application package and can commit to a minimum of four hours per week.
The program enables students to serve veterans while building new skills, making new friends and creating a lasting contribution in their community. Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience for college and future careers; scholarship potential exists for some volunteers who qualify.
A diverse array of volunteer assignments is available in areas including but not limited to escort service, pharmacy, recreation therapy, music therapy, and entertainment and companion services.
To obtain an application package or for more information, contact St. Cloud VA Health Care System Voluntary Service at 320-255-6365 or [email protected].
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Heart Center offers outpatient nicotine dependence program
The next session of the Outpatient Nicotine Dependence Program begins May 26 and runs for five consecutive Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center at the St. Cloud Hospital. Deadline to register is Thursday, May 19. Find success through the program’s personalized treatment, support group, medication therapy, relapse prevention and self-help plan. If you are interested in individual counseling or registering for the group sessions, call 320-251-2700, ext. 57448.
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Bishop Kettler to celebrate Blue Mass
Bishop Donald Kettler will offer a special “Blue Mass” to honor first-responders and other emergency personnel at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 25 Eighth Ave. S., in St. Cloud. A light reception will follow. Members of the Melrose Fire Department will serve as gift bearers at the Mass. Members of the St. John’s Abbey Fire Department and the St. Cloud Fire and Police Pipe and Drum Corps will also participate.
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State parks make fishing more accessible
The fishing opener is quickly approaching and Minnesota state parks make it easy for all residents to participate in the fun. Any state resident who wants to participate in that annual rite of spring can now do so easily and for free at most state parks and recreation areas.
Minnesota residents do not need a license when shore-fishing at most lakes within the state parks. A change in state law, which went into effect in July 2009, made the free fishing possible. Other rules and regulations apply, such as the legal limit of fish that can be caught. Details, including a map showing where to find the free fishing opportunities, can be found online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fishing.html.
For tips on fishing with families and a list of 10 parks with especially good fishing opportunities, visit mndnr.gov or call the DNR Information Center, 651-296-6157, 888-646-6367, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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City of Sauk Rapids switches water systems
As of May 10, the city of Sauk Rapids has switched from two different water systems – one free chlorine system and one chloramine system – to an entirely chloramine system due to maintenance and repairs. Most residents should not expect to be impacted by switching water supply sources.
People with fish tanks and people using home kidney-dialysis units are advised to visit the city of Sauk Rapids website for further information and guidance. The city will announce when the supply system will be switched back in approximately six weeks.
If you have any questions, please call the Sauk Rapids Utility Department at 320-258-5318.
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United Way volunteer opportunities
Hands Across the World seeks volunteers
Hands Across the World is seeking volunteers who want to work with Immigrants/Refugees Youth k-12th grade. Volunteers would help with group activities such as working on a children’s choir that connects children of different faith in the community, creating beautiful mosaics and setting up a soccer event. The summer program runs from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday, June 16-Aug. 15. Contact Brianda Cediel of Hands Across the World at 320-260-1072 or [email protected].
Volunteer wanted to answer phones
St. Croix Hospice is seeking an administrative volunteer to assist with answering phones and other administrative duties for approximately four hours one day a week. Contact Jen Lahmann of St. Croix Hospice at 320-249-3351.
Book Cart volunteer wanted
Country Manor Campus seeks someone to bring the book cart around on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The facility has an abundance of books for residents to choose from; if the cart does not have something they are looking for, they can take requests and get those books from the library. Contact Caitlin Tierney at Country Manor Campus at 320-253-1920 or [email protected].
Hospital seeks student volunteers
The Student Serve-and-Learn Program is looking for volunteers to contribute to the patient and guest experience while learning about the health-care environment and careers in health care. Participants act as ambassadors for the hospital/clinic, representing it as a warm and caring environment while assisting staff with a variety of needs. Responsibilities include transporting patients in wheelchairs, escorting guests, reception duties, clerical projects, delivering flowers and snacks, leading group activities and more. This opportunity is for students ages 14 or older. Summer student-volunteer sessions offer a unique opportunity for a condensed and meaningful healthcare volunteer experience. Volunteer four hours each day Monday through Friday for a total of 80+ hours. Volunteer shifts are 8 a.m.–noon and noon-4 p.m., with limited 4-8 p.m. shifts.
Sessions include Session 1: June 6-July 1 (Application deadline May 20); Session 2: July 5-29 (Application deadline June 16); and Session 3: Aug. 1-26 (Application deadline July 14).
*unless sessions fill up sooner
Contact CentraCare Health Volunteer Services at 320-255-5638 or visit www.centracare.com/volunteer to learn more.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or [email protected].