Avian influenza meeting to be held in Melrose
Stearns County is holding a community meeting next week to discuss the avian influenza event. The meeting will be held Tuesday, June 2 from 2–6 p.m. at the Melrose City Center, 225 1st St. NE, Melrose. The meeting is open to anyone, but those impacted in any way by the situation – poultry producers, truckers, related business owners or workers, friends, family, neighbors – are strongly encouraged to attend. This meeting will also provide an opportunity for community support and give those impacted a chance to converse with others in the same situation and to help each other. People can stop by at anytime; presentations will be done periodically, but all agencies will have staff on hand for one-on-one discussion.
Local agencies apply for grant, ask for comments
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Cloud Police Department have been invited to apply for a Justice Assistance Grant to share in the amount of $28,911.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office intends on purchasing audio and video equipment to upgrade the agencies interview rooms.
The St. Cloud Police Department intends on purchasing a computerized fingerprint collection system and crime prevention educational materials.
Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the grant to: [email protected]
United Way volunteer opportunities
Be a Big Brother
Want to Change a life? Big Brothers Big Sisters are looking for men that would like to hang out with a youth ages 5-14 years old only three to four times a month for 12 months! You can make great memories sharing hobbies and interests. Their male youth typically wait 12- 18 month for a mentor! Please consider coming to a one hour informational session. Contact Rachel, Big Brothers Big Sisters at (320) 258-4537 or [email protected]
Volunteer for the MN Senior Games in St. Cloud ~ May 28-31, 2015
Over 500 athletes 50 years of age and older will compete in 20+ different sports! Dedicated volunteers will be needed at a variety of events during the games. Each volunteer shift will run approximately 3-4 hours. Positions include athlete check in, scorekeeping, staff assistant, hospitality, etc. Each volunteer will receive a MN Senior Games T-shirt and volunteers who sign-up for two or more shifts will be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Visit MNSeniorGames.com to register! Contact Jennifer Wucherer, RSVP Program Coordinator at 320.650.3119 for more information.
Transportation Volunteer for the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Why not volunteer to help Veterans at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center! Drive a VA vehicle to bring veterans to their appointments at the medical center. Another opportunity is to drive a golf cart to deliver veterans and supplies across the campus. All volunteers must complete an application, participate in an interview and successfully complete a background check. Physical exam and additional training require. Contact Volunteer Service at (320) 255-6365 to receive an application.
Spring is here! Plant an extra row for the food shelf
Consider planting an extra row in your garden and donating the produce to your local food shelf. Favorites include carrots, beans, beets, kohlrabi, corn, potatoes, cabbage, peppers, onions and asparagus. Any produce that has a longer shelf life is accepted. This is an easy way to help our food shelves during the summer and fall. Contact Catholic Charities Emergency Services at 320-229-4560 or The Salvation Army at 320-252-4552.
Foster Grandparents Needed to Mentor Our Youth
January is National Mentoring Month, and the Foster Grandparent Program needs mentors for youth in our community! Currently there are openings at elementary schools in District 742 and Paynesville, Journey Home daycare (working with infants and toddlers), the St. Cloud Children’s Home (working with teens), and several after-school programs. Foster Grandparent volunteers might help students with a reading assignment, work with a small group on a craft, or help kids cook an evening meal. Adults age 55 and better will receive an hourly tax-free stipend ($2.65) for volunteering 15 hours per week (or more if they wish) helping children with activities, reinforcing learning, and more. This is a great opportunity if you have time to spare, love to be with children, and could use some extra non-taxable income. Contact Emily, Catholic Charities at (320) 229-4597.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at (320) 223-7991 or [email protected]
Apply now to hunt elk in Minnesota
Hunters have until Friday, June 12 to apply for one of seven elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Hunters interested in applying for a license can find maps of the two hunting zones and other pertinent information on the DNR website. Elk licenses will be available in Kittson County’s central and northeast zones, while the Grygla area will be closed to enable that area’s elk population to rebuild to goal levels.
MSHSL launches new program to recruit sports officials
Now is a great time to get off the bench and back into the game by becoming an official. In conjunction with its 100-year celebration, the Minnesota State High School League is launching an initiative to recruit and retain sports officials. There is a need for more officials in many activities, and more importantly, there is a need to train and prepare officials to ensure quality officiating for the next century. Registration of officials is currently underway.
Students and adults, male and female, are encouraged to consider becoming an official. Officiating is a great way to stay involved with the game(s) you loved to play and provides an excellent opportunity to give back to those activities and assist in teaching life lessons to high school students. Contact your local high school, park and recreation department, or youth athletic association to find out how you can become involved at the youth level. For those interested in becoming varsity officials, go to mshsl.org and click on the “Become an Official” logo at the bottom of the home page. Fill out a simple form and MSHSL staff will contact you and help you to connect with those who can provide you assistance.
Bring joy to Hospice patients
St. Croix Hospice is seeking individuals to visit people affected by a life-limiting illness. Companion visits are scheduled at your leisure. Other volunteer opportunities include: vigil, pet therapy (dog), and office administrative. Storytelling, training and mentoring provided. For interest, please contact Jodi Julseth at 320-250-6899.