8 The LINK Newsletter

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 217NORTHFIELD, MN

55057

LINK CENTER1651 Jefferson ParkwayNorthfi eld, MN 55057

507-664-3500

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Q and A with the LINK CenterWhat is the LINK Center?The LINK Center is a resource and referral center in the Northfi eld Community Resource Center. We have wall space with pamphlets and brochures, a reception desk and an offi ce where LINK Center visitors can meet with community organizations. Our mission is to help people connect to resources in the area.

What kind of resources can we help you fi nd?Pretty much anything! Are you new to town? We can provide information about the schools in the area. Need help paying for your kid’s summer camp? We know where to refer you. We have information on everything from legal services to mental health services to housing options and much, much more!

Who can use the LINK Center?Anyone in the community!

What does it cost?It is free! There is no charge to use the LINK Center.

How does the LINK Center work? Visit in person or call us at 507-664-3500. No appointment needed. We speak English and Spanish.

Where is the LINK Center?1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfi eld, 55057

We are located in the Northfi eld Community Resource Center (NCRC) on the 1st fl oor. We are on the opposite end of the building from the Northfi eld Senior Center.

Additional Services AvailablePublic computer and printer; free notary services in English and Spanish (call ahead); appointments with community agencies/organizations; monthly newsletter in English and Spanish; photocopying and faxing of documents.

Hours of OperationMonday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Contact UsPhone: 507-664-3500

Website: northfi eldlinkcenter.org

Facebook: Facebook.com/northfi eldlinkcenter

The LINK Center is made possible through the joint effort of the City of Northfi eld and Growing Up Healthy.

September 2016 1

The LINK

Helping people connect with resources

NewsletterSEPTEMBER 2016

Inside this IssueChild and Teen Checkups ...........2

Help Me Grow .............................2

Free/Reduced Price Lunch ..........2

Northfi eld News articles ..............3

Message from the Superintendent ..........................5

Organizations With Hours at the LINK Center .....................6

Northfi eld Public Library Calendar .........................7

Q and A with the LINK Center ................................8

LINK CENTER1651 Jefferson ParkwayNorthfi eld, MN 55057

507-664-3500

HOURSMonday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes start September 6LEARN ENGLISH

These classes are for all levels of English language learners. Improve your vocabulary, reading, writing and conversation skills. All classes taught in English.

Las clases para todos los niveles de los estudiantes de inglés. Las clases incluyen vocabulario, lectura, escritura y conversacion.

9:15–11 a.m. | Mon & Wed | Greenvale Park School

6–8:30 p.m. | Mon & Wed | NCRC

9–11:30 a.m. | Tue & Thu | NCRC

12:30– 2:45 p.m. | Tue/Wed/Thu | Family School, NCRC

Thursday evening Conversation Class with Carleton students

MATH/READING/GED PREP

Improve your basic math to pre-algebra skills, reading, writing, and computer skills, prepare for the ACCUPLACER, or reach your goal of obtaining a GED. All classes taught in English.

6–8:30 p.m. | Mon | NCRC

9–11:30 a.m. | Tue | NCRC

Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers free classes for adults who need to brush up on basic skills, complete their GED, prepare for college, or improve their English.

2 The LINK Newsletter

Child and Teen Checkups WHAT IS C&TC?Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) is Minnesota’s name for EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment), a federal program that provides well child health care for children enrolled in Medicaid.

Newborns, children, and adolescents, through the age of 20 who are eligible for Medicaid should get routine Child and Teen Checkups.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR C&TC?Child and Teen Checkups can be done at all medical clinics in Rice County. Call the clinic which you have designated on your insurance card and ask for a C&TC.

Get a C&TC at these ages or more often:

• Between birth and 1 month• At 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months• At 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years• Every 2 years from 8 through 20 years

Call 507-332-6111 for assistance with transportation, interpreters, or making an appointment? Nikki will be happy to assist you!

This information brought to you by Rice County Public Health Services.

Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) include:• Information about good physical and mental health

• Time to ask questions and get answers about your child's health, behavior, and development

• Time to discuss thoughts, feelings, and relationships

• Complete physical exam

• Immunizations

• Hearing check

• Vision check

• Lab tests

• Checks on development and growth

• Fluoride varnish application

• Referral to the dentist

Help Me Grow: When Parent’s Know, Children Grow

Some babies and young children need extra help to learn and grow. While all young children grow and change at their own rate, some children experience delays in their development. Special health conditions may also affect a child’s development. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes for these children.

Children can receive services in their home, childcare setting or school. These services are FREE to eligible children, regardless of income or immigrant status.

For more information or to make a referral online go to www.helpmegrowmn.org or contact your local school district program coordinator. In Faribault or Northfi eld contact Holly at 507-333-6804 for more information.

Free and Reduced Lunch Application AssistanceThe Northfi eld School District recently sent out applications for free and reduced school lunches.

If you did not receive an application and feel that you should have, or if you received an application and need assistance in completing it, please call the District Offi ces at 507-663-0618 and they will assist you.

This information provided by the Community Action Center.

Volume 2 #9

Back to school! September at YOUR Library

September 2016

Northfield Public Library 210 Washington St. 507.645.6606

www.northfieldmn.info

HOURS Monday—Thursday 9 am to 8 pm Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday hours return September 11.

SUNDAY Hours resume September 11 from

1 to 5 pm

S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t

1 2 3

4 5 Labor Day

The Library is closed.

6 10 am Infant Lapsit

7 10 am Toddler Rhyme Time

8 10 am Pre-school Story Time

9 10 Open Saturdays 9-5

11 Now open SUNDAYS 1 to 5 pm

12 13 10 am Infant Lapsit

14 10 am Toddler Rhyme Time

15 10 am Pre-school Story Time

16 17

18 Open SUNDAYS 1 to 5 pm

19 6:30 pm Mystery Book Group Bunday Conf. Rm.

20 10 am Infant Lapsit

21 10 am Toddler Rhyme Time

22 10 am Pre-school Story Time

BRIDGE SQUARE “Pulling for

Booker” event!

23 24

25 open SUNDAYS 1 to 5 pm

26 Sci-Fi Book Group 7 pm Pye Conf. Rm

27 10 am Infant Lapsit

28 10 am Toddler Rhyme Time

29 10 am Pre-school Story Time 7 pm Local History writing and researching Panel Discussion

30

7 pm Contemp. Women’s Authors Book Group Pye Conf. Rm.

Join the Northfield UNITED WAY in

PULLING FOR BOOKER! Bridge Square 5-6 pm

Sept. 22

Are you interested in local history?

We will be hosting a panel discussion featuring Bruce Colwell, Susan Hvistendahl

and Earl Winemann. 7 pm Thurs. September

29th.

Mark your calendars! Gather a team of 4 people for the

Friends & Foundation of the Li-brary’s

TRIVIAA BEE! Friday, October 28th at the

Grand. More info will be out in early October!

9-5

16 17

6 The LINK Newsletter

Bridges to the FutureBridges to the Future is a free program. It prepares youth ages 14–24 for work and college success.

You can improve your reading, math, and computer skills in just 60 hours. Also includes:

• Advising and mentoring support.• Credit toward your high school diploma/GED/Adult Diploma.• Resume development and skills training.• Help with your job search.• Help enrolling in college, including Accuplacer test prep.• Support for job shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities .• Access to resources through Workforce Development, Inc.,

including possible tuition assistance and scholarships for eligible youth. (Workforce Development, Inc. helps youth overcome barriers to success in school and work)

Classes held throughout the year, you can start at any time! Contact bridges@workforcedevelopmentinc.org for more information.

SIGN UP NOW!

Three Rivers Head StartThree Rivers Head Start is now taking applications for the 2016–17 program year. Head Start is a comprehensive, family-centered preschool program focusing on child development and kindergarten readiness. The program serves families with children who are 3 or 4 years old through the preschool classrooms and through home visits. There is no charge for families, though they need to meet income eligibility requirements. Head Start may also serve children who are professionally diagnosed with disabilities.

Three Rivers Head Start serves families in Goodhue, Wabasha, and Rice Counties.

If you are interested in applying, please call 800-277-8418, ext. 156

¿Habla español? Llame al 800-277-8418, ext. 156.

HOPE CENTERA representative of the HOPE Center will be available to talk with clients at the LINK Center. The HOPE Center serves victims of domestic and sexual violence. All services are confi dential.

RICE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTHRice County Family Planning Services are available for scheduled appointments in Faribault and Northfi eld. These services are available for teens, women and men who are uninsured or underinsured.

To schedule a family planning appointment, please call Rice County Public Health at 507-332-6111; 507-645-9576, ext. 6111, or 507-744-5185, ext. 6111. All services are confi dential.

NORTHFIELD HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONA representative of the Human Rights Commission will be available to meet with individuals at the LINK Center the fi rst and third Wednesdays of the month starting September 7. The Human Rights Commission works to promote a community of respect for the rights and dignity of all of its residents.

Organizations With Hours at

the LINK Center

This information brought to you by Tri-City Bridges to the Future.

September 2016 3

Northfi eld NewsCommunity happenings from the pages of:

Residents from Rice, Steele counties to benefi t from healthcare grant to Mankato centerThe medically underserved in Faribault, Northfi eld, Owatonna and other southern Minnesota cities are set to receive some extra help.

Open Door Health Center, primarily located in Mankato but serving most of the state’s southern portion in some capacity, received an over-$600,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services last month. The money is set to be used to hire more outreach and enrollment specialists, which provide

“culturally appropriate outreach over a 30-county area.”

“This is to help us hire additional staff members to go out into all the communities here in southern Minnesota to help people sign up for insurance. Help them to navigate the insurance portal.” said Open Door CEO Doug Jaeger, Jr.

Rice County has specialists doing that work already through HealthFinders, which is a nonprofi t, similar to Open Door, aimed to improve the lives of local residents through access to healthcare. According to HealthFinders Director Charlie Mandile, the organization is currently using a grant through Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation to help locals access insurance.

Jaeger said in conversations with HealthFinders, the Rice County organization has struggled to keep up with demand in that area. Jaeger noted Open Door is not competitive, but rather collaborative, and only provides what their partners need.

Northfi eld Public Library unveils iPads available for check outA long gestating project, the Northfi eld Public Library is now offering nine iPads available for patrons to check out.

The devices are available at the children’s desk, and the requirements for borrowing include having a library card in good standing, $10 in fi nes or less, as well as being 18 years of age or older. The iPads are available to check out for two hours at a time, and photo identifi cation must be provided and will be held during the duration of the check out period.

The devices must be kept on site while they are being used.

Kathy Ness, children’s program librarian, said the library had planned on offering iPads awhile ago, but ran into some logistical issues with how to erase the data on them after each use.

She also noted the temporary move and remodeling of the library caused an additional delay.

Ness listed a number of reasons as to why offering the devices is a benefi t to the library and its patrons.

“During the school year, the students have them in school. In the summer, offering them here can bridge that gap,” she said. “And for people who may have never used an iPad before, it’s the chance to familiarize themselves with it.”

4 The LINK Newsletter

New public schools sidewalk, city crosswalk to aid Northfi eld Middle School walkersIn efforts to make travels to and from school safer, the Northfi eld School Board and city of Northfi eld have conjoined efforts to create a soon-to-be school zone along Hwy. 246.

On Monday, the School Board voted unanimously to approve $16,740 in change order costs to go toward new sidewalks on each side of the Northfi eld Middle School driveway. That change order comes in addition to the original $30,912 allotted for the sidewalk construction, and it is to ensure the sidewalks extend the entirety of both the north and south side of the driveway.

“Originally the sidewalk was going about two-thirds of the way down (the driveway). The intent was to limit the drop-off, pick-up zone (for cars),” said Northfi eld Buildings and Grounds Director Jim Kulseth. “In looking at things and getting feedback, it was agreed to replace the sidewalk all the way down on both sides.”

Those sidewalks are part of a greater renovation plan from the district, which aims to widen the middle school driveway itself, in order to create a pick-up, drop-off area, while still keeping driving lanes going each direction. The original appropriated cost for the driveway extension is $76,300.

The Northfi eld City Council, meanwhile, had been waiting for the School Board’s approval on the new sidewalks before going ahead with its own crosswalk project. With the assurance of a letter from Superintendent Matt Hillmann that both sidewalks along the middle school driveway would connect to those along Hwy. 246, the council voted July 5 to approve the crosswalk running across the highway.

MDH: Three out of fi ve Rice County homes contain 'dangerous' radon levelsA new interactive map from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that radon levels in Rice County are much higher, on average, than in other parts of the state.

The map and the data with it show that 60 percent of homes tested for radon in Rice County saw levels equal to or greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). That means three of every fi ve homes in the county likely contain dangerous levels of radon gas, according to MDH defi nitions.

Across Minnesota, about 45.3 percent of the 86,013 properties recorded show radon levels above 4 pCi/L. A home in Rice County, then, is 15 percent more likely to contain those dangerous levels than an individual home in the state as a whole.

People in Rice County are testing. With 1,296 properties tested, according to the MDH data, which ranges from 2010–14, Rice County is testing at a signifi cantly higher rate than similar-sized counties. Crow Wing County showed 696 homes tested, Clay County showed 301, and Blue Earth County showed 1,169.

South central and southwest Minnesota, in particular, display high radon levels, according to the map. Rice County actually shows more moderate radon levels than nearby counties Steele, Le Sueur and Nicollet, though still much higher than the Twin Cities area.

September 2016 5

Northfi eld Public SchoolsDear Families,

Northfi eld Public Schools will be developing a strategic plan over the next six weeks. A strategic plan includes creating a new district vision, mission statement, and set of priorities. This plan will be used to guide the District’s decision-making about our school programming for the next several years.

I would like to invite you to attend a community session designed to gather your input about what should be included in the strategic plan. This community session will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Northfi eld Middle School Cafeteria. I hope you are able to attend.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about the strategic planning process or this community input opportunity.

Enjoy these last weeks of summer. We are looking forward to welcoming your students back to school soon!

Sincerely,

Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

Program Title: Building Blocks for Peace. What Can I do for PEACE in Northfield? Participate in the first “Northfield Students K-12, Arts Peace Award” as part of the 14th annual Northfield

Community Event celebrating the United Nations International Day of Peace, on Tuesday September 20st.

TO PARTICIPATE:

- Create your art about something in Northfield that inspires you PEACE: a drawing, a poem or a photograph and send it to: Carleton College, Department of Political Science, International Day of Peace. One North College Street, Northfield MN 55057 by Friday September 9th 2016. - Include with your work your name, grade in the fall, phone and home address so we can contact you. - The selected student artists will receive the Peace Award during the event.

WHAT: Come to the 14th Annual Northfield Community Celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. WHERE: Carleton College Great Hall. The selected art will be displayed during the event, free and open to the public. WHEN: Tuesday September 20th 2016. 6:30 pm Award Ceremony followed at 7:00 pm by the event program with music, poems and open mic.

All selected drawings, poems and photopgraphs will be displayed at the Northfield Arts Guild, Division St. Visit the webpage for more information about the event: www.northfieldpeacenetwork.com

Join Growing Up Healthy for Multicultural Cooking Club!Monday, September 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.St. John’s Lutheran Church500 3rd Street West, Northfi eld

Free and open to the community! Children welcome.

This information brought to you by Growing Up Healthy.

Hiawathaland TransitHiawathaland Transit is curb-to-curb service administered by Three Rivers Community Action, and is available to everyone for any reason. People of all ages ride our buses to go places like school, work, the grocery store, doctor's offi ce, pharmacy, or library. Each bus is handicap accessible and assistants accompanying a person with disabilities ride free.

Hiawathaland Transit has established routes that serve the majority of the city limits, with route deviations available, operated Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–6 p.m. for $1.25 each way with free transfers. A Dial-A-Ride bus is available Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. for areas that the route buses do not go into for $1.75 each way.

Call to speak with a Customer Service Specialist at 866-623-7505 or visit threeriverscap.org for more information and route maps.