Grand Rapids Central Business District Association to Discuss New Downtown Revitalization Program

The  next meeting for the Central Business District Association will be:

Wednesday, December 14th,

8:00 am at the Central School - Ground Level.

 

On November 17th, Emily Northey was here and gave her presentation on the Minnesota Mainstreet Program. 

 

In 1977, the National Trust of Historic Preservation launched the Main Street Program as a 3 year pilot aimed at preserving deteriorating downtown buildings in 3 midwestern communities.  Today they use a Four Point Approach to Commercial District Revitalization:  Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotion, Organization.

 

Designated Main Street Programs in Minnesota are in Brainerd, Fairbault, New Ulm, Red Wing and Wilmar.

 

Associate Member Programs are in Albert Lea, Amboy Community Club, Austin, Belle Plaine, Chisholm, Hastings, Lake City, Litchfield, Luverne EDA, Mankatao, Northfield, Osakis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, St. Cloud, Sauk Centre, Stillwater, Wabasha, Winona, Worthington.

 

Grand Rapids has many pieces of this program in place already.  We have so many good things to offer already.  Now we have to decide, "Is this the program that will take us the rest of the way to revitalize Downtown Grand Rapids?"  We don't need to re-invent the wheel.  They've already done that.

 

The program has been very successful in many cities already.  There is a time commitment and monetary commitment to the program.  Three years seems to be an average where cities can measure results but this can vary.  There would also be an employee for the program who coordinate all the activities and responsibilities.  Emily was this person for the Brainerd program.

 

For more information about the program, please go to www.mnpreservation.org/programs/main-street or Google Minnesota Mainstreet Program.  There is a boatload of good information there.

 

Please attend the meeting.  Everyone's opinion is important! 

 

Thank you,

Jean  Healy, Manager
Central Square Mall
201 NW 4th Street
Grand Rapids MN 55744
P:218-326-4765
F:218-999-5020

Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation receives grant for Riverfront Energy Center

Jeff Larson from MN Energy (representing the Wisconsin Public Services Foundation) presented the first installment, $2000, of a pledged $6000 donation to the Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation for the educational portion of the Riverfront Energy Center.   The presentation was made Thursday, December 1st in front of the library.

 

The River Front Energy Center, to be completed by December 11, will utilize hot waste water from the UPM Kymmene paper mill to provide heat for the Grand Rapids Area Library.  The goal is a reduction of 70% in the use of the gas-fired boilers in the library. 

 

The Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation is raising money for the educational components of the project, which will include interactive displays of on-going processes, a demonstration solar unit and a demonstration wind turbine.   Fundraising events and activities will be taking place during the next several months, and donations will also be accepted at the Library.

 

The first phase of the educational project will be a dashboard showing real time building data with energy consumed from various sources, and the amount of energy saved.  The dashboard will be accessible remotely via the internet, as well as from inside the building and the Library.  (A demonstration of one version of an educational dashboard can be found at : http://franklin.qagdevelopment.com/  ) 

The Grand Rapids Public Utilities Commission has also pledged a contribution of $5000 for the educational project. 

Construction of the Energy Center has been funded in part with grants from the Iron Ranges Resources and Rehabilitation Board and the Blandin Foundation

Children First! Events for November 2011 in Grand Rapids

These FREE events are funded in part by Children First! and Blandin
Foundation. Come spend some time with us!

Zany Filmo Puppets - Tuesday Nov. 15th 3:30-4:45 pm at Grand Rapids
Area Library
Pinocchio=Puppets – Check out the book Pinocchio. Discover how to make
your own puppet with Creativity Tank artists. Create your own story
for your puppet. Free and open to all ages! Children 0-6 must be
accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Register online at
www.getlearning.org or call Library at 327-8823

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Ground Floor – Thursday, Thanksgiving Day,
Nov. 24th 6pm-Midnight
Don't spend the Holiday alone! Spend it at Ground Floor enjoying a
delicious Thanksgiving Dinner. Free dinner for area youth 13-college
age and their parents or grandparents.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Walker
Children First! ISD 318 Coordinator
820 NW First Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-327-5799
kwalker@isd318.org
www.getlearning.org

Find us on Facebook
Itasca Area Community Education - Minnesota
http://www.facebook.com/itascaareacommunityeducationminnesota
Children First! Itasca County Minnesota
http://www.facebook.com/childrenfirstitascacountyminnesota

October 25th Food Day: Eat Real Workshop

In honor of Food Day, Get Fit Itasca will be hosting a workshop entitled Food Day: Eat Real on October 25 from 6pm to 8pm at the Grand Rapids YMCA.

 

The evening includes:

 

· Knife skills instruction by Le Cordon Bleu Certified Chef, Meghan Bown

· Group Supper preparation

· Food for Health with U of MN Extension educator, Betsy Johnson

· Round table discussions: How to increase fruit & vegetables and still keep your costs down?

· Take-homes, including:   tips for reducing salt, fat & sugar; recipes and menus

 

There is a $5.00 Registration fee

Pre Registration required at the Itasca County Family YMCA

400 River Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Please refer questions to Meghan Bown,

Get Fit Itasca/SHIP Community Health Coordinator at 327-1161

Visit www.getfititasca.org to learn more about physical activity and healthy eating in Itasca County!

 

Central Businesses/MN Historical Society to Host Minnesota Main Street Program Presentation

Emily Northey presents the Minnesota Main Street Program

Date:   November 17, 2011

Time:   8 am - 10 am

Location:   Grand Rapids Old Central School - Third Floor. 

This location provides an excellent overview of the Downtown Grand Rapids area.

 

Central Businesses and the MN Historical Society would like to invite you to attend Emily Northey's presentation on the Minnesota Main Street Program.  Minnesota Main Street, a program of the Preservation Alliance of MN, provides participating local Main Street organizations with the training, tools, information and netowrking they need to be successful in their downtown revitalization efforts.

 

In 1977, the National Trust of Historic Preservation launched the Main Street Program as a 3 year pilot aimed at preserving deteriorating downtown buildings in 3 midwestern communities.  Today they use a Four Point Approach to Commercial District Revitalization:  Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotion, Organization.

 

Designated Main Street Programs in Minnesota are in Brainerd, Fairbault, New Ulm, Red Wing and Wilmar.

 

Associate Member Programs are in Albert Lea, Amboy Community Club, Austin, Belle Plaine, Chisholm, Hastings, Lake City, Litchfield, Luverne EDA, Mankatao, Northfield, Osakis, Owatonna, Park Rapids, St. Cloud, Sauk Centre, Stillwater, Wabasha, Winona, Worthington.

 

We would like to have as many CBDA members as possible plus Visit Grand Rapids, City of Grand Rapids, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Rec, Chamber of Commerce, Riverfront Task Force, Central School Task Force, EDA, Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Arts, Central School Commission.  We are also extending an invitation to Senator Tom Saxhaug and Representative Carolyn McElfatrick. 

 

This could be a very exciting program for us so please extend our invitation to any businesses or people you think would be interested in learning about the Minnesota Main Street Program!  We welcome everyone and hope they will attend!

 

Sincerely,

Jean  Healy, Manager
Central Square Mall
201 NW 4th Street
Grand Rapids MN 55744
P:218-326-4765
F:218-999-5020
csmall@paulbunyan.net

Dixon Lake Drowning Victim Identified

Itasca County Chief Deputy Gregg Deutsch reports on Oct. 03, 2011, at approximately 3:44 pm the Itasca County Sheriffs' Office received a 911 call of a possible drowning on Dixon Lake in Itasca County.  It was reported an adult male was observed floating in the water next to a dock.

Itasca County Sheriff Deputies, Minnesota Conservation Officers, and Leech Lake Conservation Officers responded to the scene.  Itasca County Search and Rescue was called out and put on standby.

Upon arrival at Dixon Lake, an elderly adult male was found floating in the water next to his dock.  The victim has been identified as David Jerome Ekberg, age 82.

Itasca County Coroner was notified and Blackduck Ambulance transported the victim to Grand Itasca Medical Center for an autopsy.  Results are pending.

First Friday at Something Original

Please join us...   What: It's FIRST FRIDAY, October 7   Where: something ORIGINAL   When: 4 - 8 pm   Who: we are proud to announce Itasca Orchestra members: MAGGIE Anderson, OLIVIA Skaja, and SOLVEIG Viren, performing from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.   Visiting ARTISAN: Liz White {offering special October pricing}     ENJOY complimentary mulled cider and delectibles   We look forward to seeing you! Sheri & Stephanie

something ORIGINAL, inc. | 28 NW 4th Street | Suite A | Grand Rapids | MN | 55744

  

Victim Identified in Itasca County Fire

On Wednesday, September 7, at 11:32 A.M., the Grand Rapids Fire Department assisted by the Cohasset Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 33187 Crystal Springs Rd. Grand Rapids in Harris Township.

Upon arrival the Grand Rapids Fire Department began fighting the fire that was engulfing the Northwest side of the building.  Upon entry into the building, Fire Fighters found the body of an adult male in a bedroom area of the residence.

The Itasca County Sheriff's Dept. was on scene at that time and initiated the investigation assisted by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office.

The adult male victim was identified as Timothy Nelson Hill, 63 years old.  A small dog was also found inside the residence deceased.

Investigator Dean Scherf of the Itasca County Sheriff's Dept. said the actual cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed that there was an explosion of some type on the interior of the residence that started the fire.  Scherf states that the cause of death was smoke inhalation.  No foul play is suspected.

Children First! Events

FREE Children First! events for August and September

August 9, 2011

We have lots of great Children First! events offered at no charge to finish up your summer and welcome in the new school year and Fall.  All of the events are listed below and are also on our website www.getlearning.org under Children First! or find us on Facebook under Children First! Itasca County, Minnesota.  Become our fan and you'll get updates on our events.  Registration is required on some events because of limited availability and requested on other events. You can register online at www.getlearning.org or by calling the event sponsor, which is listed online or on our Facebook page.  

Watch for the Community Education print catalog which will be in your mailboxes the week of August 22, 2011.  Our Children First! events for Sept.-Jan will be listed in this catalog along with all our fun classes and events for our communities.

Saturday, August 20, 2011 FAMILY FUN DAY AT MACROSTIE ART CENTER 10am-3pm, Grand Rapids, MN
WATERCOLORS-Join MacRostie staff and artists in exploring Watercolor painting.  You'll leave with lots of completed paintings and will discover the techniques of watercolor painting.  Register for one of 4 free 1 hr. sessions from 10 am-3 pm. This event is hosted by MacRostie Art Center. Register online at www.getlearning.org or call MacRostie at 218-326-2697.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011, BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 5:30-7:00 pm at Longyear Park in Coleraine, MN
Celebrate back to school with Children First! and Terrence Smith, American Folk Dance Caller and Musician! Terrence performs an interactive show geared towards children ages Pre/K - Elementary and their families. Grab an ice cream cone, have your face painted and take a free book to bring home!!  Hope to see you there!  This is a Free Children First! Event and open to all families! This is event is hosted by ISD 318 Community Education, Step Ahead and ISD 316 Community Education. Registration requested at www.getlearning.org or 218-327-5730

Saturday, September 10, 2011 FAMILY ART WALK  12pm-3:30pm at Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, MN                                                                                                                                               Create environmental art with materials and elements found while on a nature walk. Artist Marie Schrobilgen and MacRostie Art Center Staff will introduce the styles and processes used while creating art with nature. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera to record their finished artwork. The art walk site will be the Forest History Center Hiking Trails. This event is hosted by MacRostie Art Center and Forest History Center and is rescheduled from July 2011. Register online at www.getlearning.org or call 218-326-2697.
Remember these events are FREE and for all ages.  All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please register all children and adults that are attending.  Hope to see you at these events.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Walker-Children First! Coordinator

Itasca County Sheriff Recovers Body of Drowning Victim

On Sunday ~ July 24, 2011, at approximately 6:44 p.m., the Itasca County Sheriff's Office received a call reporting that a hat was floating beside a capsized canoe that was half full of water on Jack the Horse Lake. Itasca County Sheriff's Office personnel, Itasca County Search and Rescue and DNR Conservation Officers responded to the scene. The Bigfork Ambulance was placed on standby.

At the scene it was learned that on Saturday, July 23, 2011, just prior to dark, an adult male was observed leaving the dock in the canoe to go fishing and had not returned. The search continued until dark on July 24, 2011.

Itasca County Sheriff's Office personnel along with Itasca County Search and Rescue, Itasca County Sheriff's Dive Team and Minnesota DNR are continuing search efforts this morning, July 25, 2011.

UPDATED INFORMATION: On July 27, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., The Itasca County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, Recovered the body of Mark Daniel Scott, 56 of Burnsville, MN. Scott was not wearing a life jacket at the time of recovery.

Extensive search efforts were conducted by the Itasca County Sheriff's Office, Itasca County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, Itasca County Dive Team, Minnesota DNR, (water and air units), St. Louis County Search and Rescue K-9 Unit, and K-9 Emergency Response Team Inc. of Wisconsin.  

Itasca County Sheriff's Office

440 1st Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MN  55744 Phone (218) 326-3477 Fax (218) 326-4663

Saxhaug's Update on Final Budget Agreement

Government Shutdown Ended

The Government Shutdown ended Wednesday.  Governor Dayton called a Special Session on Tuesday and signed the bills into law after a 12 hour session that went past 3a.m. Wednesday morning.  There are still things to do to get our state back up and running but the stalemate between the Governor and Republican leadership has ended.  I am not happy with the final solution but I recognized the need to get our state back to work.
The final agreement that closed the $1.4 billion gap shifted another $700 million, for a total of $2.1 billion, from our schools and sold $700 million in tobacco bonds.  While there is additional revenue it will be years before we pay off that debt.  We are using a proposal that Tim Pawlenty suggested when he was Governor that was a bad idea then and is still a bad idea today.  This agreement does nothing to fix the problems we have in our state budget.
It is the responsibility of the Legislature to pass a total budget package that the Governor will agree to sign.  The Governor said from the beginning that he would not agree to a cuts-only budget and wanted new revenue along with substantial cuts and reforms.  The budget passed by the Republicans increased property taxes on all Minnesotans by $1 billion, cut 140,000 of our vulnerable citizens off of their health care, reduced special education by $56.5 million, made the biggest cuts to colleges and universities in our state's history.  It hurt the shrinking middle class just to protect the 7,700 millionaires in the state from paying the same share of taxes you and I pay.
I thank the Governor for standing up to an additional $1.4 billion in cuts that were proposed by the Republican Legislature.  The Governor already cut $2.2 billion in his budget and any further cuts would have decimated the education and health care systems that we pride ourselves on as Minnesotans.  
We passed 12 bills in the special session ranging from K-12 Education to a Bonding bill which will fund projects to get people back to work.  The final Environment and Natural Resources Budget Bill kept the forest industry competitive and I voted for it.  It does use a substantial amount of one time funding which just creates the same problem for us in the next budget cycle.  The Economic Development Bill is critical for promoting job growth and that was another bill that I voted for.
We are all in this together and I have always worked for a balanced approach to solving our continuing budget problems.  We have to stop using shifts, gimmicks and borrowing to help us generate a more stable state economy.  My hope is that in the next budget cycle we can have true tax reform like a lower sales tax rate that covers more goods and services and income tax reform that relies less on exemptions and deductions.
I am glad that a budget agreement was reached.  But in the next biennium, we will once again be staring at the same problems.  I would like to see the solutions, like the tax reform I mentioned above, before a catastrophe like the shutdown we just endured ever happens again.
Best Regards,
Tom

PUBLIC FORUM TO CREATE CITIZEN BUDGET SOLUTIONS - Grand Rapids July 19

Forums planned for Grand Rapids, Rochester and Twin Cities July 19-21

Saint Paul, Minn. (July 13, 2011) –The Bush Foundation, in collaboration with InCommons, will host a series of three citizen

forums in Grand Rapids, the Twin Cities and Rochester, Minn. from Jul. 19 to Jul. 21. At the events, citizens will work in

small groups to identify potential budget solutions. Citizen-participants will be selected for the greatest possible diversity in

ideologies and perspectives from those who register online at www.InCommons.org/citizensolutions. Participation will be

limited to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully engage in the conversation. 

Once the forums are complete, the Bush Foundation and InCommons will compile lessons from these forums to share with

Governor Dayton and legislators, and to inform future citizen engagement efforts.   

"Unfiltered, nonpartisan citizens' voices need to be a part of whatever budget decisions Minnesota's leaders make in 2011

and in the years to come," noted C. Scott Cooper, Director of Communications and Engagement for the Bush Foundation.

"These forums are intended to give interested citizens from diverse ideologies and perspectives a neutral space and good

information so they can come together and reach consensus about our state's budget future." 

WHO: Citizens of diverse backgrounds and perspectives

WHAT: Citizen Solutions forums to engage Minnesotans in offering real solutions to

the state's budget stalemates

WHEN: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Rapids, July 19

Twin Cities, July 20

Rochester, July 21

NOTE:Dinner and childcare will be provided to selected participants at each Citizens Solutions venue

Hwy 65 closed from Nashwauk to Togo in Itasca County

Hwy 65 closed from Nashwauk to Togo in Itasca County

 

DULUTH, Minn. — MnDOT has closed Highway 65 from Nashwauk to Togo due to flooding. Motorists are encouraged to use Highway 73 or Highway 38 as alternate routes.

 

Local traffic may enter the closed area to access their properties, but are advised not to drive through the flood waters covering Highway 65.

 

Highway 65 will be reopened when the water recedes and MnDOT repairs any damage to the roadway.

 

Please check 511mn.org or dial 511 for updated information.

News from Minnesota's Nature

Visit Grand Rapids June e-News News from Minnesota's Nature  What's in Your Nature? Love spending time outdoors in the summer? Want to learn more about what happens in Minnesota's nature? While vacationing in the Grand Rapids area, you can participate in a number of naturalist programs designed to entertain, educate, and inspire appreciation for Minnesota's environment. From wild edibles to phenology, the programs feature a broad range of topics that connect you with the natural environment around you. The Forest History Center offers a series of outdoor educational programs combined with a day pass to visit the interpretive museum and turn-of-the-century lumberjack camp with costumed interpreters. The Chippewa National Forest also offers a summer series of free naturalist programs. For dates and course information, visit the Grand Rapids calendar of events. New Eats Visitors have two more choices for eats during their Grand Rapids vacation. The Harbor Grand Restaurant & Sports Bar is now open on Pokegama Lake. They brought back some old favorites like the deep-fried cauliflower from the original Harbor, along with some new ideas like the monstrous 5-pound "Dirty McNasty" burger. Also new, is Daylight Donuts, in downtown Grand Rapids, serving the odd, but intriguing, combination of donuts and gourmet hot dogs. You'll find contacts for these businesses and our favorite restaurants on the Visit Grand Rapids website. Fishing Reports After the long Minnesota winter, the cool start to the summer isn't pleasing most Minnesotans; however, it has been good for the anglers. The cooler than normal weather has extended the usual good spring fishing on most area lakes. Anglers are reporting a good walleye bite and slightly delayed spawning of sought-after pan fish species. If you need help finding a guide, or just want an update on the current fishing conditions, be sure to check out our Grand Rapids fishing reports page. Good luck and great fishing. "Like Us" on Facebook We are having fun on our Facebook page and invite you to join us. Join the conversation, see visitors' photos, and laugh at the insider fun you can't get on our website when you "like" us on Facebook. June 2011 Hot Deals Fishing Report Grand Rapids Golf Courses Motorcycle Touring Calendar Highlights June Event Highlights 23-25 Blues Fest 24 Sam Miltich Trio 24-25 Be a Lumberjack 25-26 MN Mounted Shooters 30 Bird Song Identification More June Events July Event Highlights 4 Fireworks & Parades 8-10 Wild Rice Festival 10 Birding for Beginners 14-16 Showboat! 16 Riverfront Music Festival 29-31 Northstar Stampede 30-31 Car Show, Swap & Flea More July Events August Event Highlights 5-7 Tall Timber Days 5-7 White Oak Rendezvous 13 Fish-A-Rama 13-14 Threshing Show 19-21 Grand Slam Golf Tourny More August Events (View the Full Calendar of Events) Request A Brochure Contact Us

Visit Grand Rapids | 501 South Pokegama Avenue | Suite 3 | Grand Rapids | MN | 55744

12th ANNUAL MARY SANDSTROM MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

12th ANNUAL
MARY SANDSTROM  MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Join us to compete and play great tennis!  Tennis matches will be at Eagle Ridge, Bovey, LaPrairie, Marble, Grand Rapids, Crystal Springs, Wendigo, and Grussendorf Parks. Everyone is guaranteed 2 matches. There will be a championship and consolation bracket.  Great prizes, trophies, goody bags and lunch provided.
Wednesday, July 13 2011
Boys & Girls 8, 10 and 12 Singles
Thursday, July 14, 2011(Friday, if necessary)
Boys & Girls 14, 16 and 18 Singles, Doubles and Mixed

Entries must be called into Lew Smiley at 218-256-0400.  All entries close at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 10, 2011.  All players must register and pay fees the morning of the tournament per the following schedule:  
Registration is:
Wednesday, July 13 8:00-8:30 am at Eagle Ridge, Coleraine for 8, 10, 12 year olds & under.
Thursday, July 14 8:00-8:30 am at Eagle Ridge, Coleraine 14, 16 and 18 year olds  for singles, doubles & mixed.
EVENTS to register for: Singles (Boys & Girls) 8 & under, 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, 18 & under
Doubles 15 & under, 18 & under
Mixed Doubles 18 & under

Press Release June 21, 2011
From IASC Community Education
Karen Walker
Marketing Coordinator
IASC Community Education
kwalker@isd318.org
218-327-5799






What’s Happening at the Grand Rapids Area Library June 2011

Check it out @ your Library™

 

Last minute tickets to area attractions.

We just received a few more tickets which must be used by June 13:

Judy Garland/Children's Museum

Minnesota Discovery Center

Great Lakes Aquarium

Historic Union Depot (Duluth)

Split rock Lighthouse

Lake County Historical Society (Two Harbors)  

These passes have been funded with money from the sales tax which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, June 7, 7 pm   Watercolor magic

Duane Barnhart will present a program on watercolor painting on. Aspiring and experienced painters will gain insights about the art of watercolor painting as Barnhart, a freelance cartoonist and visual artist, demonstrates and describes watercolor techniques.

Tuesday, June 14, 7 pm  Agates of Lake Superior

Bob and Dan Lynch have written and photographed five books including rock and mineral guides for Lake Superior, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan.  They will share insights gained from their most recent project on Lake Superior Agates.  Learn about geology, minerals and rock collecting!

Tuesday, June 14, 1:00-2:30 Teen Gamefest

Stop in to play tons of board games or Wii.  Snacks!

Wednesday, June 15, 12:00-1:30  Germany Ascendant

Great Decisions Discussion – all welcome!
Germany has emerged from both the financial crisis and the eurozone crisis as the dominant economic and political power in Europe, in particular setting the tone for dealings with Russia, Eastern Europe and Iran. How important is it for U.S, interests to enhance relations with Germany, and how should the U.S. react when German and U.S. interests fail to align? http://www.fpa.org   

Thursday, June 16^th, 1 pm Harp adventures with Christina Cotruvo

            Learn about and play a harp while following the Harp Mouse on His Adventures

 

June 23  6:00 pm   Family Movie Night  Gnomeo and Juliet  

Join us for another in our Family Movie Night series! This month we will present Gnomeo and Juliet on the big screen in the community room. Bring dinner or a snack and join us!

June 27  7:00 pm   In Search of Great Places: Travels Along the Mississippi River

Dean Klinkenberg, author of Mississippi Valley Traveler guidebooks, leads a discussion about travel and finding a sense of place. Dean has traveled in more than 30 countries and learned that that he can satisfy his desire for local foods, culture, and people close to home right along the Mississippi River. Check his web site at: http://mississippivalleytraveler.com

June 28, Make your own Journal

            Join artists from the Creativity Tank to make your own journal.  Please pre-register by calling 326-7640

 

            12:00-2:00  For Teens

            2:30 – 5:00 for kids ages 6-11

 

 June 30, 12:00  David Lien Four Years and Forty-Four Fourteeners

Local adventurer and mountaineer, David Lien, set and achieved a goal to climb forty four 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado's rugged Rocky Mountains during four years in the late 1990's. Four years and three days after climbing his first, Lien climbed his fifty-fourth on Mount Eolus. He has written about his adventures in a book entitled "Four Years and Forty-Four Fourteeners." Lien, originally from Grand Rapids, shares photos and stories from his wilderness adventures.

 

Summer Reading For Everyone!

Novel Destinations
Our adult summer reading program begins June 6 . Pick up a book bingo card and expand your reading horizons! Read something you would not otherwise read. If you are in a book group and would like a Library staff person to do a short talk on free downloadable ebooks and audiobooks available from the library, let us know!
You are Here
Our teen summer reading program also starts June 6.  Read a book, complete a review and enter a drawing each week for fun prizes! Our 2nd Annual Teen Photo Contest begins this week also. Teens can submit photos until July 23rd. Stop at the reference desk for a submission form.
One World Many Stories
Kids (ages 0-14) can sign up for our summer reading program, pick up a reading log, and keep track of their reading. Bring back the completed log and get a free book to keep! Children under age 5 completing the summer reading program are eligible for Baby Steps Coupons.
This week we have a small craft project to pick up and take home to work on. Also be sure to pick up a list of all the fun programs scheduled for the summer.

 

Story times will continue all summer.  Bring the little ones for a fun time.

Saturdays at 10:30  with teachers from ECFE   

Mondays 10:30.    Story Time with Darla

 

Summer Hours until Labor Day:

M-Thurs 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 9 am -5 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

 

Find more upcoming events on our Event Calendar

A direct link to the Library's online event calendar is here.  A link to just the events for children is available by clicking on the "kids" button on the Library's web site.

 

For more details on any of the programs, go to the Library's Web Site: www.grandrapids.lib.mn.us  You can also find a calendar on the left side of the page.   Click on "Calendar" for a link to the complete list of events at the library.

TONIGHT is first friday!!

Please join us and other downtown shops for our very first, FIRST FRIDAY! The following shops are open late TONIGHT until 7:00 for your shopping enjoyment!! something ORIGINAL, inc. MacRostie Art Center Frame Up Lillian's Checkered Past Whispering Woods (NEW, located in the old central school) something ORIGINAL is receiving fresh, new Artist Inventory daily, we hope you'll join us tonight for chocolate & refreshments