Grand Rapids Great Decisions Discussion Group 2012

Great Decisions Discussion Group 2012


Great Decisions Discussion Group is reconvening for Fall 2012 to explore and discuss topics of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans today. Great Decisions provides background information, current data and policy options for each issue and serves as the focal text for discussion groups. After a short presentation, attendees participate in a lively discussion about the topic of the day.

Our first topic for discussion this Fall is Promoting Democracy. Join us Wednesday, Sept. 12th 11:30 am-1:30 pm at Independent School District 318's Administration Building Board Room, 820 NW 1st Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN, for our first topic.

We will be discussing 3 more topics this Fall at the same time and place on the following days.

Cyber Security – Wednesday, Sept. 26th  11:30 am-1:30 pm ISD 318's Administration Building Board Room

Indonesia – Wednesday, Oct. 10th 11:30 am-1:30 pm ISD 318's Administration Building Board Room

Energy Geopolitics – Wednesday, Oct. 24th 11:30 am-1:30 pm ISD 318's Administration Building Board Room
 
For more info and to register for Great Decisions Discussion groups for reminders and updates go www.getlearning.org or call 218-327-5730.  Also more information on the program is available online at http://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/ Great Decisions briefing books are available at the discussion groups for $22 each.  Great Decisions Discussion Group is offered at no charge through ISD 318 Community Education.

Grand Rapids Archery Classes this Fall

   Rich Will and "Grand Rapids Archers" club members are teaching Archery again this Fall.  They will instruct 2 classes on Saturday, September 8th at the Forest History Center.   The first class, 12-2 pm is "Archery for Beginners – Class #318525".  This beginning class will cover proper, safe shooting techniques with the expert coaches of Itasca Archery Club. You will have opportunities to aim and shoot at traditional targets and 3D style targets.  All equipment is provided. Come dressed for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.  The "Archery for Beginners" is for Youth ages 8 and older.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

   "Archery-Intro to Competitive Team NASP –Class #318526" will be 2-4pm on Saturday, September 8th.
This class is an introduction to competition archery through the NASA program.  The only requirement is that you have completed NASP Archery training through your Physical Education class at school. (5th graders and older) You can discover team archery, improve your skills and learn about competing for your local NSAP team from team coaches.  If you are already a member of a school team, feel free to register and attend to polish up your skills and share your experiences.  

   Registration for these classes is required and the classes are small for individual attention, so register early to secure your spot.  Class fee must be paid at the time of registration to guarantee your space in the class.  You can register and pay the fee ($15 per class) online at www.getlearning.org or mail in your registration to Community Education, 820 NW 1st Ave., Grand Rapids, MN.  This class is offered by ISD 318 Community Education.

United Way of 1000 Lakes Announces $239,000 in Grants

GRAND RAPIDS - United Way of 1000 Lakes Board of Directors announces
investments into 37 health and human service programs through 27 partner
agencies. The program allocations represent the second year of a 2-year
funding cycle and will be distributed beginning on July 1, 2012 and ending
June 30, 2013, United Way's fiscal year.

Allocations totaling more than $239,000 were awarded to programs across the
county. This represents more than $213,000 in community donations that will
be invested directly into United Way's focus areas: Education, Income and
Health, and $26,000 in donor designations to specific agencies.

"We're so thankful for the donors who make all this possible," said Madelen
Schuemann, board member and chair of this year's fundraising campaign. "We
are committed to getting the most out of every donor investment and helping
agencies meet the rising demands they face."

United Way has aimed to target programs addressing basic needs, wellness,
thriving children, adult independence and financial stability, adding
Project Care and Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) to its partner
agencies. Project Care was among the 26 agencies requesting allocations and
was awarded $7,500. The clinic provides free health outreach services to
Grand Rapids area residents who are uninsured and can't afford access to
health care.

Other agencies receiving funding include: Advocates for Family Peace,
$25,000; Baby Steps Boutique, 5,000; Bigfork Valley Day Stay, $3,000; Boy
Scouts Voyageurs Area Council, $1,000; Bridges Kinship Mentoring, $9,700;
Campus Life/YFC, $14,000; Cooperative Solutions, $10,000; Elder Circle &
R.S.V.P, $13,500; First Call 2-1-1, $15,000; Friendship Haven Adult Day
Stay, $3,000; GRACE House, $3,000; Grand Rapids Food Shelf, $10,000; Home
Visitor Program, $6,500; Hope House, $4,500; Itasca County 4H Federation,
$6,890; Itasca County Family YMCA & Bruce Bauer Center, $31,370; Itasca
County Food Shelf Coalition, $10,000; Itasca County Long Term Care
Transportation Coalition, $2,000; Itasca Wellness Court, 5,000; Kootasca,
$10,000; Project READ, $5,000; and Support within Reach, $12,250.

Community members from various backgrounds and professions make up the
United Way's volunteer Community Investment Council. The Council is
responsible for reviewing agencies applying for United Way funding by
evaluating programs, visiting agencies, interviewing staff and board
members, and reviewing financial records to develop an understanding of the
agencies community impact. The council then provides the United Way board of
directors with their funding recommendations for approval.

United Way's rigorous allocations process ensures that contributions are
fulfilling our mission of changing our community by helping people in need
through responsible use of donations. United Way's allocation process also
helps its partner agencies to leverage additional funding from state,
federal and private grants.

The 2012 fundraising campaign kicks off Sept. 15 with a Community Pancake
Breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids. The breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m., will
feature civic leaders, businesses and volunteers whipping up delicious
hotcakes for the community and competing in United Way's first Pancake
Cook-off and Pancake Flip Relay. For more information, call United Way at
(218) 999-7570.

United Way of 1000 Lakes is improving lives by mobilizing the caring power
of community. Our focus is on the basic building blocks for a good life:
education, income and health. United Way of 1000 Lakes partners with 27
agencies and invests in more than 37 local programs to create positive
change across Itasca County. For more information on how to join the United
Way and its partners to build a stronger community, visit
www.unitedwayof1000lakes.org <http://www.unitedwayof1000lakes.org/> or call
(218) 999-7570