2009 Kid’s Fishing Day at Clubhouse Campground

MARCELL, MN —The 21^st annual North Itasca Kid's Fishing Day will be held On Saturday, June 12^th at the Clubhouse Lake Campground on the Deer River District of the Chippewa National Forest. The campground is located approximately 5 miles east of Marcell. Follow county road 45 east from highway 38 and watch for directional signs.

Kids fishing Day is open to all kids between the ages of 4 to 14 years. This fun event provides an excellent opportunity for kids to get introduced to the sport of fishing and enjoy a day on the water. Beginning at 8:00 am, there will be a brief water safety session. Local fishing guides will be available to take the kids fishing on Clubhouse Lake. The kids will also have the choice to fish from the shore or the fishing pier. A free lunch will follow at noon. There also will be prize drawings, a casting contest and minnow races! Pre-register by writing or calling:

Jen Guith @ the Deer River Ranger District

1037 Division Street / P.O. Box 308

Deer River, MN 56636

246-2123

www.fs.fed.us/R9/forests/chippewa/

Help Set Grand Rapids Community Vision - May 25th

Creating a vision for Grand Rapids in 20 years is the first step in
developing a new comprehensive plan for the community. The City of
Grand Rapids is holding a public meeting on Tuesday May 25th, 7:00 PM
at the Grand Rapids Middle School 1000 NE 8th Avenue, Grand Rapids.
The purpose of the meeting is to get input on people's vision for what
they want Grand Rapids to be like in 20 years.

The Comprehensive Plan is the official long-range policy document for
the City, guiding zoning and land use ordinances, investments in
public infrastructure, economic development programs, natural resource
use and protection, housing policy, and other issues. Grand Rapids'
existing Comprehensive Plan is eight years old. Many policies and
recommendations in the existing plan no longer reflect the current
needs, concerns, and issues of Grand Rapids residents and businesses.
The new Comprehensive Plan will reflect the vision of Grand Rapids
residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.

A Steering Committee made up of residents, government officials, and
business owners is setting the plan's priorities and policy
recommendations, which will be put before the Grand Rapids Planning
Commission and City Council for adoption when complete. The Committee
seeks your opinion on whether the 2003 plan still reflects community
goals, what forward-looking issues are most pressing, and whether the
Committee is on the right track in defining long range goals.

The planning process for the new Comprehensive Plan is just starting
and will take about a year to complete. The Steering Committee has
started to define the desired long-term vision for Grand Rapids and
compare it to the vision from the 2003 Plan. In order to set the new
long-term vision, the Steering Committee needs public comment to
identify the long-term issues, problems, and opportunities that
residents, businesses, and visitors believe are most important.

The Committee invites residents and other interested parties to shape
the City's desired future form and character. Based on the comments
and priorities expressed at this meeting, the Steering Committee will
create land use goals, policies, and a future land use map for Grand
Rapids.

At this public meeting the Committee will listen to residents'
perceptions of the Grand- Rapids-that-is and identify the issues to be
addressed for shaping the Grand-Rapidsto- be. Is this our only chance
for comment? Residents and interested parties will have additional
opportunities for public input over the next year, after additional
draft material has been developed.

For more information please contact: Rob Mattei, Grand Rapids
Community Development (218-326-7622) Brian Ross, CR Planning, Inc.
(612-588-4904).

Get Fit Itasca: Bike Month

Get Fit Itasca invites you to dust off your bike, pump up your tires, and join us for a ride!

·         May 10, 2010 -Ride with Our High School Stars; Leaving from the Itasca County Fairgrounds at 6:00 pm, members of the Grand Rapids High School Basketball team and other sports will lead a ride to Gunn Park.  Refreshments will be served at the park before we ride back to the fairgrounds.  All levels of bikers are encouraged to come meet our local youth stars and show your peddle power!

·         May 14, 2010 –Ride your bike to the Community Fishing Opener BBQ; Bicycling is a great form of transportation!  Are you planning on attending this community event?  Come by bike (consider it, parking made easy), visit the Get Fit Itasca table, and receive a gift from us for your efforts.  The event is located at Central School, 4:00 to 7:00pm.

·         May 15, 2010 –YMCA Group Fitness Takes the Trail; Itasca County Family YMCA Group Fitness Instructors Lisa Hain and Heather Reitter will lead a fitness ride starting at the Itasca County Fair Grounds at 10:00 am.  Everyone is invited to peddle their way to better health.

·         May 17, 2010 –Take a ride with Itasca County Citizen of the Year, Gwenn Smith; Ride anything with wheels that you provide the power: bikes, trikes, Big Wheels, strollers, scooters, etc.  This paved, closed course will be great for families of all ages.  Starting from the Deer River High School at 5:30 pm.  Water will be provided and fresh fruit and vegetables will be available after the ride.

·         May 19, 2010 –Class entitled "Commuter Cycling: How and Why?" The Grand Rapids Public Library and Get Fit Itasca have joined to bring a few local commuters together to share their story.  Why do they choose to commute this way?  What are their challenges, advantages, and rewards?  6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Grand Rapids Public library.  Come hear about their adventures and see if bicycle commuting might be for you!

·         May 20, 2010 –Ride with the Mayor; Join Grand Rapids Mayor, Dale "Spud" Adams as he tours Grand Rapids.  This ride will leave from the Itasca County Family YMCA at 6:00 pm.  It will be about an hour ride that is appropriate for all levels of cyclists.  Water, fresh fruit, and vegetables will be available after the ride in the Y lobby.

·         May 21, 2010 –National Bike to Work Day; Leave your car in the garage and be your own gas. Get Fit Itasca encourages you to join the millions across the country that will be peddling themselves to work today.  Let us know if you take the challenge we'll keep track and announce it at a later date.

·         May 25, 2010 –Group ride with Matt Rezac; Grand Rapids community member, Matt will lead about a 2 hour ride showcasing some of his favorite routes leaving from the Itasca County Family YMCA at 6:00 pm.  This ride is appropriate for all level of riders.  Water, fresh fruit and vegetables will be served following the ride.

·         May 26, 2010 –Wee Ride; From 6:00 pm to 7:30pm the Grand Rapids Public Utilities will block their large parking lot off to cars to give our children a smooth place to practice their peddle.  Bring your bikes, trikes, Big Wheels, and scooters to ride the loop without fear of being hit by a car.  Parking will be available in the smaller attached lot.  Water, fresh fruits and veggies will be available for refueling.

All events are weather dependent, if questionable or for more information please contact Meghan Bown at 327-1161 ext. 240 or mbown@ymcaitasca.org .  All events are posted under active living at www.getfititasca.org .  Helmets are encouraged!  We look forward to celebrating and improving our counties health one ride at a time.  Please join us for one, two or all of the bike month events!

 

Some fun classes from Community Ed for Spring

Garden Stepping Stones

Create your own personal stepping stones to add to your garden or walkway. You will learn to mix, use molds to shape your stone, add designs and mosaic embellishments and print in stone.  Instructor provides information and resources to make more on your own.  A fun and easy project for all ages.  For Youth 7 and up, Teens, and Adults.  Children ages 7-14 must be accompanied by an adult.  Fee for 1 person $15 Fee for Children accompanied by an Adult $25.00 (Contact 327-5730 if this is the case)          

Class # 318694

Tuesday ~ 5/4/10

4:00pm - 6:30pm

Instructor: Staci Taylor

Location: Grand Rapids RJE Middle School-Room 410 Art

Fee: $15.00  

Salads and Dressings

Tired of the same old iceberg lettuce and Italian dressing? Salads aren't boring anymore as Chef Andy Faltynek of TimberLake Lodge demonstrates the secrets of making a great salad dressing and gives his w twist on salads.  After demonstration class will be treated to a tasting.

Class # 318692

Tuesday ~ 5/11/10

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Instructor: Andy Faltynek

Location: TimberLake Lodge, Grand Rapids, MN

Fee: $20.00

Register online or with 318 Community Ed, 327-5730 

Its All In How You Look At It!

Does the "same old way" keep repeating itself so you feel stuck and without options?  Discover the power of choice in defining greater possibilities for yourself and supporting new attitudes and behaviors.  Fresh perpectives will recharge your ability to take action and maintain a positive outlook

Class # BZ101

Thurday 5/1310

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Instructor: Bonnie Henriksen

Location: ISD 318 Administration Building – Conference Room 135

Fee:  $25.00

Register online or with 318 Community Ed, 327-5730 
 
 

Basic Babysitting

This basic babysitting class will focus on how to handle emergencies, entertaining children safely, basic child care skill, leadership basic first aid and babysitting business skills. Students will need to bring a lunch, and a doll or stuffed animal

Class # 318500 S2

Friday ~ 6/4/10

9:00am - 3:00pm

Instructor: Glenda Matteson

Location: Grand Rapids RJE Middle School-Rm 208

Fee: $20.00

Register online or with 318 Community Ed, 327-5730

Friday, April 2, 2010

Low Cost Vaccines for Adults

Itasca County Public Health received a grant to provide vaccinations to adults who are uninsured or under-insured for immuizations. While the vaccine is free, a small administration fee is requested, $10/ vaccine. No one receiving a vaccine at this Public Health Clinic will be denied vaccination if they are unable to pay the administration fee.  If you have any questions, call Public Health at 218-327-2941 or toll free at 1-800-422-0312. 

Friday, February 19, 2010

Hearing on Grand Rapids Walk/Biking Path Monday February 22nd

There will be a Public Hearing Monday February 22 at 6:00pm at the Grand Rapids City Hall!

10-0544 A public hearing on CP 2003-6, 3rd Avenue NE Rail Crossing Improvements/Closure

which includes CP 2004-2, TH 169 Multi-Use Trail, Phase 2.

This Multi-Use Trail will connect from the ending of the trail on the Airport Road, behind the Public Works Building, down the River Road and through Oakland Park to the foot bridge.  It then continues back through Veterans Park, connects with the sidewalk and follows to the lights where users can cross the highway.  It then follows down to the Sports Complex and connects with the Ridgewood Road Trail that was built last year.  This trail section has the potential to connect the southeast and northeast quadrants of town!

We want to make sure the council knows:

·         There currently is not a safe route that averts users from high traffic areas.  Safety is key!

·         That this an important piece in a full non-motorized transportation route.  And, for some Non-motorized transportation is not recreation but their only means of transportation.

·         Studies have shown that the construction of trails increases physical activity in area residents.

·         Healthy, active communities attract new businesses and residents.

For more information:

Meghan Bown

Get Fit Itasca Community Health Coordinator

Minnesota State Health Improvement (SHIP) Coordinator, Itasca County

Itasca County YMCA

400 River Road

Grand Rapids, MN 55744

(218) 327-1161 ext. 240 

Friday, January 8, 2010

2010 Great Decisions Discussion Groups Kick-off Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Kick-off meeting for the 2010 Great Decisions Discussion Groups is Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 6-8 pm at the Blandin Foundation Auditorium.

Tom Hanson from the Minnesota International Center (MIC) will discuss the current and recent changes to President Obama's current foreign policy. President Barack Obama begins the second year of his Administration; please join us for an insightful presentation by former Career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson. In this annual "State of U.S. Foreign Policy" address, Mr. Hanson will explore and explain current foreign policy development, trends and challenges for the United States in the year ahead. 

Tom will also discuss briefly the 8 topics that the Great Decisions Discussion Groups will be exploring this year.  Great Decisions 2010 will be starting in January and the first discussion will be Global Financial Crisis on January 27, 2010 12-1:30 pm at the Grand Rapids Area Library.

 A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. Participants consider discussion groups a "safe" environment because they provide everyone with the opportunity to speak. Each participant's point of view carries equal weight and everyone is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. Consensus is not a goal. Discussion Group participants do not attempt to "convert" participants, because there is a mutual respect for each member's experiences, value systems and beliefs. The true focus of the Discussion Group is the critical examination of all issues and opinions, each recognized as equally valid. Any individual with an interest in expanding his/her knowledge of international relations as well as engaging in active discussion of crucial global issues is welcome to join. Great Decisions is used by a wide range of people, from high school students to retirees, and participation is not limited to those with an expert knowledge of foreign affairs. Great Decisions discussion groups are centered on the Great Decisions briefing book. This well researched annual publication provides eight timely global topics to be read by group participants. Participants should read the briefing book articles prior to group meetings, in order to guarantee that all discussion group members come together from the same point of reference, with the same facts and basic understanding of the issues to be discussed. Everyone is encouraged to share his or her thoughts and each participant's point of view carries equal weight.

The 8 topics will be discussed at Grand Rapids Area Library on Wednesdays, each month from 12-1:30 pm.  This program is FREE and open to anyone that would like to participate.  We only ask that you register for the series online at www.getlearning.org., this series is under Grand Rapids Adults, Area Adult Opportunities, Great Decisions 2010,  or you can register through ISD 318 Community Education 327-5730. 

The topics are as follows:

Global Financial Crisis – Jan. 27, 2010

Russia and its Neighbors – 2/17/2010

China Security Relations – 3/17/2010

Global Crime – 4/21/2010

Peace Building and Conflict Resolution – May 19, 2010

Special Envoys – June 16, 2010

Persian Gulf Now More than Ever – Oct. 20, 2010

Kenya and R2P Post-Election – Nov. 18, 2010

Thomas Hanson is a former career Foreign Service Officer.  While with the U.S. Department of State his foreign postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and Georgia.  He also assisted in opening new embassies in Mongolia and Estonia. 

Mr. Hanson has also worked on the Foreign Relations Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.  Most recently, he was Director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C.  Currently he serves as Program Secretary of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations and as a lecturer/consultant for the Great Decisions program at the Minnesota International Center.  He is also on the board of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights (U.S. Foundation) and Diplomat in Residence at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.  He is an occasional foreign affairs commentator in local and regional media. 

Mr. Hanson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in International Relations.  He holds graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; the Geneva Institute of Advanced International Studies in Switzerland; and the National School of Administration (ENA) in Paris, France.   

The Great Decisions Discussion Group is co-sponsored by Grand Rapids Area Library, ISD 318 Community Education, and Minnesota International Center and is funded in part by the Blandin Foundation.