Northfield.org - Community news, citizen produced

Safety Center Tour

Jane B McWilliams — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:29:42 +0000

On Monday, November 16, the City Council put replacing the Northfield Safety Center into their 5-year Capitol Improvement Plan. A new police facility will be built in 2011 on a site yet to be determined and the present building will be razed and replaced with a new one for the fire department in 2012. Anticipated cost for construction of both components is $8.5 million. The third project, expansion of the Northfield Public Library, is scheduled for 2014.

The city has engaged Randy Jennings to assist in informing the public about the Safety Center building planning process. He has agreed to meet with citizens on Monday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. to tour the building. League of Women Voter members Kiffi Summa and Jane McWilliams urge citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to see the Safety Center and to talk with Jennings about the city's plans.

Visiting Artist: Art (bronze pattern) In The Making

deankjerland — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:38:38 +0000

In keeping with our Arts Town spirit, Butler's Steak & Ale's own Norman and Julie have arranged for a unique 'art-in-the-making' event this weekend. Here is the story in the artist's own words:

"My name is Jonathan Johnson, I am a professional artist from Montana visiting Northfield for the week. I have been creating classical sculpture for over 17 years studying the work of the foremost master artists of the world. I create limited edition original bronze sculptures as well as one of a kind earthenware ceramic sculpture. My art is based partly on many years working and creating sculpture using the lost wax process which dates as far back as 4,000 B.C.

A spot of trouble.

adam.gurno — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:23:34 +0000

Hi everyone,

We're experiencing some difficulties with our events, we should have them cleared up ASAP. Thanks for your patience.

Weekend Happenings: Nov. 20-22, 2009

Cosette Schanilec — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:39:39 +0000

This weekend's theater includes performances of bobrauschenbergamerica on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 in Kelsey Theatre at St. Olaf. Donata's Gift is also being performed at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and on Sunday at 2.

Also on Friday, the Tavern Lounge is hosting Area 51 at 7 and New Moon Trio is playing The Contented Cow.

On Saturday there is an event at the Cannon Valley Vet Clinic from 1-5 called Santa Paws. Joe Carey is playing the Tavern Lounge at 7 p.m. and the Contented Cow is hosting Art Vandalay. The Northfield Historical Society is having their annual auction, a Roaring '20s Gala, at the Northfield Golf Club from 6-10.

The Northfield Ice Arena will have a Turkey Skate from 3:45-5:15 on Sunday, and the St. Olaf Handbell Choir is doing a 7 o'clock concert in the Urness Recital Hall at St. Olaf.

Transforming the Heart and Healing the Mind

Andrea Een — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:48:00 +0000

A day-long meditation retreat, TRANSFORMING THE HEART AND HEALING THE MIND, will be given on Saturday, November 21 from 9am-4pm by well-known teacher, Mark Nunberg, at the Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center (313 1/2 Division St., above Jenkins Jewelers). The retreat will include sitting and walking meditation, guided movement, talks on Buddhist spiritual practice and time for questions and discussion. Please bring a bag lunch and plan to stay for the whole day.

A Parent's Dissatisfaction With PLCs

Maia Rodriguez — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:54:48 +0000

Last week, in part one of a series about Professional Learning Communities’ (PLCs) in Northfield, I wrote about my conversation with school board member Ellen Iverson. Ms. Iverson provided several cogent arguments for the use of PLCs in Northfield schools. This week, I feature comments from the other side of the fence. Kathie Galotti is a Carleton Psychology Professor and the parent of two children in the district, one a second grader and the other a high school student. Though Ms. Galotti herself has had significant experience in the district as both a classroom volunteer and as a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Vice President in the past, she has also been a highly vocal member of the anti-PLC contingent. Ms. Galotti initiated a lengthy, and heated, online discussion and a number of other posts about PLCs on Locally Grown Northfield, which I encourage readers to peruse.

Thanksgiving Dinner Invitation

Jane B McWilliams — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:10:07 +0000

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we would like to remind you about Laura Baker’s 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 11 am – 1 pm, served on our 211 Oak Street campus in Millis Dining Hall.We serve turkey, dressing, potatoes, salad, rolls, cranberry sauce, pie, coffee, and milk. This meal is free and open to anyone in the community, no reservations required. We offer this in response to the generous community that supports us.

Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. If rides are needed to the meal, or if anyone would like a meal delivered to their home, they can contact Jan at Laura Baker (645-8866, extension 107). Just a reminder, this is NOT a fundraiser for LBSA. All of the money and donations made for this event help to offset the expenses for the dinner. If you have guests, volunteers, or donations, please let us know on or before November 20.

Give to Your Heart's Content

Gina Franklin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:48:56 +0000

On Tuesday, November 17th, with a click of your mouse, you can select and donate to your favorite non-profit. Minneapolis and St. Paul Foundations have joined to create a web portal known as GiveMN where Minnesota non-profits can build their own page to educate and attract donors. On the 17th, it’s Give To The Max Day where any donation after 8:00 a.m. will be matched from funds raised by theses two goliath foundations.

The Riverwalk Arts Quarter launched

deankjerland — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:30:57 +0000

The Riverwalk Arts Quarter began as a concept of a handful of artists and arts services businesses and non-profits in July 2008. We received an initial grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in Sept 2008 to form a year-long partnership to help us make our dream of an arts destination become a reality.

The Northfield Arts Guild announces Donata's Gift

glimsdal — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:06:16 +0000

In celebration of the warmth and joy of the upcoming holiday season, the Northfield Arts Guild would like to announce our production of Donata’s Gift, a musical written by local playwright Christine Kallman with music written by local composer Daniel Kallman. Tickets for Donata’s Gift are available at the Northfield Arts Guild’s Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased in person, by visiting the web site at northfieldartsguild.org, or over the phone at 507-645-8877.

Inspired by the Italian Christmas legend of Old Befana, Donata’s Gift is a story of giving and redemption. Donata is an embittered and eccentric old woman accused of a terrible crime. A young orphan helps to show her and the community that there is a fresh beginning in generosity, love, and acceptance. Filled with music and dancing and well seasoned with humor, this play is a perfect addition to the holiday season.