Meetings
Beaver Creek Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, in the Township Hall in Beaver Creek. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held via Zoom. Call 507-283-2061 for details.
Vienna Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Kenneth Community Center.
Nutrition for seniors March 7
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN, will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, as a drive-thru distribution in the parking lot off Maple Street on the east side of the Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
March 18 parade entrants sought
Parade entries are being sought by the Luverne Area Chamber for the St. Patrick’s Day parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 18.
All businesses, individuals and families are invited to participate. No pre-registration is required.
Entrants will meet in the Living Rock Church parking lot on East Main Street at 4 p.m. Every parade participant receives a gold dollar coin at the end of the parade route.
For more information contact the Luverne Area Chamber at 507-283-4061.
Veterans banners applications open
Applications for the 2024 Main Street Veterans Banner Project are being received now through May 1. There are 82 spots available.
Cost is $125. One side of the banner will have the photo of the veterans and the other side states “Thank you for your service.”
The 2024 banners will be hung on Main Street prior to July 4 and remain until early fall.
The project is coordinated by the LIFT committee in partnership with the city of Luverne and Luverne Area Chamber. The application form is available online at www.LuverneChamber.com. Call 507-283-4061 for more information.
Nominations sought for
Alumni Hall of Fame
The Luverne Alumni Hall of Fame committee is currently accepting applications for the Class of 2024 until April 30.
Nomination forms and more information can be received from Hall of Fame secretary Jane Lanphere at 507-920-5197.
The induction ceremony takes place annually on the day of the LHS football homecoming game.
Pasta & Preplanning Seminar March 21
Hartquist Funeral Home will be offering a free advance planning seminar: Pasta & Preplanning at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Enjoy a meal in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Call 507-283-2777 to make a reservation.
Kindergarten Round-Up March 21
Luverne Kindergarten Round-Up will be Thursday, March 21, at the Luverne Elementary School from 5:30-6:30 p.m. You and your child are invited to an informal “meet and greet” open house.
Children must be five years old before Sept. 1,
2024, in order to register for kindergarten. Please
contact the Elementary Office at 283-4497 Opt 3 with
any questions.
Community Ed
Register for the following classes and activities by calling the Community Education office at 507-283-4724.
Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. After the beginning 8-hour class, every three years drivers take a 4- hour refresher class. The Refresher 4-Hour Classes are March 11, April 8, May 13.
Why Play MahJong? lessons start on March 7 for three sessions. Fee is $5.
Register by March 7 to Create your own one-of-a-kind dress at Sew Your Own Dress at First Comes Love starting on April 4 for four sessions. Fee is $250.
Children ages 0-5 with an adult will enjoy Open Gym on March 8. Registration required, but no fee.
Amazing Raku on March 9 is open to all ages—but those in grade 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5, plus you will pick out and pay for a pottery bisque piece at the studio for $10-$30 cost. You will be impressed at the beautiful piece you take home after you apply glaze and watch it change in the fire!
Students (grades K-6) can learn to decorate Easter themed cookies like a professional at B's Bakehouse on March 21. Register by March 14 – Fee is $35.
Students (grades 1-5) will follow along with the instructor step by step to create a painting at Paint & Snack class on March 18. Fee is $35.
Students (grades K – 3) can join a Blue Mound State Park Naturalist at Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders on March 19 to learn about the life cycle of amphibians. Fee is $5.
Want to learn more about Discovery Time preschool? Join the staff Discovery Time Information Night on March 21 to learn about the curriculum, visit the class-rooms, and get to know the teachers. No fee for this event.
Learn how to recognize scams when using your computer at Computer
Scams, and what not to click on! on March 25. This will be a virtual class through Zoom. Fee is $25.
Students in grades K-12, it's time to sign up for Summer T-ball, baseball or softball! Sign up before March 25. Fees are lower and you are assured of a spot on a team.
Kids in the Kitchen (grades K-6) will make Easter treats on March 28. Fee is $26.
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Books on Tap book club meets once a month to discuss a selected book. The events takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Take 16 Brewery in Luverne. Each month’s book is available to check out at the library. Books include:
Story Time with Bronwyn is Friday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45 now through April 26. Story Time, complete with a story, songs and a craft, is conducted in the library basement.
The Winter Reading Program 2024 is currently underway. “Read-a-Latte” encouraged patrons to check out and read at least 12 books by March 31. Those who complete the program receive prizes.
Fourth-graders can receive a free one-year National Parks pass. The pass is good from Sept. 1-Aug. 31 of the fourth-grade year. Visit the website http://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration is at 6 p.m.
Census info needed for preschoolers
Families new to the community are encouraged to call Luverne Community Education at 507-283-4724 with information on children ages 0 up to kindergarten.
The district uses the information for planning purposes and to alert families about school opportunities. Families with 4-year-olds not yet screened for preschool should call to schedule a screening prior to kindergarten.
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.
CoffeeBreak Storyhour meets Tuesdays
CoffeeBreak meets at 9:30 a.m. each Tuesday to study the Bible, starting with Mark 9-16. StoryHour is for children 3 years old through kindergarten. Nursery is available for the littlest ones. There is no charge or no prior Bible knowledge is necessary. All faiths and all ages are welcome. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 with questions, or email kristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is open for an additional evening shift from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.