Meetings
Beaver Creek Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, in the township hall in Beaver Creek.
Springwater Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the township hall.
Nutrition for seniors Aug. 1
Nutrition Assistance Program for seniors 60 and older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN, will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, in the parking lot off Maple Street on the east side of Generations Event Center. Preregistration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
Suicide loss group Aug. 5
The Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, in the Rock County Community Library basement in Luverne.
The group, which meets monthly on the first Monday of each month, is open to individuals over the age of 18. Meetings are guided by trained facilitators. Email bereavement24@gmail.com prior to attending to connect with group leaders on the process.
SAIL classes start Aug. 5
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) classes for seniors will be offered Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 5, through Oct. 24 for 24 sessions. The Luverne class is at the American Reformed Church, 304 N. Fairview Drive. The Beaver Creek class is at First Presbyterian Church, 203 S. 3rd Street. For more information or to preregister, call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064. Classes are free, but donations are accepted.
Explore Homeschooling Aug. 7
Curious if homeschooling might be a good fit for your children? Join us for an informational open house in the Rock County Community Library basement anytime from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7. Learn about homeschooling, what it takes to get started, and connect with local homeschool groups. Take a peek at some curriculum options and ask any questions you may have.
Take 16 ‘Pint for a Pint’ blood drive
Take 16 Brewing Co. and Community Blood Bank will host a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Take 16 Brewing Co., 509 E. Main Street in Luverne. All who donate will receive a free stainless steel growler and a certificate for a pint of brew.
To schedule an appointment, log onto cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and Aug. 9; or call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health the day of the donation. Please bring an I.D. and eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating. See www.cbblifeblood.org or call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.
4th Annual Rock the Edge Prayer Breakfast
Rock the Edge will host its 4th Annual Community and Youth Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Luverne High School. Guest speaker is Ty Eschenbaum. A breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m. in the commons with a program at 7 a.m. in the performing arts center. Freewill offering. RSVP to 507-283-4061 by Monday, Aug. 19, at noon. The public is invited to attend.
SATURDAY, AUG
Blue Mounds State Park offers programs
Bison are not the only mammal that call Blue Mounds State Park home. From 2-3:3o p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, attend Mammal Mania. Take 5-10 minutes to stop by the naturalist table to see and touch some furs and skulls of the different mammals you can find at the park. Meet at the picnic area.
Meet from 7-8 p.m. at the amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 31, to attend Creatures of the Night: Owls. From silent flight to night vision, owls have fascinated people for centuries with their incredible adaptations. Join the naturalist to shed some light on this nocturnal hunter. *Bring a chair, as seating is limited
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Community Ed
Register for the following classes and activities by calling the Community Education office at 507-283-4724.
Play Dates at the Park give parents and their children birth to 5 years an opportunity to connect informally by meeting at Evergreen Park (change in location due to flooding at City Park) at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays: Aug. 7, 14, & 21. No fee, but please call Community Ed to register.
Kids who attend grades 1-6 during the 23-24 school year will have fun at Paint and Snack class Aug. 15. Sign up for one class or for all 3. Fee is $35/class.
Does your child enjoy reading? Book Club may be for them! Students in grades 2-4 (as attended during the 23-24 school year) will meet on Aug. 12, 13, 14 & 15. A snack and book will be provided. Fee is $30.
Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. As of July 1, 2024, you are able to take a 4-hour class to receive the discount, and then repeat the class every three years to continue receiving the discount. An 8-hour class is no longer required for beginners. The four-hour class for Luverne is Aug. 12.
Boys and girls in grades 2-7 (as attended during the 23-24 school year) are invited to compete in Punt, Pass & Kick Competition on Aug. 4. Fee is $10.
Students, grades K-6, will learn skills and techniques at Learn How to Play Chess on Aug. 20 & 22. Open to all skill levels! Fee is $15.
Library happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
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.
