Dec. 2010
Snow flurries and a flurry of activities fill December days and evenings. There are plenty activities for giving and attending events that support local organizations this month. Coming right up on December 1, the Twin Ports Action Coalition (TPAC) Holiday Bowl-A-Thon will be held at the Incline Station from 6PM to 8PM. Teams of four are welcome to sign up. Email scottyeazle@charter.net to sign up your team.
Ring in the new year with a book. Actually, with giving books. There will be a book drive at the Get It Local Gift Fair. Please bring one or more new or gently used children's books for the Red Book Shelf program with United Way to the gift fair coming up December 4. The fair will run from 10AM to 3PM at the Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. and will have over 30 local artists and nonprofits with great gift options all in one place which will be a positive impact for our community. The fair also is having a hygiene product drive for Salvation Army. The local Kiwanis Club is hosting their 39th Breakfast with Santa event on December 11 where every child will receive a book.
Another positive impact you can make is through donating blood. It is a gift that may have huge impact on a person you may never know. Memorial Blood Centers (723-8080) up by the Burning Tree Plaza accepts blood donations after a screening. Thinking of red? Don't forget about the Salvation Army buckets around town or there also are opportunities to donate toys for their Toyland Express.
In Duluth, Meals on Wheels programs deliver hot meals to over 140 homebound people a day. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals one day (or more). Call 727-4321 if you'd be willing to take on one or more shifts. There are several pickup sites including the Rainbow Center in Downtown Duluth, Lincoln Park, and Morgan Park. AEOA runs several Meals on Wheels routes and there is another program at Lakeshore in Lakeside. Call 625-7844 for more information to step up into the Lakeside delivery program.
With this article running in the last month of the year and near to Thanksgiving, I think reflecting and gratitude are to be mentioned. Numerous nonprofits and volunteers are at work every day serving to bring positive change in our community. During the fall several groups were recognized with the Touchstone Awards by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The list of the winners and finalists is at dsacommunityfoundation.com. Neighborhood heroes were recognized at the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) Connecting the Dots community event also held this fall. Instead of announcing those heroes I'd like invite you to recognize your own personal heroes in your neighborhood. Perhaps write a thank you note or help do some snow shoveling or share a plate of treats. Likewise, if there is a local nonprofit group that you know has done some great things in this community let them know with a thank you letter.
Finally, here is a little math proposal. If we created a Nickel Day in Duluth and with the approximately 86,000 people in Duluth we would raise $4300 in one day. What if in Duluth and Superior, we would do that once a month? Could the money then help to support animal shelters, the food shelf, abuse centers, and some of the many groups that could use some financial assistance to keep up their services? A little can add up. I'll end with a quote by Marianne Williamson in The Celebrate-Your-Life Quote Book by Allen Klein In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.
Nov. 2010
Looking at all the bulletin boards in local shops I see flyers for a variety of interesting things - many art and music related but also a lot of fundraising events for nonprofits which provide valuable services in our community. Here are some that I've been coming across for November. I also wanted to point out some opportunities to donate items, especially this time of year, to local groups. And you can participate in annual meetings or annual events of groups to catch up with their year's activities and future plans.
Opportunities to give items and official 'drives' in the Twin Ports range from books to toys to hygiene products, and, of course, food. The Red Book Shelf program through the United Way of Greater Duluth (726-4770) welcomes new and gently used children's books. These books are then distributed to Red Book Shelves throughout the community and kids can take a book for free to encourage reading. Salvation Army (722-7934) is in need of hygiene products - soaps, shampoos, etc. Drop off items at 215 S. 27th Ave. W. No doubt you will see more 'drives' going on - for gloves, coats, and shoes. Maybe you can establish one in your work place or adopt a family in need and call for donations to brighten their day or even help pay hospital expenses for a family.
Green drop-off bins outdoors are positioned around town for donating items, such as next to Sammy's Pizza in Lakeside. Non-perishable food items are needed for the Great Northern Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank (727-5653). Each day, 445 people receive food from one of the Northland food shelves and/or soup kitchens and 11% of our population live in poverty. The Salvation Army also accepts food donations and the Damiano Center's (722-8708) soup kitchen will accept produce, especially onion donations, for making tasty soups. The Bethany Crisis Shelter (626-1901) and Safe Haven Shelter (728-6481) or Life House (722-7431) welcome donation of gift cards to grocery stores, Target, K-Mart, etc. When you shop, purchase a gift card to donate. It can help with purchasing items for child care, clothes, and other items needed in the community.
Coming up in November are a few meetings that let you meet and support active community organizations. The Neighborhood Housing Services Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction Annual meeting will be on Tuesday, November 9 starting at 5 PM. It will be held at Holy Family Church in Lincoln Park. Call 727-8604 x 207 for more information. NHS has helped create affordable housing for people in our community. The annual Farmers Take the Stove event by the Lake Superior Farming Association will be at the Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. on Tuesday, November 16 starting at 5:30PM. There will also be a silent auction and live music. Local foods taste better, tend to have more nutritional value, and are a part of supporting the local economy Farmers can make these grow and yes, they can cook. Eat the flavorful local-grown meal probably with root vegetables like parsnip and potatoes and you'll wish the event was held every week.
I'd also like to mention a one-day on-line fundraiser coming up November 16 - Give to the Max Day. A person would go to www.givemn.razoo.com and can plug in Duluth or the name of a local organization and then donate via PayPal or credit card. Whether you choose to support arts, youth, basic needs, or to support the library, log on that day and give. This time of year being an informed voter is one more step for change - vote with your dollars every day and your ballot on November 2.
Oct. 2010
There is a German proverb: "to change and to improve are two different things." I think that serves to remind us to think more carefully about the changes we want to make. Where do we want to be in terms of people's health? Perhaps you might want to participate in the October 2 Memory Walk to Move to End Alzheimer's. The walk in Duluth will be held at Bayfront Festival Park and begins at 10AM with registration starting at 9AM. Memory Walks throughout the nation have raised more than $300 million to bring about a change through more research to understand what Alzheimer's is and how we can prevent the fatal brain disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association the disease affects 5.3 million people and is the 7th leading cause of death.
Another option to participate on Oct 2 happens later that day and over at Northland Country Club. It's the 2010 Fur Ball, an Animal Allies Humane Society fundraiser. The proceeds benefit Animal Allies spay/neuter and education programs. Call 722-9084 for more information on donating silent auction items or on attending the event. You can get all decked up, eat some tasty treats, and dance the night away and help reduce the number of healthy homeless pets euthanized. Animal Allies also has the Campaign for Zero - Ending Euthanasia of Healthy Pets in Duluth. All donations are appreciated. Spend your morning of Oct 9 at Lake Superior College in an event to celebrate breast cancer survivors and to express the hope and goal of ending this disease. Arrive before 9 a.m. and participate in a non-competitive 5k Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Duluth. The funds raised will go to work toward a world with more birthdays. To contact the organizers send an email to duluthstrides@cancer.org.
If you are interested in keeping the air waves for community and national programs, local music, and arts news in good shape then consider pledging support to KUMD through their semi-annual membership drive which will run through early October. As a community radio station it connects the Northland community via announcements, local and national programs, and airs full eclectic mix of music - world, jazz, folk, women's - even some live music. Listen in during weekday afternoon to here the Best Local Radio Personality, Christine Dean, as voted by Reader Weekly readers in the Best of the Northland poll earlier this year. Staff, volunteer announcers, and a student crew work together to bring you the programming on 103.3 FM KUMD. Some programs, such as the Radio Gallery, and can be listened to on your time on the kumd.org website.
Many of the fundraisers seem to involve some physical activity. If you like to stay active and might want to try a bit of cultural type exercise that's been around for centuries you can head to a Tamarack Dance Association 3rd Saturday Dance with live music and a caller. Another option is for the Duluth International Folk Dance club dances which are every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Dance together, build community, get some exercises and have some fun. Good things happen when people work together and it can even be fun. Maybe it should be restated as "Good things happen when people play together."
I'd like to mention another date, October 20, which has been designated as National Day of Writing as part of the National Writing Project. You can take the time to submit a letter to the editor to a local newspaper, update your blog, record a special memory or even write down what you love about Duluth. Words can be great tools for change. We're also into the election time of year - that's yet another mode for making a change.
Sep. 2010
Duluth's plethora of nonprofits strive to fulfill their missions - ranging from providing basic needs to a wide variety of community improvements. Groups vary on how much grant support or other funding they receive. Many rely heavily on member support and on fundraisers. Here are a few upcoming fundraisers in our neck of the woods.
Make a Difference Mondays will be held on Mondays in September from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. at JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge & View. A 10% donation from food sales at dinner will go to Duluth Festival Opera.
For a Spicy Social Networking opportunity head to the DECC between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 16 to come to the 19th Annual United Way of Greater Duluth Chili Cook-off. Over 40 of the area's best chili recipes will be there for you to taste. Attendance is upwards of 2000 people. Awards for chili include the Amateur Division, Hottest-Yet-Edible, Most Unique, and a few others. General admission is $6 or $16 per family. The event will also include a Campaign Kick-Off of United Way of Greater Duluth. If you wish to be a contestant go to Unitedwayduluth.org.
Two Lake Superior Zoo fundraisers are coming up in September. The Lake Superior Zoo American Association of Zoo Keepers Chapter (AAZK) will host Bowling for Rhinos starting at 6 p.m. at the Incline Station where anyone can come and bowl two games for $15. With your game you also get free pizza and pop. Proceeds go toward rhinoceros conservation. Pick up a pledge form at the zoo or at the event. The Lake Superior Zoo Association invites you to Uncorked for Conservation - Wine and Beer Tasting Wine Zoo on Thursday, September 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Please R.S.V.P. by September 17 at 730-4500. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and prize raffles. There will be fun prizes and even a Grand Prize Drawing with airline tickets and lodging to Florida.
The Young Survival Coalition Tour de PINK bike ride for breast cancer will be September 18 on the Munger Trail in Carlton. For more info, go to www.ysctourdepink.org. All skill levels welcome. Routes from 8 miles up to 100+. Fully-supported ride. Rather walk then bike then on the same day participate in the Great Strides Walk starting at 10 a.m. It's a 5k held in Canal Park supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information contact (651) 631-3290. Gather a team. The Youth Ski Program will benefit from the $1.00 admission at the Fall Festival at Chester Bowl - again on September 18.
Head out to the Munger Trail in West Duluth on September 25 to participate in the Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs 3rd Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence. The walk starts at 9 a.m. Registration fee is $30. Walk starts at the Munger Trail in West Duluth. For more information, call (218) 722-2781.
Put on your walking shoes and maybe even a character costume if you'd like and participate in the Saturday, September 25 Laps Around the Library - a Fundraiser walk to support the library. This new event is organized by the Friends of the Duluth Public Library. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and check-in will begin at 8:30. Registered participants will walk 5 times around the Duluth Public Library at 520 W. Superior St., which is approximately one mile. For registration information, pick up a registration form at the main library, branch libraries, or down-load one on the Friends section of the Duluth Public Library website www.duluth.lib.mn.us. Money raised will support book and media purchases and programs for the library. Early bird registration through September 15 is $15 per person or $35 per family. On-site registration will be available, please add $5. This event is a walk, not a run.
This last one isn't a fundraiser - rather it's more a Mind Raiser. Join in the 2010 Minnesota Beach Sweep from 2 to 4 p.m. to help cleanup local waterways on September 25. Call 740-3474 ext. 1025 to find about locations on land ranging from Brighton Beach to Boy Scout Landing to an underwater SCUBA Cleanup off of Park Point.