Northfield Council passed a resolution last year proclaiming Northfield to be an Age Friendly Community. One of a handful in the State. AARP created a program in conjunction with the World Health Organization. Councilor David DeLong explains what Age Friendly Community looks at the physical, social and economic frameworks within the community and makes changes that promote independance and a high quality of life for it’s citizens as they age. AARP has identified 8 domains that typically need improvement. They include, in part, outdoor spaces, housing with design modifications, transportation, social
participation. Northfield does well but there’s always room for improvement says, Nan Just, who is part of a local survey committee. Using tools from AARP they tailored it to Northfield. The survey was recently delivered to residents. They’re doing both a random sample (which was mailed out last week) and they have hard copies available in a couple of weeks at the Northfield Public Library and the Senior Center as well as online at agefriendlynorthfield.com . The survey delves into each of those 8 domains. They’re looking for honest answers from residents about how the City is doing. Once complete, they plan on holding focus groups on what they found, and, if it resonates with them, ask if those people would be involved in further and help consider solutions where there are needs for improvement. The initial survey is a random sampling of a thousand residents over 50. Within the next 2 weeks they’ll have surveys available at the Northfield Library, the Senior Center and online at agefriendlynorthfield.com. They want as many people as possible take the survey. A Carleton Professor with a Statistics Class will collate the information between the scientific random survey and the ones filled out from online and the hard copies. They need all the raw data in by September 1st. Just said they’ll be looking toward short and long term goals and want people to participate in focus groups to find possible solutions for issues. Much more information will be coming. Their full interview is online at kymn.net Take the survey today!
Lock up! Don’t give them an opportunity
Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson reminds us again that it’s “that time of year” when thieves are looking for easy marks. Lock up your house, your car, your gararge. Especially those doors from the garage to the house. Your car is an easy mark, especially if left open. Report any suspicious activity to Police by calling 911 or their non emergency number at 507-645-4475. Tomorrow is Night to Unite, an excellent time to get with neighbors, meet them, talk with them about any concerns and share information.
Nice try but no dice (or card)
And from the Star Tribune’s News of the Weird file a hopeful Minnesota driver, pulled over by Dakota County Deputy Mike Vai in June, produced a “get out of jail free” card from a Monopoly game in an effort to escape charges on a controlled-substance warrant. The amused officer shared the incident on his department’s Facebook page, but took the unidentified man into custody anyway.
