by Rich Larson
The Northfield City Council heard a presentation last night during a work session, regarding the reconstruction of Bridge Square as a part of
the Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan.
Landscape Architects Bruce Jacobson and Bob Close have been working with the city to create a new concept for Bridge Square, which would include some significant changes. The first, and most expected, would be the permanent closure of the section of Water Street on the west side of of the square to connect it with the riverfront. Other potential changes would include the construction of a performance space, the relocation of the Sheldahl Fountain to the East side of the square, and the relocation of the Civil War Memorial, potentially elsewhere on Bridge Square or it could be relocated to Veterans Memorial Park.
Another suggestion made by Jacobson and Close was the expansion of the greenspace along the riverfront that would eliminate about half of the parking spaces on Water Street between fourth and fifth streets. This led to another discussion of the need for a comprehensive downtown parking study, which has long been discussed by the council but never acted on.
The plan will now be put in front of the public and Jacobson and Close will meet with commissions and community advocacy groups. The final proposal will be presented to the council in December, and the council is scheduled to vote on the new plan in January.
Community Action Center seeks donations for Operation Joy
The Community Action Center announced yesterday that plans are underway for the 2021 edition of their annual gift sharing program, Operation Joy.
CAC’s goal with the program is to see that every child in Northfield has a positive holiday experience. To that end, the organization is currently asking for donations and volunteers to help with the program.
Last year was, of course, a challenge for CAC and Operation Joy. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic certain changes had to be made to the way things have traditionally been done. Instead of receiving a toy, families received a target gift card for each child in the family. They were also provided with a box of food, a gift card to a local grocery store, and chamber bucks. The program became a drive-through service as well. Families would arrive at the appointed time, and volunteers delivered the items directly to their cars.
In a statement, Lisa Percy, the Operation Joy Program Coordinator said the CAC is still unsure of exactly how things will operate this year. While they would like to have families come into the office for a little more personal treatment, that aspect of the program has yet to be decided. Percy also said because of the positive response they received from many of the participating families, the Target gift card option will remain in place.
The statement went on to say that the best way to help Operation Joy right now is through a monetary donation. According to the CAC website, 100% of each donation will be used to purchase gift cards and to give every kid in the community a positive experience this coming holiday season.
Last year, Operation Joy provided gifts to more than 900 children in the area, which was a 20% increase from 2019, and another increase is expected this year. Those in need of assistance can register on the CAC website. Registrants will receive a confirmation email and an appointment time. Registration is compulsory to participate. Those interested in making a donation may also do so at the CAC website. Visit communityactioncenter.org for all information or contact them at 507-664-3550.
Operation Joy’s distribution day will be December 8.
Rice County selected for ‘Healthy Ways’ program
And the school districts of Rice County have been selected as the first replication sites for a program called Healthy Ways that will teach both
students and families about ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann said the program was developed by the Harlem Children’s Zone, a non-profit organization formed to support the schools of Harlem, very similar he said to the things Northfield Promise does for the schools of Northfield.
According to HCZ website, the Healthy Harlem program, which has been renamed Healthy Ways as it moves across the country, will “help children and families learn how to take better care of themselves, make thoughtful choices, and establish lifelong healthy habits.” the website said the program looks to increase healthy eating, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity in youth to prevent childhood obesity or halt weight gain, provides targeted interventions for overweight kids, and generally increase health and wellness within the community. Dr. Hillmann said the program uses evidence-based techniques that have been studied and found to be effective
As the first selected replication site, Rice County has received a grant to implement the program. Hillmann said the Northfield School District has hired Diego Calvario Bravo as the coordinator for the program in the Northfield District. Bravo is a graduate of Northfield High School and a recent graduate of St. Olaf College. His job will be to oversee the rollout of the program and look for areas that need to be adapted to fit the Northfield School district. Some aspects of the program that worked in Harlem might have to be re-worked, and those are details that Dr. Hillmann said will be addressed in the next phase of the project.
“More to come on this. The program will be delivered through our Community School model that has been very successful. We’re very excited to be able to offer this to our community. The first piece is getting the replication site approval. The next step is actually operationalizing the program. And we have a long history of being able to operationalize programs.”
Hillmann said the Healthy Ways program will be first rolled out at the Greenvale Park Community School. In Faribault, the project will start at Jefferson Elementary School.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
