Library launches 50 States Book Challenge
The Rock County Library will launch its “50 States Book Challenge” beginning Jan. 1.
Library staff challenge residents to read 50 books in a yearlong challenge. Each book’s setting must be in a different state.
Various prizes are available based on the number of books read. Any reader who completes the 50 states will earn a grand prize.
Library staff have a list of book suggestions as well as log sheets available beginning Jan. 1.
Blue Mounds State Park offers January activities
•Meet at the picnic area parking lot on Jan. 1 for a First Day Hike from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to start the new year off outdoors and discover a winter wonderland on the prairie. Join the naturalist for a 2-mile hike along parts of the Upper Cliff Line and Mound Trails. Trails may be snow-covered or icy during winter months. Warm clothing and sturdy boots are recommended.
•Meet in the Picnic Shelter from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, to learn about beavers, nature’s architects and America’s largest rodents.
Discover how these critters use their unique adaptations to play a valuable role on the landscape. The program will conclude with a short walk down to the creek to look for beaver activity.
•Meet in the Picnic Shelter from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, for Winter Birding: Owls. Winter can be a great time to view owls. Find out what makes these wonderful birds so special and discover what species are in the backyard.
Nutrition for seniors Jan. 5
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SWMN, will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.
The drive through distribution will be in the parking lot off Maple Street at the new A.C.E. office on east side of Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Watch for the new Winter Brochure in the Luverne Announcer the weekend of New Year's Day. Registrations will be taken starting Jan. 3. The Community Ed Office will be closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 2 for winter break.
ECFE Classes for Children ages 0-5 years and parents offers information and support to parents and provides activities for parents and children to explore together through classes that meet once a week throughout the school year.
Defensive Driving 8-hour class provides a 10 percent premium discount on auto insurance to anyone 55 years of age or older. The 8-hour class needs to be taken once and the insurance discount is good for three years. A 4-hour refresher class can be taken every three years to remain eligible for the insurance discount.
New Residents: Census Information Needed for Preschool Children. Call 507-283-4724 with information for children ages 0 to kindergarten. The school district uses the information for planning purposes, mailing out information on school events, including the state-mandated Preschool Screening for all 3-year-old children. If your child is 4 and has not been screened, call to complete the screening before kindergarten.
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging the loved one to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is now 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.
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets Tuesdays
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. There will be StoryHour Bible stories and playtime for ages 3 to kindergarten, and a nursery is available. It’s free for all faiths and no prior Bible knowledge is necessary. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 or email atkristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
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.
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