Evening story times in February
In celebration of “I Love to Read” Month, the Rock County Community Library will conduct an Evening Story Time on selected Tuesdays nights in February. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 27.
Virtual Medicare class Feb. 15
Medicare can be confusing, and Virtual Medicare 101 offers a brief overview on the basics of Medicare Part A, B, C and Part D. The class, at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, will also offer information about when and how to enroll. Visit http://bit.ly/3RSZBAN to sign up, as space is limited. It’s offered through Senior LinkAge Line and the Minnesota Board on Aging, 800-333-2433.
Give blood in Luverne Feb. 20
The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Luverne from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Living Rock Church on East Main Street. Those who give blood in February will get a $20 Amazaon gift card by email.
Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Community Ed
Register for the following classes and activities by calling the Community Education office at 507-283-4724.
Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. After the beginning 8-hour class, every three years drivers take a 4- hour refresher class. The Beginner 8-Hour Class is Feb. 12 and the Refresher 4-Hour Classes are March 11, April 8, May 13.
Students in grades 5-8 interested in acting or working behind the scenes can register for Intro to Theatre on Feb. 22. Fee is $12.
Learn about the mobile payment service in How to Use Venmo Safely on Feb. 15. This is a virtual class offered through Zoom. Join at Community Education or attend from your home. Fee is $20.
Students in grades 2-6 can learn about another language at Learn Spanish Basics for four sessions starting March 4. Fee is $15.
Why Play MahJong? lessons start on March 7 for three sessions. Fee is $5.
Register by March 7: Create your own one-of-a-kind dress at Sew Your Own Dress at First Comes Love starting on April 4 for 4 sessions. Fee is $250.
Children ages 0-5 with an adult will enjoy Open Gym on March 8. Registration required, but no fee.
Amazing Raku on March 9 is open to all ages—but those in grade 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $5, plus you will pick out and pay for a pottery bisque piece at the studio for $10-$30 cost. You will be impressed at the beautiful piece you take home after you apply glaze and watch it change in the fire!
Blue Mounds naturalist programs Feb. 24
Meet at the picnic shelter at the park for Bobcats and Coyotes from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, to learn about the trials and tribulations of two predators that call the Blue Mounds State Park home. With big teeth and sharp claws, predators often get a bad reputation. However, they play an important role in our ecosystem.
Mobile Dental Clinic in Luverne Feb. 28
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the
Health and Human Services Community Room, 2 Roundwind Road. This
clinic provides dental care for adults and children ages 0-100+. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance accepted. Organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
Free tax preparation at library
AARP volunteers will offer free tax filing at Rock County Library on Mondays, Feb. 12 through April 15. Schedule appointments by calling the library, 507-449-5040. Bring all documents, including last year’s tax return, and a form of identification to document social security numbers. Volunteers will prepare a tax return for 2022 if requested.
Appointments will start at 9:15 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12 for every Monday through April 15. Additional appointment days may be added if necessary.
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Books on Tap book club meets once a month to discuss a selected book. The events takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Take 16 Brewery in Luverne. Each month’s book is available to check out at the library. Books include:
•March 4: “The 19th Wife” By David Ebershoff.
Story Time with Bronwyn is Friday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45 now through April 26. Story Time, complete with a story, songs and a craft, is conducted in the library basement.
In celebration of “I Love to Read” Month, Evening Story Time will take place on selected Tuesdays nights in February. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 27.
The Winter Reading Program 2024 is currently underway. “Read-a-Latte” encouraged patrons to check out and read at least 12 books by March 31. Those who complete the program receive prizes.
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.