Meetings
Battle Plain Township Board will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Edgerton Ag conference room.
Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Mary Jane Brown Chapel. All are invited.
Community Ed
The new Winter Brochure was included in the Luverne Announcer the weekend of New Year's Day. Registrations may be made by calling the Community Education office at 507-283-4724.
Defensive Driving schedule for Luverne classes follows: Beginner 8-Hour Class Feb. 5 and 12 (4 hours each evening). The next Refresher class is at 5:30 Monday, Jan. 22.
Blue Mounds State Park winter birding Jan. 13
Winter is a great time to practice your birding skills. Join the naturalist from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, for the winter birding session.
Meet at the picnic shelter to learn more about our resident winter birds and practice using binoculars. If weather permits, we will spend the last 30 minutes outdoors looking for birds so dress accordingly. *A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow, so bring your own if you have them.
New to Medicare class Jan. 18
Learn what to do when you become eligible for Medicare through an online class at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. This class, offered by Senior LinkAge Line, is for people new to Medicare and wanting to learn about what Medicare covers, supplemental insurance and Part D prescription coverage.
The class also covers Medicare enrollment details, how to get the most from your benefits, and how to research Medicare plan options using the Medicare.gov site.
Register online at http://bit.ly/3RSZBAN. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 for help.
Candlelight hike at Blue Mounds State Park Jan. 27
The Blue Mounds State Park will host its annual Candlelight Hike from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27.
The self-guided 1.75-mile trail starts at the picnic area parking lot and is suitable for beginner-level hikers of all ages. Stop by the picnic shelter for hot cocoa and cookies near a bonfire.
Hikers are encouraged to buy vehicle permits in advance at the park office or online at mndnr.gov/permit and carpool to the event.
Call 507-283-6050 or check visitor alerts at mndnr.gov/bluemounds for weather-related upated.
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. Book include:
•Feb. 5: “Run Rose Run” by Dolly Parton and James Patterson.
•March 4: “The 19th Wife” By David Ebershoff.
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.