The transit conversation is gaining momentum.  In January another large group gathered at the Northfield Library to learn from City staff about the existing transit system and to discuss the needs that are not being met.  With great care so as not to break a system that is serving a portion of the population quite well, this group has embarked on an exploration of all of the unmet needs in the community and how to creatively meet those needs.  Various subgroups are meeting throughout the month, and the large group will gather again in late February to figure out next steps.  Stay tuned for more information and watch our calendar for the announcement of the next large group meeting…

My name is Ayan. I came to America in 2001.  I have lived in Faribault for one year.  I am from Somalia.  I like Faribault because it is very quiet and the rent is not expensive.  I like to help the Somali women and children.

On Friday, November 21, three Carleton students presented their work on a civic engagement project.  All three were students in a social welfare class tasked with identifying and researching a local topic that impacts social welfare. They went to Adrienne Falcon (Coordinator of Academic Civic Engagement at Carleton) for input on what topic might be most pertinent in Northfield right now.  Adrienne had participated in the public viewing and discussion of “Unnatural Causes” in which so many people brought up transportation as a major issue.  The students’ timing was perfect, and Northfield residents will surely benefit.

So the students did copious amounts of research and gathered a powerful group of people in a room on Friday to present their findings.  And now the conversation is happening.  The next steps include a detailed study of the needs and gaps that exist within the current system and the potential formation of a task force or working group under the guidance of a city commission.

If you are interested in getting involved in the transportation conversation - don’t hesitate to contact Growing Up Healthy or check out Northfield.org for more information  (coming soon!).

Advisory board members and neighborhood leaders gathered together on Saturday, November 15th to vote on a prioritized policy agenda for Growing Up Healthy.  The result of the meeting was a list of issues, strategies and activities that GUH will consider priorities in working towards systems change over the next year or so.

At the top of the list was meeting with newly elected officials to make sure they know what Growing Up Healthy is all about. Utilizing this strategy, we hope to build relationships with our elected officials that will lead to more movement on the issues we care about most.

The top issue of concern was connecting child care providers - particularly those who are considered family, friend and neighbor providers (caring for children in their homes, legally though not licensed) - with more resources.  We plan to partner with the Early Childhood Initiatives in both Northfield and Faribault to help make this happen.  Hopefully our neighborhood leaders can help provide access to a network of care providers who are not currently receiving any form of support.

Other issues that are on our priority list include mental health, transportation, and safety features in the targeted neighborhoods. We also intend to continue creating and building a comprehensive map/listing of services and resources for families in the county.  This map will be in multiple languages and multiple media to provide access to the highest number of residents possible.

The Viking Terrace team decided to help their neighbors save energy and energy costs this winter by providing residents with furnace filters, window plastic and CFL light bulbs.  On Saturday, November 22 the team handed out supplies to more than 40 families, and they plan to hand out supplies to 40 more families before long.

Amazingly, the team is giving each participating household 6 new CFL light bulbs.  By conservative estimates, this will save each household $30 per year and $150 over the lifetime of the bulbs.  More amazingly, this investment of about $1500 will save the Viking Terrace neighborhood roughly $12,000 over five years.  It will keep 48000 lbs of CO2 out of the atmosphere - the equivalent of taking 4 cars off the road for a year each.

The window plastic and furnace filter savings are much harder to calculate, but no less amazing.  Congratulations to the whole Viking Terrace neighborhood for making such a sizable contribution to the “greening” of Northfield!

The Viking Terrace team has added three new leaders.  Araceli, Lucy and Roberto all bring amazing skills and experience to the team.  Keep an eye out for their profiles on this page.  They have started working in earnest and have already contributed to the policy agenda and the latest event put on for Viking Terrace.  We are privileged to have them as part of the team!

The Hulett neighborhood team put on a great event last Saturday, November 15.  Working out of McKinley School, leaders helped approximately 30 families by providing energy saving resources.  All families received furnace filters and two CFL light bulbs.  The light bulbs alone will save each family about $50 over the life of the bulbs which adds up to a savings of about $1500 for the neighborhood.  And it’s also saving the environment about 6000 lbs of CO2.

Just as important, each family that came to the event had the opportunity to talk to people about other resources that are available - like down payment assistance programs for buying new mobile homes, and the Energy Assistance program through Three Rivers.  Leaders answered questions about early childhood education, medical assistance, and Spanish and English classes.

Way to go, team!

The Hulett neighborhood leaders have planned another exciting event.  On Saturday, November 15 they will host an open house at McKinley Early Childhood Center to provide information and resources around energy conservation, weatherization, assistance programs and home ownership.  At this event, Hulett residents will have the opportunity to apply for Energy Assistance and will take home new furnace filters (a great energy saver) and CFL light bulbs (another great energy saver).  There will be other resources available, including the chance to sign up for a carbon monoxide detector.  We will be at McKinley from 11:00 to 1:00 on Saturday, November 15th. Hope to see you there!

 
My name is Marlon Lopez. I am from Guatemala. Una de las cosas mas importantes en mi vida es ser parte de un cambio que sea positivo para la comunidad. Creo en la unidad como la fuerza que inpulsa cambios dentro de la sociedad en general. he trabajado como promotor de salud en el area rural del estado de Minnesota por tres years. creo en la libertad de expresion, . ser parte de este proyecto es un privilegio. Unidos podremos lograr una mejor calidad de vida para el presente y futuro de todos. LA DIVERSIDAD CULTURAL ES LA RIQUEZA Y LEGADO QUE TODOS TENEMOS COMO SERES HUMANOS..GRACIAS. M-JOS.

My name is Marlon Lopez. I am from Guatemala.  One of the most important things in my life is to be a part of positive change in the community.  I believe in unity as the force that drives change in society.  I have worked as a health promoter in rural Minnesota for three years.  I believe in the freedom of expression. Being part of this project is a privilege.  United we can achieve a higher quality of life for all both in the present and in the future.  Cultural diversity is the the richness and legacy that we all have as human beings. Thank you. M-Jos.

The Hulett neighborhood leaders are busy getting to know their neighbors.  All five leaders are actively visiting residents of the Hulett neighborhood to conduct a survey and investigate the priorities of the neighborhood.  The hope is that survey results will allow the leaders to plan activities, classes and partnerships in the community that will positively impact the residents of Canon River Park.