Skateboard Coalition members present to local foundation.

The Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) board has awarded a challenge grant to the Northfield Skateboard Coalition to support the youth-led effort to build a skateboard plaza in Northfield.

Between now and April 1, 2008, every dollar contributed to the Northfield Skateboard Coalition will be matched by HCI, up to $10,000. Funding for the challenge grant comes from a reserve fund earmarked for special youth engagement projects.

Since June 2006, the Skateboard Coalition has been working to bring a skate park to Northfield. This effort has engaged nearly 50 local skaters, as well as representatives of the Northfield Union of Youth, Mayor’s Youth Council, and Youth Plus. The Coalition meets every Wednesday to plan fundraising, community service, and skateboarding activities. Thanks to a donation from the Northfield Police Department, the Skateboard Coalition members are currently working with an architect to finalize the park design. They are also working with the City of Northfield’s Park and Recreation Advisory Board to select a site for the park. The Coalition hopes to break ground on the plaza in spring 2008.

Over the last year, the youth in the Skateboard Coalition have raised nearly $10,000 through concerts, candy sales, donations, omelet breakfasts, and grant writing. The aim of the challenge grant is to help the youth reach their fundraising goal of $30,000.

Donations can be mailed to the Northfield Union of Youth, P.O. Box 481, Northfield, MN 55057. Checks can be made out to the Northfield Union of Youth – please write “Skateboard Coalition” in the memo line. Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on the Skateboard Coalition and their work to date, visit www.unionofyouth.org/skateplaza/ .

Mary Nelson (right) with daughter Gjeni at the awards reception.

Mary Nelson, HCI Board Member and volunteer extraordinaire, was recently named a recipient of the “Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service” by the McKnight Foundation. Mary was one of 10 Minnesotans selected from nearly 80 nominations statewide. This prestigious honor is given to individuals who “have demonstrated an exceptional personal commitment to helping others in their communities but who have received little or no public recognition.”

Mary was honored for her work as a foster parent to 75 Rice County children – generally teenage boys and sometimes as many as five at a time. A tireless youth advocate, Mary also works as the Site Specialist at Bridgewater Elementary School, serves as a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use, has been a mentor through Main Street Mentors at the Key, volunteers with the Skateboard Coalition, and has served on the Rice County Children’s Justice Initiative.

Congratulations, Mary, for this well-deserved recognition! For more information on the award, visit www.mcknight.org . Mary was honored at a private reception at the McKnight Foundation in November. A local community celebration is being planned.

Ever have an idea for a project but just don’t have the resources to get it off the ground?

HCI is looking for grassroots projects led by individuals or newly formed groups that focus on intergenerational or youth civic engagement opportunities. Funds will be awarded to projects that focus on opportunities for youth to develop positive intergenerational relationships with caring adults and/or connect youth with their community.

Up to $400 per project will be funded if the application meets the following criteria:

• Led or designed by youth (HIGH PRIORITY)
• Involves youth in grades 6 through 12 (HIGH PRIORITY)
• Takes place after school, in the evening, during school breaks, on weekends
• Involves youth who do not have access to other opportunities

Applications are available on www.northfieldhci.org and are accepted on an ongoing basis. The application is designed to only take a couple of minutes to complete! Applications from youth are especially encouraged.

Questions? Contact HCI at 664-3524

Jorge Zuccolotto, last month's award winner

There are many people and groups in the Northfield community who volunteer time and energy to create a positive, healthy environment for all Northfield youth. In recognition of these dedicated individuals, HCI created the “Making a Difference” award in conjunction with the Northfield News.

Anyone who invests in youth through leadership, engagement, service, and recognition of the value that Northfield youth hold can be nominated. An application form can be found at www.northfieldhci.org (Click on “Making a Difference”) and submitted electronically. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis and reviewed by a committee of HCI board members and local youth.

Along with the public recognition in the Northfield News, recipients will receive a framed certificate of congratulations.

Check out the past recipients on www.northfieldhci.org .

Community awareness was a common theme at “After the Headlines” on October 30, 2007. The event was sponsored by the Northfield Public Schools, Rice County Chemical Health Coalition, the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use, Healthy Community Initiative, and Parent Communication Network.

“After the Headlines” was a follow-up to the many community discussions surrounding substance abuse prevention and intervention that were held this past summer.

Carol Falkowski, Director of the Minnesota Department of Human Services' Chemical Health Division, was the keynote speaker. Falkowski addressed current trends in drug use and what communities can do to be aware and involved. During information sessions that followed the keynote speaker, participants were provided with information and resources. Sessions were led by local law enforcement, school officials, students from the Alliance Academy, a substance abuse counselor and a local pastor.

Moving forward, local resources are willing to provide additional, customized trainings for community groups. Past trainings have been organized for parents, school personnel, coaches, volunteers, and senior citizen groups. If you would like more information or to set up a training, call HCI at 664-3524 or email info@northfieldhci.org .

In This Issue:

Skateboard Coalition receives $10,000 challenge grant

Mary Nelson wins prestigious statewide award

HCI mini-grants available

Making a Difference Award

After the Headlines