Free Dental Care Provided to Minnesota Children In Need

Minnesota Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile program to host free dental clincis.

On Feb. 5 and 6, dentists will volunteer their time to help thousands of low-income children who are not getting the dental care they need and deserve. Each year, the program provides about $1.7 million worth of free care to more than 5,000 children. More than 200 clinics across the state participate. Again this year, the MDA is asking for your help. Please tell families aboutGive Kids a Smile and help ensure they know how to make an appointment for their child.

Here is what families should know about Give Kids a Smile:

• After Jan. 1, parents can find local participating dental offices by visiting the MDA Web site or calling United Way 2-1-1 (just dial 211). Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211. Toll free is 1-800-543-7709. Parents then call the dental office to make an appointment.
• Each child must have an appointment and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  Services vary from clinic to clinic. When calling to make an appointment, we encourage parents to talk with the clinic about any specific needs or concerns.
• Families are asked to respect the clinic's time and dedication. For every child who doesn't show up for his or her appointment, another child could have been helped. If the family must cancel, they should give the clinic at least a day's notice.
• In the weeks before the child's appointment, families or teachers should read age-appropriate books to familiarize the child with what to expect during their dental exam. School or community libraries should have some good selections.
• On the day before the appointment, families should drive by the dental clinic together with their child. Just driving past the clinic helps ensure families know where the clinic is located and helps the child visualize - and feel more confident about - where he or she will visit the dentist.

To Promote the program: You can help spread the word about Give Kids a Smile in your community through the MDA Web site, where you will find classroom take-home fliers as well as color fliers. You are invited to download, print and distribute these materials, and also pass this information with your networks. If you have any questions, contact the MDA at 612-767-8400 or e-mail gkas@mndental.org.

2nd Annual Food Drive

Santa joined the Eveleth Fire Department and Ambulance Service in collecting food for the 2009 food drive on Thursday December 3rd. Promptly at 6pm Santa left the Fire Station along with all his dedicated men and women who serve Eveleth, they were up and down the streets of Eveleth and West Eveleth. After the collection they dropped off all the donations at North Country Christian Center, where they were eagerly greeted by the many volunteers waiting to sort the donations.



Santa & Eveleth Fire Department and Ambulance Service






Some of the many volunteers





The food was an awesome sight to see




We would like to Thank the Eveleth Fire Department and Ambulance Service, City of Eveleth staff, Santa, all the volunteers who came out to the church and helped unpack and sort the donations.

A very special thank you to all the residents of Eveleth, who very graciously gave this holiday season and making this year such a success.




If you or someone you know could benefit from a food basket this holiday season, please drop off their names in the box at the Eveleth Library. We are accepting families until December 11th.

If you are interested in helping in the planning process of Puck Days. They will be meeting Monday, November 23, 2009 at 6pm. This month they will be meeting at The Roosevelt Bar.

All who are interested in participating are welcome

Free Medical Clinic

The Lake Superior Life Center will hold a free medical clinic on November 25th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 101 West 2nd Street #109, Duluth. Services available will include maternal and child health, prenatal appointments, yearly physicals, and free non-emergency medical services. Appointments are required by calling 218-727-3399. These services are of no cost to you and require no insurance.

Further information can be viewed at www.lslcduluth.org/documents/FMC.pdf

Puck Days Committee Meeting

If you are interested in helping in the planning process of Puck Days. They will be meeting Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 6pm. This month they will be meeting at Poor Gary's Pizza.

All who are interested in participating are welcome

Free Thanksgiving Dinners

First Assembly of God in Hibbing has 100 Thanksgiving meal bags that are being made available to families that are in need this Thanksgiving. Each bag will have a complete uncooked meal including a nice size turkey. If you or someone you know needs assistance.

Please Call First Assembly of God at 218-263-7848 to reserve one of these meals.

How to prevent and prepare for the H1N1

With all the information and misinformation in the media about the swine flu, it's good to know the facts and how to prepare for it. When you hear the term "pandemic" it is not bound to a certain number of cases, but defined by human-to-human transmission in three different countries in two different WHO regions.

Prevention

1. Know what the signs of swine flu are in people. The symptoms look a lot like an ordinary flu and include fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is reported that diarrhea and vomiting can also be included with the symptoms of illness. There's no way to tell if you have the swine flu unless a respiratory specimen is taken within the first 4-5 days and sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or equivalent).
2. Make sure you are in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress,drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Consider taking a Vitamin C & D supplement. The healthier you are, the better your immune system will be at defending your body against a virus.
3. Practice good hygiene. If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often, especially if after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Use a disinfectant when possible or just use soap and water.
4. Don't share utensils or drinks. In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.

Preparation

If a pandemic flu virus spreads rapidly, being prepared to stay at home will help slow down the virus because you'll minimize your exposure (and other people's exposure to you, if you become sick

1. Stock up. Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies and other necessities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends having a 2-week supply. (These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.) Have basic, over-the-counter health supplies such as a thermometer, facemasks, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers, medicine to relieve fever, and cold medicine.
2. Plan ahead. Plan for what you will do in the following cases:
   • Schools dismissed:
   • You or family member becomes sick and requires care: Plan to stay home for at least 10 days when you are sick with pandemic flu. Staying home will keep you from infecting others. Make sure others in your household also stay home when they are sick. During a severe pandemic, stay home if someone in your household is sick with pandemic flu.
3. Talk to your employer.
4. Use Technology.
   
5. Stay updated.
   • Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at PandemicFlu.gov and World Health Organization swine flu page
   • Telephone sources include the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. If you do not live in the U.S., check if there is an equivalent hotline in your area.
   If we prepare and use prevention there is no need to panic. If you know your neighbor is sick ask if there is anything they may need so they don't have to go out and infect others, plus it's a nice thing to do
   
   
   
   
   Source: Wikihow.com

Winter Driving Tips

As you know winter is making it's presence known a little early this year. This is a good reminder to keep us and our families safe this season.

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared , and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: National Safety Council

How to Preserve Your Carved Pumpkin to Make It Last Longer!

A little simple Halloween magic with household items will make your Jack O'Lantern last a week longer!

Essentially, we're going to embalm your Jack O'Lantern, just like the ancient Egyptians did their mummies! (Hey, maybe they practiced on pumpkins!)

Here are the simple steps:

1. Remove dirt: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the pumpkin clean using a damp cloth.
2. Make a bleach solution of1 tablespoon of bleach (typical brand name "Clorox) per quart of water and put it in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the pumpkin inside and all cut areas of the pumpkin with the solution. This will kill much of the surface bacteria and mold that cause rotting.
4. Let it penetrate and dry for about 20 minutes
5. Next, rub all of the carved or cut surfaces with petroleum jelly. This will keep out new bacteria and molds as well as dramatically reduce the dehydration!
6. Wipe away excess with a paper towel!
7. Now, keep your pumpkin out of direct sunlight and try to keep it as cool as possible (but above freezing!) and you should get at least a week's enjoyment out of it!
   

Eveleth Beautification Committee Meeting

We will be meeting on Monday, October 12, 2009 at 5:30pm in council chambers.

We will be working on goals set for 2009 including a food drive.

All are welcome to attended

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Battering on women is the most under reported crime in America.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.

One woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States.

About 1 out of 4 women are likely to be abused by a partner in her lifetime.

Domestic Violence is a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses / former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

Domestic violence destroys families and communities. No one deserves to be abused. The responsibility for the violence belongs to the abuser. It is not the victim's fault!


How you can help:

1. Take a zero tolerance attitude-If you see it, hear it~Call the police and report it, even if it means you have to do it multiple times.
2. Talk about Domestic Violence with family and friends.~ Keeping it hush, hush, hurts the victims.
3. Drop off unwanted cell phones w/chargers at RWA~ They are used so victims of Domestic Violence can call 911.
4. Support the cause

Beautification Committee Meeting

We will be meeting Thursday, September 21, 2009 at 5:30pm to 7:00pm
upstairs in the Eveleth City Hall.

Items on the agenda local food drive, lights up tour

Everyone is welcome to come and participate.

Eveleth's 3rd Annual National Night Out

National Night Out was celebrated in Eveleth on the nicest night we have had in weeks, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. It was night for neighbors to reconnect or meet for the first time. There was everything from fantastic food, games, face painting, water balloon fights, good conversation, and door prizes.

West Eveleth

600 Block of Summit


700 block of Clay


800 blocks of summit, Harrison, Clay



700 Block of Cleveland




Monroe Park





200 block of Norman




500 block of Jackson






1100 block of Lincoln





A special thank you goes out to all of our Block Party Leaders, Eveleth Police, and The City of Eveleth, without you this event could not be possible.


If your block is interested in having a block party for National Night Out 2010, Please contact us.

Neighborhood Project

Beautifying Eveleth

One neighborhood at a time

We want to meet you!

When: Thursday, August 20, 2009

Time: 5 pm -8pm

Location: Monroe Park

It’s an exciting time in the neighborhood of "Old Eveleth"

• Are you in need of odd jobs done around your home/yard?
• Do you have a skill that you could teach your neighbors? ( gardening, planting, roofing, siding, plumbing, carpentry)
• Are you interested how you can save on your winter/summer utilities?
• Are you new to the area and want to meet your neighbors?

Join us for conversation & dinner

RSVP/Questions?

Eveleth Horizons

(218) 744-2098

Flower donations

Are you splitting your perennial flowers?

Are you trying to eliminate some flowers?

Looking for someone to take them off your hands?

Eveleth Horizons is partnering with the City of Eveleth, AEOA, and the Greater MN Housing Fund to work on Community Revitalization.

We are looking for donated flowers to give to people to plant in their yards to beautify the community.

If you are able to donate, please call 744-2098 or e-mail: eveleth.horizons@gmail.com

THANKS!

4th of July

Thanks to all those who make the 4th of July events in Eveleth what they are!!!!

I had the honor of bringing my daughter to her first fireworks and it is an event that we plan to make an annual tradition. I remember going to the parade when I was young and brought her to her first parade. It is so fun to pass down those traditions from my childhood to my daughter.

This is only possible due to the hard work and dedication of so many community members. Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and the sponsors. You do great work!

“Everyone is a Citizen Scientist"

Vermilion Community College to host a Nature Night entitled, "Everyone is a Citizen Scientist"

Wednesday, July 8 from 7:00 p.m.
Vermilion Community College, CL 104

Bring your observational skills and ability to learn to this presentation where naturalist Bill Tefft and other everyday people will open the door to citizen science for you. Does the word "science"
sound a little scary or does it present the potential for adventure and making positive contributions.

Citizen science is the general term being applied to what happens when people investigate the cultural and natural history of their areas and then report there findings. You will discover the many projects already available and the growing interest in groups like the Minnesota Master Naturalists and the Ely Field Naturalists.

Flowers in Eveleth

In the past few months dedicated members of the Eveleth Horizons Beautification Committee have been very eagar to help make Eveleth a cleaner and more beautiful place to live, work and play in. It started back in May with a clean up of the Northside park. June kicked off with painting of the pots in Monroe Park, followed by planting of flowers at Monroe Park, Eveleth Public Library, and Eveleth City Hall.



The Committee would like to thank The City of Eveleth, and Eveleth Public Works for all they do.



Eveleth Public Library

Monroe Park

Eveleth City Hall

Eveleth's 3rd Annual National Night Out

What is national night out?

It’s America’s Night Out against Crime! "Turn their lights on to turn off crime."

National Night Out is designed to:
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and
Fighting back.

History of National Night Out
· Started in 1984 with 400 communities in 23 states
· Started with “lights on” and front porch vigils
· To promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, neighborhood camaraderie.
· The event is the first Tuesday of every August.

How Eveleth can be involved?

· Meet your neighbors with a block party-cookout
· Flashlight Walk
· Discuss neighborhood concerns
· Games
· Organize a neighborhood watch program with local police.

Join us on Tuesday August 4th 2009
If you’re interested how you can get involved contact Eveleth Horizons 218-744-2098 / email us at eveleth.horizons@gmail.com

Summer Hunger Could Increase for Northland Families...

Summer hunger could increase for Northland families already struggling
Northern Lakes Food Bank
6/2/2009

Typically when school ends for the year, thousands of Northland children face a long summer without a consistent source of balanced, nutritious meals – their free and reduced school breakfast and lunch. This year could be especially difficult as families continue to struggle throughout our region.

“Already this year, use at NE MN and NW WI 35 food shelves has increased 32% by children,” said Shaye Moris, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank’s executive director. “Families have been hit hard by the economic downturn and many programs have seen record demand for food or other services. Summer could be really difficult.”

Each month in our region over 4,300 children receive food or meals from the food bank, a local food shelf, soup kitchen or youth program. Again, that’s a 32% increase from just a year ago.
Many local food shelves, soup kitchens and youth programs in the Northland strive to combat childhood hunger year-round, but encounter obstacles as the demand for food increases during the summer months.

The Damiano Center which operates a Kids Café© meal program has seen a big jump in the number of children coming for meals. “As recently as a couple of years ago, we prepared for 250 to 300 people at lunch; this summer we’re expecting 400 at each meal,” said Damiano Executive Director David Benson. “This is particularly challenging as we enter the summer months, which always bring higher numbers. Many people experience greater need this time of year.”
To ensure no children go without meals this summer, Moris states that the food bank, its 140 member agencies, and Northland families need the support of the region.

“The community can make a difference,” Moris states. “Financial assistance allows the rescue of food and the feeding of families—volunteer support ensures the operation of our programs. The irony is that childhood hunger is a solvable problem. Our food bank’s goal and the goal of our agencies is to provide nutritious food so children do not have to skip or reduce the size of their meals to ensure their families have enough food to eat.”

As the region’s only food bank, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank rescues
2.9 million pounds of nationally and regionally donated food for distribution to 140 regional non-profit programs located throughout its northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin service region annually. Over 1 million pounds of food (enough food for 800,000 meals) is rescued and distributed by the food bank to children in our region each year.

For more information contact Shaye Moris, (218) 727-5653, ext. 113 or email shaye@northernlakesfoodbank.org. Our Marketing Coordinator, Deanna Corry, can also be contacted at (218) 727-5653, ext. 118 or email deanna@northernlakesfoodbank.org.

This press release courtesy of BusinessNorth.com

Spring Cleaning is in the Air

The City of Eveleth's Spring 2009 Clean-up is in full swing!

If you have household appliances or rubbish, furniture, old tires, old batteries, etc. that need to be disposed of, the City Garage will be accepting these items from April 20, to May 15. The hours for the drop off are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Extended hours, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, will be offered from April 27 through May 8, 2009.

Have yard waste to dispose of? The City Garage will accept yard waste until October 30, 2009.

There are options for those who need assistance transporting items to the garage. For further information check out the notice provided in your April utility bill or call 744-7504.

Keep in mind fees may be waived for those with limited income.

Mesabi Range College TECH FEST 2009

Tuesday, April 14th from 11am to 2pm – Eveleth Campus Commons
Wednesday, April 15th from 11am – 2pm – Virginia Campus Commons

Mesabi Range's 1st Annual Tech Fest is where they will show off the latest technology!!!
· Guitar Hero
· Wii Fit
· Clicker Demo
· Touch Demo (tv/computer)
· Flip Demo
· Atomic Learning & more…..
· Prizes & refreshments

This event is FREE & open to the public and all high school students!

For more information, please contact Brenda K. Kochevar at 749-0314 or b.kochevar@mr.mnscu.edu

Spring Fever

Symptoms and Cures for Spring Fever Blues

Like the confused plants, peepers and other sleepy wildlife, I cannot resist waking early from hibernation. The moment it reaches fifty degrees, I long for those days to walk barefoot across the soft green grass, no longer staring out the kitchen window feeling the symptoms of spring fever pangs. I'm no long satisfied with my lazy listless feelings of not giving a crap.

With symptoms of spring fever at epidemic levels, a change of pace sounds rather appealing.

If you're feeling blue and think you may be suffering from symptoms of spring fever, rest assured you are not alone. There are many ways of overcoming symptoms of spring fever blues.

Cures for Spring Fever Blues

Ok, it's time to get the blood flowing. Come out from your winter hibernation and get active. I am certain being active is a good cure if you have cabin fever or the spring fever blues.

This is a good time of year to get out and explore. Take a hike in the woods or do a nature walk with your friends and family. Listen very carefully to the sounds of spring all around you like the soft spring breeze rustling through the leaves, or water flowing and birds singing all while you get some fun and healthy exersise  to cure your spring fever blues.

Ten more Tips to Cure Spring Fever Blues

I. Inhale the rich earthy smell of the ground or the early blooms like the gardenias. Pick them, bring them into your home and float them in bowls of water around the house. This makes for a heavenly sight and scent to cure your spring fever blues.

2. Open up your windows and let in the warm fresh air and the sweet spring aromas of the early tree blossoms. One of my favorites is the lilac. It reminds me of home when growing up. Make everything smell fresh and clean. Notice all the bright spring colors and sweet fragrances all around, outside and in.

3.  On the next warm day get outside and enjoy the nice weather.  Fire up the grill and make some picnic goodies like hotdogs and hamburgers.  Then treat yourself to your favorite ice cream.

4. If "old man winter" is still around where you live why not give indoor gardening a try. Plant a windowsill herb garden, make a terrarium, build a birdfeeder or hand paint some flower pots.

5. Put away your winter decorations and liven up your home with a fresh coat of paint and buy yourself some beautiful houseplants or a bouquet of fresh flowers or change the room around to keep you busy and to give you a change of scenery for a sure spring fever cure.

6.  Add a touch of spring with brightly colored pillows of pinks, yellows, and white to accent your rooms and to add some cheer.

7. Hang some fun and colorful pictures or posters of your favorite beach or flower or whatever else turns you on.  Tropical beaches are my favorites.   Whatever makes you happy!

8.  It may not be warm enough for the beach right now but listening to some reggae or Hawaiian music can help you daydream of those gentle winds with the warmth of the sun shining on your hair and skin.

9. There are a variety of resources at your Eveleth library that will help relieve the symptoms of spring fever. Check out the videos and DVD travelogues. Check out the travel guides and make plans for your summer vacation. If you like gardening now is the time to read from the vast collection of gardeningbooks. Choose a book of interest and do read to your hearts content.

10. This ones my favorite Owe-it-to-yourself day is a cure for spring fever and a good way to clear your mind of life expectations and breathe new life into it. Be good at shaking your life up from time to time. Dream Big! Dream the Impossible Dream!

courtesy of hubpages.com

Eveleth PUCK Bonsai Tea Events

Bonsai Tea hosted a slew of festive events for Saturday, March 14th. They started with keynote speaker Harry Lamppa discussing how St. Urho expelled the grasshopper from Finland and moved on to 'Blues' music by Blew Reed and Lil' Dicky Window and finished with open stage.

Patrons sit and listen to the music of Little Dicky Window and Blue Reed while enjoying a good brew.

Eveleth Memorabilia was available for viewing and provided by Eveleth Heritage Committee

PUCK Days Eveleth Library Events

On Saturday, March 14th the Eveleth Public Library hosted, "Reading to the Dogs". Area youngsters were able to read a good book to a therapy dog. Some were read the book in the company of the cute furry friends.

The Library also hosted a Wells Fargo booth for the children to learn about saving money. Fun was had by all and all left with a little something to start them on their savings way!

PUCK Days Arrowhead DARE Sliding Hill Event

Thanks to Arrowhead DARE for hosting the Sliding Day at RRCC Run on March 14th. The weather made for a great day to be sliding down the hill and spending time with family and friends.

Over a hundred families came out to enjoy the day!

The handy Arrowhead DARE chef provided free hotdogs, cocoa, and chips for everyone's enjoyment.