BIG LAKE COMMUNITY FOOD SHELF
160 Lake St. N. (inside Big Lake City Hall)
Open M & Th•5:30-7:30 pm • Call 763-263-2432 for information

AUTISM PARENT GROUPS
NEW -- TWO LOCATIONS!!!  (Please note:  groups are not interchangeable.)
Becker:  Please join us for an informal gathering where parents meet to discuss autism and the impact on the family.  We exist to offer support, education and resources to parents.  
   • Monthly gathering
   • Parent-facilitated
   • Childcare provided free
   • Pizza provided at no cost
WHERE:     Becker Intermediate School
                   6:30-8:00PM
WHEN:   3rd Thursday of every month
RSVP:    Pat Brown, School Social Worker
               pbrown@becker.k12.mn.us
               763-261-4504 ext. 2051
Elk River:  Our meetings are informal.  Each meeting we discuss current joys, concerns, new
interventions we are trying, or whatever is on your mind.  This is your networking time to talk to parents who are on the same journey with their child as you.  Some months we will have speakers come in to discuss varying topics related to Autism.  This is a new group, and the format is flexible for us to modify as the group dictates.  Feedback is desired, and welcome. 
WHERE:   Handke Family Center, Elk River
                 7:00-9:00pm
WHEN:     1st Wednesday of every month
                 Walk-ins are welcome.
For more information please contact:    Christin Mielke  -   mielkec@hotmail.com


SHERBURNE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health is “fulfilling society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.”  Sherburne County Public Health Department promotes and protects the health of residents through education, prevention services, regulation and advocacy. The department fosters a partnership with many organizations and community groups to address and resolve health issues and concerns.
Call 1.800.433.5237 or 763.241.2750 to see if you are income eligible or for more information.  Visit the web site at www.co.sherburne.mn.us/pubhealth for scheduled dates, or contact Sherburne County Public Health at the numbers listed.


SHERBURNE COUNTY WIC PROGRAM
WIC is a program for families to learn the latest nutrition information and to provide their children with healthy foods.  Women and children receive special foods including milk, cheese, juice, cereal, eggs, beans, peanut butter, and infant formula.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, recently had a baby, and/or have a child under the age of 5 years old you could qualify.  To schedule an appointment, please call the Wic Hotline at 763.241.2768.


CAR SEAT DISTRIBUTION CLASSES
At a Car Seat Distribution Class, families attend a one and a half hour session. They are educated on how to properly install a car seat and how to properly secure their child. A Car Seat Inspector accompanies the families to their cars and aids in the installation of the seat. Seats are available at a discounted price.  Call Dawn at 763.241.2764 to set up an appointment.


KIDS KLINIC/IMMUNIZATIONS
Kids Klinic offers regular health maintenance check-ups and immunizations for children from birth through 21 years of age.  Services include screenings for growth, development, blood pressure, anemia, vision, and hearing.  Visits also include a physical assessment, immunizations, and counseling regarding nutrition, safety, and development.  Referral is made to community resources as needed.  Fees are based on income or Medicaid eligibility but services are not denied due to inability to pay.  If your insurance does not cover well child care and immunizations, or if you have no health insurance for your children, call Kids Klinic for affordable health care. Call Dawn for an appointment at 763.241.2764.
Clinic hours are 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays.


FOSTER GRANDPARENTS NEEDED
At local schools or daycares, Foster Grandparent volunteers, men and women ages 60 years young or better,  become friends and mentors to children with exceptional and/or special needs.  They connect by sharing experiences, supporting learning, and offering encouragement.  Receive a tax-free stipend that does not affect Social Security, housing subsidies, or other assistance.  Big Lake is in need of someone like you!  For more information, call Pat Braun at 1-877-771-0617 (toll free).


CARING RIVERS UNITED WAY
Almost everyone has heard of the United Way. What a lot of people don’t know is that Caring Rivers is a local United Way with the freedom to make good things happen in a way that fits the Big Lake, Elk River, Otsego and Zimmerman communities.   People from local non-profit agencies work hard to help families, children, persons with disabilities, the sick and the elderly to achieve their personal self-sufficiency goals, but they can’t do it alone. Your contributions to the United Way help create a system of services to help our neighbors in need. 
What makes United Way unique and extremely valuable to communities is the way funds are raised, primarily through payroll deductions, and the way funds are distributed, by community volunteers.  Caring Rivers needs your help. Please consider making a donation–it can change lives! Designate Caring Rivers United Way (or your favorite non-profit charity) on your pledge form or mail your contribution directly to Caring Rivers United Way, PO Box 36, Elk River, MN  55330.  For more information call Caring Rivers at 763-633-5886 or click here to visit our website.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Thursday, Feb 25
LEO’S CLUB students are hosting their annual Fall American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Feb 25, from 8:00 am-2:00 pm in the Big Lake High School Wrestling Room.  Each fall and spring between 80-90 pints of blood are collected through these drives.  It is one of the only Red Cross Blood Drives hosted entirely by students.  Individuals must be 16 years or older to donate blood.  Many students donate blood for the first time during the LEO’S CLUB Blood Drive.  District 727 staff, community members and students are encouraged to donate blood.  If you are interested in donating blood or would like more information about the LEO’S CLUB Red Cross Blood Drive, please call 763.262.7183.

SHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

National Public Lands Day and Wildlife Festival pre-registration is requested by calling Nancy Haugen, Visitor Services Manager at 763.389.3323 ext.13.  The Old School House is located on Sherburne County Road 9, 5.5 miles west of Highway 169.