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. 

MOVIE IN THE PARK!

Sat., Sept. 18

at dusk between Big Lake Middle School & Independence Elem.

CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE!

AUTISM PARENT GROUPS
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 SAFETY PROGRAM
Reduced-Cost Car Seats:
• Are you expecting a baby?
• Is your infant growing out of the infant carrier seat?
• Is your toddler growing out of the convertible seat?
• Does your 4-8 year need a booster seat?
Attend a 90 minute class to receive a new child safety seat and receive instruction on proper use and installation.  Distribution classes are scheduled twice monthly.  Call 1.800.433.237 or 763.241.2750 to sign-up for the next class!  Eligibility Requirements:  Income eligible families who are residents of Sherburne County can receive car seats for a $20 suggested donation. Call to find out income guidelines (families who are on WIC or children on Medical Assistance are automatically eligible).

KIDS KLINIC/IMMUNIZATIONS

Clinic hours are 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Kids Klinic offers regular health maintenance check-ups and immunizations for children from birth through 20 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 Lori for an appointment at 763.241.2764.

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 1.612.390.0617.

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.

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.

• Fall Bird Tour
  Saturday, September 4 – 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Tour the wildlife drive and look for fall migrants.  Trip guided by experienced birders familiar with the refuge.  Meet at the Old School House on Co. Rd. 9, 5.5 miles west of Hwy. 169 and you will drive to the wildlife drive from there.
• Fall Wildlife Tour
  Saturday, September 11 – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Look for fall blooming wildflowers and grasses.  The tour is guided by a knowledgeable refuge volunteer.  Meet at the Old School House on Co. Rd. 9, 5.5 miles west of Hwy. 169 and you will drive to the wildlife drive from there.

• National Public Lands Day
   Saturday, September 25 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Help us improve refuge lands by joining us for a work project.  Participants are asked to bring work gloves and drinking water.  Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.  Meet at the Old School House on Co. Rd. 9, 5.5 miles west of Hwy. 169 and drive from there to the project site.

• Wildlife Festival
  Saturday, October 9 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with us!  Bring the entire family for a fun day of activities celebrating wildlife.  Enjoy exhibits, workshops, food, a bonfire, hay rides and wildlife presentations.  All activities start at the Old School House on Co.  Rd. 9, 5.5 miles west of Hwy. 169.

• Christmas Bird Count
  Saturday, December 18 – begins at 7:30 am
Join us for the annual Friends of Sherburne Christmas Bird Count.  Participants will divide into teams of two or three and each team will cover a portion of the census area.  The day begins at the Old School House on Co. Rd. 9, 5.5 miles west of Hwy. 169.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT THE REFUGE

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 30,700 acres of oak savanna, prairie opening, and wetland  habitats that are home to an astounding array  of wildlife.  Visitors are welcome to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation activities seven days a week during daylight hours free of charge, from late April through October.  Wildlife observation along the 7.3 miles long Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive, is excellent for viewing ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, eagles, other birds, and wildflowers.  Wildlife observation decks with spotting scopes help in locating different wildlife.  The trails at the Refuge include: Oak Savanna Trail, ¼ mile • Prairie Trail, ½ mile • Woodland Trail. ½ mile.  Hiking areas include:  • Mahnomen Trail, 3 miles • Blue Hill Trail, 5 miles.  Hunting is open to small game, waterfowl, and big game hunting during the state seasons. For current regulations and map showing the open areas, consult a refuge hunting leaflet.  Blinds for hunters with disabilities are available by reservation.  Fishing is available at selected access points on the St. Francis River. State regulations apply.  Because this is a wildlife sanctuary, the majority of the refuge is closed to all public access from March 1 to August 31, to allow wildlife to breed and raise young.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
MONDAY • Nov.1
LEO’S CLUB students are hosting their annual Fall American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, Nov. 1, 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 763.262.7181.

THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR SENIORS
Leo’s Club & Big Lake Family &
Consumer Science Classes

Tuesday, Nov. 23 • 11:30 am

Leo’s Club in cooperation with the Big Lake High School Family & Consumer Sciences classes are pleased to offer Thanksgiving Dinner for senior citizens and adults with disabilities.  This is the 15th annual Leo’s Club Thanksgiving Dinner.  For many of the participants, it will be their only home-cooked meal for the holiday.  Leo’s Club students are responsible for invitations, setup, decorations, serving and cleanup.  Family & Consumer Sciences students prepare and cook the meal.  All students welcome, interact, and eat with the adults who attend.  Reservations for this year’s Thanksgiving meal will begin Monday, November 1.  Call early as registrations are limited!  If you know of a senior or adult in the community who may not get a home-cooked dinner, please call the Community Education Services Office at 763.262.2523.

Sherburne Co. 4-H

1ST ANNUAL
CRAFT & SCRAPBOOK EXTRAVAGANZA

Saturday, Nov. 6:  9:00am-3:00 pm

Big Lake Middle School

VENDORS!

Sherburne County 4-H will be hosting their first annual Craft & Scrabook Extravaganza and are looking for vendors who would like to participate in this all-day event!  Booths are being rented out at $60.  There is an additional $10 if electricity is needed.  For information, please contact Sue Gunder, 763.274.0244 or email
SherburneCounty4HCraftBazaar@yahoo.com

SCRAPPERS!

Looking for a spot to lay it all out, get some great ideas from professionals as well as have the opportunity to purchase items you need to work on your pages?  You can purchase a seat for the day for $10 by preregistering, or just show up at the door and pay $15.  For more information, or to preregister, call Sue Gunder, 763.274.0244

All proceeds benefit 4-H and their programs!