Some of our favorite kids in Gospel Gossip are visiting the Key, and with them bringing gratuitous amounts of rock (as well as a fabulous new CD), and their good friends Baby Guts. Show is happening Dec 14th (Friday), at 6:30. Only $3 with the money going towards the Skatepark!
Bill McGrath will be giving a slide show presentation at the Key on Thursday the 13th 7:00pm on his month stay in the West Bank earlier this year. McGrath spent 28 days with a Christian Palestinian family and spent a lot of time traveling around Palestine and Israel. McGrath also served as a journalist during this time period and met a lot of interesting people gaining much perspective from the people living in the area. This event might even have some samples of Middle Eastern food. So show up and bring a friend. Rumor has it extra credit is being offered in certain history and poly sci classes.
Book Club has selected Daniel Quinn’s philosophical novel Ishmael as its next book. Ishmael “presents an alternative view of human history and proposes a different method for human lifestyle change” (Wikipedia). The novel is basically a series of socratic dialogues between the main character and his teacher, a telepathic gorilla. The novel is challenging but well worth the effort. The book will be handed out during the next board meeting (Wednesday the 12th at 3:45pm) and the next Book Club Meeting - Monday at 5:00pm. Books are FREE (as always) to anyone who wishes to participate.
Funding for the Minnesota After-School Community Learning program is provided by the Minnesota Department of Education and by Beim Foundation.
The Northfield Skateboard Coalition was recognized at the Minnesota Alliance with Youth’s 10-Year State Summit on December 5 in Minneapolis as a winner of the “2007 Red Wagon Award” for youth civic engagement and youth leadership. The Red Wagon Award is given to individuals and groups that foster youth civic engagement and service, exemplary leadership, and/or increased academic achievement. Nominations of outstanding youth efforts were received from across Minnesota. The Northfield Skateboard Coalition was one of only 3 groups selected for this honor.
The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau in collaboration with the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. Governor Tim Pawlenty also spoke at the event and took time for a photo opportunity with the organization.
Quote from Sarah Dixon, Executive Director of the Minnesota Alliance With Youth:
“The Northfield Skateboard Coalition is an outstanding example of what dedicated and determined youth and adults can achieve by working together WITH the community. I commend the leadership of Northfield for embracing an open process which has brought about better community understanding and progress towards a solution for a compelling community need. To everyone on the Northfield Skateboard Coalition, on behalf of the MN Alliance With Youth, we congratulate you on your significant achievement! You should all be highly commended!”
The Key was active in this year’s Winter Walk by helping light the illuminaries, performing music, painting murals, and cleaning up the downtown after the festivities ended. The highlight of the night was the many talented artists who painted murals during the event, some of which are still ongoing.
For more photos of The Key’s Winter Walk, please click here.
The Key held a spaghetti supper on Friday the 30th at Emmaus Church and raised over $1000 for their new College Prep Program. The Key Kids were involved in every step of the fundraiser including cooking for the event. A who’s who of Northfield showed for the events as seen in the photos here.
Amy Merritt will teach the finer art of lampworking (glass beads) at the next Art Project, Tuesday at 6:30pm. Welcome to all beginners, intermediates, and experts. Come try your luck at bead making.
The Key’s breakdancing group, the Lost Boyz Crew, is still meeting afterschool on Fridays at the High School. The group has been involved in many community events this past year and recently showed up unannounced at The Key (to our enjoyment).