The Key’s Writing Workshop program, guided by program instructor Olivia Frey, recently went on a field trip to Chicago’s Columbia College to view Jack Kerouac’s original manuscript scroll of On the Road.

On the Road was written in 1951 and published in 1957 and is largely based on the experiences of Kerouac and his friends during numerous road adventures during the late 40s and early 50s. Many critics and fans consider On the Road the defining work of the Beat Generation which sprang up in the aftermath of World War II.

Seven youth and two chaperones made the trek to Chicago, traveling by Megabus and staying overnight in a hostel in Greektown in central Chicago. Participants explored many different districts of Chicago including Chinatown, Greektown, The Loop, the Pier, and other areas via foot, subway and “the L.” Participants even came across a Gay Pride Parade at the Federal Building on the way to Columbia College.

More photos here.

All of the skateboards are for sale. Money raised from their sale will be used to buy skateboards to give out to low-income children as part of the Community Action Center’s Christmas Sharing program. If you see a skateboard hanging in downtown Northfield that you’d like to own, call 664-3524.

The lost art of silk screen has made its way back to The Key. This Art Project was done on an almost monthly basis years ago, but has hidden by the wayside as of late. Glad to see it is back. If it wasn’t for Art Projects of the past I wouldn’t have my “two weeks” shirt, my “Free Cat Sevens” shirt and a friend wouldn’t have his “I hate every ape I see, from Chimpan A to Chimpan Z” shirt.

The Northfield Skateboard Coalition took one of its monthly field trips to Faribault’s Renegade park on Sunday the 9th. Free field trips are now being offered to skaters who attend 3 out the 4 weekly Coalition meetings (which are Wednesday at 5:00pm). About 8 youth attended the free trip.

For a whole bunch of other photos click here.

The Northfield Union of Youth and the Mayor’s Youth Council participated in a joint presentation/session entitled “Ensuring Youth Voice in Civic Affairs” for the Search Institute’s 12 annual Healthy Communities / Healthy Youth Conference. The conference was a three day event and the two Northfield organizations presented during an early afternoon session on Friday the 7th. The presentation was excellent and well attended with a packed audience. The conference’s overall intent of the three-day conference was for youth and adult to connect and network with fellow asset builders throughout the United States and the World in hopes of learning important creative ways to help organizations, communities, and personal lives change for the better. The Key/MYC session was one of 150 sessions during the conference. The Key also spotted the Hope Mural that was made with the help of the Key’s Promise Fellow specifically for the conference. A big high-five to Audrey Hamann, Maisie Ebert, Grayce Forsythe, Hattie Ryan, Josh Wood, Mackenzie O’Connell, and Ruth Amerman for their excellent job with the presentation. For presentation photos of the Key and MYC Council please click here.

Anyone, and I mean ANYONE may participate. If you wish to rap, we ask that you contact us ahead of time, so we can gauge how many people will be there. Walk-ins are welcome though.

This is a FREESTYLE battle! No pre-written rhymes! Anyone who is caught using pre-writtens WILL be disqualified.

Everyone is welcome to come and watch, and crowd participation is a must!

For questions, call 507-663-0715 or 507-649-1326

The Northfield Union of Youth, as part of their VOTE YOUTH campaign, recently took part in city council and mayoral debates at the Contented Cow. Members of the Key wrote most of the debate questions, attended the debates, and even moderated the event. A big thanks to Ruth Amerman and Tim Hollinger (along with Bruce Morlan) for their wonderful job moderating the events. Many of the questions were youth focused. Wednesday the 22nd saw Ward 2 candidates, Betsey Buckheit and Jarold Friedman, along with Ward 3 candidates Don McGee and Erica Zweifel, . Thursday the 23rd saw the at-large 2-year candidates Joe Gasior, Rhonda Pownell, Victor Summa, C. Lynn Vincent and later 4-year at-large candidates Dana Graham and Kris Vohs. Wednesday the 29th, mayoral candidates Mary Rossing and Paul Hager were also asked a series of questions. All debates went from 6:00 went until until 7:30 or 8:00pm. Audience members were given 15 minutes for their own questions. Questions focused on transportation, drug issues, the rental ordinance, city council/mayor/city staff/citizen relationship, balancing city projects with the city financial shortfall, under and unrepresented voices, and others important topics.

The Key’s Art Project celebrated the Hall-o-Ween buildup by making jack-o-lanterns. This is a 10 year tradition at The Key and this year we had no puking pumpkins. What a relief.

Just search “keymn” when you are perusing the iTunes store, and you will find our humble radio program.

Big thanks again to 1080AM in Northfield for letting us broadcast from their station every Saturday morning, and thanks to Dan “The Man” for understanding how the internet works.  Because I sure don’t.