Northfield

How would you announce the birth of your child—a fancy post on social media? Photos and interviews on a major news channel? How about an angelic choir of rappers and an astronomical phenomenon specially prepared just for the event? This is how the God and Father of all Creation let the world know his son was born and the birth of the Christ Child has been the most celebrated holiday in the world ever since.

Wind turbines came to Northfield in 2004 and with nary a boo. Both Carleton College and St. Olaf College installed their own wind turbines and, as Hanna Terwilliger noted in her post at Exit69history.wordpress.com, “Neither of the colleges faced any documented opposition from local citizens.

Life on the American frontier required a keen sense of adventure and vision. Travel was difficult, living was a challenge, adjusting to a town-in-the-making was, well, an adjustment, and being prepared for the unexpected was a luxury most could not afford. Even so, the appeal to many was strong and come they did. John Wesley North was one of those drawn to the open spaces and natural beauty of Minnesota.

Where do you buy your food—from a CSA farm or a local farmers market—and what’s the difference? Is there one? Both offer many of the same things—a variety of fresh and local foods, community interaction, and exposure to new ideas and ways of preparing food. They also offer organic foods and lesser known varieties, and many CSA farms sell their products at their own farm stores as well as at local farmers markets. So, do they differ?

Most schools today have a vision for educating their students, a statement coupled with their mission, beliefs, and strategies to accomplish their lofty goals. They spend much time with the help of community members to develop meaningful ideas that will impact their families and neighborhoods. They, as a school, want people to associate their vision with their school. In the mid-1900s, no educator talked about a mission or vision for their school.

Every year on the weekend after Labor Day since 1948, the people of Northfield have been honoring their brave predecessors for their efforts to thwart a bank robbery in 1876 by that notorious outlaw Jesse James. The James-Younger gang hailed from Missouri, a border state with divided loyalties over secession and slavery and rife with conflict.

Well, blow me down! Minnesota wind power does it again! While a neighbor to the Plains’ Five Windiest States in the country, Minnesota outranks most of them as a Top Ten Wind Producer and for the twelfth year! (see article) Turbines have sprung up around the state since 2000, adding up to 1200 to the landscape.

Mark your calendars, check your closets, it’s time for the Vintage Band Festival. This year’s brass extravaganza is a one-day event in downtown Northfield at Bridge Square on July 29 from 10 am-10 pm. Come dressed to the nines in period clothing, costumes, or long contra dance skirts. Kick up your heels or clap your hands as you enjoy the music presented by 11 bands from near and far.

Traditionalists and Baby Boomers with healthy retirement accounts may “age in place” wherever they choose. Others may need to be more discerning. According to the Twincities.com article “As Minnesota ages, more services aim to keep seniors at home”, 80 percent of aging homeowners plan to age in their homes. Many government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses are working to make this easier.

July 4, 1776. To many people, that is just another day in the history of the world but to citizens of the United States of America, it represents much more. That day has come to represent independence, the birth of a new nation, OUR nation, and reason to celebrate. The Declaration of Independence states why those first thirteen colonies were so intent on gaining their freedom from the British Crown. So, was it written on that date by Thomas Jefferson?