DigElogROCORI

Walk N Wheel Trail Begins with Brewery Creek

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This story is about the start of the Walk N Wheel Trail that will be constructed this summer around Assumption Campus and along Brewery Creek in Cold Spring.  This story introduces the work starting this spring to restore the natural environment along Brewery Creek as a part of a special Mn DNR grant.  Erik Burr, director of environmental services at Assumption home, joins Greg Berg with the Stearn's County Soil and Water District to discuss this important project for the community and ROCORI area.

Cold Spring Walk N Wheel Loop

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The Cold Spring Walk N Wheel Loop (CSWWL) is an exciting new project undertaken in May 2006 and coordinated by employees of the Assumption Campus to develop a community wellness program, a fitness trail called the Cold Spring Walk N' Wheel Loop, a Walk N' Wheel Club, and other fitness programs for all members of the Cold Spring Community.

(Click Map To See Larger Version)

The CSWWL is planned to begin construction in Spring 2007, on property owned by Assumption Home, and in 2008 on property owned by the ROCORI Middle School.  The entire loop border the Cold Spring Creek and the restoration projects conducted by the students of the ROCORI Middle School.

The CSWWL Steering Committee is hoping to raise approximately $250,000 in donations and grants over the next two to three years in order to complete the trail, add rest stop benches, a drinking fountain and educational and fitness stations.

For more information check out the Assumption Campus Website:
Assumption Campus Walk N Wheel

ROCORI TRAIL Open House - Jan. 10th

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What do the cities of St. Joseph, Albany, Avon, Holdingford and St. Cloud have that residents in Cold Spring, Richmond and Rockville wish they had? The answer is recreational trails.  The wishes of our community residents will soon become a reality as our leaders take action to make this wish a come true.

The Rocori Trail Committee will be holding an informational public meeting on Wednesday, January 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocori High School Cafeteria to discuss the trail project.  The meeting will begin with an overview presentation from the project engineer.  There will be a panel of representatives from local agencies that have been involved in this project or similar projects, who will be available to share their experiences or answer specific questions related to their field of expertise. The panelists include representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Stearns County Parks Department, National Parks Service, and other agencies.  These experts will be available to answer questions and address concerns from audience members.  After the panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to visit individual organization’s display tables for more information and handouts.   Refreshments will be available at the meeting.

The proposed Rocori Trail would span a total length of 12.2 miles, starting at the east side of Richmond and ending near Stearns County Road 6 in Rockville.  The trail would be constructed in two phases with the first covering from Richmond to Cold Spring and the second continuing from the eastern end of Cold Spring to Rockville.  Construction of the trail is scheduled to begin in 2010 with the $526,964 federal grant received from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

Through the many discussions about the proposed trail, there have been two possible routes identified for the trail to follow.  Although the committee has been working towards determining the best route, neither route has been finalized.  The first route would have the trail located on the right-of-way for the railway that connects the three communities.  The second proposed route would use mostly public right-of-ways, and would likely be located at the edge of the right-of-way in the road ditches.  The committee is particularity interested in giving potentially affected property owners the opportunity to provide feedback on these two proposed routes.

The Rocori Trail has the potential to not only provide access to one trail, but a whole system of trails in central Minnesota.  The Rocori Trail could connect with the Glacial Lakes State Trail which extends all the way from Willmar to the eastern edge of Richmond.  There is also the potential for an extension to be made to the east of the Rocori Trail, which could connect with Quarry Park, and through the City of St. Cloud to the Beaver Island Trail.  Eventually, the Rocori Trail could even connect to the Lake Wobegon Trail in St. Joseph. 

The cost to complete the entire trail is quite substantial, but effort continues to find grants to assist in funding.  Each City Council of the three cities of Richmond, Rockville and Cold Spring have passed resolutions in support of the Rocori Trail Project and have pledged to contribute a local match of $32,000.  These costs are committed on the condition that grant funding is secured to fund the balance of the project costs.  The committee hopes to be awarded grants through the federal government and the State of Minnesota.  In addition to these funds, area cities hope that successful community fundraising efforts will reduce the cost to local governments even further. 

The Rocori Trail group meets monthly to continue their efforts in organizing and planning for the trail.  The group welcomes new members to participate in the meetings or attend to just learn more about the project.  Minutes from these meetings are posted on the City of Cold Spring website at www.coldspring.govoffice.com, along with comments that were received at the last open house.  In addition, a list of frequently asked questions are also posted on the website for people to familiarize themselves with the background of the project. See ROCORI Trail Website Info

Attending this open house will keep you informed on the progress of this area community project.  Just as importantly, it will give citizens an opportunity to ask questions and share opinions they might have about the Rocori Trail project.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about what exciting changes are coming to your community in the future by attending this meeting.

More ROCORI TRAIL Information

Jim Smoked Pot... Now His Voice Is Shot!

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My best friend Jim tells his story of battling with cancer after years of smoking pot. Jim has always had a close connection with nature and the out-of-doors.  Unfortunately, for most of his life, he tied together the enjoyment of mother nature with his addiction to smoking Marijuana.  This is a valuable story for anyone that has a habit of overindulging.  The story was created using two interviews, one at Jim's office and another at his favorite place to enjoy nature.  You won't forget this story of the heart.

DR. JEN'S ... Tae Kwon Do

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The martial arts aim to strengthen both physical and mental well-being. With its balance of hard work and discipline, along with the rewards of personal achievement, it develops confident, well-balanced individuals. Different people join for different reasons, but what they find is all the same. It acts as a good vent for children, a stress-reliever for adults, improves concentration and enhances both physical fitness and self-confidence for all students.

In this story we visit Dr. Jennifer Lourey Doll's Tae Kwon Do open house held at her gym in Richmond, MN.  See how her students demonstrate some of the many things taught as a part of this great personal development and physical fitness program.

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This story was sponsored by the Regional Health Center, Inc. which strives to provide quality chiropractic healthcare.  We offer a holistic approach to a better lifestyle with the availability of many services in one location.

Established in 1993, the clinic has been continually expanding what it offers to meet an ever growing population of individuals seeking alternative healthcare.

To learn more please visit our website @
Dr. Jen's Regional Health & Fitness Center

Home Rehab ... Dr. Morris

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In this story Dr. George Morris, M.D. with the Chain of Lakes Medical Clinic in Cold Spring talks about what you can do to take care of injuries that occur.  His presentation is quick and concise addressing the following topics:

* Principles of Rehab
* Early Phase, Restore Motion, Returning To Doing...
* PRICES
     Protect
     Rest
     Ice
     Compression
     Elevation
     Support

SPECIFIC INJURIES ADDRESSED

* Ankle Sprain
* Rotator Cuff
* Low Back

Assumption Campus - A Good Place For All Seasons!

      
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A very important asset in the "Land of ROCORI" can be found at Assumption Campus in Cold Spring.  At Assumption you'll find a combination of independent living apartments as well as assistant living services that provide fro the needs of the senior who is experiencing some of the final chapters of life.  The measure of quaility in any senior home lies not only in the facility rooms and services available, but in the culture and philosophy of the people who provide daily care for the residents. 

In this story you'll meet both staff and residents at Assumption Campus.  After viewing this short informative clip, you'll understand why Assumption has waiting lists for people who are looking forward to becoming a part of this warm and friendly place in our community.

Assumption Campus - A Great Place To Live!

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Assumption Home began in 1963 by a group of women in the auxiliary at St. Boniface Catholic Church.  Today, known as Assumption Campus, the facility includes John Paul Apartments, Assumption Court and Assumption Home.

Assumption believes in resident centered care.  The goal is to meet the needs of seniors as they age and as their personal needs evolve.  Assumption provides holistic care where nurses establish a one on one relationship with residents and a family approach.

From fun activities to delicious meals, Assumption Campus is a place where people enjoy their later years of life and have the amount of professional care that matches their individual needs.

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This story is sponsored by Assumption Campus in Cold Spring.  Please join them in celebrating the special blessing service and "Open House" featuring the recent new addition made to Assumption Court.  The event begins at 2:00 pm on May 20th and will include guided tours of Assumption Court until 4:00 pm that afternoon.

METH In ROCORI Land

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Phil Jones, ROCORI Police Chief, was the guest speaker at the Cold Spring Area Chamber noon luncheon this past week.  Phil spoke on a number of topics including the local drug problem.

In this story, Chief Jones gives a local example of how Meth can destroy the lives of people.  The path is only too familiar where a person gets hooked and ends up in jail.  Jones said that about 70% of Stearn's County inmates are there because of Methamphetamines.

On a positive note, Police Chief Jones affirmed that the situation in the "Land Of ROCORI" is better than most.  We are probably more safe than most communities.  But remember that Meth is everywhere.

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This story is sponsored by Assumption Campus in Cold Spring.  Please join them in celebrating the special blessing service and "Open House" featuring the recent new addition made to Assumption Court.  The event begins at 2:00 pm on May 20th and will include guided tours of Assumption Court until 4:00 pm that afternoon.
Learn More About Assumption Home

Assumption Court Open House

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Assumption Campus of Cold Spring will celebrate the official opening of their new addition to Assumption Court apartments.  They will hold a Public Open House on Saturday, May 20th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Bishop John Kinney from the St. Cloud Diocese will hold a special blessing service at 2:00 pm with refreshments and walking tours to follow.

In this story you'll take a visit to Assumption Campus and meet some of the people who make up the family there.  Assumption is a very special part of the "Land Of Rocori" where people are cared for with love and respect whether the individual is rehabilitating or a permanent resident till death.

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This story is sponsored by Assumption Campus in Cold Spring.  Please join them in celebrating the special blessing service and "Open House" featuring the recent new addition made to Assumption Court.  The event begins at 2:00 pm on May 20th and will include guided tours of Assumption Court until 4:00 pm that afternoon.

Bigger, Faster, Stronger (BFS)

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The Bigger Faster Stronger  (BFS) Total Program is a total conditioning program for all athletes regardless of sport, age or gender.  Recently a few hundred ROCORI athletes, a group larger than any time previous, participated in a 3 hour BFS training course in the ROCORI High School gymnasium.  This was the third time BFS training has been provided in the "Land Of ROCORI".

Coach Doug Ekmark from Cottage Grove, Minnesota conducted the training.  ROCORI Sophomore Travis demonstrates how to "Box Squat" in this story.  Watch how Travis blows away his previous personal weight record as he applies the BFS approach to "emptying your tank!"

The BFS program improves all aspects of athletic performance, including strength, jumping power, speed, agility and flexibility. It also creates unbelievable intensity and progress in the weightroom. The goal is for every athlete to break at least eight personal records per week—week after week, month after month, year after year. Athletes who break personal records build personal confidence and increase self esteem.

Video editing by Aaron Cheeley

Nathan Walz Benefit

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Nathan Walz of rural Cold Spring, Minnesota, is a sophmore at St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minnesota. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma on November 20, 2005. Nathan began 9 months of intense chemotherapy on November 21, 2005.

FROM NATHAN'S MOM - PAM
"We are still processing all the excitement from Nathan's Benefit last Saturday evening! We LOVED seeing everyone that was there and getting to visit. I regret that we didn't get the chance to visit with everyone that attended. There were just so many people that time didn't allow for that. Our whole family was so touched by the overwhelming show of support from everyone who was there! It truly was wonderful!!"

"Keep in mind, if you haven't gotten your Friends For Nathan hat or t-shirt yet, order forms are available on the www.friendsfornathan.org website!! Please help support Nathan in doing this wonderful project and giving back to the other children cancer patients, by providing them with some fun things to do during their hospitalizations and chemo treatments!!"

FRIENDS FOR NATHAN ORDER FORM (pdf)

May God greatly bless each of you for your continued support and prayers!! Each of you makes such a huge difference in our lives!! Love & blessings, Pam (Nathan's Mom)

Friends For Nathan Website
Nathan's Day-To-Day Progress Update

Story Videography by Michael Scharenbroich.

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This story was sponsored by the State Bank of Cold Spring, "Large enough to serve you, small enough to know you."  The only bank conveniently located in downtown Cold Spring with the Time & Temperature.

VIOLENCE... OUR KIDS... VIDEO GAMES

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If you have children or grand children, this is a must see 5 minute video.  A child will witness over 200,000 acts of violence in mass Media before he or she turns 18.  Research indicates that this same media violence has a negative impact on natural brain development.

Stephanie Stracke is a ROCORI Student Councilor and a member of the Project SERV staff, a special task force brought together following the shootings at ROCORI in 2003.  In this story Stephanie, who has her own teenagers at home, talks about how the exposure to screen violence can cause increased aggression, fear and desensitization to real life violence.

Research shows that since 1982, television violence has increased 780%.  During this same time teachers report an 800% increase in aggressive acts on the playground.  Sources of violent acts include television, video games, movies and the Internet. Todays youth spend an average of 44 hours per week in front of a screen.

PARENT SURVIVAL KIT
(Answer YES or NO)

#1  We have rules in our family limiting how much time teens use the media.

#2.  We keep TVs, video games and computers out of our kids' bedrooms.

#3.  We keep the TV off during meals.

#4  I know what the diffferent media ratings systems mean.

#5  I don't allow my teenager to go to R-rated movies or play M-rated video games.

#6.  I talk with my teen about music lyrics that I object to.

#7  We have clear rules about Internet use.

#8  I monitor my teen's Internet use.

* Have clear family rules about screen time.  The clearer the rules, like "No TV or video games before school or until homework is done," the better.  Consistency is important.

* Refuse to expose children under the age of 7 to ANY violent content in entertainment.

*Don't let your children play violent video games, especially ultraviolent first-person shooter video games. Check VIDEO GAME REVIEWS for reviews of video games.

* Monitor your child's use of the internet.  Don't let your child have unlimited access to the internet.  Install Internet monitoring software and let your child know that you will pay attention to how they are using the computer.

OTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES:

SOS Parents Organization
Killology Research Group
Media Family Organization

The Future Is Now... RETINAL IMPLANT

medgadget., January 13, 2006

Intelligent Medical Implants AG (IMI), a Zug, Switzerland-based company announced that its first-generation Learning Retinal Implant System, containing a 50-electrode device, was successfully implanted in two patients in December 2005. Clinical eval of the device with these two patients is scheduled this month at the University of Hamburg Medical School, Germany.

IMI's Learning Retinal Implant System replaces the signal-processing functions of a healthy retina and provides input to the retinal nerve cells (the ganglion cells) that, in turn, provide input to the optic nerve and the brain.

The System comprises three main components:

1. an implant, "The Retinal Stimulator", which is surgically placed into the eye of a patient, who:

2. wears a pair of spectacles containing an integrated mini-camera and transmitter components for wireless signal and energy transmission ("The Visual Interface"). Via a cable, the spectacles are connected to:

The system is being tested in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a hereditary blindeness. According to Stephan Rietiker, Executive Board Member and CEO of IMI:

3. "The Pocket Processor" worn at the patient's waist. This device replaces the information processing function of the formally healthy retina.

The use of a high-speed digital signal processor allows the provision of "intelligent information" to the implant (and the nerve cells) by using tuneable software to approximate the information processing normally carried out by the healthy retina. The entire process enables patients to optimize their visual perception during the learning phase. Indeed, using the patient's feedback on perception as an input for the tuning of The Pocket Processor is the unique, patent-protected feature of the System and constitutes the 'learning' capability of the Learning Retinal Implant System.

"We expect that our Learning Retinal Implant System will some day allow patients to 'see' objects by identifying their size, their position and their movements and shapes. In other words, a previously blind person, using our retinal implant, is expected to be able to move independently in an unknown environment - without the need for a guide dog or cane. No doubt, the development of a wireless visual prosthesis that could be implanted permanently with good results would be a colossal leap forward for the field of artificial vision, and we believe that we are now well down that road."

Original Article @ medGadget
IMI press release (.pdf)
IMI Company Website

Save HUNDREDS To THOUSANDS of $$$

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Are you a Senior still trying to figure out the new Medicare Drug Program?  Are you a Son or Daughter of someone who needs help choosing the right drug program?

In this story you'll hear Minnesota Congressman Mark Kennedy talk about the new Medicare Prescription Drug program and how it can save Seniors hundreds and even thousands of dollars. 

Find out how the local Council On Aging has specially training people who can help you use the internet to choose from dozens and dozens of drug plan options. 

In fact, if you or someone who is assisting you, doesn't use the tools available at www.medicare.gov to research all of the drug and company options available,  there's no way you'll know for sure you are choosing the best plan.

For a video tour of how to use www.medicare.gov to determine which program best meets your needs:
Help With MEDICARE DRUG Program

Key Information Websites:

Medicare Website & Drug Search Tool
AARP Medicare Drug Program References
Minnesota Board On Aging
Minnesota Public Radio Coverage 
 

Bloodmobile... ROCORI High School

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ROCORI HIGH SCHOOL GYM
Wednesday, January 11th, 2006
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cold Spring, MN

The Bloodmobile will be at ROCORI High School in Cold Spring this coming Wednesday January 11th in the gym. 

The storms of this past summer have placed immense demand on blood and the need for people to donate.

The hurricanes named Katrina and Rita have drastically affected blood collections that would normally occur in these areas of the country. 

Have you ever given blood?  Take a tour of the entire process from start to finish.  It takes only an hour and from the results of this investigative video, "It makes you feel really good about what you did!"

This story is sponsored by The First National Bank in Cold Spring and Rockville, Minnesota.  Your friendly full service bank that offers "Free" Online Banking and "Free" Photo Debit Cards. 

Check Out The FIRST NATIONAL BANK Online! 

Bloodmobile... Rockville Parish Center

 
The Bloodmobile will be at Parish Center in Rockville this coming Tuesday, December 27th.  Your donation at this time of great need is very important.

The hurricanes named Katrina and Rita have drastically affected blood collections that would normally occur in these areas of the country. 

Have you ever given blood?   It takes only an hour and  "It makes you feel really good about what you did!"

 

Bloodmobile... RIVER STATION, Richmond

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The Bloodmobile will be at RIVER STATION in Richmond this coming Monday, December 12th.  The storms of this past summer have placed immense demand on blood and the need for people to donate.

The hurricanes named Katrina and Rita have drastically affected blood collections that would normally occur in these areas of the country. 

Have you ever given blood?  Take a tour of the entire process from start to finish.  It takes only an hour and from the results of this investigative video, "It makes you feel really good about what you did!"

This story is sponsored by Backes Wood Products, LLC. in Richmond, Minnesota.  Your local resource for REAL-WOOD paneling, log siding, wood furniture, and other specialty wood products.  Backes Wood Products is located just north of the new water tower in Richmond.  Call 320-597-9663 for an appointment to visit their showroom.

 

Help With MEDICARE DRUG Program

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Seniors citizens can now register for Medicare's new prescription drug plan. President Bush says the benefit is the greatest advance in health care for seniors since the creation of Medicare 40 years ago. .

To enroll, seniors must choose a private insurance plan to cover a portion of their prescription drug costs.  For many seniors, the choices are confusing and frustrating.  One tool that can be very helpful in this decision making process can be found online at www.medicare.gov.  This story will introduce you to the tools you'll find at the medicare website.

Key Information Websites:

Medicare Website & Drug Search Tool
AARP Medicare Drug Program References
Minnesota Board On Aging
Minnesota Public Radio Coverage

COLD SPRING CONNECTION

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Cold Spring Connection is the name given to the local effort being made to create a "neighbor to neighbor" help service in the area.  Meet the Social Action ladies, part of the Cold Spring 20/20 Action Team, that have put together this program over the past 12 months. 

Cold Spring Connection is a part of the Rural Stearns Faith In Action program.  Volunteers are needed and people who require services like "FREE" transportation, light housekeeping, chores, friendly visits, phone contact and respite for caregivers need to identified.

If you would like more information, are considering volunteering and know of a person in need, please contact the Cold Spring Connection at 685-3693.

Click either the photo or "QUICKTIME" to see video story.  This is a large file that can take more than 5 minutes to load even with broad band, high speed access.

The Ancient Practice Of EAR CANDLING

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Have you ever met a person who I would describe as a "Human EarWax Machine"? Their ears produce so much ear wax that it causes all kinds of problems from headaches to sinus infections.   

Well, welcome to my family. My lovely wife Bette has had ear wax problems as far back as she can remember. She passed this wonderful trait along to our two children.

So... the problem EAR WAX... the solution... EAR CANDLING. You will find this totally fascinating and you won't believe what comes out of the human ear!

Disclaimer:  Not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease.  The user assumes full responsibility and does not hold the
seller liable for any claims, obligations, injury expense or damage resulting from the use of this product.  The FDA has not evaluated this product for safety or effectiveness.  Do not use ear candles as a substitute for professional treatment.

Okay ... that having been said...

Other Ear Candling Resources:
http://colonhealth.net/ear_candling/candle.htm

Type in:  Ear Candling at www.google.com
You'll find sites that both support and strongly oppose ear candling.

If after all this you're still interested in trying it...
get back to us and Bette will be happy to outline the procedures.

Email Bette at:
bettelou@marykay.com

Have You Ever Given Blood?

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This past Monday, the Bloodmobile visited St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring seeking donars to help with both the local and national blood supply.  The hurricanes named Katrina and Rita have drastically affected blood collections that would normally occur in these areas of the country. 

Have you ever given blood?  Take a tour of the entire process from start to finish.  It takes only an hour and from the results of this investigative video, "It makes you feel really good about what you did!"

So how many ROCORI folks gave blood on this day?  What would your guess be?  A few dozen, fifty to a hundred, even more ? Watch this 4 minute clip and find out the answer.