Growing up north of Grand Rapids, I became involved in clubs and groups around Itasca County at a young age. Joining 4-H in second grade, Girl Scouts in sixth grade, and a few sports along the way, I learned to love getting out into the community and making an impact. By the time I was …
When I was attending Greenway High School, the psychology course was offered only to juniors and seniors. I remember complaining during registration for both my first and second years that I could not take it yet and in my first semester of my junior year, it was the first course I signed up for. Even …
A boost when it was needed most Wendy Harrington wanted a career she could be proud of. Persistence and focus, augmented by a Blandin Foundation scholarship award, delivered exactly that for the Nashwauk-Keewatin graduate. I grew up in Nashwauk with an older brother and my parents. Coming from a working class background, I always knew …
Michelle waits with her two children at the front door of the Second Harvest North Central Food Bank as the clock ticks towards 11 a.m. She explains to me that summer is usually a time for fun and sun, but for parents who rely on subsidized school lunches for their children, summer can bring unexpected …
One hallmark of a healthy community is easily accessible resources for people who’ve hit a rough patch in their lives. The Itasca Area Sharing Fund is one such resource in north-central Minnesota, helping those in need bridge life’s gaps until they’re back on their feet. “There are so many stories about how the Sharing Fund …
October 13, 2021 | Session Notes and Video How can rural Minnesota communities realize their greatest broadband opportunities? A panel of broadband advocates and supporters responds to a summary of what actions rural participants in eight regional broadband gatherings across Minnesota this fall 1) commit to do to get better broadband, and; 2) think would …
To the governing board of Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services for their vision and multi-community collaboration in creating a public regional fiber network that serves residential and business customers in eight rural communities ranging from 59 to just over 3,200 people. In 2011, the communities of Jackson, Brewster, Bingham Lake, Heron Lake, Lakefield, Wilder, Okabena, and …
October 29, 2020 | Session notes and recording How I Think About the Importance of Communities in the 21st Century Thomas L. Friedman is an internationally renowned author, reporter, and, columnist. He is the recipient of three Pulitzer Prizes – two for international reporting from the Middle East and a third for his columns written about 9/11. …
If you have applied for a Blandin Foundation Scholarship before and need to start a new application Check your email! You should have received an email from Blandin Foundation with your customized application link in early January. Call Jen Alger at 218-326-0523 or email scholarships@blandinfoundation.org if you have questions.
October 14, 2021 | Session Notes and Recording Speed-story-telling by people working to bring the benefits of broadband to families, businesses and communities in rural Minnesota. Show, Tell, and Discussion. Cannon Roots Local Foods Initiative Cannon Falls has become a hub for local food and beverage producers in the past decade. Listen how the local …