“Is that a chimney going up on the depot?” is a frequent question to Save the Northfield Depot (STND) board members.  They enthusiastically confirm that, indeed, it is.

When faced with the need to identify the exterior location of the white vent pipe for the bathroom, the idea of reconstructing the chimney to hide the pipe was quickly adopted.

The 1888 depot blue prints show a stove in the center of the depot.  It served the two waiting rooms (one for the women and one for the men) separated by a wall down the middle of the depot.  The two flues account for the width of the chimney.

“We are fortunate to have the original 1888 drawings that Alex Rappe of Rappe Custom Creations can use for the reconstruction”, noted Alice Thomas, STND Board Member.  The unique pattern of bricks that form ridges can be seen in the original 1888 plans (see image) and is evident in archival photos.

Summer is here and the kids might already be looking for something fun to do.  Direct some of that energy into running, swimming and biking at the Y’s Kids Tri on Saturday, June 24th at the Old Memorial Pool.  

The 8th Annual Y Kids Tri is a fun, non-competitive triathlon that’s all about getting kids excited to get fit! Kids ages 6-14 will experience a morning of encouragement, cheers and satisfaction of completing this swim, bike and run event. There’s nothing like the excitement of crossing a finish line! No experience is necessary! Kids are encouraged to train during the summer, so it’s a great way for family to get fit together.

William Shakespeare’s The Tempest is the enchanting story of how love and forgiveness can conquer fear and power.  Filled with humor, the supernatural, and intrigue, this Northfield Arts Guild Theater production plays in Central Park, 421 Fourth Street East, Northfield.   The Tempest runs Friday through Sunday, June 9 – 11 and Thursday through Saturday, June 15 – 17, 2017 with all performances beginning at 7:30 pm.  In the case of rain, the show will move to the Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West, Northfield. 

“The Tempest explores the relationship between the natural and supernatural, so we’re particularly excited to present this story outdoors,” said Director Deon Haider. “Our stage will incorporate both natural and man-made elements to create a unique island setting in Central Park.”

On Thursday evening, 7 p.m., the Northfield Community Band plays the first of four Thursday evening concerts in June on Bridge Square.  Bring the family and enjoy a summer evening downtown, listening to your neighbors play familiar and new tunes while enjoying the picturesque setting.

The musicians range from high school and college students, professional musicians, and non-professionals – all people who play just for the joy of being part of a musical organization. Newcomers are welcome - the group rehearses on Wednesday evenings 7 p.m. in the high school band room, May 31, 7, 14, 21 and 28. For more information, contact Mary Williams, MWilliams@northfieldschools.org.

Not all battles involve bombs. In the battle for justice for Palestine, opponents deploy persuasion and influence to mobilize supporters as foot soldiers of their respective messages. For its ninth annual film festival, Northfielders for Justice in Palestine/Israel will present three films exploring occupation and nonviolent resistance to it.

All shows begin at 7 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays beginning June 6, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1321 North Ave., Northfield, and are free and open to the public. Each evening will end with discussion and a brief question-and-answer period.

Join This Is Medicaid for a public conversation about the benefits Medicaid offers to Minnesotans in Northfield, what coverage will look like if the AHCA passes the Senate in its current form, and what you can do to advocate for protecting Medicaid. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 31, from 6  to 7:30 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church (500 3rd Street West, Northfield). More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-medicaid-northfield-townhall-tickets-34470793070.

     Are you a Jane Austen fan?  Have you ever read Northanger Abbey?  Join a three week book group this July, facilitated by St. Olaf students and faculty.  The group will meet                            

Mondays, July 10, 17, and 24, 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Bunday meeting room in the Northfield Public Library.  Members will receive a free copy of Northanger Abbey and discuss the book

with the students.  Group size will be limited, so if you are interested, please sign up at the Reference Desk, call 645-1802, or email Joan Ennis at joan.ennis@ci.northfield.mn.us

Community Services will be kicking off the summer recreation season on Monday, June 12th. Register NOW for your favorite programs! With competitive staff to participant ratios, creative programming and highly trained staff, you can't go wrong with a Community Services class! Check out some of the fresh new ideas incorporated into the SUPER Kids and little league programs, sign up for a skateboarding or mountain bike class or register for the enhanced track and field program! Adults may enjoy learning to sail, taking a mountain biking course or can give pickleball a try at Riverside Lions Park! There is something for everyone. Start planning! Register: CLICK HERE  

Phone Number: 507.664.3649

Website: www.northfieldschools.org (follow the Community Services link)

A playful, meaningful connection with the world outdoors needs to be a fundamental ingredient of every childhood. An integral part of the Montessori philosophy is the belief that children learn through personal experience. The summer at Montessori Children’s House focuses on increasing the child’s awareness, particularly in the area of life sciences. The summer is an ideal time for exploration of our natural areas, bird life and other animal life surrounding our school. Many practical life activities like washing, scrubbing and polishing are moved outdoors. The program is designed to involve children in environmental education through interactive stories, songs and games.  They create arts and crafts projects and conduct experiments and scientific studies.  Regular cooking classes take place in our summer kitchen and feature healthy products picked on site.

Follow the link http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=598 to watch Mayor Rhonda Pownell deliver the 2017 State of the City Address.

Northfield’s annual celebration of National Poetry Month culminates on Thursday, April 27 with two special events: Poem in Your Pocket Day and Writers Night.

This marks the fifth year of Northfield’s participation in the national Poem in Your Pocket Day. In twelve locations, Northfielders will have the opportunity to select poems to take with them for sharing with others—friends, family, co-workers and even strangers.  The boxes include winning Northfield Sidewalk Poems, as well as favorite poems in the public domain. This year, poems in Spanish have been added to the boxes.  

Red boxes of poetry will be placed in Northfield businesses from Thursday, April 27th through Sunday, April 30th.   The Arts and Culture Commission encourages citizens to select poems and enthusiastically share them with others, perhaps even taking time to read them aloud.

Beginning at 9 am on Friday April 28, the Northfield Public Library will project talks from the 2017 Ted Conference, straight from Vancouver, British Columbia.  This year's conference theme is "Future You".  Speakers include journalists, artists, physicians, climate scientists, food activists, architects, refugee activists, psychologists, comedians and novelists.  Feel free to come and go throughout the day.  Bring your lunch!  The first session begins at 9 am and the last session will end at 5:15.  Come for one talk or stay the day!  This program is free and open to the public.  For questions call the library at 507-645-6606.

9:00-11:00    "Health, Life, Love"

11:00-11:15   Break

11:15-1:00   "Planet, Protection"

1:00-1:15      Break

1:15-3:15     "Connection, Community"

The Northfield Public Library will be starting a chess club which will be held in the meeting room from 6 to 8 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month beginning  May 1.  We have five chess sets available, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.  If you wish to use a chess clock you must bring your own.  Participants are welcome to play whatever style of chess they would like.

The state of health care in Northfield is the topic to be discussed at a forum onThursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  A panel will talk about current health care plans and challenges, the consequences of repeal of the Affordable Care Act as well as pending health care legislation at both state and federal levels. Members of the panel are:  Steve Underdahl, president & CEO of Northfield Hospital and Clinics; Charlie Mandile, CEO of Health Finders Collaborative; Ashley Hodgson, Assistant Professor of Economics at St. Olaf College; and David Bly who represents Northfield in the Minnesota House.

The public is invited to attend. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Northfield-Cannon Falls.

The next e-cycling event will take place next Saturday, April 1st at the UCC Church a 300 Union Street in Northfield from 10am until noon.  I'd make an April Fool's joke, but e-recycling is far too serious.As usual, please make sure to drop off all materials on site only on the collection day.  Jim, the recycler, will accept a small number of CRT televisions and monitors, but they must be moveable by one person and there is a small fee for each, depending on the size.Otherwise, all items will be accepted.  If you have questions about what can or can't be dropped off, please contact Jim directly at 651-214-3857.

Sam Steinberg