Happy Winter, 5th Bridge Pledgers!

When it's this cold, we are all looking for ways to warm up, and as you probably know by now, one of the best ways to feel warm inside is to do a good deed that benefits others. At 5th Bridge, we try to encourage the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy by making it easier to connect to opportunities and by celebrating all the good that is in Northfield.

Here in Northfield, we are so fortunate to have local businesses that strongly support the community and greatly improve the quality of life that we all enjoy. As you drive by the soccer fields, attend a public event, look at the scoreboard during a football game, or read the program for your child's school play or concert, take time to note the businesses that so willingly share their profits, or provide in-kind services for the good of all. My family and I appreciate these contributions and we make it a habit to patronize the entities that share our values about community whenever possible. We at 5th Bridge believe that when businesses (and the colleges) engage in the community, everybody wins. Therefore, one of our strategies is to encourage employers to partner with 5th Bridge to include some element of volunteerism and philanthropy in their business plan. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about some of our early partners and a sampling of the wonderful things they do for our community.

• Carlson Capital Management – The owners of this firm are truly committed to service and giving, and have created an environment for their team which fosters the values of volunteerism and philanthropy. They provide financial support to 5th Bridge, incredible leadership, meeting space and sometimes clerical support. One of CCM's employees, Tim Jackson, developed our website and provides ongoing web support as a volunteer. Kelly Irvine has also been instrumental in the growth of 5th Bridge. In addition to supporting 5th Bridge, their firm also hosts the annual Jingle Bell run, which raises money for local charities. This past year, the service-learning program at the high school was the beneficiary.
• Community Resource Bank – Just walk into the lobby and it is apparent that supporting the community is a core value throughout the organization. They are always promoting or collecting for one cause or another. During Christmas Sharing at the NCRC they allowed 16 employees to volunteer during the workday, while their co-workers did their part by shouldering the extra work. They also regularly volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program. The bank and several of their employees were sponsors for our Feed My Starving Children event. To Community Resource Bank, community is more than their name, it's their mission.
• Northfield News – Partners with local organizations like 5th Bridge to promote causes or events that benefit the community. They have been a critical resource for 5th Bridge that helps us to reach a broader cross-section of the community. Recently, the Northfield News helped to promote Rotary's "To China and Back" event, which raised several thousand dollars to support their Youth Exchange program. The News also contributes to broad-based charitable organizations like the United Way, and many of their employees serve on local nonprofit boards and committees.
• Neuger Communications Group – I first became acquainted with the dynamic team at Neuger Communications Group when they helped our committee produce the book "Cows in the Kitchen" to commemorate Northfield's Sesquicentennial anniversary. They also volunteer their talents to promote 5th Bridge, helping us with many of our communications pieces. Neuger Communications Group will also help to launch the Thursday's Table initiative, which will provide a hot meal once a week (on Thursday of course) to anyone in Northfield who would benefit from a nutritious meal and community fellowship.

Coming Soon!!!!

• Paper Airplane Fly-in at St. Olaf
  A flight extravaganza for children in grades K–5, Saturday, February 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Tostrud Center. Volunteers from the St. Olaf Student Volunteer Network will host a paper airplane contest and teach the fun physics of flight. Children will also have the opportunity to hear from a pilot. RSVP to Barb (schmidt@stolaf.edu) and visit www.5thbridge.org for more details.
• Spring 5th Bridge Service Project: Community Rummage Sales to Benefit Local Charities.
  Mark your calendars for the first weekend in May! We are currently organizing a task force to organize and promote the event, which we hope will become an annual happening. If you love garage sales, are passionate about reuse/recycle, or just like to be a part of an exciting community project, and you are interested in serving on our committee (I promise it will be great fun!) or you want further information, please contact me at candy@5thbridge.org or call my cell phone: 507-581-3017. Watch the 5th Bridge website for event updates.

Thursday's Table Seeks Volunteers
The Northfield Community Action Center is launching a new community initiative to provide hot and healthy meals every Thursday to people in Northfield who are in transition and could benefit from a free, nutritious meal. The project, called Thursday's Table, is being launched in April. This would be a terrific service project for existing Circles of Service or for a group looking to launch a new Circle of Service. Individual volunteers are also encouraged to participate. Volunteers are needed in several time slots between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. every Thursday.

Thursday's Table was created out of the vision and energy of David Koenig and Don Sahling, two long-time Northfield community members. It has been embraced by the Northfield Community Action Center and the Northfield School District.

As of the end of 2007, 836 families – which translates to more than 3,000 individuals, many of them children – were certified by the Community Action Center to receive food assistance via the food shelf. There is a clear need in Northfield and this program can only be successful through the efforts of caring volunteers and generous donors. Those who would like to donate money can make checks payable to: CAC – Thursday's Table and send them to the Northfield Community Action Center.

Because a part of the mission of Thursday's Table is to build community, people who volunteer to prepare or serve the meals are encouraged to bring friends or family to the meal. Dining as a community will also help to remove the stigma for those who may not participate for fear of being looked down upon.

This is a great community initiative for Northfield. We hope you can join in this wonderful effort! Contact David Koenig at david.koenig@charter.net or visit www.thursdaystable.org for more information.

There is so much good in our community to celebrate. It is tough to choose who and what to highlight. Just know that what you do for the good of all makes a difference… a difference in our community, a difference in others and a difference in you. Keep up the good work of sharing.

Sincerely,

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge