Supporting farm youth in stress

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture presents a series of online lectures by Monica Kramer McConkey from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Dec. 7-10. The interactive sessions will help develop insights and skills to recognize, understand and support farm children and adolescents experiencing stress. These are an adaptation of a three-hour workshop offered at several Minnesota locations in 2019.

On Dec. 7, the topic will be "Factors and expression: Why are farm youth stressed, and how does stress manifest itself? On Dec. 8, it will be "How stress impacts adolescents’ emotional and cognitive development." The Dec. 9 session is "Building intentional relationships with farm youth," and Dec. 10 is "Building community initiatives to support farm youth."

Whether the content is new or a refresher, it is designed for teachers, coaches, school counselors, school administrators, 4-H leaders, Scout leaders, FFA advisers, pastors, youth pastors and youth leaders, social workers, mental health professionals, health care providers, and others who interact with farm youth. Register at https://minnesota.webex.com/minnesota/k2/j.php?MTID=t6856c0a1d5ae9d615f9f7d804585c153 .

NAMI Western Minnesota

The National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Minnesota have started online support groups and mental health classes in response to COVID-19. All are available through the Minnesota website at namimn.org .

Home-delivered meals

Willmar Meals on Wheels: Instead of volunteers, CCT bus drivers are delivering Meals on Wheels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On these three days, the meal is hot but a frozen meal for the following day or the weekend can also be included.

The meals are available for persons who are unable to cook for themselves due to their age, disability, illness or recent release from the hospital.

Along with the regular meal, three special diet meals are available. The cost is $6.81 and includes all the side dishes (including dessert) and either milk or juice.

Order by 1 p.m. the weekday before the delivery day by calling 320-235-5310 ext. 219 or 320-894-7401.

The menu is available on West Central Industries website, www.wcimn.org under Business Solutions.

Willmar Senior Dining: The meals will be available for curbside pickup at the Community Center between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Frozen meals are available.

The meals are open to those who are 60 years of age and older. Suggested donation of $5 a meal, one-time registration is required by calling 1-800-488-4146.

To reserve a meal call 320-262-5288 by noon the day before and leave a message.

The menu is available on the city of Willmar website www.willmarmn.gov under Community Center.

Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross conducts blood drives in the west central area. To give blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Sixteen-year-olds may if they have a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form. You can give blood every 56 days. Double red cells can be donated every 112 days. While all blood types are needed, type O and type B-negative donors are especially encouraged to give.

Appointments can be made at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcrossblood.org unless otherwise noted. All donors need acceptable identification. The preferred form is a government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license, or a Red Cross blood donor card. Otherwise you will need to provide two other forms of identification, such as a work identification, Social Security card, personal check or credit card. Personalized mail such as a utility bill will not be accepted. Blood drives scheduled for the Tribune area are:

Dec. 2, Willmar: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Willmar Public Library

Dec. 4, Holloway: Noon to 6 p.m., Community Center

Dec. 7, Brooten: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., BBE Elementary School

Dec. 7, Benson: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Swift County-Benson Health Services

Dec. 7, Olivia: Noon to 6 p.m., Renville County Government Services Center

Dec. 7, Echo: 2 to 7 p.m., Community Center

Dec. 8, Litchfield: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Civic Arena

Dec. 8, Willmar: Noon to 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Dec. 8, Milan: 1 to 7 p.m., Kviteseid Lutheran Church

Dec. 9, Willmar: Noon to 6 p.m., VFW

Dec. 9, Cosmos: 1 to 7 p.m., City Center

Dec. 9, Maynard: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., Events Center

Dec. 9, Belview: 2 to 7 p.m., Odeon Hall

Dec. 10, Olivia: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., BOLD High School

Dec. 11, New London: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church

Dec. 11, Glenwood: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Square

Dec. 14, Willmar: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Assembly of God Church

Dec. 16, Paynesville: Noon to 6 p.m., American Legion

Dec. 16, Dawson: Noon to 6 p.m., Community Center

Dec. 17, Madison: Noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church

Dec. 17, Litchfield: 1 to 7 p.m., Christian Church

Dec. 18, Starbuck: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Center