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Historic buildings, statues and monuments give the Northland its character and charm but these important structures have always been threatened by neglect, ambivalence and harsh Minnesota winters. Now another enemy is on the move: The skilled labor needed to care for older properties is slowly disappearing. ... The Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps in Duluth has made it a mission to teach young people important building trade techniques, provide hands-on training and seek out important regional field work. The organization, which grew out of a local youth conservation corps program, was founded in 2011 and is planning its first full six-month season of restoration projects this summer.
"Two walks - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. And then, whenever I can get out there and play some golf, I'll do that." That's how Ray Bonomo keeps himself fine-tuned for his active days. Ray is quite a character known around Milton for his giving spirit. It helps to know his humble beginnings to understand his compassion for others today. He remembers back to the crash of '29; "Well, just the rich people got messed up with that but, in the early 30's, then it hit us. Nobody could get a job and my father was an immigrant from Italy."
Beth Vogt knows what it's like to struggle with poverty. And now, she wants to help those who are still struggling. That's why Vogt recently took a position as an AmeriCorps member serving with the Fremont Family Coalition. She's been tasked with organizing a new set of monthly meetings, meant to allow community members struggling with poverty the opportunity to learn about local resources that can help — and to offer suggestions about how to address gaps.
Vogt herself has utilized some of the services available in the community. She remembers taking the Getting Ahead class, which is offered by Lutheran Family Services. The program offers a curriculum that helps individuals going through poverty acquire the tools to better themselves, their families and their community. (Nebraska)
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