The Minot Domestic Violence Crisis Center received a donation of bedding and comfort-wear products in May as part of the "Share the Comfort" promotion of Private Quarters.
Private Quarters is a direct-selling company that offers high quality linens and comfortwear for bed and bath.
The Minot center was selected for the donation by Private Quarters consultant Carol Miiller of Rugby. Private Quarters donates 15 percent of qualifying sales made in April to a battered women's or homeless women's shelter. In 2010, Private Quarters donated more than $150,000 worth of retail-value bed and bath linens to shelters across the United States. The Minot center received a previous donation in December.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo - - Sonja Buckles, left, assistant director at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and Carol Miiller, a Private Quarters consultant, stand behind items donated by Private Quarters to the local shelter May 19.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Center had 1,986 client contacts in 2010, a 31 percent increase from 2009 in the number of personal issues of domestic and/or sexual violence. In 2010, the center sheltered 129 women and 111 children, providing 6,793 meals.
People interested in learning more about ways to assist the center can call 852-2258.
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French teachers association recognizes Minot student
Kylie Gamas was named the American Association of Teachers of French Outstanding Senior in French Award at Minot High School.
The award is given annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of French as well as exceptional commitment to the French language and the cultures where it is spoken. Recipients must have completed at least three years of French study and be non-native speakers of French.
Gamas is an officer of the National French Honor Society and the French Club and has participated in National French Week activities. She has studied French for four years and is a student of Anne Olafson.
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Rotary Club awards student essay writers
Three students from Our Redeemer's Christian School in Minot won awards in the Minot Rotary Club's 27th annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest.
Alyssa Tonneson won first place in the contest and $250. Katelyn Webster won second place and Jessica Vix won third place.
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Svenska Flaggans Day celebration planned
The Swedish Heritage Society of Northwest North Dakota will celebrate Svenska Flaggans Day, Sweden's Flag Day, Monday at the Scandinavian Heritage Association Park in Minot.
Volunteers will meet at the park at 8:30 a.m. to display flags and have coffee. There will be a potluck meal at 5 p.m., and people can make flower crowns. The picnic will be held rain or shine, at the picnic shelter or inside a meeting room in case of inclement weather. All members and friends may attend.
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Matching funds double donation to homeless
The Rotary Club of Minot made a $1,000 donation to the Minot Area Homeless Coalition May 23. The amount was doubled to $2,000 through a grant from the St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation.
The funds will assist the Minot Area Homeless Coalition in purchasing gas vouchers for the individuals it serves and will help the organization to continue serving the homeless population in the area.
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Taube event postponed because of flooding
Because of flooding along the Souris River, the Taube Museum's 5K/10K "Run For the Arts" has been postponed.
The time and date for the rescheduled event has yet to be announced.
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State tax credit could benefit endowments
Recently passed legislation now allows individuals who contribute at least $5,000 to a qualified North Dakota endowment such as the Minot Symphony Endowment Fund to receive a 40 percent state income tax credit in addition to the regular federal income tax charitable deduction.
An individual who donated the minimum gift of $5,000 would receive a $1,400 federal tax reduction and a $2,000 North Dakota state income tax credit, making the net cost of the donation just $1,600. A married couple who donated the maximum of $50,000 would receive a $14,000 federal tax reduction and a $20,000 North Dakota state income tax credit, making the net cost of the donation $16,000.
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Poetry contest seeks entries
A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a contest sponsored by the Christian Poets Guild. The contest is free to enter and open to poets of any age. Fifty prizes totaling more than $5,000 will be awarded.
Poems of 21 lines or fewer on any subject and in any style will be judged by the guild director.
Entries must be received by June 30 and may be submitted by mail to Free Poetry Contest, 7221 Dunbarton, Horn Lake, MS 38637 or at (www.freecontest.com).
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Summer travel? Call your agent
Alexandria, Va. With the passing of Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer is upon us, and what better way to kick off the season than by planning a summer vacation?
Tips for air travel
Book your ticket ASAP. If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates ask your travel agent to check into special fares or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport. A travel agent can advise you on the new rules and how to apply.
Arrive early. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard.
Keep a close eye on your belongings. Just as flights are becoming extremely crowded, airports can also be rife with thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets, purses, and other belongings at all times.
Avoid getting bumped. Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. Also, check-in online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. And don't be late. If you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the "standby" seat assignment list.
Remember 3-1-1. Regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.
Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines now charge for a second piece of checked luggage.
Tips for travel by car
Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times.
Get a tune up. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have your oil changed and your brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked.
Get an early start to avoid holiday weekend gridlock. The worst times to travel are after meals since most travelers postpone leaving until they've eaten with their families. Make sure that all drivers are thoroughly rested.
Regardless of travel plans, using a professional travel agent can help save time and money. For more information, visit (TravelSense.org). There, consumers not only can find travel tips and advice but a travel agent in their area who specializes in a particular destination or type of travel on the "Find a Travel Agent" directory.