REGION—A series of events are being planned at libraries across the region welcoming newcomers to the Range.
An regional recruitment and retention initiative started in 2018, originally called Hello Iron Range, now Hello Range!, was formed by stakeholders recognizing a need to recruit residents to the region and retain them. A website was originally set up, funded through a Blandin Foundation grant, providing resources for new Rangers and people considering moving to the area.
The effort is currently led by a small group of stakeholders led by Miriam Kero and Beth Pierce along with assistance from Betsy Olivanti, Shaun Herhusky, Whitney Ridlon assisting in guiding it, along with the support of sponsors.
To help welcome newcomers to the Range, Hello Range has partnered with local libraries to schedule a series of meetings with free dinners at the Hibbing Public Library, Virginia Public Library, and Aurora Public Library. Anyone who is “new” to the Range is welcome to attend any or all of the meetings, and you don’t have to reside in the community where the meetings are taking place. Each of the gatherings has a theme, “a conversational topic,” and a free light meal. Families are welcome, but reservations are needed to get an accurate count for meals.
So, what is considered “new?”
“There is no age limit,” it states on the group’s website. “If you feel new to the Iron Range, we welcome you,”
“Generally speaking, communities aren’t the warmest and fuzziest—it can be hard for newcomers to connect,” acknowledged Kero, a Hibbing native who moved out of the area for a period of time for college and work, returning to her roots to be closer to family.
Like many of the people featured in a blog on the Hello Iron Range website, Kero relates to the work/life benefits of the Range.
Local “gurus” will help lead the dialogue at the upcoming meetings with topics to help people learn about the community and connect with others, according to Kero
The April discussions, entitled, “What is an Iron Ranger?” will provide a background on the Range and some insight on its unique ethnicities, customs and traditions.
Attendees for the gatherings in April will have an opportunity to share their observations from the Range and its unique personality, according to Kero.
In May the discussion is entitled “Planting Season.” A Master Gardener is leading the discussion, and will share information on what types of plants grow in the northern climate, soil conditions, and other helpful information.
In June, the discussion is on recreational opportunities, and includes information on recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities.
“It’s really about connections and the topics to get us started,” Kero said.
Hibbing sessions are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 2, May 5, and June 4, at the Hibbing Public Library, 2020 East Fifth Ave. in Hibbing.
Virginia sessions are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 16, May 12 and June 18, at the Virginia Public Library, 215 South Fifth Ave. in Virginia.
Hoyt Lakes Sessions are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 23, May 28, and June 25, at the Hoyt Lakes Public Library, 206 Kennedy Memorial Dr. in Hoyt Lakes.
Once the sessions are over, Kero said the plan is to tap into community happenings for gathering, providing new residents with familiar faces when attending the larger community events for the first time.
Reservations are required for each date of the new Ranger gatherings to get an accurate count for food and materials and can be made online at helloironrange.com.
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