Community Events

FEED THE OTTERS (5/29)

Feed the Otters – Sat. May 29 at 1:00 p.m.
The otters eat, you watch!  Who will you root for, the otters or the minnows?  This popular program promises to educate and entertain!  (All Ages)

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

FRIENDS OF OXBOW SPRING FEST (5/22)

Friends of Oxbow Spring Fest – Sat. May 22 from 11:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of Oxbow for an afternoon of games, music, food, and fun!  Don’t miss this annual celebration of spring here at Oxbow Park/Zollman Zoo.  (All ages)

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

WILDFLOWER HIKE (5/15)

Wildflower Hike – Sat. May 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a relaxing morning taking a closer look at some of Oxbow’s spring ephemerals.  A pleasant hike through Oxbow’s forest will leave you dazzled with the natural beauty of spring!  (Ages 10 and up)

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

TURKEY CALLING (5/8)

Turkey Calling – Sat. May 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Listen and you can hear a thundering gobble crack the silence of a spring forest.   Venture out with a naturalist to invade the wild turkey territory and talk turkey.  (Ages 5 and up)

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

DEER / ELK FEEDING (5/1)

Deer/Elk Feeding – Sat. May 1 at 1:00 p.m.
A short hike over to the elk and deer pens will allow participants to get a closer look at these spectacular creatures.  Come and learn more about antlers, deer and elk behavior, and possibly even get the chance to give them a treat!  (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors, etc.)

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

CHILDRENS ZOO TIME (4/24)

Children’s Zoo Time – Sat. April 24 at 10:00 a.m.
This program is one you just can’t miss.  We will let you get an up-close look at a few of our zoo critters (maybe even touch one), plus learn some interesting facts about the wild creatures that live in southern Minnesota.  This will prove to be great fun for the whole family.

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

BEAR FEEDING (4/17)

Bear Feeding – Sat. April 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Our resident black bear is awake and hungry once again!  Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears.  We will tempt her with a wide variety of foods.  What will she eat first?  Come to this program to find out!  Recommended for all ages.

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

NATURALIST CHOICE (4/10)

Naturalist Choice – Sat. April 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Let us pick a topic that is relative to the day you visit!  It is sure to be fun and informative.  Recommended for all ages.

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

BISON FEEDING (4/3)

Bison Feeding – Sat. April 3 at 1:00 p.m.
Bring the entire family out for a closer look at the majestic Plains Bison. You'll learn interesting facts about these marvelous beasts and get a close-up look at feeding time.  A short hike is involved, and accommodations can be made for folks needing to drive to the bison pen.  Dress for cold conditions!  Recommended for all ages.

*In the case of inclement weather, please call Oxbow Park at 507-775-2451 for program details.

FRESHWATER SOCIETY TO SELECT SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WINNERS (3/31)

FRESHWATER SOCIETY TO SELECT SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WINNERS
OF STATEWIDE ART CONTEST
Student artwork portrays the value of water

WHO: Freshwater Society, a 40-year-old nonprofit organization that promotes the conservation and stewardship of Minnesota freshwater resources, has invited local high school students to present their artistic representation of the importance and beauty of water. The sixth annual Water is Life Art Contest, held in cooperation with the Southeast Service Cooperative, invites the next generation of Minnesotans to celebrate the freshwater resources that help define Minnesota and our quality of life.                                                                                                                                                                 WHAT: Student entries from the Southeast Service Cooperative area will be judged by five local judges and four semi-finalists will be selected for the final statewide competition. This event will showcase all of the regional artists who entered the competition.  Semi-finalists will be entered into the final competition May 5 at the Gray Freshwater Center in Excelsior, MN. Six winners will be chosen to receive a $500 scholarship.                                                             WHEN:  Wednesday, March 31. Reception and announcement of semi-finalists at 7 p.m.                                           WHERE:  Wood Lake Meeting Center at Southeast Service Cooperative, 210 Wood Lake Drive S.E., Rochester.  (www.ssc.coop)                                                                                                                                                                                                                       WHY: The Water is Life Art Contest is part of a larger initiative by the Freshwater Society to increase Minnesotans’ awareness of freshwater issues facing the state, including 2010 Minnesota Year of Water, a statewide outreach and awareness program. According to a recent Water is Life report published by the Freshwater Society, Minnesotans need to act now to guarantee the sustainability of our drinking water supply and to clean up the pollution that taints many of the state’s lakes and rivers.For more information about the contest and past winners, please visit: www.freshwater.org.

ROCHESTER AREA FAMILY YMCA DANCE-A-THON (4/9)

The Rochester Area Family YMCA will be hosting a Dance-a-thon on Friday, April 9 from 6:30-8:30 to benefit the Strong Kids Campaign. YMCA Group Fitness Instructors will be teaching a combination of Zumba, Hip Hop, Salsa, Cumbia, Cha Cha, Bellydance, Bollywood and more. Be ready for high energy cardio fun! The public is welcome. This event is open to all ages 13 and up.  A minimum donation of $5 for members of the Y and $8 for non-members is suggested.  Childcare will be available at no cost for Y members.  Non-members can use childcare for a fee of $3 for the first child and $2 for each additional child.  Please RSVP for childcare at 507-424-2558.  No RSVP is required to attend the event.  The Strong Kids Campaign is the Y's Annual Campaign that raises funds to help children and families participate in YMCA programs that they could not afford without our help. Last year the Rochester Area Family Y provided more than $790,000.00 in subsidies and scholarships, and it is events like these that help us provide services and programs to all that apply. The Y does not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay. Help us reach our goals by donating your time as a volunteer or making a donation to the Y! For additional questions please contact Nicole Olive at the Rochester Area Family YMCA  (507)287-2260 x 314 or visit: www.rochfamy.org.

BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON (3/26)

Attention all military families! Tired of the cold weather? Come play in an indoor park! Build a birdhouse, plant a flower, play in a sandbox, visit the petting zoo.  March 26th 6pm - 8pm, RCTC Heintz Center door #H15.  Please Register by phone: (507)884-6898 or email: beyondtheyellowribbonsemn@gmail.com.

DINNER & SHOW WITH ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST BRAD BOICE (3/27)

Windmill Inn & Suites, 120 Highway 16, Dexter, MN.  Dinner and two shows with Elvis Tribute Artist Brad Boice.  Doors open at 6:00, with the first show at 7:00, followed by dinner and the second show, March 27th, 2010.  Call 507-584-6440 for tickets - $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

HOLISTIC & WELLNESS EXPO (3/20, 3/21)

Mankato's first Holistic & Wellness Expo, March 20th & 21st, Best Western Garden Inn.  Aura Photos, Psychic Readings, Art, Jewelry, Crystals, Stones, Herbs, Healing Energy, Music, Oils, Books & More! Tickets available at the door $7.00 1 day pass or $12.00 weekend pass.  For more info visit: matrixmediaexpo.com.

7TH ANNUAL KIDS AGAINST HUNGER FOOD PACK (4/10)

On Sat, April 10, 2010 the Stewartville Kiwanis will sponsor the 7th annual Kids Against Hunger food pack event at the Stewartville Civic Center from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Volunteers will work in 2 hour shifts to assemble a nutritious food product that will be sent to areas of the world where starvation is an issue.  Some of the food will go to Haiti and some will stay in Olmsted county.  Call Mary Brouillard at 507-533-6596 to sign up for a shift.  Monetary donations are needed from volunteers and other individuals who can't work but would like to support the event.  Suggested $20 donation - all donations of any amount are helpful.  Each meal costs 15 cents to assemble, so a $20 donation will provide meals for 130 people.  All donations are tax deductable and 100% of the donations are used for the food supplies and shipping.  Checks payable to Kids Against Hunger, Stewart (not Stewartville!) should be sent by March 31 to Roger Wiltgen, Stewartville Kiwanis, 304 3rd St SW, Stewartville, MN 55976.

SPRING FAIR DINNER (4/11)

You're invited to the annual Spring Fair Dinner Sunday April 11th, 11am - 1pm at ST. Columbanus Catholic Church, 114 East Main Street, Blooming Prarie MN 55917.  Menu: Pork Roast dinner and all the trimmings home baked pies and cakes for dessert.  Tickets available at the door: Adults $8.00, Ages 6 - 12 $3.50, Ages 5 & under free.  Take out orders available (507) 583-7738.

RUSHFORD'S COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER SALE (4/9 - 4/11)

Rushford's Community Fundraiser "It's New To Me" Sale held at the OLD Rushford Clinic Building on main street.  If you don't have time, energy or space for a garage sale donate your "Treasures" to the "It's New To Me Sale"!  Donation drop off Saturday April 3rd 9am - 5pm, Monday April 5th - Thursday April 8th 9am - 6pm.  Thursday April 8th 6 - 8pm is the donator's presale.  Fundraiser sale April 9th 8am - 6pm, April 10th 8am - 6pm, Sunday April 11th 11am - 5pm.  The "It's New To Me Sale" benefits the Eagles Cancer Telethon.  For more info visit: www.ccntp.org.

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT (4/4)

Free Community Easter Egg Hunt and breakfast!  Hunt is for ages 2 - 10, breakfast is for everyone.  Sunday April 4th 9am.  Hosted by Church of the Savior at 971 16th ST. SE, across from Mayo High School.

ELGIN VOLUTEER AMBULANCE PANCAKE BREAKFAST (3/21)

Elgin Volunteer Ambulance is hosting a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser to provide new equipment to serve our community.  Sunday March 21st, 2010 from: 8:00AM- 12:00 PM at the Elgin American Legion.  Serving All you can eat: Pancakes; Sausage: Scrambled eggs**Beverage included; Milk; orange juice and coffee.  Cost: $6.00 per person …$1.00 children 5 and under.

GAMERS REUNION (4/23 - 4/25)

Gamers Reunion April 23 - 25, 2010.  34 hours of table-top gaming goodness and a weekend long silent auction to benefit the Ronald McDOnald House.  $25 for entire weekend, or daily passes are available.  www.gamersreunion.com.

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST (3/21)

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, March 21, 2010, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Mower County Senior Center, 400 3rd Avenue NE, Austin.  Breakfast Includes: All You Can Eat Pancakes, Sausage, Juice, Milk, Coffee.  Tickets
Advance: $6.00 per adult and $4.00 per child (Ages 12 and Under). 
At The Door: $7.00 per adult and $5.00 per child (Ages 12 and Under).  All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Arc Mower County’s Vacation Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Mower County.  To Order Tickets, Please Call 507-433-8994.

OLMSTED COUNTY DFL LUNCHEON (3/26)

March 26, 2010 Luncheon featuring guest speaker State Attorney General Lori Swanson. Kahler Grand Hotel Elizabethian Room, 20 SW 2nd Street, Rochester.  Cost is $15.00 and reservations needed by March 23. Menu choice is Chicken Marsala or Pasta Primavera.  Please RSVP to 507-398-6329 or 507-259-5162 with menu choice. Sponsored by the Olmsted County DFL Darn Fine Ladies. www.olmsteddfl.org.

SEASONS HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING (4/26, 4/28, 4/30)

Seasons Hospice Volunteer Training: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, April 26, 28 and 30, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (All Three Days) Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rochester.  Hospice volunteers provide a special kind of caring for those experiencing end-of-life transitions. Training topics include hospice philosophy and goals, understanding disease conditions, communication and listening skills, bereavement care, stress management, life review and other related topics. Training is free and includes lunch and materials. For more information and to register please call 285-1930, Ext. 201 or jelkins@seasonshospice.org.

Monthy Brown Bag Lunch (3/23)

The brown bag lunch will be held on Tuesday March 23rd 2010.  The topic is "Visiting Rochester's Sister City in China and other Chinese Historical Places".  Diane Hellie, a participant in the Mayor's Tour of China is the presenter.  The Brown Bag Lunch is open to the public from 12noon - 1pm on the Fourth Tuesday of most months at Christ United Methodist Church located on 5th Ave. and 4th ST. SW Rochester.

CABIN FEVER BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT (3/20)

Cabin Fever Bean Bag Tournament, Saturday March 20th, at the Rochester Eagles Club.  Entry fee includes Guaranteed 3 games, Participant T-Shirt, Free Raffle ticket.  Raffle tickets are also available for purchase or in exchange for non-perishable food items (limit 5) to be donated to Channel One.  For more information email: cfbeanbag@gmail.com or call (507)250-0887. All proceeds to benefit Cancer Research.

CAMP WALLABALLA OPERETTA (3/26 & 3/27)

Immanuel Lutheran School- Silo students preschool through 8th grade will present the operetta "Camp Wallaballa."  The presentation is a kid's musical about God's promises, created by Pamela Vandewalker and arranged by Barny Robertson.  The dates of the performances are Friday March 26 and Saturday March 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM.  The performance will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran School- Silo gymnasium located two miles north of Lewiston on County Road 25.  The cost is a free will donation.

DR. ELDEN LAWRENCE BOOK SIGNING (3/24)

Dr. Elden Lawrence has written a book entitled "The Peace Seekers" which describes the efforts by Christian farmer Native Americans to try to end the violence of the US/Dakota War of 1862. He will be appearing at the History Center of Olmsted County at 7PM on Wednesday, March 24 to sign copies and speak on the topic of his book, which is a subject otherwise mostly neglected by historians.  Dr. Lawrence is a director of the Wood Lake Battlefield Preservation Association, was the second Native American to be awarded a doctorate degree from South Dakota State University, and is a professor at Minnesota State.

LUTHER COLLEGE SYMPHONY PERFORMS (3/26)

LUTHER COLLEGE SYMPHONY TO PERFORM AT FAITH LUTHERAN ON MARCH 26
 Want to hear classical music performed live by an orchestra in the western suburbs of Des Moines? 
 Then come to the concert of the Luther College Symphony at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue,  at 7:30 p.m. on March 26.  The orchestra is visiting Faith Lutheran on its spring tour, which includes performances in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. Over 85 students comprise the orchestra, many of whom also sing in a choir, play chamber music or play in a jazz ensemble.  The Luther College Symphony tours yearly throughout the United States and maintains a three-week residency in Vienna., Austria every four years, performing at such venues as the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz. The conductor is Daniel Baldwin.  This performance is part of Faith Lutheran Church's 2009-2010 fine arts series, Soli deo Musica. This season is the 19th season presented by Faith Lutheran Church.  For more information, please call 515-225-8334 or visit the church's website at www.faithlc.org.

FARM BOYS BBQ FUNDRAISER(3/27)

Farm Boys BBQ, Free will donation for award winning BBQ, Lyle American Legion. March 27th, 4:30-7:30 Fundraiser for Lyle Area Cancer.

OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESENTS GODSPELL (3/26 - 3/28)

Our Savior's Lutheran Church presents, Godspell.  The musical, by Stephen Schwartz, is a fun, fast-paced romp through the book of Matthew.  Tons of great music, like the classic "Day by Day", and all kinds of parables, make this a perfect show for the whole family.  The production brings this 1960's style show up-to-date.  You may see Jesus texting his disciples, and maybe even a visit from Dr. Phil and Judge Judy.  Performances are held in the brand new Great hall at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1600 West Oakland Ave., Austin, MN. A free-will offering will be taken.

Performances will be: Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 27 at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 28 at 2 p.m.

EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES (3/23)

The Rochester Chapter presents "Exploring Sustainability Issues" with renowned University of Minnesota experts

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, Title: Living on a Shrinking Planet:  Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.  Speaker: Jonathan Foley, Director of the Institute on the Environment.  Description:  Dr. Foley's work focuses on global environmental systems and their interactions with human societies, with a particular focus on land use, food systems, climate change and the sustainability of our biosphere.  Time: 7:00 PM.  Where: UMR, RM417, University Square, 111 South Broadway, Rochester, MN.  “Exploring Sustainability Issues”  Lecture Series co-sponsored by the following area businesses: People’s Cooperative Services, Rochester, All American Cooperative, Stewartville, SEMA Equipment Company, Spring Valley, For additional information call 507-280-4658 or visit the Rochester Chapter online at www.minnesotaalumni.org/raafum.  Free admission, open to the public, students welcome, free-will offering for scholarships. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

ROCHESTER YMCA HEALTY KIDS DAY (4/17)

THE ROCHESTER Y ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO PUT PLAY IN THEIR DAY!

JOIN US FOR THE YMCA HEALTHY KIDS® DAY, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH.

As part of a nationwide effort to encourage kids to get moving, the Rochester Area Family Y will host YMCA Healthy Kids Day, the nations largest health day for kids and families on Saturday, April 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is filled with fun, engaging and creative activities that foster healthy living, and is a part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active.   All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Y at 507-287-2260 or visit our website at www.rochfamy.org.

PATRICK MADER BOOK SIGNING (3/27)

March 27th 2010, 10:00 AM at the Stewartville Civic Center Patrick Mader will present a program about his books and there will also be a book signing after. This program is free and for the whole family. "This project was funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage."

7TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWL EVENT (3/21)

Pine Island High School FCCLA and Art SCREAM would like to invite the public to the seventh annual Empty Bowl event on Sunday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Pine Island School Cafeteria.  You are invited to have a delicious meal of soup, bread, and desserts made with some of Pine Islands finest recipes.  Guests will be serenaded by local musicians, such as Pine Island High Schools own Jazz Strings.  Each guest may choose a handmade ceramic bowl to be served in, and then keep the bowl as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world.  In exchange for the meal and the bowl, the suggested minimum donation of $10 is asked.  Families may pay $15 for one clay bowl and receive soup for a family of four.  We will also be offering "Kids Pack" meals with small bowls for $5.  The tradition continues this year as school staff members make their famous recipes to compete in the PIHS Iron Soup Chef Competition.  Come enjoy and vote for your favorite soup recipe.  There will also be a Silent Art Auction to raise additional funds.  Handmade items such as textiles, preserves, ceramics, and framed photographs will be included in the auction.  The resulting money will be donated to an organization which fights hunger. The students have chosen to donate the proceeds to the Pine Island Food Shelf and the Pine Island Area Home Services since they are located within our own community.

THE GLORY OF EASTER (3/28, 4/2, & 4/3)

Rochester Assembly presents "The Glory of Easter" musical-drama on March 28, April 2, and April 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $4.00, available at the door, or pre-purchased online at www.rochesterag.org/easter play, or from the church office located at 4240 18th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN.  Childcare provided with pre-registration for ages 7 and under.  Outside doors open at 5:30 p.m., performance doors open at 6 p.m.  Call 288-0868 for more information.

BENEFIT FOR CASEY BISHOP (4/24)

Casey Bishop (daughter of Brad and Joy (Bishop) Cole) was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) on December 16, 2009. A few days after her diagnosis, Casey suffered a stroke which has caued loss of her left peripheral vision in both eyes. Prior to her diagnosis, Casey was teaching second grade in Garden City, Kansas. Casey has many months of inpatient treatment ahead of her with the hopes of returning to work by January 2011. Her treatment will then continue for three more years. A benefit is being organized to assist her in the ongoing medical costs and transportation to her appointments. To read more about her and her journey go to her Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caseybishop.  

The benefit will be Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, at the Stewartville American Legion. There will be a silent auction from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. There will also be a free will donation dinner of pork and turkey sandwhiches, salad, beans, and other items. There will also be some activities for children and adults for a small fee.

CHOCOLATE, CHAMPAGNE & CANDLELIGHT (11/6)

“ Chocolate, Champagne & Candlelight “ November 6, 2010, DeSoto House Hotel.  A wildly popular, sinfully delicious, and elegant chocolate affair including two lavish buffets offering chocolate plus a few non-chocolate desserts, held by the "Spirits of the Museum" (a volunteer support organization for the museum).  A portion of the sales will be donated to the historical society. A silent auction of unique Galena items donated by generous local businesspeople will round out the evening.  Tickets include a glass of champagne. You may get your tickets over the phone with a Visa or Mastercard, or if you are in town they are available at the museum, Dick's Supermarket, or the DeSoto House Hotel.  Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Admission: $14.00, reservations recommended. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=669&mode=event.

GALENA HALLOWEEN PARADE (10/30)

 “ Galena Halloween Parade “ October 30, 2010, Downtown Galena.  The largest and most spectacularly spooky Halloween parade in the tri-state area floats down Main St. Galena. Floats, costumes, prizes and treats for guys and "ghouls" of all ages.  Time: 6:30 pm, Admission: Free. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events.

GALENA HALLOWEEN BALLOON GLOW (10/29)

“ Galena Halloween Balloon Glow “ October 29, 2010 Galena River.  See spectacular hot air balloons lit from within at dusk as they are lined up along the Galena River. Weather permitting.  Time: Beginning at dusk, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Admission: Free.  For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=832&mode=event.

GALENA COUNTRY FAIR (10/9 & 10/10)

“ Galena Country Fair “ Dates:  October 9-10, 2010, Grant Park.  More than 150 vendors offering original, handmade arts, crafts and fine arts. Fair food, live entertainment, children’s games, farmers' markets.  Arts & Crafts Hand-selected vendors ensure high quality products year after year.  Farmers' Markets: Maple syrup, honey and locally-grown apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds.  Fair Food: Fair favorites including caramel apples, homemade French fries, funnel cakes, fudge, baked potatoes and ice cream.  Country Bake Shop: Some of Jo Daviess County's best bakers come together for one of the largest bake sales in the area! Homemade breads, cakes, pies, cookies and pastries.  Live Entertainment: The event schedule is packed with live bands. Enjoy a traditional Irish dancing performance each day.  Family Fun: Children’s games, live music, great food, silent auction and raffle.  Parking & Shuttle: Free remote parking and shuttle daily from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.  Time: Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Admission: $2.00 donation appreciated. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=607&mode=event.

GALENA OKTOBERFEST (10/2)

“ Galena Oktoberfest “ October 2, 2010, Galena's Eastside Riverfront.  Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.  Admission: Adults $3.00, Children 12 and Under Free.  For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=595&mode=event.

HEALING ADVENTURES CAMP (5/15)

A free one day camp for children and teens ages 5 - 18 years who have experienced a loss will be held at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, 7921 CTY RD 6 SW, Stewartville Minnesota on Saturday May 15 from 8am - 4pm.  The Mayo Hospice Program, with support from the Department of Chaplian Services and Mayo Eugenio Litta Chidren's Hospital invites you to participate in the Healing Adventures Camp.  For further information including a list of events please email: Carol Kuisle at kuisle.carol@mayo.edu or call (507)284-1690 or 1-800-679-9084.  Registrations must be received by Friday April 30th, 2010.

CAMP WINNEBAGO SPRING WORK DAY (5/1)

Lions, Leos and Community Volunteers are welcom to come and lend a helping hand! We'll start the day at 7:30am with donuts, juice, and coffee.  We'll wrap up the day at 1:00pm with brats, burgers, and beverages! Volunteeers are encouraged to bring garden & construction tools, cleaning products, rags, paint brushes, etc.  Work day projects will include Cleaning Cabins & Buildings, Cleaning Dining Hall, Tree & Branch Removal, Painting & Staining, Grounds Clean-up, Campground Maintenance and lots more.  Camp Winnebago is located at 19708 Camp Winnebago RD, Caledonia MN 55921.  For further information call (507)724-2351 or email: director@campwinnebago.org.

HONOR FLIGHT FUNDRAISER (4/17)

The Honor Flight is a program to help send our VETERANS to Washington D.C. to see the Memorial built in their memory for those that have served and or given their lives to and for our country.  Please be generous in your giving to helping with this worthy cause.  Honor Flight Fundraiser, Pine Island American Legion, Saturday April 17th 4pm - 8pm.  All You Can Eat Fish Fry.  Cost is $8.00.  For further information contact Anne at (507)356-8441 or Shirley at (507)356-8503.

CROSSROADS HORSE MINISTRY (4/3)

Crossroads Horse Ministry coming to Castner Riding Arena at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Saturday April 3rd at 4pm.  Watch as BJ takes a young cold from wild rebellion to trusting submission as he develops a relationship with the horse.  Listen as he explains the relationship between the trainer and the horse and how it parallels to our relationship to Jesus Christ.  Learn why the horse begins to turst as BJ rides him for the first time.  As you witness this awesome display of grace and trust, you will learn how it applies to your won life and your relationship with our lord.  Wheter you are a believer and fully committed to Christ or in a stage of rebellion....CrossRoads Horse Ministry will touch your heart and soul bringing you even closer to god's love.  For more information visit: www.crossroadshorseministry.com or call (507)533-9933 or email: courtney@ironwoodsprings.com.

CHRISTIAN SEDER MEAL (4/1)

Seder is the traditional Passover Week Dinner clelebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus giving thanks to God for deliverance and redemption.  Seder is also called the Passover Dinner, commemorationg the protection of God as the Angel of Death over every family protected by the Blood of the Paschal Lamb.

Family Of Christ Lutheran Church invites you to a Christian Seder Meal on Thursday April 1st at Rochester Central Lutheran School at 6:30pm.  Please R.S.V.P. by Friday March 19th by calling Pastor Henry Biar at 424-2902.

FINISH CUISINE MEAL (3/27)

Sons of Norway Kristiania Lodge 47, located at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola RD NE, Rochester MN will have a Finish Cuisine meal starting at 6pm Saturday March 27th.  Guest speaker will be Ulla Ahtaja speaking about "Life In Finland".  The public is welcome to attend.

PROCLAIMING THE CHANGELESS CHRIST TO A CHANGING WORLD (3/27 & 3/28)

Lutheran Hour Ministries flagship program and the world's longest running christian out reach radio broadcast weekly on more than 8oo stations throughtout Northamerica, as well as worldwide viat American Forces Network ans Satellite Radio presents Rev. Ken Klaus speaker of The Lutheran Hour as the guest speaker at Grace Lutheran Church at 800 East Silver Lake Drive in Rochester at 6:00pm on March 27th and at 8:00am & 10:30am on March 28th Palm Sunday weekend.  For more information visit: www.lutheranhour.org.

SUPER MARKET SATURDAY (3/27)

Oasis Church would like to announce this month's "Super Market Saturday" with Channel One Food Shelf.  Food will be distributed at Oasis Church from 10am - Noon on Saturday March 27th.  For further information call Oasis Church at (507)289-8596 or visit: www.oasischurchroch.org.

MISSION RUMMAGE SALE (3/26 - 3/28)

Faith Lutheran Church Hwy 14 East in ST. Charles MN will hold a Mission Ruammage Sale on Thurs. 3/25 from 1pm - 7pm, Fri. 3/26 from 8am -5pm and Sat. 3/27 from 8am - Noon.

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Usian Bolt Races the ESPN Staff
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Andrew Bailey of Oakland Athletics shut down with tennis elbow
Oakland Athletics closer and reigning AL rookie of the year Andrew Bailey has been shut down for five to seven days with tennis elbow, but remains optimistic he will be ready for Opening Day.

Detroit Pistons expect Rodney Stuckey back on court on Friday
Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey is expected to play Friday night, two weeks after collapsing on the bench during a game.

Michael Leighton of Philadelphia Flyers out 8-10 weeks with severe ankle sprain
Flyers goalie Michael Leighton will be out of action eight to 10 weeks with a severe high ankle sprain, the team said Thursday.

Udoh's double-double carries Baylor to victory
Ekpe Udoh had 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Baylor won an NCAA tournament game for the first time in 50 years by beating Sam Houston State 68-59 on Thursday.

The NHL has suspended Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski 8 games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook
The NHL has suspended Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski 8 games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.