February Community events

"Other"

01/31/2006

If you are interested in diversity, environment, immigration, issues, children, or having fun, you can find something to do in Rochester this month!

I recommend Coffee and Conversations, Rochester Reads, Winterfest, Ann Bancroft, and especially the DFL meatball supper Friday Feb 17.  The iFilm at the library this month has a political theme and is free! Looking ahead, you may also want to sign up for Rochester on Tour at the Capitol March 22.

If you have any events to add to this list please send them to Diane Hellie (, 288-7616)

* indicates the event is sponsored by Olmsted County DFL

All month Rochester Reads events Feb 3-12 Rochester Winterfest Wed Feb 1 Clean Energy Resource Team meeting Wed Feb 1 Renewable Energy presentation Wed Feb 1 Conservation Security Program

- Thu Feb 2 DFL Ladies Breakfast
- Thu Feb 2 Making Mandalas
- Thu Feb 2 Wake Up, Groundhog at Quarry Hill
- Thu Feb 2 Freedom of Speech versus Reporter’s Rights
- Fri Feb 3 Family Movie night, Benji
- Fri Feb 3 Quilter’s Play starts
- Sat Feb 4 Coffee and Conversations - Higher Education
- Sat Feb 4 Militarization of youth
- Sun Feb 5 March of the Penguins movie at library
- Mon Feb 6 Harmony for Mayo concert
- Mon Feb 6 Zumbro Watershed Partnership Open House and Public Input Meeting
- Mon Feb 6 Ann Bancroft
- Tue Feb 7 Girl Scout Cookies with a Twist
- Tue Feb 7 Anatomy of Prejudice (in Twin Cities)
- Wed Feb 8 iFilm: Anytown USA (has a political theme this month)
- Wed Feb 8 International Luncheon at the Y
- Thu Feb 9 Immigration panel
- Thu Feb 9 Ability Business Center open house
- Thu Feb 9 SE MN peacemakers featuring Phil Steger
- Mon Feb 13 Harmony for Mayo Concert Choral Arts Ensemble
- Tue Feb 14 Quarry Hill Valentine Day event for adults
- Wed Feb 15 Chamber of Commerce Legislative Overview
- Wed Feb 15 Prairie Smoke Meeting
- Thu Feb 16 SE Minnesota Cares meeting
- Fri Feb 17 DFL meatball supper and Meet the Candidates
- Tue Feb 21 DFL monthly meeting Wed Feb 22 The Letter, response to Somali immigrants
- Sat Feb 25 A Chair Affair
- Mon Feb 27 Harmony for Mayo concert
- Mon Feb 27 Post Bulletin Dialogs - Local Explorers
- Mon Feb 27 Dad and Kids book club Tues
- Feb 28 Protecting Water Quality for Future Generations
- Mar 22 Rochester on Tour at the Capitol

Detailed information on events

Rochester Reads February 2006

The 2006 selection for Rochester Reads is No Horizon is So Far, which follows two women as they break new ground in an Antarctic expedition. The Diversity Council will host A Time to Talk About Sexism on March 18, a dialogue exploring gender and sexism in the book. Ann Bancroft will be speaking Monday Feb. 6!  For more events, go to http://www.rochesterreads.org.

*** Rochester Winterfest Feb 3 - 12 2006 Various times and locations

WinterFest is comprised of a group of organizations that sponsor fundraising events for non-profit groups during the first couple weekends in February.  Our mission is to help get the word out, through a Calendar of Events Brochure, about all the fun events going on for a variety of non-profit organizations.

Last year over $197,500 was raised to benefit eighteen area non-profits. Thanks goes out to all the caring people who contributed and participated to make WinterFest III a success.  So lets get out and enjoy winter by participating in all the fun WinterFest IV events.  See web page http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/park/activities/winter/WinterFe st/index.asp for a list of all events.

*** Olmsted Clean Energy Resource Team Wed Feb 1, 2006 4:30pm - 6:00pm Heintz Center, Room HC 112 Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, Telephone: (507) 2889492 Free and open to the public

The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Olmsted Clean Energy Resource Team, a citizen group that works to promote the use of clean, renewable energy in Olmsted County.

*** Renewable Energy Wed Feb 1, 2006 7:00pm - 9:00pm University Center-Rochester, Room MH 223
855 30th Ave. S.E. Rochester, MN Telephone: 281-7791 Free and open to the public

Dr. Lanny Schmidt, a University of Minnesota regents professor of chemical engineering and materials science, will discuss options for renewable energy and the implications for Minnesota. The event is free and open to the public.

*** Conservation Security Program Wed Feb 1, 2006 9:00am - 11:00am Digger’s Bar and Grill
401 8th Street N.W. Kasson, MN

Hear the latest information about the Conservation Security Program offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Learn how to use existing Farm Bill programs and resources to prepare for this new federally funded program. For more information, call Jennifer Ronnenberg at 289-6239, Ext. 119.

*** DFL (Darn Fine Ladies) Women’s Breakfast Thurs Feb 2 7:00AM Old Country Buffet $5.89

This month’s speaker will be Dan Butterfass who will speak about blogging.  Please RSVP to Kim @sknort@earthlink.net or 990-0276.

*** Wake up groundhog! Date: Feb 2, 2006 Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Location: Quarry Hill Nature Center Rochester, $5 per person

Put on your Hawaiian shirt for an indoor picnic and celebration of spring. Hot dogs, chips and fresh fruit will be served. Participants will learn about the signs of spring they can watch for, and plant some bulbs to help hurry spring along. Cost is $5 per person. Call 281-6114 to sign up.

*** Making Mandalas Thursday, February 2, 11 a.m. - noon Mayo Clinic Cancer Education Center, Gonda Lobby

From ancient through contemporary cultural and spiritual traditions, mandalas, or circular art forms incorporating geometric patterns, have been used as visual depictions of inner realms, often used as a meditative preparation or to invoke insight. Researcher, artists, and counselor Richard Bonk will lead participants in making their own mandalas. Register by calling 266-9288.

*** Hot Topics/Cold Nights: Freedom of Speech/Reporter’s Rights forum Thurs Feb 2 7:00pm - 9:00pm Government Center room 104 Free and open to the public

This forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters Rochester. Panelists include Jay Furst, managing editor of the Post Bulletin; Ray Schmitz, Olmsted County Attorney; and Sea Stachura, Minnesota Public Radio

*** Benji: Free Family Movie Night Friday Feb. 3 7:00PM Christ United Methodist Church
400 5th Avenue SW Rochester, MN 55902 Free and open to the public

Christ United Methodist Church is presenting a free family movie the first Friday of the month.  For more information, call 507-289-4019

*** Quilters play (women’s history) February 3 - March 5 Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2 Chateau Theatres $15, $13 students and seniors

It’s About Time Theater presents a historic musical chronicling the contributions of pioneer women. It’s About Time is Rochester’s only nonprofit, professional theater. Their mission is to inspire, showcase, educate, and support women through theater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, available at the Chateau box office.

*** Coffee & Conversation Sat Feb 4, 2006 8:00am - 10:00am Willow Creek Middle School
2425 11th Ave. S.E. Rochester, MN Free and open to the public

The topic of the discussion will be the Rochester Higher Education Development Committee’s latest proposal for creating a four-year university in Rochester. Local legislators will be present for the discussion. It is free and open to the public.

*** Militarization of Youth - What’s a Person To do? Sat Feb 4, 2006 10:00AM - Noon Location: Rochester Public Library, Room B Rochester,

This program will describe how recruitment and enlistment has changed, will explain the laws surrounding recruitment; and will provide time for questions and answers. Kim Doss-Smith, an associate member of Veterans for Peace, Twin Cities Chapter 27, is the presenter. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace, and SE MN Alliance of Peacemakers. For more information, call Chuck Handlon at 287 0796.

*** Movie @ Your Library (March of the Penguins) Sun Feb 5, 2006 2:00PM Location: Public Library, Auditorium
101 2nd St. S.E. Rochester, Minn. Telephone: 507-285-8000 Free and open to the public

“March of the Penguins.” A documentary that follows the annual journey of emperor penguins to their breeding ground in Antarctica. Rated G. A Rochester Reads event.

*** Harmony for Mayo: Ariane Lydon (Celtic) Monday, February 6, 12:10 - 1 p.m. Gonda Bldg subway, Landow Atrium Free and Open to the public

*** Zumbro Watershed Partnership Open House and Public Input Meeting Mon Feb 6, 2006 3:00PM - 8:00PM Location: Pine Island American Legion
108 1st Ave. S.E. Pine Island, MN

An opportunity for public comment into the watershed management planning phase of the project. For more information, contact Jennifer Ronnenberg at 289-6239 Ext. 119

*** Ann Bancroft: Rochester Reads 2006 Author Mon Feb 6, 2006 7:00PM Location: John Marshall High School Auditorium
1510 14th St. N.W. Rochester, Minn. Free but arrive early to get a seat

The world-renowned polar explorer and author will address issues of diversity, women’s empowerment and overcoming obstacles. A Rochester Reads event.  Note: This event is free but I expect there will be a large crowd so arrive early to get a seat.

*** Cookie Creations: Girl Scout Cookies with a Twist Date: Feb 7, 2006 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Rochester Ramada Hotel & Conference Center $20 per person, $35 per couple, $10 for children

This dessert sampling is part of Rochester’s Winterfest. The one-of-a-kind desserts will be made by bakers and chefs from Rochester, Lanesboro, Austin, Lake City, Winona and Owatonna. Cost is $20 per person, $35 per couple, $10 for children 6 to 12 and free for kids younger than 5. Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance by calling the Girl Scout Council at 288-4703.

***

The Anatomy of Prejudice Tuesday, February 7, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Radisson Plaza, Minneapolis (35 7th St S)

Nationally acclaimed speaker Jane Elliott, who developed the controversial Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes experiment, will show the Peabody Award-winning film, “The Eye of the Storm,” with a discussion of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, and ethnocentrism. For information and registration, go to http://www.mcdc.org.

*** iFilms: International and Independent Films Wed Feb 8, 2006 6:00 p.m. Location: Public Library, Auditorium 101 2nd St. S.E. Rochester, Minn. Telephone: 507-285-8000 Free and open to the public, mature audiences only

This month’s iFilm has a polictical theme.  Featuring “Anytown, USA,” a 2005 documentary set in Bogota, N.J., that gives an eye-opening look into a hard-fought mayoral race between a Democrat, Republican and an independent, two of whom are legally blind.  iFilms are recommended for mature audiences only.

*** International luncheon Date: Feb 8, 2006 Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Rochester Area Family Y Rochester $8, $7 for members of Rochester International Association

RIA monthly luncheon will feature a slide presentation by Jeanette Bergler, who recently went to the village of Radomyshl in Ukraine. A Ukranian lunch will be served. Cost is $8, or $7 for members of RIA or the Y. Call Joyce at 282-1676 or Betsy at 289-3359 for reservations.

*** Ability Building Center 50th anniversary Thursday Feb 9, 2006 3:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Ability Building Center
1911 14th St. N.W. Rochester, MN

Ability Building Center (ABC) will kick off the celebration of its 50th anniversary.

*** Hot Topics/Cold Nights: Immigration panel Thursday Feb 9 7:00PM - 9:00PM Government Center room 104 Free and open to the public

This event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters Rochester. Panelists will include Abucar Iman, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Associatin; John Wade, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce; and others.

*** Southeast Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers Monthly Meeting Thurs Feb 9, 2006 6:00pm Location: Government Center, Meeting Room AB
151 4th St. S.E. Rochester, Minn.

6 pm meeting. 6:30 pm potluck. 7:30 pm program featuring Phil Steger, speaker and Peace Activist, leading dialogue on strategies to elect candidates committed to peace.

*** Harmony for Mayo: Choral Arts Ensemble Monday, February 13, 12:10 - 1 p.m. Charlton Bldg subway, Lips Atrium Free and open to the public

*** Quarry Hill Valentine Celebration Tues Feb 14, 2006 7:00pm - 9:30pm Quarry Hill Nature Center
701 Silver Creek Road NE Rochester, Minn. Telephone: (507) 281-6114

The Nature Center will be transformed into a cozy coffeehouse for this adult celebration. Come and enjoy live music, skiing and snowshowing (or hiking depending on snow conditions), delicious desserts and coffee or tea. Ski and snowshoes available for rent.

*** 2006 Legislative Session Preview: Event Features Rochester State Representatives and Senators Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce Wed Feb 15 5:00pm - 7:00pm Ramada Hotel and Conference Center Cost:  $25 for Members—$35 for Non-members Reservations are required.

2006 Legislative Session Preview

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for an hors d’oeuvres reception with the Rochester area legislative delegation to preview the 2006 legislative session.

Confirmed speakers include:

State Representative Fran Bradley State Representative Randy Demmer State Representative Tina Liebling State Representative Andy Welti State Senator Sheila Kiscaden State Senator Dave Senjem

Please call the Chamber at 507.288.1122 or register on-line at http://www.rochestermnchamber.com. Note: If you work for a company that belongs to the Chamber, you can attend for the member fee.

*** Prairie Smoke Chapter Members AND Prospective Members: Wednesday, Feb. 15th at 7pm Department of Natural Resources (DNR) building in Rochester 2300 Silver Creek Rd. SW, Rochester

Are you ready to BURN?

Spring is coming our way, and that means burn season.  But is your prairie ready to burn?  You need to do several things before ‘lighting up’.  And is burning this spring the best management strategy?  Will your effort be worthwhile?

Join other Prairie Smoke members and prospective members on Wednesday, Feb. 15th, as Jaime Edwards, Prairie Smoke member and DNR employee, tells us what we need to do to prepare for a prescribed burn.

We will also discuss the upcoming Prairie Enthusiasts conference and banquet to be held March 10-12 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.  Our Prairie Smoke chapter is the host and we are expecting a great turnout from not only our own Prairie Smoke chapter members, but also from members of our Wisconsin and Illinois chapters.  We have a great conference lined up – speakers, roundtables, entertainment (a story teller and a band!), great meals, and lots of interesting people.

So, come get some tips on spring/fall burning, find out about the full schedule for the March 10-12 conference, and meet some fellow prairie enthusiasts.

*** Olmsted County DFL Meatball dinner and Meet the Candidates Friday February 17th 5:00PM Lower level of Olmsted County DFL headquarters
2002 2nd St SW Rochester, MN $5 per person, maximum of $20 per family

We will be having a Kickoff-to-Caucus event on Friday, February 17th beginning at 5:00 pm.  Come have fun, eat hearty and meet our candidates.

Main Menu:  All-you-can-eat Swedish meatballs and noodles.  Vegetarian alternative is Noodles In Al Fredo Sauce.  We will also have the usual salads etc.

The cost is $5 per person or a maximum of $20 for a family.

Where:  Lower Level of DFL Headquarters in the Masonic Temple Building,
2002 2nd St SW Rochester, MN

Please join us as we get a chance to meet our candidates and start the election year 2006 with a fun, family-friendly event.  We are adding a new kicker to this kickoff event.  A chocolate fantasy dessert bar.  (The kicker is we are looking for donations of your favorite chocolate dessert
) If you have a favorite dessert that isn¹t chocolate, we will accept it anyway.  We are Democrats after all.

*** SE Minnesota Cares Thurs Feb 16 7:00PM Christ United Methodist Church

SE Minnesota Cares works on legislation, etc. to help the poor people in our community.

*** The Letter Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. Rochester Public Library Auditorium Free and open to the public

The Letter is a documentary about one town’s response to Somali immigrants. When the mayor writes an open letter asking Somalis to stop coming to the town, the community fractures over religious, economic, and race lines. This challenges video raises questions for every community about how we respond to change. The Diversity Council will host facilitated discussion following the film.

*** A Chair Affair Gala Sat Feb 25, 2006 6:00pm Rochester International Event Center
7333 Airport View Dr. S.W. Rochester, MN Telephone: 287-2300

The gala is a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. A reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided at 8 p.m. and a live auction of hand-decorated chairs will start at 9 p.m. Twenty-five chairs selected by a panel of three jurors will be displayed at the Rochester Art Center from Feb. 13-23. All other chairs will be available for viewing in advance of the event at Livingstyle, Southeastern Minnesota Visual Artists and at Talbot’s and Chicos in the Galleria Mall. For tickets and sponsorship information for the gala, contact the Boys & Girls Club.

***

Harmony for Mayo, Bill Staines (country folk) Monday, February 27, 12:10 - 1 p.m. Charlton Bldg subway, Lips Atrium Free and open to the public

*** Dad and Kids Book Club by PAIIR Mon Feb 27, 2006 6:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Northrop Education Center 201 Eighth St. N.W. Rochester, MN Telephone: (507) 285-8033

This father/child activity by Parents Are Important In Rochester will include a separate discussion group for dads. The club continues on Monday evenings through March 20. Each dad gets a free copy of each week’s book, plus tips on how to share the story with his children at home. Pre-registration is required. Call PAIIR or go to the Web site: http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/school86.

*** P-B Dialogues “Local Explorers” Mon Feb 27, 2006 7:00pm Public Library Auditorium
101 2nd St. S.E. Rochester, Minn. Telephone: 507-285-8000 Free and open to the public

Post-Bulletin Managing Editor Jay Furst will lead a discussion with local explorers. Audience members may ask questions and give feedback. A Rochester Reads event.

*** Protecting Water Quality for Future Generations Tues Feb 28, 2006 7:30pm - 9:00pm University Center Rochester, Room ST 110
855 30th Ave. S.E. Rochester, Telephone: 280-2826

A special ITV broadcast of Great Conversations Lecture Series 2006. Speakers are Deborah Swackhamer, a professor of environmental chemistry, and David Schindler, one of the world’s leading environmental scientists.

*** Get Ready to Read! Tues Feb 28, 2006 6:30 p.m. Location: Public Library Auditorium
101 2nd St. S.E. Rochester, Minn. Telephone: 507-285-8000

Learn six pre-reading skills to prepare your child for those important school years ahead. The library’s Childrens staff will present tips on ways to make reading fun and introduce exciting, age-appropriate books. To register, call 285-8012, stop by the library’s first-floor Childrens Services Desk or go online at the library’s website under events-events calendar.

*** Rochester On Tour at the Capitol Wednesday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. $25 lunch/entertainment, $5 transportation, $6 History Center

Rally with Rochester business leaders and community members in St. Paul to promote Rochester’s interests to state legislators. $25 cost includes lunch, dinner, & entertainment. $5 for the bus (free for students and seniors), $6 tour of Minnesota History Center. Register online at http://www.rochestermnchamber.com or call 288-1122.