July Community Events

"Community Events"

07/06/2012




There are a few issue forums this month. Citizens League is having an electrical energy workshop on July 24.

Note that there are candidate forums for the primary elections. There are no primaries for DFL candidates but I know many people on this list like to attend the forums for all elections to learn more about the candidates.

There are lots of events in the summer where you can walk around and wear a candidate shirt and support our candidates. Suggestions are:

-- UMR Connects (Tuesdays on the Peace Plaza)
-- Thursdays on first (downtown Peace Plaza)
-- Farmer's Market Saturday mornings
-- Saturday outdoor films on the Peace Plaza
-- Sunday evening down by the Riverside concerts
-- Olmsted County Fair
-- Honkers games

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July 7 Saturday movie on Peace Plaza
July 9 Mndot open house on rail
July 9 Human Trafficking in Rochester
July 10 UMR connects: High School Sports: Past, Present, Future
July 11 International film at library
July 11 DFL Senior Caucus
July 13-14 Olmsted County Relay for Life
July 14 Butterfly count
July 14 St. John's Block Party
July 14 Saturday movie on Peace Plaza
July 15 Hero's Breakfast
July 15 International picnic
July 16-Aug 15 Why Treaties Matter Exhibit
July 16-22 Eyota Days
July 18 Veterans Benefits
July 19 Rochester Garden Club Summer Tour
July 19-21 Pridefest
July 20 Byron parade
July 21 Eyota Parade
July 21 Saturday movie on Peace Plaza
July 21 Civic Live: The theater of public policy
July 23 Meet Rochester authors
July 23-29 Olmsted County Fair
July 24 Citizens League forum on electrical energy
July 24 Primary Candidate forum - school board
July 25 Primary Candidate forum - county board

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Peace Plaza Summer Saturday Cinema
Saturday, July 7, sunset
Peace Plaza

The Summer Saturday Cinema series features international, independent and classic films. This week: Sweetland, the story of a German woman who moves to rural Minnesota to meet the man destined to be her husband. Free admission. Bring your own chairs.

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South Sudan Independence Day
Monday, July 9

The world's newest nation celebrates its first anniversary. Rochester is home to a number of refugees from South Sudan.

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Human Trafficking in Rochester
Monday, July 9 2 p.m.
Rochester Senior Center, Rochester

Mission 21 will present on the issue of sex/human trafficking in Rochester and throughout the state and what Mission 21 is doing to address the fastest growing crime worldwide. Free, open to the public, all ages, no RSVP.

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MNDOT open house on rail
Monday July 9 5:00pm - 8:00pm (6:00 presentation)
Rochester International Events Center

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Olmsted County Regional Railroad Authority will have a presentation and question-and-answer session Monday about the Southern Rail Corridor freight rail planning project.

MnDOT and the railroad authority are evaluating the need to mitigate or relocate the existing Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern freight rail line in Rochester to accommodate possible increases in train traffic.

The open house will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Rochester International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Drive S.W.

A presentation about the Southern Rail Corridor Feasibility Study and Alternatives Analysis will begin at 6 p.m., after which people may ask questions of MnDOT and railroad authority personnel.

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UMR Connects: High School Sports: Past, Present, Future
Tuesday, July 10 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
University of Minnesota Rochester, Peace Plaza (if bad weather: UMR 4th floor) Rochester

High school sports have long been an important part of life in Minnesota towns. But there has been a lot of change since the 1960s. Post-Bulletin sports editor Craig Swalboski has had a front-row seat for a lot of this change in his 40-year career in newspapers. As a sports reporter and editor, he has been heavily involved in newspaper coverage of high school sports, including the past 35 years at the P-B.

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DFL Senior Caucus
Wed July 11 1:00PM
Olmsted DFL office

Meet to discuss issues affecting seniors. This meeting is 1 week later than usual due to the July 4 holiday. Note change of meeting place - the Senior Center is not available July 11.

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International film at library
Wed July 11 6:00PM
Rochester Public Library
Free but recommended for mature audiences

AMADOR
Spain | 2011 | Drama | Spanish w/ English subtitles

Synopsis:
Marcela, a young immigrant with financial troubles, finds a summer job looking after Amador, a bed-ridden elderly man whose family is away. She thinks her problems are solved, but Amador dies shortly thereafter, putting Marcela in a predicament. His death leaves her jobless, something she can't afford to let happen.

Faced with a difficult moral dilemma, Marcela will prove that death can't always stop life.

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Olmsted County Relay for Life
Friday, July 13 to Saturday, July 14
6 p. m 7/13 - 6 a.m. 7/14 RCTC, Rochester

Join us for the 19th annual Olmsted County Relay for Life. Survivors Reception starts at 5 p.m., opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. with the survivor's lap following. Activities all night long as people walk the track in honor of someone fighting cancer or loved ones lost to cancer. Silent auction 5 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.

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Butterfly count
Saturday, July 14
9 a.m.-noon Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Road N.E. Rochester

Join members of Zumbro Valley Audubon on the 14th annual butterfly count in Rochester. The goal is to record the numbers and species of butterflies seen on a single day mid-summer. The unusual spring that we just experienced should affect the butterflies and this count will help us to see changes in populations. No experience is necessary, as knowledgeable leaders accompany each group. Meet at Quarry Hill Nature Center at 9 a.m. Some groups will count in different areas. Dress for the weather.

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ST. JOHN'S BLOCK PARTY (7/14)
St. John's Church

The Church of St. John the Evangelist will host the 9thannual St. John’s Block Party on Saturday, July 14, from 3 to 11:30 p.m. in downtown Rochester. This nonprofit community event is open to people of all ages and is packed with great live music, entertainment, food and friends.

Six bands will rock the new single-day, single-stage format. Headlining this year’s unprecedented lineup is OK GO. For the complete lineup or to find out more, visit the St. John’s Block Party Web site http://sjblockparty.org. Follow the Block Party on Facebook http://facebook.com/stjohnsblockparty or Twitter http://twitter.com/sjblockparty for the latest news and event information. You can also contact the Church of St. John at 507-288-7372.

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Peace Plaza Summer Saturday Cinema
Saturday, July 14, sunset
Peace Plaza

The Summer Saturday Cinema series features international, independent and classic films. This week: Diva, a stylish French thriller in honor of Bastille Day. Featuring two Parisian mobsters, one corrupt policeman, a teenage thief, and the coolest philosopher ever filmed. Free admission. Bring your own chairs.

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Hero's breakfast
Sunday, July 15
8 a.m.-noon VFW Post #1215, 16 Sixth St. S.W. Rochester

On the menu: eggs Benedict, country style Benedict, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, milk, juice and coffee.

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International Summer Picnic
Sunday, July 15, 4 - 7 p.m.
Silver Lake Park (shelter next to the fire station)

Mayor Ardell Brede and the Mayor's International Affairs Committee, and Rochester International Association invite you to this annual event. Meet interesting people from around the world! Bring food from your country to share and try other foods from around the world! Beverages provided. Come rain or shine. For more information, call Herta at 280-8319 before 9 p.m.

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Why treaties matter exhibit
July 16 - August 15, 2012

Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations (exhibit)

Exhibit locations:
Downtown Campus, Mayo Building, Mathews Grand Lobby
Saint Mary's Campus, Francis Building, Main Level

A fascinating cultural exhibit that shares how treaties affected the indigenous peoples of Minnesota, and why these binding agreements between nations still matter today. Featuring a video presentation and 20 informative banners.

Other Information:
This project is funded in part with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, and the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation.

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Eyota Days Celebration
July 16-22
Various starting times/places in Eyota

Eyota Days runs all week with various activities planned. Some activities are Treasure Hunt, Kiddie Parade, Family Bingo, softball and volleyball tournaments, street dance, waffle breakfast, Car Show, Motorcycle Show and Tractor pull and Antique Tractor Show.

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Nelson Mandela's Birthday
Wednesday, July 18

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." ~Nelson Mandela

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Veterans benefits
Wednesday, July 18
10 a.m. Rochester Senior Center, Rochester

Presented by Neil Doyle and Amy Lindsay of the Olmsted County Veterans Office. Presentation will cover veterans benefits, disability compensation, veterans pensions, widows pension, hospital benefits and eligibility.

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Rochester Garden & Flower Club Summer Garden Tour
Thursday, July 19 4 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
SMART gardens area at the RCTC Heintz Center West Parking lot, 1926 College View Road S.E. Rochester

Ticket price includes tour map and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream at the RCTC SMART gardens - tours stop at dusk - rain or shine. This is a self-guided tour of area gardens.

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Pridefest
July 19-22

Events all weekend, including a dinner party at Rochester Civic Theatre, family picnic, Dragagonza with the Rochester Girls, brunch at the Kahler, and the main festival Sunday from noon to 4pm at the Peace Plaza.

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Ramadan Begins
Friday, July 20

The fast of Ramadan commemorates the receiving of the Quran. Traditionally Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset during this month. The fast is broken each evening after sunset.

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Byron Parade
Friday July 20 7:00PM
Byron Mn

Join us at the Byron parade to support our candidates John Vossen and Judy Ohly. Watch the Olmsted DFL list and Senate District 25 Facebook page for additional details on the parade. Thank you to Dodge County for bringing the Dodge County float to this parade and for paying the entrance fee.

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Eyota parade
Saturday July 21 11:00am
Eyota MN

Join us, rain or shine, at the Eyota parade to support our candidates Ken Moen and Pat Stallman. Watch the Olmsted DFL list and Facebook page for additional details on the parade.

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Peace Plaza Summer Saturday Cinema
Saturday, July 21, sunset
Peace Plaza

The Summer Saturday Cinema series features international, independent and classic films. This week: Casablanca, the classic World War II love story set in North Africa. Free admission. Bring your own chairs.

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Civic Live: The Theater of Public Policy
Saturday, July 21; Saturday, August 11
8 p.m. Rochester Civic Theatre Lobby Stage, 20 Civic Center Drive S.E. Rochester

Civic Live presents the improvisational comedy theater company, The Theater of Public Policy from Minneapolis! If you enjoy Jon Stewart’s Daily Show and Saturday Night Live, you won’t want to miss The Theater of Public Policy’s improvisational comedy on July 21st and August 11th in the Rochester Civic Theatre Lobby. Using the name T2P2, the Theater of Public Policy is a Twin Cities favorite, consistently using their unique art form to explore serious issues while entertaining audiences. Tane Danger, co-founder of T2P2, interviews two guest experts as questions from the audience are encouraged. Immediately after the interview, six professionals perform an improvised skit using information just discussed.

July 21 Performance - It is entitled “The University of Minnesota in a Shopping Center—You’ve Got to be Kidding!”
Aug 11 - It is entitled “It’s Campaign Season—How Many Times Can I Vote?”

Ticket: $15ON SALE NOW! To order, call 507-282-8481 or visit http://www.rochestercivictheatre.org Seating is limited. These shows are expected to sell out quickly. Wine and Beer cash bar will be available.For more information about T2P2 and performances, contact Meredith Tuntland at 612-619-7522 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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Meet Rochester authors
July 23 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Rochester Public Library

The Friends of the Library are serving up some summer fun! Meet 17 local authors for conversation and ice cream. The visiting authors are: Ken Allsen, Gerald Anderson, Tony Bridwell, Alan Calavano, Helen Chen, Carol Fosdick, Harriet Hodgson, Paul Koeller, Nick Lauer, Richard Krom, Douglass McGill, Ramona Miller, Dorothy Lund Nelson, Tom Ostrum, Michael Reisman, Fan Shen, Rafael Tilton.

The ice cream is provided by Cold Stone Creamery

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Olmsted County Fair
July 23 - 29

The DFL will have a booth at the fair. Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer for a shift contact Lynn Wilson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 259-5162

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July 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
University Center Rochester
Main campus building, room CF206/208 in Coffman
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester

Register now at http://www.citizensleague.org
There is no charge for this event

Last year, the Citizens League convened leaders from utilities, business, government, environmental organizations, and unaffiliated citizens to agree on what Minnesota's electrical system should achieve in the long-term. Now, we are looking for your input to identify changes that need to happen in order to achieve this vision.

In Phase II of the Electrical Energy Project, the Citizens League will continue to bring together a cross-sector base of industry stakeholders and other citizens to work for the common good. In June and July, we will identify key challenges that are appropriate for the Citizens League to take a lead on: policy challenges that Minnesota can make real progress on at the state level. Starting in August, we will organize work to address a few of these challenges

Join us for a policy workshop designed to draw out some of these key challenges.

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Primary Candidate Forums
Tuesday, July 24 7 p.m.
Heintz Center Rm HB 117, 1926 College View Road S.E. Rochester

The League of Women Voters, in conjunction with the Post-Bulletin and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a forum for the public to learn about school board candidates. 7 p.m. Rochester School Board Seat 1 8 p.m. Rochester School Board Seat 3

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2012 Primary Candidate Forums
Wednesday, July 25 7 p.m.
RCTC Heintz Center, Room HB 117, 1926 College View Road S.E. Rochester

The League of Women Voters, in conjunction with the Post-Bulletin and Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a forum for the public to learn about Olmsted County Board candidates. 7 p.m. District 3; 7:45 p.m. District 6; 8:30 p.m. District 7

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Peace Plaza Summer Saturday Cinema
Saturday, July 28, sunset
Peace Plaza

The Summer Saturday Cinema series features international, independent and classic films. Free admission. Bring your own chairs.

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Peace Plaza Summer Saturday Cinema
Saturday, August 4, sunset
Peace Plaza

The Summer Saturday Cinema series features international, independent and classic films. Free admission. Bring your own chairs.

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Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony
Wednesday, August 8, 7 p.m.
Silver Lake Park, East picnic shelter (west shelter in case of rain)

This annual event commemorates the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Come gather to remember: never again. Make lanterns (kits and instructions provided) and float them at sunset. Music by Campfire II and Omini Drummers.