March community events
"Community Events"03/04/2008
This month both the Senate District 29 and Olmsted County DFL conventions will be held. There are 2 opportunities to go up to lobby at the state Capitol: Rochester on Tour at the Capitol on March 12 and JRLC Day on the Hill March 13. The speakers scheduled for Coffee and Conversations this month are excellent (note the time change to 9:00AM).
March is Minnesota Food Share month. For more information see http://www.channel-one.org/minnesota_foodshare.htm.
If you have any events to add to this list please send them to dhellie@juno.com.
* Event sponsored by DFL
March Minnesota Food share month
Mar 4 Izaak Walton League - Peak Oil
Mar 6 Manufacturing Coalition Round Table
Mar 7 Better Chance Gala
Mar 9 Freedom Flight Pancake Breakfast (Eyota)
Mar 9 RCTC Veterans Pancake Breakfast
Mar 9 Author event Caroline Burau, "Answering 911"
*Mon Mar 10 Darn Fine Ladies Breakfast
Mon Mar 10 Seeds of Early Literacy Workshop
Mon Mar 10 Community Driven Projects in SE Minnesota
Wed Mar 12 Rochester on Tour at the Capitol
Wed Mar 12 International luncheon
Wed Mar 12 iFilm (Festival shorts)
Thur Mar 13 JRLC Day on the Hill
Fri Mar 14 Deidre McCalla in Concert
Fri Mar 14 Applications due for Victim Services training
Sat Mar 15 Coffee and Conversations
Sat Mar 15 To Be a Family Workshop
*Sat Mar 15 Senate District 29 DFL convention
*Sat Mar 15 Minnesota DFL Humphrey Day Dinner (Minneapolis)
Mar 15-16 Traditional Pow wow
Sun Mar 16 Yaggy Colby History Series
Tues Mar 18 Entrepreneurship: Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Tues Mar 18 SE MN Peacemakers Demonstration/5th anniversary of war
Sat Mar 22 MS Fundraiser (Pine Island)
Tues Mar 25 Girl Scout Cookie Creations
Thurs Mar 27 The Democratic Peace
*Sat Mar 29 Olmsted County DFL Convention
Sat Mar 29 Pathways to Prevention Health Fair
Sat Mar 29 Mosque Open House
Mon Mar 31 Author program Nancy Pearl
Detailed information about events
***
Minnesota Food Share Month
Each March, Minnesota FoodShare, a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, organizes Minnesota's largest drive for the hungry: the March Campaign. Thousands of corporations, congregations, civic groups, and individuals raise millions of pounds of food and millions of dollars to feed families who need help. Channel One has participated in FoodShare since its inception in 1982.
We set an ambitious goal for the March campaign this year – $110,000 dollars and 75,000 pounds of food collected from March 1 through March 31.
During March, Channel One joins with the other 320 food shelves across Minnesota to collect donations of money and food that support our local efforts to help feed people in need and reduce hunger in our community. When your congregation, business, school or service club participates in the March FoodShare campaign, we make sure that the food and money collected provides food assistance for local people who need it.
In 2007, Channel One Food Shelf provided free supplemental food to an average 3,200 household visits each month, making food available to over 9,800 individuals on a monthly basis. The Food Shelf distributed more than 2.1 million pounds of food during 2007 – much of this work was accomplished with the assistance of people like you! Our work could not be as effective as it is without your generous support.
***
Izaak Walton League Meeting
Tues Mar 4, 2008 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Izaak Walton League Cabin
937 NE 7th Avenue
Rochester, MN
Telephone: (507) 529-5657
Website: http://rochestermnikes.org
The Rochester Chapter of the IWLA welcomes Norm Erickson's presentation "A Peek at Peak Oil."
***
Manufacturing Coalition Roundtable
Thurs Mar 6, 2008 noon
Location: Domaille Engineering
7100 Dresser Dr. NE
Rochester, MN
Telephone: (651) 292-4699
Website: lengdahl@mnchamber.com
A series of roundtable discussions with Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Commissioner Dan McElroy. Also participating is David Olson, MN Chamber president. No cost, RSVP by phone or e-mail
***
Rochester Better Chance Annual Gala & Silent Auction
Fri Mar 7, 2008 6:00pm
Location: Rochester International Event Center
7333 Airport View Dr. SW
Rochester, MN
Telephone: 288-4663
Website: http://www.rochesterbetterchance.org
Cost: $70.00 (see web page for registration form)
"Building for the Future" - RBC Gala & Silent Auction (Fundraiser)- Dinner & Entertainment featuring Jason Huneke Comedian Juggler & the RBC Scholars
***
Freedom Flight Pancake Breakfast
Sun Mar 9, 2008 8:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Eyota American Legion
11 Madison Ave. S.W.
Eyota,
Telephone: 507-545-2688
Cost is $6 per person; children 5 and under are free. Proceeds allow local WWII veterans to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. on April 19.
***
RCTC Veterans Club Pancake Breakfast
Sun Mar 9 9:00am - noon
Rochester VFW
On March 9th from 9 am to 12 pm the RCTC Veterans Club is hosting a Pancake Breakfast at the Rochester VFW. All proceeds will go to help fund the first Honor Flight which sends WWII Veterans to Washington DC for a day to see the WWII Memorial completely cost free to them. Tickets are Adults- $5 Children under 5- $2 Students- $3 Family- $10. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at 507-279-0407. For more information about Honor Flight, please visit honorflight.org.
***
Author Visit: Caroline Burau
Sun Mar 9 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Rochester Public Library
Caroline Burau, a former newspaper reporter and nursing student who couldn’t stand the sight of blood, took a job as an emergency dispatcher in White Bear Lake because she liked helping people. Her nonfiction book "Answering 911" is a chronicle of her years trying to adjust to a daily life of catastrophe and comedy, domestics and drunks, cops and robbers, junk food and sarcasm, lost cats and suicides.
This Coffee House Author program is sponsored by the Minnesota Book Awards and the Friends of the Rochester Public Library.
***
Darn Fine Ladies Breakfast
Monday March 10 7:00am
Old Country Buffet
$6.00
Advance reservations suggested.
Join the Darn Fine Ladies for Breakfast the second Monday of every month at Old Country Buffet. Details on the topic for March will be posted to http://www.olmsteddfl.org later. For reservations please contact Ginny Amundson at 289-2357.
***
Discuss Community-Driven Projects in SE Minnesota
Mon Mar 10 5:30PM - 8:30PM
County Seat Coffeehouse, Mantorville (first meeting)
Speak Your Mind
Build Citizen-University Connections
The Experiment in Rural Cooperation is creating opportunities for you to get involved with local projects to build a sustainable future for Southeast Minnesota.
Join us for dinner & discussion
Monday Evenings 5:30-8:30
March 10
Presentation of Project Proposals
County Seat Coffeehouse, Mantorville
May 12
Annual Meeting, Final Project Reports
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro
August 11
On-going Projects: Status Reports
Ramada Conference Center, Rochester
October 13
Presentation of Project Proposals
Location to be announced
Have an idea for a sustainability project?
http://www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu
Go to Southeast/Apply for Project Support Proposals are due August 25 for our next application cycle.
Invited applicants will present on October 13.
Interested in helping shape the outcome of sustainability projects? Then come to any or all of the meetings to give your two cents about the viability of project ideas and to see how University of Minnesota dollars are being spent on your behalf. And get a good meal to boot!
RSVP by March 3 for March 10
Erin Meier, Director
507-536-6313
***
SEEDS of Early Literacy
Monday March 10 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Hawthorn Education Center - Room 301
Please contact: Felicia Thompson @ 507- 328-6596
Light refreshments provided
The SEEDS of Literacy Workshop series will enlighten you on how to bring your child’s learning from school, into your home experience. SEEDS of Literacy Trainers help to empower parents and provide helpful strategies to engage children in a positive reading experience. The seeds we are planting help to develop literacy skills from birth that are critical in equipping our children with the tools necessary to compete for entry into the best colleges and careers. We will teach parents fun activities that can be done at home, between parents and children or older siblings engaging younger siblings. The seeds that are being planted today will help our next generations to read, write, speak and listen with confidence. School readiness is one goal that is only surpassed by the importance of the parent-child bond created by time spent together sharing stories, laughter and time. Come Join Us!!
***
Rochester on Tour at the Capitol
Date: Mar 12, 2008 9:00am - 9:00pm
Chateau Theatres (buses leave from)
Rochester, MN
Website: http://www.rochestermnchamber.com
5th annual Tour at the Capitol, sponsored by Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Kickoff begins at 9 a.m. at Chateau Theatres, then buses leave at 10 a.m. for St. Paul. Various activities throughout the day. Register online.
***
International Speakers Luncheon
Wednesday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.
Rochester Family Y, Balfour Hall
Addie Borja and Grace Verzosa will speak at this month's luncheon about the Philippines. For reservations, call Betsy at 289-3359. Cost $8. Catering by Fred Regal.
***
iFilm: Festival shorts collection
Wednesday Mar 12 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Rochester Public Library
Free but suggested for mature audiences only
This month's film will be Festival Shorts. See http://www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org for a complete description of the films.
***
JRLC (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition) Day on the Hill
Thursday March 13, 2008
RiverCentre and State Capitol
Take this chance to meet with our legislators to End Poverty by 2020, to balance the budget without leaving it to our children, and other issues that concern you. This day is sponsored by JRLC (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition) which mobilizes religious communities to influence public policy in MN. For more, and to register online: http://www.jrlc.org
We are very excited to announce that the keynote speaker for 2008 is Bishop Sally Dyck of the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference. Bishop Dyck is a dynamic, gifted speaker who will bring clarity and purpose to our interfaith, prophetic advocacy on issues of poverty and social justice.
***
Deidre McCalla in Concert
Friday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Peace United Church of Christ (1503 2nd Ave NE)
Tickets available at Healing Touch Spa & Salon (20 2nd Ave SW) after February 15. $15 adults, $7 students, $20 at the door. Proceeds will benefit Gay Lesbian Youth Services.
***
Victim Services Sexual Assult Program Volunteer Training
Applications due by March 14
The Sexual Assault Program of Victim Services trains volunteers to offer support to survivors of sexual assault. This 40-hour course teaches prospective volunteers the skills necessary to become crisis line advocates. Victim Services is especially looking for representatives of minority communities to volunteer with the crisis line. Training will be held Tuesday evenings, 6 - 9 p.m., March 25 - May 20; and Saturdays April 12 & 26 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, contact Alison Otte at 328-7273.
***
Coffee and Conversations: Today's Choices = Tomorrow's Future
Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:00AM - 11:00AM (Note Time Change!!)
John Marshall High School Cafeteria
1510 14th Street NW, Rochester MN
Free and open to the public
Presenters: Tom Stinson, State Economist & Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer
Minnesota is in a time of rapidly changing economic and social indicators. After a long period of being above average, Minnesota's national rankings are slipping and Minnesota faces new challenges. Presentation will track Minnesota's economic and demographic trends. Come hear the analysis of these trends and the choices Minnesota faces.
This forum is free and open to the public. This is an opportunity to be part of the democratic process and share views on issues facing our state and community.
Co-Sponsors
The Coffee & Conversation forums are sponsored by a partnership of community groups to promote citizen dialogue and engagement.
Rochester Community Education
League of Women Voters of Rochester
RNeighbors
Rochester Area Council PTSA
Rochester Area Foundation
Rochester Community & Technical College
SELCO
United Way
University of Minnesota Rochester
Winona State University Rochester
Coffee generously donated by Dunn Brothers Coffee
Next Forum
Saturday, April 19 9:00?11:00 AM
Vets in our Midst: The Community Impact
For more information, please contact :
Ginny Amundson (289-2357) or Theresa Wilson (282-1447)
http://rneighbors.org/coffee_and_conversation
***
Senate District 29 DFL Convention
Saturday March 15 1:00PM Registration, 1:30PM Convention
Kasson-Mantorville Community Education building
The Senate District 29 Convention will be held on March 15 at the Kasson-Mantorville Community Education Building in Kasson. This is the next step in getting involved for your chosen candidates if you live in Senate District 29. You are welcome to join us for lunch and observe if you are not a delegate/alternate or do not live in Senate District 29!
The address is 101 16th St NE Kasson, Just off Highway 57. We will begin registration at 1:00 and convene the convention at 1:30.
At the convention we will be electing the SD 29 Chair, Associate Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Affirmative Action Officer and 11 Directors. Screening for these offices will begin at 11:30.
We will also be endorsing candidates for the 29 A and 29 B Minnesota House seats.
The Dodge County Convention will be held in the morning at the same site, and you are welcome to come and observe that convention. Remember, there are ways to participate in convention activities even if you weren't elected delegate. For those of you that are new to the process we hope to make this a very enjoyable experience.
We will have lunch available on site for those who are interested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Petersson either by phone: 286-1061 or e-mail marypetersson@msn.com.
We look forward to seeing you on March 15th.
***
Deidre McCalla Workshop: To Be a Family
Saturday, March 15, 1 - 4 p.m.
People of Hope Church (3703 Country Club Rd)
Folk singer and African American adoptive single parent Deidre McCalla will facilitate an exploration of finding family in the 21st century. Who gets to decide what a family can be? What changes in society are needed to strengthen an ever evolving concept of family? Free child care provided. Register through Rochester Community Education.
***
Minnesota DFL Humphrey Day Dinner
Saturday March 15 5:30PM General reception, 6:30PM Dinner
Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis
Cost: $125
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party welcomes
Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill
Hubert H. Humphrey Day Dinner
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hilton Minneapolis Hotel
For more information, or to buy tickets, see http://www.dfl.org
***
Traditional Pow Wow
Saturday & Sunday, March 15-16
National Guard Armory (1715 Marion Rd SE)
The American Indian Center of Rochester invites you to join them for their annual pow wow. Doors open at 11 a.m. Grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, 7 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, contact Melody Hanners.
***
Yaggy Colby History Lecture Series
Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:30PM
Location: Rochester Public Library
Free and Open to the Public
Telephone: 507-285-8000
"The Homestead Addition - Turning W.W. Mayo's Farm into a 1940s Progressive Solar Neighborhood" by Paul Koeller. For information call 282-9447. Free.
***
SE MN Peacemakers demonstration to mark 5th anniversary of war
Tues Mar 18 4:30PM
Second St. SW and Broadway
6pm POT LUCK—a CHANGE in LOCATION—at Mayers’ home, 1432 20th St NW for good food, inspiring conversation, and remembering our global family as we MARK THE FIFTH ANNIVERSAY OF WAR. Our meeting at 7:30 may last one-half hour.
***
Entrepreneurship: Innovation and Competitive Advantage
Tues Mar 18, 2008 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Bethel Lutheran Church
810 3rd Ave. SE
Rochester, MN
Speakers will be: Al Berning, founding member of Pemstar and current CEO of Hardcore Computer, Inc., Paul Horgen, CEO of Think Bank and Randy Chapman, publisher of Post-Bulletin newspaper.
***
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Fundraiser
Sat Mar 22 5:00pm - 12:00pm
Pine Island American Legion
To be held at Pine Island American Legion: BBQ supper followed by a live auction of many locally donated items and gift certicates. The band Bakkus has donated their night to perform from 9-12
100% of the proceeds go to the National MS Society. landoe@pitel.net
***
Girl Scout Cookie Creations
Tues Mar 25 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Radisson Plaza Hotel
Benefiting Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys
Description: Enjoy unique appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks, made with Girl Scout cookies in the recipe, created by local chefs from fine area restaurants.
Music, wine, silent auction, and fun for the whole family. Sponsorships welcome!
Contact Name: Aliza Rongstad
Address: 4228 8th St SW
***
The Democratic Peace (Atef Dimian (Poly Sci instructor, RCTC)
Thursday, March 27, 10:00AM
RCTC Hill Theater
A theory placed by Immanuel Kant argues that since leaders in democratic societies are accountable to its citizens, the leaders are less likely to go to war. The argument today is that democratic societies are less likely to go to war with each other. Mr. Dimian will define the idea of democratic peace and how it relates to historical and modern international relations in the world theater.
***
Pathways to Prevention Health Fair
Sat March 29 9:00am - 3:00pm
Mayo Civic Center
The Pathways to Prevention Health Fair will be filled with creative, hands-on demonstrations for the entire family to learn about cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
Features include the “Check Your Insides Out” exhibit, including a giant walk-through colon; Dr. Scientificus and the Healthy Habits Kids Puppet Show; plus many interactive education booths, games and treats.
For more information, contact Sheryl Ness at (507) 266-4855 or ness.sheryl@mayo.edu.
***
Olmsted County DFL Convention
Saturday March 29
8:30 am Registration Begins
10:00 am Convention Convenes
Century High School
2525 Viola Road NE
Rochester, MN
Watch http://www.olmsteddfl.org for additional information!
***
Rochester Mosque open house
Sat Mar 29, 2008 11:00am - noon
Location: Masjed AbuBakar
17 N. Broadway
Rochester, MN
Telephone: (507) 529-1478
Meet your Muslim neighbors and hear answers to your questions on Islam. No appointment required. Refreshments. Event scheduled the last Saturday every month. For information, call 529-1478 or email Rochester.Mosque@gmail.com.
***
Event Type: Author Visit Nancy Pearl
Mon Mar 31 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Rochester Public Library
Bring your lunch and hear about some great books to read, old and new, fiction and non-fiction, presented by NPR commentator Nancy Pearl.
The New York Times calls her “the talk of librarian circles” and readers can’t get enough of her recommendations. Since the release of the best-selling Book Lust in 2003 and the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, Nancy Pearl has become a rock star among readers and the tastemaker people turn to when deciding what to read next.
Having worked as a librarian and bookseller in Detroit, Tulsa, and Seattle, Pearl's knowledge of and love for books is unmatched. In 1998, she developed the program "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book," which spread across the country. The former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book, Pearl celebrates the written word by speaking at bookstores and libraries across the country and on her monthly television program Book Lust with Nancy Pearl on the Seattle Channel. She is a regular commentator about books on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" and NPR affiliate stations KUOW in Seattle and KWGS in Tulsa.
In 2004, Pearl became the 50th winner of the Women’s National Book Association Award for her extraordinary contribution to the world of books.
***