Tickets are on sale for Supernight, the all-night event for High School and Middle School students. 

Supernight will be held February 24th and includes activities at the Rochester Athletic Club, the Rec Center, and bowling. 

More information can be found at rochesterareayfc.orgor call Rochester Youth for Christ at 507-288-4567.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers learn to take care of themselves while caring for an older relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. This class will help you develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce stress, change negative self-talk, communicate more effectively, recognize the messages in emotions, and make tough caregiving decisions.

Classes begin in February 23. Call Holly at 507-285-5272 for a class schedule and/or register. Cost: $20 plus $20 for available workbook (not required). Financial assistance available if needed.

A Retreat: Friday, February 24, 4:00 pm thru Sunday, February 26, 3:00 pm

$165 includes overnight accommodations for two nights. $115 for commuters. Non-refundable registration fee of $50 is due February 1, 2012. Final Payment due February 24, 2012.

Quilters often view their work as a spiritual experience. During this retreat, there will be input and time to reflect on the spiritual journey inspired by quilting. Bring your new or current quilting project and supplies.

Our presenters: Sister Mary Eliot Crowley, OSF, has been quilting for 12 years. Having first hand-quilted a queen-sized log cabin quilt, she has since been doing smaller projects. The gift that quilting is to the quilter, as well as the recipient, keeps her cutting and sewing intentionally with every project. Kathy Flippin has been quilting for over 20 years. She will provide learning opportunities throughout the weekend for all those interested.

To register:

• Phone: 507-280-2195
• Email: ahsc@rochesterfranciscan.org

Local author J P Galuska will be holding a book signing event in conjunction with the release of her new paranormal romance novel “A Kiss For Emily”.    The book signing will take place, Saturday February 25^thfrom 2 to 5pm at U Turn Coffee House in Rochester.   A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester.   The author will also be speaking to kids at the Club about the process of writing a book.

Hey Rochester, need a ride to the EXPO?  The Southeast District Dietetic Association is sponsoring a bus to drive up to the Minneapolis Convention center for the 2012 Food & Nutrition Expo on Saturday February 25th. Admission to the Expo is FREE by bringing a per person non-perishable food donation that will go to Second Harvest Heartland. 

Email eatrightfood2012@hotmail.comfor more ride information

Event:                The Legacy Continues (open house)

Date:                  Monday, February 27, 2012:  4:30–6:00 pm  (FOMR & HS members)     6:30-8:00pm (General Public)  

Location:           The Plummer House of the Arts, 1091 Plummer Lane SW, Rochester, MN

Purpose:           To celebrate recent acquisitions of Plummer family furnishings at the Plummer House, and to raise funds for additional purchases of artifacts from the estate of Gertrude Plummer Kelley, daughter of Henry and Daisy Plummer.

Program:           Self-guided tours of the historic Plummer home and recent acquisitions of family furnishings, as well as information on planned additional purchases of family artifacts and restoration projects sponsored by the City of Rochester and the Friends of Mayowood Residence & Historic Sites.  Refreshments and musical entertainment will be offered.

Co-Sponsor:               Home Federal Savings Bank

Cost:                 $10, or free to Friends of Mayowood Residence & Historic Sites members.  Proceeds benefit acquisition of original Plummer House furnishings from the Gertrude Plummer Kelley estate.

Reservations and information:  Shana Davick (507) 319-5801

Start a Chain Reaction! Join the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure on Saturday, May 19th, starting and ending at East Silver Lake Park Shelter. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or biking beginner, the Tour de Cure has a ride for you. Sign up today and gather donations to change the pace of diabetes.  Register yourself. Ask a friend. Start a Team. Stop Diabetes. For more details, Call 1- 888-DIABETES or visit

http://diabetes.org/rochestermntourdecure

The Rochester Heritage Preservation Committee is seeking nominations for Heritage Preservation Awards to be presented during National Heritage Preservation Month in May of 2012.  Nominations will be considered for each of the following six categories: 

·         HISTORIC RESTORATION PROJECT:  Eligible projects are historic buildings, structures, objects or landscapes that have been restored to an earlier form or condition, while retaining their historic significance, character, and fabric. 

·         ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT:  Eligible projects are buildings, structures, objects or landscapes that have been changed to suit different conditions or a new use, while retaining as much significant historic material as possible. 

·         COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY:  Eligible candidates are individuals or organizations that have made an overall contribution to historic preservation, preservation-related education and outreach projects.  

·         INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT:  Eligible candidates are individuals who have displayed leadership, courage and dedication to heritage preservation in the course of their career or lifetime.   

·         STEWARDSHIP:  Eligible candidates are individuals or organizations who have maintained or stabilized a historic building, structure, object or landscape so that its character and useful life may be appreciated by future generations. 

·         INFILL PROJECT:  Eligible projects incorporate a new building, landscape or feature into the existing historic fabric of a street, neighborhood or district in a way that is respectful of, and in harmony with, the surrounding historic fabric. 

The deadline for submitting nominations is March 1, 2012.  Please contact Kevin Blondo at kevin.blondo@hdrinc.comor (507) 535-8203 for a nomination form or for additional information.

Benefit for Dennis Crary..."Help our Farmer get back on the Farm".

Where: The Huddle in Elgin

When: Saturday, March 10th...doors open at 3pm

Bake Sale- 3pm until gone

Silent Auction- bidding starts at 3pm, final bids at 6pm (must be present to win)

Hot Beef Dinner served with set donation- 4:30pm-8pm

DJ/Karaoke throughout the benefit and into the night.

Come help a local farmer get back on the farm and in the tractor once again.  The money raised for Dennis Crary will help go towards renovations needed to the farm house to make it accessible for Dennis and to help pay for medical expenses.

The Community Autism / Special Needs Resources Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14^thfrom 6:30pm-8:30pm at Hope Summit Christian Church in Rochester presented by Learning Rx Brain Training Center of Rochester.  

Guest speakers Phil and Amy Parham, stars of season 6 “The Biggest Loser” TV show and parents of an autistic child, will share their story of struggles, hope and success.  Attendees will hear their message of the importance of seeking help from the community resources, not just for the affected person, but for the entire family. 

This is a free event and there will be free childcare available; Please register by calling Learning Rx at 507-206-6757.

The University of Minnesota Rochester wants your pictures for the first ever “4 Seasons of Rochester” event at the Rochester Art Center on Friday, March 16th. The event will celebrate the talent of local photographers and artists while supporting the Finish in 4 Initiative, an incentive-based program that rewards UMR students who are on-track to graduate in four years. 

So how does it work? From now through February 3rd, the public is invited to submit photos from around the Rochester area that represent the four seasons. If your photo is chosen, it will be given to a local artist that will create a “work of art” which will be auctioned off at the event. 

The Art Center will be decorated to represent the four seasons. The Canadian Honker will provide hors d'oeuvres and a sampler cocktail to complement each of the four seasons. Artwork corresponding to each season will be displayed and sold through a silent auction. 

“4 Seasons of Rochester” will be held from 6-10pm. Tickets go on sale February 1st and can be purchased through March 15th online for $35 and at the door on the day of the event for $40.

Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction items will benefit UMR’s Finish in 4 Initiative. 

For more information on how to submit your photo, make a donation, or learn more about the event visit www.r.umn.edu .

Physical therapy students from the Mayo Clinic Program in Physical Therapy present the 6th Annual Race for Research, Saturday March 24 at Soldier's Field Trails and Zumbro South Trails.   Start/Finish is at Soldiers Field Park (near the golf club house).   Registration and Packet pick-up: 7:30-8:30am.  Race begins at 9am.

All proceeds are donated to the APTA Foundation for Physical Therapy through the Marquette Challenge. This Foundation aims to improve patient care by funding scientifically based and clinically relevant physical therapy research.

Prizes!   Prizes will be awarded to the first place male and female finisher in the 5K and 10K race as well as to the top 5K walker!  All participants will receive a race T-shirt!*Guaranteed only for participants meeting the early registration deadline.

 Race Information:   There will be 1 water stop along the 5K course and 2 stops along the 10K course. Water and refreshments will be available at the finish line. Emergency personnel will be on hand and outhouses will be available.

Entry Fees:  Early registration (postmarked by March 3)  5K Run/Walk: $25...10K Run: $30.   Race day registration  5K Run/Walk: $30...10K Run: $35.

For more information or to register online (beginning 1/11/12) please visit: www.RochesterRaceForResearch.com

For questions please contact: Alaina Bosze: rochesterraceforresearch@gmail.com

In 2011, Matt "Chewy" Knudson suffered a brain aneurysm.  Chewy has not been able to work since his brain surgery due to many complications, requiring several additional surgeries and hospital stays.  This has left his wife Sheila to support their family of six.  They need our help!

There's a Knudson Family Benefit, Saturday March 24th from noon to 9pm (lunch noon-4p) at the Eagles Club in Rochester (917 15th Ave SE).

$10 all-you-can-eat ($5 for children)...sloppy joes, hot dogs, chips and potato salad.

Childrens games, 50/50 raffle, Silent Auction (1-4p), Bean Bag Tournament begins at 2p, Live DJ from 6 to 9 and more!

If you're unable to attend the event but would like to make a monetary donation, visit any Think Mutual Bank or TCF Bank and reference "Knudson Family Benefit".

The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration and United Way of Olmsted County present Volunteer Impact Leadership Training Series this spring at the United Way Services Building, located at 903 W. Center Street in Rochester.  Training is offered over a span of two days: March 29^th, 8:30am-4:30pm and March 30^th, 8:30am-4:30pm.  

This eight-module training series, with a high quality curriculum created by Betty Stallings, is designed for those who lead, manage, and coordinate volunteers in formal or informal settings. 

Enhance your knowledge and skills in recruiting, supporting, and evaluating volunteer resources.  Maximize and demonstrate the impact of volunteers on your organization.  Earn a Certificate in Volunteer Leadership to further demonstrate expertise and professionalism.  

This training series is facilitated by trained individuals in the field of volunteer administration and topics include: Capturing Volunteer Motivation, Conducting Effective Interviews, Planning for Retention, Recruiting Volunteers, Supervising Volunteers, Managing Risk, Positioning Your Volunteer Program for Success, Measuring Impact, and Recognizing Volunteers.  

The cost of the two-day training is $159 for MAVA members, $219 for non-members, and $209 for AmeriCorps volunteers, with lunch included.  Pricing to attend just one session is also available.  

For more information and to register, visit www.MAVANetwork.org/VRL  and click on ‘Volunteer Impact Training’ or contact Alyssa Surges at alyssas@uwolmsted.org.

"Help Emily be Seizure-Free".   On Saturday March 31st, there's an event at the Mazeppa American Legion that includes: a Silent Auction, Raffle, Bake Sale and more.   The Mazeppa Community Center will feature a Bean Bag Tournament beginning at 9am, Texas Hold 'em at 2pm and Spaghetti Dinner at 5...plus Bingo, face painting and more throughout the day. 

4-year-old Emily has experience seizures almost her entire life.  She's been diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, Atonic Seizures, Lennox-Gastuat and numerous other disorders.   She's been on a variety of different medications with none of them successful in controlling or stopping her seizures.   You can help by participating in these events for Emily on March 31st.

To find out more, contact stacynrocky@wmconnect.com .   You can also check out Emily's facebook page at www.facebook.com/doodlebug2008

MANAGING SPECIAL DAYS WITHOUT A LOVED ONE

Tuesday April 3rd and Tuesday April 10th, 6:30-8:30pm at Seasons Hospice Office (1181 Greenview Place SE, Rochester).

Special days, such as birthdays and anniversaries, can be especially difficult times filled with emotional turbulence for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This is particularly true during the first year following the loved one’s death.

Seasons Hospice is offering a two-session support group which provides the opportunity to explore the difficulties associated with mourning during these special days and steps to take to manage those experiences. This program is available to any adult in the community who has lost a loved one.

This program is free; however, registration is required no later than Wednesday, March 28th.
For more information or to register call 285-1930 or email shbp@seasonshospice.org

Daughters of the American Revolution Rochester Chapter Program Title: Changing Women's Health Issues
Presenter: Dr. Richa Sood, Women's Health, Mayo Clinic
Place: History Center of Olmsted County
1195 W. Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am
Free and open to the public
 

DEVOTED HEARTS is pleased to present their sixth annual Conference for Women.  This year's theme is "Knowing God".   The conference will be Friday, April 20th from 7-9pm and Saturday April 21st from 8:30am-3pm at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester.

This year's conference features speaker Alicia Williamson Garcia, the popular Christian group Selah and special guest Angie Smith. 

Women are encouraged to bring moms, sisters and best friends to enjoy a weekend of refreshment, friendship and celebration!

The conference fee is only $40 if you register by March 19th.  You may register online at www.devotedheartsrochester.com or purchase tickets at Christos Bookcenter at Autumn Ridge Church. 

ROCHESTER'S MARCH FOR BABIES is coming soon!

Rochester-area residents can sign up today at www.marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. Last year, more than 600 people attended the event -- which will be held this year on Saturday, April 28 at the Eagle’s Club.

The March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Cigna, Famous Footwear, Sanofi Pasteur, FedEx, Mission Pharmacal, Watson Pharmaceuticals, First Response, and United Airlines.  State sponsors are Medica and Optum.  Local sponsors include Clements Auto, Treasure Island, Fox 47 and Cumulus Radio. 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  

Daughters of the American Revolution Rochester Chapter Program Title: The History of High Tea

Presenter: Jaclyn Theis

Place: History Center of Olmsted County

1195 W. Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN

Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012

Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am

Free and open to the public