ROCHESTER FAMILIES INCLUDE
SHOE BOXES ON SHOPPING LISTS

Adding a Few Extra Items to a Back-to-School Shopping List Can Help Make a Big Difference in the Lives of Needy Children Worldwide

Kids in the Rochester area are learning something surprising about back-to-school shopping—it is not just a time to fill their book bags and closets, it is also a great opportunity to fill shoe boxes to help children in need around the world.

It may seem like an unusual addition to the annual back-to-school shopping spree, but through Operation Christmas Child families can make a real difference to a child in need by simply keeping the box from their new school shoes and filling it with small gifts.  Operation Christmas Child plans to hand-deliver shoe box gifts to more than 8 million struggling children in 100 countries this year.  An effort that massive means the project needs the help of Rochester families, not only during the holidays, but also right now.

“For a lot of kids living in poor countries, not having a pencil could be all that keeps them from getting an education,” said Nicole Sheldon, Upper Midwest regional director for Operation Christmas Child. “With back to school sales, pencils are cheap and so are a lot of other great things you could pack in a shoe box. We all want to make a difference in the world, packing a shoe box is one way we can all help make the future brighter and give a lot of kids hope for something better.”

Operation Christmas Child, a project of international relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, encourages volunteers to fill simple shoe boxes with toys, necessity items, school supplies, candy and hand-written notes of encouragement.  The gifts are then shared with children worldwide who are suffering because of natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty.  For many of these children, the shoe box gift will be the first gift they have ever received, letting them know they are loved and not forgotten.

Why now—months before the holiday season?
Operation Christmas Child is not limited to just a few weeks a year.  It is a year-round project, requiring months of organization and preparation to reach millions of kids around the world.  Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has distributed shoe box gifts to more than 77 million hurting children in some 130 countries. 

HOW CAN I HELP NEEDY KIDS WORLDWIDE?  It’s Simple! PREPARE—Help enlist families, churches, scout troops, community groups and businesses to take advantage of back-to-school sales by collecting discounted school supplies for shoe box gifts.  PACK—Fill shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items, hard candy and a letter of encouragement.  Step-by-step shoe box packing instructions are available at www.samaritanspurse.org.  For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 612-359-7025 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.  National Collection Week for gift-filled shoe boxes is Nov. 15-22; however, shoe box gifts are collected all year at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C.

Financial Peace University Classes in Rochester

Sundays  6:30-8:30 at Oak Hills Wesleyan Church beginning August 22.

Mondays  6:30-8:30 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church beginning September 13.

Wednesdays  6:30-8:30 at Christ Community Church beginning September 15.

Wednesdays  7:00-9:00 at Evangel United Methodist Church beginning September 15.

Thursdays  6:30-8:30 at Bethel Lutheran Church beginning September 16.

Saturdays  9:00-11:00 (AM) at Evangel United Methodist Church beginning September 11.

People do not have to be a member of any church or denomination to attend the FPU classes.  The churches hosting the classes are doing so as a service to the community and all present the same materials in the same format as provided by Dave Ramsey's organization.

Classes are 13 weeks long and consist of a video presentation by Dave Ramsey followed by small group discussion.

Complete class and registration information is available at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locate-class/
 

September 2010
PROGRAMS AND GROUPS

 
SUPPORT GROUPS

Coffee Get-Together in Chatfield
A drop-in time to share with others who are experiencing grief.

First Thursday of every month
September 2, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
 Chosen Valley Assisted Living

Coffee Get-Togethers in Rochester
A drop-in time to share with others who are experiencing grief.

First Monday of every month
 September 6, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice House

Second and fourth Wednesday of every month
 September 8 and 22,  9:00 to 10:00 a.m
 Seasons Hospice House

Third Thursday of every month
 September 16,  6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice Office

Newly Bereaved Program
This gathering is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one within the past three months.  Come join others to share stories, explore grief journeys, discuss self-care activities and learn about available resources.

First Monday of every month
 September 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice Office

Third Monday of every month
 September 20, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice Office
     SUPPORT GROUPS CONTINUED

Family Gathering
A monthly opportunity for grieving parents/caregivers and their children to come together to share.

Second Sunday of every month
 September 12, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice Office

New Journey:  Rebuilding your Life**

A four week series for anyone ready to explore a future without their loved one.

Thursdays
September 2 through September 23
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Seasons Hospice Office

*************************************

UPCOMING PROGRAMS  - OCTOBER

Adult Grief Group

Tuesdays
 October 5 through November 23
 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
 Seasons Hospice Office

**Registration required two (2) days prior to the date of the event.
Details and Registration:  507-285-1930 or shbp@seasonshospice.org;  Website:  www.seasonshospice.org
Free will donations are gratefully accepted. 
 

August and September 2010
COLLABORATION WITH THE ROCHESTER ART CENTER – Saturday August 7 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Make a watercolor painting of your favorite zoo animal or simply paint the beautiful landscape at Oxbow Park.  Visitors of all ages are free to roam the park grounds and enjoy a day of self-guided painting.  Art supplies will be provided free of charge.  Art center and park staff will be on hand to assist.
FEED THE OTTERS – Saturday August 14 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)
PRAIRIE HIKE – Saturday August 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Come and enjoy a beautiful morning stroll through one of Oxbow’s restored native prairies.  A park naturalist will guide you on a short hike while discussing the benefits of native prairie grasses. (All Ages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        DEER AND ELK FEEDING – Saturday August 28 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.)
BEAR FEEDING – Saturday September 4 at 10:00 a.m.
Our resident black bear is 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!  (All Ages)
RAPTOR FEEDING – Saturday September 11 at 3:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon learning more about some of our area’s most common birds of prey.  Not only will you enjoy hearing interesting facts, but you’ll also enjoy watching them eat.  (All ages)
BISON FEEDING – Saturday September 18 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.  (All Ages)
SEED COLLECTING – Saturday September 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Come and enjoy a beautiful morning stroll through one of Oxbow’s restored native prairies.  A park naturalist will guide you on a short hike while discussing the benefits of native prairie grasses. (All Ages)

*In case of inclement weather please call 775-2451 for program details.

Housing Access Services, A partnership of The Arc of Minnesota &  the Minnesota Department of Human Services:

Are you ready to move?

Housing Access Services helps people move to a place of their own one person at a time to a place of their choice.  Typically, people are moving to modest living arrangements by themselves or at times with a roommate to off-set household expenses. 
Housing Access Services staff will:
· Accompany you when you look for housing.
· Help complete rental applications and lease agreements.
· Meet with you and landlords/property staff.
· Have knowledge of applications for publicly financed housing.
· Develop household budgets.
· Assist with finding affordable furnishings and related household matters. 
· Move your belongings to your new home. 
· Assist with or find funding to help with start-up costs such as rental deposits.
· Assist with on-going support related only to housing.

Who is eligible? 

Adults of all ages assessed and determined eligible for Minnesota Medicaid home care or State plan waiver services.  This includes people eligible for Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) or Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS). Housing Access Services can’t…Help people move to provider controlled settings such as group homes, assisted living settings or places that are congregate mainly occupied by people with disabilities. Housing Access Services can…Help people move to their own place where they are on the lease and have their own keys. Contact Melissa Evans or Debbie Monahan at Arc Southeastern Minnesota, 507-287-2032, 888-732-8520, melissa@arcse-mn.org, dmonahan@arcse-mn.org, or The Arc of Minnesota at 651.523.0823 or www.thearcofminnesota.org to get started.  This is a state wide program.
 

Victim Services Sexual Assault Program to hold Volunteer Training

---Sexual assault can happen to anyone.  And when it does, knowing there is someone to turn to can make all the difference in the world for victims and their families.  The Sexual Assault Program of Victim Services trains volunteers to offer such support to survivors of sexual assault in Dodge, Olmsted and Fillmore counties.  This required 40-hour course teaches prospective volunteers the skills necessary to become crisis line advocates.  The next training session will be held Tuesday evenings March 9th through September 21st from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and will include two Saturday sessions, October 16th and November 6th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The training will be held in Rochester and is free to those wanting to become volunteers.  For more information about becoming a volunteer with Victim Services, call Kris Barry at 328-7276.  Interested applicants must apply by September 14th , 2010.

Peer support volunteers make weekly visits to other older adults who are experiencing difficulty with the challenges and adjustments of growing older.  Volunteers help them continue to enjoy independence through self-help approaches.  Peer Support volunteers are over 55 years of age.  For more information on becoming a Peer Support Volunteer and upcoming Training schedules, please call Elder Network at 285-5272.

Elder Network’s Transportation program is looking for individuals who are willing to provide transportation for seniors to their vital medical appointments. Many area seniors do not have friends or family who can drive, and can not afford private transportation. You can make a huge difference in someone's life by simply giving them a ride!  Our volunteers control their own level and amount of volunteering. Elder Network volunteers set their own schedules, choose the area they would like to volunteer in, set limits on trip length, and choose how often they volunteer. Even giving a ride once or twice a month can make a huge difference!  If you are in need of this service or would like to volunteer, please call Elder Network at 285-5272.

COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

LANESBORO, MINN. — The Commonweal Theatre Company presents Steve Martin’s wild and crazy comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile, May 22nd through September 25th with special $15 tickets available for previews May 14th to May 21st. Call the box office at 800-657-7025 or visit Commonweal Theatre online at www.commonwealtheatre.org for exact performance dates and times.

What happens when two guys walk into a bar, order one part Einstein, one part Picasso, and a splash of some of the zaniest characters ever to hit the Commonweal stage “all shook up”? One of the great comedians of all time, Steve Martin, takes you to Paris of 1904. The twentieth century is a story yet to be written, and Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meet in a bar – two men destined to be famous...but not quite yet. First, they must battle one another to decide whether art or science will be the force that guides the world for the next hundred years.

All performances are at the Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro. Ticket prices are $25, with discounts available for students, and groups of ten or more. There will be a sign language interpreted performance on Saturday, September 18th with half-price tickets for the hearing impaired. For ticket reservations or information about any Commonweal events or programs, call 800-657-7025 or 507-467-2905, or email tickets@commonwealtheatre.org.

OCEAN High school exchange program is looking for caring adults or families to host international exchange students for the 2010-2011 school year. Hosting an OCEAN exchange student fosters lifelong friendships and deeper understanding of other cultures.  OCEAN families are diverse! Traditional two-parent families (with or without children), single parents or adults, and retired couples all make wonderful host families.  Host families provide a bed, meals, as well as friendship, understanding, and a desire to share their American way of life.
All students speak English, are covered by medical insurance and have spending money for their personal expenses. They attend the high school closest to their host family's home and hope to arrive in August. Families are able to choose their own boy or girl from over 25 countries like Sweden, Germany, Italy, China, Thailand, South Korea, Ecuador, and Brazil.  All it takes is an extra meal at the dinner table and the desire to open your heart and home with an amazing young student from overseas. So, start making a difference in a young person's life and yours! To review available student applications or for additional information about how to open your heart & home, contact Janet Sinning today! 1-507-251-1657, email: jsinning@charter.net or visit:  www.oceanint.org.

How can you make a difference with just one lunch hour? Deliver Meals On Wheels.  Family Service Rochester needs volunteers like you to deliver hot, nutritious meals to our homebound neighbors.  Meals are delivered seven days a week at 11:30am and take approximately one hour.  Deliver on the days that work for you, we are flexible! To volunteer, or to receive Meals On Wheels, please call Family Service Rochester at 287-2010.

Real forclosure answers just one click away! minnesotafaceofforeclosure.com.  sponsored by SEMAR (Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors).