Olmsted Co. Genealogical Society presents; A Visit to Ellis Island.  Speaker: Ron Wandler.  Thursday, March 11, 2010 doors open 6 pm; meeting 7 pm at the History Center of Olmsted Co. 1195 West Circle Dr. SW. Rochester, MN. 55902.

Join us to learn about exciting opportunities and changes in adiption.  discover the tools and support for families who would like a flexible, proactive adoption process, and learn how LSS can partner with you to grow your family.  The adoption information meeting will be held on Thursday March 11th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the LSS Mankato office located in Bethlehem Lutheran Church att 710 2nd street in Mankato.  Call Lynne Haggar at (612)879-5230 or 1-888-205-3769 to register.  For mor information or to register online visit: www.minnesotaadoption.org.

Support the Century Panther Band and find great treasures at the same time!  The Panther Bands are having their 6th annual silent auction on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 from 4:30-8:15pm in the Century Forum.  Over 150 unique and diverse items will be on display to bid on!  All proceeds will benefit the Century Panther Band Program. If you have questions about the auction or would like to donate an item, please call Kathryn Firl at 280-9276 or Kathy Bainbridge at 289-9231.  Hope to see you there!

Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Bakes will be held every Friday from February 19th through March 26 at the St. John's School Gym, 424 W Center St, Rochster MN, Adults $8.00, Children (5-12) $4.00, 4&under free. See http://kofc1013.org/fishbake.html for menu, entertainment and benefiting organizations.

“ Dinner and a Murder in the 3rd Millennium “ Event Dates March 12-13, 2010                                                                     Overview:
An out-of-this-world sci-fi mystery unfolds with humanoids, aliens...and a robot. Friday night reception, dinner and murder on Saturday night.  Friday night, check into your lodging and get your tickets and directions to the event. At the DeSoto House Hotel, you will register for your part (high, medium or low involvement). There will be a cash bar, appetizers and entertainment.  On Sat. the interactive Murder Mystery will include a full dinner and memorable fun! Tickets can be purchased at participating B&Bs or the DeSoto House Hotel. For a list of participating businesses, visit our website http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=744&mode=event.  Cost: $70.00 per person plus lodging at participating bed & breakfast.  Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of Galena, 230 S. Main St., Galena IL 61036  Local: 815-777-4713.

Children’s Dance Theatre presents Coppélia, with stars of the Minnesota Ballet including Prima Ballerina Suzanne Kritzberg and directed by Allen Fields.   

This presentation of Coppélia promises to captivate the audience with beautiful costumes and sets, talented dancers of The Children’s Dance Theatre, and riveting performances by  the professional dancers of the Minnesota Ballet.  Prima Ballerina Suzanne Kritzberg performs brilliantly in the principle role of Swanilda.

Mayo Civic Center, Presentation Hall 30 Civic Center Dr SE
Friday, March 12 • 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 13 • 1:00 & 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 14 • 1:00

Ballroom Dance Night, music provided by The Al Welsh Orchestra on Saturday March 13th from 6pm - 10pm at the Cedar River Complex in Osage Iowa.  This is a fundraising event for kids with cancer.  All proceeds go tot eh U of I Dance Marathon.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (18 and under), available at the door.  Hosted by the "Osage Mini Dance Marathon Committee".

Meeting:  March 13, 2010 - 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM.  Old Country Buffet, TJ Maxx Plaza, 1300 Salem Rd SW, Rocheter.  "Winter Social - coffee & catalogs".  Door Prizes, breakfast optional, new plant introductions for 2010, meet new & old gardening friends.  Area gardeners & Visitors welcome!

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Fundraiser March 13th 5pm - 1am at the Pine Island American Legion, BBQ supper 5pm - 7pm, Live auction by Houghton's 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Silent auction 5:00pm - 9:15pm, Live music by "Pastel Black" 9:00pm - 1:00am.  100% of the proceeds donated to National MS Society on behalf of the walking team "Landoe's Bullriders".  Contact Jesse 251-0797 or Colleen 269-4994 for additional information.

Shades of Green Hosta Society SE MN Winter Social - Coffee & Catalogs - Old Country Buffet, TJ Maxx Plaza, 1300 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN  March 13, 2010 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM  (Breakfast Optional)- Meet old & new gardening friends, Door Prizes, 2010 Plant introductions.  Area gardeners & Visitors welcome!

Pax Christi Church will hold a ST. Patricks Day bash on March 13th from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.  The evening includes a meal catered by the Canadian Honker, Berverages, Irish Dancers and other live entertainment, a silent auction, and a quilt raffle.  Advance tickets can be pruchased by March 11th at the Parish Office.

Make a Difference (MS)Fundraiser at Pine Island American Legion BBQ Supper March 13th, 5-7 pm Live Houghton Auction 7:30-9 pm Silent Auction 5 pm-9:15 pm Live Music by Pastel Black 9pm-1am.

Rochester Area Youth for Christ Bible Quizzing is hosting a "Jump Start" for anyone interesting in quizzing from 2 p.m to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2911 18th Ave. N.W., in Rochester.

Youth ranging from elementary to high-school age will be able to learn scripture in a fun, game-show format. No preparation is necessary.  For more information, e-mail stancarlson@juno.com or visit rochesterbiblequizzing.org on the Web.

Experience the excitement of early migration in Whtewater Valley.  Waterfowl, Sanhill Cranes, Swans and more should be moving through as the spring migration begins.  Meet at the Heintz Center's east parking lot at 8am March 13th to car pool.  Return by noon.  Sponsored by the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society.  Free and open to the public.

5 A Day 5 K : March 13th 2010
March 13th 2010 is the next 5 A Day 5 K. This year your kids can participate in the Tatar Trot!!

Who: Sponsored by RDDA and directed by Dietetic interns

What: 5 a day 5k race and Tatar Trot for kids 11 and under (see below)

When: March 13th 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Registration starts at 8:00am!

Where: Beginning and Ending at the Running Room in Rochester, MN

Why: Support Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf while also encouraging healthy living habits

Cost: 10$ registration fee & grocery donation. Tatar Trot applicants will need only grocery donation for registration.

FREE T shirt – We will be giving away t-shirts to first 30 applicants to register!!

Race info:
-Tatar Trot for kids 11 and under (Immediately following the 5)
-Youth race: 18 -12 will run with the adults but in their own division
-Adult race: 18+
www.5aday5k.org

Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush!  On saturday mornings and afternoons March 13, 20, & 27 the park will be offering maple syrup making demonstration.  Each activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used.  Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! State park vehicle permits are required.  Call Whitewater State Park at (507)932-3007 ext. 0 during weekday business hours for exact times, additional information and reservations.

This has grown to be one of the most popular presetations.  Join Oxbow Park staff on Sat. March 13th, 20th, & 27th at 1pm for a brief history of this wonderful craft and then prepare yourselves for a short hike to oxbow's very own sugar bush as we demonstrate how we tap our sugar maples.  the program doesn't end here though, when we are all done tapping head back to the nature center for a sample of oxbow parks very own maple syrup! dress for the weather and possible sloppy conditions.  Open to all ages.  In case of inclement weather call 775-2451 for program details.

Church of St Paul in Zumbrota will be having a St. Patrick's Ham Dinner on March 14th.  Serving 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Adults $8, Children 6-12 $4, Children Under 6 free.

LHS Senior Class Dinner, March 15, 4:30-7:00, 6 oz Rib Eye Steak Sandwich, Baked Beans, Cold Veggies, Dip, Chips, Bars/Cookies, Milk, Coffee $10, Kids Menu available with Hot Dogs $4, Serving 4:30-7:00pm, Spring Concert @ 7pm.  Take out available 696-6086 or 696-5512.  Proceeds will assist seniors class with Washington DC Class trip.  Location: Lanesboro School Cafeteria.

A "fun for the whole family" parade including bands and floats. Pre-registration requested for participants. Time: 5:30 pm Admission: Free.  http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=745&mode=event Downtown Galena
Galena IL 61036  Local: 815-777-0467.

Great shopping bargains await you with the big spender sale on Wed. March 17th from 10am - 5pm.  Save 50% off items $10.00 or more.  All clothing in LaBotique will be half-priced also! Singing and music will be provided by Tom Otten for 1 - 2pm at the Community Clothesline located at 814 11th Ave. NE in Rochester just east of Silver Lake on buslines 2 & 16.  For more information call (507)282-8050 or email: office@communityclothesline.org.

Identity theft is a constant threat, and in an effort to help the public avoid this problem, H&R Block and Shred360 are partnering to provide a FREE Shred Day on March 19, 2010.  The Shred360 truck will be at H&R Blocks location at 831 NE Main St. in Simpsonville from 9am to noon, and at Blocks location at 103 E. Butler Rd. in Mauldin from 2pm to 5pm. Consumers are invited to bring confidential documents, files, and other sensitive information for on-site shredding and recycling. Shred360 requests consumers remove plastic, glass, trash or other non-paper contaminants prior to submitting their information for shredding. H&R Block tax professionals will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Interested in making your own maple syrup? This seminar will cover everything you need to know fro bringing homemade syrup to your table.  Adults and youth over age 15 are able to join the fun.  An adult must accompany those under 18 years of age.  Reservations are required.  Cost $10 per person.  contact Megan at 1-888-800-9558 or camps@eagle-bluff.org to register or for more information.

Sliders and Slaw at Ferndale Market, Cannon Falls, 1 to 3 p.m.  Enjoy complimentary turkey sliders (mini burgers) and cole slaw. Featherstone Farm will be on hand with information on their organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares that will be delivered to Ferndale Market, Cannon Falls, each week this summer. Free event Saturday March 20th, 1-3pm.

Rochester Woodcarvers 34th Annual Show. March 20-21, 2010 10:00am - 4:00pm each day Free admission Olmsted County Fairgrounds - 4H Building, 1508 Aune Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Stop by the Rochester Woodcarvers show to see your friends, neighbors and maybe even your co-workers displaying their woodcarving creativity and skills. We are also planning to have some wood and tool suppliers at the show so you can stock up on your own needs!

The Rollingstone Jaycee's will hold a chicken Q on March 20th from 4pm - 7pm at Holy Trinity Community Center in Rollingstone Minnesota.  1/2 chicken, beans, cole slaw, bread.  $7.50 per ticket, take outs available.

A spaghetti benefit and silent auction will be held at the Owatonna American Legion from 4pm - 7pm for Madysen Vavra who at the age of 6 weeks became very ill on January 2, 2010.  Melissa Madysen's mom has been unable to work due to all of the doctors appointments and care required for Madysen. Tickets are $7.00 adults and $2.50 children under 5.  Donations can also be made to: Madysen Vavra Benefit Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 1400 South Oak Ave. Owatonna MN 55060.  If you are interested in donating items for the silent auction contact Kim (507)676-1823 or Shelly (507)374-2301.

Mental Aerobics Wrestling Championship Invite held at the RCTC Regional Performance Arena. Wrestling begins at 9am on March 20th Wreslters from throughout MS, IA and Wisc. have been invited to participate in this highly competive tournament.  Proceeds go to wrestling families in need.  www.mentalaerobics.us

Free Christian Concert featuring:  Silverline, The Groundwork  and Oathkeeper with  speaker Beau Lee.  This event will be on Saturday, March 20th at the Fest building in Spring Grove Minnesota. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00.  -FREE Admission- FREE Food- FREE T-shirts- For  more information please visit www.whatconcert.com

Ascension Lutheran Church is having our annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Parents are encouraged to stay for the hour of crafts, snacks, and finding eggs. For more information call the church at 288-2781 or visit us on web at www.ascensionrochester.org Ascension Lutheran Church is located at 2207 11th Ave. SE in Rochester.

ARE WE THERE YET? THE STORY OF MOSES AND THE EXODUS This intergenerational musical tells the story of the life of Moses and the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.  The humanity of Moses, Miriam, Aaron and the others is captured in song, humor and drama, and we find they are a lot like us. The public is invited to attend performances of the musical at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th St. NW at either 8:00 or 10:30am on Sunday, March 21, 2010. For more information e-mail secretary@hosannalutheran.orgor call 507-285-0092.

March 22 and 23 from 7-9pm, Albert Lea Community Theatre is having auditions for its next prodcution, The Taffetas, this musical review features songs from the 50's and 60's. The show has 4 singing roles for women.  Auditions are on the above dates at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in Albert Lea, MN. 147 N. Broadway Ave.  ACT is a non profit organization.

Don Mitchell will share strategies for turning your yard into a hummingbird haven and share plant recommendations to attract hummingbirds to your Minnesota garden.  Tuesday March 23rd, 7pm at Somerby Golf Club, 975 Somerby Parkway NE Byron MN, 55920.  Sponsored by Zumbro Valley Audubon Society.  Free and open to the public.

17th annual Hospice Foundation Of America Live Satellite Teleconference "Living With Grief" "Cancer and End-Of-Life-Care" March 24th 12:30pm - 3:30pm in Judd Hall, Mayo Building 200 1st ST. SW, Rochester MN 55902.  Sponsored by Mayo Hospice Program.  For more information call (507)284-4002.

Arts relief for Haiti at the Rochester Art Center. March 25th.  Tickets on sale now at the Art Center for $10.00.  Activities will include: Art Auction, Live Music, Haitian Rice, Speakers and a cash bar.

The American Red Cross is hosting the Spring Valley Community Blood Drive on Thursday March 25th from 1-7pm at the community center.  For appointment or information call Val at (507)346-7367 press #1.  The need is constant the gratification is instant givebloodgivelife.org.

The dates for 2010 Alanon Open Speaker Meetings are the following Thursday evenings at 7-8:30 p.m.: March 25th, April, 22nd, May 27th, September 23rd, and October 28th.  Meetings are held at the Congregational Church-UCC, 965 17th Ave. SW in Rochester, MN.

Faith Lutheran Church Hwy 14 East in ST. Charles MN will hold a Mission Ruammage Sale on Thurs. 3/25 from 1pm - 7pm, Fri. 3/26 from 8am -5pm and Sat. 3/27 from 8am - Noon.

Event Dates: March 26-28, 2010.  Galena Wine Lovers’ Weekend is a city-wide celebration of good wine, good food and good friends. Wine lovers of all sorts are invited to enjoy fine wine, culinary delight, celebrity chefs, pampering packages and all of the stops Galena can possibly pull out.  Wine Lovers’ Weekend is a spirited way to warm the winter and add romance—whether it be for vino, gourmet cuisine or the love for a town with history and charm all its own. Wine-inspired dinners, spirit tastings, spa experiences, history tours, cooking demonstrations and shopping welcome and enchant visitors.  Kicking off the weekend is the Grand Tasting and Wine Auction—which has grown to be the one of the largest indoor wine tasting event in the state of Illinois. This year at the Grand Tasting, sample from 300 varieties of hand-picked wines and spirits. Cost is $30 in advance (online) or $35 at the door (while supplies last). www.wineloversweekend.com, Various Locations, Galena IL 61036  Local: 815-777-3938.

Lutheran Hour Ministries flagship program and the world's longest running christian out reach radio broadcast weekly on more than 8oo stations throughtout Northamerica, as well as worldwide viat American Forces Network ans Satellite Radio presents Rev. Ken Klaus speaker of The Lutheran Hour as the guest speaker at Grace Lutheran Church at 800 East Silver Lake Drive in Rochester at 6:00pm on March 27th and at 8:00am & 10:30am on March 28th Palm Sunday weekend.  For more information visit: www.lutheranhour.org.