Chorale announces auditions Aug. 11, 12
Great River Chorale, a select, auditioned 45-voice choral ensemble based in St. Cloud, announces auditions for the 2013-14 concert season from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 and Monday, Aug. 12 at Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Drive S.E., St. Cloud. The chorale rehearses Sunday nights and holds extra rehearsals prior to concerts. Members are skilled professional and avocational musicians and choral enthusiasts who desire to sing high quality repertoire at the highest level of excellence.
To schedule an audition and for more information contact GRC business manager, Deb Ferrell, at greatriverchorale@gmail.com or 320- 515-4472.
Those who audition must prepare one vocal solo (classical art songs, hymns or folksongs only; memorization not required). An accompanist will be provided (prospective members must bring music for the accompanist). The audition will also include sight reading and tonal memory. Please check in 10 minutes before your scheduled audition. The 2013-14 schedule will be available at the audition and singers will be asked to indicate conflicts with the printed schedule prior to the start of the season.
Great River Chorale’s 2013-14 season will include two major choral-orchestral performances with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra. Great River Chorale also presents a highly anticipated annual Christmas concert that will feature John Rutter’s Gloria and the Cantabile Girls’ Choir. A collaborative spring concert with the East Central Minnesota Chorale at St. Cloud’s Paramount Theatre will commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day and will feature Randall Thompson’s The Testament of Freedom.
GRRL seeks input on survey
The library has posted an open hours survey on its website, griver.org. The survey will be available through August. Staff will review the data and make any necessary changes for 2014. For more information, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
Staff want to know the following: which GRRL location you use the most; whether you would prefer the library to be open the same hours each day or a range of morning, afternoon and evening hours; what day(s) of the week you use the library; which day of the week you wish the library was open; what time of day you are most likely to use the library; which time of day you wish the library was open.
GRRL is the library system that operates 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright counties. GRRL provides the staff, materials and technology for library service; local municipalities provide the buildings. Open hours are set by GRRL.
Library open hours range from 20 to 59 hours per week, depending on activity level and community size. In general, the libraries in smaller communities are open fewer hours than those in larger communities. GRRL staff review library use each year, determining not only the quantity of material checked out, but also the times of day when libraries are busiest.
“A lot of what goes on at the library is recorded on our computers,” said Karen Pundsack, GRRL’s Patron Services coordinator. “That information provides a mine of data we are able to use to determine how busy we are. What we don’t know is how many people might use the library if the hours changed. We hope the survey can provide some of that information.” Evaluating open hours and making adjustments to enhance patron access is a priority written into the library’s strategic plan.
St. Francis Xavier sets teen night
Companions sought
The Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery and St. Scholastica Convent are active in diverse ministries throughout the community. Each site offers unique opportunities for volunteers of all ages to accomplish important, fulfilling tasks and projects. St. Scholastica’s biggest needs are Sister Companions. Volunteers will drive and accompany nuns to appointments, read aloud, write letters for the nuns or play cards, games and visit. Contact Sr. Marina Schlangen, St. Scholastica Convent at 320-251-2225.
Catholic Charities seeks school supplies
There are many reasons Central Minnesota is a fantastic place to live. One is the value we put on education. We also have a wonderful commitment to community, and spirit of generosity. As we move into late summer, the start of the new school year brings these qualities into focus.
Students and families are preparing to go back to school. With your help, Catholic Charities is preparing to assist those who are not able to afford basic school supplies. Advanced registration for our Back to School program has already begun, and we’re expecting about 2,000 children will need help. Will you make a gift to help them?
Your gift of cash, or a supply drive at your office or church or in your neighborhood would be greatly appreciated. We’re looking for basic items such as, backpacks, dry erase markers, notebooks, filler paper, plain folders, pens, pencils, scissors (preferably Fiskars), colored pencils, washable markers, Elmer’s glue and glue sticks, headphones for computer lab, scientific calculators, yellow highlighters, hand sanitizer, large erasers and rulers.
Whether you share supplies or a financial contribution out of generosity, love or nostalgia, it’s appreciated. Donations may be dropped off at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, 911 18th St. N, St. Cloud or call 320-650-1550.
Archery Deer Hunt at St. Johns is planned for this fall
Archery deer hunters are invited to apply for permission to hunt deer on the St. John’s Abbey Arboretum. This year, the Abbey is using an archery-only hunt beginning Oct. 26 and ending Dec. 31. The goal is to assure a population level that will allow both adequate regeneration of the forest and a healthy deer herd on the Abbey Arboretum’s 2,700 acres.
Applications to hunt were taken until Aug. 5 to participate in the lottery. Up to 100 archery hunters will be allowed on the property. Now, it’s first come, first served if less than 100 slots are awarded in the lottery.
For more info or to receive an application, visit http://www.csbsju.edu/Arboretum/Stewardship/Projects/LandStewardship/DeerHunt.htm or call the St. John’s Arboretum office at 320-363-3163. A non-refundable $5 application fee is required with the completed application. For those selected by lottery there is an additional $20 fee to hunt. This fee includes a free supper and training session on Oct. 4. Hunters under 18 are allowed only with an adult supervisor.
To be eligible for the hunt, hunters must hold a valid Minnesota DNR archery deer license and be willing to take an antlerless deer. Hunters will choose where to put their stands based on a lottery and hunters will be spread across the property. St. John’s Abbey Arboretum is in DNR deer Areas 215 (north of I-94) and 218 (south of I-94.) Both are “managed” areas so a hunter can take up to two deer with a combination of licenses.
United Way Volunteer Opportunities
Fun at the Arc Buddy Walk
Join the fun at Arc Midstate’s annual community picnic and Buddy Walk and Roll scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14. Help with activities, cheer participants, help serve food. Enjoy music and dancing. Bring your best smile and be ready to enjoy an evening in the park. Show a warm and welcoming attitude toward a variety of individuals with special needs. Arc Midstate provides supports and advocates to secure and enhance opportunities for people with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and more and their families to choose how they live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more information, contact Cindy Owen, Arc Midstate executive director, at 320-251-7272.
Women’s Advocate Volunteer
Do you want to make a difference in the life of women escaping domestic violence? Then become a Women’s Shelter Support Volunteer at Anna Marie’s Alliance. Volunteers at the shelter answer and direct phone calls, staff the front desk and monitor the front door of the shelter. Volunteers also provide transportation for the women and children living at the shelter. Volunteers must be female over 20 years of age with a valid driver’s license and car insurance. Volunteers must have an uneventful driving and criminal record. Weekly four-hour shifts are available. For information, visit www.annamaries.org or call Marj at 320-253-6900.
Sewing Class or In-Home Seamstress Volunteer
WACOSA assists clients with becoming and staying as independent as possible. They offer weekly sewing classes for clients to build their knowledge of basic sewing concepts and to create fun projects. They are looking for individuals to assist the staff members and clients with the weekly clients. Classes are held on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m.
Contact Sarah Schulze, WACOSA volunteer coordinator, at 320-251-0087
Help in the Food Shelf
The Salvation Army helps individuals and families in St. Cloud who find themselves in need of assistance. They are looking for volunteers to help in their food shelf. Available times are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30-11 a.m. Contact Barb Nelson, The Salvation Army, at 320-257-7435.
Cool Cleaners
Great River Area Faith in Action is looking for volunteers to complete light housekeeping, routine cleaning and other light chores for an older adult or person with a disability. Volunteers must enjoy working with people, have a desire to establish a relationship with an older adult or physically challenged person and be comfortable with physical disabilities. The time commitment is about two hours per week or as needed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Contact Cherise Robb, Great River Area Faith in Aciton, at 320-258-8678.
United Way Marketing and Communications Intern
Interns will assist with specific projects and overall organization’s communication. Opportunities include assisting with events, graphic design, writing, interviewing and photography for community success stories, website development, community research and more. Students from many different majors and community volunteers with special skills and interests are welcome. Interns must commit to at least 15 hours a week. Contact Jessica Johnson, United Way Marketing Manager, at 320-252-0227.
Tutor Students who are Homeless
St. Cloud School District 742 and the Boys and Girls Club are working together to provide tutoring for homeless students in District 742. Volunteers will work with students who are facing homelessness and need academic support. Tutor Kindergarten through fifth-grade students at the three Boys and Girls Club locations including Southside, Eastside and Roosevelt as well as in District 742 Schools. Volunteers will receive instructional materials and coordination from a District 742 teacher. Volunteers must have a strong interest in working with students and abide by policies including program rules and procedures. Contact Volunteer Services at 320-529-6500 x6268 or visit volunteer@isd742.org.
For Pets’ Sake
Volunteers will assist staff with sorting and categorizing donated merchandise, store stocking, customer service, and helping to maintain an overall presentable environment and pleasant experience for customers. Must be 18+ and have your own transportation. There is required training prior to volunteering. Volunteers must be able to lift 20 pounds. Minimum two-hour shift per week. Proceeds benefit the Tri-County Humane Society. Contact Kim Williams, Tri-County Humane Society volunteer coordinator, at 320-252-0896.
For more information on any of the above United Way volunteer opportunities, contact Mary Krippner, United Way community volunteer coordinator at 320-223-7991 or mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.