Senior Connection hosts presidential museums talk
Steve Hennes will speak on presidential libraries/museums during the Sartell Senior Connection meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 in the Sartell Senior Center, 212 3rd Ave. N., Sartell. Recently Hennes and his wife visited the Eisenhower Museum in Abiline, Kan. Come and learn first-hand about history while he shares photos and stories of all his tours to presidential libraries/museums. Refreshments will be served.
Community Showcase set April 20 at Kennedy
The first annual Community Showcase, sponsored by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held April 20 at Kennedy Community School, 1300 Jade Road, St. Joseph. Free Earth Day fun includes music, family fun, children’s games and school tours. Come support your local businesses.
Sportsmen’s hold breakfast April 7
The St. Stephen Sportsmen’s Club Breakfast will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 7 in the St. Stephen Parish Hall. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Independent Lifestyles offers ‘Train the Brain’
“Train the Brain” is an educational group for individuals who have suffered a mild brain injury and their families/friends. The group provides education on various topics to help assist people who have suffered a brain injury gain back their independence and function in everyday life. This group is appropriate for people who want to learn: how to go back to work; how to deal with household chores; how to work with providers; how to talk to your family and friends; how to express what you need in a positive way; learn organizational skills; learn relationship skills and how to communicate effectively; and more. Classes will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 and May 14. Employment by Eric Theede, Goodwill/Easter is the topic April 9; Ask the Doctor with Tyler Distad or Jean Johnson is the topic May 14. For more information, visit www.independentlifestyles.org.
Empty Bowls is huge success
More than 1,000 people attended the 12th annual Empty Bowls event held March 24 in Calvary Community Church, St. Cloud. Event coordinators said the delicious soup, fabulous music and delightful atmosphere helped draw people to the event. They thank all who attended and volunteered their time, musical talents or worked so hard on the wooden or ceramic bowls as well as all the wonderful restaurants and businesses who donated the scrumptuous soup, bread, juice and other items to make the event so successful. Next year’s Empty Bowls will be held March 30.
March for Babies set April 13 at SCSU
A March of Dimes Walk will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13 at St. Cloud State University. Residents may sign up as individuals or a team of co-workers, family or friends at www.marchforbabies.org. The first NICU Family Support program opened at St. Cloud Hospital in 2006. NICU Family Support provides information and comfort to more than 300 families each year. 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.
The St. Stephen Athletic Club will begin taking registration forms for the 2013 summer ball program. Available will be T-ball, pitch ball, baseball and softball for boys 5-14 years of age and girls 5-15 years of age. Forms will be available at Conomart in St. Stephen and the City of St. Stephen website (www.cityofststephen.com) through April 15.
Spunktacular Days seeks floats for parade
Those interested in participating in the annual Avon Spunktacular Days Parade on Saturday, June 15, please contact Mary Eisenschenk at 320-248-3375, meisenschenk@lumber-one.com or visit www.avonmnchamber.com.
National Geo Bee finals set Friday
For the fifth year, the state level of the National Geographic Bee Finals will take place at St. Cloud State University. One hundred fourth- through eighth-graders from around Minnesota will compete in the preliminary round, answering world geography questions from a panel of judges at 9 a.m. Friday, April 5 in Atwood Memorial Center. The top 10 students will advance to the final round at 11:30 a.m. in Ritsche Auditorium, which will be moderated by KARE-11 morning anchor and St. Cloud State alumnus, Jeremiah Jacobsen.
The state winner will receive $100 and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals May 20-22. Contestants will compete for college scholarships up to $25,000. The national winner will also receive a trip with a parent or guardian to the Galápagos Islands to experience geography firsthand on an expedition aboard the National Geographic Endeavour.
Since 1989, the National Geographic Bee contest has been held to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject and increase public awareness about geography.
St. John’s University will host its first 5k run/walk “Diamond Dash” starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13 before a double-header game at 1 p.m. against St. Mary’s. Check-in/registration will take place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The run/walk will begin and end at the Johnnies’ new baseball complex. There will also be a blessing ceremony at 12:20 p.m. A free pre-game cookout is planned, starting at 11 a.m. Money raised will go to the SJU baseball program for uniforms, equipment and field additions. For more information, including cost, and to register, google St. John’s University Diamond Dash. Or call 320-363-3654. Registration is suggested.
United Way volunteer opportunities
35 volunteers sought for Llama Llama Read-A-Rama
Volunteer and read to children! Volunteers can read to children and assist with projects in preschools, Head Start Reach Up Inc., and Boys and Girls Clubs on April 11-12. All readers are encouraged to talk about their work/daily life as part of their volunteer experience so children hear about the importance of reading in everyday activity. For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer coordinator, at 320-223-7991.
Theatre and acting volunteer
Are you interested in helping children explore the wonderful world of theater? The Boys and Girls Clubs of
Central Minnesota has an opportunity for you. They have opportunities available at several sites. Make a difference in a child’s life in as little as one hour a week. You will set your own schedule with the volunteer coordinator to fit your needs. All volunteers need to go through the interview and orientation process as well as pass a background check that costs $3 to process. Contact Bethany Theisen, volunteer coordinator, at 320-257-5115.
Share your musical talent
Opportunity Matters, a local non-profit dedicated to working with individuals with physical and/or mental challenges, is in search of talented volunteers who play an instrument. Volunteer(s) are needed once or twice each month to entertain a group of our clients and share in their love of music. Dates for this volunteer opportunity are very flexible. Preferred evenings: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Youth groups welcome. Organization and volunteer program training provided. Contact Brenda Eggerth, volunteer coordinator, at 320-240-1900 ext 218.
Casa Guadalupe needs your help
“Casa Guadalupe Multicultural Community provides free English language learner (ELL) classes to adult native Spanish speakers in Cold Spring and the surrounding areas. Volunteers will work one-on-one with an adult student to improve their English language skills. Classes take place in Cold Spring from 6:30-“”8 p.m. on Mon. and Wed. during the fall and spring school semesters, and if you are only able to commit to one day per week, that’s perfectly fine. Training and resources will be provided. Previous volunteers have found this experience to be extremely rewarding! Volunteers should be fluent in English and have excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills. They should be responsible, punctual, and respectful of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required. A brief orientation and training will be provided.” “Contact Sarah Jacobson, Casa Guadalupe Program Development VISTA at (320) 685-3949.
Director of First Impressions
CentraCare is looking for volunteers to make a great first impression. Volunteers will greet guests upon arrival, provide directions and assistance to guests, answer phones and have basic computer skills. Contact volunteer office at 320-255-5638 or e-mail volunteer@centracare.com.
Contact Mary Krippner, United Way Volunteer Coordinator at (320) 223-7991.
