The 2012 WinterFest celebration planning is well underway and once again there will be a good showing of Rochester non-profits putting on events. WinterFest X (WFX) will be held February 2 to 12, 2012.

WinterFest takes place yearly during the first two weeks in February, and serves to promote wintertime activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for area nonprofit organizations.

In 2011 34 events happened over 11 days and brought over 25,000 people out in celebration of winter in Rochester. These events raised more than $365,000 for Rochester area nonprofit organizations, plus collected 230 pounds of food for Channel One. For 2012, there are a similar number of events taking place (see separate document for event listings).

John Shonyo is the WinterFest X Chair and can be reached through the WFX email, rochesterwinterfest@gmail.com,  or calling 507.261.2150.

Channel One is joining Winterfest 2012 with a very lengthy goal in mind, to collect a “Mile” of Mac & Cheese.  Channel One will be teaming up with several Winterfest events to collect Mac & Cheese and will also be hosting a special collection event at all three Rochester Hy-Vee stores on Saturday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  And both Rochester Noodles & Company restaurants will be collecting Mac & Cheese from February 6 - 8th with a special incentive; donate three boxes of Mac & Cheese and receive a free bowl of one of their delicious Mac & Cheese dishes.  

Our goal of a “mile” of Mac & Cheese will help fill the Channel One Food Shelf with approximately 9,000 boxes of Mac & Cheese.  This is critical as Channel One continues to see increased need in our Supplemental Food Shelf program each month.  Currently we are serving an average of 3,700 households each month and approximately 200 new households are registering and receiving help each month.  These Winterfest events are critical to filling the empty shelves that we are seeing at Channel One.  

To arrange for a photo or interview for any of these upcoming Mac & Cheese events please contact Jennifer Woodford at 507-424-1721.   

Come, enjoy mouthwatering Chili made by some of the finest chefs in Southern Minnesota on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Roscoe’s Fifth Annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association will be held at Goonie’s Comedy Club in downtown Rochester from 11am- 1:30pm. Come hungry as there will be over 20 alluring chili’s to taste! Don’t worry, Tums are included! Purchase your tickets in advance for $10 by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 507.289.3950 or karla.snider@alz.org.  Tickets are $15 at the door, discount tickets available if purchased in groups of 5 or more in advance. See you at the Cook-off!

On February 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., Paula Westmoreland, co-author of This Perennial Land, will present “River-Friendly Perennial Farming: third crops, blue earth, and cleaner Minnesota rivers” at the Cascade Meadow Environmental Science Center. 

Learn how we can farm the land, make a profit, and keep the river cleaner and safer, all at the same time. Westmoreland's book outlines practical alternative crops that are good for farmer's bottom line and good for the environment. Book signing to follow. 

This discussion is part of the monthly "Water Ways Speaker Series," sponsored by the Zumbro Watershed Partnership. 

For more information, contact Zumbro Watershed Partnership (ZWP) Education Coordinator Kevin Strauss, 507-993-3411, or education@zumbrowatershed.org. Learn more about ZWP at www.zumbrowatershed.org.

Once Upon a Playhouse is celebrating its 5^thyear! Family Service Rochester and the Rochester Area Builders present four all new one of a kind playhouses. The playhouses will be on display and ready to play in at the Builders Home Show, February 10-12^that the Mayo Civic Center. All playhouses will be raffled; tickets are $10 or 3 for $25. Proceeds benefit Family Service’s work addressing family violence. Get a sneak peak of the playhouses, more information or buy tickets at www.onceuponaplayhouse.org.

This year, Rochester’s Plunge will be held at Foster Arend Park, and will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. Pre-plunge check-in will occur on Friday, Feb. 10 from 2-7 p.m. at Foster Arend Park,and check-in and registration on the day of the Plunge itself will occur at the same location from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The opening ceremonies will begin at 1:15 p.m., and will celebrate the Plungers, as well as the team of law enforcement officers and personnel who make the annual Plunge possible. Last year, 917 people took the Plunge in Rochester, and raised more than $189,000, in support of Special Olympics Minnesota. 

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics Minnesota’s athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.Find out more at  http://www.plungemn.org/location/rochester

Help the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.  Bring your aluminum cans and pop tabs to the "Cans for Kids" Collection Day, Saturday February 11th from 8am to noon.   This fun, community-wide project to help the children of the Ronald McDonald House is sponsored by McNeilus Companies.

A McNeilus truck and volunteers will be at the Ronald McDonald House parking lot (850 2nd St SW, Rochester) to accept your donated aluminum cans and pop tabs from 8am to noon.  McDonald's restaurants have provided a beverage coupon for everyone making a donation.

Aluminum recycling has supported the Rochester Ronald McDonald House for more than 10 years.  Over the past five years, the "Cans for Kids" collection events have raised over $10,000 to support thousands of families with ill children, providing a "home away from home" while they seek medical care at the Mayo Clinic.

The 16h annual SNOW SHOES TOURNAMENT is Saturday, February 11th at the Hammond Bar in Hammond. 

This is a benefit for the Kenny Smith Memorial Events for cancer (www.KennySmithMemorial.com)

Registration is from 11am to 11:45am, game time is at noon.  There's also a Chili Dinner, Bake Sale, Raffle, Silent Auction and more.   Prizes include an LCD TV, Kindle Fire, cash and more.  Raffle tickets are on sale now for 5-dollars at the Hammond Bar and from Kenny Smith Memorial representatives.

Doc's DJ provides entertainment from 8:30 to close.

Civic League Day Nurserys 10th annual Families, Friends & Flapjacks fundraiser Saturday Februrary 11th, 2012, 9:00am - 12:00noon at the Ramada Canadian Honker Event Center (HWY 52 South near TJ Maxx Plaza).  Breakfast includes: Pancakes, Sausage, Fresh Fruit, Milk, Juice & Coffee.  Tickets available at both centers, $5.00 in advance, $6.00 at the door (children 2 and under free).  Come hungry and stay to bid on many silent auction items.  Proceeds benefit Tuition Assistance Program.

A Fundraiser for Elder Network

“A COUNTRYSIDE MURDER MYSTERY”

Plummer House, Rochester, MN

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
6:00 pm & 8:30 pm performances

It’s the early 1900’s and we are gathering in the country for a wonderful weekend of merriment, when suddenly a murder is discovered. Everyone is a suspect, so come join the fun! Enjoy wine sampling and delicious desserts, while you are collecting clues.

Tickets are $30 each and you must be must be 21 years of age. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Credit Cards accepted.

Elder Network

1130 ½ 7th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901

(507) 285-5272

www.elder-network.org

Become a "Warrior for Wyatt"!   Wyatt is a second grader from Kasson-Mantorville.  He was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  Wyatt's had two surgeries, will go through six weeks of radiation and will receive stem-cell treatments.  A Silent Auction, Carnival and Spaghetti Dinner will be served at the Kasson-Mantorville Middle School February 12th from 11am to 3pm.  You're invited to become a "Warrior for Wyatt"!

The 2012 Go Red for Women Luncheon on Valentine's Day, February 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rochester.

Here’s how you can Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease in women and continue your support of the Go Red for Women movement.  Visit the event website at www.RochesterGoRedforWomen.org to:

• Attend the event.  Individual tickets can be purchased online at our website beginning January 9, 2012.  Hurry - seats are limited!  We also have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available.  Call 952-278-7913 for more information.
• Donate.  Pre-commit an Open Your Heart gift.  We need your support to continue fighting heart disease, the No.1 killer of women.  This year I am proud to announce that Think Bank will be matching all Open Your Heart donations up to $5000.  What a great way to double the impact of your gift!
• Volunteer. It takes many helping hands for an event to happen.  Sign up today.

A CHAIR AFFAIR...Saturday February 25th at the International Event Center.   This year’s Formal Masquerade event highlights a live auction, silent auction, great meal and entertainment.

A Chair Affair features hand-decorated chairs individually designed by local artists and a few nationwide – for an auction benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, Minnesota.

This year marks the 10th Annual A Chair Affair. Since 2002, A Chair Affair has become the signature Gala for the community of Rochester. The funds raised by this unique event have enabled the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester to achieve its mission: to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as a productive, responsible, and caring community member.

For more information, go to http://www.achairaffair.org/

5:00 pm VIP admission

6:00 pm General admission

7:30 pm Silent Auction Closes

7:45 pm Welcome and Dinner

8:15 pm Live Auction Begins 

If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact Lori Trotman at ltrotman@bgclubroch.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.

This gathering is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one within the last three months.

Join others to share stories, explore grief journeys, discuss self-care activities & learn about available resources.
 

First Thursday of every month
February 2   6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
 

Third Thursday of every month
February 16   12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
 

Both of these meetings will be held at the Seasons Hospice Office.

** Registration required two (2) days prior to the date of event.
Seasons Hospice Office – 1811 Greenview Place SW, Suite 110, Rochester MN
For details and registration: 507-285-1930 or shbp@seasonshospice.org – Free will donations accepted. 
 

RED, WHITE & PINK...Saturday, February 18th from 9:30am to 3pm at the Oak Park Mall in Austin.

Learn more about Heart, Health, Wellness and Cancer Health.

This is a free event, open to the public.  Businesses will be on display with informational literature about taking care of your heart, cancer awareness ideas and wellness tips.  Sign up for door prizes.  Donations accepted with funds going to American Heart Association and Lyle area Cancer.   Speakers, blood pressure checks, entertainment, chair massages, male runway.  

Find out more at redwhiteandpink2011.tripod.com.

Hosted by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

When: Saturday February 18 (3p to late evening)
Where: Mayo Civic Auditorium, It’s going to be BIG!
What: Over 100 professional musicians mostly recording artist are donating their bands and talent All Genre of Music
For: 100% of the proceeds will go to the Shawn Schneider Family Fund at Alliance Bank
Admission Price: Your thoughtful donations.
You can help by emailing this to your friends and joining in!

 Questions:  downy@rconnect.com   

The 3rd Annual Cory Allhiser Memorial Snowmobile Ride has been scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18th, 2012.

Start: 10:00 am  End: 7:00 PM
Starts & Ends At: Robert's Transfer & Storage
For directions to the start of the ride, click here.

Price: $25 per person (Includes items below)

~ Fun Run Game
~ Free T-Shirt
~ Door Prizes
    *Many chances at winning a door prize at our different stops!

After the ride, there's a benefit for the family of David Fretty.

For more information, go to www.allhisermemorial.info/

The Honors Choir of SE MN presents "Voice: Music Celebrating Music", Sunday, February 19th at 4pm at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester). 

The performance will feature over 250 voices.  Reserved seats are $18, and general admission tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youth (ages 0-college). For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.HonorsChoirs.orgor call (507) 252-0505.  

The Honors Choirs is a non-profit organization of four auditioned youth choirs for singers in grades 3 through 12.  Now in its 20^th season, its mission is to promote the highest standard of excellence in the preparation and performance of choral music, seeking to provide artistic challenge and growth opportunities for youth throughout the region and enjoyment for the community at large.  This year, the Choirs involve 250+ singers from 25 different communities and 52 schools all over southeast Minnesota.