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.