ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local families to host boys and girls between the ages of 15 to 18 from a variet of countries around the world.  Students come with an enthusiasm to practice their english and experience American culture, food, sports, shopping and more.  They will also share their own culture with host families.  Host families welcome these students into their family, not as a gues, but as a family member, giving both the students and families a rich cultural experience.  In addition, students have pocket money for personal expenses; and full health, accident and liability insurance.  Students are academically selected into the program, and host families can choose their students from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and persona interests.  To become a host family or to find out how to become involved with ASSE as an Area Representative in your community, please call ASSE Midwest Regional Office at 1-800-736-1760.  There are many students to choose from, so call and begin the process of welcoming your new son or daughter into your family today!

Real forclosure answers just one click away! minnesotafaceofforeclosure.com.  sponsored by SEMAR (Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors).

Head Start & School Readiness accepting Applications

Are you searching for early learning programs in Olmsted County that will help you create a positive beginning for you and your child?  Child Care Resource and Referral’s Head Start and School Readiness programs provide free or low cost early learning experiences for children, as well as support, education, family activities and other services to parents.  Services are also available for children with special needs.

Head Start serves pregnant mothers, infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  Transportation may be available.  School Readiness serves children who will be three or four years old on or before September 1, 2010.  Eligibility for both programs is based on income and other criteria.

Don’t delay, openings fill up quickly.  Please call 507-287-2009 or 1-800-462-1660 today to apply.  Spanish and Somali interpreters are available.

How can you make a difference with just one lunch hour? Deliver Meals On Wheels.  Family Service Rochester needs volunteers like you to deliver hot, nutritious meals to our homebound neighbors.  Meals are delivered seven days a week at 11:30am and take approximately one hour.  Deliver on the days that work for you, we are flexible! To volunteer, or to receive Meals On Wheels, please call Family Service Rochester at 287-2010.

OCEAN High school exchange program is looking for caring adults or families to host international exchange students for the 2010-2011 school year. Hosting an OCEAN exchange student fosters lifelong friendships and deeper understanding of other cultures.  OCEAN families are diverse! Traditional two-parent families (with or without children), single parents or adults, and retired couples all make wonderful host families.  Host families provide a bed, meals, as well as friendship, understanding, and a desire to share their American way of life.
All students speak English, are covered by medical insurance and have spending money for their personal expenses. They attend the high school closest to their host family's home and hope to arrive in August. Families are able to choose their own boy or girl from over 25 countries like Sweden, Germany, Italy, China, Thailand, South Korea, Ecuador, and Brazil.  All it takes is an extra meal at the dinner table and the desire to open your heart and home with an amazing young student from overseas. So, start making a difference in a young person's life and yours! To review available student applications or for additional information about how to open your heart & home, contact Janet Sinning today! 1-507-251-1657, email: jsinning@charter.net or visit:  www.oceanint.org.

The Search is on for participants in the "Pride of Mower County" program at the Mower County Fair.
  The third annual "Pride of Mower County" program will be held during the 126th Annual Mower County Fair which will run August 10-15, 2010.  The Pride of Mower program recognizes and honors those Mower County citizens who have excelled in certain areas of achievement.  The following category winners that will receive recognition are:

1. Fairperson of the year
2.Livestock Hall of Fame
3.Outstanding Senior Volunteer
4. Century Farm owners
5. Farm Family of the Year
6. Outstanding Service organization

  There are a number of excellent candidates for these titles in Mower County.  The Mower County Fair co-ordinates this program and winners are selected through various organizations that are familiar with candidates accomplishments.  If you know of some person or organization that you feel is worthy of consideration, please contact the Mower County Fair office at (507)-433-1868 and request an application.  The efforts and accomplishments of these individuals and organizations all help to inspire the rest of us and raise the quality of our lives in many ways.  Awards and prizes are furnished by Farmers and Merchants State Bank-Austin.

COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

LANESBORO, MINN. — The Commonweal Theatre Company presents Steve Martin’s wild and crazy comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile, May 22nd through September 25th with special $15 tickets available for previews May 14th to May 21st. Call the box office at 800-657-7025 or visit Commonweal Theatre online at www.commonwealtheatre.org for exact performance dates and times.

What happens when two guys walk into a bar, order one part Einstein, one part Picasso, and a splash of some of the zaniest characters ever to hit the Commonweal stage “all shook up”? One of the great comedians of all time, Steve Martin, takes you to Paris of 1904. The twentieth century is a story yet to be written, and Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meet in a bar – two men destined to be famous...but not quite yet. First, they must battle one another to decide whether art or science will be the force that guides the world for the next hundred years.

All performances are at the Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro. Ticket prices are $25, with discounts available for students, and groups of ten or more. There will be a sign language interpreted performance on Saturday, September 18th with half-price tickets for the hearing impaired. For ticket reservations or information about any Commonweal events or programs, call 800-657-7025 or 507-467-2905, or email tickets@commonwealtheatre.org.

Summer Dance Intensive, Directed by Allen Fields.  Artistic Director Emeritus of the Minnesota Ballet August 9-20, 2010, Two-week sessions www.RochesterChildrensDanceTheatre.com.  contact:  rochester.cdt@gmail.com
phone:  281-3335.  Train with Prima Ballerina, Suzanne Kritzberg, and other professional instructors during this two-week course.  One-week sessions available as space allows, upon request.  Classes from beginning ballet to advanced including young men's athletic dance.  Registration forms, tuition chart, and schedule are available on website.

If you are unemployed, underemployed, seeking a career change or under job stress you are invited to attend WorkLife Job Loss and Career Change Support Group.  Join us for confidential networking, resources, and featured guestes at our new time Monday evenings at 6:30pm at Oasis Church, 1815 38th ST. NW.  For more info call preston at 398-9909 or email: phollister@q.com.

NWS Peace Program, a non-profit and CSIET approved program, is seeking caring families in your area to host high school students from Ecuador, Turkey, Brazil, Vietnam, Belgium, Finland, and other various countries for the 2010 school year.  The students are 15 - 18 years of age and will begin arriving in August to spend the upcoming 5 - 10 months with a caring family while attending your local high school.  There is no such thing as a typical host family! Whether you are a single parent, retired, have small children, teens or no children, you can have a great experience hosting an international teen! The students are prescreened; speak English, and looking forward to learning about our culture while teaching you about their culture and country.  They have medical insurance and their own spending money to cover such things as clothing, school supplies, and entertainment.  Host families are not paid but may be able to claim a $50.00 per month charitable contribution on their income tax.  All that these students require is a bed, meals and a caring family to share their 5 - 10 month stay in our beautiful country.  Call NWS Peace Program today 1-866-846-3977 or visit www.nw-services.com.

The March of Dimes helps moms have healthy babies…but we’re also here for dads.  As a father, you are the most important man in your baby’s life.   The March of Dimes is here to remind you that being a dad begins before your baby is born.  Dads can do all kinds of things—like go to prenatal doctor visits, learn the signs of preterm labor, and remind pregnant moms to stay away from cigarettes and alcohol.  Becoming a dad takes time.  It starts when your baby is conceived and lasts a lifetime.  Learn more at marchofdimes.com.

Elder Network’s Transportation program is looking for individuals who are willing to provide transportation for seniors to their vital medical appointments. Many area seniors do not have friends or family who can drive, and can not afford private transportation. You can make a huge difference in someone's life by simply giving them a ride!  Our volunteers control their own level and amount of volunteering. Elder Network volunteers set their own schedules, choose the area they would like to volunteer in, set limits on trip length, and choose how often they volunteer. Even giving a ride once or twice a month can make a huge difference!  If you are in need of this service or would like to volunteer, please call Elder Network at 285-5272.

Peer support volunteers make weekly visits to other older adults who are experiencing difficulty with the challenges and adjustments of growing older.  Volunteers help them continue to enjoy independence through self-help approaches.  Peer Support volunteers are over 55 years of age.  For more information on becoming a Peer Support Volunteer and upcoming Training schedules, please call Elder Network at 285-5272.

Today I am overwhelmed by God’s provision, let me explain.  Over the last several weeks Journey has experienced a dry spell in giving and focused energy to complete Uturn (Coffee-shop / Outreach Center).  I understand that it’s natural for projects to have both high and low points, but knowing it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.  God has been providing for us in amazing ways all through this project. It has grown and challenged us all in so many ways.  Just at the right moment( often the last minute) God has provided the funds, volunteers and supplies to move forward with this God-size dream.  And now during this lull, God has done it again! Journey has received a $5,000 gift to help complete the various things that must be done to help get Uturn open to the public.  But that’s not all.  The donor would love to give even more, but they would like to see who else really believes in this city-wide dream and ministry.  So a challenge has been given to us.  If Journey (friends, family, co-workers, other donors) can generate at least another $5,000, then  this donor will add another $5,000 to their gift making it a total of $10,000!    Combined we can raise at least $15,000.  God is so good. Just when we needed a big boost, He provided one and then some.  So we invite you to rise to the challenge.  Personally give toward Uturn.  Spread the word to friends, family, anyone that may have a heart for this city-wide ministry.  Remember it’s not about Journey it’s about the city and God’s greater kingdom.  You may give via our Website and Razoo.   Click on the icon found on our front page.  www.journeychurch.net.  You may give via mail.  Send checks to Journey Church, 5-11 1/2 St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904.  Or drop by and give a donation as you visit Uturn.  Over the next few weeks, our focus will be to improve the event center area of Uturn and begin using it ASAP.  Having events at Uturn will continue to raise awareness, allow us to serve our city and raise more funds to complete the coffee bar area, meet Health Department guidelines, and clean up some construction bills, etc.  Look for the Billboard out front to change in the next few weeks, and a Uturn sign displayed above the main entrance.  Along with carpet, flooring, sound proofing and more to be completed.  You can make a big difference right now.  You can helps us “GET-ER DONE”.  $5,000 + $5,000 + $5,000 = GET-ER DONE.  God is already at work.  As I write this we have already received over $500 towards the $5,000 challenge.  Praise God with us and join the adventure as we move forward with fresh energy, focus and commitment.

Victim Services Sexual Assault Program to hold Volunteer Training

---Sexual assault can happen to anyone.  And when it does, knowing there is someone to turn to can make all the difference in the world for victims and their families.  The Sexual Assault Program of Victim Services trains volunteers to offer such support to survivors of sexual assault in Dodge, Olmsted and Fillmore counties.  This required 40-hour course teaches prospective volunteers the skills necessary to become crisis line advocates.  The next training session will be held Tuesday evenings March 9th through September 21st from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and will include two Saturday sessions, October 16th and November 6th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The training will be held in Rochester and is free to those wanting to become volunteers.  For more information about becoming a volunteer with Victim Services, call Kris Barry at 328-7276.  Interested applicants must apply by September 14th , 2010.

Housing Access Services, A partnership of The Arc of Minnesota &  the Minnesota Department of Human Services:

Are you ready to move?

Housing Access Services helps people move to a place of their own one person at a time to a place of their choice.  Typically, people are moving to modest living arrangements by themselves or at times with a roommate to off-set household expenses. 
Housing Access Services staff will:
· Accompany you when you look for housing.
· Help complete rental applications and lease agreements.
· Meet with you and landlords/property staff.
· Have knowledge of applications for publicly financed housing.
· Develop household budgets.
· Assist with finding affordable furnishings and related household matters. 
· Move your belongings to your new home. 
· Assist with or find funding to help with start-up costs such as rental deposits.
· Assist with on-going support related only to housing.

Who is eligible? 

Adults of all ages assessed and determined eligible for Minnesota Medicaid home care or State plan waiver services.  This includes people eligible for Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) or Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS). Housing Access Services can’t…Help people move to provider controlled settings such as group homes, assisted living settings or places that are congregate mainly occupied by people with disabilities. Housing Access Services can…Help people move to their own place where they are on the lease and have their own keys. Contact Melissa Evans or Debbie Monahan at Arc Southeastern Minnesota, 507-287-2032, 888-732-8520, melissa@arcse-mn.org, dmonahan@arcse-mn.org, or The Arc of Minnesota at 651.523.0823 or www.thearcofminnesota.org to get started.  This is a state wide program.
 

Help yourself become a better educated HOMEBUYER.  The Community Housing Partnership announces the next series of monthly classes:

Thursday / Tuesday evenings August 12, 17, 19, from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

These classes will help individuals gain a step by step understanding of the home buying process.  Special assistance programs that make home ownership more affordable will be explained. Advanced registration is required and a $25 fee is charged.  Please call 507-328-7170.

August and September 2010
COLLABORATION WITH THE ROCHESTER ART CENTER – Saturday August 7 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Make a watercolor painting of your favorite zoo animal or simply paint the beautiful landscape at Oxbow Park.  Visitors of all ages are free to roam the park grounds and enjoy a day of self-guided painting.  Art supplies will be provided free of charge.  Art center and park staff will be on hand to assist.
FEED THE OTTERS – Saturday August 14 at 1:00 p.m.
The otters eat, you watch!  Who will you root for, the otters or the minnows?  This popular program promises to educate and entertain!  (All Ages)
PRAIRIE HIKE – Saturday August 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Come and enjoy a beautiful morning stroll through one of Oxbow’s restored native prairies.  A park naturalist will guide you on a short hike while discussing the benefits of native prairie grasses. (All Ages)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        DEER AND ELK FEEDING – Saturday August 28 at 1:00 p.m.
A short hike over to the elk and deer pens will allow participants to get a closer look at these spectacular creatures.  Come and learn more about antlers, deer and elk behavior, and possibly even get the chance to give them a treat!  (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors, etc.)
BEAR FEEDING – Saturday September 4 at 10:00 a.m.
Our resident black bear is hungry once again!  Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears.  We will tempt her with a wide variety of foods.  What will she eat first?  Come to this program to find out!  (All Ages)
RAPTOR FEEDING – Saturday September 11 at 3:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon learning more about some of our area’s most common birds of prey.  Not only will you enjoy hearing interesting facts, but you’ll also enjoy watching them eat.  (All ages)
BISON FEEDING – Saturday September 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Bring the entire family out for a closer look at the majestic Plains Bison. You'll learn interesting facts about these marvelous beasts and get a close-up look at feeding time.  A short hike is involved, and accommodations can be made for folks needing to drive to the bison pen.  (All Ages)
SEED COLLECTING – Saturday September 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Come and enjoy a beautiful morning stroll through one of Oxbow’s restored native prairies.  A park naturalist will guide you on a short hike while discussing the benefits of native prairie grasses. (All Ages)

*In case of inclement weather please call 775-2451 for program details.