Daily Events

Announcements as of Dec. 26
December 26, 2009

NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA: Tickets are now on sale for the Second Annual Minot Young Professionals New Year's Eve Gala Dec. 31 in the Holiday Inn-Riverside. The event is open to everyone ages 21 and over. Dress will be semi-formal. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will includes a California salad with poppy seed dressing and a choice of chicken kiev, roast beef or vegetarian alfredo with oven-browned baby potatoes and green beans. The band 24Seven will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cost is $35 for Young Professionals members and Minot State University students and $45 for the public. The group is also selling a limited number of tables for businesses to purchase. The cost is $500 and includes eight gala tickets, reserved seating and two bottles of champagne. Young Professionals Minot, housed within the Minot Chamber of Commerce, is comprised of young professionals, ages 21-39, living or working in the Minot area. The mission is to create social and business networking opportunities and community enhancement projects for young professionals in the Minot area. Tickets are available at the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce office weekdays or by calling 852-6000. Visit the Web site at (www.ypminot.com) for more information.

BABYSITTERS' TRAINING: Preregistration is now being taken for Babysitters' Training offered Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. by the Mid-Dakota Chapter of the American Red Cross. The cost is $40, which includes a book and training materials. Youth, ages 11 and older, may sign up. Youth will learn essential care-giving methods and decision-making skills; safety skills; how to prevent and respond to emergencies; and tips on finding and interviewing for baby-sitting jobs. Call 852-2828 to preregister.

NEW ROCKFORD THEATER: "Cold Feet" runs in New Rockford's Opera House Jan. 2, Jan. 8 and Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 3 and Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. "Cold Feet" is a musical romp through the lives of four committed bachelors on the most important night of their lives at Hanson's Bar in New Rockford. A multitalented cast of four actor/musicians blaze a hilarious journey through the landscape of their lives and relationships, discovering each other's secrets, healing old wounds, and ultimately helping each other deal with their biggest fear: Women. Tickets are $19 and seats can be reserved by calling 947-2174, or online at (www.dprca.com).

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES: Registration starts Jan. 4 for the Minot Public Schools Community Education Classes, winter quarter. Visit the Web site at (www.mpscommunityed.org) for complete information.

SKEPTICAL SOCIETY: The Minot Skeptical Society will meet Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Center for Family Medicine, 1201-11th Ave. SW. Dr. Darrell Williams will present "Science and Spirituality." Refreshments will be provided and a question and answer session will follow. 

SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS: A Signing with Jolene class will be offered Tuesdays starting Jan. 5 and continuing through March 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Minot. The class will offer participants an opportunity to learn basic sign language to use with young children. Signing can be an effective, fun way to decrease frustration between you and the young child. The class is presented by the North Dakota State University Extension Parent Resource Center-Ward County and funded by the North Dakota Department of Human Services. The class is free but preregistration is required by calling Holly Arnold at 857-6450. Participants need to commit to all sessions.

MINOT MODEL REUNION COMMITTEE: The Minot Model Alumni Association Reunion 2010 Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand International Inn except for December. The next meeting is Jan. 5. The committee needs all the class chairmen to attend. Anyone interested in helping may also attend.

THEATER AUDITIONS: Auditions for the Minot Area Theatrical Society's comical mystery farce "Let's Murder Marsha" by Monk Ferris will be Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Bagel Stop's reading room, and Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Minot Public Library's South Meeting Room. The cast calls for three men and four women in a range of ages. No prior experience in theater is required. Volunteers are needed to provide assistance backstage as well. The production, under the direction of Terry J. Aman, runs April 8-11 in the Vegas Hotel in Minot. For more information, contact Terry at 526-3360 or 833-5813.

COMMUNITY THEATER: Reservations are now being taken for Mouse River Players Community Theatre's production of the light drama "Prairie Heart" by T.M. Sell Jan. 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Arlene Saugstad Theater, downtown, Minot, 115-1st St. SE. The play is a "humorous and gentle look at the relationships of Scandinavian immigrants to North Dakota during the early 20th century." Admission is by season ticket or individual tickets for $10 per person. Advance reservations for a specific performance must be made to guarantee seating at that performance. The reservation line is 1-866-667-1977, and people are asked to mention any special needs when making reservations.

CHILDREN'S THEATER CLASSES: Mouse River Players will host a series of theater classes geared for children 8-12 years old in January and February. Classes will be Saturdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Mouse River Players Community Theatre, 115-1st St. SE, and will be taught by a variety of established local theater personalities. All children, with or without prior experience, may participate. There is no set fee, but a contribution of $5 per class, per child, is suggested. The classes are in conjunction with the annual children's production, scheduled for March, and all elements taught in the series are fundamental to the show's success. All classes will consist of warm-ups, theater games, and hands-on activities but each session will have a different focus. Sessions will be held Jan. 16, 23 and 30 and Feb. 6. Auditions for the children's show, "Monkey Magic," a compilation of short Chinese tales, will be Feb. 13. "Monkey Magic" will be presented March 19, 20 and 21. Call 838-3939 for more information or to reserve a spot for classes.

ART EVENT FOR CHILDREN: The Taube Museum of Art in Minot is once again sponsoring Art Ala Carte Saturdays for children and adults, an all-you-can-eat lunch, including dessert and beverage, and children's art activities. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. these Saturdays: Jan. 16, grilled cheese and tomato soup; Feb. 6, Soup It Up; March 6, spaghetti and meatballs; April 3, chicken fingers and Tator Tots; May 1, cheeseburger and fries; and June 5, Fiesta Fun Run - Mexican. Prices are $6 for members; $8 for non-members; and $5 for children ages 10 and younger, payable at the door. That includes the lunch and art activities. A lunch ticket must be purchased to participate in art activities. The art activities are open to children of all ages and are in the Taube Education Classroom. No preregistration is needed. Call 838-4445 for more information.

PUPPY MANNERS CLASS: Action Agility Dog Training Club Puppy Manners Class will begin Jan. 16. The class is for puppies 6 months or younger. It includes basic obedience, socialization and general puppy care. Call 852-4722 or check the Web site,  (www.actionagility.com) for more information.

ACTORS NEEDED: The Crisis Company, Boulder, Colo., is looking for actors to help train first responders in verbal de-escalation of crisis situations. These positions are paid independent contractor positions. People ages 16 to senior citizens are needed and acting experience is not a requirement. Auditions will be Feb. 4 in Minot. E-mail Jen Summers at jen.summers@crisiscompany.com for more information.

COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY: College Goal Sunday 2010 will be at 11 sites in North Dakota including Minot State University Feb. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. in MSU's Old Main, third floor. The free event helps college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is open to students planning to attend any college or university. Financial Aid professionals from MSU and other volunteers will be available to help families complete the 2010-11 FAFSA. Students who complete a FAFSA that day will be eligible for drawings for prizes and scholarships. Log on at (www.fafsa.gov) to print a "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" to help prepare. A completed 2009 federal tax return is necessary to complete the FAFSA. For more information on College Goal Sunday, visit (www.collegegoalnd.org) or contact the MSU Financial Aid Office at 858-3375 or 800-777-0750, ext. 3375.

HOMEWORK HELP: The Minot Public Library now offers an online tutor service for students, available all hours by computer. The service offers free academic and career resources and tutoring from Tutor.com. Students in grades kindergarten through 12 and college students can get help with homework, studying, projects, essay writing and test prepararation in subjects including algebra, statistics, chemistry, physics, social studies, English and more. Adults can get help with resume writing, GED preparation and academic support. All sessions are online and one-to-one with a live tutor. Visit the Web site at (www.minotlibrary.org) or call the library at 852-1045 for more information.

CLUBS DIRECTORY: The 30th edition of the Clubs and Organizations Directory that is compiled annually by the Information and Referral Office in the Minot Public Library is now available for the public for $3 per directory. The directory lists clubs and organizations including human service agencies in the Minot area, contact persons, addresses and phone numbers. People may purchase the directory at the library Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additional information is also available from the Information and Referral Office including meeting room availability in the Minot area, day-care center listings, library and community events and consumer information. Call Debbie at the library's Information and Referral office at 852-0333 for more information.

LIBRARY HOME DELIVERY: The Minot Public Library offers home delivery through the library's Special Services Program. The program is for people who are homebound, who have a visual or physical disability or who live in a nursing home or assisted living center. The collection includes books in regular or large print format and audiobooks on cassette and compact discs and music CDs or cassettes. Call Lacey or Jeanne at 852-1045 for more information.

ART NEEDED: Individuals or organizations with information, art or collections to share are encouraged to contact the Minot Public Library about lobby display.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Girl Scouts ­ Dakota Horizons of Minot is seeking volunteers in Minot, the Minot Air Force Base and the surrounding areas. Volunteers are needed, even if you only have an hour, a day or a weekend to volunteer. Call 852-5611 or 1-800-279-5306 for more information on volunteering. 

LIBRARY LEGOS: The Minot Public Children's Library wants to start a LEGO club for children. The club would meet monthly with a theme to build each month. The library is soliciting donations of LEGOs. LEGOs in good condition may be dropped off at the Children's Library. Time and dates of meetings will be set when LEGOs are obtained. Call 838-0606 for more information.

CELL PHONES RECYCLING: Easter Seals Goodwill ND, Inc. in Minot is collecting used cell phones Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the local office, 800-12th Ave. SW. Easter Seals Goodwill will be paid for each cell phone sent to Absolute Communications for recycling. Phones that are donated will be cleaned and given to agencies that need them.

CPR CLASS: The Minot Family YMCA offers a CPR-PR course the second Saturday of each month. The cost for the class is $75. People must preregister for the class. Call the Y at 852-0141 for preregistration information.

GARRISON DAM TOURS: Scheduled tours of the Garrison Dam Power Plant will be given to large groups Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tours will include the generator floor, turbines, penstocks and tailrace areas. Purses, cameras, diaper bags and cell phones are not allowed. All people over age 18 need identification. To schedule a tour, call Linda Phelps at 654-7411, ext. 246.

INFORMATION SERVICES: The Information and Referral office is an information service provided by the Minot Public Library. The mission of the office is to gather information of vital concern and to provide the information to those who need it. The primary function is to link people in need of information with the appropriate organization or agency that can meet their needs. The Information and Referral Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact Debbie at 852-0333 if you have questions or stop by at 516-2nd Ave SW.

DRIVERS NEEDED: The North Dakota Association for the Disabled in Minot needs drivers to transport individuals to out-of-town medical appointments. Drivers would use their own vehicles and would get mileage reimbursement. A van accessible for transporting people with handicaps is also available for some appointments. Contact Debbie at 838-8414 if you are interested in being a driver and for more information.

WISH LIST: The 2nd Story Social Club has a wish list of items needed. Those who would like to donate may bring monetary donations, envelopes, bingo prizes, paper towels, plastic silverware, paper plates, tissues, toilet paper, Styrofoam cups, napkins, tin foil, coffee filters, hand soap, pool cues, envelopes, cleaning supplies, dish soap, air freshener, 13 gallon garbage bags, healthy snacks, frozen pizza, cookies, bars, coffee and pop, CDs and DVDs. The club is located at 13-1st Ave. SW. The best time to drop off donations is weekdays between 2 and 9:30 p.m. 2nd Story is a social club for adults with developmental disabilities. It is accessible for those with handicaps. Call 838-0912 for more information.

RAILROAD MUSEUM RECYCLING: The Railroad Museum of Minot is asking people to bring their recyclable materials to the museum any Saturday or call the museum at 852-7091 so someone can pick up the materials. The museum is collecting paper and metals, including aluminum beverage cans. Recycling money will be used for projects at the museum.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Rehab Services Inc. in Minot is seeking volunteers for its newest program called Recoveree Connection. Volunteers provide telephone support for North Dakotans in drug and alcohol recovery. Volunteers should have experience in the recovery process. Please call Deanne Markle at 839-4240 for more information or stop by Rehab Services at 112-2nd Ave. SW (former Embassy building) to pick up a volunteer application.

RAILROAD SAFETY VOLUNTEERS: North Dakota Operation Lifesaver is seeking passionate volunteers to help spread their message about railroad safety. N.D. Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public information and safety education program dedicated to eliminating collisions, deaths, and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights-of-way. For more information or to volunteer please contact Serena Schmit at 223-6372 or send e-mail to serenas@ndsc.org.

EASTER SEALS SERVICES: Easter Seals Goodwill ND Inc. offers in-home support services for people with disabilities and for senior citizens; offers personal care, homemaker and other services; rents equipment including walkers, wheel chairs and other medical equipment; and operates the Goodwill Retail Store in Minot. The office is located at 800-12th Ave. SW. Call 838-0669 or 839-4121 for more information. Those interested in volunteering at the store may call Debbie at 852-1201.

CHILD-CARE HELP: Are you looking for child care for your infant, preschool or school-age child? Child Care Resource and Referral can assist you in evaluating your child-care needs and give you a customized list of available child-care providers in your area. For assistance in choosing a child-care provider, call 838-7800.

LITERACY FUNDRAISER: The Minot Adult Literacy Volunteers organization is collecting used books, cell phones and inkjet cartridges as part of an ongoing fundraising effort. People may drop these items off at a collection center inside the Minot Adult Learning Center at 1609-4th Ave. NW.

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS: The Minot Commission on Aging needs volunteers to assist with preparing for Meals on Wheels delivery from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and also needs volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels starting at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. If you are willing to give a few hours during the week or just a day every so often, please call 852-0561 for more information.

MONTHLY BUS PASSES: Monthly City Bus passes are available at the Minot Public Works Office, 1025-31st St. SE, and at Water Billing, 515-2nd Ave. SW. Passes for passengers with disabilities, senior citizens and students are $20. Adult passes are $26. Call 857-4140 for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PANTRY, CLOTHING CENTERS: Volunteers are needed to work in the food and clothing pantry of Faith United Methodist Church. The pantry is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information and to volunteer, call the church at 838-1540. The Seventh-day Adventist Church's Clothing Center in the church at 1624 S. Main St. is now open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch 2nd Chance Thrift Store in Minot needs volunteers to help with organizing clothes, hanging and tagging clothes, helping maintain store appearance, filling shelves and straightening the sales floor and helping out where needed. Call Justin at 852-0236 or stop at the store at 1206 S. Broadway if you are interested or for more information.

HISTORICAL VOLUNTEERS: The Ward County Historical Society needs volunteers to help with the collection, archives and research center. Volunteers will be trained in handling, storage, documentation and digitization of photographs, documents and artifacts. Volunteers can help save the region's history. Hours will be flexible. Call Mark Timbrook at 838-1790 or send e-mail to wchs@minot.com if you are interested in volunteering.

MEDICAL TRAINING: If you are in need of CPR or First Aid training, ACLS training or PALS training, please contact the Community Ambulance Service of Minot Education/Training at 852-9483 for these classes.

BUSINESS PROGRAM: The Minot Service Corps of Retired Executives office at 1925 S. Broadway is staffed by SCORE counselors every Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals may visit with SCORE members to learn about SCORE and/or to receive information about their business venture. Call 852-6883 for more information.

COMPANIONS FOR CHILDREN: Companions for Children matches adult volunteers with youth from single-parent homes for friendship, fun and extra adult companionship. Openings are available for adults interested in volunteering. Call 838-5784 for information.

TOUR GUIDES NEEDED: The Scandinavian Heritage Association is looking for volunteers to guide visitors through the Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot and to explain the buildings and uses to visitors. Interested persons should call Jeanne at 852-9161.

MENTORING PROGRAM: The YWCA Minot is looking for mentors (male and female) for its mentoring program for youth ages 14-18. Call 838-1812 for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Mid-Dakota Chapter of the American Red Cross needs volunteers to staff the phone lines. The chapter is taking calls as part of the Response Center Network. Within hours of a major disaster, the American public can get immediate disaster-related assistance by calling the Red Cross GET-INFO line. Call 852-2828 to become a volunteer.

VOLUNTEERS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Volunteers for Mouse River Players Community Theatre are needed throughout the year for lights, costumes, makeup, set design, general cleaning and other tasks. People interested in volunteering should call the Mouse River Players' office at 838-3939. The theater also needs Scott bathroom tissue, facial tissues, paintbrushes, paint rollers and covers, paper plates and Styrofoam cups, and pop and bottled water for the concession area.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you are age 55 or over, you are invited to join the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference in the community where you live. The Program also provide volunteers with a number of benefits such as supplemental insurance, transportation, and recognition banquets. Call Linda at 852-3799 for more information. The RSVP is now in Trinity-St. Joseph's, 407-3rd St. SE.

SENIOR LEAGUE: Anyone age 50 and over is invited to join the Senior Citizens League of Minot. Handicapped persons under the age of 50 are also welcome to join. The league has various activities including social cards, bingo, dances, pool, Bible study, line dancing and other exercise. League members meet in the Parker Senior Center, 21-1st Ave. SE. Call 852-3323 for more information.

OLD FOGIES HELPING HANDS CLUB: The club is looking for new members. One of the goals of the club is to put together fund-raisers for needy people. For more information, location and meeting date, call Barb at 839-5264.

SENIOR INFO-LINE: The North Dakota Senior Info-Line service is directly provided by the Aging Services Division of the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Call 1-800-451-8693 for information.

SENIOR COMPANIONS NEEDED: Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota is seeking senior companions in the Minot area. Companions provide help and friendship to older adults in the community. For more information call 1-800-450-1510.

RAILROAD MUSEUM: The Railroad Museum of Minot needs more donations and materials so that more displays can be completed. Needed are Sheetrock, lumber, paint, doors and skilled laborers to do some of the work. Call the museum at 852-7091 if you can help.

CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED: The North Dakota Department of Human Services is recruiting volunteer citizen representatives to serve as long-term care community ombudsmen. Call Bryan Fredrickson at 1-888-342-4900 for more information.

RED CROSS WORKERS: The American Red Cross is looking for a few good people. The ARC's Armed Forces Emergency Services has vacancies for After-Hours Caseworkers. These volunteer positions are people who work from their homes, at no expense to the volunteers. Training is provided. Call 852-2828 if you are interested.

USED BOOKS: The Adult Literacy Program in Minot is looking for used books. People may drop them off at the Adult Learning Center, 1609-4th Ave. NW. They will be used for a book sale and reading materials for students.

BRIDGE: Call the Minot YWCA at 838-1812 to reserve your spot for Beginning Duplicate Bridge Monday evenings.

TEEN TRAINING: Community Action Opportunities Inc. will be offering Teen Court Training for new youth volunteers ages 13-17. Youth volunteers serve as teen attorneys, court clerks, bailiffs and jurors. Volunteers receive training from area attorneys, meet new friends and learn about the judicial system. Call 839-7221 for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Women's Way needs community volunteers to help inform area women about free screening services. Call 1-800-449-6636 for information.

PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED: New members are welcome at the Minot Camera Club, which meets the first and third Mondays from September through May, except for December when the club meets only the first Monday. The club meets at 7 p.m. in the Minot Public Library Community Room. Call Fern Vannett at 838-5930 for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Girls, ages 5-17, need volunteers to help them earn badges, serve the community and have fun. If you are interested in being a leader, contact the Northwest North Dakota Girl Scout Council at 852-5611.

MAKE-A-WISH: The nonprofit organization Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota is searching for volunteers in the Minot area. The foundation grants wishes to North Dakota children with life-threatening medical conditions. Currently, the foundation has opportunities for volunteering which include area volunteer chair, wish granting, the speaker bureau, airport greeters and special event organizers. Call the foundation in Fargo at 280-9474 or visit the Web site at (www.ndwish.org) to volunteer and for more information.

NUTRITION PROGRAM: The Family Nutrition Program is a federally funded program administered by NDSU Extension Service. The program offers classes, displays and demonstrations on nutrition, cooking, menu planning, food safety and managing food dollars. The program is available at no cost to Ward and Renville County limited resource residents. Information may be delivered to large groups, small groups or on an individual basis. Call Trisha or Holly at 857-6450 for more information.