Daily Events

Announcements as of Dec. 5
December 5, 2009

PROGRAM ABOUT GRANTS: Preregistration is now being taken for an informational program about grants for non-profit organizations Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Minot Public Library's North Community Room. Those planning to attend should preregister by Dec. 14. Call Marilyn at 852-1045 to preregister.

HOLIDAY BELL RINGERS NEEDED: The Minot Salvation Army's Annual Bell Ringing Campaign is now under way and continues through Dec. 24. Volunteer bell ringers are needed Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Groups or individuals may choose to ring in shifts ranging from two to eight hours at several locations in Minot. Call 838-8925 to volunteer.

TOPS IN BLUE: Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, will present a show Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Minot Municipal Auditorium. The show, with music and dance, titled "To Dream," is free to the public. For more information, call the Minot Air Force Base Community Center at 723-4670 or visit the Web site at (www.topsinblue.com).

AREA BLOOD DRIVES: United Blood Services of Minot has numerous blood drives in December. Appointments to donate blood should be made ahead of time. Following is the schedule Dec. 8-10 and people to contact to make appointments: Velva, Dec. 8, 1 to 6 p.m., Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, call Roxanne Seltzer at 626-2280 or 338-2072 or Danielle Nichols at 338-2072; Mohall, Dec. 9, 2 to 7 p.m., Renville County Courthouse Community Room, call Jessica Gehringer at 240-7725 or Sandra Anderson at 833-9196; Rugby, Dec. 10, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Evangelical Free Church, Rugby, call Ray Minette at 776-6484 or send e-mail to raylois20@hotmail.com.

YOUNG DRIVERS COURSE: Preregistration is now being taken for the North Dakota Safety Council's Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Course Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Minot State University's Model Hall, Room 207. This four-hour program zeroes in on drivers between the ages of 14 and 25 ­ the group most likely to be involved in fatal collisions. Those who complete the course are eligible for an insurance discount and three-point reduction on their driving record. Pre-payment and preregistration are required. To preregister, log on to (www.ndsc.org,), and click on the Alive at 25 Icon or call the council in Bismarck at (800) 932-8890.

FUNDRAISING POKER TOURNAMENT: ND Leadership Seminar, a non-profit organization, is hosting a fundraising Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Dec. 12 at Wildwood Country Club near Burlington. Registration will be at 11 a.m. with poker starting at noon. A buy-in is $100 with no re-buys. Call Josh Ressler at 721-0092 for more information. ND Leadership Seminar sponsors an annual three-day seminar at the University of Mary in Bismarck for high school sophomores from across the state. The seminars focus on leadership, volunteerism and entrepreneurship and are free to students who participate. Money raised at the poker tournament will be used to help pay for the cost of putting on the seminars. For more information about ND Leadership Seminar, visit the Web site at (www.ndleadership.com).

FILIPINO-AMERICAN PARTY: The Filipino-American Association Christmas Party will be Dec. 12 with social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Holiday Inn-Riverside Coliseum Ballroom, Minot. Attire is semi-formal. There will be a visit from Santa Claus, cultural performances, professional photography, raffles and prizes. Cost for members is $18 for adults and $7 for children ages 3-8 for advance tickets. Cost for non-members is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-8 for advance tickets. Cost at the door will be $22 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-8. Call Marilou Pugatch at 721-6267 or Alita Iverson at 838-3675 for more information.

SWEDISH MEETING: The Swedish Heritage Society of Northwest North Dakota will have a program, "Sankta Lucia in Reading and Song ­ Share Christmas Traditions Observed in Your Homes," at the meeting Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Scandinavian Heritage Association Center, 1020 S. Broadway. Coffee and holiday treats will be served. Information on "A Touch of Sweden, Minnesota Style Bus Trip" to Minnesota will be available. The meeting is open to the public.

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: Dec. 12, pizza and salad; 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.

FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST: The Minot Eagles Auxiliary will have a fundraising breakfast to raise money for charity Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Minot Knights of Columbus Club, 2601 N. Broadway. Pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs will be served. The cost is $4.50 per person. Preschoolers may eat for free.

LIGHT UP LANSFORD: Judging will be Dec. 13 for the Light Up Lansford contest sponsored by the Lansford Teens for Christ. The group will award cash prizes for the Lansford Christmas lighting contest. There will be a prize for best religious display in the city; best religious display, rural; best general display in the city; best general display, rural; and a best business, church or organization display award. There will be a soup and chili feed at 6 p.m. in the Lansford Community Center with food from Schepps Dakota Deli. The Teens for Christ organization will supply bars and cookies. This will be a freewill offering. There will be a program at 7 p.m. with skits, music and a visit from Santa.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE: Preregistration is now being taken for the North Dakota Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course Dec. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Minot State University's Model Hall, Room 207. Those who complete the course are eligible for an insurance discount and three-point reduction on their driving record. Pre-payment and preregistration are required. To preregister, log on to (www.ndsc.org,) or call the council in Bismarck at 1-800-932-8890.

WILLOW CITY CELL PHONE COVERAGE: The Willow City Community Club will host a "Zap the Gap" meeting with the North Dakota Public Service Commission Dec. 14 at noon in the Willow City Community Hall. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am. PSC Commissioners Kevin Cramer, Tony Clark and Brian Kalk will chair the meeting which will focus on cell phone coverage in the Willow City area. The meeting is open to the public. Call Judy Peterson, chairperson of the Willow City Community Club at 366-4456 or send her  e-mail her at judypete@min.midco.net for more information.

RAILROAD REPRESENTATIVE AVAILABLE: A representative of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will be in Minot Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Federal Building, Room B-2, 100-1st St. SW, downtown Minot. The board is a federal agency which administers the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts. Appointments should be made by calling the Fargo office at 1-877-772-5772. Those with appointments will be assisted first. Those without appointments will be assisted as time permits.

COMMUNITY THEATER AUDITIONS: Mouse River Players Community Theatre will have auditions for the comedy, "The Compleat Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged" Dec. 18 and 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. in The Arlene Saugstad Theater, downtown, 115-1st St. SE. The cast calls for three adult males who will play a variety of roles. There are also opportunities to help with technical and backstage work. The director is Ryan Haider. Call 838-3939 for more information.

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 poppyseed 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CLUBS DIRECTORY: The 29th edition of the Clubs and Organizations Directory is available for the public for $3 per directory. The directory lists clubs and organizations including human service agencies in the Minot area, contact persons, with addresses and phone numbers. People may purchase the directory at the Minot Public Library's Information and Referral Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The directory is published annually. Club presidents and members are asked to submit updated information for the 30th edition of the directory, which will be published later. Call Debbie at the library's Information and Referral office at 852-0333 for more information. Additional information is also available from that office including meeting room availability in the Minot area, day-care center listings, library and community happenings and consumer information.

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, bingo prizes, paper towels, plastic silverware, paper plates, tissues, toilet paper, Styrofoam cups, napkins, 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 after 5 p.m. or on the weekends. 2nd Story is a social club for adults with developmental disabilities. The club is now accessible for those with handicaps.

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.