Casey Bishop (daughter of Brad and Joy (Bishop) Cole) was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) on December 16, 2009. A few days after her diagnosis, Casey suffered a stroke which has caued loss of her left peripheral vision in both eyes. Prior to her diagnosis, Casey was teaching second grade in Garden City, Kansas. Casey has many months of inpatient treatment ahead of her with the hopes of returning to work by January 2011. Her treatment will then continue for three more years. A benefit is being organized to assist her in the ongoing medical costs and transportation to her appointments. To read more about her and her journey go to her Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caseybishop.  

The benefit will be Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, at the Stewartville American Legion. There will be a silent auction from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. There will also be a free will donation dinner of pork and turkey sandwhiches, salad, beans, and other items. There will also be some activities for children and adults for a small fee.

“ Chocolate, Champagne & Candlelight “ November 6, 2010, DeSoto House Hotel.  A wildly popular, sinfully delicious, and elegant chocolate affair including two lavish buffets offering chocolate plus a few non-chocolate desserts, held by the "Spirits of the Museum" (a volunteer support organization for the museum).  A portion of the sales will be donated to the historical society. A silent auction of unique Galena items donated by generous local businesspeople will round out the evening.  Tickets include a glass of champagne. You may get your tickets over the phone with a Visa or Mastercard, or if you are in town they are available at the museum, Dick's Supermarket, or the DeSoto House Hotel.  Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Admission: $14.00, reservations recommended. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=669&mode=event.

 “ Galena Halloween Parade “ October 30, 2010, Downtown Galena.  The largest and most spectacularly spooky Halloween parade in the tri-state area floats down Main St. Galena. Floats, costumes, prizes and treats for guys and "ghouls" of all ages.  Time: 6:30 pm, Admission: Free. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events.

“ Galena Halloween Balloon Glow “ October 29, 2010 Galena River.  See spectacular hot air balloons lit from within at dusk as they are lined up along the Galena River. Weather permitting.  Time: Beginning at dusk, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Admission: Free.  For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=832&mode=event.

“ Galena Country Fair “ Dates:  October 9-10, 2010, Grant Park.  More than 150 vendors offering original, handmade arts, crafts and fine arts. Fair food, live entertainment, children’s games, farmers' markets.  Arts & Crafts Hand-selected vendors ensure high quality products year after year.  Farmers' Markets: Maple syrup, honey and locally-grown apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds.  Fair Food: Fair favorites including caramel apples, homemade French fries, funnel cakes, fudge, baked potatoes and ice cream.  Country Bake Shop: Some of Jo Daviess County's best bakers come together for one of the largest bake sales in the area! Homemade breads, cakes, pies, cookies and pastries.  Live Entertainment: The event schedule is packed with live bands. Enjoy a traditional Irish dancing performance each day.  Family Fun: Children’s games, live music, great food, silent auction and raffle.  Parking & Shuttle: Free remote parking and shuttle daily from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.  Time: Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Admission: $2.00 donation appreciated. For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=607&mode=event.

“ Galena Oktoberfest “ October 2, 2010, Galena's Eastside Riverfront.  Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.  Admission: Adults $3.00, Children 12 and Under Free.  For more information visit: http://www.visitgalena.org/illinois-events?eventID=595&mode=event.

A free one day camp for children and teens ages 5 - 18 years who have experienced a loss will be held at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, 7921 CTY RD 6 SW, Stewartville Minnesota on Saturday May 15 from 8am - 4pm.  The Mayo Hospice Program, with support from the Department of Chaplian Services and Mayo Eugenio Litta Chidren's Hospital invites you to participate in the Healing Adventures Camp.  For further information including a list of events please email: Carol Kuisle at kuisle.carol@mayo.edu or call (507)284-1690 or 1-800-679-9084.  Registrations must be received by Friday April 30th, 2010.

Lions, Leos and Community Volunteers are welcom to come and lend a helping hand! We'll start the day at 7:30am with donuts, juice, and coffee.  We'll wrap up the day at 1:00pm with brats, burgers, and beverages! Volunteeers are encouraged to bring garden & construction tools, cleaning products, rags, paint brushes, etc.  Work day projects will include Cleaning Cabins & Buildings, Cleaning Dining Hall, Tree & Branch Removal, Painting & Staining, Grounds Clean-up, Campground Maintenance and lots more.  Camp Winnebago is located at 19708 Camp Winnebago RD, Caledonia MN 55921.  For further information call (507)724-2351 or email: director@campwinnebago.org.

The Honor Flight is a program to help send our VETERANS to Washington D.C. to see the Memorial built in their memory for those that have served and or given their lives to and for our country.  Please be generous in your giving to helping with this worthy cause.  Honor Flight Fundraiser, Pine Island American Legion, Saturday April 17th 4pm - 8pm.  All You Can Eat Fish Fry.  Cost is $8.00.  For further information contact Anne at (507)356-8441 or Shirley at (507)356-8503.

Crossroads Horse Ministry coming to Castner Riding Arena at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Saturday April 3rd at 4pm.  Watch as BJ takes a young cold from wild rebellion to trusting submission as he develops a relationship with the horse.  Listen as he explains the relationship between the trainer and the horse and how it parallels to our relationship to Jesus Christ.  Learn why the horse begins to turst as BJ rides him for the first time.  As you witness this awesome display of grace and trust, you will learn how it applies to your won life and your relationship with our lord.  Wheter you are a believer and fully committed to Christ or in a stage of rebellion....CrossRoads Horse Ministry will touch your heart and soul bringing you even closer to god's love.  For more information visit: www.crossroadshorseministry.com or call (507)533-9933 or email: courtney@ironwoodsprings.com.

Seder is the traditional Passover Week Dinner clelebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus giving thanks to God for deliverance and redemption.  Seder is also called the Passover Dinner, commemorationg the protection of God as the Angel of Death over every family protected by the Blood of the Paschal Lamb.

Family Of Christ Lutheran Church invites you to a Christian Seder Meal on Thursday April 1st at Rochester Central Lutheran School at 6:30pm.  Please R.S.V.P. by Friday March 19th by calling Pastor Henry Biar at 424-2902.

Sons of Norway Kristiania Lodge 47, located at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola RD NE, Rochester MN will have a Finish Cuisine meal starting at 6pm Saturday March 27th.  Guest speaker will be Ulla Ahtaja speaking about "Life In Finland".  The public is welcome to attend.

Lutheran Hour Ministries flagship program and the world's longest running christian out reach radio broadcast weekly on more than 8oo stations throughtout Northamerica, as well as worldwide viat American Forces Network ans Satellite Radio presents Rev. Ken Klaus speaker of The Lutheran Hour as the guest speaker at Grace Lutheran Church at 800 East Silver Lake Drive in Rochester at 6:00pm on March 27th and at 8:00am & 10:30am on March 28th Palm Sunday weekend.  For more information visit: www.lutheranhour.org.

Oasis Church would like to announce this month's "Super Market Saturday" with Channel One Food Shelf.  Food will be distributed at Oasis Church from 10am - Noon on Saturday March 27th.  For further information call Oasis Church at (507)289-8596 or visit: www.oasischurchroch.org.

Faith Lutheran Church Hwy 14 East in ST. Charles MN will hold a Mission Ruammage Sale on Thurs. 3/25 from 1pm - 7pm, Fri. 3/26 from 8am -5pm and Sat. 3/27 from 8am - Noon.

Arts relief for Haiti at the Rochester Art Center. March 25th.  Tickets on sale now at the Art Center for $10.00.  Activities will include: Art Auction, Live Music, Haitian Rice, Speakers and a cash bar.

17th annual Hospice Foundation Of America Live Satellite Teleconference "Living With Grief" "Cancer and End-Of-Life-Care" March 24th 12:30pm - 3:30pm in Judd Hall, Mayo Building 200 1st ST. SW, Rochester MN 55902.  Sponsored by Mayo Hospice Program.  For more information call (507)284-4002.

Take a leisurely walk through Quarry Hill Park to view the birds returning to Minnesota.  Binoculars are available to use at the Nature Center.  Sponsored By Zumbro Valley Audubon Society.  Famileis and children welcom.  Free and open to the public Saturday April 3rd 9am Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek RD NE, Rochester MN 55906.

Don Mitchell will share strategies for turning your yard into a hummingbird haven and share plant recommendations to attract hummingbirds to your Minnesota garden.  Tuesday March 23rd, 7pm at Somerby Golf Club, 975 Somerby Parkway NE Byron MN, 55920.  Sponsored by Zumbro Valley Audubon Society.  Free and open to the public.

Interested in making your own maple syrup? This seminar will cover everything you need to know fro bringing homemade syrup to your table.  Adults and youth over age 15 are able to join the fun.  An adult must accompany those under 18 years of age.  Reservations are required.  Cost $10 per person.  contact Megan at 1-888-800-9558 or camps@eagle-bluff.org to register or for more information.