Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Several celebrity plungers are braving the cold for a good cause this Saturday including: the Cardinal softball team; Chris Kendall, vice president of student life; John Duerst, residence life director; and Christian Brothers Robertolino, Christhian, Peter, and Miguel.

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. Donations can be dropped off with Alex Bilski in the Development Office (60 Heffron Hall) or mailed to campus mailbox #21 with attention to “Cardinal Plunge.”

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 429-7960.

Chamber Orchestra to perform Feb. 15

The Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Leung, will perform “Heart Wounds. Last Spring” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will feature a returning guest-artist, professor Maureen Yuen from State University of New York at Fredonia. She and Dr. Leung performed at Central Lutheran Church last year, and Saint Mary’s is excited to welcome her back to Winona to perform more works by Bach. She will be the featured soloist in Bach’s immortal “E Major Concerto for Solo Violin and Orchestra.”

In light of Valentine’s Day weekend, the Chamber Orchestra will offer two elegiac melodies by Romantic Norwegian composer Edvarg Grieg; Corelli's soulful concerto grosso for two solo violins, solo cello and orchestra; and the heart-breaking “Silouans Song” by mystical Estonian Arvo Part.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MCA offers drawing workshops for youth

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Visual Arts Division invites students in grades 4-7 to participate in drawing workshops from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, March 9, and April 13.

Drawing is a great skill for students to learn observation, memory, and dexterity. Young artists will explore still-life imaginative works, portraiture, and Japanese brush painting during these once-a-month workshops with local artist Julie Johnston.

New students are welcome, and those who have participated previously will be challenged with new themes and works. The price for all three workshops is $35 and includes all supplies.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.

Faculty, staff art now on display

“Saint Mary’s Creates,” an exhibition of creative works by the university faculty and staff, is now on display in the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public daily.

All members of the Winona Campus staff, faculty, and administration were invited to submit their creative endeavors for this exhibition.

The creative works include painting, drawing, photography, writing, quilts and fiber arts, sculpture and mixed media, and more.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump. Several celebrity plungers including Chris Kendall, vice president of student life; John Duerst, residence life director; and Christian Brothers Robertolino, Christhian, Peter, and Miguel are braving the cold for a good cause.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee. Donations can be dropped off with Alex Bilski in the Development Office (60 Heffron Hall) or mailed to campus mailbox #21 with attention to “Cardinal Plunge.”

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 429-7960.

Page Series to host puppet pirates Feb. 5

The Page Series will present the world’s only puppet, rock, yoga opera for families in search of calm during the Z Puppets Rosenschnoz production of “Monkey Mind Pirates” Feb. 5.

The epic tale, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, details how a sea captain discovers the secrets to navigating the stormy seas of stress. When Captain Fitz sets out for the Legendary Waters of Calm, the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates hijack his ship with anxiety, depression and distraction. The chaos turns his ship upside down and drives the captain overboard where he meets the Wise Sea Monkey. Find out how the captain learns to turn his “Arrghs” into “Oms,” regain peace, and tame the Monkey Mind Pirates.

Based in Minneapolis, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz tours their family-friendly comedies across the country. Z Puppets artists Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith have earned many awards, including support from the Jim Henson Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Puppeteers of America and the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Monkey Mind Pirates CD is winner of an award of excellence from Creative Child magazine and featured as a top pick by Creative Play Retailer.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Page Series presents Argentinean music Jan. 28

The Page Series will present a concert of Argentinean tango music featuring bandoneon star Héctor Del Curto Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The New York Times has praised Del Curto as “a splendid player” with “wistful, piercing solos on the bandoneon.” Del Curto has captivated audiences around the world as a soloist and chamber musician, sharing the stage with world-renowned tango legends, as well as with symphony orchestras and ballet companies worldwide.

The Argentinean tango has been in the Del Curto family since the early 1900s. Hector Del Curto’s great grandfather was a bandoneonist and composer, and his grandfather, also a great bandoneon player, introduced Héctor to the world of tango and the bandoneon. By the age of 17, Hector Del Curto had won the title “Best Bandoneon Player Under 25” in Argentina, and was invited to join the orchestra of the legendary Osvaldo Pugliese, the “Last Giant of Tango.”

Music will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

A Page in History about the Hector Del Curto Tango Quintet will be noon Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Wanek Room of the Winona County Historical Society, 160 Johnson St.

‘X Factor’ finalist Tim Olstad to perform today, Jan. 23

Tim Olstad, a top 10 finalist from the third season of FOX’s “The X Factor” returns to his hometown of Winona Jan. 23 for an evening of soulful originals and cover songs that showcase the versatility of one of America’s best loved up and coming male vocalists.

The event, part of the Off the Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 507-457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 507-429-7960.

Page Series to host puppet pirates Feb. 5

The Page Series will present the world’s only puppet, rock, yoga opera for families in search of calm during the Z Puppets Rosenschnoz production of “Monkey Mind Pirates” Feb. 5.

The epic tale, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, details how a sea captain discovers the secrets to navigating the stormy seas of stress. When Captain Fitz sets out for the Legendary Waters of Calm, the unruly Monkey Mind Pirates hijack his ship with anxiety, depression and distraction. The chaos turns his ship upside down and drives the captain overboard where he meets the Wise Sea Monkey. Find out how the captain learns to turn his “Arrghs” into “Oms,” regain peace, and tame the Monkey Mind Pirates.

Based in Minneapolis, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz tours their family-friendly comedies across the country. Z Puppets artists Shari Aronson and Chris Griffith have earned many awards, including support from the Jim Henson Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Puppeteers of America and the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Monkey Mind Pirates CD is winner of an award of excellence from Creative Child magazine and featured as a top pick by Creative Play Retailer.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Campus Ministry hosts events celebrating Martin Luther King

The Offices of Student Life, Student Activities, and Campus Ministry are hosting a variety of events planned for Saturday through Tuesday, Jan. 17-20, in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 17

Day of Service: “Living Faith and Seeking Justice.” In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Saint Mary’s student Volunteer Mentors will participatie in a service day in collaboration with the Catholic Worker communities of Winona and Lake City.

Jan. 18

Sunday Eucharist: “Here I Am, Lord: Martin Luther King and Prophetic Christian Witness,” 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., Saint Thomas More Chapel. Using the scriptures offered by the Church for this day—the call of Samuel and the call of the first disciples—the community will reflect on the life of the man who became America’s most well-known Christian prophet and martyr because of his work as the mouthpiece of a movement rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jan. 19

Audio Recording: “The Drum Major Instinct,” noon, Toner Student Center dining room. Given on Feb. 4, 1968, “The Drum Major Instinct” was one of the last sermons ever given by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before his tragic death on April 4. He warned and encouraged a congregation about the real work of social justice and Christian living: service. An audio recording of a slightly abridged version of the sermon will be played in the dining room during lunch.
Film: “Fruitvale Station,” 9 p.m., Salvi Lecture Hall. This is a critically acclaimed and award-winning 2013 film based on the true story of a fateful encounter between a young black man and a public transit police officer on the BART in San Francisco in the early hours of New Years Day, 2009.

Jan. 20

Panel: “#BlackLivesMatter: The Unfinished Business of the Civil Rights Movement,” 7 p.m., Toner Student Center lounge. Tragic events across the country have ignited a news-making series of protests and demonstrations concerning relations between law enforcement officers and the African American community, especially young black men. Saint Mary's University’s annual celebration of the unparalleled legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provides the perfect moment for students, faculty, staff and community members to discuss the meaning and trajectory of “#BlackLivesMatter” and its relationship to work of the civil rights movement.

Prayer: “Walk With Me: Night Prayer of Lamentation and Hope,” 8:45 p.m., President’s Room, Toner Student Center. Structured within the ancient Christian tradition of Compline (night prayer), the Saint Mary’s community will gather blending psalms, scripture, gospel music and the words of Dr. King to express both sorrow for the unfinished work of racial equality in America and hope that Christ continues to light the way toward a more just society.

Page Series presents Argentinean music Jan. 28

The Page Series will present a concert of Argentinean tango music featuring bandoneon star Héctor Del Curto Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The New York Times has praised Del Curto as “a splendid player” with “wistful, piercing solos on the bandoneon.” Del Curto has captivated audiences around the world as a soloist and chamber musician, sharing the stage with world-renowned tango legends, as well as with symphony orchestras and ballet companies worldwide.

The Argentinean tango has been in the Del Curto family since the early 1900s. Hector Del Curto’s great grandfather was a bandoneonist and composer, and his grandfather, also a great bandoneon player, introduced Héctor to the world of tango and the bandoneon. By the age of 17, Hector Del Curto had won the title “Best Bandoneon Player Under 25” in Argentina, and was invited to join the orchestra of the legendary Osvaldo Pugliese, the “Last Giant of Tango.”

Music will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

‘X Factor’ finalist Tim Olstad to perform Jan. 23

Tim Olstad, a top 10 finalist from the third season of FOX’s “The X Factor” returns to his hometown of Winona Jan. 23 for an evening of soulful originals and cover songs that showcase the versatility of one of America’s best loved up and coming male vocalists.

The event, part of the Off the Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Cardinal Plunge Feb. 7 to raise money for alumna

Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the sixth annual “Cardinal Plunge” noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, in coordination with the Winter Carnival Goose Bump Jump.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will again be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to Juliana Piscitiello, a 2006 Saint Mary’s alumna who was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a genetic, auto-immune disease and a chronic progressive form of arthritis which is destroying her spine. Piscitiello, former part-time faculty member at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, has enjoyed ballet since the age of 3 and has assisted with dance choreography on campus. Funds will be used to assist with the expense of her ongoing therapy, much of which is needed to reduce the severity of her painful symptoms. She could also benefit from adaptive equipment.

She is the daughter of Kathy (Ordahl) CST’70 Piscitiello and Tony Piscitiello ’69, senior advancement director at Saint Mary’s.

The cost to plunge is $20 ($15 for the Saint Mary’s community). Registration runs from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and a silent auction will be held inside the lodge between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee.

Pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2015. For more information, contact Alex Bilski at 507-457-6675 or Conner Ellinghuysen at 507-429-7960.

Opening reception for ‘Saint Mary's Creates’ is Jan. 22

The opening reception for “Saint Mary’s Creates,” the art show featuring works from faculty, staff, and administration, will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. Come and check out the talents of your colleagues.

Saint Mary’s 10K event scheduled for Jan. 25

This year’s Saint Mary’s 10K Nordic ski races will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Saint Mary’s University.

The public is invited to compete in three separate races: a 10K classic-style citizens’ event at 11 a.m., a kids’ Minnesota Youth Ski League race at noon; and a 10K skate-style race at 1 p.m.

Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes. All three races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. The cost to participate is $10 per race.

Registration, the starting line and the finish line will be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information, contact Pete Watkins (pwatkins@smumn.edu). To pre-register online, go to www.saintmaryssports.com.

Page Series brings ‘Janet’s Planet’ to Winona

The Page Series invites audiences to explore the vast universe with PBS’s “Janet’s Planet” on Thursday, Jan. 15. By focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), Janet’s Planet travels at the “speed of thought” and is designed to fuel STEAM potential in elementary school kids. Available on more than 140 public television stations nationwide, Janet Ivey of “Janet’s Planet” is excited to tour her introduction to the wonders of the galaxy.

The event is 6:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

X Factor’ finalist Tim Olstad to perform at Saint Mary’s Jan. 23

Tim Olstad, a top 10 finalist from Season 3 of FOX’s “The X Factor” returns to his hometown of Winona Jan. 23 for an evening of soulful originals and cover songs that showcase the versatility of one of America’s best loved up and coming male vocalists.

The event, part of the Off the Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Saint Mary’s ‘Lessons and Carols’ service is Dec. 6

The joyous and uplifting Christmas service of “Lessons and Carols” will be presented by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The beautiful service, held in the majestic Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, features the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea.

“Lessons and Carols” reflects on the Christmas story through several short readings, hymns and Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Music includes familiar carols and selections by composers from the Renaissance to the present.

The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels is located at Wabasha and Vila streets in Winona.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are available by calling the box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets at the door are available by cash or check only. Faculty and staff are eligible for two free tickets.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” today through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.

Heralding the message of peace on earth, “The Nutcracker” is performed around the globe during the holiday season. Producing this delightful ballet every other holiday season, the Dance Repertory Company once again brings this magical experience to the Winona area community for its eighth biennial production.

The 2014 cast includes over 80 members including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.

Through this ballet the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful magical Nutcracker Prince.  In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow, where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Baba.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.

For tickets, call the box office at Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.pagetheatre.org.