Gifts for Winona helping area families in need

The Saint Mary’s Gifts For Winona Program deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 12. A tree with tags is located in the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. If you would like to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter, take a tag from the tree, shop for the wish list on the tag (spending about $35), and wrap the present or presents before returning them to the Business Office with the tag. This is the 11th year that Saint Mary’s has organized this community gift-giving program, and last year more than 1,600 individuals and families were served, thanks to the generosity of the SMU community and the Winona community.

‘Savin’ Grace’ Concert is May 12 in Rushford

Grace Place will host its annual “Savin' Grace Concert” — featuring the MPK Christian Celtic Band — from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Rushford-Peterson High School. Proceeds will be used for an emergency shelter in Winona.

Saint Mary’s to participate in ‘Spruce Up Winona Day’

In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” the Volunteer Mentors group has invited Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service. Saint Mary’s student volunteers will be available from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 21, to help local individuals, groups, churches and organizations. For more information, contact Chris McClead at Ext. 7268 or cmcclead@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s to participate in ‘Spruce Up Winona Day’

In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” the Volunteer Mentors group has invited Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Saint Mary’s University student volunteers will be available from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 21, to help local individuals, groups, churches and organizations.

For more information, contact Chris McClead at Ext. 7268 or cmcclead@smumn.edu.

It’s a wrap for Gifts for Winona

The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program is “wrapping up.” Thanks go to everyone who shopped, wrapped, picked a tag, donated money, picked up gifts, did data entry and fielded phone calls. For 10 years, the SMU community has pulled together its talents to help make this communitywide gift-giving program a success. Together we helped more than 1,500 people have a happier holiday season!

Saint Mary’s helps sponsor Mid West Music Fest

The first Mid West Music Fest, scheduled for July 30-31, will bring together more than 50 bands and musical acts at various venues around Winona to raise funds for three local non-profit organizations: Winona SEMCAC Head Start, Winona Fine Arts Commission and Winona360.

Saint Mary’s is proud to support SMU alumni by sponsoring Koo Koo Kanga Roo’s performance in the Fest. Swing Inc., which features Eric Heukeshoven and Dr. John Paulson from the Music Department, and The Wet Bandits, which features Adam Stasica from the Office of Admission, are also on the roster.

As part of efforts to raise money for playground development at Semcac Head Start, a portion of the festival at the Lake Park Bandshell will cater specifically to children and families. There will be live music and entertainment as well as hands-on activities for children. SMU alum Emerald Hulsing will be presenting a workshop as part of the event.

A two-day all-access pass is $20 and up to two children under the age of 10 are permitted with each all-access pass. Admission for individual shows will range from $5 to $10 at the door.

For more information, go to www.midwestmusicfest.org.

Saint Mary’s helps sponsor Mid West Music Fest

The first Mid West Music Fest, scheduled for July 30-31, will bring together more than 50 bands and musical acts at various venues around Winona to raise funds for three local non-profit organizations: Winona SEMCAC Head Start, Winona Fine Arts Commission and Winona360.

Saint Mary’s is proud to support SMU alumni by sponsoring Koo Koo Kanga Roo’s performance in the Fest. Swing Inc., which features Eric Heukeshoven and Dr. John Paulson from the Music Department, and The Wet Bandits, which features Adam Stasica from the Office of Admission, are also on the roster.

“Our goal is to produce an all-ages, alcohol-free community event that really has a little something for everyone.” said Sam Brown, the festival founder.

An event for children is also in the works. A two-day all-access pass is $20 and up to two children under the age of 10 are permitted with each all-access pass. Admission for individual shows will range from $5 to $10 at the door.

For more information, go to www.midwestmusicfest.org.

Students to help spruce up Winona

In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services is organizing a group of student volunteers to help out Winona nonprofit agencies.

Workers will help with spring cleaning, raking leaves, painting and construction. Approximately 125 Saint Mary’s students will be teamed up from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 22.

For more information, contact Molly Jewison at Ext. 1643 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Class continues to sell ‘The Red Card’ this week

The Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship class is selling special discount cards benefiting the Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin.

The “Red Card,” which is being sold for $10, includes reduced prices on merchandise from 19 local businesses including Westgate Bowl, Mugby Junction, Fantastic Sams, Tres Compadres, Electric Beach, Golden China, Spa Panache, Chula Vista, Jefferson’s, Warpzone, Perkins, Jimmy John’s, Ground Round, Sammy’s Pizza, GQ Hairstyling, Country Kitchen, Timber’s, Papa Murphy’s and Blooming Grounds.

The card can be used until March 1, 2011, and its value is not limited. If the card is used at each business one time per month, the approximate annual savings to cardholders is $800. For a family of four, the estimated annual savings are doubled.

The fundraiser benefits Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin, a team of volunteer medical staff that travels to Haiti several times each year to provide free medical care. A student in the SMU class is from Haiti and has served as a medical translator for doctors and nurses in this organization.

The Red Card will be sold during the following events:

• SMU baseball — home games — April 5, 7, 9 and 17.
• SMU softball — home games — March 25, and April 8 and 14.
• Relay for Life — SMU Fieldhouse — April 9.
• Earth Day — Unity Park, SMU table — April 17 from 2:30-7 p.m.

The Red Card will be sold at the following locations:

• Blooming Grounds, 50 E. 3rd St.
• Jimmy Johns, 155 E. 3rd St.
• Warpzone Video Games, 521 Huff St.
• Toner Center during the week of March 15-19 from 11:30-1 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m.
• SMU Information Desk, Ext. 1600
• SMU Business Office, Ext. 6655.

For faculty and staff who are unable to come to the Toner Student Center or the first floor of Saint Mary’s Hall, students in the Entrepreneurship class will be visiting offices today between 8:45-9:30 a.m. Credit cards will not be accepted so have cash or checks ready.

Or, send your requests with your name and number of cards to redcard@smumn.edu and payment and delivery options will be made available to you.

High School Challenge broadcasts begin March 21

On Saturday, March 6, High School Challenge, a tournament of knowledge sponsored by Saint Mary’s, ended the 2009-10 season with the Consolation and Super Challenge Championships. Eight games were played and taped by Fox 25/Fox 48 and will be aired on Sundays at 10 a.m., starting March 21 and running through May 9.

Thirty-two area high school teams began competing in the fall for a spot in the Super Challenge Tournament. The teams must win all their games in order to compete in the Super Challenge. Teams that won their second games advanced to the Consolation Championship games. Tune in March 21 to see whether Cotter High School White or Decorah High School Red becomes the Consolation Champion.

Logan Red, Eau Claire Regis Green, Cotter Blue, Decorah Blue, Lewiston-Altura, West Salem Black, Holmen Maroon, and Riceville competed for the Super Challenge Champion title. Broadcasting for the quarterfinals begins Sunday, March 28, on Fox 25/Fox 48 with Decorah Blue playing against Logan Red. West Salem Black plays Cotter Blue on April 4. Lewiston plays Holmen Maroon on April 11, and Riceville plays Eau Claire Regis Green on April 18. Winners will advance to the semi-finals, starting April 25.

A very special thanks goes to all the schools that competed, and Winona National Bank for sponsoring the closed captioning

Yo-Yo Ma headlines 2010 Minnesota Beethoven Festival

The annual Minnesota Beethoven festival, now entering its fourth season, will also feature violinist Midori, the Miró Quartet, pianist Craig Sheppard, the percussion ensemble Nexus, and recorder/guitar duo Michala Petri and Lars Hannibal.

Other highlights include two concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra, and a week-long residency with choral conductor Dale Warland, who will be appearing with the newly-formed Minnesota Beethoven Festival Chorale.

The 2010 Minnesota Beethoven Festival includes nine different performances from June 27 to July 18, including the traditional free outdoor pops concert with the Minnesota Orchestra on July 1.

Individual tickets for all other performances go on sale May 3 and are priced at $25 for adults and $17 for students and senior citizens. Tickets for Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott are priced at $36 for adults and $29 for students and senior citizens.

Tickets are available through the SMU box office at Ext. 1715. For more information, visit www.mnbeethovenfestival.org.

Frozen River Film Festival runs through this weekend

The Frozen River Film Festival will continue through Jan. 31 at Winona State.

The Festival will contain a variety of films, speakers, workshops, music, and much more. The Frozen River Film Festival Club will be transporting students to and from the Festival at the following times on Saturday:

• Leave SMU at 9:30 a.m. and return at noon.
• Leave SMU at 12:15 p.m. and return at 3 p.m. • Leave at 3:15 p.m. and return at 5:30 p.m.
• Leave 5:35 p.m. and return at 10:15 p.m.

On Sunday, the van will leave at 9:30 a.m. and return at noon.

Students may attend the festival for free with student ID. For show times or more information, go to www.frff.org.

‘Gifts for Winona’ nears completion; gifts due today

Today is the last day to get your gifts in for Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona. Because the community distribution is early, gifts MUST be returned today, Friday, Dec. 11!

Approximately 1,400 tags went out through the program this year. The early deadline is a priority so that this large number of gifts may be properly sorted and recorded.

Gifts from SMU tree tags can be returned to the Business Office. If you are unable to return your gift today, please call Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 with tag identification information. A monetary donation can also still be made; make checks payable to SMU GFW and send to Gifts for Winona, Box #8 or drop off at the Business Office windows.

‘Go Red to Get Ahead’ Nov. 3 to raise awareness of SGPP

SMU’s Schools of & Professional Programs (SGPP) will hold an all-day campus-wide event
to increase awareness of over 50 graduate and professional programs offered in Winona, Minneapolis, Rochester, Apple Valley, Minnetonka, Greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, offers students the opportunity to:
• explore the benefits of continuing their education at SMU;
• learn about SMU’s graduate and bachelor completion programs;
• learn how to achieve a master’s degree while working in the field; and
• Win Target gift cards, iTunes gift cards and SMU gear.

Winona campus faculty and staff are invited to a morning session from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Presidents Room. Refreshments will be provided.

An afternoon brown bag session will be held noon to 1 p.m. in the Presidents Room. Dessert will be served.

For more information, call (612) 728-5100 or (866) 437-2788.

Nearly 200 participate in Make a Difference Day

Katie Peters was one of 195 SMU students — joined by 5 staff members — who participated in Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. These volunteers shoveled dirt, moved bricks, hung sheetrock, painted, sorted clothes and assisted with a variety of other work at 35 locations throughout the Winona area. Make a Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others, a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors.

Saint Mary’s to make a difference on Oct. 24

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Approximately 220 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up to help groups and organizations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.” For more information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Next Go Red To Get Ahead SGPP event planned in Winona

On Nov. 3, staff from the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs will be available to meet with students, faculty and staff of the Winona campus to learn more about the graduate program opportunities that Saint Mary’s has to offer.

With locations in the Twin Cities, Apple Valley, Rochester, Minnetonka, and Winona, getting a masters degree can be a convenient next step for future alums. Classes are offered with flexible evening schedules so that work and school are both options for those who wish to continue their education. A raffle signup will be available all day.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Toner Student Center, as well as in various classrooms. Faculty information sessions will be held in Saint Mary’s Hall. Watch for more specific information.

Saint Mary’s to make a difference on Oct. 24

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Approximately 150 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up to help groups and organizations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.” For more information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s to make a difference on Oct. 24

In recognition of national “Make a Difference Day,” Saint Mary’s Volunteer Services group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Approximately 150 Saint Mary’s University students will be teamed up to help groups and organizations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, in recognition of “Make a Difference Day.” For more information, call Katie LaPlant at Ext. 6936 or e-mail volunteerservices@smumn.edu.

Kowles and Crozier publish article in Polish newsletter

Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus in Biology, and Dr. Bill Crozier, SMU archivist, have published an article in the Polish Genealogical Society of Minnesota Newsletter.

The title of the article is “Winona’s Kashubs, Kowalewskis, and the Hot Fish Shop.” Crozier wrote Part I, which discussed the early history and social development of the Polish Kashubs in Winona, and Kowles authored Part II, which focused on the Hot Fish Shop, a restaurant that became synonymous with Winona. Henry Kowalewski, an uncle of Kowles, founded the restaurant in 1931.

This is the second article that Kowles and Crozier have written for this Minnesota newsletter.