Free house painting
Metro Paint-A-Thon helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities continue to live independently in their own homes. Thousands of volunteers scrape, prime and paint their homes at no cost to the homeowner. Volunteers from companies, congregations, civic groups, and schools paint homes the weekend of Aug. 4-5. To qualify for Paint-A-Thon, homeowners must own and occupy a single-family home, in need of paint, but not in need of major repairs; live in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington counties; be 60 years of age or older, or have a permanent physical disability if under age 60 and meet monthly income guidelines. Deadline is May 4. FFI: 612-276-1579; www.paintathon.gmcc.org
Enter Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota
Applications are being sought for Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2012. The pageant, which recognizes the accomplishments of Minnesota women who use wheelchairs, is April 2. Entry forms are now available. The pageant is open to the public. Jenni Taylor is the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota. The group has a Ms. Minnesota Wheelchair Facebook page for those who want to compete in, help with or be guests at the pageant. FFI: 952-388-0500, www.mswheelchairamerica.org, www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ms-Wheelchair-Minnesota/174180105949729
Hay Fever
Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, a delightful comedy of manners, is performed by the Guthrie Theater, at the theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. Captioning is 1 p.m. Wed., March 21, and 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 20 by c2 inc. AD interpretation 1 pm Sat, March 31, sensory tour 10:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m. Fri., April 6. ASL interpretation 7:30 pm Fri, April 13 or Thu, April 19. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (regular $24-68). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org
Medea
University of Minnesota Duluth Theatre presents the classical tale of betrayal, passion and unbridled revenge, which probes the darkest recesses of the caves of jealously. When Jason leaves Medea for a younger wife, how far will she go to find her personal justice? This compelling psychological tragedy is timeless in its themes, and forces us to confront our own darker side. (Recommended for ages 14+). ASL interpretation 2 p.m. Sun, March 25 at Marshall Performing Arts Center, Dudley Experimental Theatre, UMD Campus, 1215 Ordean Court, Duluth. Tickets are:$18, $13 senior 62+/student, $6 UMD student, $8 child to age 12. FFI: 218-726-8561, www.umn.edu/theatre or www.tickets.umn.edu
Contemporary Journeys
Enjoy an exhibit of contemporary art and see how it can be used for community building, self-expression and appreciation of the present at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. Contemporary Journeys is a partnership program of the Walker Art Center and the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota.
The event for those with Alzheimer’s and their families is 10-11:30 a.m. Wed, March 28. Tour fee is $10, senior 65+ $8. Care partners and additional family/friends are free. Pay in advance by credit card (by phone) or cash/check on the day of the program. Exact change is appreciated. Pre-registration is required at least one week in advance of the program date. FFI: 612-375-7609, education.resources@walkerart.org
Re: Generations
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus says, if we don’t tell our stories, who will? In the tradition of its past commission works, the chorus proudly presents the world premiere of a new commissioned work by Michael Shaieb (who also composed Through a Glass, Darkly and The Kushner Trilogy). This unconventional look at the generational dynamics in our community tells a story that is relevant not just to the members of the Chorus but to everyone. It is a reminder that age is a state of mind, Junior High is still awful and that life does indeed “get better.” Large-print and Braille programs available request. ASL interpretation 8 p.m. Fri, March 30 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. Tickets reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $18-35, Sat. $21-40, includes box office & facility fees) FFI: 612-624-2345, nto@umn.edu, www.tcgmc.org or www.tickets.umn.edu/Online/
Enjoy a movie tonight
Several theaters around the state offer accommodations for movie-goers, such as captioning or descriptive services. www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with access (AD/CC) features. Find theaters in your area by typing in your zip code. MoPix-equipped Rear Window Captioned Films are listed at cam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn
VSA calendar seeks support
For more than a decade, the VSA Minnesota Accessible Performance Calendar (part of which is used by Access Press) has publicized arts events that offer ASL interpreting, captioning, audio description, or other accommodations. Major cuts to the national VSA program which paid for this outreach means VSA Minnesota is looking for ideas, sponsors, volunteers or other means to continue this service. Anyone with suggestions, or who wants to say how this service and VSA’s accessibility advocacy is important to the community, should email ideas and comments to access@vsamn.org or call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, voice/tty. The current arts calendar can be seen at www.vsamn.org/calendar
