More events information
VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org The website has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of its home page. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883.
Another web events listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota. Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook.
Attend book launch party
The public is invited to the book launch event for We Know How This Ends: Living while Dying by Bruce H. Kramer and Cathy Wurzer. The event is at 7 p.m. Wed, March 25 at the University of St. Thomas O’Shaughnessy Education Center Auditorium, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and there is parking in the student center and south campus ramps. Minnesota Public Radio News host Kerri Miller will lead a conversation between Kramer and Wurzer in a special event to celebrate the publication of their book about living with ALS. Books will be available for purchase and signing, and refreshments will be served. The event is free but participants must preregister, at WeKnowHowThisEnds.brownpapertickets.com The event is cosponsored by MPR News, the University of St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota Press, HealthPartners and the ALS Association of MN/ND/SD
Polar plunges are underway
The 2015 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota is back and bigger and better than ever. Plungers, many in costumes, jump into frigid waters to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota, helping more than 8,000 athletes. Plunges continue through March 21 in Warroad. Those wanting to do a 5K on a home treadmill or too “chicken” to plunge also have opportunities to help raise money. FFI: plunge@somn.org, www.plungemn.org
Think spring and farmers’ markets
Spring will be here soon and farmer’s markets will soon follow. The Minneapolis Midtown Farmer’s Market starts 13 years’ service at an interim location. The market will occupy interim space at 2225 E. Lake St. The market opens 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat, May 2. The interim space market will eventually become part of the L & H Station development that will include a new Hennepin County Service Center, 100 units of housing, stores and public parking. The site will eventually include the Brown Institute building and creation of a large public plaza where the market will have its permanent home. The interim space is to be accessible and permanent space will also be accessible.
Each year, the Midtown Market attracts more than 55,000 visitors, many of whom use public transportation, walk or bike. This season the market will operate on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. May 2 through Oct 24, and on Tuesday afternoons from 3 to 7 p.m, June 2through Oct, 27. The offerings at Midtown include fresh, local produce, bread, cheese, honey, jams and jellies, responsibly raised meats including beef, chicken, pork and lamb, and as well prepared foods vendors and local arts and crafts and more. In addition, each week the market provides live music and entertainment, family activities, cooking demonstrations and community information tables. FFI: midtownfarmersmarket.org
Self-advocates gather
The 2015 Minnesota Self-Advocacy conference is March 27-28 at Crown Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. More than 400 self-advocates, friends and family members will gather to celebrate 25 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, attend workshops and have fun together. There’s still time to register. Costs and a complete schedule are online. FFI: 651-641-0297, www.mnselfadvocacyconference.com
Dementia conference in March
Meeting of the Mind Dementia Conference is collaboration between the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota, North Dakota Chapter and Mayo Clinic. It is 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sat, March 14 at St. Paul RiverCentre 175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The conference is a day designed to inform, equip and support persons with dementia, family care partners and professionals. A keynote address, workshops and information displays are offered. Space is available for participants, as well as sponsors and exhibitors. Participant fees start at $100. FFI: Deborah Richman, 952-857-0551, drichman@alz.org (participants); Jennifer Schroeder, jschroeder1@alz.org (sponsors/exhibitors).
Mental Health Day
Minnesota mental health advocates and friends will gather for Mental Health Day at the Capitol Thu, March 12. Meet 10 a.m.-noon at Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, 105 University Ave. W., St. Paul (across the street from the capitol) for presentations on this year’s legislative issues, including key proposals to boost mental health funding and improve access to mental health services. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event and to join in visits with their legislators about mental health services in their home communities Sponsored by the Mental Health Legislative Network, a coalition of more than 35 organizations concerned about the quality and availability of mental health services in Minnesota. FFI: NAM
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with a senior on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Open the Door to Education
Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
Tony Pappas art show
Tony Pappas, who has been in Ally People Solutions’ Artful Employment Project in 2014, has painted and drawn since he was three years old. He is currently exploring his medium more deeply. His exhibit is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota and is hosted by Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls. The exhibit is free and will be on display through April, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon through Fri. FFI: 612-871-2222, 612-332-3888, http://tinyurl.com/n8p2tdz
MCIL offers classes, activities
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL’s new location is at 530 N. Robert Street. St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print this calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030
Adult support groups offered
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Check the web site for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
Vision loss group offers activities
Vision Loss Resources offers free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
22nd Biennial MACTFest
2015 Minnesota Association of Community Theaters (MACT) present the annual performance and workshop festival Fri-Sat, March 20-21, at Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center, 4852 Reardon Ave. SW, Cokato. The event is hosted by Fungus Amongus Players (Dassel-Cokato Community Theatre). ASL and AD requests were due in late February; check to see if shows will be interpreted. Tickets are $15 per session of plays ($10 student); $15 for each day’s workshops; $100 for festival package ($80 members) which includes opening reception, closing party, awards brunch, all plays and workshops. FFI: www.mact.net
