Community Events 9/22/22

St. Patrick Church cook-out on Friday St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake will hold a Chicken/Steak Cook-Out and Silent Auction on Friday, Sept. 23, from 5-8 p.m. The church seven miles northeast of New Prague along Highway 13, has tickets available for a 12 ounce top sirloin steak or a grilled half-chicken dinner that includes a baked potato, green beans, cole slaw, garlic bread, dessert and drink. There is also a Kids Meal of hot dog and chips with a dessert and beverage. Take outs are available. The dinner is sponsored by First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Life (FCSLALife).

Suicide Grief Support Group meets Sept. 27 Family, friends and anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of the Suicide Grief Support Group. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Duck Cup Memorial Fund building at 105 Central Avenue South in New Prague. The building is located on Central Avenue South, immediately behind the former Consignment Lodge. Parking is available behind the Duck Cup building. No pre-registration or fee is required. Please contact Tom Handrich at 952-913- 3994 for additional information and a Zoom link.

Apples and board games at The Landing The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, near Shakopee will be offering family events next week. On Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 10-11 a.m. there will be My Preschooler & Me: Apple Time. Families can explore the outdoors with their children, learn through themed stories, activities and crafts in a program that is entirely outdoors. There is a small cost and reservations are required by two days prior. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. This program is open to ages 3-6, plus adult. On Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. it will be Board Game Night at the Landing. Since so many popular board games are grounded in historical settings or storylines, why not play them in a historic building? Spend the evening playing train-themed board games in The Landing’s 1885 train depot and learn about the history of railroads in Minnesota. Several fun, family-friendly game options will be provided for open play. The Landing will supply the historical setting and the games, you bring your game face. There is a small cost and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation. There is a 20 percent discount for groups of four or more. This program is for ages 10+.

NAMI offers Family to Family workshops NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a free program for family members and friends of someone living with a mental illness this fall. Family to Family workshops are a transformative opportunity in which participants learn about mental illnesses, the brain, treatment, and resources. Participants will also build communication skills, reduce stress, find support, and discover the typical Stages of Emotional Responses when supporting someone with a mental illness. “No one who lives or has relationships with an adult with a mental illness should miss these workshops,” explained Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota. “All people are welcome, and sharing experiences builds community and makes resources available for everybody.” “I can’t express how valuable this course was for me,” said one of the past participants. “I have learned so much and have gained understanding, empathy, communication, and selfcare skills to help me and my husband navigate his depression and anxiety.” Fueled by personal and professional experience, Family to Family facilitators deeply understand the unique challenges of maintaining relationships with people with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. The class meets weekly for eight weeks from 6:30-9 p.m. There will be an in person class. The in-person class, located in Dakota County will be held at Nativity Episcopal Church in Burnsville, and begins on Thursday, Sept. 29. Individuals interested in attending this class must contact Joan at (612) 205-7080 to schedule a short interview.

Art history program will highlight David Maass Oct. 5 The Le Sueur County Historical Society’s Art History Series culminates with a free educational program on worldfamous artist David Maass on Wednesday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elysian Tourism Center on Highway 60 in Elysian. Don't miss this chance to learn about former Le Sueur County resident David Maass, one of the country's most important wildlife artists whose art has inspired many and contributed untold millions of dollars to state and federal wildlife conservation efforts. The event includes a slideshow that chronicles Maass's life from his early days as Art Director at Jostens and highlights accomplishments from his fifty-year career as a world-class artist. Maass was named Ducks Unlimited’s Artist of the Year a record-breaking five times. He is known for his two Federal Duck stamps: 1974–75 (two wood ducks in flight) and 1982–83 (three canvasbacks over windblown waters). He’s also painted 38 state and conservation stamps for organizations, including Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ruffed Grouse Society. For more information regarding the upcoming Le Sueur County Historical Society (LCHS) program call Jeff Jarvis at 507-339-8765 or visit the historical society’s Facebook page.