Events & Opportunities
This page is updated frequently. Check back often for new event listings. Last updated February 2, 2010.
February is African-American History Month
Groundhog Day
Tuesday, February 2
How much longer will winter last? The groundhog weighs in.
Rochester Reads Film: "Africa: The Serengeti"
Thursday, February 4, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
"There is a place on Earth where it is still the morning of life and great herds still run free." Africa: The Serengeti vividly details life and death in an unforgettable film experience. Filmed entirely on location in Kenya and Tanzania, this documentary brings you spectacular vistas and dynamic aerials. It also features Africa's greatest predators -- lions, crocodiles and cheetahs -- in deadly pursuit of the migrating prey. Narrated by James Earl Jones.
Portrait of Kenya
Sunday, February 7, 2 - 3 p.m.
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
Join us for an interactie talk about the history, people, politics, culture, food and music of Kenya. Our speaker will read some Kenyan stories and play some Kenyan music. There will also be a display of Kenyan art and hand crafts. A Rochester Reads event.
Kitchen God Celebration
Sunday, February 7
Just before the Chinese New Year, Zao Jun the Kitchen God returns to heaven to report the activities of every household to the Jade Emperor. The emperor of the heavens either rewards or punishes a family based on the Kitchen God’s yearly report. You can read the folk tales of the Kitchen God’s origin on Wikipedia.
Winterfest
February 5-14
Fun and fundraising with local nonprofits. Check out the full calendar of events at RochesterWinterfest.com.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 8-14
Start an epidemic - be kind to a stranger!
International Speakers Lunch
Wednesday, February 10, 11:30
Balfour Hall at the Y
Come to hear about Rochester's sister city in China, Xianyang. Register by Monday at 289-3359.
Mahashivrati
Friday, February 12
The Hindu festival dedicated to the god Shiva.
Valentine's Day
Sunday, February 14
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
Lunar New Year
Sunday, February 14
Welcome in the Year of the Tiger!
President's Day
Monday, February 15
Great Lent Begins
Monday, February 15
This year the Orthodox celebration begins two days before Catholics and Protestants begin their observation of the annual fast.
Mardis Gras
Tuesday, February 16
One last fling before Lent begins. In Britain this day is recognized as Pancake Day, as pancakes were traditionally made to use up milk and eggs, which were off limits during Lent. It's as good an excuse as any to eat pancakes!
"Unnatural Causes"
Wednesday, February 17, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
Is inequality making us sick? This film and discussion is sponsored by the Mayo Clinic African Descendants Network in honor of Black History Month. For more information contact ADSN@mayo.edu or 255-3105.
Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins
Wednesday, February 17
Lent is the 40-day period preceding Easter in the Christian calendar which is customarily observed as a time of self-denial.
2010 Census Update
Thursday, February 18, 7 p.m.
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
$400 billion dollars a year in federal funds is allocated based on census numbers. Each counted person attracts about $1200 in federal funding to the community. Allie Moen from the League of Women Voters will speak on what we have to gain or lose in the 2010 census. Free refreshments.
Poets Corner
Friday, February 19, 8 p.m.
Rochester Civic Theatre
Open mic with a side of jazz. Come share your talents!
International Mother Tongue Day
Sunday, February 21
It's a great day to learn how to greet your neighbor in their mother tongue.
Rochester Reads Author Visit: Masha Hamilton
Monday, February 22, 7 - 8 p.m.
Willow Creek Middle School Auditorium (2425 11th Ave SE)
The public is invited to come hear Masha Hamilton, author of the 2010 Rochester Reads adult title, "The Camel Bookmobile."
Rochester Reads: African Lunch
Friday, February 26, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Hawthorne Education Center, (700 4th Ave SE, Room 303)
Join Sahra Ahmed for a cooking demonstration featuring dishes from Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. (Participants must be 15 or older). Register by February 24.
Eid Moulad-un-Nabi
Friday, February 26
This Muslim holiday celebrates the birth of the prophet Muhammed.
Rochester Reads Film: "Africa: The Serengeti"
Saturday, February 27, 1 - 2 p.m.
Rochester Public Library Auditorium
"There is a place on Earth where it is still the morning of life and great herds still run free." Africa: The Serengeti vividly details life and death in an unforgettable film experience. Filmed entirely on location in Kenya and Tanzania, this documentary brings you spectacular vistas and dynamic aerials. It also features Africa's greatest predators -- lions, crocodiles and cheetahs -- in deadly pursuit of the migrating prey. Narrated by James Earl Jones.
End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020
Saturday, February 27, 6 - 9 p.m.
Heintz Center HB113
Report on the progress toward ending poverty in Minnesota, develop 2010 plans and commitment (based on Legislative Commission to End Poverty recommendations), call to action and challenge.
Holi
Sunday, February 28
Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is also a spring harvest festival in India, celebrated on the day after the full moon in March with feasting, squirting friends with colored water, and riotous merrymaking. Learn more about the history and traditions of Holi.
March is Women's History Month
Bosnian Independence Day
Monday, March 1
Formerly a part of Yugoslavia, Bosnia has only been an independent nation since the early 1990's. Rochester is home to a significant number of Bosnian immigrants. Today is a great day to learn more about their complex history.
New Journey: Rebuilding Your Life
Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Seasons Hospice Office
Grief is a process of discovery. When we lose a loved one, we find ways to accept the reality and gradually discover the extent of our loss. As our journey continues, we begin to look at what we can rebuild for ourselves, what life holds for us now. If you believe you are ready to discover your potentials in your grief journey, this group may be helpful to you. Free, but registration is required. For more information, contact 285-1930 or shbp@seasonshospice.org.
World Day of Prayer
Friday, March 5
International Women's Day
Monday, March 8
International Women's Day is celebrated around the world, a day to honor the women in your life, celebrate the achievements of women, and raise awareness of violence and discrimination against women. At the official IWD website, you can read about the history of the day, learn about IWD events, and download logos and other resources to help you plan your own event.
International Speakers Lunch
Wednesday, March 10, 11:30 a.m.
Balfour Hall at the Y
This month's presentation is on Bangladesh. Register by Monday at 289-3359.
"Ten More Good Years"
Friday, March 12
First Unitarian Universalist Church
The GLBT Allies Task Group presents this documentary about the unique challenges facing gay and lesbian seniors. Potluck at 6:30 in the commons, movie at 7:30 in the sanctuary.
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Sunday, March 14
St. Patrick's Day
Wednesday, March 17
Spring Equinox
Saturday, March 20
It may not look like spring yet in Minnesota, but technically speaking, winter is over!
Naw Ruz
Saturday, March 20
The Baha'i New Year celebration
Maple Syruping
Saturday, March 20, 3 p.m.
Eagle Bluff
International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Sunday, March 21
Harmony Day
Sunday, March 21
This Australian holiday has a nice ring to it.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28
The beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.
Passover
March 30 - April 6
This Jewish festival commemorates the Israelites release from slavery in Egypt.
World Festival
April 9 - 10
Mayo High School
Performance show Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday from 10 - 3: Parade of Nations, cultural displays, international buffet, live music and dance, children's activities, and the new Market Place. Free admission. Rochester International Association is seeking volunteers and performers. For more information, contact Herta Matteson at hmatteson@gmail.com.
