Community Coffee at the Oaks & The Pines - September 9th
The Oaks & The Pines Assisted Living in Hutchinson invite you to "Community Coffee" every Thursday afternoon beginning at 3:00 PM in the dining room.  Come for coffee and cookies and fellowship with the residents.

South Central Brain Support Group - September 9th
The South Central Brain Support group will have its next meeting on Thursday, September 9th, at 6:30 PM in the Hospital Conference Room at Hutchinson Area Health Care.  The group provides knowledge and support to brain injury survivors and their families.  Future meetings are planned for the second Thursday of each month.  For more information, contact Sharon Gieseke at 507-359-1398, Marcia Geyer at 320-905-0680, or check them out on the web at scbsmn.org.

Firearms Safety Course at Gopher Campfire - Beginning September 9th
Gopher Campfire, located northeast of Hutchinson, will be offering a four-session firearms safety course, beginning Thursday, September 9th.  To participate, you must be 11 years of age or older and be able to attend all four sessions.  Class dates are September 9th, 13th, 16th, and 20th.  The time for each session is 6:00 - 9:00 PM.  For more information, call 320-587-3153.

Bird Club Meeting - September 9th
The next meeting of the Hutchinson Area Bird Club will be on Thursday, September 9th, beginning at 7:00 PM in the basement of the Hutchinson Public Library. The club meets the second Thursday of each month throughout the year.

Heart of Minnesota Rummage, Book & Bake Sale - September 10th & 11th
The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter will be conducting a rummage, book, and bake sale fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, September 10th and 11th, in the Horticulture Building at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.  Friday's hours are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday's hours are from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 

Lake Marion Co-Ed Softball Tournament - September 10th & 11th
 Teams are needed for a co-ed softball tournament planned for the Brownton Rod & Gun Club on Friday and Saturday, September 10th and 11th.  The entry fee is $125.00 with a guaranteed minimum of two games.  For more information, contact Dan Alsleben at 952-237-7510.

Wheels With A Cause Motorcycle & Car Road Rally - September 11th
The 5th Annual Wheels With A Cause Motorcycle and Car Road Rally will be on Saturday, September 11th.  Registration will be at the Hutchinson American Legion from 11:00 AM - noon.  The route will include stops in Cokato, Clearwater, Maple Lake, New Germany and Silver Lake before returning to Hutchinson.  The cost to register the day of the event will be $20.00, or you may sign up early for $15.00 by mailing your registration to Hutchinson Health Care Foundation, 1095 Hwy. 15 S., Hutchinson, MN 55350.  Half of the proceeds from the event will benefit "Building the Future of Senior Care,"  the replacement project for Burns Manor.

St. Anastasia Fall Festival - September 11th & 12th
St. Anastasia's Catholic Church of Hutchinson invites you to its Fall Festival on Saturday, September 11th, and Sunday, September 12th.  Saturday's schedule will begin with a Mass at 4:30 PM, followed by the Outdoor Social at 5:30 PM featuring food, live music, a country store and more.  Sunday's activities include two polka Masses (at 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM), a chicken dinner served from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, and all sorts of festival fun from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Lone Eagle Auto Club 36th Annual Car Show - September 12th
The Lone Eagle Auto Club's 36th Annual Car Show and Swap Meet will be on Sunday, September 12th, from 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  The event will take place rain or shine at the Little Falls/Morrison County Fairgrounds.  Admission is $5.00, with children under the age of 12 and senior citizens 65 years of age and older admitted free.  A shuttle bus will be available between the fairgrounds and the Little Falls Arts & Crafts Festival. 

Polka Worship at Peace Lutheran Church (Cosmos) - September 12th
Peace Lutheran Church (140 Saturn Street) of Cosmos presents its 12th Annual Sunday Morning Polka Worship Service on Sunday, September 12th, beginning at 10:00 AM.  The service will feature music by the Chuck Thiel Band and the Rally Day Blessing of Backpacks.  A potluck dinner will follow the service.  Everyone is welcome!

Pork Chop Dinner, Bake Sale & Silent Auction at St. Mark Lutheran Church - September 12th
St. Mark Lutheran Church of New Germany invites you to its Pork Chop Dinner, Bake Sale & Silent Auction on Sunday, September 12th.  The day will begin with a Polka Fest service at 9:00 AM featuring the Polka Sons of Praise at Tower Park.  The meal, sale, and auction will be from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the New Germany City Hall.  Vintage tractors will also be on display.  The cost for the dinner is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 5 - 11, and free for kids 4 years of age and under.

Fall Festival at Zion Lutheran in Buffalo Lake - September 12th
Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake is having its Fall Festival on Sunday, September 12th.  The event will begin with the 9:45 AM church service, featuring music and a message from The BASICS.  Following the church service, there will be a backyard picnic featuring pork riblet sandwiches, hotdogs, potato salad, beans, chips and rootbeer floats.  They're also having an auction, featuring pies, pickles, crafts, toys, baked goods and handmade items.

Lester Prairie Legion & Auxiliary Hog Roast - September 12th
Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463 and Auxiliary Unit 463 invite you to a hog roast on Sunday, September 12th, at the Lester Prairie Sportsmen's Club.  Serving will be from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM.  Feast on roast, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, beans and more.  The cost is $9.00 at the door, with kids 10 and under eating for just $5.00.  The Sportsmen's Club will be selling beer and soda.  Proceeds will be used to benefit Veteran's Memorial Park in Lester Prairie.

Faith Presbyterian Church Turkey & Ham Dinner - September 12th
Faith Presbyterian Church of Silver Lake will serve its annual Turkey & Ham Dinner on Sunday, September 12th, from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM.  It's a feast of turkey and ham, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, sauerkraut, kolaches, apple and pumpkin pie and more.  The cost is just $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6 and older, and free for kids 5 years of age and younger.  Take orders will be availalbe.  In conjunction with the dinner, a country store and food sale will be taking place.

St. James Lutheran School Roast Beef Dinner - September 12th
You're invited to St. Jame's Lutheran School's (Howard Lake) roast beef dinner on Sunday, September 12th, served from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM in the School's Fellowship Hall.  The menu features roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, a vegetable, salads and desserts.  The cost is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 4 - 10, and free for kids three years of age and under.  A silent auction will be held in conjunction with the dinner.  Proceeds from the dinner and auction will support the church's Benevolence Fund.  The school is located at 1000 Sixth Avenue in Howard Lake.

Overeaters Anonymous Meeting - September 13th
The next meeting of Overeaters Anonymous will be Monday, September 13th, beginning at noon.  The location of the meeting will be the meeting room in the basement of the Hutchinson Public Library.  The group meets every Monday at noon.

Walk-In Immunization Clinic in Carver County - September 13th
Carver County Community Health Services is offering a Walk-In Immunization Clinic on Monday, September 13th, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the training room of the Carver County Government Center (600 E Fourth Street) in Chaska.  This is a walk-in clinic, no appointments needed.  Parents/Guardians must bring along an up-to-date immunization record for their child (children).  There is a fee for the vaccinations, but no one will be refused a shot because of an inability to pay.

Cub Scout Recruitment Night - September 13th
A Cub Scout Recruitment Night is scheduled for Monday, September 13th, in Hutchinson.  All boys in grades 1 - 5 are encouraged to check out the event which will begin at 7:00 PM at West Elementary School.

Celebrate Recovery Meeting - September 14th
Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based recovery group for any addiction and co-dependent recovery, will have its next meeting on Tuesday, September 14th, beginning at 7:00 PM at the Hutchinson Seventh Day Adventist Church.  The group meets every Tuesday evening.  For more information, call Connie at 320-587-2003.

Grief Support Group Meeting -  September 14th
A Grief Support Group, sponsored by Wright County Human Services, has its next meeting scheduled on Tuesday, September 14th, at the Monticello Senior Center (505 Walnut Street) from 1:30 - 3:00 PM.  No pre-registration is required.  The group meets the second Tuesday of each month.  For more information, call Jean Fobbe, Wright County Human Services Resource Coordinator, at 1-800-362-3667.

Wright County Alzheimer Support Group Meetings - September 14th & 21st
The next scheduled meetings of Wright County Human Service's Alzheimer Support Groups will take place on Tuesday, September 14th, and Tuesday, September 21st.  The meeting on the 14th will be from 1:30 - 3:00 PM at the Buffalo Adult Day Center (613 Montrose Blvd.), and the meeting on the 21st will be from 1:30 - 3:00 PM at the Monticello Community Center (505 Walnut Street). For more information, call Laura Jones at 763-951-7855.

Firearms Safety Course at Gopher Campfire - Beginning September 14th
Gopher Campfire, located northeast of Hutchinson, will be offering a three-session firearms safety course, beginning Tuesday, September 14th.  To participate, you must be 11 years of age or older (copy of birth certificate or drivers license needed at registration on first class date) and be able to attend all three sessions.  Class dates are September 14th (6:00 - 9:00 PM), 25th (6:00 - 9:00 PM), and 26th (12:30 - 5:00 PM).  The cost is $15.00 and class size is limited.  A parent or guardian must attend the first class to register students who are minors.  To reserve a spot, or for more information, call Brian at 320-587-3361 or Roger at 320-587-3639.

Firearms Safety Training Classes at Cedar Mills Gun Club - Beginning September 14th
The Cedar Mills Gun Club will be offering a three session firearms safety training course, beginning on Tuesday, August 14th.  The course is for anyone (yes, adults are welcome) 12 years of age and older.  Class dates and times will be September 14th (7:00 - 9:30 PM), September 18th (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), and September 19th (1:00 PM - ???).  The cost is $15.00, payable at the first class.  You will need to present a copy of your birth certificate for ID and proof of name and age.  Attendance at all three sessions is mandatory.  The Cedar Mills Gun Club is located 1/2 mile north of the intersection of Highways 7 and 22.  For more information or to reserved a spot in the class, call Alvin Schroeder at 320-877-7514.  Space is limited.

Hector United Methodist Church Chicken Pie Supper - September 15th
Hector United Methodist Church's Annual Chicken Pie Supper will be served on Wednesday, September 15th.  The meal of chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade baked beans and more will be served family style.  Serving will start at 4:30 PM with take out orders available.  The cost is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 5 - 12, and free for preschoolers.  They will also be taking donations for the Renville County Food Shelf.

Brownton Lions Oktoberfest in September - September 15th
The Brownton Lions Club invites you to Oktoberfest in September on Wednesday the 15th in the Brownton City Park.  Enjoy brats and kraut, German potato salad, Bruins burgers, beer and pop.  They'll begin serving at 5:30 PM.  Then from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, there will be music by George's Concertina Band.  In case of rain, the event will be at the Brownton Community Center.

Free Family Movie Night presented by Peace Lutheran - September 17th
oA free movie will be shown Friday, September 17th, at 6:30 PM at Peace Lutheran Church's Peace Center (400 Franklin St SW) in Hutchinson.  The movie, "Everyone's Hero," is a story about a young baseball fan who sets out on a quest to recover Babe Ruth's stolen bat.  Popcorn and juice will be served.

Shane Piehl All Wheel Benefit Run - September 18th
Friends of Shane Piehl are raising money to start a scholarship in his honor for a student in the Hutchinson area.  An All Wheel (motorcycle/trucks/cars) Run will take place on Saturday, September 18th, beginning at Cedar Edge Bar & Grill in Cedar Mills.  The run will leave promptly at 10:00 AM (registration begins at 8:00 AM) and will cost $10 per rider/driver.  The route is from Cedar's Edge to Apol's in Raymond to Jackpot Junction and then back to Cedar's Edge.  There will be a silent auction, barbecue feed, and live entertainment to wrap up the evening. 

Glencoe Community Strings Concerts - September 18th
The Glencoe Area Community Strings will present a fall concert, along with Agape Christian Academy students on Saturday, September 18th.  There will be two performances at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.  The cost is $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 years of age and younger.  Tickets are available at Cashwise, the Hutchinson Chamber Office, and Word of Life Church.  Concert proceeds will benefit Agape Christian Academy.
 
Bouja & Chicken Noodle Soup Sale - September 19th
tThe monthly bouja and chicken noodle soup sale at St. Anthony's Church in Watkins is on Sunday, September 19th, with sales hours from 8:30 AM - noon.  Bouja is priced at $10.00 per gallon and chicken noodle soup is $9.00 per gallon.

Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club Pancake Brunch - September 19th
You and your family are invited to the Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club for their monthly Pancake Brunch on Sunday, September 19th, with serving from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat regular and potato pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs and more.  The cost is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 - 12 years of age, and those 5 and younger eat for free.  The Cedar Mills Rod & Gun Club is located near the intersecton of State Highways 7 & 22 northeast of Cedar Mills.

Fall Festival and Polka Worship at St. Matthew's (Fernando) - September 19th
St. Matthew's Church in Fernando invites you to its annual Fall Festival and Polka Worship Service on Sunday, September 19th, beginning with the service at 9:45 AM followed by a delicious hog roast dinner.  The cost for the dinner is a free-will offering.  At 1:00 PM, there will be a fun auction featuring handmade quilts, home canned food items (salsa, spaghetti sauce, pickled beets, etc.).  There will be a large variety of baked goods, including homemade pies, cakes and bread.  Additional items for sale include fresh garden vegetables and craft items.  St. Matthew's is located six miles south of Stewart on County Road 7.

Fall Festival at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - September 19th
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Watertown will have its Fall Festival on Sunday, September 19th.  There will be many activities for your entire family to enjoy, and the famous home style turkey dinner will be served from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM.  The cost for the dinner is $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 years of age and under.  Take out orders will be available for $9.00.  The church is handicap accessible.
 
St. John's Catholic Church (Darwin) Fall Festival - September 19th
St. John's Catholic Church of Darwin will hold its Fall Festival on Sunday, September 19th, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, following a 10:00 AM Mass.  The festival will include a quilt show, silent auction, bingo, cake walk, hayrides, country store, and a roast beef dinner served from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  The cost for the dinner is $9.00 for adults and $4.00 for kids.  The festival will be at the St. John's Education Center, located along U.S. Highway 12 between Dassel and Cokato.

West Central Christian Singles Event - September 19th
The West Central Christian Singles have an event planned for Sunday, September 19th.  It's a hayride at Beaver Falls Park, located south of Redwood Falls.  They'll depart from the Willmar Evangelical Free Church parking lot at 2:30 PM, Harry's Corner at 3:00 PM, and arrive at the park at about 4:00 PM.  Following the ride, they'll roast hot dogs (provided).  Please bring a beverage and a dish to pass.  Contact Steve 320-212-0609 or email wccs.willmar@gmail.com to let them know you're coming or for more information.

21st Annual Czech & Slovak Festival - September 21st
Sokol Minnesota's 21st Annual Czech & Slovak Festival will take place on Sunday, September 21st, from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Highland Park Pavillion (1200 Montreal Avenue) in St. Paul.  The festival will feature Czech and Slovak food, costumed dancers, and music.  For more information, visit www.sokolmn.org.

Caregiver Support Group Meeting - September 21st
The next meeting of the Renville County Hospice Caregiver Support Group will be on Tuesday, September 21st, from 1:30 - 3:00 PM in the Willette Room of Renville County Hospital & Clinics in Olivia.  The video "Understanding Dementia: Caregiver Notebook," will be viewed with time for discussion afterwards.  The meeting is free of charge and there will be time for discussion and support. Future meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Paulette Svoboda at 320-523-3451.

Hutchinson Photography Club - September 22nd
The next meeting of the Hutchinson Photography Club will be on Wednesday, September 22nd, at 7:00 PM in the basement of the Hutchinson Public Library. The club meets the third Wednesday of each month.

Crow River Singers Community Choir Rehearsals - Beginning September 23rd
The Crow River Singers Community Choir will begin rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church Choir Room.  The first practice is Thursday, September 23th.  Winter Concert dates are December 3rd and December 5th.  The choir is directed by Brian Brosz.  These rehearsals ARE NOT AUDITIONS - ALL ARE WELCOME!  For information, contact Holly at 320-587-0710.

Dad's Belgian Waffle Brunch Benefit for Delores Strobel - September 26th
The Glencoe Lions Club invites you to a Dad's Belgian Waffle Brunch Benefit for Delores Strobel on Sunday, September 26th, at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Glencoe.  Serving will be from 8:00 AM - noon.  Enjoy a meal of waffles, sausages, flavored syrups and beverages.  The cost will be $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6 - 10, and free for kids 5 years of age and younger.  Take out orders will be available.  Adult tickets may be purchased in advance for $6.50 at Hite Ace Hardware or from any Glencoe Lions member.  Proceeds will go towards a replacement ramp-equipped van for Delores, who has multiple sclerosis.  Supplemental funding will be provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Dad's Belgian Waffle Breakfast at St. Bernard's in Cologne - September 26th
St. Bernard's Catholic School Cafeteria in Cologne will host a Dad's Belgian Waffle Breakfast on Sunday, September 26th, with serving from 9:00 AM - noon.  Enjoy the famous waffles and a variety of syrups and toppings.  Everyone is welcome.

Pork Chop Dinner at St. Boniface Catholic Church - September 26th
St. Boniface Catholic Church of Stewart invites you to its 21st Annual Pork Chop Dinner on Sunday, September 26th, from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM.  Preceding the dinner will be a 9:15 AM Mass featuring The BASICS.  The cost of the dinner is $9.00 for adults ($2.00 for an extra chop), $5.00 for children ages 4 - 10, and free for kids 3 years of age and younger.  Takeout orders will be available for curbside pickup by calling 320-583-2917.  The day will also include a country store, bingo and other games, and barrel train rides.

Free Gospel Concert Fundraiser for Food Shelf - September 26th
First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe will host a gospel concert featuring The Chancellors Quartet to aid the McLeod Emergency Food Shelf.  The outdoor event will be from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 26th, at the church (925 13th Street East).  Donations of food and money will be collected and donated to the Food Shelf.  Additional funding will be provided by the McLeod County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  Bring your lawn chair and enjoy.  In case of inclement weather, the concert will be at the GSL High School auditorium.  For more information, contact Dave Dose at 320-864-4135.

Renville County Hospice to present "Grieving Together" - Beginning September 27th
Renville County Hospice will be offering the grief information and support series "Grieving Together," on five successive Mondays beginning on September 27th.  Each session will be from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the Willette Room of RC Hospital & Clinics (611 East Fairview Avenue) in Olivia.  There is no charge, but donations will be accepted and appreciated.  For more information, call Paulette Svoboda, LSW, at 320-523-3451.

Early Childhood Screening - Resuming October 1st
Early Childhood Screening is a free health and development check provided by the ECFE program of the Hutchinson School District. Screening can help identify health problems including vision or hearing loss and find help with development, speech, or learning problems. Screening is mandatory before students start kindergarten. The screening schedule for the 2010-11 school year is as follows:  October 1st, October 15th, November 4th & 5th, December 10th, January 20th & 21st, February 3rd & 4th, February 17th & 18th, March 31st, and April 1st.  The screenings are at Christ the King Lutheran Church (1040 South Grade Road) in Hutchinson from 3:00 - 8:00 PM on the dates listed.  For more information on the program, call Cindy at 320-587-8908.

Holy Trinity CCW Fall Bazaar - October 2nd
The Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women in Winsted will host a Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 2nd, from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.  They invite you to enjoy the sale which will include crafts, gifts, produce, baked goods, and plants.  A silent auction and face painting will also be part of the fun.  Breakfast will be served starting at 8:30 and will feature caramel rolls and an egg bake.  Lunch will be from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM with chili, chili dogs, hot dogs, pie and ice cream.  Guatemalan coffee and the new Holy Trinity cookbook "Sharing Our Best" will be for sale as well.

LWML Fall Barbecue at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg - October 3rd
You're invited to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League Fall Barbecue at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg on Sunday, October 3rd, from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM.  The menu includes barbecues, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and more.  The cost for the dinner is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 4 - 12, and free for children under the age of 4.  Takeout orders will be available.

King's Kids Preschool 20th Anniversary - October 3rd
King's Kids Preschool of Hutchinson is having a 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 3rd, from noon - 3:00 PM.  There will be horse and train rides, the Teddy Bear Band will perform, the Whopper Hopper will be there, and kids under the age of 10 can enjoy free hot dogs and maybe win some prizes.  The event is free and open to the public.

Dementia Care Foundation Fundraiser – October 7th
Lakeview Ranch Dassel and the Dementia Care Foundation are proud to present retired psychologist, author and international speaker Dr. Richard Taylor, on Thursday, October 7th, at Peter's on Lake Ripley in Litchfield, Dr. Taylor was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 58, almost a decade ago, and his presentation will be part of a fundraiser for the Foundation. Hours for the event will be from 5:30 – 9:00 PM. Seating is limited. Get your tickets online by visiting www.dementiacarefoundation.org, in person at Lakeview Ranch (22851 Highway 15) in Dassel, or by calling Wendy at 320-275-5517. Tickets are priced at $50.00, including a steak dinner. $25.00 of each ticket sold goes directly to the Foundation.

"Deer Camp:  The Musical" at GFW High School - October 30th
The American Legion Auxiliary Gedig Post 314 will host the original professional production of "Deer Camp:  The Musical," on Saturday, October 30th, with performances at 1:30 and 7:30 PM.  The production follows four fearless deer hunters on their annual trek to deer camp.  After decades of hunting trips, they guys have yet to bring home a single deer and the wives are getting suspicious.  It's a sure bet you'll laugh your antlers off!  For ticket information, call the Auxiliary Treasurere at 507-647-4157.