SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH (SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY) 11:45 AM – 1PM AT THE FAMILY Y

See our public events calendar for details and to subscribe in your Outlook or Google Calendar. Here’s a list of our upcoming speakers.

• DECEMBER 9: Christmas in Peru, with Daly Feldman
• JANUARY 13: Vietnam and other countries visited by Thomas Yung
• FEBRUARY 10: China – Mayor Ardell Brede reports about his trip to Rochester’s partner city Xianyang
• MARCH 10: Bangladesh – Nazme Hoque
• APRIL 14: Japan’s Samurai – George Hoeppner

We are still looking for a speaker in May. Speakers get free lunch. If you have an idea about topics, speakers or want to speak yourself, please contact Herta Matteson 507-280-8319 or email.

The luncheons cover international topics, travel reports, customs and other international and ethnic issues. An ethnic lunch is served at 11:45, the program starts shortly after noon. The price for the luncheon is $9 for RIA and Y members, $10 for non-members. Reservations by Monday before the luncheon please, call Betsy at 507-289-3359.

Rochester International Association is proud to announce that the CAAM Chinese Dance Theater (CDT) is performing for the first time at Rochester’s Mayo Civic Center on Sat., Sept. 19 7PM. The “Ode to Flowers” performance will involve more than 80 dancers, some of which are from Rochester.

Jasmine flowers welcoming spring. Bamboo stalks bending with the wind. Plum blossoms enduring the bitter snow. Peonies displaying their special meaning in life.

Ode to Flowers” is an ambitious production, one that showcases a high form of Chinese culture in a harmonious blend of dancing, painting and poetry. Unlike previous CDT shows, it will be a blend of classical Chinese and contemporary choreography. This touring production, first presented to Twin Cities audiences, features dances performed for the first time in Rochester and the surrounding area.
 
Tickets may be purchased at the Mayo Civic Center Box Office or Ticketmaster, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets: $20 Adults, $16 Students/Seniors, $10 Children (12 and under)
 
Visit the Chinese Dance Theater website for more information about the dance concert.
 
CAAM Chinese Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving and celebrating our Chinese cultural heritage and enriching the cultural life of all Minnesotans through the universal language of dance.

Add this event to your calendar.

Rochester Public Library would like to create a collaborative work that will recognize Rochester’s diversity, celebrate the needlework skills that reflect our different cultures and backgrounds, and promote harmony and awareness among our community. Once completed, the quilt will hang in the library as a commemoration of the skills, talent, and heritage found here in our very own city.

Pick up an instruction packet from the Administration Office (2nd floor) during office hours or contact via phone or email:

Gail Harris (507) 328-2341
Purna Gurung (507) 328-2320

Completed quilt blocks and application form must be returned to the library by December 1 for consideration. A panel of judges will select representative samples.

This quilt will be a community art project that shows there is place for all in the fabric of society.

We are pleased to announce that Terri Allred has accepted a role of Children’s Area Chairperson for the upcoming World Festival. As you know, last year the World Festival was successful in attracting many children to learn about the many diverse cultures that this area has to offer.

Sadiya (Terri Allred) has been an middle eastern dance instructor and owner of Sadiya Belly Dance for the last 5 years. Prior to that, she served as the executive director of several nonprofit organizations focusing on women’s rights in Ohio and North Carolina. She will be opening Rochester International Dance studio in Rochester this fall. Please email her if you are interested in teaching international dances. She performed with her dance group in World Fest last year and is very excited to participate in the planning this year.