Food to Feed the Body, and the Soul

Everyone has been abuzz about this year’s “10 Days of Giving,” the community-wide annual event sponsored by Merchants Bank, in support of the food shelves at Winona Volunteer Services and the Southeastern Minnesota Rural Education and Resource Center (both United Way partner agencies). It sounds like the drive went well, and many hungry mouths will be fed in the coming months.

Beyond the food shelves, there are many other resources for free (or greatly reduced in price) food in Winona. Almost every day of the week, there is an opportunity to join with others and share a meal. Not only do the meals meet people’s basic nutritional needs, but they also contribute to building a sense of community and feeding the souls of those who come together to break bread.

The meals are also an opportunity to help. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

Food Resources in Winona

Monday-Friday

Free supper, 6-7 p.m.

Bethany Catholic Worker House

832 West Broadway

454-8094

Tuesday

Free “Souper Tuesday” – soup and other goodies, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Central United Methodist Church

Corners of Broadway and Main

452-6783

Wednesday

“The Feast” – delicious home-cooked meals – the price is whatever you can afford – 5 to 6:15 p.m.

Central Lutheran Church

Corners of Huff and Wabasha

452-5156

Thursday

Free “Souper Thursday” – soup and other goodies, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church

Corners of Broadway and Johnson St. (use Johnson St. door)

452-4829

Sunday (not in summer)

Free family-style breakfast, 9-10 a.m.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Parish Hall)

Broadway and Lafayette

452-5355

Other

·       Angel Food Ministries

Order monthly food packages at less than half of grocery store prices

Central United Methodist Church

Corners of Broadway and Main

452-6783

·       Free food to those in need

3^rd Thursday of the month, 6 p.m.

Winona Church of the Nazarene Agape Ministry

469 Orrin St.

452-4040

·       Food shelf and emergency food

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for emergency food

Food shelf has varied hours Monday-Friday

Winona Volunteer Services

402 E. Second St.

452-5591

Fun Ideas for the Holiday Season

We had a long, beautiful fall, didn’t we? ……and now, just like that, it’s winter!

The first official month of winter, December is filled with holidays, family and time together. It can also be overwhelmingly busy, as many of us try to make everything “perfect.”  This month, try to do some activities that are fun, relaxing and simply being together.

15 Fun Ideas for the Holiday Season

1)      Go to a holiday parade

2)      Stay home and watch Christmas movies

·         White Christmas

·         A Christmas Story

·         How the Grinch Stole Christmas

·         The Elf

·         The Muppet Christmas Carol

3)      Attend a holiday concert

4)      Take your family on a winter photo shoot

5)      Try a new winter sport

6)      Go ice skating

7)      Drive around town  looking at Christmas decorations

8)      Make ornaments together, instead of buying them

9)      Go to the local theater for a holiday movie

10)   Make  a snow fort, snow angels or a snow man – or all 3

11)   Drink hot chocolate and warm up by a fire

12)   Bake and decorate cookies

13)   Bring food or cookies to neighbors or people in need

14)   Instead of giving “big” gifts, exchange white elephant gifts

15)   Most importantly - enjoy the season with friends and loved ones

Jazz for Winona-Live United

            Winona State University and Saint Mary’s University combined talents on Thursday, October 13^th for United Way of the Greater Winona Area. The benefit concert involved both SMU and WSU big bands and combos under the direction of Dr. John Paulson and Dr. Rich MacDonald.            

            These students went to a great effort to help out Winona-area families. Twenty students from each campus were involved in the evening. They spent long hours practicing and perfecting their talents.  They got together every week for a month to make sure they had perfected everything; from listening to them at the concert, they definitely had.

            The event went off without a hitch at the Signatures Event Center in Winona. It was a perfect place to have a concert, with the beautiful lighted candles on each red-accented table.  The environment was very warm and inviting for a jazz-filled night. 

The concert started off with the WSU  Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Rich MacDonald. They performed “Soon” by George Gershwin, “La Fiesta” by Chick Corea, “Dizzying” by Ryan Kisor, and many more wonderful songs. The SMU University Jazz Combo then performed, directed by Dr. John Paulson.  They started off with “The Preacher” and “I’ll Take Romance,” both by Kurt Weil, and played many more songs. Both Universities captured the essence of jazz and had people moving to the music. .

            The Jazz for Winona-Live United benefit raised $300 through donations at the door.  That money will be used to help provide services for area families.

            We had a great evening, and we’re so grateful for all the hard work and dedication shown by the bands and combos. 

Winona State University Jazz Band

                                                       

Saint Mary's University Jazz Band

                                      

United by Mission