October Events

Oktoberfest • Fri, Sept. 29 – Sat, Oct 7 • Oktoberfest Grounds, La Crosse
• Music, food, entertainment, carnival, plus three parades: Opening Day Parade (Fri, Sept. 29, 10:15 am, from 2nd & Market to 2nd & La Crosse streets); Maple Leaf Parade (Sat, Sept. 30, 10 am, Clinton & Copeland to 2nd & King); Torchlight Parade (Thu, Oct 5, 7 pm, Kane & Gillette south on Caledonia to St. James). Buttons are $5 for adults, kids 12 and under, free. No button required on Mon, Tue, Wed. More info: (608) 784-3378 or www.oktoberfestusa.com

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Stories • Fri, Oct. 6, 7-8 pm • Page Theater, Saint Mary's University
• Seven stories come to life in this fast-paced musical revue, including “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman, “Borreguita and the Coyote” by Verna Aardema, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Joffe Numeroff, “Imogene’s Antlers” by David Small, “Martha Speaks” by Susan Meddaugh, “Math Curse” by Jon Scieszka, and “Owen” by Kevin Henkes.More info: www.pagetheatre.org

Galesville Apple Affair • Sat, Oct. 7 • Galesville, Wis
• Food (including a 10-ft apple pie), arts and crafts, music, horseshoe games, and bike tours of area apple orchards. Buses leave from the downtown venue regularly to tour historic Eastside Farm. More info: www.galerep.com/apple.html

WSU Homecoming Parade • Sat., Oct. 7, 10 am • Huff St. (beginning at Broadway St. and ending at Mark St.)
• More info on WSU Homecoming activities: www.winona.edu/alumnirelations/3871.htm

Milwaukee Road 261 (steam locomotive) Fall Color Excursions • Sat., Oct. 7 & Sun., Oct 8 • Amtrak Station
• The Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive makes its annual visit to Winona. Come see the train from 11:45-12 and 2:15-2:30 each day (times are approximate). Or ride the train to La Crescent and back to Winona; roundtrip tickets are $29 for children 3-14, and $39 for adults for a coach ticket. For more info: 651-765-9812 or www.261.com (click on “order tickets,” then on “fall color excursions,” in the left-hand navigation bar)

Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry 25th Celebration • Thu, Oct 12 - Sun, Oct. 15 • Minnesota Equestrian Center (off Hwy 43, take Hwy 21 west for 1 mile)
• This national event marks the 25th anniversary of the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry and showcases Fjord horse versatility. Highlights include horse shows 8 am-6 pm Saturday, and Fjord horses dancing to choreographed music, 7 pm Saturday. Free admission. More info: (585) 872-4114 or www.nfhr.com

Pumpkin Patch • Sat, Oct. 14, 9:30 - 12 • Franklin Bronk & Sons Family Farm, Winona
• Celebrate fall harvest with hay rides, snacks, and crafts for your children. No registration necessary; $3 per person to be paid at the farm. Meet at the ECFE parking lot, 5100 W 9th St. (Goodview School) to caravan to the farm.

Big Muddy River Rendezvous • Tue, Oct. 17 – Sun, Oct. 22 • Prairie Island Park, Winona.
• Re-enactors portray life at a 1700s fur-trading camp.

Autumn Adventures • Sat, Oct. 21, 9-10 am • Minnesota Marine Art Museum (800 Riverview Dr., Winona)
• This is a free storytelling event at the new Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Enjoy family-friendly autumnal tales in front of original artworks. A short seasonal art project will follow the stories. More info: 474.6626 or minnesotamarineartmuseum.org

Haunted Library Party • Tue, Oct. 24, 6-7 pm • Children's Department, Winona Public Library
• Halloween storytime, craft, activity, snack & trick-or-treat tour! Wear your Halloween finery! Sign up at 452-4592.

BOO-seum • Fri, Oct. 27, 5:30-8 pm • La Crosse Children’s Museum (207 5th Ave S, La Crosse)
• Halloween party for ages 2-6 with adult. Sing-along with Hans Mayer (shows at 6:30 7); games; inflatables; treats; crafts. Costumes optional. Admission with Hans Meyer concert: $5 per child for members, $7 per child for non-members; 1 free adult per child; extra adults pay child fee. Admission without Hans Meyer concert: $3 per child for members, $5 per child for non-members. More info: 608-784-2652 or www.childmuseumlax.org.

SMU Halloween Party • Monday, Oct. 30, 6-8 pm • Toner Center, Saint Mary's University
• Annual Halloween party hosted by SMU Residence Life: trick-or-treating in the freshman dorms, games, crafts, snacks. Bring a costume!

Did we miss your event? Add it to the comments section below for events that fall in the month of October; e-mail WinonaECFEPTA@gmail.com with events for future editions of the Winona Area Family Events Calendar.

College students available for babysitting (fall 2006)

Following is a list of college students who submitted their names to the Winona ECFE PTA babysitting availability list. Names appear in the order they were received. Read the important disclaimer at the end of this post...in a nutshell, this list is provided "as is"; the people on this list have not been interviewed or screened by ECFE PTA, which makes no claim regarding their competence as babysitters. To add your name to this list, e-mail WinonaECFEPTA@gmail.com with your name, qualifications, availability, and contact information; put "Babysitting" in the subject line.

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Hello, my name is Lindsay Johnson and I am a junior at St.Mary's University. I am a political science major and a history minor. I have previously worked as a full time nanny in the summer for three summers and I have lot's of experience working with children of all ages. I am in Little Pals a mentoring school age children organization, women's choir, a music fraternity, St.Theresa's Women's Leadership and Service institute, and a member of a political club on campus. I am interested in music as well as sports. I played hockey for eleven years and also played college tennis.

My contact information is Lajohn04@smumn.edu or my cell phone: (763) The hours that would work best for me are monday, wed., Fri., any time after 1:00pm.

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Name: Sarah Jo Schroeder (Sarah or Sarah Jo)
Contact Information: e-mail: sjschr04@smumn.edu
Dorm number: 507 457 7042

Availability: Monday's after 4:30 PM
Tuesday's after 1 PM
Wednesday's after 4:30 PM
Thursday's after 4 PM
Friday's after 9 am
Sat. and Sun. all day every other weekend

Qualifications:
I worked as an assistant daycare provider through my mother's home. I have enthusiastically done a lot of babysitting for the daycare parents and a lot of the teachers from my home high school.
I have experience with a wide variety of ages and personalities from working at daycare, babysitting, and from working at a summer camp for three summers.
Here at college, I babysit for two different families, when requested, one of which has a special needs daughter.
I am employed right now at A.B.L.E. (A Brighter Living Experience) in La Crescent, MN where I work every other weekend. A.B.L.E. Inc. is an organization of people dedicated to providing residential services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
I would be happy to share my experiences and abilities upon request.

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Lauren Davidson
651-564-0138
can work weekends, and many weeknights (call and ask).
i've been first aid and cpr trained. but my certification has expired. i'm a certified nursing assistant. i've babysat for any age group.

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Name: Sarah Kay
Location: SMU
Available: weekdays vary, weekend usually work
Phone: 507-457-7113 (Sept '06-April '06)
Qualifications: certified in 1996, been babysitting for families of all sizes since 1995.

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My name is Lisa Tlougan
Contact information: lmtlou04@smumn.edu
(507)421-2201 (cell phone)

I am very experienced in taking care of children of all ages (new born and older). I was a nanny for 2 summers with preteens, have babysat for many families in my hometown Rochester for years, and the past two summers I worked as a day camp counselor at the Rochester YMCA (children ages 6-12).

Availability:

October: Weekday evenings after 7pm, I do have a few soccer games because I play here at Saint Mary's but those dates can be worked out at a later date.

November-December: Anytime after 3pm. Not available over Thanksgiving break (22-27). Available on weekends.

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Name: Christina Leicht
Phone# (630) 550-3430 (cell)
Email: cmleic05@smumn.edu
Availability:Tuesdays after 1pm
Wed. after 4pm
Fri. after 4pm
Any time on the weekend (just let me know!)
Qualifications: Major - Elementary Education - St. Mary's University. I
have been babysitting since I was 15 and I love playing/working with
children of all ages. My experience with children includes teaching swim
lessons, teachers assistant, and summer camp counselor plus crafts and
helping with homework are my specialty! CPR Certified. References
available.

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My name is Ashley Wendlandt. I am willing to babysit for Winona families, however I am currently in volleyball so my availability is limited at the time. Our last game is October 25 so anytime after that I should be able to sit. My classes are done at 3. My phone number at school is (507) 457 - 1970.

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Availability:
Mondays:6:00pm until whenever
Tuesdays:6:00pm until whenever
Wednesdays:not available
Thursdays: 6:00 until whenever
Fridays: 3:00pm until whenever
Saturdays: any times
Sundays: anytime
I have worked for New Horizon day care in my home town for two summers, have babysat kids anywhere from 4 months to 9 years old. i am involved in tiny tots(daycare help), and i am currently an elementary education major.
Jenny Gelschus
Cell Phone: 952-200-3319
house:507-457-1948
JXGELS04@smumn.edu

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My name is Amber Ernst and I am a freshman at SMU. I have been babysitting since I was about 12. I babysat for children of all ages. I will say that kids love me and I love them.

I would have references.

I am availible any night except Saturday before 8:00. My last class on MWF is at noon and on TTH my last class ends at 3:00. I am not sure of my work schedule at this time because I maybe switching jobs


Amber Ernst
Cell: 605-941-4740 Dorm Room:457-7168

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Hi. My name is Meghan Parranto, and i am interested in babysitting. I worked at a day care for 1 year, and i also grew up in a large family-5 kids. I have also babysat for other families in my neighborhood, and families from the day care. I am available monday, friday nights and on the weekends. My phone number is
651-331-1029, and my e-mail is mmparr06@smumn.edu
Thanks!
Meghan Parranto

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Hi! My name is Allissa Voracek, I am a freshman Elementary Education major at St Mary's University, and I am interested in being on the ECFE babysitting list! I can be contacted via email at arvora06@smumn.edu or by phone at 507 421 4274. I am available most days, here is a tantative "schedule":

Monday: class from 7:45 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 2:20. Meetings at 9:00 pm, but I can miss those occcasionally!
Tuesday: class from 9:15 to 10:30 and, beginning October 18, from 1:45 to 2:35.
Wednesday: class from 7:45 to 8:35 and 1:30 to 2:20. Tiny Tots from 3:00 to 5:00. Tiny Tots is a program where a group of students from St Marys goes to a daycare and help with the kids.
Thursday: class from 9:15 to 10:30 and, beginning October 18, from 1:45 to 2:35.
Friday: class from 7:45 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 2:20.

As far as qualifications go, I have babysat for family and friends for many years. I have helped coach a youth hockey team for two years, and I am CPR certified by the Red Cross.

Please let me know if there is anything else you need or would like to know! Thanks!

Allissa Voracek

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Hi my name is Nina Cohn and i am interested in babysitting, you can e-mail me at nrcohn05@smumn.edu or call me at 507-457-7058. Also my schedual right know is a bit full considering I have soccer but after october i will be available a lot after 3:00. THank you: Nina Cohn

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Hello,
I'm responding to the possible babysitting opportunities. I've babysat for numerous different families in the community, and I have worked at the YMCA with kids for about 4 years. I volunteered at Camp Wenonah, the Y's summer camp, and then I became paid staff throughout the year. I coach kids' soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. My favorite babysitting job has been for the 2 children of Dr. Jenny Shanahan, a well-respected professor at St. Mary's. I've been babysitting for her two boys for about 4 or 5 years now. I love children, especially babies, and I am extremely responsible and intrinsically maternal.
I hope you will put my name on the babysitting list.
Thank you,
Mindy Blank

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My name is Bridget Frauenshuh and I am interested in being on the Babysitting list. I am a sophmore at St. Mary's University, and I should be available to babysit on Thursday and Friday evenings and weekends. I am the oldest of four younger brothers and have participated in Big and Little Pals here on campus. This year I am also involved in the Maplewood after school program at the Winona Community Center. I love kids and hope to someday become an elementary teacher. My e-mail address is brfrau05@smumn.edu and my number on campus is (507) 457-7546. My cell phone # is (218) 341-1447. I am busy and may miss a call in the room. Thank you so much and I am looking forward to this experience.
Sincerely,
Bridget Frauenshuh

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I am Madeline Pieper. I am a junior at Saint Mary's University. The only experience with little children I have is babysitting in the past, babysitting my soccer coach's son, and being a soccer coach for 3rd and 4th graders. I have soccer practice from 4 to 7 every night, but Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I am done at 11:00AM. My e-mail is mapiep04@smumn.edu and my phone number is 507-457-1960. Thank you!

Madeline Pieper

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Angie Kryzer
Ahkryz06@smumn.edu
651-249-9844

I have been baby sitting for 6 to 7 years, kids from various ages. I love to have fun with children, play games, makes crafts and just do fun things. I am able to make sure children are safe at all times and I can resolve conflicts between and with children.

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I am Nicole Dalitto and I am interested in being on the babysitters list. I am a twenty year old junior at SMU. I'm certified in child CPR, first aid and the heimlich maneuver. I have been babysitting for 5 years and am a Day Camp Director in the summer.

I can be contacted through e-mail, nldali04@smumn.edu or by cell phone #708-670-4985.

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My name is Lauren LaMarche. I am 22 years old and am a 2nd semester junior Education major at St. Mary's. I am free Mondays after 3:00, Tues and Thurs after 11:00 and Wed and Fri after 12:30. I have plenty of experience with younger children. I have three younger brothers (6,11,and 13) I also have worked in daycare centers and at summer camps. I love keeping children occupied with lots of activities and fun stuff!

I can be reached by phone which is 507-457-7036

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name: Anne O'Day
email: aroday02@smumn.edu
phone: 507 457 7488
Availability: Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.
Qualifications: I have been a camp counselor for 8 years with 4-6 year olds and 9-11 year olds. I have also had experience babysitting.

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Brittney Stefonowicz
(507)457-7527 or cell (952) 240-6435
bmstef05@smumn.edu

available evenings and weekends

I am an elementary education major who loves kids and has had lots of experience including working as a summer nanny for 2 years, swimming instructor, Sunday school teacher, and tutor. References available.

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Kami Ward
SMU Grad Student
507-457-1431 (leave a message if I am not available)

Because I am a grad student/graduate assistant, my schedule is very flexible.

I have been babysitting for several families in the last year. I grew up with 2 younger siblings and have a love for kids!

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Lucas Kaplan
19 years old
Saint Mary's Univarsity, freshman
1-507-456-3961
lpkapl06@smumn.edu

I am currently in cross country so my open time would start at 7 p.m.
There are various activities that I am involved in, but vary with dates and time.

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DISCLAIMER: The Winona ECFE PTA provides this list of babysitters as convenience for parents and as a community service. The information on the list is provided directly from students. This information is provided on an "as is" basis and the ECFE PTA makes no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information. The Winona ECFE PTA does not interview, screen, or perform background checks on the individuals listed. Inclusion on the babysitter list does not constitute an endorsement or support of any particular individual. All parties assume the risks associated with this service, and Winona ECFE PTA cannot be held liable for any injuries associated with these activities.

Why do kids have more energy than adults?

"Why has evolution given children so much energy and their parents so little?" asks NPR reporter John Hamilton. According to the scientists he interviewed, it's all about brain development. But kids' sluggish parents have a role to play, too. Read the whole story at NPR.

Overscheduled kids a myth?

From Newsweek magazine (Oct 2 issue):

For parents who fear they're "overscheduling" their children, a new study carries a soothing message. The paper, published last week by the Society for Research in Child Development, is the first to take a data-driven look at the issue—and whether being so busy is really a bad thing. The study suggests the phenomenon is more isolated than media reports suggest: in fact, 40 percent of children (ages 5 to 18) are engaged in no activities, typical kids spend just five hours a week in structured activities, and very few children—3 to 6 percent—spend 20 hours a week. On average, most kids spend far more time watching TV and playing games. And for kids who are extremely busy, there's also good news: the more activities they do, the better kids stack up on measures of educational achievement and psychological adjustment.

Read the full article here; leave comments on this story below.

Links to Local Events

If you're looking for events in the Winona area, here are some websites to check out (roughly in order of their usefulness):

Community Calendars

Winona Radio Community Calendar
It's easy to add events to this calendar from Winona Radio, which means that it lists a lot of events that would otherwise fall under the radar.

Visit Winona - Calendar of Events
From the Winona Visitors and Conventions Bureau.

Explore Minnesota - Events
This will list all the events in the southern Minnesota Mississippi River Valley and Historic Bluff Country, from the Minnesota Department of Tourism website.

Mississippi Valley Partnership - Calendar
This link will take you to the home page of Mississippi Valley Partners, a tourism cooperative extending along the river from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Winona, Minnesota, and from Bay City, Wisconsin, to Alma, Wisconsin. At the top right of the home page, click on the Calendar link to see the current month's event calendar.

La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
To navigate to the events calendar for the current month, click on "New & Events" in the navigation bar at the top of the home page, and then choose "Events Calendar" from the drop down menu.

Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau - Upcoming Events
Events for the next three months in Rochester, Minnesota.

Events at Specific Destinations/Organizations

Winona Public Library Children's Department - News and Events
Note that this page is not always kept up to date.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum Events
The museum frequently offers events geared toward children.

La Crosse Children's Museum Events
Another page that may or may not be current.

La Crosse Center Calendar
Calendar of upcoming events at the La Crosse Center.

Minnesota Equestrian Center Show Calendar
Lists upcoming horse shows at the Minnesota Equestrian Center, just outside Winona. Very little information is provided beyond a title and a date, but a contact phone number is usually listed for more information.

Winona Mall Events
The mall frequently sponsors family-friendly events; its events calendar usually lists a title and a date, but no additional information, so call the mall for details.

Whitewater State Park events
Scroll down the page for a list of upcoming events at Whitewater State Park; some appropriate for children.

Winona National Bank - Community Involvement
Provides information on the bank's Easter egg event and summer concerts.

A note to those using this list to update/create the Winona Area Family Events Calendar:

• Generally. we only include events that would be appropriate for families with at least one child aged five and under;
• Generally, we only include events within an hour's drive of Winona, tops; even then, the event would have to be pretty good to justify driving more than 30 minutes;
• When submitting an event, please include as much information as parents need to make a decision about the event -- day(s), time, cost, address and/or directions, short description, and contact information (phone number and/or website, if available) for finding more info.
• Events can be submitted to WinonaECFEPTA [ at ] gmail . com

Winona Area Events for Sept 4 - 10

Kellogg Watermelon Festival • Fri, Sept. 8 – Sun, Sept. 10 • Downtown Kellogg
Burn-out races, live bands, street dance, carnival rides. Kiddie parade 1 pm Saturday; Grand Parade Sunday at 2 pm, with free watermelon afterward. More info: Wabasha-Kellogg CVB (800) 565-4158 or www.wabashamn.org

Celebration of Minnesota Children's Authors and Illustrators • Sat, Sept. 9, 12:30 - 5 • Andersen Center, 163 Tower View Drive, Red Wing
Meet Minnesota's finest authors and illustrators. Book sales and signings, readings, face painting, ice cream, book making, puppeteers, marble shooting, music. Free. More info: 651-338-2009 or www.andersoncenter.org

Pickwick Mill Day • Sat., Sept. 9 • Pickwick, 12 miles south of Winona on County Road 7
Food, bluegrass music, Civil War artillery, blacksmith, kids’ games, live demonstrations at the historic mill. More info: www.pickwickmill.org

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days • Sat, Sept. 9 – Sun, Sept. 10 • Pepin, Wis.
Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking, hand-spinning and quilting; art & craft market; food sales; pioneer games for children; tours of Laura's birth site. Old time fiddle contest 3:30 – 6 pm Saturday, with bonfire and live music following; Grande Parade Sunday afternoon. More info: Pepin Visitor Center at (800) 442-3011 or www.pepinwisconsin.com

Did we miss an event? Mention it in the comments. Be sure to include what we need to know to go.

Lake Park Playground

One of the largest playgrounds in Winona, the Lake Park playground features swings (including two baby/toddler swings), lots of climbing equipment and slides (including a playset for older toddlers), a sandbox, two seesaw-type rides, and several tunnels. It's located next to the bandshell, which makes it a popular destination on Wednesday nights during the summer when the municipal band is practicing for its concert. Amenities include a water fountain (operates only during summer months), portable toilets, and picnic tables. Most of the playground is not shaded. Located at Lake Park Drive and Park Drive (near W Lake St and Main St).