By Jamey Helgeson

The Arc Mower County

The Arc Mower County will host the fifth annual Taste of Mower County from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom in Austin.

Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature offerings from some of Mower County’s finest home and restaurant chefs. The event includes food and wine tasting, a cash bar, a silent and live auction, door prizes and live entertainment.  Tickets are $25 for individuals, $40 for couples, $80 for a half table (four people), or $160 for a full table (eight people). Discount applies to pre-paid tickets only.  Tickets at the door are $25 per person. Pay in advance by April 10 to receive discount on multiple tickets. Visit www.thearcmc.org or call 507-433-8994 to purchase tickets or if you need more information.

This event is being sponsored by Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, Iron Chef:  Worlein Funeral Homes, Ace of Cakes,  Kathy Wichmann — Thrivent Financial, Mower County Chapter of Thrivent Financial, The Cedars of Austin and Austin Chapter of Thrivent Financial, Galloping Gourmet,  Medgaarden’s Southwest Sales and Bremer Bank.  If you and your business would like to sponsor this event, please visit www.thearcmc.org or call 507-433-8994.

Proceeds from the event will benefit citizens with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including sports training and competitions through Special Olympics, recreational opportunities through our place recreation center, advocacy and provide training, networking and support to families of a child with an intellectual or developmental disability.

Upcoming Events

•Spring Formal Dinner and Dance: 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Dinner and Dance — $15 per member/staff, dance only —$4 per member

This event is a semi-formal event and everyone is asked to dress accordingly. Dinner catered By Hy-Vee, dance, prizes, grand march, coronation of king and queen and new in 2015 — photo booth.

Nominations for king and queen will be accepted at The Center until March 27. Registration Form is available online at www.thearcmc.org. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 7. Please complete only one form per household.  Payment must accompany this form or it will not be accepted.

•Group Music Therapy for Youth: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16.

There is no charge to attend, however pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 14. Register by calling The Arc Mower County at (507) 433-8994 or email jamey@thearcmc.org.

This group is for children aged 12-18 and will focus on skills development involving socialization, communication, attention, and executive function training. We’ll be working on skills such as social interactions with peers, making decisions, planning, and organizing, all while playing fun music games middle school and high school kids will enjoy! The activities involve anything from interacting with partners, to playing many kinds of percussion instruments with the whole group. This class is instructed by: Jenny M. Kruse, MA, NMT, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist, Fellow, Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy