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Cities on the Move – Town Hall Meeting

KSMQStaff — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:22:57 +0000

Reading is central to our ability to function in today’s world. Books are often a favorite pleasurable pursuit as well. KSMQ’s special Regional Town Hall Meeting examined new trends in literature and socialization surrounding books on Tuesday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m.

A panel of local books lovers – readers and writers – shared some regional resources and some of their favorite book recommendations. We also looked at recent patterns of books, self-publishing, and the many social connections that develop around books like book clubs, writing clubs, online blogs and fan clubs. Join the discussion. Tell us some of your favorite books, and insights to today’s literary world.

It was an absolutely loverly afternoon…

KSMQStaff — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:36:21 +0000

Our second annual British Comedy Society Tea was held at the Hormel Historic Home in Austin on Saturday, June 19. We all shared a beautiful day, delicious food as prepared by the catering wizards at Hy-Vee, and the largest gathering of extraordinary women (and gentlemen) in fabulous hats that has ever been assembled in Austin, Minnesota.

We enjoyed a delightful medley of “My Fair Lady” songs performed by Alice Holst and accompanist Scott Blankenbaker and had a lively discussion of British television on KSMQ. Peter Grover shared with us some insight on the tradition and history of tea and we learned why you should hold out your pinky finger when you drink a cup of tea.

A fabulous time was had by all!

KSMQ loves Billy McLaughlin!

KSMQStaff — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:46:51 +0000

KSMQ members enjoyed a terrific evening of fabulous music with Minnesota native Billy McLaughlin at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on Friday night, May 21. After the show we all had a chance to share some wine, cheese, and conversation with Billy at a reception backstage at the Paramount. We extend our thanks to Apollo Liquor, Gene Anderson Farms, Scott Anderson and The Paramount Theatre, and Billy McLaughlin for making it such a special night!

Cities on the Move… in the field

KSMQStaff — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:17:29 +0000

Minnesota State Academies: Most of us take for granted the ability to see and hear. Today, we filmed a segment with the Directors of the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. These schools are amazing. They provide a comprehensive public education for children with sight and hearing disabilities, including the many special social components for school such as sports and prom. I learned a great deal. Watch the show on YouTube and learn more!

Billy McLaughlin – In Concert

KSMQ Staff Writer — Sat, 15 May 2010 16:08:57 +0000

On behalf of KSMQ, I’d like to offer you this incredible package! For your $65 membership at KSMQ you will receive:

Pair of tickets to see virtuoso guitarist Billy McLaughlin at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, May 21 at 7:30pm. Billy is an extraordinary talent with an even more amazing story, Billy will be performing with a String Quartet.

You will be invited to an EXCLUSIVE Meet and Greet with Billy after the show. We’ll gather backstage at the Paramount for conversation and wine and cheese. You have to meet this incredible performer and hear more about what he has overcome.

You will receive Billy McLaughlin’s CD – Into the Light and a DVD of his documentary Changing Keys.

You will receive a $5 certificate from Steve’s Pizza that is good towards a large pizza on May 21 only.

And to top it all off, you’ll also become a supporting member of KSMQ!

This will be an evening we’ll be talking about for months to come and I hope you are a part of it. To get your tickets, simply call KSMQ toll-free at 800-658-2539 (or locally at 507-433-0678) during normal business hours.

Special thanks to the Paramount Theatre and Steve’s Pizza for partnering with KSMQ on this great event with Billy McLaughlin!

Yours in service,
Marianne Potter
KSMQ CEO/President

Cities on the Move… in the field

KSMQStaff — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:52:24 +0000

Long Distance Tag: So many of us played tag as children – it’s a nearly universal game. Well today I learned about a more grown-up version of the game – paintball. I knew it existed, but didn’t really know much about it. Will Holst came to the studio and shared his years of experience playing the game. It turns out there is an incredible degree of strategy, thinking on your feet and concentration involved in this fast-paced game. Will plays most of his games at Xphere in Faribault. I think you’ll want to catch this upcoming episode – look for it soon!

Cities on the Move… in the field

KSMQStaff — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:32:33 +0000

Hidden Talents: There are so many talented people in our region. Many of them go along doing their ‘thing’ without fame or notoriety. This week I had a chance to meet just such a woman. She definitely has a gift for creative and inspiring works of art. She makes church banners.
I’m sure many of you have seen beautiful banners hanging in your own church, but have you ever wondered who makes them. June Stender from Spring Valley is one of those artists. She has made many, many banners over the last 40 years and seems to have a special talent for designing, selecting materials and creating movement and grace in the many themes she uses. I hope you will tune in to see what a special gift she is to our region.

Billy McLaughlin and KSMQ

Marianne Potter — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:17:18 +0000

On Tuesday night, April 27, KSMQ was honored to welcome virtuoso guitarist Billy McLaughlin to our studios and he co-hosted a night of pledge with me and Scott Anderson of the Paramount Theatre. Not only is Billy an extraordinary talent but he has an amazing story of how he overcame dystonia and taught himself to play guitar left-handed after it was believed he would never be able to play guitar again. If you missed the documentary “Changing Keys – Billy McLaughlin and the Mysteries of Dystonia” you can see it again on Tuesday, May 4 at 8:00pm or Saturday, May 8 at 10:00pm.

Cities on the Move… in the field

KSMQStaff — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:35:11 +0000

Get Outside! We are planning several upcoming episodes that cover many of the great activities we can do outside. The weather has turned nice and I know I am eager to get out and enjoy the warm sunshine. As I persue the calendar of events for communities, I see it is summer festival time coming up as well. Thanks to all the many volunteers who make all of these activities possible. So many in our region enjoy and appreciate your efforts!

Cities on the Move… Education

John Wiedenheft — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:22:09 +0000

Everyone has an interest in the delivery of quality education to K-12 students across the nation. As is often stated, our youth are our future.

KSMQ is proud to announce the next Regional Town Hall as part of the series, Cities on the Move, will be held Tuesday, April 6. A panel of educators, advocates and parents will discuss the issues in education prompting increased school choice, as well as the innovations that have occurred to address these needs.

Our at-home audience will be able to engage the panel in a dialogue about what is working in their community. It promises to be a very lively and thought-provoking discussion.

Join us, Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. on KSMQ Public Television.