An Open House will be held on Saturday, October 29th at 4pm at the Moorhead Youth Hockey Arena.   This is a FREE event and representatives will be available to answer questions and assist with registration.  There  will be time to skate and shoot pucks as well.

There are currently over 50 such programs in the United States and organizers are hoping to attract enough players so that they will be able to have two teams, allowing them to play against each other and travel to Alexandria to play as well.   

If you are able to volunteer or sponsor a team, you are asked to email Jackie Beedy at jlbeedy@gmail.com  or call 218-329-1808.

Let’s help get the word out to friends and neighbors in the FM area, as well as surrounding areas, so this wonderful program takes off and another fun opportunity is opened up to those with special needs!

Monday- Lyrical 1/2 (7-12 years) 4:00-5:00 , Ballet/Jazz (7-9 years) 4:00-5:00 , Hip Hop 1/2 (7-12 years) 5:00-6:00 , Tap 2/3 (7-12 years) 5:00-5:45 , Ballet/Tap (3-4 years) 5:15-6:00 , Tap 1/2 (7-12 years) 6:00-6:45 , Intermediate/Advanced Pointe 6:00-6:45 , Beginning Skills & Technique 6:00-6:45 , Ballet 4/5 (13+ years) 6:45- 8:00 , Junior Company (audition at beginning of the fall session) 6:45-8:00 , Intermediate Skills & Technique 7:15-8:00 , Senior Company (audition at beginning of fall session) 8:00-9:45 , Apprentice Company (audition at beginning of fall session) 8:00-9:30.

Tuesday- Ballet 2/3 (7-12 years) 4:00-5:15 , Ballet 1/2 (7-12 years) 4:15-5:15 , Jazz 1/2 (7-12 years) 5:15-6:15 , Jazz 2/3 (7-12  years) 5:15-6:30 , Ballet 3/4 (13+ years) 6:15-7:30 , Lyrical 2/3 (11-16 years) 6:30-7:30 , Lyrical 4/5 (13+ years) 7:30-8:30 , Hip Hop 3/4 (13+ years) 7:30-8:30 , Jazz 4/5 (13+ years) 8:30-9:45 , Modern 3/4 (13+ years) 8:30-9:30.

Wednesday- Ballet/Tap (3-4 years) 2:30-3:15 , Ballet/Tap (5-6 years) 4:15-5:15 , Ballet/Tap (3-4 years) 5:15-6:00 , Ballet/Jazz (7-9 years) 5:15-6:15 , Ballet/Tap (5-6 years) 6:15-7:15 , Ballet/Tap (3-4 years) 6:15-7:00 , Tappercise 7:15-8:00

Thursday- Ballet/Tap (3-4 years) 9:15-10:00 , Ballet 3 (11-16 years) 4:15-5:30 , Ballet 2/3 (7-12 years) 4:15-5:30 , Ballet/Tap (2-4 years) 4:45-5:30 , Jazz 3 (11-16 years) 5:30- 6:45 , Ballet 3/4 (13+ years) 5:30-6:45 ,  Ballet/Tap (5-6 years) 5:45-6:45 , Pre-Pointe (11-16 years) 6:45-7:30 , Tap 4/5 6:45-7:30 , Stretch & Tone 6:45-7:30 , Lyrical 3/4 (13+ years) 7:30-8:30 , Hip Hop 4/5 (13+ years) 7:30-8:30 , Tappercise 7:30-8:15 , Jazz 3/4 8:30-9:45.

Coming soon: Pilates Ballet, Yoga Ballet, Parent & Child Dance Classes, Choreography Classes, and contemporary classes.

Sign up now!

As a dedicated and loyal fan of University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Hockey, it pains me to inform you that the greatest logo in college sports will cease to exist of the 2010-2011 athletic year.

After years of discussion, arguments, committees, and votes, it appears that the University of North Dakota will officially change their name and logo at the conclusion of this athletic year.  According to the Fargo Forum, because of existing licensing and contractual obligations the university will continue to use the Fighting Sioux name and logo through the spring of the coming year.

Last April, when North Dakota Board of Higher Education directed the University of North Dakota to transition away from the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, the university and the companies who sell their licensed product developed a timeline for removal.  In July of last year, the logo and nickname were removed from a trademark artwork website. Vendors holding “Sioux head” and standard UND licenses were be renewed for a year and no new “Sioux head” licenses would be issued.  This October the development of new designs for jerseys, coffee mugs and other merchandize bearing the Fighting Sioux logo or nickname ceased to exist.

This coming July all Fighting Sioux-branded merchandise must be off retail floors unless authorized by the university. Any merchandise bearing the logo and nickname after that date found would be subject to confiscation by the university.

The Vikings got Moss from New England on Wednesday for a 3^rd round pick in the 2011 draft.  They were able to scoop up the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and bring him into what has been a below average passing game to this point.  I still have plenty of fond memories of Moss’ electrifying performances, colorful comments, and erratic behavior.

As many of us remember, Moss spent his first seven seasons in Minnesota, where he set all kinds of records and became one of the most exciting playmakers in the league.  He racked up 9,142 yards and 90 touchdowns during his first stint with Minnesota and led them to the to NFC title game during the 1998 and 2000 seasons. (Both of those games still make me cry.)

This move could not have come at a better time for the Vikings.  Get a look at their schedule.  This week they play on Monday night versus the red hot New York Jets, after which they come home to match up against the Dallas Cowboys.  The Cowboys passed on Moss twice during his 1998 draft day and Moss has never forgotten that.  After the “boys” come to town, Moss and the Vikings go to Lambeau Field on a Sunday night to face the Packers, a team that Moss has torched in the past.  Finally, Moss gets to travel back to New England to face the team that ousted him after 3 very productive seasons.

None of us ever thought this could happen, but are loving that it did.  I cannot wait for Monday night to hear the words, “Favre back to pass… he throws it deep to Moss….TOUCHDOWN!”

Image courtesy of reubendn

When I first began writing this blog a little over a week ago the Minnesota Vikings were unsure of this years starting quarterback.  Bret Favre:  QB or not QB?  My how things can change in a week!  As I watched my favorite sports team, the Minnesota Vikings, in their first pre-season game and witnessed Sage Rosenfels throw for a total of 310 yards, three touchdowns, and made 23/34 completions it made me ponder the thought of him possibly becoming the Favre of the 90’s.  Then I woke up!  I realized that Sage was last years third string quarterback and that Tavaris Jackson was currently holding the starting quarterback position.  What a dreadful thought.

Now back to Favre who has decided to complete the final year of his two year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He is once again sure that this year, his 20^th in the NFL, will be his last.  2009 was one of the best in his career.  First off he has played a stellar 309 consecutive games, more than any quarterback in NFL history.  Last year he threw for 33 touchdowns, had only 7 interceptions and was knocking on the door of yet another return to the Super Bowl.  However, The New Orleans Saints had a different idea.  Call it faith or fate but 2010 was the year of the Saints.  They went on to win the Minnesota Vikings in overtime and advance their team to their franchise’s first ever Super bowl appearance.  Last year was truly destiny for the New Orleans Saints.  Their team had rallied back from one of the worst hurricanes in history and with much hard work and determination had kept their dream alive and became Super Bowl champions.

So is it possible that this year could be the year for the Purple People Eaters?  With one of the best quarterbacks driving our team I believe we have a shot at making it to our 5^th Super Bowl appearance.  After all with Brett having a career best 2009 with a 68% completion percentage, fewest interceptions in a year, and throwing for 4,202 yards I believe it is more than possible to keep my dream alive.   So grab the remote, settle back into your recliners and stay tuned as the Minnesota Vikings make a drive that will hopefully take us to Arlington, Texas in February.  My husband always tells me I’m a dreamer!

This is an event for all ages and an opportunity for everyone to set their own personal goals.  My daughter Jessica started with the ½ mile youth run at the age of 8, from there advanced to the 1 mile youth run, ran the 5k at ages 10 and 11, and this year, at the age of 12, will be running in the inaugural 10k.  Each year I remind her that she is setting her own goals and should strive for her own personal best.  It’s about challenging yourself and always striving to do better.  When she ran in her first 5k she placed in the top 1/3 of all people who ran that year which was approximately 3500 people.  I am excited for this year and know that not too far in the distant future I will be watching my daughter finish her first ½ marathon and someday attain a goal that all runners strive to achieve …..the full marathon.  I am truly proud of Fargo for offering such an elite event that we can all be proud of.

The following is a run down of the times for this year’s event.

Thursday, May 20^th

            6:30-7:00 p.m. – Youth run ½ mile race

            7:00-8:00 p.m. – Youth run 1 mile race

Friday, May 21^st

            6:30-8:00 p.m. – 5k run/walk

              *Runners line up on University Drive @ 5:30 p.m.

              *Race will start at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 22^nd

            5:30 a.m. - FargoDome lobby opens up to runners

            6:30 a.m. - Starting line announcements begin and 10k lineup

            7:00 a.m. - 10k Run/walk starts (Go Jessica!)

            7:05 a.m. - Starting line announcements and ½ marathon lineup

            7:20 a.m. – National Anthem, Invocation, Dignitaries

            7:30 a.m. - ½ Marathon starts

            7:40 a.m. - Starting line announcements and marathon lineup

            7:50 a.m. - National Anthem, Invocation, Dignitaries

            7:55 a.m. - Wheelchair start

            8:00 a.m. - Full marathon event starts

            3:00 p.m. - Full and ½ marathon courses close

The cost to run in the following events:

            Marathon $85.00 online through April 30^th, $90.00 from May 1-15

            ½ Marathon $65.00 online through April 30^th, $70.00 from May 1-15

            10k $40.00 online through April 30^th, $45.00 from May 1-15

            5k $30.00 online through April 30^th, $35.00 from May 1-15

            Your mile and ½ mile run $10.00

Packet Pickup Hours are Thursday, May 20 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, May 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All runners will start outside of the FargoDome but will finish inside the Dome under the Jumbotron video monitors.  When you are standing at the finish line waiting for your family, friend, or colleague to run across the finish line you can just hear and feel the excitement in the air.  It seems like your entire city is cheering you on.  It truly is an amazing feeling.

There is plenty of course entertainment along the marathon route.  There are gymnasts, rock-n-roll bands, kids, family, and friends dressed up supporting their favorite runners.  There truly is something fun to see at every mile.

There is still time to register either online or offline.  Here’s where you register online.  For offline entrants complete a registration form and mail it along with your payment to Fargo Marathon, Inc. P.O. Box 2623 Fargo, ND 58108-2623.

The marathon committee is still looking for volunteers in the following areas: traffic control, registration/packet pickup, pasta/lefse feed, finish line & medical tent, youth run, and cleanup just to name a few.  As a volunteer you will receive an official Scheels Fargo Marathon volunteer t-shirt and you will be invited to special post race activities.  Goodie bags containing a Scheels gift card and coupons for discounts at local merchants will also be given to volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer please e-mail volunteers@fargomarathon.com or call 888 RUN FARGO.

The Fargo Marathon recently received the Runner’s World Reader’s Choice Award as the #1 Best Value Marathon in America and the 8^th Best Overall Marathon in America.  So whether you’re looking to run your first event this year, plan to volunteer, or want to be a cheering spectator that Fargo would be proud of, be sure to come out on May 22^nd and join in the fun and support our local  Marathon.  See you at the finish line!

1.     “The NFC”- The Vikings play in the much weaker of the two conferences and could easily make a run deep in the playoffs (see Arizona Cardinals).

2.    “The Metrodome”- If the Vikings are able to get through the season healthy and have a good record they would be able to play one or two games at the HHH Metrodome.  This is a huge advantage for the Vikes because of the crowd noise and the perfect weather conditions needed for their offense to be effective.

3.   “Visanthe Shaincoe”- This veteran Viking tight end is poised to have a career year with the additions of a veteran quarterback and the best running game in football.  As defenses rotate players into the box to stop the running game Shaincoe should find himself open or single covered in the center of the field matched up with a player that cannot effectively cover him.

4.   “Heath Farwell”- Most people are saying, “Heath Who?”  This Viking Special Teams captain is one of the best special teamers in the league.  Farwell’s return from injury will make a dramatic difference in a special teams group that looked lost and incompetent a year ago.

5.   “The Best Run Defense in Football”- The Vikings sport great run-stoppers including Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Jared Allen, EJ Henderson, Ben Leber, Chad Greenway, Cedric Griffin, and Antoine Winfield.  The old adage that defense wins championships should bode well for this elite group.

6.   “Adrian Peterson”- The best player in football will have another excellent year.  He should again be at the top of the league in rushing and will see his touchdown production improve over last year.  Every time Peterson touches the ball he is a threat to reach the end zone.

7.   “Brett Favre”- While it pains me to write this, Favre makes a dramatic difference for the Vikings because of his leadership, knowledge, and big play ability.  He will make teams pay for keying on Peterson and the Vikings running game.  Favre does not have to do it all for the Vikings and only has to be effective for the team to be successful.

Check out the Vikings schedule for the 2009-2010 season.

Here is information on some of our local Fargo Moorhead sports centers and facilities.

There is always plenty to do at this event. The athletes from the football, soccer, and volleyball teams autograph posters, provided at the Dome. I am always impressed by the kindness and sincerity displayed by all of the athletes at this event. They all make a point to talk to the kids and ask them how they are doing. Since we have met these players every year, some of them even told the boys that they recognized them from years before. They are always ready to jump up and pose for pictures with the kids. My four year old was thrilled when one of the soccer players gave her a flower to keep.

There were many games from Games Galore to play on for fans of all ages… ok, kids of  ages. The cheerleaders help the children get in and out of the games and gears and pay special attention to the young fans. Coach Bohl and Thundar greeted everyone as they mingled with the crowd.

If you missed the event tonight, I encourage you to definitely attend next year. It’s a great way to get fired up for the fall season! Go Bison!!!

I should also mention that Scheels is hosting an NDSU Bison Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 5:00 – 7:00, in the Fargo Scheels parking lot. This free event includes entertainment from the NDSU Gold Star pep band, the Bison Cheer Squad and  Thundar, along with a special guest appearance from Head Football Coach, Craig Bohl. There will be free sub sandwiches, chips, and soda while supplies last.

For more information on events in the Fargo-Moorhead area, click here.