It was the Bess of times...

Mankato-based children's book publisher Capstone celebrated its 20th  birthday by handing out gifts. Namely, a couple thousand books to kids at the Mankato Family YMCA on Thursday, June 23.

The colorful, literacy-promoting traveling library, Bess The Bus, pulled up to the Y that afternoon to the delight of several dozen kids whose day here was made even more exciting. Each of them was able to browse through the bus and pick out a book or three.   

The Y will use the donation of 2,500 books throughout its preschool and youth programs.  

On a normal day at the Y, an extraordinary visit

John Kind was in his office when Lee Snilsberg, a longtime supporter of the Y, dropped by for a visit.  

And with the statement "I've got something for you" serving as they only fanfare or preparation, Snilsberg handed over a check for $56,000. The donation, he told Kind, was to go toward whatever the Y saw fit.  

"Lee's a very generous man, and we're one of four organizations to benefit from that generosity," Kind told the Y board of directors at the last meeting.

Music lovers, take note: The Mankato Symphony Orchestra and the YMCA will collaborate on another Family Concert Series geared specifically for children.

In the tradition of past series "Viva Vivaldi" and "Hayden Go Seek," the new series is titled "Bach's Lunch."

An excerpt from the MSO's

promotional material reads: Composer Johann Sebastian Bach has it all. A brilliant composer with a loving family, he has a job he enjoys playing the organ for church, writes fugues and cantatas with ease, and gets to teach some of the most talented musicians in town. The only problem? His student Heinrich just won't take things seriously!"

The Family Concert Series is designed to introduce young children and their families to the delights of classical music. No need to sit still! Laughing, clapping, singing along, and dancing are encouraged.

The series stars Gustavus Adolphus College organist David Fienen as Bach and Alex Barnett as Heinrich.

The performances take place in the Y's aerobic studio at 11 a.m. Dates are October 15, December 17, March 17 and June 2.   

Purchase tickets at the Twin Rivers Box Office by calling 507-387-1008, online at www.twinriversarts.org, www.mankatosymphony.com, and at the door.

News & notes 

The Y is in the process of some emotional hellos and goodbyes. Program Coordinator Susie Hulst took a job with the Albert Lea YMCA (a convenient move as Susie and her family live in Albert Lea). And following the departure of Aquatics Director Lisa Powles -- and great interim direction from Bethany Myre, the Y today welcomes Brother/Sister volunteer and Red Cross instructor Jenni Dillemuth-Robb as the new Aquatics Director....Youth Sports has some important dates coming up: Flag Football registration deadline is Aug. 5 for K-4; Youth golf lessons are July 11-13 at 11 a.m. each day, and youth tennis lessons are available throughout the summer. Contact the Y to register...And contact the Y to register for Adult "Tune-up" Golf Lessons, which start Aug. 1 at North Links and Cardio Tennis, beginning Aug. 7.    

Thanks to members who gave time, money or both, the annual fundraising campaign exceeded its 2011 goal by more than $10,000. 

The aim of the 2011 Strong Kids Campaign was to raise $140,000 from mid-April to early June.   

Contributions to the campaign -- thus far -- total $152,946.

The money generated through the campaign will be used toward helping subsidize memberships for low-income families. Inherent in the Mankato organization's mission is to be accessible to all members of the community regardless of income.  

"Once again, our ability to provide memberships for  low-income families is strengthened by the extraordinary kindness of our members," said Y Executive Director John Kind.

This year's effort was chaired by Martha Robinson and Andy Nessler. DeeDra Vosburg and Sarah Person oversaw the fundraising teams.