Packer Arena will open on Nov. 2. Youth Hockey will hold a “Try Hockey for Free” day for those ages 4 to 9 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. There will be equipment available, and there will be Bruins players on hand among some of the volunteers as well. You can register at www.tryhockeyforfree.com or call Scott Guttormson at 507-438-5153 if you have any questions.

Public skate will now be held at Packer Arena from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10.

The cost to skate is $4, and $1 to rent skates. Inquire about family or individual memberships. They can be purchased at our office or at the arena during open skates.

A free program will be offered at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. Come out to enjoy Mark “Sparky” Stensaas as he talks about how “Northern Critters Survive the Winter.”

Mr. Stensaas is the author of five books on the natural history of the north woods, including “Canoe Country Wildlife,” “North Woods Journal,” and “Rock Picker’s Guide to Lake Superior’s North Shore.” This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Nature Center and the Austin Izaak Walton League.

The Nature Center asks that everyone RSVP by Nov. 3 by calling 507-437-7519 or emailing jchnatur@smig.net so they can prepare for seating.

There are several more free programs scheduled over the course of the winter months.

If you are thinking about joining our youth archery league for ages 9 to 18 in January, don’t wait too long. The Wednesday evening class has one spot open and Thursday evening has seven spots open. The cost is $40. League is held in the 4-H building at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Sign up at the Parks and Recreation office.

Are you looking for a place to host a family or friend gathering? Check out what we have to offer with the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park or the Ruby Rupner Auditorium located at the Nature Center. The Izaak Walton cabin rents for $170 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is rated for 109 people. Please call our office at 507-433-1881 for more details and availability.

Call the Nature Center at 507-437-7519 for details and availability on the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.

Check out the Austin Bruin’s at Riverside Arena. Their next home game will be Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7:05 p.m.