United Way kickoff NEW ULM — The United Way of the Brown County Area is launching its 2009 campaign on Sept. 11. The kickoff will be a picnic from 4-7 p.m. at Herman Heights Park with brats, hot dogs, German potato salad, chips and lemonade. Kids games will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. and a SPOTS performance at 5:30 p.m. Last year’s Survivor teams re-united for a Tug-of-War Challenge at 6 p.m. The competition will be fierce as New Ulm’s “strongest” companies pull for the win. ECFE starts Sept. 14 NEW ULM — Early Childhood Family Education Session I begins the week of Sept. 14. A variety of classes that support families and combine parent education with children’s activities are open to families with children from birth to prekindergarten. A Toy, Book, and Video Lending Library is also available. Newsletters with information on classes have been sent out. If you did not receive one and are eligible for classes, please call 359-8417. Registration deadline is Sept.8.