Community Calendar
Events
Sept. 28
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Bring your lights, luminaries and flashlights, and join us for the Festival of Lights on Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Baker Park Reserve in Medina. Check in Friday evening and decorate your site. Prizes awarded for best site decorations. Campsite judging begins at dusk on Saturday. Saturday afternoon family activities begin at 1 p.m. and include crafts, face painting, climbing wall and more. Campsite judging limited to camp loops A, B, G, H and J. Campground check-in begins daily at 4 p.m., so camp out on Friday night for extra time to decorate! Camping fee plus $15 program fee applies with each campsite reservation at Baker Campground. Call 763-559-6700 to reserve your campsite and reference activity #460007-06.
LITTLE RACERS CLASS – Little Racers are at the ECFE center, 5241 Shoreline Drive in Mound. Zoom on over to ECFE for Wee Ones Playtime, serving ages 0-5 years. You can drop by and pay $5 per family or buy a punch card for a discounted rate. Register online at www.communityed.westonka.k12.mn.us or call 952-491-8048.
Sept. 29
CREATIVE WRITING SAMPLER – First Pages for Adults: Creative Writing Sampler?Saturday will happen on Sept. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Westonka Library. Registration required, and begins on Sept. 1; limit 20. Not sure if you’re a poet, a novelist or a memoirist? Come and sample poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction by exploring craft techniques common to all three. You’ll also have a chance to experiment with each through creative writing exercises. See related materials for further information. Find more by searching the library catalog or Ask Us. This will be located at the Westonka Hennepin County Library, at?2079 Commerce Blvd., Mound. For more information, call 612-543-6175.
ORONO KIDS STUFF SALE – Clothes, toys, equipment, sizes infant to teen and maternity will be on sale Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a $1 Fee to Shop from 9 to 10 a.m., and a half price sale from 1 to 2 p.m. The sale will be at Schumann Elementary School, lcated at 765 Old Crystal Bay Road in Long Lake.
HARVEST HOEDOWN – Join us for an evening of fiddling, foot-stomping fun, and farm-fresh food. On Saturday, Sept. 29 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista, you will enjoy string-band music and learn the basics of easy and fun family folk dancing. Take a wagon ride, meet the farm animals, and explore the farm. Farm-raised concessions available for an additional fee. Cost is $6 and proceeds will go to support the Three Rivers Park District Wonder Fund scholarship program.
MINNETONKA FALL COLORS TOUR FOR WOMEN – Participate in a kayak tour on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista. Paddle around the secluded islands and bays of Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage as you take a short side trip to Wawatasso Island and learn some of the history of the Upper Lake. Previous paddling experience required. All equipment provided. Reservations required. Cost is $45 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #426212-00. This program is designed for women ages: 14+.
MINNETONKA FALL COLORS TOUR – Participate in a kayak tour on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista. Paddle around the secluded islands and bays of Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage as you take a short side trip to Wawatasso Island and learn some of the history of the Upper Lake. Previous paddling experience required. All equipment provided. Cost is $45 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #426212-01. This program is designed for ages: 14+.
Sept. 30
CANOE WHEN THE MOON IS FULL – On Sunday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista, canoe when the moon is full. Enjoy a leisurely paddle as our guides lead you on a canoe trip under a full moon. Watch for deer, muskrats, herons, and other wildlife while being entertained with stories of the full moon. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $8 and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #427506-00. This program is for ages 5+.
Oct. 3-5
RUMMAGE SALE: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 3745 Shoreline Drive, in Navarre, will hold its annual fund-raising rummage sale, Wednesday (4 – 8 p.m.), Thursday (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) and Friday (8 a.m. to noon – Bag Day). Donations of clean clothing and operable household items for the sale will be accepted at the church from Sunday, Sept. 23 through Oct. 1.
Oct. 4-5
RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE – Calvin Presbyterian Church members in Long Lake will hold their semi-annual rummage and bake sale Oct. 4-5. Proceeds from the sale support various mission projects as well as church needs. Interfaith Outreach, Chechon Children’s Home in Korea, Westonka Food Shelf, Sojourner Shelter, Crisis Nursery, Feed My Starving Children are just a few of the places supported by this sale. Calvin Church is located on the corner of Grand and Glendale in Long Lake. Hours of the sale will be Oct. 4 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Oct. 5 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Items are half price from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 4, and Oct. 5 is Bag Day at $3.00 per bag. For directions to the church, call the church office at (952) 473-5419.
Oct. 6
CELEBRATE THE HARVEST – Join us from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, at Gale Woods Farm, in Minnetrista, for “Celebrate the Harvest,” our annual fall festival. Witness sheep dog herding trials — 30+ border collies compete in open field trials. Peruse what’s available from more than 20 fiber and local food vendors. Enjoy musical performances by the Okee Dokee Brothers (award-winning family entertainment) on Saturday and TreVeld (an acoustic string band) on Sunday. See world record holder Doug Rathke shearing sheep from 10 a.m. to noon. There also will be wagon rides, chef demonstrations and more! Best of all, this program is free for all ages!
Oct. 8
ECFE CLASS – Make n’ Take begins a four-week session from 11a.m. to 12:15pm. Parents and children will make projects to extend the learning from school to home. Classes are held at the Early Childhood center, 5241 Shoreline Drive in Mound. Register online at www.communityed.westonka.k12.mn.us or call 952-491-8048.
Oct. 13
LLFD FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE – From 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. the Long Lake Fire Department will host an open at Fire Station 1, located at 340 Willow Drive North. Planned activities include a car fire simulation, face painting, a bounce house, a dunk tank, a silent auction, snacks and refreshments, fire truck rides, live music and a bonfire. North Memorial Ambulance, Hennepin County Water Patrol, Orono and Wayzata Police Departments and an Air Care Helicopter will also be at the event. More information is available on the department’s website at www.longlakefire.org.
LAWN CARE SUCCESS – The best time of year to tend to the lawn to ensure its success for the following year is October. Speaker Sam Bauer, a University of Minnesota extension educator in turf management, will talk about turf grass species selection, soil types and preparation, fertility and watering practices, and pest management. This session focuses on the creation of sustainable lawns that require less fertilizer and water, along with reducing the use of pesticides. Go to the Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscape, at 2350 West Wayzata Blvd. in Long Lake from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. Donation is $5 to the Westonka Horticulture Society.
On-going
FREEDOM FROM ADDICION – The Maple Plain Maple Plain Seventh-day Adventist Church is inviting people who are seeking freedom from addiction. This is for people seeking to be set free from the bonds of alcohol, chemical, emotional, mental health challenges or tobacco. It takes place Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 15 through Nov. 13. RSVP at mapleplainprograms@gmail.com to reserve your spot today, or call 612-282-5138. The cost is $15, but the program asks people to respond even if they cannot afford it.
MEALS ON WHEELS – WeCAN’s Meals on Wheels Program is desperately in need of weekly drivers. Less than 1 hour a week brings a nutritious hot meal to your neighbor’s door. If you are not able to make a weekly commitment, we are always in need of substitute drivers. Please call Carolyn at 952-472-0742 for further information.
VFW POST #7 – The VFW Post # 7 holds a monthly member meeting at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Surfside Park Depot/Pavilion. Visit www.vfw7.org for info.
WEDNESDAYS FOR KIDS – Wednesdays for kids is beginning from 5 to 6 p.m., starting Sept. 12 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Mound. There will be music, art and games, and children will have the chance to meet Melody and all her puppet friends. Learn to drum and dance. The event will run all year. For more information or to get involved, call 952-472-1416.
FAMILY STORYTIME – Family Storytime Mondays will be happening on Sept. 10 through Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. at Maple Plain Library. For children age 2 and up. Share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement with your children. The Maple Plain?Library is located at 5184 Main St. E., Maple Plain. For more information, call 612-543-5700.
STORYTIME – Family Storytime Mondays will be happening on Sept. 10 through Oct. 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Westonka Library. For children age 2 and up. Share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement with your children. This will be located at the Westonka Hennepin County Library, at 2079 Commerce Blvd., Mound. For more information, call 612-543-6175.
BABY STORYTIME – Baby Storytime Tuesdays will happen on Tuesdays from Sept. 11 to Oct. 2, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Westonka Library. For children from birth to 24 months. Delight and stimulate your baby’s senses with books and music. Build brain power. This will be located at the Westonka Hennepin County Library, at 2079 Commerce Blvd., Mound. For more information, call 612-543-6175.
Meals on wheels – Are you an independent senior who’s tired of trying to decide what to cook? Are you or a loved one in need of a hot, nutritious meal? Do you worry that your homebound friend isn’t eating properly and hasn’t had anyone check in or visit with them lately? Are you looking for a meaningful way to help out in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call Carolyn at WeCAN, 952-472-0742 for further information on our meals program.
Westonka Writing Group – If you are a budding writer or would like support in getting started writing, you are invited to join the Westonka Writing Group and share your writing and your thoughts on writing and writers. The group meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the meeting room at the Westonka Library or in the home of a member. Call Sharon Tauber at 952-221-1925 for information or location of the next meeting.
BOAT CRUISE – On Mondays from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., from June-August, enjoy the Gillespie Al & Alma’s Lunch/Boat Cruise. Enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise on beautiful Lake Minnetonka for only $16. You must buy your tickets in advance by the Friday prior to the cruise at The Gillespie Center. Bring your family & friends.
WEIGHT WATCHERS – Weight Watchers meets weekly in Mound at the Mt. Olive Church on the corner of Bartlett and Wilshire. Our meetings begin every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 4 for weighing in and registering. We always welcome new members!! And, as always, you can visit a meeting for free to check our program out. For more information or to pre-register, please go to weightwatchers.com. Hope to see you at our meeting!
SATURDAY MORNINGS ON THE FARM – Explore the Gale Woods Farm barn, where you can meet animals, assist a Gale Woods farmer with chores, and participate in other seasonal farm activities this summer from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, June 9 through August 25, at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch outside on your own.
Cost is $4 and this program is for ages 2+. For more information, check out the Three Rivers Park District’s website
MEALS ON WHEELS – Are you or a loved one in need of a hot, nutritious meal? Do you worry that your homebound friend hasn’t had anyone check in or visit with them lately? Are you an independent senior who’s active lifestyle gets in the way of cooking a well balanced meal? Are you looking for a meaningful way to help out in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call Carolyn at WeCAN, 952-472-0742 for further information on our meals program.
GRIEF COALITION – The West Suburban Grief Coalition will hold its weekly meetings from March 1 through May 31 at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, 600 County Rd
73 in Minnetonka, 952-546-5433. The meetings begin at 4 p.m. with a
social time, at 4:30 p.m. there is a speaker and at 5 p.m. individual
break-out groups are held. The groups consist of Spouse Loss, Child Loss and Friends & Family (all other) and end at 6 p.m.
WOMENS HI-LO GOLF LEAGUE – The Lakeview golf course in Orono is accepting new members into its Thursday morning womens Hi-lo golf league. The season begins Thursday May 3, 2012 and runs through Aug. 30, 2012. For information, please call Elaine Fiske at 952-472-5221; or Maria Gempler at 612-963-5200. Looking forward to meeting new members!
Mound Evangelical Free Church Soup and Bread Ministry – We invite all in need of a FREE meal to attend our Soup and Bread Ministry. We will provide a free evening meal of soup, bread, and other goodies. Please join us every first and third Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Mound.
HARVEST MOON MUSIC – Come enjoy the sounds of live old-time fiddle, guitar and banjo music from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at Harvest Moon Natural Foods (2380 W.Wayzata Blvd) in Long Lake.
SNOMADS SNOWMOBILE CLUB – The Maple Plain Snowmads snowmobile club meets at 8 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month at Monies, located on the corner of Highway 12 and Baker Park Road in Maple Plain. Join the club for group rides, fun events and opening new trails as well as re-opening old trails to connect with Long Lake, Lake Minnetonka, Delano, Loretto, Hamel and beyond. Safety instruction is also available for young and new riders. For more information, call Jay at (612) 328-0924.
WESTONKA SNOBLAZERS – General club meetings of the Westonka Snoblazers, a local social club whose membership promotes, supports, and enjoys safe snowmobile riding and touring, are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. through April. Meetings are held at Lord Fletchers, 3746 Sunset Drive, Spring Park, (952) 471-8513. All interested prospective members are invited to attend the general club monthly meetings. For more information, visit the website: www.snoblazers.com.
ESL CLASS – Those looking to improve their English are invited to join a multi-level English as a Second Language (ESL) class any time during the school year Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Orono Discovery Center (Room 102), 5050 Independence Street in Maple Plain. Classes are free for US residents/citizens, immigrants, refugees, or work-visa holders. Instruction includes: improving basic daily life vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and pronunciation skills. Call (763) 479-1168 or (952) 449-8350 for more information.
NETWORKING GROUPS – The Orono Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) meets each Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 pm in the community room of Lake Community Bank in Long Lake. For more information call, (612) 327-3546. The Westonka chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) meets each Tuesday at 7:30 a.m at Burl Oaks Golf Club, 5400 North Arm Drive, Minnetrista. For more information, contact Mike Grulke, (952) 472-7017. South Lake Networking, BNI, meets each Tuesday, 7-8:30 a.m. at the Southshore Community Center in Shorewood. For more information, call (612) 384-5394.
INVESTMENT CLUB – The Lake Area Ladies Investment club (LAFF), meets every second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mound American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd. Open to any ladies. Call 952-345-2805 for more information.
MAPLE PLAIN LIBRARY – A variety of programs are open to the public free of charge each month at Maple Plain’s branch of the Hennepin County Library, 5184 Main St. E., (952) 847-5700, www.hclib.org, or (612) 543-5700.
ST. BONIFACIUS LIBRARY – A variety of programs are open to the public free of charge each month at the St. Bonifacius branch of the Hennepin County Library System, located at 8624 Kennedy Memorial Drive and the City Offices at 8535 Kennedy Memorial Drive (Bell Street). For more information contact the library at (612) 543-6100 or visit www.hclib.org.
WESTONKA LIBRARY – A variety of programs are open to the public free of charge each month at Westonka’s branch of the Hennepin County Library, 2079 Commerce Blvd., in Mound. Call, (952) 847-6175 for registration (where required) or other information.
MILITARY SUPPORT – Those looking to be part of establishing a network of local support services for area military service members and their families are invited to attend meetings of the Westonka chapter of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 2333 Wilshire Blvd., in Mound. For more information, e-mail daphne.okey@gmail.com.
WESTONKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Hours of operation for the Westonka Historical Society’s museum display, 2339 Commerce Blvd, Mound, are: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and by appointment (call, 952-472-9800).
AMERICAN LEGION – Monthly meetings are held for members of the American Legion Post 398 in Mound on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for Auxiliary and SAL (Sons of the American Legion) and 7:15 p.m. for Post, Auxiliary and SAL in the Legion Hall, 2333 Wilshire Blvd. For more information, call (952) 472-9582.
Mound/Westonka Rotary – The Rotary Club of Mound Westonka invites the public to attend any of its upcoming luncheon meetings, held each Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Club, 2800 Northview Road in Minnetonka Beach. RSVP by noon on the Thursday prior to the meeting, by calling club member – Robin Pinegar, (952) 472-0567 or (763) 355-4886. Her email is Robin@robinpinegar.com. Cost of the luncheon is $17.
Orono Rotary – Weekly meetings of the Rotary Club of Orono are held on Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. at Lake Community Bank in Long Lake. Prospective members and visitors are welcome. Contact Kevin Krolczyk at (612) 369-2516 for more information.
WESTONKA JAYCEES – Westonka Jaycees’ General Membership meetings are the third Thursday of each month, at 7:30 p.m., at the old St. Bonifacius City Hall, 8566 Kennedy Memorial Drive. For more information, call, (952) 472-6087.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS – The Tri-County Toastmasters’ Club meets every Fri., 7 a.m. at Finnegan’s Restaurant, 248 N. River St., Delano. For more information, contact John Norman, (763) 682-5441, or online: www.Toastmasters.org. The Tonka Talkers Toastmasters Club #2119 meets Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank Building, 900 East Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visit: http://tonkatalkers.freetoasthost.org, or, e-mail: jenogg@gmail.com, for more information.
BIBLE STUDY FOR MOMS – St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mound, 2451 Fairview Lane, will begin a Mom’s Bible Study program on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Open all moms regardless of religious affiliation. For fee and other information, call, (952) 472-0823.
FRESH START LIFE GROUPS – Freshwater Community Church, 4319 Steiner St., St. Bonifacius, hosts a variety of support group programs Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Tracy, (952) 446-9090, or visit: www.freshwaterchurch.org. Free. Childcare available.
WESTLAKE PROGRESSIVES – Meet the fourth Thursday of each month at the Discovery Center, 5050 Independence St. in Maple Plain, to learn about current issues, meet candidates for public office, and discuss their concerns with elected officials. For more information, contact Ava Tamis at ava.tamis@gmail.com.
FAMILY NIGHT – Minnetrista Baptist Church, 8325 Kennedy Memorial Dr., St. Bonifacius, has Family Night Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. The children’s ministry includes Bible stories, memory verses, games and crafts and a series on the Ten Commandments. For adults, “The Truth Project” will be presented by Focus on the Family. For more information, call 446-1285. Free.
Support groups
AA MEETINGS – Every Monday, 7 p.m., St. Martin’s by the Lake Episcopal Church, 2801 Westwood Rd., Minnetonka Beach, (952) 471-8429; Every Wednesday, noon, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2451 Fairview Ln., Mound (non-smoking); Thursday Morning Big Book, 9-10 a.m. at Minnetonka Alano, 2760 Fox St., Long Lake, on the corner of Old Crystal Bay Rd. and Fox St.
DIABETES GROUP – The support and informational group “I CAN Prevent Diabetes,” meets at 6:30 pm, Thursday evenings in the Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Road 6, in Long Lake. For more information, call, (952) 473-8577, Ext. 118.
ACA – Adult Children of Alcoholics or Dysfunctional Families meets from 7-8:30 p.m. each Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2451 Fairview Lane, Mound. For more information, contact Jody, (952) 334-3772.
TONKA ALANO – 12-step recovery program meets at 5098 Three Points Blvd., Mound. For meeting times and dates, call (952) 472-7700.
CODA – Co-dependents Anonymous is a 12-step program. Group meets each Mon., 7-8 p.m., in the Fireside Room at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound. Parking is behind the church. For more information or directions, call Katie, (612) 269-1262.
MOMS’ CLUB – Non-profit support group for mothers at home with their children during the day. Children are welcome. They meet the 3rd Wed. of each month at Bethel United Methodist Church, 2116 Commerce Blvd. in Mound. For more information, call Melissa, (952) 472-7057.
WEST SUBURBAN GRIEF COALITION – Weekly meetings Dec. 1-Feb 23, will be held at the Wayzata Community Church, 125 E Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, (952) 473-8876. The meetings begin at 4 p.m., with a social time. At 4:30 p.m. there is a speaker and at 5 p.m. individual break-out groups are held. The groups consist of spouse loss, child loss and friends and family (all other) each wrapping up at 6 p.m.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS – Meets Fridays, Noon to 1 p.m., at the Minnetonka Community Center’s Gray Bay Conference Room, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Minnetonka. In Delano, a group meets Mondays, 7-8 p.m., at Light of Christ Church, Room 106, 3976 County Line Rd SE, in Delano. For more information, call Julie, (612) 616-0453 or visit the Web site: www.overeaters.org.
TOPS – Take Pounds Off Sensibly a non-profit support group. They meet every Mon., 6 p.m. at Presbyterian Homes in Spring Park. For more information, call Ingrid, (952) 472-2106, or Andrea, (952) 472-2869.
TOPS – Medina TOPS #1268 meets Monday’s at 5 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church’s Fireside Room on CR 24. For more information, call Dorothy, (763) 473-7445, or Geri, (763) 559-7837.
