Lorna Landvik: The Bookcase will host the author of "The View From Mount Joy," at 7 p.m. The event will take place at The Wayzata Community Church. For more information, call 952-473-8341 or go to www.bookcaseofwayzata.com.
Thursday, Sept. 6
Nordic walking: Explore a new way to walk. Poles increase stability and stamina while decreasing impact on your joints. Come learn proper technique and equipment use. Walkers meet at the Visitor Center in French Regional Park, Plymouth from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Equipment provided for free. Reservations required. Call 763-559-6700 or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
Friday, Sept. 7
Outdoor carnival: St. Bartholomew School will host its second annual "The Gathering" from 5-8 p.m. at St. Bart's school parking lot, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd. The carnival is held in conjunction with James J. Hill Days. St. Bart's School is hosting the community-wide event, which includes food, music, bingo, games and prizes. Call 952-473-6189 for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 8
Used book sale: The Friends of the Excelsior Library will hold its Apple Day book sale, offering up hundreds of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be $1 or less. Funds raised will benefit the Excelsior Library. Book donations accepted at the library. Book donations accepted through Sept. 6. No text books, phonograph records or magazines. The sale is from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at 343 Third St. Excelsior, 952-847-5450.
Excelsior walking tour: Bob Williams will conduct a historical walking tour at 10 a.m., starting at the Excelsior Historical Society Museum and ending at the Trinity Episcopal Chapel. The tour lasts just over an hour and is free.
Iron Dog triathlon: The triathlon teams dog owner with dog for three segments. See inset for details.
Beginning Sept. 8
Used book sale: The Friends of the Library will hold a sale of hundreds of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Most books will be $1 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations accepted at the library. Current paid members of the Friends of Wayzata Library may enter the sale early on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. Become a member of the Friends that morning to be eligible for early entrance. The library is located at 620 Rice St., Wayzata. Call 952-847-6150 for information. Sale hours are Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 9, noon-4 p.m. The sale will be held in the community room at Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice St. (across the parking lot from the library).
Sunday, Sept. 9
An afternoon in the garden: From 1-4 p.m., Hennepin County Master Gardeners will give tours and answer gardening questions at Noerenberg Gardens on Lake Minnetonka, Orono. Free, for all ages. No reservations needed. Ongoing on Sundays.
Stained glass artist Dieterich Spahn: Speaks at 10:30 a.m. at Minnetonka Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd., during a dedication of sanctuary windows and doors. Barbecue lunch following. Call 952-935-3419 for information.
Beginning Sept. 9
Round dancing for beginners: Round dancing is a form of social ballroom dancing in which the music is pre-choreographed, and the steps are announced by a cuer. Ken and Barb LaBau will be teaching. Dancers will be gathering at Grandview Middle School, 1881 Commerce Blvd., Mound, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. through Nov. 11. For more information, call Dee at 952-472-0006.
Monday, Sept. 10
In a heartbeat: 21st Century Cardiac Care: Dr. Stephen Battista, of the Minnesota Heart Clinic, will present a lecture on the latest advances in cardiovascular care at the Ridgedale Library at 5:30 p.m. The library is located at 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. Call 952-847-8800 for more information. The event is sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County in collaboration with the Minnesota Heart Clinic.
Beginning Sept. 10
Understanding mental illness: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) is offering a free, 12-week educational course that helps families gain a greater understanding of mental illness, cope better, worry less, and feel more empowered to advocate for better treatment and services. The course meets weekly from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Therese of Deephaven. For information or to register, call Susanna at 952-261-0574.
Wayzata Women's Chorus group auditions: Founded in 1985, this award-winning chorus is composed of women of many ages who share a love of music and enjoy performing in a variety of venues. Auditions will be held for first and second sopranos and first and second altos at 7:15 p.m.on Sept. 10 and Sept. 17 at Peace Lutheran Church, 3695 County Road 101, Plymouth.
Newcomers Club of the Southwest Suburbs: The monthly luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m. at Jake O'Connor's Public House, 200 Water St., Excelsior. RSVP to Elise at 952-975-3629.
Thursday, Sept 13
Meet the mayors: The South Tonka League of Women Voters will a host the Lively Issues meeting at 7:30 p.m., at the Shorewood City Hall. Mayors from Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, Tonka Bay and Woodland, will be invited to inform the public about local issues important to the residents they represent. Each mayor will make a 10-minute presentation and then audience members can ask questions.
Nordic walking: Either for gentle stable exercise or for rigorous training, poles increase stability and stamina while decreasing impact on your joints. Come learn proper technique and equipment use. Leave energized and ready to enjoy the benefits. Equipment provided. Free. Meet at the Visitor Center in French Regional Park, Plymouth from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Reservations required; call 763-559-6700 or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
From field to fork: Three Rivers Park District is hosting a farm fresh feast at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista from 6:30 to 9 p.m. From farm to table, you can savor this celebration of growing, cooking and eating locally-grown foods. Cook with a chef to produce and enjoy a sumptuous, three-course feast of meat, vegetables and fruit from Gale Woods Farm. Tour the farm and trace food's path from field to fork. You'll leave with recipes and inspiration to cook with local foods. Reservations are required. Visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org or call 763-559-6700. Cost is $40.
Saturday, Sept. 15
Used book sale: The Friends of the Library will hold a sale of hundreds of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced $1 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations accepted at the library Sept. 10-14. The sale will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 17524 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-847-5725.
Lynne Jonelle: The Bookcase welcomes the author of "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat" at 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Bookcase of Wayzata. For more information, call 952-473-8341 or visit www.bookcaseofwayzata.com.
Sunday, Sept. 16
Church of St. Joseph's Fall Festival: "The Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics Vocal Quartet," a 17-piece band that celebrates the music of the 1940s and today, will perform. In addition, a chicken dinner with all the sides, outdoor concessions and a beer garden will fill the stomachs. Entertainment includes children's games, cake walk, country store, bake shop, silent auction and bingo.
Beginning Sept. 18
Minnetonka Choral Society auditions: Under the direction of Jere Lantz auditions will be held at Mizpah UCC Church in Hopkins. The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:15-9:45 p.m. Another audition will be held Sept. 25. To schedule an audition, call 952-476-1922 or e-mail mcalhoon2912@msn.com.
Square dancing for beginners: Dick Rueter, professional square dance caller, will instruct at Grandview Middle School, 1881 Commerce Blvd., Mound, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Classes will be every Tuesday evening through Nov. 20. For more information, call Dee at 952- 472-2987.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Nordic walking: Either for gentle stable exercise or for rigorous training, poles increase stability and stamina while decreasing impact on your joints. Come learn proper technique and equipment use. Leave energized and ready to enjoy the benefits. Equipment provided. Free. Meet at the Visitor Center in French Regional Park, Plymouth from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Reservations required; call 763-559-6700 or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
Saturday, Sept. 22
Women's kayak tour on Lake Minnetonka: Enjoy the changing fall landscapes as you paddle around the secluded islands and bays of Lake Minnetonka. Take a short side trip to Wawatasso Island and learn some of the history of the Upper Lake. Paddlers should have some experience. Tours at 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m., Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, Minnetrista. All equipment provided. Co-sponsored with Becoming an Outdoors Woman. $40. Ages 18 or older. Reservations required; call 763-559-6700 or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.
Ongoing
Overeaters Anonymous: The group is open to anyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. It meets at the Minnetonka Community Center at 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., in the Gray's Bay Conference room on Fridays from noon-1 p.m. Contact Julie W. at 612-616-0453 for information.
Toastmasters: The club meets in the event room of Waterson apartments, at 9700 Waterstone Place every Thursday night, from 6:45-7:45 p.m. Call David with questions at 952-484-9592.
Lake Minnetonka Stamp Club: The club meets at the Media Center of Minnetonka High School, south of Highway 7 and between Highway 101 and Vine Hill Road. Enter the school at the west entrance and follow the signs to the Media Center. It meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Marsh Winds Toastmasters: Participants develop public speaking and leadership skills at the group that meets at the Marsh at 15000 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka. It meets Thursdays from 9:15-10:30 a.m. For more information call 612-508-5848 or 952-474-9800.
Words of Mouth Toastmasters: The group aims to improve participants' leadership and speaking skills. It meet at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, call Jon Otto at 763-559-2996.
Hopkins High School Class of 1942: Informal luncheons on the third Thursday of each month at the American Legion Hall in Hopkins. Class members are welcome to attend with or without their spouses. Reservations are not required and members pay for their own beverages and meals.
Minnetonka Camera Club: All skill levels are welcome at the group that meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month in the Glen Lake area of Minnetonka. Meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information, call 952-896-1915 or go to www.minnetonkacamera.org.
MOMS Club of Excelsior/Chanhassen: The international non-profit organization is for at-home mothers to share activities with each other and their children. Monthly meetings include speakers, discussions, park play dates, play groups, crafts, recipe exchange and a monthly MOMS Night Out. Meets on the last Tuesday or Wednesday of each month at Trinity Episcopal Church of Excelsior, 322 Second St. For more information, contact Julie Rothman at 952-401-3992 or rothmanjs@yahoo.com.
Mothers of Preschoolers: They meet at Savior Lutheran Church and School at 23290 Highway 7, in Excelsior. They gather twice a month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more information, call Jennifer at 952-472-9898.