Leisure briefs: St. Croix bridge is focus of lecture

The lecture series "Conversations of the Valley" touches close to home this month when a speaker addresses the changes that can be expected with the arrival of the new St. Croix bridge.

Jill Greenhalgh, executive director of the Century College Foundation, will speak on the "new energy and new challenges" to be expected when the river crossing formally arrives late next year.

Greenhalgh oversees fundraising for the largest community college in Minnesota and has been on the boards of east metro groups having to do with the arts, history, nature and social justice. She is on the board of the Stillwater Area Community Foundation.

The program is Jan. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grand Banquet Center, 301 S. 2nd St., Stillwater.

Lunch and program are $17 and must be paid in advance. Call the Conversations of the Valley reservation line, 651-430-3830. Credit card reservations can be made at www.scvfoundation.org/conversations-of-the-valley.

Newport

Learn to read the feelings of a dog

The Newport Library and Community Center will host a program on getting along with dogs on Thursday.

Organizers say the 5:30 p.m. program is meant to "teach individuals how to be safe around dogs, how to tell the difference between a stray dog and a pet and how dogs communicate their needs and feelings."

At the end, children can read to a registered therapy dog.

White Bear Lake

Members' exhibition closes this week

You're down to the last few days to see the Members' Exhibition at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

The exhibit of works created by members of the center is on display through Friday.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 4971 Long Av., White Bear Lake.

For first-time visitors, take I-694 to Hwy. 61, head north to 8th Street, turn left there and right on Long, which is the frontage road.

For more information, e-mail wbca@whitebeararts.org or call 651-407-0597.

Washington County

Snowshoe lessons at Lake Elmo Park

The art of snowshoeing will be on display this winter at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

A naturalist from Warner Nature Center will lead programs on Sundays starting today through early February.

The dates are Jan. 11, 18 and 25 and Feb. 1 and 8. Times each day are 1 to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

The first lesson time must sell out before the second lesson will be offered. Class size is limited to 20; registration is required at 651-430-8370.

The cost is $5 per person, per lesson, and all equipment is provided. It's for ages 9 and up and parents must accompany kids.

Classes meet in the Eagle Point Trailhead parking lot at the Snowshoe Shack across the road from the Nordic Center. Poor weather or snow conditions will cause cancellations.

Check the county website or call the office at 651-430-8370 for updates.

The Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo.