Col. Kevin A. Olson, director of communications for the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard, will speak at the Republican Seniors of Minnesota luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Poor Richard's Commonhouse, 8301 Normandale Blvd.
His topic will be "The Role of the National Guard in Minnesota and Nationally." The Republican Seniors of Minnesota is a long-established group of Republicans, ages 50 and up, that meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
The meeting begins with coffee at 10 a.m., followed by the guest speaker and lunch.
For more information, call 952-828-1943 or send an e-mail to repseniorsmn@gmail.com/.
CHANHASSEN

Arboretum to offer many holiday events

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is hosting "Making Spirits Bright," a season of live music, Santa visits and more through Jan. 3. The events will include holiday teas, sales, snowshoeing lessons, a gingerbread house workshop and more. For more information, go to arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400.

HOPKINS

Blue Water Theatre will present 'Oliver!'

Blue Water Theatre Company of Wayzata will present "Oliver!" during the holiday season.

One of the most popular musicals of all time, Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" has played to millions of people in productions all over the world since its London premiere in the 1960s. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, "Oliver!" tells the story of an orphan boy's quest to find his place in the world and a family to call his own.

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins.

Tickets will be available at the door beginning one hour before each performance, or in advance at www.bluewatertheatre.com/buy-tickets/.

PLYMOUTH

Self-control is topic at St. David's event

St. David's Center for Child & Family Development will present a community symposium on "The Importance of Executive Functioning" by Dr. Philip Zelazo on Friday, Dec. 4.

Zelazo is the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota.

The symposium is open to all community members interested in child development, including professionals in the areas of early childhood education, special education, pediatric therapy, mental health, social work and public health, as well as parents, grandparents and policymakers. Those who attend will deepen their understanding of "executive function" — the intentional control of thought, action and emotion.

St. David's Center, based in Minnetonka, provides training and professional development in the field of child development and addresses the need for early intervention for children facing trauma and adversity.

The symposium will take place at Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. N., Plymouth. It is open to the community. Cost is $40 and certificates of attendance are available. Registration is requested by Dec. 1 and can be completed online at www.stdavidscenter.org/events/symposium/.

Plymouth Rockers to perform Dec. 6

The Plymouth Rockers, a 76-member senior chorus, will present a holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Wayzata Central Middle School auditorium, 305 Vicksburg Lane. The bell choir Ding Dong Dollies will perform with the chorus. To book a performance by the Rockers, call 763-473-4404.

RICHFIELD

Open house set on 66th St. project

Richfield is embarking on a major reconstruction of 66th Street, often referred to as the unofficial Main Street. Residents can expect disruption, including full and partial closures in 2016 and 2017.

Information on the project will be provided at an open house on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 6700 Portland Av. Project staff will describe the work location and improvements, work method and schedule, potential impacts and mitigation efforts. Periodic updates will be posted at richfieldsweetstreets.org/66th-street/.

ROBBINSDALE

Prostate cancer group to meet Dec. 2

The North Memorial Medical Center prostate cancer support group will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Vance De Mong classroom in the main hospital building in Robbinsdale. The topic will be "A Urologist's Perspective on Prostate Cancer," with Dr. J. Karl Kemberling. Spouses, family and friends are welcome. For more information, call 612-388-3588.

STAFF REPORTS