EXCELSIOR

Tapping History event set for Nov. 10

The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will host its next "Tapping History: Pints and Reflections on Lake Minnetonka's Past" event on Monday, Nov. 10.

The event, free and open to the public, will discuss the history of Excelsior's main street, Water Street. It will take place at 7 p.m. at Excelsior Brewing, 421 3rd St.

It will include presentations by the owners of Leipold's, a store that has been a fixture on Water Street for 43 years, showing historic photos of how Water Street has changed over the past century. For more information, go to facebook.com/elmhs or elmhs.org.

Doctor offers wisdom on subduing stress

Dr. Henry Emmons will offer a free presentation on "Cultivating Resilience" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 322 2nd St., Excelsior.

Emmons is an integrative psychiatrist and author of "The Chemistry of Joy" and "The Chemistry of Calm," which describe strategies for restoring resilience in the face of depression, anxiety and other stress-influenced conditions.

Emmons' appearance is sponsored by Trinity Episcopal's mental health group. For more information, e-mail cathyrude@live.com or call 952-930-1922.

MINNETONKA

Burwell hosts holiday open house, tours

The Charles H. Burwell House in Minnetonka opened for holiday tours this month.

Tours will take place at the house, located at 13209 E. McGinty Rd., on Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Reservations aren't needed unless there are groups of 10 or more people.

Tours are free, though donations are appreciated. Call 952-939-8207 or e-mail jlarson@eminnetonka.com for more information.

The Minnetonka Historical Society will also host its annual free holiday open house at the Burwell on Dec. 7. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m.; participants can take a self-guided tour to view Victorian holiday decorations in the home.

The event is free, but donations to the Minnetonka Historical Society are appreciated. For more information, go to eminnetonka.com.

MOUND

Gillespie Center sets holiday fundraisers

The Gillespie Center, a nonprofit community and senior center at 2590 Commerce Blvd. in Mound, will hold several fundraising events in the next month:

• Nov. 14: Gala event at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar with entertainment by Tony Sandler and accompanist Evan Mazunik. $25 per person.

• Nov. 14-16: Festival of Trees fundraiser. Silent auction of designer trees and gifts.

• Nov. 15: Festival of Trees catered luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Entertainment by vocalist Bob Clark and pianist Mary Kopet. $25 per person.

• Nov. 16: Festival of Trees family fun day from noon to 2:30 p.m. Light brunch with finger food, music, arts and crafts for kids. $6 per person.

• Nov. 28 to Dec. 7: Holiday boutique, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. More than 40 crafters selling jewelry, household gifts, clothing, books, cards, artwork, knitted items, homemade jams and treat. Free admission.

For more information, call 952-472-6501 or go to www.gillespiecenter.org.

PLYMOUTH

IOCP nonprofit gets special certification

The Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, a nonprofit in Plymouth, was recently certified as a service enterprise from Hands­On Twin Cities, the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administrators and Points of Light — one of the first in the country to receive the prestigious honor.

The certification recognizes IOCP for leveraging volunteers and their skills. Fewer than 15 percent of organizations nationwide can be characterized as service enterprises.

The nonprofit, which celebrated the award Oct. 29, had more than 1,700 volunteers who contributed more than 58,000 hours of service last year.

It provides emergency and long-term assistance to residents in eight communities in western Hennepin County.

CHASKA

Class teaches kids to be safe at home

"Safe Kids 101," a program to help children learn how to stay safe at home and in the community, will be held from 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Chaska Community Center.

The program is for children ages 8 to 12.

Topics include staying home alone, answering the door or the telephone, basic first aid, what to do in case of emergencies, and being aware of "stranger danger."

Participants also will create fun and healthy snacks.

The program costs $38 for community center members, $50 for nonmembers. Register at www.chaskacommunitycenter.com/calendar/view/safe-kids-1013.

MINNETRISTA

It's the season to get acquainted with lard

The holiday baking and cooking season is approaching — all the more reason to learn about the important ingredient of lard.

Three Rivers Park District is hosting a hands-on session to teach people about lard from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista.

Learn about the process of rendering ground pork fat to make it and how lard can be used to replace shortening and butter.

Discover the health benefits as well as other uses. Take-home samples and participate in hands-on cooking opportunities.

The program costs is $12, and reservations are required by Nov. 7. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #437411-02.

This program is for ages 12 and over.

ST. LOUIS PARK

Jewelry sale benefits Walker residents

Walker Methodist Health Center, at 3737 Bryant Av. S., will hold its semiannual jewelry sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-8.

The sale is sponsored by the center's auxiliary. All proceeds will benefit the center's residents.

STAFF REPORTS