Focus region calendar of events
Friday, Nov. 16
Grocery bagging fundraiser, 4-9 p.m. at Cub Foods, 3930 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony. Members of the Patriots Marching Band from the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District will bag groceries as a fundraiser for the students’ summer trip in 2013. Donations and tips will be used to fund student accounts.
Saturday, Nov. 17
Fourth annual Craft and Gift Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fridley United Methodist Church, 680 Mississippi St. N.E., Fridley. More than a dozen local nonprofit groups will sell their items, including jewelry, books, crafts, baked goods and lefse. Proceeds support the nonprofit groups sponsoring items at the market. Info: 763-571-1526.
Turkey Bingo in two sessions at Immaculate Conception Church and School, 4030 Jackson St. N.E., Columbia Heights. Bingo sessions will be 2-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Play for cash and turkeys. Cards are 50 cents each or three for $1. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Info: 763-788-9062 or ICCSonline.org.
Sunday, Nov. 18
Oak Hill Baptist Church anniversary services and celebration, 4141 University Ave. N.E., Columbia Heights. In conjunction with the Thanksgiving service, Oak Hill Baptist Church will celebrate 65 years of ministry in the Columbia Heights community. The day begins with a nostalgic Sunday school class in the sanctuary at 9 a.m., followed by the morning worship service at 10 a.m. A short service of memories and thanksgiving will take place at 12:30 p.m., followed by a pie fellowship in the fellowship hall. The services are open to the community.
Monday, Nov. 19
UCare for Seniors informational meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Unity Hospital, 550 Osborne Road, Fridley. UCare sales representatives will discuss the 2012 UCare for Seniors Classic, Value Plus, Standard D, and Value plans. To register for a meeting or for more information, call 1-877-523-1518.
Family Table meal, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi Way N.E., Fridley. The church serves a free meal, open to the public, the third Monday of the month at the Fridley campus. Info: redeemermn.org or 763-574-7445.
Tuesday, Nov. 20
Great Decisions discussion, 9:30 a.m. at the Fridley Senior Center, 6085 Seventh St. N.E. The topic will be “promoting democracy.” Cost is $5. Info: 763-502-5150.
What is Hospice Care, 1 p.m. at the Fridley Senior Center, 6085 Seventh St. N.E. Randy Leja, director of Home Health and Hospice at Mary T. Inc., will discuss hospice care and frequently asked questions. Call 763-502-5150 to sign up.
Full Bloom presentation, 2 p.m. at Crest View Senior Communities, 4444 Reservoir Blvd. N.E., Columbia Heights. The event will be in the fellowship hall and is free and open to the public. This month’s theme is “Famous Minnesotans.” Info: 763-782-1634 (Molly).
Thursday, Nov. 22
17th Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 4101 Washington St. N.E., Columbia Heights. This dinner is free and open to all individuals and families in need of a place to spend the holiday. Volunteers from St. Matthew Lutheran, and the community of Columbia Heights and surrounding suburbs will help prepare and serve the meal, featuring turkey, stuffing, potatoes and more. Reservations – appreciated but not required for the dinner – can be made at 763-788-9427.
Sunday, Nov. 25
Benefit concert, 6:30 p.m. at Peace United Methodist Church, 5050 Hodgson Road, Shoreview. The New Brighton-based food shelf, a Mounds View School District Community Education program, will receive funds from the event. Donations will be taken at this concert where Davina and the Vagabonds will perform. A holiday gift sale at 5p.m. precedes the concert. Info: 651-484-2226.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
Islam and Christianity – Similarities and Differences, 7-8:30 p.m. in room 109 at the Fridley Community Center, 6085 Seventh St. N.E. This class, offered for free through Fridley Community Education, will discuss basic beliefs and practices in context of comparative religion and the history of Muslim-Christian interactions. Info: 763-502-5100.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Santa’s Workshop, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fridley Community Center, 6085 Seventh St. N.E. Fridley Women of Today will host its annual Santa’s Workshop, featuring children’s shopping, crafts, cookie decorating, carnival games and a visit from Santa. Have a photo taken with Santa for $3. Food will be available to purchase. All proceeds will go to families in the Fridley School District for the holiday. Admission is $3. Info: 763-572-1206 or moreinfo@fridleywt.org.
