Around Our Region events calendar published April 24, 2024

ATWATER — What Alzheimer's disease is and what can be done will be the topic April 25 when Dr. Joseph Gaugler, PhD, speaks in New London and Atwater. The free presentations are the same at both locations.

Gaugler is the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in long-term care and aging and a professor at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on the best way to support families and professionals who care for persons with memory loss. He aims to improve the health and well-being of carers through innovative programs and technologies.

• Gaugler will speak and answer questions from 2:30 to 4 p.m. April 25 at Bethesda North Pointe, 500 Peterson Parkway in New London. No registration required.
  
• Gaugler will speak and answer questions from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 25 at the Atwater Community Center, preceded by a free meal served at 5 p.m. Registration closed April 19. Contact Deb Friedrichs for more information at DebraFriedrichs@atwaterhfseniors.com or 320-974-8737.

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 74 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 27. this “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas.

While a vehicle permit is not needed for park admission on Free Park Days, additional fees for things like camping reservations and equipment rentals still apply. For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage at mndnr.gov/freeparkdays.

Interpretive naturalists at some park locations have planned programming for the Free Park Day. There is no cost to participate in these events. Find more details about these highlighted events or see the full state park events calendar online at mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

WILLMAR — The Willmar Community Center's events are free unless noted. The phone number is 320-262-5288 . For reservations, call or go online at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com .

Yarn Art: April 24, 10:30 a.m., $5 to make a fun craft with yarn. Registration required.

Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: April 24, 2 p.m., music by Black Diamonds.

Community Kitchen — ahi tuna, cucumber and avocado sushi bites: April 24, 4 p.m., $12. Light, healthy, and refreshing. A great snack or appetizer. Registration required.

Court whist tournament: April 25, 12:30 p.m., advance registration required, $2 entry fee.

Community Kitchen Kids: April 25, 3:45 to 5 p.m., for children ages 4-14. Single class is $14. Five-class punch card is $60. Kids are invited to make fun, simple suppers and snacks and learn basic cooking skills. Register by the Tuesday prior to the session.

Friday afternoon of dancing: No dance on April 26 during West Central Tribune's annual Life Connections event that day at Willmar Civic Center.

Community crafts — fruity jars: April 29, 1:30 p.m., $8. Create fun and colorfully painted Mason jars, like a watermelon, a lime and a pineapple. Perfect for holding tasty treats or filling with goodies for a gift. Register in advance online at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com or call 320-262-5288.

Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: May 1, 2 p.m., music by Peggy Soucek.

AAUW Book Sale: May 2-4, annual event supporting American Association of University Women scholarships. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 3, 9 a.m. to noon May 4. Donations accepted noon to 6 p.m. May 1.

Community Kids: May 2, 3:45 to 5 p.m., ages 4-10, $10 or $45 punch card for five sessions. After-school fun focusing on a different theme each month, featuring crafts, games, cooking, and science. Snack provided. Register in advance at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com or call 320-262-5288.

Friday afternoon of dancing: May 3, 1 to 4 p.m., Michael James, $7 dancers, $2 listeners.

Baby goat yoga: May 4, 11 a.m., $20, register in advance. Hawk Creek Animal Shelter volunteers will help supervise baby goats from Ziemer Farms Myotonics while yoga instructor Kim leads the class.

Pool tournament: May 4, noon, $10 per person. For ages 15 and up, all skill levels, limited to 14 players.

Veterans coffee social: May 7, 9:30 to 11 a.m., open to all veterans, police, fire and emergency medical services members.

Community crafts — garden stepping stone: May 7, 5:30 p.m.,$12. Step into the garden with a special stone made of gems, shells and more. Sure to bring your space to life. Register in advance online at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com or call 320-262-5288.

Sara’s Sole Care Clinic: May 9. Call 320-557-6142 to make an appointment for foot care by a registered nurse.

Community Kitchen Kids: May 9, 3:45 to 5 p.m., for children ages 4-14. Single class is $14. FIve-class punch card is $60. Kids are invited to make fun, simple suppers and snacks and learn basic cooking skills. Register by the Tuesday prior to the session at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com or call 320-262-5288.

Muffins with Mom: May 9, 4-6 p.m., $2 for two muffins. Enjoy an afternoon treat of muffins, tea and juice with your mom or a special woman in your life. All are welcome, but RSVP to ensure there are enough refreshments.

More weekly events: Chess club, Yahtzee, Farkle, Hand & Foot cards, cribbage, puzzle exchange, exercise classes, and open woodshop including some evenings and Saturdays; contact Community Center for details and prices.

WILLMAR — The Willmar Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Advance registration required for some events. Call 320-235-3162 or see the website at www.willmarpubliclibrary.org for complete information about upcoming programs and how to register.

Crafternoon: April 24, 2 p.m., multipurpose room. Bring any project (diamond painting, knitting, drawing, etc.) and socialize with other crafters. Snacks and drinks provided.

Memory Cafe: April 25, 2 to 4 p.m., multipurpose room; a caregiver support group by Lutheran Social Service.

Teen Gaming Club: April 26, 3:30 p.m., play games on our Nintendo Switch and Xbox One or board and card games from the collection. Food and drink provided. Some games are rated 13+.

Teen Take & Make: April 15 opened for recycled page art, and May 6 opens for honey bee charm. For ages 12-18, limit one per person as supplies are limited. Sign up on the library website.

Teen Lit Loot: Sign up and you will receive a library book based on your interests and a bag of goodies to go with it. One per month for ages 12-18; re-register each month. April theme is D&D, and May theme will be pets.