Edina Newcomers & Friends have no scheduled activities over the summer months. However, we most certainly will be announcing a spontaneous potluck or two . So, please take a moment to join our newletter mailing list. You’ll automatically be notified of any events this summer, and in mid-August you’ll receive our newletter of upcoming September activities.
We’re anxious to meet you! In the meantime–have a great Minnesota summer!
A note from our President…..
It’s hard to believe May is almost here—some days it still feels like March! But, the calendar doesn’t lie. Soon it will be summer and with it comes the end of ENC’s year. May’s events will be your last opportunities to participate in our activities until next fall—so come out and enjoy the fun things we’ve planned—several outside and overlooking Minnesota’s beautiful lakes!
—Take in an International Night double header full of ethnic dance: Ragamala Dance Theater and The Festival of Nations.
—We had so much fun at Tammy’s last month! Come learn how to play Chicken Foot at Games People Play.
—We’ll be grillin’ and chillin’ out on the deck here at Sally’st on Ladies Night Out.
— Come enjoy the view and maybe a walk around Lake Harriet at this month’s Coffee.
— Meet us at Southdale’s Cheesecake Factory for Wine and Cheese(cake).
—Wanderers visits Bloomington’s historic City Hall this month.
—Downtown Wayzata and Sunsets is the perfect destination for our May Luncheon.
—Hopefully you can get in a little reading time over the Memorial Day weekend. Then, join us at Margie’s for our Book Club discussion of Until They Bring The Streetcars Back
See you there! Sally Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
MAY ACTIVITIES
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY—Thursday, May 7th, 6:00PM—Dominoes Party
at the home of a member
Get in on the laughs and great conversation while playing easy-to-learn variations of this ancient game. Please bring a hearty appetizer, salad or bottle of wine to share.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 5th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT #1: May, 1st, 2nd or 3rd (final date/time TBD)—Festival of Nations
RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Explore Minnesota’s cultural diversity, as the area’s many ethnic groups present their delectable foods and brilliant folk dancing. Carol is organizing a group—dates and times will be determined by those interested. Tickets are $10.00 if purchased by April 29 at all Byerly’s locations. ($12.00 at the door) RSVP by April 26th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: Visit www.festivalofnations.com for directions and more information. A $2.00 park and ride with free continuous shuttle service to the festival is located on Kellogg Blvd. and Broadway in downtown St. Paul.
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT #2—May 3rd, 7:00PM—Ragamala Dance Theatre
Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.
Drawing from the exquisite classical dance form of southern India, Ragamala brings to their audience a synthesis of the philosophy, mythology and spirituality of their Indian heritage. The customs are beautiful and the dancing is amazing. Using Teri’s member discount for up to four people tickets are $25. RSVP by April 30th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: 35W (N) to the “U of M/3rd Street” exit—stay in “West Bank” lane. Turn right onto Washington Ave. A public ramp is at Washington/15th Ave. next to Holiday Inn, and right around the corner from the Southern.
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT—Monday, May 11th, 6:00PM—Potluck BBQ out on the deck
at the home of a member
Grilled burgers will be provided. Please plan to bring an appetizer, salad or side, dessert, or the buns and fixin’s to share. Sally will balance the menu as RSVPs are received.
RSVP by Friday, May 8th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
COFFEE BREAK—Wednesday, May 13th, 9:30 Departure¬––Potluck at Lake Harriet Bandshell
Fill your picnic basket with treats to share, and meet us at the tables opposite lovely Lake Harriet. Ann will bring the coffee. Bring your walking shoes if you’re interested in a walk afterward. A carpool will leave Edina at 9:30AM, or meet us at the band shell at 10:00AM.
RSVP by Sunday, May 11th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: 50th St. East to Upton Ave. Turn Left (N) to 42nd St. Turn Right (E) to parking lot.
COCKTAIL HOUR—Tuesday May, 19th, 7:00PM—Cheesecake Factory, Southdale Center
Meet us in the bar of this busy, fun place. The wine selection is wonderful, as well as the menu. And of course the famous variety of their signature cheese cakes is irresistible.
RSVP by Saturday, May16th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
WANDERERS: Wednesday, May 20, 10:30AM—Tour of Bloomington History Museum
10200 Penn Ave. S., Bloomington
Have you ever wondered how Edina’s neighbor to the south developed? The Bloomington Historical Society operates a small museum dedicated to the history of their city in the restored Old Town Hall built in 1892. One of their members will explain the importance of some of the museum’s collection of artifacts, photos and documents covering the early pioneer through agricultural periods. The museum would appreciate a $3 donation.
RSVP by Tuesday, May 19th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
LUNCH BUNCH: Wednesday, May 27th, 11:00AM Departure–– Sunset’s on Wayzata Bay
700 East Lake, Wayzata
Spring is here and the ice should be off the lakes, so let’s venture out to Wayzata and enjoy the view and Sunset’s varied cuisine. I have only recently ‘discovered’ Sunset’s but the restaurant has been a favorite dining spot for over two decades. You’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. Service and presentation are wonderful. A carpool will leave Edina at 11:00AM or meet us at the restaurant at 11:30.
RSVP by Friday, May 15 to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: I-394 west to 101 South exit (cloverleaf exit). Right at first stoplight (Wayzata Blvd) Stay in right lane to the 3rd set of stop lights. Left on Broadway. Go down hill to stop sign. Across the street on the left (clock tower).
BOOKCLUB—Thursdy, May 28th 7:00PM––at the home of a member
Until They Bring The Streetcars Back, by Stanley Gordon West, offers a nostalgic journey through the streets of post-war 1949 Saint Paul—those wistful days of ten-cent sodas, big band music, and burning leaves. West weaves rollicking humor, riveting suspense and a bittersweet love story into the fabric of those optimistic times.
RSVP by Sunday, May h to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
SUMMER READING: Only Loving Frank has a wait at HCLIb.org
September discussion––Date TBA–– Small Island by Andrea Levy is set in 1948 when the first wave of Caribbean immigrants came to Britain after WW II in search of better opportunities. Andrea Levy tells their stories from each character’s perspective, moving backward and forward in time, as each is forced to come to grips with the reality of their situation in a world that has changed beyond their expectations
November discussion— In Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Alexandra Fuller remembers her African childhood with candor and sensitivity. Though it is a diary of an unruly life in an often inhospitable place, it is suffused with Fuller’s endearing ability to find laughter, even when there is little to celebrate. Fuller’s debut is unsentimental and unflinching but always captivating. In wry and sometimes hilarious prose, she stares down disaster and looks back with rage and love at the life of an extraordinary family in an extraordinary time.
January 2010 discussion— ‘Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik
At once heartfelt and witty, ‘Tis the Season bears good tidings of great joy about the human condition—that down and out doesn’t mean over and done, that the things we need most are closer than we know, and that the true measure of one’s worth rests in the boundless depths of the soul. Lorna Landvik shines in this delightful holiday novel of redemption and forgiveness.
March 2010 discussion—Rainlight by Allison McGhee
Even in a small town people have secrets, including how much they really mean to each other. In this haunting debut novel, a tragic event sparks revelations from nine-year-old Mallie, her mother, her grandfather, a waitress, and Mallie’s father’s ex-lover. They discover long-hidden truths and forge new bonds in this unforgettable, heartbreaking novel about parents, children, and love.
May 2010 discussion—–Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
“This graceful, assured first novel tells the remarkable story of the long-lived affair between Frank Lloyd Wright, a passionate and impossible figure, and Mamah Cheney, a married woman whom Wright beguiled and led beyond the restraint of convention. It is engrossing, provocative reading.” There’s a wait at HCLib.org—reserve your copy now!