Education & Community

At this program hosted by Edina Historical Society and the Monument Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, participants will discover two online tools that make genealogical inquiries easier than ever. Presenters Janie Puckett and Dianne Plunkett Latham are both members of DAR, a 125-year-old national society that is open to anyone with demonstrated lineal descent from someone who fought in the Revolutionary War. Read more about Brown Bag Lunch Series: Family History

Sometime in the not too distant future, that ice is going to turn back into water again. Before you head out onto the lake, spend an hour with Kay Zuccaro, a Red Cross -certified instructor with over 35 years of experience, who will cover the essentials of lake and poolside safety.  Free. 7-8 p.m. Valley View Middle School, 6750 Valley View Road; 952.848.3965; edinaschools.org. Read more about Water Safety for Parents

The Works Museum celebrates National Engineers Week with one day chock-full of educational and family-friendly programming. Get your engineers revved up with live demos by local scientists, including members of high school robotics teams, professional engineers and university professors. At Tech Take-Apart, a tech-dissection offers a glimpse of the inner workings of everyday technology, so your whiz kids can finally scratch that itch without reducing the home computer to bits. $4 members, $6 non-members. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Works Museum, 9740 Grand Ave. Read more about Tech Fest 2015 at the Works Museum

Online registration is now closed. You may still register at the door. Tickets are $20 per person. Cash, check, and all major credit cards will be accepted.
Read more about Register Now for the 2015 Best of Edina Event

When it comes to ballroom dancing in Minnesota, three-time USA Dance National Ballroom champion Monica Mohn is the real deal. Don’t miss this opportunity to join Mohn and your favorite dance partner. You’ll learn a variety of dance patterns, perfect for swinging into holiday parties in style. This is a couples-only workshop, so be sure to pencil it in on your honey’s calendar. Ages 16 and up. $39 per pair. 6–8 p.m. Read more about Swing Dance: One Night of Fun

Many baby-boomers worry about the care needs for an elderly parent.  Their parents may live with the uncertainty of chronic illness and disability and have a whole host of planning issues.

However, either caregivers are overwhelmed with conflicting information or don't know where to seek help. Such a lack of information, or the wealth of conflicting information, adds to their anxiety about caring for an elderly parent. Indeed, it takes a team to protect an elderly person and every aspect of planning should be addressed.  Read more about Who's Watching Mom?

Please join us for an inspirational evening sharing the work of Opportunity International as we bring together female executives, leaders, and activists. Hear from Megan Tamte, Co-founder and CEO, Evereve (formerly Hot Mama), and Vicki Escarra, Global CEO, Opportunity International, as they share stories of overcoming their fears through courage. Be motivated by the story of Beathe Iribagiza, a Rwandan survivor of the genocide and expert artisan, who exemplifies the spirit of determination. Read more about Overcoming Fear Through Courage

Though the weather outside is frightful, the festivities are so delightful. Participate in the annual holiday tree-lighting that has become tradition as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season. Free hot beverages courtesy of Caribou Coffee, music from the Chamber Singers of Edina High School and even a visit from Santa Claus for the kids ensure this event will be worth braving the cold weather. Free. 5 p.m. 50thandfrance.com; 952.922.1524; 50thandfrance.com Read more about Edina Tree Lighting Ceremony

This monthly event provides literature enthusiasts with an opportunity to share their passion with others and learn from someone who has had success with their writing endeavors. This month, join Colin Nelson as he speaks to Minnesota author Lois Greiman, whose romance novels have graced Barnes and Noble’s best-selling romance list. Greiman will share insights into her writing process as well as discuss life as an author in Minnesota. Free. 10 a.m. Margaret Foss Gallery, 4701 W. Read more about The Author’s Studio

Join Jones Financial Group for a free informal Financial Focus meeting to discuss Global Market Insights from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bring a family member, friend or colleague! Read more about Financial Focus Meeting