WILLMAR — The Willmar Area League of Women Voters will host a Community Hot Topics event from 12:15 to 1:15 pm on Thursday, September 5 at the Willmar Public Library featuring rural sociologist Benjamin Winchester from the University of Minnesota's Community Development Extension Department. Winchester will speak about the future of rural housing supply. Please help yourself to lunch or snacks. Coffee and water will be provided.
WILLMAR — The Willmar Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance registration is required for some events. For more information about upcoming programs and how to register, call 320-235-3162 or visit the website at www.willmarpubliclibrary.org.
Teen Summer Reading Programs: Ends August 31. For every 5 books you read, you'll receive an entry into a Grand Prize Basket of your choice and a spin on the Prize Wheel. At the end of the summer, one winner will be selected for each Grand Prize Basket. Stop by the library to pick up your reading log.
afternoon: August 28, 2 pm, Multipurpose Room. Bring your own work and meet other artists. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Teen Takes & Makes: Shrink Dink Jewelry will open on Aug. 19, followed by Leaf Cutout Art on Sept. 2. Ages 12-18 and quantities are limited, limit one per person. Apply on the library's website.
Teen Literature Loot: When you sign up, you'll receive a library book based on your interests and an accompanying bag of goodies. One book will be distributed each month to ages 12-18, and you can re-subscribe each month. August's theme is the supernatural, and September's theme is space.
WILLMAR — Events at the Willmar Community Center are free unless otherwise noted. The phone number is 320-262-5288. Reservations can be made by phone or online at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com.
Minnesota Vikings road trip: The trip departs at 9 a.m. on Sept. 22 for the noon game against the Houston Texans. Cost is $115 per person. Tickets are limited to 38 people and seating is in the upper level near the end zones. Call 320-262-5288 to reserve your seat.
Willmar Area Senior Club: Aug. 28, 2 p.m., $3 admission, music by Terry Shaw.
Veterans Coffee Party: The event will be held on Sept. 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and is open to all veterans, police, fire and emergency medical services personnel.
Willmar Area Senior Club: Sept. 4, 2 p.m., $3 admission, music by Jason Christianson.
Ageing Wisely: September 5, 1:30 pm, Free. This program is part of a series supporting the educational, social and nutritional needs of older adults. Marlene Hovland will talk about senior nutrition, cooking for one and staying sharp as you age.
Friday Afternoon Dance: Sept. 6, 1-4pm, Michael James, dancers $8, listeners $3.
Crafting with Deb: Sept. 7, 8 a.m. Create a card using embellishments, stamps, and more.
Community Kids: The event is Sept. 9 from 3:45-5 p.m. and is for children ages 5-10. Single classes are $12 or a four-class punch card is $45. Each session features a different theme and activity, including science, crafts and cooking. Register in advance at willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com or call 320-262-5288.
Mindful Meditation: Sept. 11, 10 a.m., participation fee $1. Effective techniques will be shared in this mental training practice that teaches you how to slow down distracting thoughts, release negative emotions, and calm the mind and body.
Elk Dance: On September 11th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Elks will host a dance for residents of local and nearby group homes to enjoy an evening of dancing and socializing.
Other weekly events: There is a Chess Club, Yahtzee, Farkle, Hand and Foot Cards, Cribbage, Puzzle Swap, Exercise Classes, Open Woodshop including evenings and Saturdays etc. Contact the Community Centre for more information and prices.