CITY’S OUTDOOR WINTER BLAST CELEBRATION: 2.15.19

Embrace the north Friday, February 15th at this outdoor celebration filled with activities for all ages including sledding, skating, arts and crafts, outdoor games, snowshoeing, and bonfires. There will also be a DJ and food. The event is free and takes place at Staring Lake Park at 14800 Pioneer Trail from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

EMPTY BOWLS: 2.19.19

PROP's Empty Bowls, taking place on Tuesday, February 19th from 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, is a free event to help raise awareness and eradicate hunger in our community. A goodwill donation to PROP is welcome. Stop in, say hi, enjoy a bowl of soup, watch a live demonstration from a local potter, and bid on some remarkable silent auction items. There will also be a Color Our World crafting event for families during this time next to the fellowship hall. Everyone will be able to make a postcard to send to people in need. The attached PROP flyer details out the event - please feel free to pass this along to company employees, family members, and friends.

MYHEALTH CHILDREN'S DENTAL CLINIC: 2.20.19

A low cost dental care clinic will be offered at 15 8th Avenue South in Hopkins on February 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This clinic provides services for children from birth to age 26 and pregnant women. Services that are available are exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, oral health education, fillings, crowns and extractions. Children's Dental accepts all forms of insurance and offers reduced cost care under an income based sliding fee scale. To set up an appointment, call 612-746-1530 and ask to have your appointment at the myHealth for teens and young adults location.

WHAT GUYS REALLY WANT: 2.21.19

Chain Reaction Theatre will be bringing their performance of What Guys Really Want to City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie, on February 21st from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “What Guys Really Want” features true, heartfelt stories of masculinity told from the male perspective and portrayed through a series of gripping vignettes. This production raises awareness and creates a conversation about how masculinity is shaped and formed among boys and men — too often in an unhealthy way — and how we as a community can change that. As with all productions, Chain Reaction Theatre Project is partnering with local social service organizations to spark discussion and inspire community action around the issues central to the play. Tickets are pay-as-you-can, suggested $15. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door by cash, check or credit card. All seating is general admission. For more information visit "What Guys Really Want" Facebook event.

STATE OF EP : 2.28.19

You’re invited to a free “State of the Foundation, City & Schools” program from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28th in the Heritage Rooms of the Eden Prairie City Center. Hear the city manager, superintendent of schools, and Foundation executive director talk about what was accomplished in 2018 for the betterment of Eden Prairie and what’s ahead. Appetizers and a cash bar (beer and wine only, served by the Eden Prairie Lions Club) will be available from 5:00-6:00 p.m. This is a free event, but we ask that you register here in advance . You may also add names for other people you are registering.

PARENTS OF EP (PEP) PARENTING GROUP: 3.4.19

Have you ever wondered if you’re the only family who’s struggling with effective parenting strategies? Do you want to parent in ways that feel more loving and peaceful to you and your child? Well, you’re not alone and PEP is for you! PEP, which is designed for parents of children ages 3 - 16, is facilitated by Paula Arthur, School Psychologist, Certified Parent Coach, and parent. As an informal discussion group, PEP includes opportunities for participants to share and discuss current parenting challenges as well as to ask questions. It also serves as on-going support for whatever you’re working on as a parent. This group will meet on a monthly basis and you are welcome to join at any time. Registration is by each individual session, but you are encouraged to sign up for multiple or all  PEP sessions  to receive the most benefit.

FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT FAMILY RESOURCES PROGRAM: 3.5.19

Eden Prairie Schools Community Education is hosting an information session on the Family Resources Program. This program helps connect families and students with community resources such as transportation, childcare, housing, a community events calendar and much more! The information session will take place on Tuesday, March 5th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lower Campus Preschool building as part of the Family Learning Nights Program. Anyone interested in learning more about the Family Resources Program or Eden Prairie community resources can attend and pizza and childcare will be provided. For more information, view this Family Resources flyer.

TROOP 342 PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 3.10.19

Join the scouts of Eden Prairie's own Troop 342 as they serve the community at their annual Pancake Breakfast. This meal will consist of pancakes of course (or french toast), sausage, coffee, and orange juice. This event will take place on Sunday, March 10th from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Eden Prairie High School. Tickets can be purchased directly from a scout, at the door the day of, or online at www.troopwebhost.org/Troop342EdenPrairie/ . The cost is $25 for a family ticket or $7 per individual ticket. You can also purchase donation tickets which will go to families working with PROP in Eden Prairie that would not have the means to attend this event.

CHOW FOR CHARITY AT RED'S SAVOY PIZZA: 3.12.19

Mention this flyer  to the cashier on Tuesday, March 12th between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Red's Savoy Pizza located at 582 Prairie Center Drive in Eden Prairie. This will make sure that 20% of your sale will be donated to the Eden Prairie Early Childhood Advisory Council.

TOOLS TO SUPPORT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE

Though we know the importance of ongoing conversations, Black History Month provides an opportunity to jump-start the discussion. Here are some websites to support your conversations with kids, within and outside of the classroom:

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

The Human Rights and Diversity Commission's Human Rights Awards nominations are open through February 28, 2019. These awards are given to an outstanding individual, non-profit organization, youth and business who has worked to create an inclusive community spirit through actions, activities or programs. Visit the Human Rights Awards nomination form for more information or to nominate a candidate.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE VOLUNTEER FAIR ON APRIL 11th

Shop open-house style for the volunteer opportunity best suited to you when The GIVE Gathering volunteer fair returns to the Eden Prairie City Center from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 11. Last year, 250 people attended this free event, where more than three dozen nonprofits and other organizations shared their volunteer opportunities. While you’re there, participate in a service project and sign up for prize drawings. No registration is necessary. For more information, or if you are interested in hosting a table at the GIVE gathering, please visit this GIVE Gathering site.

SERVICE PROVIDERS SHARE RESOURCES AT WINTER WARM-UP

Hennepin County Child & Teen Checkups, The PROP Shop, Fraser, Think Small, Cornerstone and Royal Credit Union joined the Family Resources Program at Community Education’s Winter Warm-Up Event on January 26th. Over 300 people attended this event, where these service providers were able to share resources and connect with young families.  Families were also able to participate in fun activities like face painting, crafts, dancing and singalongs. On April 19th, Community Education will host a similar event called Friday Fun Day.