Events around Dedham for Oct. 15 - 23, 2009

Genealogy Workshop

Learn to look for your Revolutionary War ancestors

There will be a Genealogy Workshop on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Old Fisher School, 830 High St. in Westwood sponsored by the Aaron Guild Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Old Fisher School is the headquarters of the Westwood Historical Society. This workshop is open to residents in surrounding towns. Space is limited, so please call Sunny O’Malley at 781-326-7799 to make a reservation.

First Church

Baked Goods Contest

First Church and Parish at 670 High St., will hold its second annual baked goods contest at the First Church Fall Fair on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of High and Court Street. In addition to being crowned King or Queen of the Kitchen, the winner will receive half of the entry purse. The contest is open to amateur bakers only, with a limit of three entries per person. For complete contest rules and entry forms, please visit dedhamuu.org. Stay for the day and enjoy pumpkin decorating, raffles and games, moonwalks and pony rides. Enjoy lunch from the grill or take home some of our famous fall soup. All proceeds benefit First Church and Parish of Dedham and its programs. In case of rain activities will be moved to the Parish House.

Noble and Greenough School

Exhibit by artist Daniela Rivera

Foster Gallery at Noble and Greenough School, at 10 Campus Drive, is showing “Walking a-Long”, a solo exhibition of works by Boston artist Daniela Rivera. In this new body of work—two site-specific installations and a series of drawings—Rivera continues to explore the purpose, function, and associated expectations of contemporary painting practice. In the gallery space, paintings are installed on the floor rather than hanging on the walls; in the adjoining vaulted Arts Center Lobby, strips of sod soar vertically up a wall of windows. Both offer a compelling visual testimony to the many ways in which Rivera’s preoccupation with baroque ornamentation and minimalism combine in a surprising and subtle series of moments. The show runs through Oct. 16. For more information visit www.fostergallery.org.

Parks and rec

Mini Blades Skating registration

Dedham Recreation and Mini Blades of Dedham are offering am 8-week learn-to-skate program for preschoolers - age 3 to 5 years. The classes are Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 at the Boch Center, 1105 East St. The Mini Blades of Dedham Basic Skills Program is designed to keep skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Equipment needed: helmet, bike or hockey, skates, figure or hockey, snow pants or sweat pants, fleece jacket or sweatshirt, two pairs of gloves and a towel for drying blades. Clothing should be suitable for exercise. No winter jackets, No hockey equipment necessary. The course is $200. To register contact the recreation department at 269 Common St.

High School students

Rep. Lynch to hold session on U.S. Service Academies

On Sunday, Oct. 18, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-9^th, will host an information session for all high school students in the Ninth Congressional District interested in applying to one of the United States Service Academies. Representatives from each of the U.S. Military, Naval, Air force, Merchant Marine and Coast Guard academies will make brief presentations and make themselves available for questions. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and will be held at East Middle School, 305 River St, Braintree.

Boston West Toastmasters

Upcoming meetings

Boston West Toastmasters Club holds its meetings 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of every month at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Avenue, Needham. The Toastmasters work to develop and improve public speaking and leadership skills of its members Guests are invited to attend any meeting at no charge. The group will host and open house on Nov. 9. For more information: www.bwtoastmasters.com.

Papa Gino’s

Dedham Papa Gino’s on 600 Providence Highway, is holding a fundraiser through Sunday, Oct.18. Donate $1 to support the “Football For You” youth clinic featuring former New England Patriots players and receive a coupon booklet worth $25. The booklet also includes a coupon for discounted admission to The Hall at Patriot Place Presented by Raytheon. In addition, guests will receive a 2009 New England Patriots Schedule. 

Grant proposals due today

The Dedham Cultural Council has set an Thursday, Oct. 15 deadline for organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

According to Council Chairperson Barbara Gula these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Dedham, including exhibits, concerts, festivals, short-term artist-in-residencies, or performances in schools, workshops, and lectures. The Dedham Cultural council will also entertain funding proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS program, a ticket subsidy program for school-aged children.

The Dedham Cultural Council is part of a grass-roots network of 329 local councils that serve every city and town in the state. The program is the largest, most decentralized of its kind in the United States.

The Massachusetts Legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates the funds to each local council.

Last year the Dedham Council granted over $18,000.

Contact Gula at 781-326-6847 or at dedhamculturalcouncil@yahoo.com for specific guidelines and information. Application forms and more information about the local Cultural Council program are available online at www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp.

Dedham High School

Ad sale for wrestling booklet

Dedham High School’s wrestling program is selling ad’s for its wrestling booklet. Ads are $25 for a quarter page, $50 for a half page and $100 for a whole page. Ads can be purchased by contacting Susan Richberg at srich10732@rcn.com or Cheryl Fish at mizladyfish@hotmail.com The sale runs through Nov. 30. For more information contact: Susan Richberg or Cheryl Fish.

Learn-to-skate registration

Learn-to-skate classes for children, ages 4½ and up, and for adults at the Dedham Bajko Ice Rink on Turtle Pond Parkway and at the Jim Roche Arena, West Roxbury Rink, on VFW Parkway. Use either hockey or figure skates. Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes taught. For information and to register, call Bay State Skating School at 781-890-8480 or visit online at www.baystateskatingschool.org.