Around Dedham: Events for Nov. 12-18, 2009

Thursday, Nov. 12

Decorate for Thanksgiving - Thanksgiving floral design at Dedham Community House at 671 High St. During this one night course, on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. students will learn how to create your floral masterpieces in time for Thanksgiving. During the class, students will create a cornucopia and flora centerpiece while learning all sorts of tips and tricks to bring out your creativity. The class costs: $30 for members and $35 for non-members. There is an additional $30 material fee. Information: www.dedhamcommunityhouse.org.

St. Joseph’s - There will be an information night at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Needham on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., in the school library. St. Joseph’s is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school offers full day kindergarten and classes for students from over 25 neighboring communities. There will be a presentation, question and answer session and tour of campus. St. Joseph Elementary School is located at 90 Pickering St., Needham. Information: 781-444-4459or online at www.saintjoes.com.

Grant Application - The Dedham Cultural Council’s 2009 Grant Application meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Endicott Estate, 656 East St. As in previous years, there are more requests than money to be granted. Applicants are invited to present their requests at 6 p.m.

Eldercare discussion - The Eldercare Alliance of the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce will host “Conversations Before the Crisis,” on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Morrill Memorial Library, 33 Walpole St., Norwood. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, Nov. 13

Former Red Sox manager to speak - The Dedham Retired Mens' Club will meet on Friday, Nov. 13, former Red Sox manager Joe Morgan will be our speaker. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Endicott Estate, 656 East St. Coffee and doughnuts are available around 10 a.m. before our guest speaker.

Book signing - Author James L. Parr will be at The Blue Bunny bookstore, at 577 High St. on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. to sign copies of his book “Dedham: Historic and Heroic Tales from Shiretown.” Join us as we welcome this Dedham native to celebrate his new book about Dedham's famous moments and lesser-known stories of its heritage and traditions. Spend your Friday the 13th learning about some of Dedham legendary eccentricities. This book is a great trip through Dedham history and a great gift idea for the holidays.

Saturday, Nov. 14

“Disco Inferno” – Dedham Square Circle will hold its “Saturday Nigh Fever” themed fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $75 a person. The night will feature music, dancing and food. The event will be held in Dedham Square at 619 High St, the former Christian Science Church Building, across from Nest and next to the post office. Information: www.dedhamsquarecircle.org.

Holiday Fair – Traditions of Dedham at 735 Washington St., will hold its Holiday Fair Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be crafts, baked goods, a children’s table, raffles and more.

Monday, Nov. 16

Kings Dedham - Boston Celtics Captain Paul Pierce and other celebrities will bowl at “The Truth Strikes Again,” celebrity bowling tournament on Monday, Nov. 16, at the newly-opened Kings Lanes in Dedham’s Legacy Place at 950 Providence Highway. All proceeds benefit Pierce’s foundation, The Truth Fund. A limited number of tickets are still available for $150. Please e-mail info@elevatecom.com. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a Title and VIP Sponsors Meet & Greet. The bowling event starts at 7:15 p.m.

Art demonstration - The Dedham Art Association will host Dianne Panarelli Miller for a portrait in oil demonstration on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Endicott Estate, 656 East St. By means of a raffle the winner will be chosen to sit for Panarelli Miller and will keep the demo portrait. The event costs $3 for nonmembers. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dedham Cultural Council.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Dance workout - Zumba, a Latin/International cardio dance workout returns to the Dedham Community House, at 672 High St. The six-week session begins, Tuesday, Nov. 17 and runs from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. every Tuesday. The cost is $53 for members and $60 for non-members. Information: www.dedhamcommunityhouse.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Preschool Programs - Dedham residents are invited to a free Curious Minds program at the The Rashi School, 15 Walnut Park, in Newton on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. During this event, parents can learn more about the school as preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years) learn to make music. Attendees can park at the school’s lot at 200 Jackson Road. Curious Minds programs are free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Anne Puchkoff at 617-969-4444 ext 226 or admissions@rashi.org. Rashi, the Boston area Reform Jewish day school, is currently located in Newton but will be moving this summer to a new building on a multigenerational campus in Dedham.

Open House - Dedham Republican Town Committee will hold an open house at the Endicott Estate, 656 East St., at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.