Free Family Movie Night
Meander over to the MLK Park Recreation Center on Friday, Jan. 14 for a free viewing of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (rated PG) with complimentary popcorn. Doors open at 6 p.m. for everyone to socialize and get situated, seating will be provided. The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m and will end at approximately 8:04 p.m. Children should not attend without an adult.

If you head over to the movie, consider taking a non-perishable food item to support the Minneapolis Park and Recreation community food drive Feeding the Dream. This charity event returned for a second year because, “we thought it was a great community service project,” said Arik Rudolph, a Minneapolis Parks Event Coordinator. “And it’s also kind of a thank you to the 2010 MLK Living the Dream Award recipient Hy Rosen of Greater Lake Country Food Bank.” All the proceeds will go to Greater Lake County Food Bank of Minneapolis.

In Search of Enough
Beth Warpmaeker, the Pastor of Congregational Life and Outreach at Bethlehem Lutheran Church explained that the idea for this event stemmed from a speaker series regarding the Legacy of Giving. Speaker and author Lynne Twist discussed her book The Soul of Money, which Warpmaeker said highlights the aspect of always living with this anxiety that there is never enough. Never enough time, not enough money, never enough of anything. When in fact, “there is an abundance when we share,” Warpmaeker summarizes. “When we share, there is enough for all.”

Bethlehem and Minnesota Without Poverty partnered to put out a challenge for local residents to create art around the theme "In Search of Enough." The Art Exhibit Opening Reception at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 14 from 6-8 p.m. will feature the resulting art, as well as live performances. This event is free to the public.

Martin Luther King Holiday Concert
St. Joan of Arc Church will be hosting its 16th Annual MLK Holiday Concert on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. This year’s performance Rondo ‘56: Remembering St. Paul’s African-American Main Street will feature a rich combination of oral history, visual art and music. Pam Oleson-Kremer of St. Joan of Arc said tickets probably will not be available at the door. They can be purchased for $20 on-line until noon on Jan. 14 and then you’re best bet is to call the office (612) 823-8205 to have tickets held at will call. Please click here for more in-depth coverage.

Art Sled Rally Workshop
Leonardo’s Basement invites families and adults to build their own creative sleds on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 1-4 p.m. Tracy Nielson of Leonardo’s said whether you want to make a pirate ship or simply a decorative sled, the workshop and a variety of materials will be available to everyone. If you’re able, there is a suggested donation of $25 per family. Bring in an old sled and let your imagination run wild. No experience or sled is necessary. Participants can showcase these creations on their own personal cat-hill or in the Art Sled Rally on Jan. 30.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will be hosting a Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration open to the public on Jan.17 from 6-7 p.m. at the MLK Park Recreation Center. Danni Starr, the radio show host of B96 will emcee the program that will feature keynote speaker Darrell Thompson, Executive Director of Bolder Options and former NFL player. This year’s MLK Living the Dream Award will be presented to the Minnesota Twins. Arik Rudolph explains the celebration is not only to remember and honor Martin Luther King, Jr, but to also recognize a local organization that has helped improve the lives of Minneapolis residents.

To those planning to attend the celebration, Rudolph suggests getting there early to secure a seat, and to bring one last donation for Feeding the Dream, as the food drive culminates with this event. Minneapolis Park Recreation Centers will collect donations through Monday but Community Service Area Leader Ann Lynch wants to remind residents that aside from MLK most parks will be closed for the holiday.

Southwest Minneapolis is bubbling with activities this weekend so be sure to explore Patch’s event calendar for sporting events, Kings’ Book Club and Story Hour, the Minneapolis First Lego League competition,and live music, including the Southwest Holiday Concert at the Basilica.