Roundabout: Out & About

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Good morning!

In this week’s Out & About, we’re looking ahead to Poppy Days, where local veterans groups will be posted at grocery and retail spots across Woodbury and Oakdale with bright-red pins in hand. But we’re also looking beyond the poppies with a spotlight on the Ravine Trail Run and Monday Night Road Ride, plus a full lineup of events, from live bluegrass and Mozart in the park to board games, community fundraisers and a grand re-opening for We Rock the Spectrum.

Editor: Chuck Nowlen
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Top Story

Woodbury American Legion Post 501 members Bob Wuggazer, left, and Tim Crear work at a recent Poppy Day stand. (Photo courtesy of Post 501 Commander Bob Dolan)

Twice-Yearly “Poppy Days” For Vets Coming Sept. 12-14

Published Sept. 2, 2025 | By: Chuck Nowlen

Six Woodbury and Oakdale grocery, wine and hypermarket spots will be aglow with bright-red poppy pins this weekend as local veterans groups mark their semiannual commemoration of U.S. soldiers.

Event Spotlight

The Ravine Trail Run

Saturday, Sept. 6 - 8 a.m. | Ravine Regional Park, Cottage Grove

The trail run takes place on cross-country ski trails with hills in both the 5K and 10K courses. Early registration is recommended.

Monday Night Road Ride

Monday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. | event by Freewheel Bike

The ride has a pace of 15-17 mph, and will cover around 30 miles. Road bikes only, ebikes welcome.

Events Calendar

Immunization Clinic
Thursday, Sept. 4 -11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Government Service Center
Low-cost immunizations for uninsured or under-insured children and adults. Appointment required.
Weekly Woodbury Running Club Meet
Thursday, Sept. 4 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | 10060 City Walk Dr. 
Sponsored by the Woodbury Running Club for anyone interested in enjoying the benefits of exercise and nature.
Musicians Corner House Concerts
Friday, Sept. 5 - 6 p.m. Dinner, Show at 7 p.m. | 4255 Woodlane Drive
Nashville musician Carrie Welling shares music at this intimate outdoor concert that is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s grit, Tom Petty’s pen and Stevie Nicks’ heart. Donation to the artist. $20 suggested.
Washington County Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, Sept. 6 - 2 to 6 p.m. | Lake Elmo Park Reserve, South Pavilion
Homegrown Bluegrass bands, food trucks, and camping. Free. Vehicle permit required.
Move To Your Own Groove All Abilities Run, Walk, & Roll
Sunday, Sept. 7 - 9:30 a.m. | Colby Lake Park, Woodbury
Multiple distances for competitors of all ages and abilities. Benefits the Family Achievement Foundation. Register by August 12 to ensure a shirt is available.
Grand Re-Opening We Rock the Spectrum
Sunday, Sept. 7 - noon to 5 p.m. | 2101 Wooddale Dr., Suite E, Woodbury
Meet the new owners and join in an afternoon of sensory-safe play.
25 to 40-year-old Board game/cards Meet-up 
Monday, Sept. 8 - 6:30 p.m. | Acapulco Restaurant, Stillwater
Games are provided or you can bring one for a free event.
Memory Cafe
Tuesday, Sept. 9 - 1 to 2 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library, Woodbury 
Hosted by Family Means for people with memory loss and their caregivers to provide support and connection for those facing similar challenges.
Cheers To September: Ovarian Cancer Month Kick Off
Tuesday, Sept. 9 - 5 to 8 p.m. | Northern Taphouse, Woodbury
Dining and great company—with 10% of purchases including dine-in and take-out—donated to support ovarian cancer research, support, education and awareness efforts.
Local Group Minnesota Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense 
Tuesday, Sept. 9 - 7:00 p.m. | Lake Elmo City Center, 3880 Laverne Ave. N.
Hear about upcoming outreach opportunities, national suicide prevention month, legislative updates, and the SD47 Special Election. RSVP requested.
Shredding Day
Wednesday, Sept. 10 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | South Environmental Center, Woodbury Free document shredding for residents and businesses. 
The Return Of King Idomeneo: Pick-Up Truck Opera
Wednesday, September 10 - 7 p.m. | Ojibway Park Bandshell, Woodbury
Mozart’s epic music comes to a 1950s street corner with a unique mash-up of passionate arias, exciting choruses, ‘50s doo-wop, and ‘60s girl groups with an energetic re-telling of the return of the victors and their captives from the Trojan War. Free, but the performers appreciate donations.

Movie Review

From Star Power To Indie At The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival

In the realm of cinema, nothing is quite as exciting as a film festival. It’s a place where a buffet of high-quality entertainment is laid out, each piece begging for your attention. Titles can range from micro-budgeted indies to major studio blockbusters, all of them using the festival as a launching pad for future box office success.

Fun & Games

Fun Fact

Mascots have been used in sports for centuries, but the modern concept of a high school mascot gained popularity in the early 20th century. Interestingly, many early mascots weren't people in costumes—they were often live animals.