We are sorry that we cannot keep up with all the calendar notices that are sent to us, so this calendar is no longer in effect. We encourage you to pick up your local community newspapers for events in your neck of the city, and to visit our links page (see button above) for links to some of the community sites around town. Thank you for visiting the Minneapolis Observer. --Sharon Parker

Matthews Center, 2318 S. 29th Ave., Minneapolis: Attend a free community education workshop to find out what toxic chemicals we're exposed to in South Minneapolis. The Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and several neighborhood-based organizations are co-sponsoring this event.

It's 2006 and we are that much closer to saying good-bye to George Bush! Ring in the New Year of talk radio without the lies with big Ed Schultz and Wendy Wilde! Yes, Ed Schultz is coming to party with Air America Minnesota listeners at the 2nd Annual Blue State Ball! The party starts rocking at 7:00 pm at the historic Columbia Manor in Minneapolis. Sit by the fire and warm your toes or put on your dancing shoes and rock to the sounds of the Alphalfa Males. Columbia Golf Manor, 3300 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, 612/789-2627

"Privatization: What are the Appropriate Roles of the Nonprofit, Public, and Private Sectors?" Part of the Hamline Dialogue series, "Thinking Forward: Finding Future Direction for Today's Critical Issues." Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room, Hamline University Campus, St. Paul. There is a cost. Contact: Kristen Norman-Major, 651/523-2814, or for more information and to register, see www.hamline.edu/news_events/dialogues/26095.html

An excellent opportunity for North Minneapolis homeowners and renters to connect with contractors, real estate agents, lenders and community organizations. Attendees can learn about home buying programs, including programs only available on the Northside. North Community High School, 1500 James Avenue N., Minneapolis. Day of event: Enter through the southwest corner of the school (14th Avenue at Knox Avenue) through doors 1, 28 or 29. For information about exhibit requirements and applications, please contact Kristin DeGrande at the Center for Energy and Environment at kdegrande@mncee.org or at 612-335-5881. www.northhousingfair.com

Guest speaker Sandy Greenquist, of the Menopause Center, United Hospital: Wondering what the heck is happening with your body – and why – regarding sleep, sex, memory loss, foggy thinking, sagginess, fatigue, achiness, and hot flashes, and want to learn the difference between synthetic hormone replacement and bioidentical hormones? Join us for a night of info and answers. No fee but preregistration required. Fairy Godmother, 3801 Grand Ave. S., Mpls. 612/825-1105 or YFGodmother@aol.com. www.FairyGodmotherOnline.com