Arts briefs: Fly-tying clinic at Afton State Park

A fly-tying clinic geared for those with little or no experience will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 2 at Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Av. in Hastings.

It is designed to teach basic fly-tying tying skills with "hands on" instruction. Tying equipment, tools and materials will be provided. During the clinic, the skills and techniques necessary to tie several styles of flies will be introduced.

Class size is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 651-231-6968.

The preview performance of "The Odd Couple," Neil Simon's classic contemporary comedy of mismatched roommates butting heads — will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, with opening night on March 1 and performances running weekends through March 24 at Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake.

Directed by Louise Rau, this version offers a twist, with female characters in the lead roles. Messy Olive Madison and neatnik Florence Unger share an apartment. Along for the ride are a circle of Trivial Pursuit-playing friends and a pair of crazy brothers from Spain.

Tickets are $20 for regular, $18 for seniors and students and are available by calling the box office at 651-429-5674 or online at www.lakeshoreplayers.com/tickets.html.

Also, Lakeshore Players recently received a $10,000 grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for its 22nd Annual Summer Youth Program, a three-week summer musical camp for 40 youth ages 8 to 12 culminating in a one-act musical performance of "Willy Wonka," and a five-week summer camp for 30 teens ages 13 to 18 culminating in a public production of "Alice in Wonderland."

"Mahler & Maria," a Music St. Croix performance featuring soprano Maria Jette and a chamber music concert of Mahler's Symphony No. 4, will be presented at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, at the Historic Washington County Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W. in Stillwater.

The symphony, rarely performed by chamber orchestras, will be conducted by Delta David Gier. Tickets at the door only are $16, and $10 for students and seniors. For more information, go to musicsaintcroix.com.

"Autism, 1 in 88: What We Need to Know" is the topic of guest speaker Nora Slawik, director of education for the Autism Society of Minnesota, in a program sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Foundation from 11:30 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Grand Banquet Center in Stillwater, at 301 Second St. S.

The cost of the lunch and program is $17 and must be paid in advance.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control noted that it affected one in every 88 children. Slawik will share what we need to know to understand this disorder. She will discuss the latest trends, talk about investing in employees with autism, and explain the recently released state Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force Strategic Plan.

To make a reservation, call the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation reservation and information line at 651-430-3830. Reserve online using a credit card at www.scvfoundation.org/news_calendar.htm using the PayPal system.

A Cottage Grove Recreation Boys Lacrosse League will be offered this year, and teams are now being formed.

From April to June, teams will compete against local teams in the Youth Lacrosse of Minnesota League. Some travel is required, and transportation is the parent's responsibility. An attack stick, lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, lacrosse gloves and mouth guard are required. Cleats are recommended. In addition, a current U.S. Lacrosse member ID is needed.

Registration is open until April 1 or until teams are filled. For full details, including costs, visit www.cottagegrove.org, search lacrosse leagues.

JIM ANDERSON