East metro briefs: Rosalie Wahl documentary earns award

The Washington County Historical Society recently received a Minnesota History Award from the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums (MALHM) for the documentary "Girl from Birch Creek," the story of the life of the late Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Wahl.

The documentary was written and directed by Emily Haddad of Stillwater and produced by Haddad and John Kaul of Afton. It traces the life of Minnesota's first female Supreme Court Justice from the banks of Birch Creek in Iowa, to Lake Elmo and then to the highest court in the state. The project was financed in part with funds provided by the state from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

Nominations were taken by MALHM for three project categories: public programs, publications and behind the scenes.

"Each project symbolizes the great work being done by local history organizations across the state," said Dustin Heckman, MALHM board member and history awards coordinator.

"This is a great tribute to the filmmakers involved in the project and for the subject itself," said Brent Peterson, Washington County Historical Society executive director. "Justice Wahl's appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court opened many doors later on."

The Stillwater Visitors Bureau invites photographers and those with a passion for capturing great shots to submit their best Stillwater images by Sept. 14 for the chance to win up to $300 or a Stillwater getaway.

There will be first, second and third place and popular-vote winners. All will receive recognition on the DiscoverStillwater.com website and be showcased in the 2015 Official Stillwater Visitors Guide and in social media. Images are encouraged from all four seasons and must be taken in the Stillwater area.

Get details and submit images to the contest page on "Discover Stillwater" on Facebook or Instagram (http://tinyurl.com/StillwaterPhoto). Winners will be notified in October.

A three-day workshop on drawing and watercolor painting is being offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Wednesday, July 23, to Friday, July 25, at Abnet Farm Studios, 16885 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater.

The workshop with artists Edie Abnet and Lorie Schackmann will focus on drawing, painting and discussion.

Mornings will center on the basics of drawing, while afternoons will focus on the joy of adding color and its potential in the watercolor media.

Lunch will be a time for critique and other discussion opportunities. Bring a bag lunch on Wednesday and Thursday and two toppings for a pizza lunch on Friday.

An archery skill-building class is being offered in two sessions, from 1-2 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Av. S., Hastings.

The class is designed for ages 8 and older who want to develop their archery skills. Certified archery instructors will provide instruction. Registration is limited to 10, so more time can be spent practicing with a coach. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bows and arrows provided. The program will be at the picnic grounds.

To register, call 651-436-5391 or e-mail Linda.radimecky@state.mn.us.

"Chomped: The Campfire Edition!" — a fun day of campfire cuisine — is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N., Marine on St. Croix.

The morning will be spent on a fire-building and safety class. Participants will be treated to some of the naturalists' favorite campfire recipes and tips for cooking over an open fire.

To sign up, call the park office at 651-433-0500.

Lakeshore Players Theatre is offering its musical theater camp for grades 2-7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 28, through Friday, Aug. 1, at the theater, 4820 Stewart Av., White Bear Lake.

This morning camp offers young artists the opportunity to train in the realm of musical theater with Young Stars of the Stage.

Not only will the camp teach integral acting, vocal and dance techniques through performance and play, but the theater's educational and theater professionals will help each student develop self-confidence, trust, creativity and collaborative skills.

At the conclusion of the camp, students will participate in an informal showcase performance for family members, friends and other audience members.

The Octagon House Museum, 1004 3rd St., Hudson, Wis., will host the sixth annual Civil War Encampment from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. The event will be held on the museum lawn; it is free and open to the public.

Doug Harmon, with the volunteer re-enactors of the Prescott Guards, will share stories of the everyday life of Civil War soldiers — from the equipment they used to what they ate and did for entertainment. Historian Kim Holbrook will discuss the work of women during the Civil War era and Charlie Holbrook will talk about the soldier's life.

The Octagon House will be open for guided tours at regular admission prices with the 2014 theme of "Picturing the Past," which highlights photos of the Hudson area from the St. Croix County Historical Society's collection.

For additional information, call 715-386-2654 or visit http://tinyurl.com/StCroixCounty.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at Square Lake Park will continue Tuesdays through Aug. 26.

Cost is $30 per person per date. Paddlers also can buy an eight-pass package for $185 per person, or a four-pass package for $85 per person.

A Washington County Parks vehicle permit is required ($5 per day or $25 annual). For weather cancellations, see www.co.washington.mn.us/sup.

The program, for ages 12 and older, is hosted by Brown Dog Paddle Board Co. All equipment is provided.

Registration is required. Call 651-430-8370.

Square Lake Park is at the junction of Square Lake Trail (County Road 7) and County Road 59 in May Township at 15450 Square Lake Trail N.