Metro briefs: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum gala coming soon

The 27th annual Gala in the Gardens, an elegant evening event, will be held Sept. 10 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Festivities will include an outdoor reception with musical entertainment, an al fresco dinner and auctions, including the annual Fund-A-Need.

This year, the Fund-A-Need auction proceeds will go toward the purchase of new "Bee Line" circulators to shuttle visitors and school groups to the Arboretum's developing eastern campus, home to the future Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center, Red Barn and Farm Garden venues. Expanding circulator service will help visitors explore nature up close and alleviate traffic on Three-Mile Drive.

This year's gala guest emcee is Belinda Jensen, KARE-11 anchor and meteorologist.

JOHN REINAN

Did you know that St. Louis Park was actually named after a railroad? That's just one of the historical items you can learn more about at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the historic Milwaukee Road depot, 6210 W. 37th St. Four train lines once ran through the city, and the St. Louis Park Historical Society is hosting the open house to highlight the impact of trains on the city. Educational activities and light refreshments will be provided.

Everyone is welcome to try their hand at coding and decoding a message on the telegraph, and there will be select railroad-related artifacts on display, including the inside of the train depot as it would have been 60 years ago. You might also find out where to look for evidence of hidden tracks that still exist in the city.

There will be coloring activities for younger children, and the depot is located in a neighborhood park featuring a train-themed playground, which children can enjoy while their parents explore.

A gun range proposal that's drawn some opposition has landed back on the Stillwater City Council's agenda.

The Minnesota Shooting Academy wants to buy the Simonet Furniture Outlet Building on Curve Crest Boulevard and convert it to a 14-lane indoor shooting range for public and law enforcement use. The range would include retail space, a lounge and training rooms.

Some residents objected, citing safety and noise concerns, and the City Council tabled action in mid-August until further legal research could be done.

Tuesday's discussion at Stillwater City Hall will review those findings.

Kevin Giles

Board and commission members provide insight, help shape policy decisions and provide community input into city services. City officials are seeking applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

City officials will begin reviewing applicants for most positions Oct. 23. The positions remain open until filled. The city has openings on 11 boards and commissions, including the Capital Long-Range Improvements Committee, Charter Commission, Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council, Minneapolis Arts Commission and Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights. The city is also seeking applicants for the Planning Commission and Police Conduct Oversight Commission.

For a list of openings, go to minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm.