News in brief

Planning underway for 125th anniversaryGolden Valley is looking for volunteers to help with the celebration of the city's 125th anniversary next year.

City resident Marshall Tanick is spearheading a Bridge Builder group to start planning events, with ideas ranging from student essay contests to historical programs and volunteer service activities.

A steering committee will begin meeting later this month and finalize plans by mid-November. People who want to help the city mark its birthday next year or want to be on the group's mailing list can contact Sandy Werts at swerts@goldenvalleymn.gov or at 763-512-2341.

Bottineau house forum set ThursdayThe Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society is hosting a forum Thursday so community members can make suggestions on programs they would like to see at the newly restored Pierre Bottineau house.

The 1854 frame house is in its permanent location at Elm Creek Park Reserve, and Bill Walker from the Three Rivers Park District will make a short presentation about the home and take questions and suggestions.

The forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Maple Grove City Hall.

Shady Oak Beach gets new playgroundGround was broken this month on a new playground at Shady Oak Beach in Minnetonka, funded by a $187,000 grant from Hennepin County's Youth Sports Program.

Donate winter coats and help needy kidsResourceWest is stocking up on winter coats and other apparel for children in need.

Its Winter Warm Wear program is open November through March, offering new or lightly used winter jackets, snow pants and boots, as well as new hats and mittens, to kids whose families can't afford them. The program provided apparel to more than 600 local children last winter. This year, it's expecting more requests.

Donations will be accepted through Nov. 15, including new or used coats, snow pants and boots, and new waterproof mittens and gloves, hats and scarves. Monetary donations will be used to purchase more of these items.

Those who need help outfitting their children may contact the ResourceWest office by Friday to register. To qualify, a family must live in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood or Woodland and have an income that qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunches. To be eligible, children must be under the age of 18.

For more information, go to www.resourcewest.org or call 952-988-5350. ResourceWest is at 915 Mainstreet in Hopkins.

The fundraiser will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St. It features a silent auction, artists' demonstrations, food and music.

Proceeds will benefit the Edina Art Center, the Fairview Auxiliary and the Edina Public Art Committee.

Tickets are $40-$75 at the Edina Art Center or at www.edinaartcenter.com. For more information, call 952-903-5780.