South news briefs: Paul Douglas to speak at Northfield climate 'summit'

Northfield is holding a community conversation this month devoted to climate change, featuring meteorologist Paul Douglas.

Organizers say the topics of the event will include climate change's "impact on Minnesota and practical steps available to local residents, businesses and institutions to create a more sustainable future."

All are welcome to the Northfield Area Climate Summit from 9:30 a.m.-3:45 on Jan. 18 at St. Olaf College's Buntrock Commons, 1520 St. Olaf Av.

There is no fee, but registration is required.

Keynote speaker Douglas's talk is called "Climate Change: Natural Cycle or Troubling Trend?"

It starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a panel discussion and breakout sessions led by scientists and business and environmental leaders.

Discussion topics include the science of climate change, business's views of climate and energy, and the impact of climate change on Minnesota's economy,

To register, see www.northfieldclimatesummit.org.

Major sponsors include St. Olaf, Carleton College, All Solar Energy, the Rotary Club of Northfield, Bon Appetit Management Company and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Shakopee's garbage hauler, Dick's Sanitation, will pick up Christmas trees on regular trash collection days Jan. 6-17 for those who want the service.

Trees should be free of decorations and not in a bag. There is a $5 fee. Call 952-469-5161 to schedule a pickup.

Tim Wynne, nutrition and culinary director at McKenna Crossing, has received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award from the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board.

St. Francis Regional Medical Center sponsors the award for a Scott County recipient, and Dakota Electric sponsors the award for a Dakota County recipient.

Located between Shakopee and Prior Lake, McKenna Crossing (affiliated with Presbyterian Homes) serves older adults through community services, housing and health care.

Wynne and his staff prepare meals, cater and serve to the patrons and residents of the facility, where youth can gain work skills.

The city's Human Services department, St. Catherine's Physical Therapy Program and Allina Health are sponsoring a senior wellness fair from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 15 at Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Av. S. Admission is free and participants can register at the door.

Free health screenings will be available, and booths, exhibits and activities will focus on preventing falls, the benefits of physical activity, how to improve memory and brain health, relaxation techniques, nutrition and how to have a healthy relationship with Facebook and FaceTime.

Minneapolis attorney and former state legislator Tom Berg will talk about his new book, "Minnesota's Miracle: Learning from the Government That Worked," at meetings hosted by the League of Women Voters Edina this month.

Berg, a legislator from 1971 to 1978, will speak Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Edina Senior Center and Saturday, Jan. 11, at Edina City Hall. Both meetings run from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, go to http://www.lwvedina.org/.