West metro school briefs: Young scientists invited to roundtable

A Young Scientist Roundtable will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at Wayzata's Central Middle School. Russell Palma, professor of physics at Minnesota State University, Mankato, will talk about "Relics of the Early Solar System: Comets and Interplanetary Dust."

After his presentation, from 8:10 to 8:40 p.m., a teen roundtable for students in grades 6-12 will be held where students may ask in-depth questions.

The Young Scientist Roundtable is free and open to students in grades K-12 and their families. No registration is required.

For 25 years, St. David's Center for Child and Family Development has celebrated children and community at its annual Make Them Shine Gala.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, at International Market Square in Minneapolis. T. Mychael Rambo, a Twin Cities actor, singer and educator, will emcee the event. New this year are an online auction (live through March 7), in addition to a silent and live auction at the event, and an after-party hosted by GenerationNOW Entertainment's DJ Mad Mardigan, official DJ of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.

Proceeds will go toward annual operating expenses for early childhood programs, as well as early-intervention and treatment services for children with developmental needs and programs for teens and adults with special needs.

More information is at www.stdavidscenter.org/gala.

The Ericksons — sisters Bethany Valenti and Jenny Kapernick — got their start in New York, where they released their first album, "Middle of the Night." They have since returned to the Midwest and released two more albums, most recently "The Wild."

Former Hopkins High School student Cody Bursh wrote the string arrangements to accompany the songs that will be performed during the Spotlight Concert.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults.

The Edina POPS! concert series will begin Friday, Feb. 21, and run through March 1.

This year's concert, OlymPOPS!, celebrates the Olympics.

Shows are slated for Friday, Feb. 21; Saturday, Feb. 22; Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1, all at 7 p.m.

New this year will be a matinee at 1 p.m. March 1. This one-hour version of OlymPOPS! is targeted toward senior and younger audience members.

A silent auction sponsored by the Edina Band Boosters will be held each evening one hour before performances.

Proceeds will support the Edina High School band program. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors, $10 for adults and $13 for special reserved seating. They may be purchased online at www.edinabands.com or at the door beginning one hour before concert time. All tickets will be half off for the Feb. 27 show.