West metro town briefs

Skaters take gold at nationals Team Braemar's Junior synchronized skating team took gold at the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Synchronized Skating National Championships in Portland, Maine, March 5-6.

This week, Team Braemar is in Neuchatel, Switzerland, to compete as Team USA at the Junior World Challenge Cup. The competition, comprised of 20 teams from around the world, is Friday and Saturday.

Team Braemar is a part of the Edina-based Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club and practices at Braemar Ice Arena. The team is made up of 20 figure skaters who attend 14 different Twin Cities schools.

Call for sculptures for city Promenade Edina is looking for up to 12 original outdoor sculptures that can be displayed in the city's Promenade area from June through May 2010.

Sculptures will be chosen based on artistic merit, creativity and safety and durability for the outdoors. Sculptures that have reflective and kinetic components that encourage repeat viewing and public interaction are encouraged.

Sculptors will retain ownership of their work but receive a $500 honorarium if they are chosen for display on the Promenade, which is a paved path for bikers and walkers located next to Centennial Lakes.

From June to September, the public will choose three favorite sculptures, with prizes ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Applications must be postmarked by Sunday and are available with more information at www.ci.edina.mn.us/departments/L4_Promenade.htm.

Edina seeks volunteer firefighters The Edina Fire Department is looking for volunteer firefighters. No experience is required, and if you're over 18, able to pass a physical test and live within 10 minutes of Fire Station No. 1 at 6250 Tracy Av., you may qualify.

Volunteers will train as a group and then work on-call with full-time shift firefighters when called to duty. Volunteers must commit to working at least six hours per month.

Applications will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. on March 30, with an orientation meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. April 8 at Fire Station No. 1. Written and physical exams will take place later in April.

For more information on salary range, testing dates and the physical-ability test, download an application packet at www.cityofedina.com/jobs or call the Edina Job Hotline at 952-826-0400.

The play by Michael Mahler, an alumnus of Stages Theatre Company, and Alan Schmuckler tells the story of six students stuck in detention for a variety of reasons. When Aesop's Fables enter the discussion, the tales of the Tortoise and the Hare, the Ant and the Grasshopper and other beloved stories gain new relevance to modern-day student life.

The resulting story relates "the transformative power of storytelling," Mahler says.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and ages 2-17. Call 952-979-1111.

Classes and programs to get ready for spring With spring just around the corner, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has a variety of programs and classes scheduled. Here's a sampling:

• Tree and Shrub Selection, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Learn from experts which trees and shrubs work best for Minnesota gardens.

• Indoor Plants for Minnesota Homes, 1-3 p.m. March 22, $20 for members, $30 for non-members. How to grow plants under difficult conditions.

Photography exhibit at arts center The Minnetonka Center for the Arts is hosting An Uncommon Landscape, a show of landscape photography, through March 26 at the center, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

For more information, go to www.minnetonkaarts.org/gallery.html or call 952-473-7361, ext. 16.

Food, games and more at carnival for kids Wayzata Community Church Nursery School, 125 Wayzata Blvd., will host a carnival, "At the Big Top," from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Cost is $5 per person, which includes most games, crafts and activities. Tickets will be sold for raffles, food and premium games and activities. Call Nancy Gnos at 612-414-8646 for more information.

Lions Club hosts spaghetti benefit The South Shore Lions Club is planning a "Made from Scratch" spaghetti dinner and auctions as a fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the Masonic Temple in Excelsior.

All proceeds will go to community and sight programs.

Tickets are $8 for ages 14 and older, $4 for 5 to 14, and free for kids under 5. For advance tickets call 952-933-3376.

Fashion show fundraiser A fashion show fundraiser is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. March 21 at the Gillespie Center, 2590 Commerce Blvd., Mound.