West news briefs: Adopt a hydrant in Plymouth for the winter

Adopt a hydrant for the winterThe Plymouth Fire Department is inviting families to adopt a neighborhood fire hydrant and make sure it is kept clear of snow and ice this winter.

Adopt-a-Hydrant sponsors pledge to shovel a three-foot radius around their hydrant throughout the winter. Residents who join the effort will be eligible to win a free dinner at a Plymouth restaurant.

Last year, 561 families participated in the program. Families who adopted a hydrant in previous years are automatically enrolled for this winter. Other residents should complete an Adopt-a-Hydrant application and return it to the Fire Department.

Applications are available at the city's website or can be picked up at the Fire Department's administrative office at 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax at 763-509-5142, or in person.

For more information, call 763-509-5198.

Gelpe's bakery to teach favorite recipesGelpe's Old World Bakery, a favorite Minneapolis bakery on Hennepin Avenue from 1978-1993, is being recalled fondly as Dennis Gelpe returns to town to teach classes based on his favorite recipes.

Gelpe and his family moved to Israel in 1993, but he's returned to the Twin Cities long enough to teach his recipes for chocolate babke, cinnamon babke and truffle cookie, as well as share some of his baking secrets.

Admission is $36 per person. To make a reservation, contact Judy Marcus at 612-518-6617.

All proceeds from the classes will benefit the education program of Congregation Darchei Noam, a modern orthodox synagogue.

Free solar energy workshop plannedThe Metro Clean Energy Resource Team and the city of Edina are hosting a free workshop Thursday on solar energy and steps you can take to install a project at your home or business.

The workshop is intended to help residents and business owners learn from those who have successfully installed solar energy systems. It is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. in Edina.

During the session, residents will hear from a panel of people who have installed solar energy systems. They'll find out about rebates for installing solar power systems and get resources to start their own solar energy project.

Edina Art Center sponsors gift saleThe Edina Art Center is sponsoring its holiday sale through Dec. 24, featuring hand-crafted one-of-a-kind gifts.

Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

The Art Center is located at 4701 W. 64th St. in Edina. For more information, go to www.edinaartcenter.com or call 952-903-5780.

Climate change film to be shownThe ClimateSOSFilmSeries will present "Earth 2100," a film produced by ABC News about the dangers of climate change, over-population and dwindling resources, at 7 p.m. Monday. The story is told through the life of a girl born in 2009.

The screening is free at Southdale Library, 7001 York Av. S.

A limited supply donated by Energizer is available at Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Av., and at City Hall at 4801 W. 50th St.

The batteries will be available until Nov. 23 or until supplies are exhausted. For more information, call 952-826- 0330.

City hosts Family Turkey BingoThe city will host Family Turkey Bingo on Friday, an event open to the public that will include bingo with a variety of prizes and concessions such as pizza and drinks.

It will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie. Registration costs $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.edenprairie.org.

Get touchy-feely with salamandersSalamanders used to be found in window wells by the dozens, but they're harder to find now.

Presentations are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Come early, because attendance at this free program is limited to 20.