West news briefs: Arboretum to boost admission price April 1

Arboretum to boost admission price April 1The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is raising its daily admission from $9 to $12 for adults effective Sunday.

Youths between the ages of 13 and 15 also will now have to pay a $12 admission. Previously, children 15 and under were admitted free. Ages 12 and under will still be admitted free of charge.

In a new policy, however, visitors will receive a voucher for a free return visit within 30 days.

Arboretum members will continue to receive free admission for any youths age 18 and under who accompany them in their vehicle. Annual memberships remain at $45 for individuals, $65 for any two adults, and $85 for families and friends.

The arboretum, operated by the University of Minnesota, is located at 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chanhassen.

Orchid exhibit opens this weekendThe Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will present a "Living with Orchids" preview from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday in advance of the opening of its orchid exhibit Friday. The exhibit in the arboretum's visitor center will continue through April 29.

It will feature hundreds of orchids, including many unusual species and hybrids grown by orchid experts Jerry and Jason Fischer at their Orchids Limited greenhouse in Plymouth.

Admission to the sneak preview is $30, which includes appetizers and drink tickets. Reservations are required. Go to www.arboretum.umn.edu/AuxiliaryOrchidPreviewEvent.aspx or call 612-625-9865.

Jerry Fischer also will offer an "Orchid Culture 101" class from 9:30 a.m.-noon on April 21 at the arboretum. He will discuss tips on how to grow orchids at home. Call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arbor etum.umn.edu to sign up for the class.

Minnetonka Crappie Contest to resumeFor 42 years, the Minnetonka Crappie Contest was a tradition on Lake Minnetonka.

Last year, it did not happen.

But now Lions Clubs from the Lake Minnetonka area are stepping up to bring back the event on its traditional date: the third Saturday in April, on April 21.

So the Lions Clubs of Northwest Tonka, Orono, Wayzata, Minnetonka and St. Bonifacius have decided to take on the project this year. Proceeds from the contest will benefit the Lions Clubs and their local charities, such as reading programs and food shelves.

Registration is $5. Online registration will close at midnight on April 20, but fishermen may also register and purchase tickets from Lions Club members the day of the event at boat ramps around Lake Minnetonka.

Weigh-in will take place at 1 p.m. on the deck of Maynard's lakeside restaurant in Excelsior. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented for the top three catches, along with prizes for the largest fish caught by kids age 14 and younger. Door prizes also will be given away in a drawing beginning at 1:30 p.m. Door prize entry tickets will be sold separately.

Drawing prizes include a boat, motor and trailer package donated in part by NRD Powersports of Rogers, plus other fishing and boating equipment and gift cards.

For details or to register, go to www.MNLakeParty.com.

Kevin Frazell from the League of Minnesota Cities and Dennis Feller, finance director for the city of Lakeville, will discuss whether privatization lowers costs and improves efficiency in delivery of government services.

The League of Women Voters national organization has embarked on a study to identify "policies and parameters that should be considered when any governmental entity is planning to undertake some type of privatization process."

For more information, contact Deborah Price at 763-476-1791.

Workshop for women scheduled on April 6Women In Transition is planning an afternoon workshop April 6 to help women figure out how to reach their full potential, personally and professionally.

Fee is $10. The session is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. April 6 at Women in Transition, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd. in St. Louis Park. To register, call 612-752-8444.

The Pavilion is also offering Sunday Chess School on Sunday afternoons. Go to www.hopkinspavilion.com for more information.

14th community Easter egg hunt April 7Our Savior Lutheran Church and School is sponsoring a free community Easter egg hunt and puppet show at Excelsior Commons Park beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, rain or shine.

The hunt is for kids ages toddler to 11 years old, with four age groupings: 2 and under, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11.

They'll be hunting for more than 16,000 plastic eggs filled with candy scattered around designated areas of the park.

The First Light Puppets will entertain, and the Excelsior Fire Department truck will be on site for photo opportunities. Free on-street parking will be available alongside Commons Park and in the free lots behind businesses along Water Street.

Remodeling fair set for March 31Eight cities are teaming up to present the annual Northwest Suburban Remodeling Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.

The free event, featuring a variety of workshops and about 80 exhibitors, will be held at the Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive N. in Crystal.

For more information, go to www.nwremodelingfair.com .

STAFF REPORTS