West news briefs: Dylan salutes set for July 24 and 27

Salutes to Bob Dylan are set for Wednesday, July 24, at the Town Green in Maple Grove and Saturday, July 27, at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater in St. Louis Park's Wolfe Park.

The free concerts will feature many of the area's finest musicians performing an evening of songs by Dylan. This marks the fifth year the salute has performed at the St. Louis Park amphitheater and the third annual event in Maple Grove.

The lineup of artists includes bandleader Billy Hallquist, Matt Fink, Patty Peterson, Mary Jane Alm, Jeff Dayton, Gary Lopac, Lonnie Knight, Scott Sansby, Stan Kipper, Chico Perez, Paul Metsa, Dan Israel, Gene LaFond, James Loney, Jim Steinworth, Ralph Dacut, Aaron Ollswang, Kenny Krona, Barbara Meyer, Steve Grossman, Jeff Victor and master of ceremonies Marc Percansky, all veterans of past tributes. Making their first appearance at the tribute show are Arne Fogel, Willie Walker and Courtney Yasmineh.

Both events also will promote Guitars for Vets, a national organization that helps veterans suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Thomas Page will also inform fans about his project to create a commemorative statue of Dylan at a prominent site in his birthplace of Duluth. More information is available at www.dylanbyduluth.com.

Each concert is scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Town Green in Maple Grove is located at 7991 Main St. The Veterans Memorial Amphitheater in St. Louis Park is located at Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive.

The fifth annual Edina Sculpture Exhibit is open, and people can vote on their favorites in the People's Choice Awards.

Paper ballots are located at each of the three sites in bright yellow voting boxes. The sculpture display is organized by the Edina Public Art Committee.

Walking tours of the sculpture areas will be held throughout the summer. For dates and times of Sculpture Strolls or to schedule a tour, call the Edina Art Center at 952-903-5780 or Barbara La Valleur at 612-578-2422.

Edina police are encouraging neighborhoods to register with the city for Night to Unite block parties on Aug. 6.

Events will take place in neighborhoods and parks from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Police officers are available to attend parties, but resources are limited, so neighborhoods should register early to request an officer. The registration deadline is July 26.

Night to Unite was created to promote neighborhood spirit, increase awareness in crime prevention and build a stronger police-community partnership.

The St. Louis Park Senior Program is planning an "Out and About" trip Aug. 14 to watch the Minnesota Twins play the Cleveland Indians at Target Field.

Anyone wishing to attend should register by July 24. The outing will leave from Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd., at 11 a.m. and return at 4 p.m.

Also, an outing is planned for an evening game scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24, when the Twins play the Detroit Tigers.

The cost for each game is $55. For more information and to register, call 952-928-6444.

The city of Plymouth sent out a recent warning to residents about a possible increase in peddlers and solicitors in the summer months.

Residents should call 911 as soon as possible with concerns and complaints about a solicitor. Residents also can post signs prohibiting peddlers and solicitors. Signs must be at least 3.75 square inches in size.

For more information or to view city ordinances regarding peddlers and solicitors, visit www.plymouthmn.gov.

The Robbinsdale Police Department is partnering with Crystal and New Hope police to start a Citizen's Police Academy in September.

The free classes will run for six weeks and will be held on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Any Robbinsdale resident can apply to learn more about the Police Department.