West news briefs: Forum for Hopkins school board candidates

Forum for school board candidatesA League of Women Voters forum for Hopkins school board candidates is set for 7 o'clock tonight at Hopkins City Hall, 1010 1st St. South.

Five candidates are vying for four at-large seats: Incumbents Wendy Donovan and Irma McIntosh Coleman and challengers Steven Adams, Tina Soumare and Kristine Newcomer.

Applicants sought for citizen panelsPlymouth residents may apply for a seat on one of several citizen advisory boards that advise the Plymouth City Council on issues.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31 for membership on boards including: the Environmental Quality Committee, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority, the Human Rights Committee, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission, Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit, and the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission.

Anyone interested can get more details and download an application at www.plymouthmn.gov. Or call City Clerk Sandy Engdahl at 763-509-5080.

Liquor stores helping local food shelfThrough the end of October, Edina's city liquor stores are collecting cash and food donations for the local food shelf, Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, better known as VEAP.

Edina Liquor will give customers a 10 percent discount if they donate five non-perishable food items and will ask for a $1 donation at checkout.

Ladies' Night at medical centerA free Ladies' Night Out at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center is scheduled for 6-|8:30 p.m. Tuesday to give women a chance to gain a better understanding of health issues and medical advances.

Visitors will have a chance to talk to experts about treatment options or health concerns in a relaxed atmosphere. Free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, glucose testing and skin health screening, will be available, as will mammograms at the Breast Center.

Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center is located at 14500 99th Av. N. in Maple Grove. Registration is encouraged; call 612-672-7272 or go to fairview.org/ladiesnight to register.

Halloween show at Old Log TheaterThe Old Log Theater will present a special Halloween show for kids featuring the Medicine Show Music Company at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.

The Medicine Show offers non-stop singing, dancing, comedy and other zaniness. Kids can come dressed in Halloween costumes.

Halloween at the Creek registrationHalloween at the Creek is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. in Plymouth, and registration is now underway.

The event is a chance to let kids enjoy Halloween in a safe environment and will feature carnival games, live entertainment, treats and other activities.

Costumes are encouraged, but no scary or gory ones.

Admission is $7 for ages 4 to adult, and includes one slice of pizza and a beverage. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids 3 and under are admitted free.

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Limited registrations will be taken at the door, space permitting. For more information, call 763-509-5200.

Other Halloween events are planned for Halloween weekend.

Registration is filling up fast for the arboretum's free family-friendly "Ghouls & Goblins at the Maze" event set for 1-5 p.m. Oct. 29, when kids can dress up in costume for "spook-tacular" music and family-friendly activities such as decorating "apple-heads." The Pumpkin Palooza display of pumpkins and gourds as well as the arboretum's "Scarecrows on Parade" display will be continuing.

Arboretum gate admission will be free during the event hours from 1-5 p.m., but registration is strongly suggested at www.arboretum.umn.edu/ghoulsandgoblins.aspx or 612-625-9456.

On Halloween, the arboretum also will be presenting its "Ar-BOO-retum" celebration, with free admission for everyone arriving in costume. Other events include a story time and spooky live music by Sheri O'Meara at 10 a.m.

For more details, go to www.arboretum.umn.edu .