West news briefs: History of quilts that helped slaves escape

Quilts that may have served as escape maps on the Underground Railroad are the subject of a presentation by the Bloomington Human Rights Commission and the Bloomington Historical Society.

The program will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bloomington Old Town Hall, 10200 Penn Av. S. To register, call 952-563-4944 or e-mail reservations@BloomingtonMN.gov.

William O. Beeman, professor and chairman of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota, will be the featured speaker at the Republican Seniors of Minnesota luncheon on Feb. 3. His topic will be "The United States' Difficult Path in the Middle East Today."

The group meets at Poor Richard's Commonhouse, 8301 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington.

Carver County Parks accepts shelter reservations up to one year in advance at Baylor, Lake Minnewashta and Lake Waconia Regional Parks.

For additional information, contact the parks' office at 952-466-5250. Shelter and community room availability can be accessed through the campsite reservation system at www.co.carver.mn.us/parks.

The city of Chaska and Carver County recently won an award from the Association of Minnesota Counties for their joint efforts in economic development activities.

Snowshoeing, batting practice, skating and s'mores are among the free activities being offered by the Parks & Recreation Department on its Winter Warm-Up Weekend on Feb. 7-8.

For information, call 952-826-0367 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov.

Minnetonka will hold its annual Kids' Fest on Feb. 8.

The event includes dog sled rides, bingo, magic shows, face painting, ice sculpture demonstrations, s'mores by a fire, crafts and entertainment. It will take place from 12-3:30 p.m. at the Minnetonka Community Center and Ice Arena, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. in Minnetonka. For a schedule of activities, go to eminnetonka.com.

The Plymouth annual waffle breakfast, a fundraiser for senior programs, will take place Feb. 8.

For more information, call the Plymouth Creek Center at 763-509-5280.

Plymouth will hold "Skate with the Mayor" on Jan. 30.

Residents can ice skate from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Parkers Lake Park, along with Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik. A bonfire and treats will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

Plymouth will host an open house Feb. 3 on the Vicksburg Lane reconstruction and expansion project. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.

The Robbinsdale Police Department will hold a crime prevention association meeting Feb. 4. It will take place at 7 p.m. at the police department, 4101 Hubbard Ave. N., in the second floor meeting room.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, ending Feb. 22. For further information, visit www.theptmn.org.

Celebrate Valentine's Day by sharing a romantic meal with your sweetheart near a crackling fireplace at Lowry Nature Center in Victoria.

The event, hosted by Three Rivers Park District runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 and features live music by the Roe Family Singers.

The cost is $35 per person and includes dinner — sirloin steak or salmon filet, with a vegetarian option available. For more information, go to threeriversparks.org/events/V/valentine-s-dinner-and-candlelit-walk.aspx.