West news briefs: Plymouth volunteer program celebrates 20 years

Volunteer program celebrates 20 yearsPlymouth's volunteer program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with special events and a challenge to all residents to find 20 minutes a week to reach out to help someone.

The new effort, "Volunteer 20/20: A Clear Vision for Plymouth," encourages civic engagement throughout the community.

Residents can send their stories and photos to volunteer@plymouthmn.gov with 20-20 in the subject line.

Applications open for 2013 Citizen's Police AcademyGolden Valley residents who want to better understand their police department are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Citizen's Police Academy.

The academy begins on Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. and runs for seven consecutive Tuesdays. Topics include 911 dispatching, the SWAT team, patrol operations, crime analysis and more.

Space is limited and applicants must undergo a brief background check. Participants must live or work in Golden Valley, be at least 21 years of age, have no felony convictions and have no misdemeanor arrests in the past three years.

For more information, call the police department at 763-593-8079. Information and applications are at www.startribune.com/a1988.

Reserve officers wear uniforms but are unlicensed, do not carry firearms and cannot arrest anyone. They assist the city by helping with routine patrols and by volunteering at city events such as Valley Days, Night to Unite and the Animal Humane Society Walk for Animals.

Reserve officers must be at least 20 years old, a high school graduate or the equivalent, have a driver's license, be in good physical and psychological health, be available to attend the Hennepin County Reserve School one evening a week for 10 weeks, and be willing to volunteer for one weekend night a month of patrol and one evening per month of training.

For a complete list of requirements and to apply, go to www.startribune.com/a1989 or contact Sgt. Jeff Johnson at jjohnson@goldenvalleymn.gov.

City gets a new parks and recreation chiefAnn Kattreh, a 20-year employee of the City of Edina, has been promoted to director of parks and recreation, replacing the retiring John Keprios.

In a statement, City Manager Scott Neal said he appointed Kattreh because of her leadership skills, steady character and creativity. Kattreh, who had worked as assistant director for the last year and before that managed Edinborough Park, is just the fifth person to hold the job of director.

Keprios retired at the end of December after 35 years with the department.

Rotary Club awards $19,000 to nonprofitsThe Rotary Club of Edina has awarded grants totalling more than $19,000 to seven local nonprofit groups.

They include Can Do Canines, which trains assistance dogs; YMCA Camp Ihduhapi, for chairs and sound system equipment; the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, for new picnic tables; the City of Edina, for the communications and technology services department; Cornerstone Advocacy Service, to repair and upgrade their building; and N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, for purchase of a generator that will provide power backup.

For more information about the club and the grants, visit www.EdinaRotary.org or www.EMRotary.org.