West news briefs: 'Sustainable yard' series at arboretum

'Sustainable yard' series at arboretumThe Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is offering a "Sustainable Yard" series on ways to landscape that can save time while benefiting the environment.

The series is led by noted horticulturalists and meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays at the arboretum's Learning Center.

Topics are:

• Saturday: Lawns and Turf, with extension educator Samuel Bauer.

• Feb. 2: Perennials, with Julia Bohnen.

• Feb. 9: Trees and Shrubs, with Julia Bohnen.

• Feb. 16: The Edible Landscape, with Emily Tepe, author of "The Edible Landscape."

Go to www.arboretum. umn.edu/gardening.aspx or call 952-443-1422 for more information.

Event raises money for children's hospitalThe Mary Moon Foundation will hold its second annual fundraiser for the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital at the Water Park of America in Bloomington.

The "Make a Splash Event" will take place from 4-8 p.m. March 3. All proceeds will go to the Minnesota Medical Foundation to support Child Family Life at the hospital. The event will include games, a silent auction, an online auction and unlimited access to the water park.

The Mary Moon Foundation is a nonprofit based in Apple Valley, started in memory of Mary Jacqueline O'Keefe, who was hospitalized there with cancer. The foundation raises funds to buy art supplies, toys and games for the young patients at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital. For more information, go to www.mary moonfoundation.org.

WeCAN omelet breakfast is Feb. 10WeCAN will have an omelet breakfast on Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 398, 2333 Wilshire Blvd. in Mound.

Proceeds will benefit WeCAN, which serves nearly 500 local families each year through programs such as Holiday Adopt-A-Family, the Birthday Shelf, a back-to-school supply drive, Meals on Wheels, emergency assistance, a job center and referrals to other services.

For more information, go to www.wecan-help.org or call the WeCAN office at 952-472-0742.

Monthly 'Walk with the Mayor' beginsEdina Mayor Jim Hovland is beginning once-a-month two-mile walks with residents the third Saturday of every month.

The first walk was at Southdale last Saturday; the next one is scheduled for Feb. 16. Depending on the time of year, some walks will be indoors while others will be outside.

The starting point of the walks will be announced each month on the city's website at www.EdinaMN.gov. Hovland said in a statement that the purpose of the walks is to get to know residents and be active at the same time.

They include the Art Center Board, the Community Health Committee, the Construction Board of Appeals, the Energy & Environment Commission, the Heritage Preservation Board, the Human Rights & Relations Commission, the Park Board, the Planning Commission and the Transportation Commission.

Most volunteer positions have three-year terms.

To receive an application or get more information, go to www.EdinaMN.gov or call City Clerk Deb Mangen at 952-826-0408. Applications are due at City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Appointments are made by the City Council, which will interview candidates at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, 11 and 20.

Winter neighborhood night out is FridayEdina Parks & Recreation hosts Winter Neighborhood Night Out from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Citizens Academy applications openThe city of Hopkins is accepting applications for the Citizens Academy, a five-week course that helps residents understand the inside workings of the city.

Participants will take part in a felony traffic stop, take the position of a firefighter on an engine, visit the water treatment plant, and learn how economic development projects are put together.

If you are interested, go to www.startribune.com/a2003 or call Jim Genellie at 952-548-6303.