– The Eden Prairie Players have set a meeting for 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the Eden Prairie Senior Center for parents interested in auditioning their children for this summer’s performance of “Shining Princess of the Slender Bamboo. For information, visit www.edenprairieplayers.org.

The Eden Prairie Players have set a meeting for 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the Eden Prairie Senior Center for parents interested in auditioning their children for this summer’s performance of “Shining Princess of the Slender Bamboo. For information, visit www.edenprairieplayers.org.

The Newcomers Club of the Southwest Suburbs will hold it monthly luncheon on Tuesday, April 8. At 10:20 a.m. the group will be taking a one-hour guided tour of Target Center, followed by lunch at 11:45 a.m. in the NBA City Restaurant. Carpooling or bus transportation available. RSVP to Elise at 952-975-3629. New members are always welcome.

Parent discussion on Dr. Walsh’s book set for April 10 at Oak Point An opportunity for parents to discuss topics related to Dr. Walsh’s book No, Why Children -- of All Ages -- Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It, will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Oak Point.

The parent discussion is a follow-up to Dr. Walsh’s recent presentation in Eden Prairie that hundreds of area parents attended.

The Staring Lake Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, hosts an animal open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 12. For information on this free, family-friendly event, call 952-949-8479.

Eden Prairie High School's Diversity Club is holding their annual Diversity Fair from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008, in the main gym at the high school.

About 25-30 booths representing cultures from all over the world will be featured, as well as short performances. A mini fashion show is also in the works.

Learn about all of the cultures represented at Eden Prairie High School during this annual event.

"BLACKOUT"

"an original drama exploring underage drinking in the Eden Prairie community,"  starts Thursday evening at the Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie.

The play runs through April 19.

Tickets: Adults $6; students and seniors $4. Call 952-975-8100 for more information

The clean up day is set for 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at locations throughout Eden Prairie.

"Make it a family service project or grab a group of neighborhood friends and do your part to help keep the parks and trails of Eden Prairie clean," according to a news release.

Call Jeff Cordes, forestry technician, at 952-949-8463 for your local assignment.

Mosaic Tile Basics is a great place to start for students who want to study the art of mosaic tile. During this mosaic tile course, you will learn “Pique Assiette” direct method mosaic tile construction. We will cover the basics of mosaic tile materials, mosaic tile tools, cutting methods and applications. The skills acquired in this class can be applied to limitless mosaic projects. Once you get started with this amazing art form beware, nothing is safe from you and your glue. Creative design ideas are available but we hope you’ll bring a few of your own.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Administrative Services Center, 8100 School Road.

At 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, celebrate National Poetry Month at this annual event hosted by writer David Salmela. Adults and teens are invited to read original or favorite poems. If interested in reading a poem, call 952-847-5375 to register. Sponsored by the Hennepin County Library in collaboration with the City of Eden Prairie.

Eden Prairie’s Relay for Life Kick-off meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 23 at the Eden Prairie Community Center. Refreshments and prizes are planned. Find out more about the relay or sign up a team during the event. The Relay for Life is from 6 p.m. Friday, July 18, to 6 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at Central Middle School. For more information, e-mail eprelay@gmail.com.

Rev. Dr. Nadean Bishop to speak at MN Valley NOW’s April Meeting

The Minnesota Valley Chapter of the National Organization for Women will meet on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the Prior Lake Public Library, located at 16210 Eagle Creek Avenue South.

The general business meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and all MN Valley NOW members are welcome to attend. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Rev. Bishop was a pastor with University Baptist Church in Minneapolis for 8 years and is Minnesota NOW’s Affirmative Action Chair.

ST. MICHAELS APRILFEST - APRIL 25TH - 27TH - FRIDAY NIGHT, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN

*Live music Friday with Steve Millar & Diamondhead Band; Saturday night with the Dakota Ramplers (Food and Beer served) *APRILFEST Market - $50/Weekend for home businesses to gain exposure and sell their products

*9 new games

*Chicken plop and petting zoo back by popular demand *Silent Auction *Kids' Garage Sale

Eden Prairie's Annual Ice Show: Broadway on Blades is set for performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. The show is at the Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie. Tickets are available at the Community Center front office from April 21-27. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for youth. The show is co-sponsored by the Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club and city of Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Department.

Eden Prairie's Annual Ice Show: Broadway on Blades is set for performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. The show is at the Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie. Tickets are available at the Community Center front office from April 21-27. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for youth. The show is co-sponsored by the Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club and city of Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Department.

Paul Gruchow Essay Contest Reception and Reading

With Joe and Nancy Paddock
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Fireplace Room or old Tea Room - 2 to 5pm
Cosponsored by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Writers Rising Up
Admission- $5.00 plus $7.00 gate fee for non-Arboretum members
Essay Submission Information and Submission Guidelines at
http://www.writersrisingup.org/submissions.html
Submission Deadline April 8, 2008

Event Schedule-
Reception
Paul Gruchow Essay Contest Award Announcement
Readings by Winners
Readings by Joe and Nancy; Stories about Paul

Nancy Paddock

We will be holding our April meeting at Brunswick Bowl in Eden Prarie. 12200 Singletree lane.
Please join us for bowling and socialization. This is open to any au pairs regardless of agency affiliation, all are welcome.
Contact Angela Grosklags at 612-532-4262
angela@metroaupair.com
www.metroaupair.com for more information

Eden Prairie's Annual Ice Show: Broadway on Blades is set for performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. The show is at the Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie. Tickets are available at the Community Center front office from April 21-27. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for youth. The show is co-sponsored by the Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club and city of Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Department.

The Eden Prairie Human Rights Commission is one of the co-sponsors of an upcoming showing of “The Devil Came on Horseback,” a documentary about the Darfur genocide, a film by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern. The film will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Bloomington Civic Plaza, Schneider Theatre, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington.

The Eden Prairie Community Band will be holding a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Homeward Hills Barn. It is just south of Pioneer Trail off Homeward Hills Road and Silverwood Drive in Eden Prairie. For information, e-mail mnmay65@yahoo.com.

"Celebrate Eden Prairie's designation as a "Tree City USA" while enjoying a scenic walk around Staring Lake. Walk at your convenience and enjoy:

* Free seedlings

* Drawing for landscape trees/shrubs

* Refreshments

* Tree health information

* Tree planting information"

According to the Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation catalog, the event is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, Staring Lake Park main entrance, 14800 Pioneer Trail. For information, call 952-949-8463.

2008 Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail Events Events are outdoors at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Eden Prairie 18700 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 1/6 mile past Lions Tap Restaurant

Each Event is $20 per person -- Families with children $20.00 per family

To pre-register send checks to: Writers Rising Up (WRU) 16526 W. 78th St #163 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Your donation is tax deductible. WRU is a 501-(C) (3) non-profit.

2008 Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail Events Events are outdoors at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Eden Prairie 18700 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 1/6 mile past Lions Tap Restaurant

Each Event is $20 per person -- Families with children $20.00 per family

To pre-register send checks to: Writers Rising Up (WRU) 16526 W. 78th St #163 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Your donation is tax deductible. WRU is a 501-(C) (3) non-profit.

From 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, join the Minnesota Kite Society to be dazzled by its high-flying kite.

During this free event, learn about different types of kites, learn how to fly a kite, make your own kite ($3) and bring your favorite kite to fly. The event is at Round Lake Park.

The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Kite Society, Eden Prairie Optimists and the city of Eden Prairie.

2008 Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail Events Events are outdoors at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Eden Prairie 18700 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 1/6 mile past Lions Tap Restaurant

Each Event is $20 per person -- Families with children $20.00 per family

To pre-register send checks to: Writers Rising Up (WRU) 16526 W. 78th St #163 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Your donation is tax deductible. WRU is a 501-(C) (3) non-profit.

2008 Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail Events Events are outdoors at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Eden Prairie 18700 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 1/6 mile past Lions Tap Restaurant

Each Event is $20 per person -- Families with children $20.00 per family

To pre-register send checks to: Writers Rising Up (WRU) 16526 W. 78th St #163 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Your donation is tax deductible. WRU is a 501-(C) (3) non-profit.

225 Water Street Creative Arts & Holding Company is looking for the next best “Trash-formation” artist. The contest is open to found object artists (10-100) that want to express their creative abilities using reclaimed materials. There is no fee to enter.

Art Specifications:
1. Materials that would otherwise be trash.
2. Media of your choice that conveys the 3R's, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Judging Criteria:
1. Use of Recycled Materials.
2. Creativity & Functionality.
3. Originality.
4. Level of Effort

2008 Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail Events Events are outdoors at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Eden Prairie 18700 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 1/6 mile past Lions Tap Restaurant

Each Event is $20 per person -- Families with children $20.00 per family

To pre-register send checks to: Writers Rising Up (WRU) 16526 W. 78th St #163 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Your donation is tax deductible. WRU is a 501-(C) (3) non-profit.

225 Water Street Creative Arts & Holding Company is looking for the next best “Trash-formation” artist. The contest is open to found object artists (10-100) that want to express their creative abilities using reclaimed materials. There is no fee to enter.

Art Specifications:
1. Materials that would otherwise be trash.
2. Media of your choice that conveys the 3R's, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Judging Criteria:
1. Use of Recycled Materials.
2. Creativity & Functionality.
3. Originality.
4. Level of Effort