ON THE TOWN

Passion with a Shot of Espresso

February 20 VIRTUAL EVENT Tune in for a night full of student talent! whs.sowashco.org

Inspired by the 1990s sitcom Friends, the relaxed and intimate coffeehouse setting became a favorite activity among high school students, according to the Coffeehouse program. It wasn’t too long after until Woodbury High School (WHS) students jumped on board and began having late-night “chill” sessions at the local Caribou Coffee. These sessions sparked an idea that would later become the most successful National Honor Society (NHS) fundraiser in WHS history.

The Coffeehouse, an annual student-run event, is a favorite school-year event that has continued for 26 years. Structured to resemble the aura of an urban coffee house, the cafeteria is set with a low stage of risers and food for sale from local vendors. About 25 WHS acts are selected from auditions, which range from vocal performances and instruments to spoken word poetry and magic.

“Coffeehouse provides an intimate atmosphere much like performances one might see at small, local theaters or coffeehouses,” says Rachel Nicholas, an advisor for NHS who, alongside Ted Welsch, oversees the Coffeehouse program. Nicholas Join Royal Oaks Elementary at Culver’s! Order for takeout and a portion of your sales go right back to the PTA! All ages. Free. 5–7 p.m. Culver’s, 520 Woodbury Drive; royaloakspta1@gmail.com 3, 10, 17, 24 Storytime Virtual A weekly Zoom story time for ages 3–6 and a caregiver. Each family will receive a goodie bag, filled with Letters are Characters items. Ages 3–6. Register online. 10:30 a.m. 203.263.3502; eventkeeper.com 4 Good Morning Woodbury Take the opportunity for morning net-

says the student body looks forward to the event every year, thrilled to support their

Although the theme for this year has not been selected yet, WHS plans to hold Coffeehouse virtually, says Nicholas. She says their senior chairperson, along with other members, select the theme. A few past themes have been “An Evening in Paris,” “Roaring Twenties,” “Music on Mount Olympus” and “Cirque de Soleil.”

“WHS is swarming with talent,” says Nicholas. She says Coffeehouse provides a place for students to showcase their passion and talents. —Samantha De Leon

LOCAL EVENTS

2 Royal Oaks Culver’s Night peers, who also prepare and host the event.

working with coffee, breakfast fare and the chance to connect with other chamber members. All ages. Free. 7:30–9 a.m. OffiCenters, 2042 Wooddale Drive Suite 250; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org 13 Woodbury Polar Plunge Go to the extreme while supporting Special Olympics Minnesota during the Polar Plunge. This year you have two Plunge options: in-person or virtual. All ages. Minimum $50/$75. Begins at 1 p.m. Carver Lake Beach, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 763.270.7119; plunge@somn.org 16 Business After Hours You’re invited for an informal social networking in an after-hours setting at X Golf. This event is a great way to network with your peers accompanied with munchies and cold beverages! All ages. Free. 4:30–6 p.m. X Golf Woodbury, 8150 Coller Way Suite 500; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org

AREA EVENTS

4, 5, 6 Sounds of Spring Welcome the spring season with the Minnesota Orchestra’s Sounds of Spring. Listen to Delius, Debussy and

To have your event considered email woodburymag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Mendelssohn and be swept into the spirit of warmer days and budding life. All ages. Ticket prices vary. Thurs. at 11 a.m., Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicolett Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org 5 Virtual Galentine’s Flower Night Gather your loved one or bestie to create your own flower arrangement. Flowers and containers for this class will be delivered to your door. All ages. Prices vary; register online. 6–9 p.m. ergofloral.com 6, 13, 20, 27 Night Trains Make your way down to the museum’s collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains. The make-believe town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard with miniature Christmas lights and decorations. All ages. $15. 3–7 p.m. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Road #8, St. Paul; 651.647.9628.; tcmrm.org 11 Virtual Go Red for Women Twin Cities The American Heart Association invites you to their annual “Evening of Empowerment,” celebrating the energy, passion and power of women. Ages 18 and up. Register online. 4 p.m. ahaminneapolis.ejoinme.org 26, 27 Virtual The Mixtape Collective Experience the heart of Street Dance and musical communities in the Twin Cities with The Mixtape Collective, created to show vulnerability as strength and bring together diverse individuals. All ages. $25. 7:30–9 p.m.; 612.206.3600; thecowlescenter.org 27 Full Moon Snowshoe & Bonfire Picnic Get ready for a night under the stars with the Oakdale Nature Preserve and Discovery Center. Enjoy the trails at night with the moon and starts overhead. One trail lit with ice luminaries followed by warm bonfires for stories, hot chocolate, s’mores and more! All ages, $25/ person. 6 –8:30 p.m. Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4444 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale; 651.747.3860; ci.oakdale.mn.us 4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES EVs are getting a lot of attention these days. Here are a few things to know about this transportation transformation.

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4. EVs save you money

Electricity is cheaper than gas, and EVs require significantly less maintenance—you’ll never need an oil change!

EVs can handle Minnesota winters

While the cold does affect an EV’s battery life, the length of an average commute is far shorter than the average EV’s battery range, and battery technologies continue to improve.

EVs tackle Minnesota’s #1 source of climate pollution— our transportation sector

EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants. Minnesota has ambitious goals to reduce climate pollution—getting more EVs on the road is one of the most effective ways to do this.

EVs come in all shapes and sizes

Over 40 types of electric cars, trucks, and SUVs are available in the US, with dozens of new models coming in the next five years. However, as a consumer in Minnesota, your access is currently limited as manufacturers prioritize sending cars to states with emission standards.

Minnesota is on the cusp of joining 14 other states in adopting clean car standards.

Clean Cars Minnesota is designed to reduce vehicle emissions and improve consumer access to the full range of EV and low-emission vehicles available in the US market. The result: a Minnesota with cleaner air, more car options, and bigger cost savings for Minnesota drivers. Learn more and provide your feedback on Clean Cars Minnesota at: bit.ly/CleanCars4MN.