Arts briefs: Library story times move to new schedule

Children's story times at the six branches of the Washington County library system will shift to winter/spring hours in January. Baby story times are for children up to 24 months old; family story time is for children ages 2 and up and their families; preschool story time is for preschool through kindergarten age; toddler story time is for children ages 2 and 3.

The schedules are:

• R.H. Stafford, Woodbury: family, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; baby, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in January, March and May; toddler, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in February and April; preschool 10:30 a.m. Thursdays.

• Hardwood Creek, Forest Lake: preschool, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; baby, 9:45 a.m. Wednesdays; family, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays.

• Oakdale: preschool, 10 a.m. Mondays; baby, 10:30 a.m. first Saturdays.

• Park Grove, Cottage Grove: preschool, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; baby, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

• Valley, Lakeland: preschool, 10 30 a.m. Mondays.

Afton Inn to mark New Year's EveA New Year's Eve dinner and show featuring the music of Mark Keating will be presented from 3 p.m. to midnight at Historic Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S. in Afton. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.

For reservations, menu, prices and more information, call 651-436-8883 or e-mail info@aftonhouseinn.com.

Lakeshore Players will do 'Inherit the Wind'"Inherit the Wind," a dramatization of the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, will be preformed starting on Jan. 17 by the Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Av., White Bear Lake.

The trial pits the teachings of evolution against creationism. In it, a leading Christian scholar and former presidential candidate opposes attorney Henry Drummond, a defender of free thought and the leading legal mind of his day. Tensions rise as the whole town, and the entire world, watch this precedent-setting social battle play out.

Tickets are $20, $18 for seniors/students. Performance dates are Jan. 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26 and Feb. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 20 and 27 and Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. Box office: 651-429-5674.

A dinner buffet runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with Jazz Club from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Overnight stays are available. Dinner is $35 reserved, $40 at the door; Jazz Club is $50 reserved, $60 at the door.

For reservations or more information, go to outinglodge.com or call 651-439-9747.

Folk duo to play at Charlie's Irish PubLehto & Wright, a Celtic/American/English folk and progressive rock band from Minneapolis, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 4, and Jan. 5, at Charlie's Irish Pub at Water Street Inn, 101 Water S. S., Stillwater.

Steve Lehto and John Wright perform either as a duo or, with the addition of Matt Jacobs on drums and percussion, a Celtic rock trio. There is no charge.

Outdoor ice rinks likely to openWoodbury's outdoor skating rinks and warming houses are expected to open for the season this week, weather permitting.

To accelerate the ice-making process, the city asks that skaters keep off the outdoor skating surfaces until they are open.

For details, including operating hours, visit www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/parks-and-trails/winter-activities/outdoor-skating-rinks