Fourth-graders at Fridley's Stevenson Elementary School concluded a geography unit earlier this week when Stefan Knutson of Earth Adventure brought a giant Earth balloon to the school gymnasium.

He explained that one inch on the surface of the balloon equaled 30 miles on the Earth. If someone were to move just one inch away from the balloon, it would be like exiting the Earth's atmosphere and entering space.

Knutson asked questions of the students to find out how much they had learned during their week-long unit. The session for each fourth-grade class included a chance to step inside the Earth balloon, where Knutson shared more about the world and its geography.

After the presentations, Knutson spoke about why he enjoys his work for Earth Adventure, and how it enhances learning for young students:

Stevenson Elementary received these presentations through support from a grant by Medtronic. For more on Earth Adventure, visit online. (www.earthadventure.org)

On Sunday, you can swap blankets for Subway sandwiches.

Subway restaurants are partnering with Bridging, Inc. to collect blankets that will be given away, with beds, to people in need.

To contribute, bring new or gently used, clean blankets, in good condition to participating Subway restaurants. Especially needed are full or queen-size blankets.

Each contributor will receive a free regular 6-inch Subway sandwich, which is limited to one person, regardless of the number of blankets donated.

If you can't make it to a Subway on Sunday and you still want to contribute, visit online (www.Bridging.org) to donate. Each person who donates $20 will get a coupon in the mail for the sandwich they missed out on.

Funds raised will be used to purchase new blankets for Bridging clients at wholesale prices.

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Excelsior, Fridley author Diane Keyes will sign copies of her winter-themed book "Spirit of the Snowpeople." (Excelsior Bay Books, 36 Water St.) The children's book contains a deeper message of life's seasons. Call for more information. (952-401-0932.)

Tomorrow evening, the Chorus Polaris Orchestra will perform "Judas Maccabaeus" at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights. (1555 50th Ave. N.E.) The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will tell the story of a tiny nation threatened by extinction. A pre-concert talk begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 at the door, with free admission for those 21 and under. Call, visit online or e-mail for more information. (www.choruspolaris.org, 612-850-9208 or john@choruspolaris.org)

The Mounds View Alumni Choir will perform their annual Christmas concert on Sunday. The "Winter Wonderland" concert will begin at 3 p.m. and will be at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Mounds View. (8211 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View.)

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