Briefs: Take a 'Bite of Burnsville' on Thursday night

Food samples from some of the area's best restaurants, raffles, live and silent auctions and entertainment are the highlights of the "Bite of Burnsville" on Thursday at the Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Av. S.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 and are available at the Ames Center box office, by phone at 1-800-982-2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, go to www.burnsvillechamber.com.

There is a vacancy on the Apple Valley Planning Commission for a term that expires March 1, 2017. The seven-member commission has the power and responsibility to investigate issues related to planning and land use. It discusses and evaluates development and building proposals, conditional use applications, variance requests, proposed changes to zoning maps and other issues. The commission meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the city's Municipal Center.

The City Council will fill the position by appointment. People interested in applying must do so by March 31. Applications are available on the city's website (www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us) or at the office of the City Clerk, 7100 147th St. W. For more information, call 952-953-2506.

Children up to 3 years old and their caregivers are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, sign language, books and play time at 6:15 p.m. Monday at the South St. Paul Library, 106 3rd Av. N. Staff will be on hand to provide child development information and weigh babies.

No registration is necessary.

Children ages 6 to 12 can learn the basic skills of classic cross-country skiing from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road.

The Science Museum of Minnesota will present a class on how to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create dynamic slide shows at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Dakota County Library's Heritage branch, 20085 Heritage Dr., Lakeville.

Participants will learn how to format slide text, add images and select transitions for presentations. Prerequisites are the ability to use a computer keyboard and mouse. Reservations are required. Call 952-891-0362.

An AARP tax aide will be available to help low-income seniors, adults and families with their tax preparation at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Dakota County Library's Heritage branch at 20085 Heritage Dr.

Reservations are required. Call 952-891-0362.

A night of free family fun will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail. Activities and features include music, an inflatable obstacle course, jumpies and slides, carnival games and more. Open ice skating will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own skates.

The event is free and for all ages. Registration is requested. Go to http://tinyurl.com/3kum8nw.

Christina Baker Kline, author of "Orphan Train," will talk about her inspiration and research for her book at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hastings Middle School, 1000 W. 11th St. Books will be available for sale and signing.

The event is part of the Hastings Reads Main Event.