Briefs: Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser scheduled for March 31 in Eagan

Soup served in handmade bowls next week will help feed hungry residents of Dakota County through the Eagan and Lakeville Resource Centers' annual "Empty Bowls" fundraiser.

People who attend the fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 31 at the Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3930 Rahn Road in Eagan, will be able to make a donation, choose a bowl decorated by volunteers from the Eagan Art House, and enjoy soups served by local restaurants. The bowls are meant to be taken home as reminders of those who are hungry.

Proceeds will support the resource centers, which are the largest food shelves in Dakota County.

"It is the art community, the businesses, the churches and the community as a whole, coming together to help eliminate hunger in Dakota County," said Mary Freeman, program manager for the resource centers.

The nonprofit resource centers have seen demand for food assistance rise from 38 families per month in 2005 to nearly 800 families per month in 2010.

For more information on Empty Bowls and the Eagan and Lakeville Resource Centers, go to www.eaganrc.org or call 651-688-3189.

'Get Jobs' fair set for ThursdayThe Get Jobs job fair on Thursday at the Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road, will feature more than 50 exhibitors from a variety of local employers with entry-level to high-skill positions.

There will be opportunities to meet one-on-one with human resources professionals, practice interviewing skills and network with other job seekers. There will also be two free workshops offered: "Telling Your Story" from noon-1:30 p.m. and "Energize Your Job Search" from 2-3:30 p.m.

"This event is a chance for people who are looking for work to make contacts," said Mark Phillips, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Free shuttle buses will run to and from the job fair, leaving from the WorkForce Centers in Burnsville, Shakopee and West St. Paul. Sign language, Hmong, Somali and Spanish interpreters will be available.

For more information, including a list of exhibitors, go to www.positivelyminnesota.com/getjobsjobfair or contact Mike Lang at mike.lang@state.mn.us or 952-895-7641.

Assistance with résumé writing and interviewing is available before the fair at the Minnesota WorkForce Centers. Call 1-888-438-5627 for more information.

Rain barrels for sale at discount pricesFor residents starting to think ahead to spring gardening, the Recycling Association of Minnesota is selling rain barrels and compost bins at a discount price.

The association says that by composting organic waste and capturing rainwater from rooftops with the help of the containers, residents can reduce their water bills and the need for fertilizers.

Rain barrels are available for purchase for $69 and compost bins for $55. Residents who want to purchase the barrels and bins at these wholesale prices must pre-order at the association website at www.recycleminnesota.org.

Pre-ordered compost bins and rain barrels will be available for pickup near Rosemount at the Specialized Environmental Technologies site, located at 16454 Blaine Av., on June 3 and 4.

Homeowners: Keep house numbers visibleAs homeowners do some spring cleaning, the city of Burnsville is asking them to think about how their house numbers look.

A city ordinance requires that house numbers be displayed at or near the front entrance, and be visible from the street. Numerals should be at least 4 inches tall and contrast with the house color.

For questions about house numbers, contact Scott McKown, the city building official, at 952-895-4441 or look up the city code at www.burnsville.org.

Showcase Eagan seeks community exhibitorsThe city of Eagan is still accepting applications from community groups that want to have exhibits at the Showcase Eagan event in June.

Showcase Eagan, scheduled for 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Eagan Civic Arena, is like a trade show focused on local resources. Civic, nonprofit and religious community organizations are invited to participate.

Applications, which can be found on the city website at www.ci.eagan.mn.us, must be turned in by April 1. For more information, contact the city at 651-675-5000.

Free rain garden workshops offeredPeople interested in water quality and rain gardens have a chance to learn more about them, as well as to apply for a $250 grant from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The agency will be hosting free one-hour workshops in March and April to teach people about the Blue Thumb program and inspire them with affordable garden designs with native plants that help clean the water.

Design and installation assistance is available to people who attend the workshops, and some residents will qualify for $250 grants to put toward their new gardens.

The workshops, all starting at 6:15 p.m., will be held at the following locations: Thursday at the Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane in West St. Paul; April 4 at the Farmington Library, 508 Third Street in Farmington; and April 5 at Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 W. 147th Street in Apple Valley.

To register or find out more information, go to www.dakotacountyswcd.org or send an e-mail to Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District at swcd@co.dakota.mn.us.

Business fair set for Thursday eveningMore than 60 businesses and groups from the southeast metro will participate this week in the eighth annual Spring Business Showcase sponsored by the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

From 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, the public can visit with representatives and learn about companies that do business in Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park and surrounding communities.

The event at the National Guard Training and Community Center, 8180 Belden Blvd. in Cottage Grove, will feature information on home improvement, real estate, finance and banking, health and wellness, home and office products, dining and professional services.

Admission is free. Call 651-458-8334.

KATIE HUMPHREY, NICOLE NORFLEET