Briefs: Eagan's winter indoor farmers market resumes

Eagan's indoor winter farmers market is back and will be open on alternate Saturdays throughout the next few months.

The market takes place at the city's Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy. It features winter produce, breads, meats, sweet treats and other offerings.

The market is scheduled every other Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Upcoming dates: Dec. 20; Jan. 3, 17 and 31; and Feb. 14 and 28.

A new Eagan nonprofit set up to celebrate local success stories is recognizing an effort to upgrade the food choices of folks in a pair of shelter homes.

The group, called Green Ribbon Initiatives, is drawing attention to an effort by two Eagan-based nonprofits that offer support and shelter to local families in crisis.

It's a partnership between Thomson Reuters' Eagan Green Team and Dakota Woodlands, a shelter for homeless women and families, and the B. Robert Lewis House, which serves survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

In 2010, the Thomson Reuters team started an organic garden staffed by 30 employee volunteers. They provide fresh produce for both shelters.

An employee at one shelter was quoted as saying that "some of our younger parents have never seen some of the food in a 'fresh' state."

Thomson Reuters is a multinational mass media and information firm with a big presence in Eagan.

Awards are presented to programs "that build relationships and a collective sense of community in Eagan while promoting sustainable action that strengthens community engagement."

Another recent joint recipient is the Eagan Athletic Association and the city of Eagan, for "partnering in a way that enhances recreational opportunities for the youth of the community at significant savings to community parents, families and taxpayers."

A new "Welcome" video is online, promoting life in Burnsville.

The production, along with other similar programs, is showing on cable channels 14 and 16, and at www.YouTube.com/cityofburnsvillemn.

A few more days remain to enter outstanding winter light displays in Burnsville in a citywide contest.

The 2014 Winter Lighting Contest is being staged by the Burnsville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Dakota Electric Association.

One goal is to "encourage all citizens to decorate their residence to help spread holiday cheer and welcome visitors throughout the season."

Until Friday, Burnsville residents may nominate entries in the following categories:

• Neighborhoods (20 single-family homes or less)

• Apartments, condo complexes or townhomes

Nominees must be located within city limits and be visible from the street.

The top three entries in each category get, in order, a $100 open-ended gift card, a $50 gift card to a Burnsville restaurant and two passes to the Minnesota Zoo.

To submit a nomination, visit www.burnsvillemn.com/Winter-Lighting-Contest.cfm or pick up a nomination form at the Convention & Visitors Bureau, City Hall, Cornerstone Copy Center or Jo Jo's Rise & Wine. All submissions must be accompanied by a photo.

Lakeville police are collecting toys for the 2013 Toys for Tots drive.

A new, unwrapped toy can be left at any of these facilities:

City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Av.; Police Station, 9237 183rd St.; Fire Station #4, 9465 185th St. W.; Water Treatment Facility, 18400 Ipava Av.; Central Maintenance, 7570 179th St. W.

Toys may be dropped off until Dec. 18. Money's fine, too: checks payable to Toys for Tots Twin Cities.

For more information, call 952-985-2800.