Dakota County news briefs: Farmington's newly renovated library opens

Farmington's newly renovated library is now open for patrons.

The remodel, part of extensive work on the Dakota County system in recent years, includes an added 3,500 square feet of space.

There are new study rooms and small group meeting room, a larger children's section with farm-themed play area, more public computers, a one-stop service desk, and an automated book drop.

The library is located at 508 Third St., Farmington.

Eagan's Advisory Park and Recreation Commission has approved a plan for the second phase of Moonshine Park.

The plan, for a portion of the south shore of LeMay Lake, includes a playground, shelter, small parking lot, walking trails and decks looking out at the lake.

With final approval, work could begin in 2015.

The event is from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 1914 building, 3805 Pilot Knob Road

There will be food for purchase as well as free root beer floats, historic displays, 1914-style music and games, and the presentation of a 1914 Town Hall commemorative painting at 6:30 p.m.

A suspicious fire last year damaged a roof, wall and several irreplaceable artifacts, and the building had to be shrink-wrapped during the winter to preserve it.

A Wellness Day is set for Friday at Lakeville's Heritage Center.

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and includes Life Line Screening throughout that time. There are also flu shots from 9:30-11 a.m.

Life Line Screening is described as "safe, painless, noninvasive preventive health screenings that are typically not a part of a routine physical and help people identify an undetected health problem."

To register, call 1-888-653-6450 or contact Mirjana Wick at mwick@llsa.com. The cost is $139, and the Heritage Center gets $10 for every member who signs up and attends.

The building is at 20110 Holyoke Av., and the number to call for information is 952- 985-4622.

You can practice playing detective during a "Who Done It Hike" on Saturday in Lakeville.

Registration is at 9:30 a.m. and the free hike begins at 10 a.m. at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail.

Those guessing the solution will be entered in a prize drawing.

To learn more, call parks staff at 952-985-4600

Free admission for skating and free skate rentals are being offered Saturday at the Burnsville Ice Center.

There will also be an exhibition from Valley Figure Skating Club.

Instructors for beginners as well as figure skating coaches will be on hand.

A workshop later this month will explore the question of how to make sure Apple Valley is suitable for seniors.

The Sept. 30 event is billed as "Community for a Lifetime."

It's part of an initiative called Vitalocity! aimed at age-friendly design principles.

Over three days in all — Sept. 30-Oct. 2 — experts on aging and others will discuss "a road map for how to deliver real age-friendly communities."

The city of Apple Valley will host the opening workshop on Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the city's Senior Center, 14601 Hayes Road.

The second and third days' events will be at another location in Apple Valley.

If you're interested in participating or would like more information, contact Margaret Dykes at 952- 953-2569. There's also a an Apple Valley Vitalocity! Facebook page.

The 2014 Free Concert Series in Mendota Heights wraps up this week.

Concerts are held at Market Square Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

TreVeld is the act on tap this week.

A Veterans Memorial will be dedicated this afternoon, Sept. 7, in Farmington at Rambling River Park.

The memorial honors all Farmington area veterans, with emphasis on 14 who gave their lives in the two world wars and in Vietnam.

Pre-dedication activities are from 1:15 to 2 p.m. The main ceremony is from 2 to 3 p.m.

There's also an informal reception at Farmington Lutheran Church from 4 to 5 p.m., with beverages and refreshments. All are invited.

The Farmington Area Veterans Memorial Committee has been approved for a grant from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Legacy Fund for $9,900.