South metro town briefs

Free fluorescent bulbs Volunteers from Brookwood Community Church, a new church in Shakopee, will distribute free compact fluorescent light bulbs at the Shakopee Wal-Mart about 11 a.m. on Saturday. The free 60-watt replacement bulbs, saving consumers money by saving energy, will complete a project to provide a total of 1,000 of the bulbs to local folks.

Government figures indicate that CFLs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer.

Author will discuss state's historic bridges A talk and book signing by the author of a new book on the state's historic bridges is being offered by the Scott County Historical Society at 1 p.m. on March 21. Historian Denis Gardner documents in his book, called "Wood, Concrete, Stone and Steel: Minnesota's Historic Bridges," nearly every bridge type found in Minnesota, including railroad spans.

Emergency training The city of Shakopee is offering residents of that city and two nearby townships training on what you and your neighbors should do after a major emergency that cuts off essential city services.

The training will be 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on nine Tuesdays, beginning April 28, at the Shakopee Fire Station, 2700 E. Vierling Drive. The cost is $15 for registration and course materials. It's first-come, first-served, so register early.

The class is open to people living in Shakopee and Jackson and Louisville townships. Participants should be in good physical condition. To register, return the form at www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/pd_cert.cfm by April 15. Call 952-233-9570 for information.

Spring celebration Celebrate spring on March 7 at the Apple Valley Arts Foundation Celebration of Spring from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Minnesota Zoo. Admission to the event is free. The city of Apple Valley invites the public to visit the Apple Valley police and fire department booths to learn more about public safety.

In preparation for National Poetry Month in April, the Dakota County libraries are asking local wordsmiths to enter their work in their annual poetry contest by March 31.

Then, in April, the libraries will host poetry and rap performances, bestowing awards on the winners in five age groups: adults, teens 15 to 18, teens 12 to 14, children age 10 to 11 and children age 6 to 9.

The entries will be judged by a panel based on creativity, style, form and meaning, with winning poems published on the Dakota County website. Winners also will receive a booklet featuring the top poems.

Three poetry readings -- one for children, one for teens and one for adults -- will also be held at the end of April. For more information, visit the nearest library or the county website, www.dakotacounty.us/library.

Park projects begin The wintry weather isn't deterring county parks staff from summer projects.

The sections, each about 4 feet wide and varying in length from 10 feet to more than 100 feet, will add up to about a quarter mile of boardwalk outside. Made of Ipe, a dense wood that is naturally rot and insect resistant, the sections will be used to replace worn-out piece of the current boardwalk and create some new trails.

Wine Academy debuts The Lakeville Area Arts Center is making a foray into the world of wine.

The first event in the Wine Academy series will feature a tasting of products from the Foster's Wine Estates and lessons from Matthew Lane, a master sommelier, at 7 p.m. on March 12.

Lane has been a guest sommelier at Charlie Trotter's restaurant in Chicago, the Lanesborough Hotel in Lond and the Palazzo Versace resort in Australia. The program will include wine tasting, light appetizers and door prizes.

The event costs $25 per person for Lakeville Wine Club members and $30 per person for others. For tickets, contact the Lakeville Area Arts Center at 952-985-4640.