South metro town briefs

New transit station Construction begins this month on a new Apple Valley transit station serving the bus rapid transit system on Cedar Avenue.

The station, at 155th Street, is intended to mimic light rail. It has level boarding platforms, rather than making riders climb up stairs. There are heated passenger skyways across Cedar, and elevators to reach them. A parking deck and lot will house 750 vehicles.

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is the lead agency, with help from the Counties Transit Improvement Board, Dakota County, the city of Apple Valley, the state and federal governments, and the University of Minnesota.

Poetry master class Caponi Art Park and Learning Center will next week host a poetry class featuring Tristan Silverman, an award-winning poet from Chicago. The master class, in celebration of National Poetry Month, will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Eagan Community Center. The workshop is open to all ages with a $5 suggested donation. Space is limited; register at www.caponiartpark.org under "Poets in the Park" or call 651-454-9412.

Participants will learn how to write performance poetry dealing with self and identity through exercises and spoken word performance by Silverman.

Silverman is an activist, educator and poet who is trained as a documentary filmmaker, screenwriter and novelist. Silverman and her team represented Chicago at two National Poetry Slam competitions, placing fifth in the nation last year.

This event is in conjunction with the "Poets in the Park" teen poetry slam, to be held at Caponi Art Park in Eagan at 2 p.m. on May 9. Teens will compete for $150 in cash prizes and hear performances by award-winning spoken word artists and hip-hop dancers. For more information, visit www.caponiartpark.org.

Only residents of Prior Lake and Credit River and Spring Lake townships may take part, and proof of residence is required. There's a gate fee of $5.

Not everything will be accepted, and certain items and large loads may involve extra fees. For questions, call 952-447-9800 or 952-447-9830.

The city suggests taking "quality" furniture and household items to the nonprofit agency Bridging Inc. (952-888-1105 or www.bridging.org). There's no drop-off fee.

Open house to discuss Cedar Lake park plan Scott County invites you to an open house on what will happen with Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park as the county seeks to open it to public use in partnership with a private entity.

The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Creeks Bend Golf Course, 26826 Langford Av. (Hwy. 13), New Prague. There's a presentation at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Mark Themig, parks and trails manager, at 952-496-8783.

Youth award winner Melissa Wells, a senior at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, formed a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions and promoted a "Respect My Ride" pledge drive to keep cars smoke-free.

Michael Funk, diversity coordinator for the South St. Paul schools, won an individual award for his work as coordinator of the South St. Paul Healthy Youth Community Coalition. The group encourages children to make healthy choices, especially when it comes to alcohol use.

The Randolph School District won a community coalition award for coordinating with the county's Public Health Department on a variety of projects, including an effort to reduce teen use of alcohol and drugs. It also offers fitness programs for students in second- through eighth-grade and are working on a program to encourage safe walking to school.

A day for kids, books Children of all ages and cultures are encouraged to visit the Heritage and Wentworth libraries this month to celebrate El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day).

The free events include a book giveaway, story time in Spanish and English, crafts, pinatas, food and music. There will also be representatives from community groups and programs, including public health and the Community Action Council, on hand to talk about the services they offer.

Drum trio to perform The Minnesota Percussion Trio will entertain at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lakeville Performing Arts Center as part of the Chamber Music Coffee Concerts Series.

The group, featuring Bob Adney, Erik Barsness and Josh Carlson, will play drums, marimba, small hand-held instruments and folk instruments from Australia, Africa, Spain and Guatemala. The casual cabaret setting will include complimentary Caribou coffee.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Av., or by calling 952-985-4640.