West metro briefs: Minnetonka seeks applications for 2 commissions

The city of Minnetonka is accepting applications from residents for two commissions between now and Jan. 3.

There are openings on the city's Economic Development Advisory Commission and Planning Commission.

Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council and appointed by the mayor.

To apply, complete the application at www.eminnetonka.com and either e-mail it to ktelega@eminnetonka.com or mail it to the city, attn: Karen Telega, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345.

The Bloomington Farmers Market will move inside Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Vendors will sell pork products, cheese, baked goods, chocolates, nuts, honey, jams, strudels, lefse, dressings and salsas, decorative winter pots, and spruce tips and branches, as well as a variety of arts and crafts.

Edina Mayor Jim Hovland will lead his monthly "Walk With the Mayor" indoors at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, starting at the Caribou Coffee inside Southdale Center.

During the walk, the group will talk about future plans for redevelopment in the area and what's happening in Edina.

More walks are scheduled for Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15.

For more information, contact city recreation supervisor Kristin Aarsvold at 952-826-0433.

The Rotary Club of Edina is seeking donations of unwrapped gifts for people of all ages in a gift drive for families in need in the community. Gifts can be brought to the Edina Country Club by 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

This year, donations will go to Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), a nonprofit that assists low-income families in Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and south Minneapolis; Oasis for Youth, a resource center for homeless youth in Bloomington, Edina and Richfield, and Veterans' Family Group, which serves veterans of all ages.

The Edina fire and police departments are drop-off sites for a toy drive benefiting Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP).

Donations of new, unwrapped toys valued from $10 to $20 will be collected until Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Edina Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Av., and at the Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St.

According to VEAP, the greatest need is for toys, rattles, music and movement toys, and board books for children ages 0 to 3, and books, crafts, creative activities, educational games and toys for children ages 4 to 12.

VEAP also suggests hats, mittens and scarves for all ages, as well as $15 gift cards to local retailers for older children. A full wish list is available online at www.veapvolunteers.org.

The VEAP Holiday Store serves 5,500 children and helps financially struggling parents in Richfield, Edina and Bloomington provide a stable and positive holiday experience for their children.

For more information, visit www.veapvolunteers.org.

The boutique at Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Av. S., offers a variety of handcrafted items made by local residents.

Items for sale include jackets, caps, scarves, mittens, slippers and towels; floral arrangements and wood items; handmade quilts, afghans, doilies and blankets; dolls, dresses and furniture; greeting cards and baby clothing.

The boutique is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays through Dec. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Bloomington City Council is seeking applicants to serve on advisory boards and commissions for terms beginning in January.

Applications are due in the city manager's office by Friday, Dec. 20, for consideration at the City Council's organizational meeting on Jan. 2.

More information and applications are available at http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/cityhall/commiss/open_positions.htm.

Richfield residents are invited to compete for prizes in the city's holiday lights decorating contest.

A Home Depot gift card and a yard sign will be awarded in the categories of most traditional, best animation, most unique theme, best homemade display and most lights.

Contestants can register online at http://tinyurl.com/kg35bwt or by calling 612-861-9385 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration closes Dec. 13.

The Hopkins City Council has granted a conditional use permit to Live the Dream Brewing to operate the city's first brew pub at 715 Mainstreet.

The council vote was unanimous. Owners Jeremy Hill and Blake Verdon earlier told the Star Tribune that the pub would have a taproom and patio area and would serve at least five different beers.