5 Things to Know in Apple Valley This Week

Editor's note: Look for this "5 Things" feature each Monday to fill you in on a few items to know about in Apple Valley for the week.

1. in Apple Valley from noon to 5 p.m. Monday. All donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver's frozen custard. If you miss Monday's, on Wednesday, in Apple Valley will host another blood drive, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

2. Storm water improvements to Whitney Pond in Apple Valley are slated to begin this week, according to Apple Valley's . Workers will begin by removing trees and lowering the water level to excavate the pond and install pipes. Staff anticipate that they'll be able to put back the vegetation and other park amenities by mid-October. Check out this article from the Star Tribune with more information about how the new two-acre pond is supposed to help water quality in the area.

3. Apple Valley's American Legion Post 1776 today will host a few thousand special guests. Legion members attending the national convention in Minneapolis will be bused down to the post throughout the day and evening for a social event that includes food and music. This is the 93rd annual "four corners" gathering; the post hasn't hosted one of these in recent history, First Vice Commander John Lenvik said.

4. Apple Valley's Public Works Department will begin sealing 17 miles of trails and pathways in the northwest part of the city on Monday; work is expected to continue for about a week, according to the department. The fog sealing will protect the asphalt elements of the trail pavement.

5. The "Faces of New America" photo exhibit at the in Apple Valley. The exhibit, which features the faces of first- and second-generation immigrant youth, will last through September. Several other programs will be held throughout the month that are associated with the exhibit.