5 Things to Know: Early Holiday Closings, Church Service to Recognize Lost Loved Ones

1. City of Apple Valley offices will be closed Friday and Monday for the Christmas holiday.

2. Before city staff takes a break for the holidays, they'll be at this week's Apple Valley City Council meeting, scheduled for 8 p.m. Tuesday (note the change from the usual Thursdays) at the .

The main agenda item is the discussion of and decision on a funding option for future road reconstruction, for which the city would need to collect almost $1 million a year. of funding the road work with a special assessment versus tax levy increase.

3. The last day of school in District 196 before the winter holiday break is Thursday; there is no school Friday, and school resumes Jan. 3, a Tuesday.

4. In the holiday mood? Still working on getting into the spirit? Stop by the theater at 7 p.m. Monday to hear the school's choirs perform their holiday concert.

5. The holidays can be difficult for those who have lost a family member. is holding a special "" at 7 p.m. Wednesday for people who are grieving to recognize that there will be an empty chair at the table during Christmas. Attendees will be able to light a candle for loved ones lost.