Cottage Grove residents have until 4:30 p.m. Thursday to submit photographs to be included in the city's eighth annual Photo Contest. Judges will determine the winner in each of seven categories and award $50 for the winning entry. In addition, the first-place photos will be featured in city publications and newsletters and on the city's website.

City residents may enter one photograph in each of the following categories: People, landmarks, nature, housing and neighborhoods, commercial/retail, sports and leisure, and black-and-white photographs.

Entries must be 5 by 7 inches or larger. Each photograph must be accompanied by a completed entry form, which is available at City Hall, 7516 S. 80th St. in Cottage Grove or on the city's website, www.cottage-grove.org/docs/20 10_photo_contest.pdf.

WOODBURY AND NEWPORT

Get outside -- go for a hike If your New Year's resolution is to exercise more, get a jump on things by joining members of the St. Paul Hiking Club for a day-after-Christmas walk.

Tag along as members make the trek through Colby Lake Park at 9715 Valley Creek Road at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. There also will be an opportunity to learn about the club, which was formed in 1921. For more information call 651-738-1972.

The club also will host a residential neighborhood walk at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, departing from 1681 4th Av. in Newport. For more information, call 651-459-0529.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

RVR photo calendars on sale The nonprofit River Valley Riders are selling 2011 desktop calendars as their year-end fundraiser.

Each page of the 12-month calendar features photos of many of the riders, volunteers and horses that participate in the organization's programs that offer therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving for children and adults with special needs at locations in Lake Elmo and Scandia.

The calendars are $12, including tax and shipping, and are available at www .rivervalleyriders.org/purchase-2011-rvr -photo-calendar.html.

TIM HARLOW