ANOKA

Tree lighting set for Dec. 4Anoka's holiday street lights and Christmas tree will be activated on Dec. 4.

The event, from 6 to 8 p.m., will take place in front of Anoka City Hall, 2015 1st Av. S. It will feature horse-drawn hayrides, carolers, music and bonfires.

Monetary or nonperishable food donations are being accepted for an emergency food shelf, the Anoka County Brotherhood Council.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

Holiday film to raise funds for a new libraryThe 1947 film "Miracle on 34th Street" will be shown on Dec. 5 at the Historic Heights Theatre as a fundraiser for a possible new library in Columbia Heights. A concert by "First Four" will be presented at 1 p.m., followed by the film at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available at: the Heights Theatre at 39th and Central Avenue; Columbia Heights City Hall, 590 40th Av. NE; Northeast Bank, 3989 Central Av., and Columbia Heights Police and Fire, 825 41st Av. NE. Or call the Columbia Heights Public Library at 763-706- 3690 for further information.

ANOKA COUNTY

'Pie social' is today at History Center

The Anoka County Historical Society will hold an "old-fashioned pot luck pie social" today at the History Center at 2135 3rd Av. N., Anoka.

People are invited to bring their favorite pie, and a favorite pie story. There is no cost for the event.

American Girl Tea is on the calendarThe Anoka County Historical Society will hold its annual American Girl Holiday Tea next week, offering three seatings on two days.

The first will be Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., and the other two on Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for girls and must be bought in advance. They may be purchased at the historical society's office or by calling 763-421-0600.

The teas will be held at the History Center at 2135 3rd Av. N., Anoka..

HENNEPIN COUNTY

Recycle thermostat and get a $5 gift cardHave an old thermostat containing mercury? Don't throw it away -- that's against the law. Instead, have it recycled at a Hennepin County recycling drop-off facility, at 8100 Jefferson Hwy., Brooklyn Park, or 1400 W. 96th St., Bloomington.

If you do it before Dec. 31, you'll receive a $5 Menards gift card from Covanta Energy (while gift cards last).

The drop-off facilities are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, go to www.hennepin.us/dropoffs, or call Hennepin County Environmental Services at 612-348-3777.

METRO

Bike giveaway aims to help 1,500 kidsFree Bikes 4 Kidz, organized by the G-Force Cycling Club of Minneapolis, hopes to provide bikes to 1,500 kids this holiday season by collecting and refurbishing bikes people have stashed in garages all over the Twin Cities area.

They've done it the last two years, giving away 250 bikes in 2008 and 450 in 2009.

This year, the group is collecting and repairing bikes in cooperation with Bachman's Flower & Garden Centers, Otten Brothers Nursery, Nice Ride MN, Free Wheel Bikes and Allina.

Anyone with a bike to donate can drop it off at any Bachman's location in the Twin Cities or at Otten Brothers Nursery in Long Lake. In the north metro, there's a Bachman's at 8200 University Av. NE in Fridley.

Bikes will be picked up and delivered to one of the group's "bike shops" for any needed work, then given to a needy child along with a brand new helmet.

Donors can get a receipt for tax purposes; Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Monetary donations are also needed. For more information, go to www.free bikes4kidz.com.

WEST METRO

Classes aim to help elderly avoid fallsSenior Helpers of the Twin Cities is offering classes called a "Matter of Balance" to help elderly residents learn how to prevent falls.

Noting that Minnesota has one of the highest fall rates in the country among elderly residents, Senior Helpers is offering the innovative program sponsored locally through the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.

It consists of classes that teach skills and exercises seniors can use to improve their physical strength and reduce their risk of falling in their own homes.

The program is free, though a small donation is suggested to cover expenses.

For more information, call Senior Helpers of Bloomington at 952-392-1999 or go to www.seniorhelpers.com .

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