Continued: North metro town briefs

ANOKA COUNTY

Are you feeling any pain in your pocketbook? Free classes, titled "Dollars Into Sense," are offered the third Tuesday of each month. The 1 1/2-hour classes cover the basics, including tracking expenses, planning, reducing debt and finding more help.

The next classes are July 15 either at 10 a.m. at the Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW. in Andover, or at 7 p.m. at the Anoka County Library, 711 County Road 10 NE. in Blaine.

Please register three days in advance at 763-755-1280. The classes are presented by the University of Minnesota, Anoka County, and Anoka County Dollar Works volunteer consultants.

BROOKLYN PARK AND BROOKLYN CENTER

Teens who want to know more about law enforcement in their community are invited to the Teen Police Academy, which will be held July 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will cover topics such as why some kids are stopped and others aren't, juvenile law and gangs.

Transportation to the Brooklyn Park Police Department, 5400 85th Av. N., is available for those who request in advance. Food and beverages will be provided. Anyone who is interested must register by July 1. To register, e-mail your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to stephanie. heiberger@brooklynpark.org

BROOKLYN PARK

The city is looking for residents who have put some extra effort into their landscaping. The Summer Blossom Awards will recognize a single-family home, townhouse, neighborhood garden and a commercial site for improving the city's image. Winners will receive a $150 gift certificate, an engraved garden paver and recognition from the City Council.

Nominations can be submitted by anyone and you can nominate more than one property. To submit an entry, send two photos to Brooklyn Park Summer Blossom Awards, 5200 85th Av. N., by July 7. For more information, call 763-493-8059.

NORTHWEST SUBURBS

The Northwest Community Revitalization Corporation (NCRC) is holding an informational meeting tonight for moderate-income families that are interested in buying affordable homes in New Hope, Robbinsdale, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park. At the meeting, potential homeowners will learn about getting help to buy new and rehabbed homes through the NCRC. There are minimum income requirements, which will be explained at the meeting. The organization also offers home-buying classes and assistance securing loans.

The meeting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 4124 Quebec Av. N., New Hope in the second-floor conference room. For more information, visit www.northwestcrc.org or call 763-533-5114.

CHAMPLIN

City staff will be gathering information on utility valves between water mains and houses throughout the city this summer, as part of its Global Positioning System (GPS) work. Public works employees will be placing blue flags along curbs. The flags will be recorded by city staff, so residents are asked to leave them alone until they are removed.

The city is plotting the locations for record-keeping purposes, not for any impending construction projects. For more information, call city engineer Tim Hanson at 763-923-7105.

NEW HOPE

The new skateboard park, sk8 pad, is scheduled to open Thursday at Civic Center Park. A grand opening will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m., demonstrations by professional skateboarder Chad Knight, $1,000 in prizes from equipment manufacturer Skatewave and refreshments.

The park is open to skateboarders of all skill levels, including beginners. It features stainless steel ramps, grind rails, ledges and boxes. It's located just west of New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Av. N.

ST. PAUL

Before today's St. Paul Saints game, a "Family Fun Fest" will be set up outside Midway Stadium, offering kids and families a chance to tour a minor league baseball museum or step inside batting and pitching cages.

The free festival events begin at 10:05 a.m. and run until game time at 1:05 p.m., when the Saints take on the Lincoln Saltdogs. Other attractions of the festival, which is a traveling event sponsored by Principal Financial Group, include a video game trailer and a midway with giant slides, bungee runs and other activities.

New or used baseball and softball equipment will also be collected to give to needy kids around the world. People who donate will receive a Best Buy coupon and a Saints gift card.

Compiled by Lora Pabst and Beth L. Podtburg.