Anoka County

County health survey of residents continues

Anoka County is conducting a Community Health Survey as it develops a health assessment and plan for 2015-19. The survey of residents helps the county prioritize public health services.

Residents can complete the survey online or on paper, though Jan. 13. The online survey can be done in English or Spanish at www.anoka county.us/healthsurvey.

Paper copies are available in Arabic, Russian, Somali, English and Spanish and can be obtained by calling Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services at 763-422-7427.

For further information, call 763-422-7030.

Brooklyn Park

Toy and food drive runs through Sunday

The city is collecting nonperishable food items for Community Emergency Assistance Programs and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots through Sunday, Dec. 22. Items can be left in the lobby bins at the Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Av. N., during building hours.

Items also can be dropped off at these other Brooklyn Park locations: • Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Av. N.; • City Hall, 5200 85th Av. N.; and • Police Station - North Precinct, 5400 85th Av. N.

Circle Pines

Residents asked to take satisfaction survey

Circle Pines residents are being asked to weigh in on their city's appearance, snowplowing and other public services as part of the 2013 citizens' feedback survey. Residents can take the 14-question survey online at www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us.

The survey asks about residents' views on a variety of topics, including police service, fire service, street repairs and recreational programs.

Coon Rapids

Arts Commission to host concert series

The Coon Rapids Arts Commission will host four live shows as part of its Dessert and Coffee Concert series.

The 1950s rock-n-roll cover band Holy Rocka Rollaz will perform Jan. 9. The City of Lakes Chorus

Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 ­Robinson Dr.

Admission, including dessert, is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under.

Tickets can be purchased at Coon Rapids City Hall. Call 763-767-6432 for additional information.

New hope

Santa Claus is coming to New Hope Ice Arena

Santa will skate with youngsters at the New Hope Ice Arena. The city is hosting a "Skate with Santa" night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at the arena, 4949 Louisiana Av. N. Admission is $3.50 per person. Participants are asked to bring a canned food donation. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served.

north metro

Session offers kids chance to build robots

The Crystal Community Center will take on a futuristic look with a "Star Wars Droid Builder" class on Monday, Dec. 23.

The class, for kids ages 7 to 12, will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the center, 4800 Douglas Drive.

Participants will use the Star Wars Lego Mindstorms robotics kit to ­create a simple droid mechanism and then more-ambitious droids that move and walk. At the end of class, kids will take home a nonrobotic Lego droid or starship.

The fee is $34 for residents of New Hope, Crystal, Golden Valley or Robbinsdale and $41 for nonresidents.

For more information or to register, call New Hope Parks and Recreation at 763-531-5151.

Brooklyn Center

Fridays are time for family Fun Floats

The Brooklyn Center Community Center pool is the site for the weekly TGIF Family Night Fun Float. The event is scheduled each Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the center, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy. Inner tubes, air mattresses, beach balls, floating animals and noodles are welcome. Regular admission fees apply.

ROBBINSDALE SCHOOLS

Robbin Gallery exhibit features student art

"Art is Primary," an exhibit featuring works by Robbinsdale school district elementary students, is on display at the Robbin Gallery, 4915 42nd Av. N., Robbinsdale, and will run through Dec. 26. This is the second annual exhibit; it features works by students in grades 1-5 from all 10 elementary schools in the district. Hours for the exhibit, which is free and open to the public:

• Wednesday, Dec. 18, noon to 8 p.m., with a reading by Darion Harding from his book "Henry's Best Christmas" at 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 19, noon to 8:30 p.m., including an open house reception from 4:30 to 6:30

• Friday, Dec. 20, noon to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 21, noon to 4 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 23, noon to 4 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 26, noon to 4 p.m.

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