Fridley

Nature center to host Discovery dinners

Springbrook Nature Center is launching a Discovery Dinner series for adult nature lovers.

The Saturday evening events, starting in late January, will feature an educational presentation followed by a casual catered meal.

The presentations are designed for an adult audience. Topics will include environmental issues, conservation and outdoor heritage. Each starts at 5:30 p.m.

The programs are:

• "Raptors in Minnesota, with the Minnesota Raptor Center," on Jan. 25;

• "An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt, America's First Conversation President," on Feb. 22;

• "Moths and Butterflies of Minnesota," on March 27.

Tickets are $25 each; multiple tickets can be purchased for $22.50 each. Pre-registration is required, and payment must be made in advance. Call the nature center at 763-5672-3588 to reserve a spot.

For more information, go to http://springbrooknaturecenter.org/.

Lino Lakes

Police offer youth snowmobile training

The Lino Lakes Police Department is offering a three-part DNR Youth Snowmobile Certification class. It is for kids ages 11-15 with little or no riding experience (certification becomes valid at age 12).

The program includes two classroom sessions, online training at home and a driving test. The first class will be 6-8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Lino Lakes Police Department, 640 Town Center Pkwy. Parents are encouraged to attend. The second class, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 21, includes a final exam. The driving test will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25. To sign up, call the Lino Lakes Police Department at 651-982-2300.

Anoka County

Health survey planned this month

Anoka County is conducting a Community Health Survey as it develops a health assessment and plan for public health services in 2015-19.

Residents can complete it online or on paper through Jan. 13. The online survey can be done in English or Spanish at www.anokacounty.us/healthsurvey. Paper copies in Arabic, Russian, Somali, English and Spanish also can be obtained by calling Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services at 763-422-7427.

For further information, call 763-422-7030.

Nominations sought for health awards

Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 31 for the 2014 Anoka County Public Health Recognition Awards, to be presented by the Anoka County Board.

There are two categories: one for youths 18 and younger, and one for adults.

Nominees should demonstrate leadership and success in creating solutions to public health problems. Forms and selection criteria are available at www.anokacounty.us/healthawards.

For further information, call Pat Robinson in Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services at 763-422-7187. The awards will be presented in April.

Circle PINes

Public invited to explore local history

Residents will have a chance to learn about the early days of Circle Pines and surrounding cities at an event early next month.

The city and the Anoka County Historical Society will host a visual tour of the area's history at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle.

The free event will include a slide show of historic photographs, and guests are invited to share stories from growing up in the Circle Pines, Lexington, Blaine and Centerville area. Call 763-717-3294 for more information.

Arts Commission concert series starts

The Coon Rapids Arts Commission will host four 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 other concerts will feature the City of Lakes Chorus

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

STAFF REPORTS