coon rapids

Concert series kicks off on Thursday

Coon Rapids' annual Thursday Nites LIVE Summer Concert Series will begin on Thursday, June 5, with a performance by the High 48s bluegrass band at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd.

The free concerts take place at 7 p.m. at the performance pavilion, and Anoka County Parks waives the $5 parking fee for the evening.

Concerts will be held each Thursday, except July 3, through Aug. 16.

The lineup: June 12, Sherwin Linton & The Cotton Kings (country); June 19, Erin Schwab (cabaret); June 26, Minneapolis Commodores (barbershop); July 10, MN Sinfonia (symphony); July 17, Ecuador Manta (Ecuadorian); July 24, D.L. Cajun Band (Cajun); July 31, Holy Rocka Rollaz (50s); Aug. 7, The Tony Garry Band (variety); Aug. 16, Rockie Lynne (country, at Sand Creek Park)

Ramsey

Summer event series starts June 12

Roadhouse Blue, a variety/classic country/rock band, will launch The Draw Summer Event Series 2014, a free weekly series at the Draw Amphitheater in Ramsey.

The band will perform from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12. The amphitheater is located at 7401 E. Ramsey Pkwy. Concerts will be held at the same place at the same time each Thursday, except July 3, through Aug. 28.

The lineup: June 19, BOB FM & Coborn's, featuring the Shane Martin Band; June 26, High Brow and the Shades (variety band); July 10, the Killer Hayseeds (country); July 17, Stimulus Package (from classic rock to rocking country); July 24, Two Hicks and a Chick (acoustic trio); July 31, Elvis, Todd Anderson; Aug. 7, Rubber Soul (Beatles tribute); Aug. 14, Church of Cash (Johnny Cash tribute); Aug. 21, The Castaways (rock 'n' roll); Aug. 28 (5:30-7 p.m.), community picnic with a live broadcast from BOB FM and performance by Shirts and Skins.

For information, go to: www.ci.ramsey.mn.us.

Flag Day 5K run/walk to help vets, families

The third annual Flag Day 5K walk and run will take place Saturday, June 14, in Ramsey. The event, sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, raises money for the Fisher House near the Minneapolis VA Hospital. The Fisher House provides accommodations for patients and family members while a veteran is receiving major care at the VA hospital.

The June 14 event will begin at 8 a.m. at the Northwest Metro VA Clinic, 7545 Veterans Drive, Ramsey. Runners will start first.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, and awards will be given to top finishers. Registration is $25 in advance at www.midwestevents.com or www.active.com, or $30 on race day.

The Fisher House in Minneapolis is one of 60 such facilities in the United States and Germany, offered by a private/public partnership. For information, go to www.fisherhouse.org.

ROBBINSDALE SCHOOLS

Cooper educator is Teacher of the Year

Brooke Schaffer of Cooper High School in New Hope has been named 2013-14 Teacher of the Year in the Robbinsdale Area School district. Schaffer has taught physical education for the past 11 years and also taught in the elective AVID program for the past year. (AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.)

"Educators have an opportunity to change a life and make a difference and Brooke takes advantage of that with every opportunity she has," said Cooper Principal Chris Hester. "Brooke cares about the whole student and not just the academic piece. She knows what it takes to make a kid feel they are a part of a family and not just school."

"I feel my greatest strength is the ability to build relations with my students and to foster a sense of community," ­Schaffer said.

Ham Lake

Fundraiser takes aim at weeds in Ham Lake

The Ham Lake Lake Association will hold a fundraiser at Ham Lake Lanes on Saturday, June 7, with proceeds to be used to treat Eurasian milfoil and curly leaf pondweed recently found in Ham Lake.

The event will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person for unlimited beer and soft drinks. There also will be a silent auction.

Ham Lake Lanes is located at 16465 Hwy. 65 NE.

MINNEAPOLIS

U prostate cancer group to meet June 12

The University of Minnesota prostate cancer support group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Hope Lodge, 2500 University Av. SE., Minneapolis.

Dr. Gautan Jha, medical oncologist from the university, will speak, and a question and answer segment will follow.

Wives, family and friends are welcome. There is no charge, parking is free and light refreshments will be served. For information, call 612-388-3588.

STAFF REPORTS