columbia heights

Fire department gets pet oxygen mask kit

The Columbia Heights Fire Department has received a pet oxygen mask kit, equipment that save an animal's life. The kit was donated by the Invisible Fence Co. of Minnesota.

The masks allow firefighters to give oxygen to pets suffering from smoke inhalation. According to a news release from the city, Invisible Fence Brand has donated 11,500 pet oxygen masks to fire stations in the U.S. and Canada through its "Project Breathe" program. A reported 120-plus pets have been saved by donated masks.

fridley

Sept. 13 is time for 'Art at Rice Creek'

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts will present Art at Rice Creek Festival 2015 on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival, featuring art of all kinds and a wide variety of live entertainment, will take place at the Banfill Tavern Building and at Manomin Park along Rice Creek. Banfill-Locke is located at 6666 E. River Road, Fridley. For further information, call 763-574-1850 or go to www.banfill-locke.org.

MINNEAPOLIS

Prostate cancer group will meet Sept. 10

The University of Minnesota prostate cancer support group will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Hope Lodge, 2500 University Av. SE, Minneapolis. This session will be an open discussion and welcome back from the summer break. The intent is to learn, support and connect as a community. Wives, family and friends are welcome. There is no charge, free parking is available behind the Lodge or on adjacent streets, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 612-388-3588.

Capri offers program for middle-schoolers

The Capri Theater will launch a program next month called Camp Capri/Third Saturdays, which will give students in grades 5 to 8 a chance to "explore, do, make and perform art," the organizers say.

As the name suggests, the camp will take place on the third Saturday of each month, starting on Sept. 19. It will be held at the Capri Theater, 2027 W. Broadway in north Minneapolis, with sessions running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The program is free. To register, go to www.thecapritheater.org. For further information, contact Camp Capri Company manager Kiana Batteau at kbatteau@psyc-mpls.org, or Capri Theater director James Scott at jscott@pcyc-mpls.org or 612-643-2024.

NEW BRIGHTON

55+ ThrivExpo is set for Sept. 17

New Brighton Parks and Recreation will hold its annual 55+ ThrivExpo on Sept. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the New Brighton Community Center. The event is intended to help seniors "age well as they live and 'thrive' in their community."

In addition to exhibitors, there will be breakout sessions, health assessments, door prizes, and light refreshments.

Registration is now open to local businesses and organizations interested in being exhibitors. The fee is $50 for a professional vendor. This year, the expo will feature local artists interested in showcasing their products, which will be available for purchase. The fee for an artist exhibit space is $10.

For more information about ThrivExpo or being an exhibitor, call 651-638-2130 or visit www.newbrightonmn.gov.

NORTH METRO

Seniors invited for singing group

The Northwest Singing Seniors will start their fall season on Sept. 14 and invite those interested to join them. The seniors describe themselves as "an active group of over-60s who love to sing and spread the joy of music by performing at area senior centers, residences, and assisted-living and nursing homes." They get together on Mondays from 2:30-4 p.m. at North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Av. N., Brooklyn Park. The Sept. 14 session will be in the Fine Arts Center rehearsal hall.

ramsey

Draw concert series wraps up this week

Tumblin' Dice will be the featured band on Thursday at the Draw summer event series in Ramsey. The concert by the Rolling Stones tribute band is free and will take place at the Draw amphitheater from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (that's an hour earlier than previous concerts). The Draw is located at 7401 E. Ramsey Pkwy.

The Ramsey farmers market also will be held Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m., adjacent to the amphitheater.

STAFF REPORTS