North metro news briefs

Anoka High class of '61 to hold August 50th reunionThe Anoka High School class of 1961 will hold its 50-year reunion the weekend of Aug. 18-20. There will be a banquet as well as informal activities.

For more information, go to www.anokaclassof61.com or contact Joan Gamble at 763-421-4412 or at anokaclassof61@yahoo.com.

Library displays exhibit on black baseball in Minnesota"They Played for the Love of the Game," an exhibit that looks at the history of black baseball in Minnesota, is on display through June at the Mississippi River Library, 410 Mississippi St. NE., Fridley.

The exhibit, created by Frank White and developed by the Ramsey County Historical Society, first was displayed last year at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.

The Mississippi River Library is part of the Anoka County Library system.

Donations needed for police monumentMembers of the public are invited to purchase bricks to fund the construction of a monument to police and peace officers in Coon Rapids.

Donors can purchase single or double bricks for a donation of $100 or $250. Bricks can be inscribed with the name of a donor or a dedication. The Coon Rapids Crime Prevention Association will match all contributions up to $5,000.

Dragonfly census is set for June 25Springbrook Nature Center will conduct its annual dragonfly census from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25.

Dragonflies are an indicator of the health of an ecosystem, the center says. Dragonfly expert John Arthur will give a short introduction and then lead a hike on which participants will capture, identify and release as may dragonflies as possible.

The event is open to people of all ages and skills. For more information, call 763-572-3588.

Libraries kick off teen 'Bookawocky' summer programsHennepin County libraries are offering hundreds of free programs for kids and teenagers as part of the 41-library system's "Bookawocky" summer program.

The theme is a whimsical takeoff on "Jabberwocky," Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem that's a tribute to the imagination. "Bookawocky" programs are intended to inspire kids and teens to keep their minds sharp over the summer by reading and taking advantage of other creative library activities.

Lots of entertainment is on tap as well, featuring magicians, puppeteers and yo-yo experts, Mad Hatter tea parties and special events like "Truck Stories," when vehicles will be on hand for close-up inspection by young admirers.

Plenty of online access to programs is also available. At www.kidlinks.org, kids can participate in "Read. Write. Draw," writing short book reviews and getting a chance to win a free book. "Book Blast" on KidLinks also will give kids a chance to share what they know about books and authors. And there will be online book clubs.

Teens can find out about books and digital content at www.bookspace.org, and there are many volunteer opportunities for teens during the summer.

For the complete "Bookawocky" schedule listed by individual library, go to www.hc lib.org and click on "Events & Classes."

Area schools fare well at DestiNation GlobalsA number of teams from north-metro schools took part recently at the Destination ImagiNation Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn.

At the finals in Knoxville, a team from Neill Elementary School in New Hope placed sixth out of 45 schools on its challenge. A team from Coon Rapids High School was seventh out of 60 teams in its category.

A team from Morris Bye Elementary in Coon Rapids tied for 12th out of more than 70 teams on its challenge. A team from Monroe Elementary in Brooklyn Park was 38th out of nearly 70 schools in its category.

Bassett Creek Trail plans to be airedPlans for the Bassett Creek Regional Trail will be aired at an open house from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, and residents will be able to comment on the proposed project.

The regional trail will connect French Regional Park in Plymouth and Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, providing a link between Three Rivers Park District's regional trail system and the Minneapolis Grand Rounds system.

The Bassett Creek Trail will cover a distance of 6.6 miles through Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal and Golden Valley. Two major trail components already have been constructed: A bridge across Hwy. 100 between Vale Crest Road and Dawnview Terrace on the Crystal-Golden Valley border, completed in 2003, and a bridge spanning Hwy. 169, completed in 2009.

The public can comment at the open house or by written comments submitted by e-mail to BassettCreekTrail@threeriversparkdistrict.org or by mail to Three Rivers Park District, Bassett Creek Regional Trail, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55441.