North metro town briefs

Comments sought on regional trail routeThe alignment for the Crystal Lake Regional Trail will be the subject of an open house by the Three Rivers Park District from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Robbinsdale City Hall, 4100 Lakeview Av. N., Robbinsdale.

The trail will extend about 9 miles through Robbinsdale, Crystal, Brooklyn Park, Osseo and Maple Grove. When completed, it will link the Minneapolis Grand Rounds trail system at Victory Memorial Parkway with Elm Creek Park Reserve.

Construction has been divided into two segments. Three Rivers Park District has received a federal Surface Transportation Program grant to build about 2 miles of the trail in Robbinsdale. This phase will connect the Grand Rounds trail to the existing Twin Lakes Regional Trail tunnel under Hwy. 100.

The second phase is expected to run parallel to County Road 81 northwest to Elm Creek Park Reserve, where it will connect to both the Medicine Lake and Rush Creek regional trails.

The Crystal Lake Regional Trail Task Force is coordinating planning efforts with local and regional agencies.

The public will have a chance to comment during the open house, and written comments may be submitted by e-mail to CrystalLakeTrail@threeriversparkdistrict.org or by regular mail to Three Rivers Park District, Crystal Lake Regional Trail, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55441.

Coat drive wraps up FridayThe Brooklyn Park Fire Department is collecting new and gently used winter outerwear to distribute to elementary-age children.

High school info, registration nights setThe Robbinsdale School District will hold two high school registration and information nights for eighth-grade students and families the first week of January:

• Monday at 7 p.m. at Armstrong High School, 10635 36th Av. N., Plymouth.

• Next Thursday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. at Cooper High School, 8230 47th Av. N., New Hope.

Guidance counselors will be on hand to answer questions, and families can get information about courses, activities and special programs. For more information, go to www.rdale.org.

Lions raffle benefits community projectsA Lions Club raffle to help fund community projects will get underway with weekly drawings starting Jan. 7.

Drawings will occur at 7 p.m. each Friday throughout 2011 at Classic Bowl. Winners need not be present.

Skating free at arena on New Year's EveA free family open-skating session will begin at 9 p.m. New Year's Eve at the East Bethel Ice Arena, 20675 Hwy. 65 NE. in East Bethel.

The concession stand will be open for hot dogs, sodas and other foods. Skates are required. Alcohol is prohibited.

Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult family member.

Holiday closingsAnoka County libraries will be closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the New Year's holiday.

Home show exhibitors neededSpaces are available for builders, remodelers, retailers and others interested in exhibiting at the North Suburban Home Improvement Show, set for March 19 at the Andover Community Center.

The show is sponsored by the cities of Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Ramsey and the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, go to www.northsuburbanhomeshow.org.

Project Lifesaver bracelets availableThe Anoka County Sheriff's Office is making Project Lifesaver available to families with loved ones challenged by Alzheimer's, autism, dementia or other medical conditions where a person may wander.

Families can have their loved one fitted with a transmitting bracelet. Should that person wander off, the Sheriff's Office would assist in the recovery of the client.

Go to www.anokacounty.us/crimewatch, e-mail projectlifesaver@co.anoka.mn.us, or call 763-767-4664.