North metro town briefs

Andersohn to head Sheriffs' Association Anoka County Sheriff Bruce Andersohn has been elected the 2010 president of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association.

Andersohn will represent all 87 Minnesota sheriffs at the Legislature. He also will represent Minnesota sheriffs on a national level in Washington, D.C., helping to advance legislation to provide better public safety.

Monday is deadline for award nominations Nominations for the annual Anoka County Public Health Recognition Award are due Monday. The award recognizes citizens in the county who devote time to improving public health in their communities.

There are two categories: youth-focused, an individual 18 years or younger or an organization led by youths; and adult-focused, an individual 18 or older or a group. The selection panel is looking for applicants who demonstrate leadership and creativity in solving public health problems.

For information, see www. anokacounty.us or call Pat Robinson at 763-422-7187.

Moonlight skiing at Chomonix course The Anoka County Parks system is offering a chance to ski cross-country trails under a full moon and have dinner around the fireplace at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes. Preregistration is required for the Jan. 30 event. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Call 651-429-8007. The golf course is located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve.

'Snow Day' is coming The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department will present its 10th annual Snow Day event, featuring a variety of activities, animal displays and crafts, on Jan. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes.

Preschool Fair is set for today The MOMS Club of Blaine will hold a Preschool Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. today. The free event, a "college fair for toddlers and preschoolers," will be held at Northpoint Elementary School, 2350 124th Court, Blaine (near the intersection of County Road 14 and Radisson Road).

A dozen preschools from Blaine, Lino Lakes, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, Andover and Fridley will be represented. Parents can learn about various programs while kids enjoy crafts and other activities.

'Blue Jean Ball' to be held Friday The annual "Blue Jean Ball" fundraiser to support north metro youth activities will be held Friday at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Brooklyn Center.

The event, supporting the Brooklyns Youth Council, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature a silent auction, caricature artists, a "Build-A-Van" donor tree and other activities hosted by youths. A "Diamonds and Denim" teen dance with DJ Bob and Party Unit is scheduled until 10:30 p.m.

The Brooklyns Youth Council is a 21-member group of high school students who live in Brooklyn Center or Brooklyn Park and attend high schools in the two cities, Osseo or Totino-Grace High School in Fridley. For more information call 763-488-6388.

Mayors to sponsor snowmobile ride The mayors of Andover, Anoka and Ramsey are hosting the Mayor's Trail Ride, at 10:30 a.m., Jan. 30, starting at the Anoka County Fairgrounds, along the Rum River to McDuff's Eatery at Rum River Hills Golf Course, and back along the river to the new snowmobile parking area in downtown Anoka. Participation is $10 per person in advance, $20 the day of the event. Proceeds go to the Anoka Andover Ramsey Youth First program. For information, call 763-421-7130.

Valentine's gift idea: How about a tree? Friends of the Parks and Trails suggest saying Happy Valentine's Day with a tree: For $75, the organization will see that a tree is planted in a park of your preference in Ramsey County or in a number of cities, including, but not limited to, Arden Hills, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, St. Paul, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights.

Park staff members will plant the tree, a valentine will be sent to the recipient, and next spring that person will get a map showing the tree's location.

You can send a check to the Friends of the Parks and Trails, 1621 Beechwood Av., St. Paul, MN 55116 with the name and address of the person you wish to receive the card, which park area you'd like for the tree to be planted, and how you'd like the card to be signed.

For more information go to www.friendsoftheparks.org or call 651-698-4543. JIM ADAMS, MARIA ELENA BACA, NORMAN DRAPER, PAUL LEVY