North news briefs: 4 inducted into Centennial Hall of Fame

The Centennial School District inducted four people into its Hall of Fame earlier this month, one as a distinguished alumnus and three for distinguished service. Here are the inductees, along with some of the comments from the district:

• Tony Smeed, Class of 1989. "Tony was offered a trainee-level animation position by the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., after graduation. Tony has worked on many animated award-winning films including Dinosaur, Bolt, Tangled, Wreck it Ralph and Frozen." He is now head of animation for three, upcoming Disney films.

• Robert McMorran, who was the first band instructor at Centennial and taught for 31 years for the district, from 1959-1990. "Starting with a band of 42 students, Bob grew the band to 115 and created an award-winning music department that continues today."

• Lawrence Biehn, Centennial principal from 1966 to 1993. Awarded posthumously. "Under his leadership, Centennial became the first high school in Minnesota to offer courses for college credit, and he was a strong supporter of the student exchange and teacher exchange programs. He was instrumental in rallying community support for the construction of the performing arts center and the ice arena." In retirement, he was a substitute teacher at the high school and a donor to the scholarship program.

• Ruth Roth, counseling secretary at the high school from 1990-2011. "She was a dedicated Centennial employee who always had a smile on her face, positive attitude and provided excellent service to the staff, parents and most importantly to the students. Today, she continues to make a difference in students' lives and helps them live their dreams. Ruth's homemade pies are auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Ruth Roth Pie Scholarship, to benefit Centennial students."

The Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility will change to winter hours starting Nov. 1 and continuing through March 31, 2015. The site, at 3230 101st Av. NE. in Blaine, will be open Wednesdays from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Until the end of October, the facility is open 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Wastes that are accepted for drop-off include acids, aerosol cans with product remaining, drain cleaner, driveway sealer, fluorescent bulbs, liquid paint, liquid mercury, mercury thermometers, motor oil, oven cleaner, paint stripper, paint thinner, pesticides, pool chemicals, stains, varnishes, and wood preservatives.

Wastes that are not accepted include ammunition, appliances, batteries, dried paint, electronics, empty containers, medical wastes, radioactive wastes, railroad ties, and tires.

For more information, call 763-323-5730 or go to anokacounty.us/hhw.

Teens can take part in a variety of free activities at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center and Zanewood Recreation Center when school isn't in session this Thursday and Friday (Oct. 16-17). The hours are:

• 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Av. N., and

• 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Zanewood Rec Center, 7100 Zane Av N.

The final Brooklyn Park Farmers Market of this season will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Zane Sports Park, 8717 Zane Av. N., Brooklyn Park.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is offering free public events this month "in an effort to broaden awareness and engage in a meaningful discussion about diversity on its campuses and within the communities it serves." The events will take place at Anoka-Ramsey's Cambridge campus, 300 Spirit River Dr. S. Coming are:

• Wednesday, Oct. 22, noon to 1 p.m., Room G202. Book Club: "The Latehomecomer," by Kao Kalia Yang. The book tell of a Hmong family's move from Laos, to six years in Thai refugee camps, to St. Paul.

• Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon to 1 p.m., Room G201. Workshop on poverty. The event is intended to help people learn more about the issue and become more engaged.

For more information, go to http://AnokaRamsey.edu. Anoka-Ramsey's other campus is in Coon Rapids.

Registration is $20. To sign up or get more information, call Kayla Groess at 763-269-8051 or go to physicaltherapyptc.com

Minnehaha Academy will host two open houses this month for parents and students interested in the school. The first will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, for pre-K through Grade 8 at the Academy's Lower and Middle School, 4200 W. River Pkwy., Minneapolis. The second will be at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, for Grades 9-12 at the Academy's Upper School, 3100 W. River Pkwy., Minneapolis. For more information, call 612-728-7756 or email admission@minnehahaacademy.net

A prostate cancer support group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at North Memorial Medical Center, 3300 Oakdale Av. N., Robbinsdale. A presentation on exercise as a means to cope with and help manage prostate cancer will be led by Allison Owings, physical trainer. A demonstration of various exercise movements and discussion will take place. The group will meet in the Vance DeMong classroom (Plaza level).

There is no charge, and family and friends are welcome. For more, call 612-388-3588.