North news briefs: Andover/Ramsey pre-school program fair for parents

Pre-school program fair for parentsThe MOMS Club of Andover/Ramsey will be hosting a Pre-school Fair from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28th at the Andover Community Center. All parents of pre-school-age children are invited to attend to find a preschool program that is right for your child. There is no cost to attend. For more information please contact Susan via email: swintz762@hotmail.com.

Girl Scouts info session at YMCA centerAll girls in the Andover area and their parents are invited to come and learn more about the Girl Scouts at a free information night on Jan. 15.

The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 15 at the Andover YMCA/Community Center, located at 15200 Hanson Boulevard in Andover. Girls may participate in Girl Scout activities while parents receive information about the program and learn how to register.

City gets $100,000 transit study grantThe Metropolitan Council has approved a $100,000 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) grant for the City of Fridley.

The funds will be used to create a TOD master plan for the area south of Fridley's Northstar Commuter Rail Station. The area includes property bounded by the rail station on the north, I-694 on the south, the Mississippi River on the west and Main Street on the east.

The city, which has two years to complete the plan, will hire a consultant to assist with its preparation. As was the case with the East River Road Corridor Study, completed in 2011, the city will hold stakeholder meetings with business representatives and residents of the area to get their input as the plan is developed.

For more information about the grant, contact Fridley's planning manager, Julie Jones at 763-572-3599.

Public meeting to discuss FMC siteA public meeting and comment period will be held Jan. 9 concerning the redevelopment of 122 acres of the former FMC Munitions Facility property.

The property is generally located at 4800 E. River Road in Anoka County.

The public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Av. N.E. in Fridley.

Christmas tree pickup through Jan. 18As in past years, Christmas trees will be collected during the first two weeks of the new year for all single-family homes. Through Jan. 18, leave the tree with your garbage on collection day, stripped of all ornaments, wire, lights, garland, and other decorations.

Residents of apartments and manufactured housing parks should check with their management offices to find out their collection schedule.

"Senator Eaton brings energy and a dedication to our caucus that is needed to accomplish our goals," Bakk said in a news release.

Eaton's job will be to ensure that her colleagues have the needed information to vote on specific issues.

"I am always looking for ways to help our caucus," Eaton said in a news release. "Serving on Senator Bakk's leadership team is an exciting honor. It is a new challenge that may come with some difficult moments, but I am looking forward to this great opportunity."

Eaton will also serve as the DFL vice-chair for the State and Local Government Committee. Her other committee assignments include Taxes, Health, Human Services and Housing, Environment and Energy and Tax Reform Division.

2013 Dessert and Coffee Concert SeriesMark your calendars and enjoy an evening of great entertainment as part of the 2013 Dessert and Coffee Concert series, sponsored by the Coon Rapids Arts Commission.

Upcoming concert dates:

Jan. 10 Sherwin Linton

Feb. 14 Brandon Young

March 14 CODA

April 11 Minneapolis Commodores

Snow Day celebration set at Wargo centerThe 13th annual Snow Day to celebrate winter with snowy activities for families will take place on Jan. 26 at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

Enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, crafts and kick sledding. For more information, call 651-429-8007.

New online child care locatorA new tool on Anoka County's website is designed to help families find licensed child-care providers.

Parents can search by city or neighborhood and will see the provider's name, address, phone number, date they were licensed and the ages and number of children covered by the license.

The site, www.anokacounty. us/childcare, also links to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which keeps track of any licensing issues or complaints filed against the provider.

Participants will receive a notebook, a bookmark and a short review form to fill out for a book they'll read during the program. The completed review will serve as an entry into the program's final drawing for prizes.