North news briefs: Auditions ahead for 'Over the Tavern' in Anoka

Auditions ahead for 'Over the Tavern'Lyric Arts Main Street Stage will hold auditions later this month for its upcoming production of the comedy "Over the Tavern." The auditions will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, with callbacks on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The community theater will stage "Over the Tavern" from April 13-29.

The theater will offer a free informational session about auditioning on Monday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. It also will hold an audition prep workshop for people 14 and over from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18. That session will cost $25.

For further information, go to the theater's website, www.lyricarts.org, or call 763-433-2510.

Curbside tree pickup this week and nextChristmas trees are being collected curbside on regular garbage days this weekand the week of Jan. 9 on regular garbage days. You're asked to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

Next Citizens' Academy to start next monthThe Brooklyn Park Police Department will hold its next Citizens Academy on Thursday evenings from Feb. 7 to April 10.

The academy was begun in 1998 with the goal of better educating the public about the police department's functions. Topics to be covered in the upcoming 10-week program include crime analysis, canine unit, jail tour, firearm shoot, and more. Classes generally run about two hours.

Application forms are available online, at the Police Department or by calling 763-493-8284. After a person's application is reviewed, the program will contact them.

Residents invited to apply for commissionsThe city encourages residents to volunteer for service on one of its three commissions: the Planning Commission, the Environmental Resources Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Appointments are made by the City Council in January and throughout the year when vacancies occur.

For further information, including application forms, go to www.ci.champlin.mn.us/Com missionVolunteer.html.

Winter music classes coming up at CamdenWinter term at Camden Music School will begin next week at the school's locations in north and northeast Minneapolis. Classes are available for people of all ages, interests and levels of experience, the school says.

To register or get more information go to www.camdenmusic school.com, call 612-618-0219 or send an e-mail to info@camdenmusic school.com.

Health & Fitness Expo set for SaturdayThe New Brighton Community Center will hold its Seventh Annual Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and will include 40 exhibitors, free access to the fitness center, personal training advice, sample group fitness classes, discount admission to the Eagles Nest and other activities.

For further information, go to www.newbrightonmn.gov or call Guest Services at 651-638-2130. The Community Center is located at 400 10th St. NW., New Brighton.

Principal is named for new STEAM schoolKim Hiel, the principal at Meadow Lake Elementary School in New Hope, will be the principal of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) elementary magnet school opening next fall in the Robbinsdale Area School District.

Hiel has been principal at Meadow Lake for four years. Before that, she was principal for four years at Lakeview Elementary School. In all, she has served in education for 17 years and has been an administrator for 12.