North news briefs: 'Century of Quilts' on display Hennepin government center

'Century of Quilts' on display at museum"A Century of Quilts" -- an exhibit examining historic quilts from the Hennepin History Museum's permanent collection -- will be on display through Jan. 30 at the Hennepin Gallery, at the Government Center downtown Minneapolis.

Among the quilts designed and created by Hennepin County residents from 1860-1960 are a wide variety of designs and fabrics, from appliques and log cabin designs to fabrics like silk, velvet, gingham and wool.

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hennepin County Government Center, A Level, 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis.

Open house for construction projectsThe county is hosting an open house on Jan. 16 to review the following road construction projects:

• Intersection improvement project at Round Lake and Coon Rapids boulevards.

• Median closure project at Coon Rapids Boulevard and 100th Lane.

• Intersection improvement project at Northdale Boulevard and Crooked Lake Boulevard.

• Intersection improvement project at Coon Rapids Boulevard and Springbrook Drive.

There will be no formal presentation, but officials from Anoka County and the city of Coon Rapids will be available to answer questions from the public from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Coon Rapids City Hall, 11155 Robinson Drive NW. in Coon Rapids.

For more information, contact Curt Kobilarcsik, engineering program manager, at 763-862-4223 or Curt.Kobilarcsik@co.anoka.mn.us.

Annual tree and shrub sale now underwayThe Anoka Conservation District is now accepting early orders for its annual tree and shrub sale.

The district has a wide variety of native stock, including black cherry trees, mixed oak trees, red maple trees and white pines. The trees and shrubs are sold as bare root seedlings or transplants and are approximately 18 to 24 inches tall. They may be purchased in bundles of 10 for $17 or 25 for $30. Native prairie seed and tree aides also are available.

To learn more, go to the Anoka Conservation District website at www.anoka swcd.org. Then, go to the "tree sale products" section and click on the species title. Click again for detailed descriptions and photographs of each of the varieties available for purchase.

The website also contains information on what kinds of trees and shrubs to plant, depending on your needs, along with planting directions. For more information, contact an Anoka Conservation District staff member directly by calling 763-434-2030.

Car seat clinic set for Jan. 15The Blaine Police Department, along with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Safe Kids Anoka County, will host a free car seat clinic for all Anoka County residents from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Residents must make an appointment to attend the clinic, which will be held at SBM Fire Station 2, located at 1141 89th Av. NE. in Blaine.

Experts will inspect your child's installed car seat, offer tips on installation and check the seat for recalls.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Connie Forester of the SBM Fire Department, at 763-767-4003, ext. 100.

STAFF REPORTS

Cross-country ski or snowshoe at parksLearn how to cross-country ski in one of Anoka County's scenic parks.

The activity fee -- $15 for adults and $10 for youth -- includes ski rental, instruction and cross-country skiing. No experience is necessary. Register in advance at www.anokacountyparks.com or call 651-429-8007.

Lessons will be offered at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. They will be offered at Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center in Coon Rapids on Jan. 27 and at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Coon Rapids Dam and Bunker Hills regional parks also are offering snowshoeing lessons. Advance registration is required for the event Saturday, which runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Register at www.anokacountyparks.com or call 651-429-8007. The fee is $7 per adult, $5 per child.