North news briefs: Foodshelf Network filling Baskets of Hope

Foodshelf Network filling Baskets of HopeThe Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) has begun its 2011 Baskets of Hope holiday meal campaign, and will feed 5,000 families on Thanksgiving by raising $150,000.

This is the sixth year for the campaign.

"In 2011, visits to Emergency Foodshelf Network's partners continued to rise to a staggering 60 percent more visits than in 2008," said EFN executive director Lori Kratchmer.

Donations cover the cost of food, warehousing, assembling the packages, and distribution. The network says that each $30 donation provides a traditional holiday meal containing: a turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, fruit, vegetables, bread and pie - which will feed a family of up to eight people.

Tree lighting event scheduled for Dec. 3Horse-drawn hayrides, music, food and bonfires will be part of the festivities on Saturday, Dec. 3, as the city of Anoka holds its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

The activities will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., and the tree will be lit in front of City Hall, 2015 2nd Av. N.

Dolly and Me tea is coming next monthThe Anoka County Historical Society will hold its annual Dolly and Me Christmas Tea on two Thursdays and two Saturdays next month. They'll take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and Thursday, Dec. 15, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 17.

The teas will be set against the backdrop of the 1930s, as seen through the eyes of a young child growing up amid the Great Depression.

For further information, call the History Center at 763-421-0600.

City studies increases in water, sewage ratesThe Brooklyn Park City Council is considering increases in water and sewer rates and charges and will discuss the issue at its meeting on Monday.

The increases under consideration are about 3 percent for the water utility and 3 percent for the sanitary sewer utility.

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in the City Council chambers, 5200 85th Av. N. In a news release, the city said the increases are necessary to keep pace with inflation costs for operations and maintenance and also for capital improvements over the next 15 years, including additional wells and another water tower.

The event, featuring sample foods from local restaurants, as well as music and wine and beer tasting, will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Sample tickets will be $2 each. Proceeds will go to the Columbia Heights Activity Fund for youth playground park equipment.

Murzyn Hall is located at 530 Mill St., Columbia Heights.

District board plans 2012 budget hearingThe Three Rivers Park District Board will conduct a public hearing on its 2012 general fund budget and operating levy at 5 p.m. Thursday at its administrative center, 3000 Xenium Lane N. in Plymouth.

The park board already has decided that the district's property tax levy in 2012 will decrease by at least $185,618, and that expenditures will total approximately $302,000 less than during 2011. The district's proposed 2012 general fund budget is $34.5 million, with about 82 percent of that amount funded by the property tax levy. Details of the budget can be found at www.threeriversparks.org.

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners is expected to review the park district's budget later this month, after the park board gives its final approval.

Ellman's first book is "The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake"; Johnson's latest work is "Invoking the Archangels: A Nine-Step Process to Heal Your Body, Mind and Sould." The signing will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Good Day Cafe/Bad Day Bar at 5410 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley.

STAFF REPORTS

'Creative commuter' lands an honorKelly Burroughs of Blaine was among those honored at the 21st annual Commuter Choice Awards ceremony, in St. Paul. The awards are given in recognition of organizations, individuals and employers who promote commuting options.

Burroughs' commute to work was cited: He pedals 5 miles to a park-and-ride lot, then takes an 18-mile bus ride to downtown St. Paul. In addition, he has promoted commuting options at his worksite, helped arrange a commuter fair and served as an ambassador to other employees interested in combining bicycle-plus-bus trips.