North news briefs: Hours changing for Anoka County hazardous waste site

Hours changing for hazardous wasteThe Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility schedule will change to winter hours beginning in November.

The facility will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The facility is located at 3230 101st Av. NE. in Blaine.

Household hazardous wastes that are accepted 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. For more information, call 763-323-5730.

Fall nature program aimed at preschoolersFall is the perfect time for kids to discover nature through hands-on outdoor activities and a craft

This Anoka County program, at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes on Nov. 21, is geared for preschool children ages 4 and 5. Pre-registration required. Register online at www.anokacountyparks.com or call 651-429-8007. The program's cost is $4.

Bird guides planned at Mississippi WestExperienced bird guides will be giving tours at Mississippi West Regional Park in Ramsey from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Participants are expected to see and/or hear 20-60 species of birds on each walk. A checklist of Minnesota birds and a map of each area will be provided. The fee is $5 Pre-registration is required. Register at www.anokacountyparks.com or call 651-429-8007.

"As a parent, I know how important it is to find someone you can trust to care for your children," said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah. "We are proud to support parents in their search to find just the right fit for their family."

The locator was designed to help parents find a licensed child care provider in the neighborhood that's convenient for them. Users can search by address, map location, license class or city.

The information comes directly from Anoka County's child care licensing files and is applied to the county's geographic information system technology.

'Legally Blonde' opens this weekend"Legally Blonde," the fall musical at Anoka High School, will open with 7:30 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. The shows continues at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, 9 and 10.

Reserved seating is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.anokatheatre.org or call 763-506-6439.

The boutique will feature local vendors and artists as well as home-based businesses.

All proceeds will go to the group's Anoka County Adopt-a-Family service project to support families in need over the holidays. Last year's event raised more than $1,500.

'Beatlemania' concert will aid Cooper bandAn evening of "Beatlemania" is planned at Robbinsdale Cooper High School auditorium from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, to raise money for the band's uniform fund.

The event will feature the Marching Hawks band, the Shady Oak Groove Society, the WCCO Blues Band and Joey Molland, formerly of the British band Badfinger. Don Shelby, retired WCCO-TV anchor, will be the host. In addition to Beatles songs, the evening will include jazz, blues and marching band music.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Seating is general admission. For further information or to order tickets, go to www.startribune.com/a1778 or call 763-504-8543.

Carnival games, live entertainment, prizes and treats will be available. Costumes are encouraged, but not scary or gory costumes.

The event is geared toward families with kids through elementary age. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Each paying participant will receive a slice of pizza and a beverage.

The cost is $8 for ages 4-adult and free for kids ages 3 and younger. Door registration is limited and will cost $10. Pre-register for the event to be sure of a spot by calling the Parks and Recreation office at 763-509-5200.