North news briefs: Robbinsdale Robins coach is a finalist for national award

Marcus Onsum, coach of the Robbinsdale Robins P.I. (Physically Impaired) team, has been nominated for a national honor given by the National High School Athletic Association. Onsum is one of eight finalists for National Coach of the Year in the Adapted Athletics/Special Sports category.

The Robins are a co-ed team that plays adapted soccer in the fall, adapted floor hockey in the winter and adapted softball in the spring. During Onsum's 15 years as head coach, the Robins have won 25 state championships. Before becoming head coach, he spent five years in other coaching roles, and he has worked alongside his brother Steve throughout his career.

The nomination is based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors and championship years, Onsum was nominated by the Minnesota State High School Coaches' Association. The winner will be announced June 20.

The Robins program includes students from the Robbinsdale district, as well as from Hopkins and Mound/Westonka. For more information on the program, go to robinsathletics.com/pi

Current and former students, families and community members are invited to the Robbinsdale school district's Pathways to Career fair on Thursday, June 11. The event is free and will run from noon to 7 p.m. at Cooper High School, 8230 47th Av. N., New Hope.

The district says it's a chance "to explore numerous career pathways and learn more about various post-secondary options available to further an education or advance in a career." In addition, "there will be immediate employment opportunities with local business partners such as Hy-Vee, located in New Hope."

Local community and technical colleges will provide information, and Summit Academy OIC, a nonprofit vocational and educational training center, will also be on hand, holding hourly information sessions. To register for one of those, call Mechelle Allen at 763-504-8027.

The panel will include Lex Horan of the Pesticide Action Network of North America; Joe Zachmann from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture; and Gary Reuter from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab.

For more, e-mail the league at lwvabc@gmail.com or call Gretchen Sabel at 763-427-5593

Coon Rapids' "Thursday Nights Live!" summer concert series begins Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. with the country band Gravel Roads. The event is free and will be held at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd.

Concerts will be held each Thursday, except July 2, through Aug. 6. They'll all be at the park and start at 7 p.m.

For further information, go to www.coonrapidsmn.gov

During the closure, residents should visit the department's South Precinct, 7608 Brooklyn Blvd. The South Precinct will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The city says service to residents and businesses "will not be interrupted or affected in any way during the closure." The department's headquarters is undergoing a $9.1 million renovation.

The University of Minnesota prostate cancer support group will meet Thursday, June 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Hope Lodge, 2500 University Av. SE, Minneapolis. This session will be an open discussion at which participants can discuss their experiences with prostate cancer to help each other learn, provide support and connect as a community. Family and friends are welcome. There is no charge, and free parking is available behind the Lodge or on adjacent streets. For more, call 612-388-3588.

Roadhouse Blue, a variety/classic country/rock band, will kick off Ramsey's summer event series, the Draw, on Thursday, June 11. The concert is free and will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 7401 E. Ramsey Pkwy., inside the COR. The Draw will be held each Thursday through Aug. 27. For more, go to http://www.cityoframsey.com/thedraw-summerevent

"Horizons," an exhibit of paintings by Georgi Tsenov, is on display at the Robbin Gallery through June 25. Tsenov is a native of Bulgaria who moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan five years ago. The exhibit reflects elements of both his past in eastern Europe and his current life in the open spaces of northern Michigan.

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