North news briefs: Scholarships offered in 2 ATC programs

Anoka Technical College is offering eight $500 scholarships for eligible students who register for a minimum of 12 credits in the Architectural Technology or the Construction Estimating program in the 2015 fall semester.

The scholarships will be awarded on a first come-first served basis. Applications are available through the Anoka Technical College admissions office. For further information, call or e-mail instructor Jay Boyle at 763-576-4056 or jboyle@anokatech.edu

Fife and drum music as played by the Union army during the Civil War will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Anoka County History Center, 2135 Third Av. N., Anoka.

The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but seating is limited.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Fridley tornadoes, author Al Taylor will give a presentation at the Anoka County History Center on Thursday, April 16. at 7 p.m.

Taylor has written two books about the tornadoes: "The Night the Sirens Blew" and "Hidden Revealed: A Sequel Account of the May 6, 1965 Tornado Outbreak."

Taylor will read from his books and answer questions. The program is free and open to the public. No registration required, but seating is limited.

Among this year's activities and features are:

• booths, displays and activities from sustainability-focused businesses;

• make-your-own-non-toxic cleaner station;

• kids' hands-on project presented by Home Depot;

• The Wellness Center, looking at things such as massage, chiropractic work, acupuncture, yoga, and herbal consults.

The Blaine Safety Services Division will hold bicycle helmet fittings and sales on Tuesday, April 14, and on Tuesday, May 5. Each session will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr NE,

Helmets will be sold while supplies last for $10 each (cash or check only). They will be available in various colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. The Bell helmets comply with U.S. CPSC safety standards, the city says.

Specialists will fit helmets, including ones that people already own, free of charge.

The events are open to all and no appointments are necessary. For further information, call Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113 or e-mail her at ahunt@ci.blaine.mn.us

Noting that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly, the Coon Rapids Police and Fire departments will be holding two free car seat clinics in April, with more to come. Car seat technicians will provide tips.

Clinics also are scheduled for May 20, June 15 and June 30, and more will be offered.

Several cities in the north metro area are holding pet vaccination clinics in the coming weeks. Among them:

• Anoka: The Police Department's Community Service Unit will hold a clinic on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the department's Animal Containment Center.

Dogs and cats must be at least 3 months old and on a leash or in a pet container. No sick or injured pets may be vaccinated.

Here are the fees: rabies vaccination, $13 (canine or feline); canine DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvo), $19; feline PRC (distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus), $14; feline leukemia vaccine, $26; Lyme vaccine, $24

• Ham Lake: April 11, 9 a.m. to noon, at Fire Station #1, next to City Hall.

Exams for dogs and cats are free. Here are the fees for dogs: rabies shot, $15; Lyme vaccine, $27; bordetella, $20; basic distemper (DHPP), $16; standard distemper (DHLPPC), $20. The fees for cats: rabies, $15; feline leukemia, $22; basic distemper (FVRC), $16; standard distemper (FVRCCP), $20.

Blood test fees: heartworm test, $20; 4DX test, $48.

The New Brighton Community Center will host a fitness open house on Tuesday, April 7, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors age 18 and older will get free access to the fitness center, and various activities will be offered. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., kids can get $1 off admission to the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground.

For more information. go to www.newbrightonmn.gov/communitycenter or call 651-638-2130. The community center is located at 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton.