North news briefs: Springbrook Nature Center to host Discovery dinners

Springbrook Nature Center is launching a Discovery Dinner series for adult nature lovers.

The Saturday evening events, starting in late January, will feature an educational presentation followed by a casual catered meal.

The presentations are designed for an adult audience. Topics will include environmental issues, conservation and outdoor heritage. Each starts at 5:30 p.m.

The programs are:

• "Raptors in Minnesota, with the Minnesota Raptor Center," on Jan. 25;

• "An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt, America's First Conversation President," on Feb. 22;

• "Moths and Butterflies of Minnesota," on March 27.

For more information, go to http://springbrooknaturecenter.org/.

The Lino Lakes Police Department is offering a three-part DNR Youth Snowmobile Certification class. It is for kids ages 11-15 with little or no riding experience (certification becomes valid at age 12).

The program includes two classroom sessions, online training at home and a driving test. The first class will be 6-8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Lino Lakes Police Department, 640 Town Center Pkwy. Parents are encouraged to attend. The second class, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 21, includes a final exam. The driving test will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25. To sign up, call the Lino Lakes Police Department at 651-982-2300.

Anoka County is conducting a Community Health Survey as it develops a health assessment and plan for public health services in 2015-19.

Residents can complete it online or on paper through Jan. 13. The online survey can be done in English or Spanish at www.anokacounty.us/healthsurvey. Paper copies in Arabic, Russian, Somali, English and Spanish also can be obtained by calling Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services at 763-422-7427.

Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 31 for the 2014 Anoka County Public Health Recognition Awards, to be presented by the Anoka County Board.

There are two categories: one for youths 18 and younger, and one for adults.

Nominees should demonstrate leadership and success in creating solutions to public health problems. Forms and selection criteria are available at www.anokacounty.us/healthawards.

For further information, call Pat Robinson in Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services at 763-422-7187. The awards will be presented in April.

Residents will have a chance to learn about the early days of Circle Pines and surrounding cities at an event early next month.

The free event will include a slide show of historic photographs, and guests are invited to share stories from growing up in the Circle Pines, Lexington, Blaine and Centerville area. Call 763-717-3294 for more information.

The Coon Rapids Arts Commission will host four shows as part of its Dessert and Coffee Concert series.

The 1950s rock 'n' roll cover band Holy Rocka Rollaz will perform Jan. 9. The other concerts will feature the City of Lakes Chorus

Concerts will begin at 7 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 ­Robinson Drive. Admission, including dessert, is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and under.

Tickets can be purchased at Coon Rapids City Hall. Call 763-767-6432 for additional information.