North news briefs: Work begins on senior housing in Anoka

Work begins on senior housingVolunteers of America have broken ground for Homestead at Anoka, a senior-living campus at 4th Avenue and Grant Street. This first phase includes a 120-bed skilled-nursing facility and a 59-unit apartment complex offering both assisted- and independent-living units. It is expected to open in the spring of 2013. More units may be added in a second phase.

Valentine's dance for GLBT teens, friendsJustin's Gift, Anoka-Hennepin Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and the First Congregational Anoka UCC Church are sponsoring a teen dance for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens and their friends from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at the church, located at 1923 3rd Av. S. in Anoka.

There will be a live DJ and food. Tickets are $3, and will be available at the door.

City is seeking election judgesBlaine is seeking election judges for this year's primary on Aug. 14 and general election on Nov. 6. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each precinct on election day. For more information, go to www.ci.blaine.mn.us.

Order now for Arbor Day treesSeven varieties of trees are available through the city's annual Arbor Day Tree Sale.

A variety of flowering, coniferous and decorative deciduous trees are available for $19-$44. Buyers must pick up their trees on the morning of May 5 at 8300 Noble Pkwy.

There is a limit of three trees per Brooklyn Park household. Only 165 trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and orders must be pre-paid.

Registration starts for Citizens AcademyThe Coon Rapids Citizens Academy offers an opportunity to learn up-close how the city works. Participants in the free eight-week program will learn about everything from snowplowing to police and firefighter duties. They also will get to see how the city manages its budget.

Sessions are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays beginning March 5. The program is limited to 20 participants. Applications are due by Feb. 20. For more information, contact Stephanie Ring at 763-767-6582 or sring@coonrapids.gov.

Lions Club hosts annual wine festThe Coon Rapids Lions Club will hold its third annual Wine and Epicurean Delights Extravaganza from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 18. The event will be held at the Riverview Cafe at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, 11200 Mississippi Blvd. NW. in Coon Rapids.

In addition to a variety of wines, food will be provided by local restaurants. The event, which will include a silent auction, is a fundraiser for Lions charities.

Tickets are $25 in advance at MGM Liquor Warehouse or Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Coon Rapids, or $30 at the door. Guests are invited to bring used eyeglasses and hearing aids for donation.

"Let's Talk About It," presented by the SAVE organization (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), is intended to provide knowledge, understanding and answers regarding mental health.

The evening will include a resource fair, a keynote speaker and youth and adult panels. Free pizza will be served. The school is located at 6000 W. Moore Lake Drive in Fridley.

Fire department gets $144,000 grantThe Federal Emergency Management Administration has awarded a $144,000 fire-prevention grant to the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View fire department.

The grant will help pay for a home safety survey, a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program, a fire prevention program manual, translation of materials into other languages, a juvenile fire play intervention program and promotion of the use of flameless candles.