North news briefs

'Cafe' will discuss community concerns A "Community Cafe" -- a discussion forum about Brooklyn Park's future -- will be held Wednesday night at the Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Av. N. in Brooklyn Park.

Community Engagement Teams are working on a plan to make the city a better place to live, and members will be on hand to talk about their progress and answer questions.

The event will start at 6 p.m. and is expected to run about 2 1/2 hours. For more information call 763-493-8013.

How should Legacy money be spent? Residents of Minneapolis who want to weigh in on how the state should be using its new $40-million-a-year fund for parks and trails are invited to a hearing June 15.

A state panel with the job of recommending a long-term plan for using the money -- which comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment voters approved in 2008 -- is making a stop in the city as part of a 17-stop spin around the state.

The meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be held at Minneapolis Park Board headquarters, 2117 West River Road in Minneapolis.

For more information, visit two websites created as part of this effort: www.patl.intergov.mn.gov and www.citizing.org .

The blankets, provided by the Central Minnesota Chapter of Project Linus, are given to children age 17 and younger when the Sheriff's Office responds to a crisis involving a child. They are intended to provide a sense of security, warmth and comfort to the child.

Project Linus has nearly 400 chapters covering all 50 states and has donated more than 3 million quilts, afghans and fleece blankets since the organization began in 1995. Each blanket donated to the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office was made by a volunteer "blanketeer" in the central Minnesota area.

First aid class for kids is planned A first aid class for kids ages 5-8 will be offered on June 26.

The class will teach kids healthy living habits and personal safety through stories, coloring projects, puzzles, stickers and other activities. It also can help Cub Scouts and Brownies earn merit badges.

The class will be held at New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Av. N. The fee is $24 for New Hope residents and $30 for nonresidents.

Attorney receives Award of Excellence Tony Palumbo, an assistant Anoka County attorney, received the 2010 Public Attorney Award of Excellence from the Minnesota State Bar Association public law section.

"Tony exemplifies the dedication and commitment to public service and the public practice of law recognized by this award," said Lynn Belgea, legal counsel for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Palumbo has announced he's running for Anoka County attorney. His career with the county attorney's office started in 1977. He prosecuted criminal cases before moving into the civil division.