North town briefs

Learn to spend less, save more at seminar People wanting to learn how to spend less and save more are invited to a special program offered through the Anoka County Library and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The seminar will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Mississippi Branch Library, 410 Mississippi St., Fridley.

Among the topics: how to track spending, set financial goals, and find ways to save even in lean economic times.

For more information, call 763-717-3267 or go to www.anoka.lib.mn.us

Dan Erhart named to national committee Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart has been named to the National Association of Counties' Environment, Energy and Land Use steering committee.

The committee addresses issues pertaining to the control of air, water and noise pollution. It also deals with solid and hazardous waste management, and the preservation and proper utilization of water resources, energy and land resources.

Talking wild turkey at Wargo Nature Center If you're ready to gobble up information about wild turkeys, head to the Wargo Nature Center, Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Preschoolers ages 4 and 5 can play games, enjoy a story and make crafts. The fee is $4 and preregistration is required. Call 651-429-8007.

New books sought as gifts for needy kids Anoka County libraries are accepting new books as gifts for needy children during the annual Project Bookshelf in November.

New, unwrapped books for children and young adults may be brought to any Anoka County library, or the Anoka County History Center in Anoka. Donated books will be given to Anoka County food shelves, including ACBC, CEAP, Centennial Community Food Shelf, NACE and SACA for distribution to kids in need.

For further information about the library or Project Bookshelf, visit your local Anoka County library, call Ava Larsen at 763-576-4695 or visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

Hwy. 65 work wraps up The completion of overpasses at 121st Avenue/Paul Parkway, and 129th Avenue marks the end of a two-plus-year project to improve traffic flow on the Blaine portion of Hwy. 65. The project was a joint partnership among the city of Blaine, Anoka County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Volunteers sought for commission posts Residents are invited to step forward to fill open positions on the Blaine Planning Commission, Park Advisory Board and Natural Resource Conservation Board. For a description of responsibilities, as well as city contacts and deadline dates, visit the city's website, www.ci.blaine.mn.us.

Celebration planned for Northstar opening The city of Coon Rapids is planning an afternoon of events to mark the launch of the Northstar Rail, at the Coon Rapids-Riverdale Station, 3050 Northdale Blvd. Events, from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, will include live music by the big band 1st Things 1st, model railroad displays, appearances by National Yo-Yo Master Dazzlin' Dave, and appearances by St. Paul Saints baseball players and mascot, among other activities. The official program begins at 2 p.m. A limited number of tickets for a ride to Target Field in Minneapolis will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 1 p.m.

Job search advice at Brookdale Library A job search tips session will be held at Brookdale Library on Nov. 11.

Registration is required to attend "Getting and Staying Motivated in Your Job Search," which will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy. in Brooklyn Center.

The session will cover identifying and developing strategies for building networks and how to make them work. For more details go to www.hclib.org.

Family Service Center celebrates anniversary Live music, ice cream and fitness demonstrations are some of the activities planned for a special event to mark the Family Service Center's 15th anniversary.

Politicians discuss how to run for office The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce is hosting a panel discussion today for people interested in running for local political office.

Four local politicians -- Coon Rapids City Council member Bruce Sanders, Fridley Mayor Scott Lund, Ramsey County Commissioner Jan Parker, and state Rep. Tim Sanders -- will answer questions for the free event, called "How to Run for Local Office."

It will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Season's restaurant at Bunker Hills Golf Course, 12800 Bunker Drive NE., Coon Rapids.

For more information, contact the chamber at 763-571-9781.

Residents invited to holiday lighting party City residents are invited to the third annual Shoreview Holiday Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 16.

Both City Hall and the community center will be illuminated with lights for the holidays.

Choir students from Turtle Lake Elementary and Chippewa Middle schools will perform at the event.

For more information, call 651-490-4610.