Town briefs

Vintage planes will take off from Blaine for flyover More than 25 World War II and other vintage aircraft will take part in a flyover of the State Capitol on Saturday as part of Blaine Aviation Weekend. The warbirds are set to take off at noon from the Anoka County Airport.

Many types of aircraft will be on display during the event at the airport, which runs 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Airplane and helicopter rides will be available for a charge. The Golden Wings Museum and American Wings Museum will be open for tours.

On Saturday night, a big band hangar dance will be held at the Golden Wings Museum; period dress from the '30s and '40s is encouraged. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students ages 13-17 and free for kids under 12. Doors open at 7; the dance runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information on the events, go to www.eaachapter237.org.

Officers who rescued girl honored for heroism The actions of three Brooklyn Center police officers may have saved the life of a 2-year-old girl who was kidnapped last May by her father. This April, the officers were awarded the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association's State Medal of Honor.

Sgt. Frank Roth, Officer Patrick Toohey and Officer Keith Carlson assisted the day that Jermaine Dickerson allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend, kidnapped their daughter and threatened to throw himself and the 2-year-old off the Interstate 694 bridge into the Mississippi River. They were given the award at the association's annual conference in Duluth.

City will use herbicides to keep parks looking tidy City officials are hoping residents will notice fewer dandelions and weeds at parks this summer. Herbicide will be applied on city parks, street medians and other public properties through May 25. If you have questions about the process, call 763-493-8350.

Demonstrations, Q&As at public safety open house Brooklyn Park residents are invited to attend the city's fourth annual public safety open house on Sunday. New Brooklyn Park Police Chief Michael Davis will be available to answer questions. There will be police dog, SWAT and Taser demonstrations. The open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Brooklyn Park Police Department and Central Fire Station, 5400 85th Av. N.

Beginning kayakers have a place to learn the sport Want to learn how to kayak? You can have your chance Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

Participants will use sea kayaks to learn the basics. Space is limited, and registration and payment are required in advance. Call 651-429-8007. The fee is $25 per person. The class is offered by the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department.

Tours highlight Anoka's supernatural history The Ghosts of Anoka walking tour is back. Learn the history of odd occurrences and eerie encounters on the 1 1/2-hour-long tour of downtown Anoka offered by the Anoka County Historical Society. Tours are held on the first and third Thursday and Saturday of each month from May through October.

The tour is limited to 24 people. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for ACHS members (must show membership card), and $5 for children. Tickets are available in advance at the History Center, 2135 Third Av. N. in Anoka, or call 763-421-0600.

Public invited to Friends of the Library meeting The Friends of the Anoka County Library is holding its annual membership meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crooked Lake Branch Library, 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd., Coon Rapids.

A chance to clean out your garages, yards and closets Turn in batteries, leaves and scrap metal for free at the city's Recycling Day this Saturday. The event is set for 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of St. Francis Elementary at 22919 Ambassador Blvd.

Other items usually accepted by curbside recyclers will also be taken for free. Fees will be charged for other items, including electronics; household appliances such as refrigerators and oven ranges; furniture with springs, such as couches and chairs; car tires, and household waste, such as old carpet and plastics. No hazardous waste will be taken.

For a list of acceptable items and cost information, see the city's newsletter at www.startribune.com/a4359.

Musicians wanted to play in concert honoring Haydn In honor of the 200th anniversary of the birthday of composer Joseph Haydn, community members are invited to sing or play instruments in a performance of "The Creation" with the Forest Lake Area High School choirs and Unexpected Company.

This is the fourth annual collaboration of the school and community in presenting a major work, a news release said. Rehearsals will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The concert will be performed at 8 p.m. Monday.