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ANOKA COUNTY

Eighth-grader wins bookmark contest Eighth-grader Jackie Anderson has won the annual Bookmark Design Contest conducted as part of Teen Reading Week and sponsored by the Friends of Anoka County Library. She submitted her design at the Columbia Heights Public Library.

The printed bookmark will be available at all Anoka County Library buildings and Columbia Heights Public Library until the release of the 2010 edition.

More information about the Friends and the library is available at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

ANOKA COUNTY

Waste facility has new schedule The Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility schedule has changed. The site will be open Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 3230 101st Av. NE. in Blaine. Individuals dropping off materials must provide proof of county residency.

Household hazardous wastes that are accepted include acids, aerosol cans with product remaining, drain cleaner, driveway sealer, liquid paint, liquid mercury, mercury thermometers, motor oil, oven cleaner, paint stripper, paint thinner, pool chemicals, stains, varnishes and wood preservatives.

Wastes that are not accepted include ammunition, appliances, batteries, dried paint, electronics, empty containers, fluorescent lamps, medical wastes, radioactive wastes, railroad ties and tires.

For more information, call 763-323-5730 or go to www.co.anoka.mn.us/recycle.

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 763-567-4695 or visit www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

HENNEPIN COUNTY

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.

NEW BRIGHTON

American Red Cross blood drive The city's public safety department is hosting a blood drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. today.

The drive will take place in the upper level of the Public Safety Center, 785 Old Hwy. 8 NW. in New Brighton. To schedule your donation appointment, go to www.givebloodgivelife.org and enter sponsor code 6079.

'Parents Night Off' is coming up Parents can take a break on Saturday and leave the babysitting to parks staff at the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Activities for the Kids Night Out-Parents Night Off will include crafts, games, snacks, playing time and a movie. Children should bring a pillow and blanket for the movie. The event is open to toilet-trained children ages 3-8. The cost is $20 per child, or $55 for a family of three or more siblings. Call 651-638-2130 for a reservation. The playground is at the Family Service Center, 400 10th St. NW., New Brighton.

NEW HOPE

Open skating offered at ice arena You can sharpen your skating skills during open skating at the New Hope Ice Arena.

The arena offers open skating most Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and most Sunday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $3.50 per person. The New Hope Ice Arena is located at 4949 Louisiana Av. N. The open skating schedule is subject to change, so call the arena at 763-531-5181 to confirm open skating times.

Shoreview

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

Mayor Sandy Martin will join fellow City Council members for holiday caroling and refreshments at City Hall.

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.

JIM ADAMS, MARIA BACA, PAUL LEVY, ALLIE SHAH

COON RAPIDS

College will mark the fall of Berlin Wall Twenty years later, Anoka-Ramsey Community College is marking the fall of the Berlin Wall, a major event in the close of the Cold War. The free event, which features a replica of the Berlin Wall and photos, will be held Monday from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Coon Rapids campus cafeteria. For information, go to www.anokaramsey.edu.