North metro town briefs

Alexandra House sponsors walk/run Registration is open for the Alexandra House Walk for Hope: Steps to End Domestic Violence, to be held at Picnic Pavilion No. 3, Bunker Hills Regional Park, Andover, on the morning of Oct. 10. The event is intended to raise awareness of domestic violence, remember those who have died and honor survivors. Registration for the 5K run or 2-mile walk is $15 for adults if received before Oct. 1, $20 afterward. Registration is $10 for kids ages 6-18, and free for 5 and younger. For information, visit www.alexandrahouse.org.

City will flush hydrants in early October Starting Oct. 5, the city's water department will be flushing hydrants for a week to remove iron from the water system.

That could cause some residents to notice that their water looks rusty and their laundry is stained.

The reddish-brown water isn't harmful, and the discolored water should clear up in a day. As far as laundry is concerned, the city suggests holding off on it if the water is discolored.

City officials will start flushing hydrants north of I-694 and proceed north to County Road H. The flushing will continue with the southern half of New Brighton, beginning at 7th Street and working south to I-694.

Questions? Call the city at 651-638-2111.

Free workshops set on foreclosures Free workshops on mortgage foreclosures are being held this fall for homeowners worried about their payments and renters whose landlords might be in trouble. They will be able to have their questions answered and seek free and confidential advice from foreclosure counselors.

For more information, call the sites listed or Ed Nelson of the Minnesota Home Ownership Center at 651-659-9336.

Drawing will offer tickets to ride Anyone seeking a sneak preview of the Northstar commuter rail line can register for free train rides during the line's grand opening events on Saturday, Nov. 14.

To enter the drawing for free tickets, go to www. metrotransit.org/Northstar/tickets.asp or call 612-349-7479 before 5 p.m. Oct. 9. More than 350 tickets will be awarded at each station outside of downtown Minneapolis. Those stations are in Fridley, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Elk River and Big Lake. Ticket recipients will be chosen randomly Oct. 12.

Apply to become a youth commissioner Brooklyn Park is accepting applications for youth commissioners on the Citizen Long Range Improvement Committee, Human Rights Commission, Budget Advisory Commission, Charter Commission and Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission.

The city credits youth commissioners with bringing new ideas and energy to commission initiatives over the past four years. They have helped with starting the Champions for Youth Program, a teen website, changing city ordinances to allow lawful permanent residents the opportunity to volunteer and serve on city committees, and ensuring that all city buildings have visible and accessible recycle bins. Youth liaisons must be at least 15 years old and live or attend school in Brooklyn Park.

Skin cancer screening will be offered Free skin cancer screening will be offered Saturday morning, Oct. 24, at Mercy Hospital. Organizers encourage people who do not have regular dermatologic care and have a high risk for developing skin cancer to register. "People who have fair skin, a history of excessive sun exposure and sunburns, many moles or a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with melanoma are considered to be at risk," says oncologist David King.

Space is limited, and reservations are required by calling 763-236-4730. Appointments are offered on a first-requested, first-served basis until schedules are filled.

The screenings will be done from 8 a.m. to noon at the hospital, 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids.

Oct. 3 conference on breast cancer The Living with Breast Cancer Educational Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Breast cancer health experts will share information on prevention, treatment and survivorship. Among this year's seminars are: "Cutting Edge Findings in Breast Cancer: What Do They Mean for You and Your Family"; "Knowledge is Power: Updates on Oncology"; "Do Your Genes Fit? Genetics and Breast Cancer"; "The Science and Spirit of How Nature Heals"; "Ayruvedic: Concepts of Food and Nutrition," and "Clinical Trials: Mapping our Future." The conference will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration fees range from $25 for students to $45, with some scholarships available. For more information about the Living with Breast Cancer Educational Conference and to register go to www.bcaamn.org.

Plan now to unload your household junk Got household junk? Bring it to the annual Fall Clean-Up for residents of Shoreview and Arden Hills. Electronics, brush and tree waste, appliances, tires, remodeling debris and other items will be accepted at the clean-up, to be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3. Items should be taken to the Shoreview Maintenance Center, 4665 Victoria St. N. Hazardous waste, such as paint, pesticides and solvents, also will be accepted that day at the Ramsey County Ice Arena's parking lot, next door to the maintenance center. Charitable donations, including clothing and furniture items, will also be collected during the Fall Clean-Up, at the Shoreview Community Center parking lot.

World Fest celebration will be this weekend The second annual celebration of diversity in Blaine is scheduled for 12-5 p.m., Saturday, across from City Hall in Town Square Park, 10801 Town Square Drive. The event will include live music and dance; ethnic food representing cultures including Mexico, China, Germany, Italy and Greece; and cultural and health information booths. Last year's event attracted more than 700 people. The entire event -- even the food -- is free.

Monthly recycling dropoff comes back Residents will be able to recycle appliances, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, tires and more from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the third Saturday of each month. Many items require a fee, but several are free, including used clothing, car batteries, scrap metal, computer keyboards and cell phones. The city also will offer free paper shredding. The next event is Oct. 17, at the old City Hall site, near Aquatore Park, 9150 Central Av. For more information, visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us.