North news briefs

Household chemicals to be collected in July Residents of Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Carver, Dakota and Washington counties can drop off unwanted materials at Ben Franklin Rd. and Hwy. 96 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays in July. Some accepted materials include paint, oil cleaner, pesticides and propane tanks, and there's much more. Further information and a complete listing is available on the Ramsey County Public Health website, at www.tinyurl.com/d245as, or by calling 651-633-3279.

Night to Unite registration is open This year's neighborhood gatherings are scheduled for Aug. 3. Preregistration is encouraged, at www. ci.blaine.mn.us. For more information, visit the city website or call Crime Prevention Specialist Kim Kiley at 763-785- 6186.

Fire Department to hold open house An open house featuring a range of activities is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brooklyn Center Fire Department, 6250 Brooklyn Blvd.

Among the highlights: Fire truck rides, Sparky the fire dog, a kitchen fire simulator, a chance to visit with firefighters, North Memorial Hospital's helicopter and ambulance, a silent auction to aid fire safety and public education.

Jamboree's on deck The Columbia Heights Lions Club Jamboree will be held Thursday through Sunday at Huset Park, at Jefferson Street and 40th Avenue.

Events will include a carnival starting at 5 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; a parade from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday; the Heights Idol talent contest at 6:30 p.m. Saturday outside Murzyn Hall, 530 Mill St.; and fireworks at dusk on Saturday.

For further information, go to www.ci.columbia-heights .mn.us.

Neighborhood meetings beginning The first of a series of annual neighborhood meetings began Tuesday in Pheasant Ridge Park (Ward 4). Future meetings will be held 6:30- 8:30 p.m. June 29 at Marshland Park (Ward 1), July 13 at Prairie Oaks Park (Ward 2), July 27 at Moor Park (Ward 5) and Aug. 24 at Al Flynn Park (Ward 3). City officials will offer updates on city and neighborhood projects and will be available for questions and comments. For information, call 763-767- 6517.

49er Days are coming Fridley will hold its annual 49er Days celebration Thursday through Saturday.

A wide variety of activities are on the schedule, including carnival rides, a parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, street dances each evening, kids' activities, pizza- and hot dog-eating contests, the crowning of Miss Fridley, and fireworks on closing night Saturday.

Most events will take place at Commons Park, 555 61st Av., and the Community Center, 6085 7th St. NE., adjacent to the park.

For further information, go to www.ci.fridley.mn.us/49 er-days-schedule .

A chance to RAVE New Hope is accepting nominations for its RAVE! Award program, which recognizes residential property owners who show exceptional pride in their homes.

Categories are general property maintenance and improvement; remodeling, renovation or addition; landscaping; gardening; and environmentally sensitive improvement. The deadline for nominations is June 30.

Winners will get an engraved paver and will be recognized at a City Council meeting and in the city's In Touch newsletter. They also will have their names engraved on a plaque at City Hall.

For more information or to get a nomination form, call 763-531-5196 or go to www.ci .new-hope.mn.us.

The Bard is back Shakespeare & Company will begin its 35th season on Saturday at Century College.

This summer, the outdoor repertory theater will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Measure for Measure."

Performances will be at Century's Outdoor Theatre Complex on the West Campus, 3300 Century Av. N., White Bear Lake.

The dates:

•"A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- Saturday, Sunday, July 3, 16 and 24 and Aug 1.

•"Romeo and Juliet" -- July 2, 4, 10, 18, 23 and 31.

•"Measure for Measure" -- July 9, 11, 17, 25 and 30.

Tickets are $10-12, and free for children under 12. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows at 6 p.m. For more information, call 651-779-5818 or visit www.shakespeareand company.org.

Fun run ahead The Church of St. Stephen will host a 5K fun run and walk on Saturday in conjunction with Summerfest, its annual parish festival.

The "Sun Run" will start at 9:30 a.m. at Anoka Senior High School, 3939 N. 7th Av.

Registration is $20. Forms are available at the church office or by calling 763-421-2471. Or download a form at www.ststephenchurch.org. You also can sign up at www.runningroom.com.

STAFF REPORTS

Volunteers sought for USA Cup soccer tourney in Blaine Volunteers are needed for the 26th annual Schwan's USA Cup youth soccer tournament, which will be held July 10-17 at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

About 1,000 volunteers will help out. Among the duties: serving as gift-packers, airport greeters and field managers and assisting with activities, the guide program, opening ceremonies, team check-in, field medical staff and referee transportation.

Training is provided, and commitments range from a few hours to the whole tournament. If you're interested in volunteering, fill out the volunteer registration form at www.usacup.org/community/volunteers.stm or call Stephonie Wentz at 763-717-3238.