Archives For happenings

Public indoor shooting range time available soon in Maple Grove

March 24, 2013 — Leave a comment

Beginning in mid-April 2013, owners of handguns and .22 caliber rifles will be welcome to rent range time at the state-of-the-art Law Enforcement Training Facility (LETF) in Maple Grove, Minnesota. The building is reopening after having been closed for two years for reconstruction due to severe damage from fire in January, 2011.

The Maple Grove Law Enforcement Training Facility includes a 12-lane indoor shooting range.

The training facility has two classrooms, a 12-lane indoor shooting range, and a shooting simulator to train officers in deadly force and use of force scenarios.

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Flashing yellow arrows at intersections are here to stay

March 23, 2013 — Leave a comment

Flashing Yellow Light 1 copyTurning left at an intersection? You may see something new to tell you when it is safe to make that turn. Flashing yellow arrow signals have been approved for widespread use by the Federal Highway Administration.

Many new traffic signals are being installed in Hennepin County as well as elsewhere in the state and other areas of the country – drivers need to make sure that they understand what the flashing yellow arrows mean.

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Author Lyn Miller LaCoursiere crafting new novel entitled ‘Moonbeams’

September 7, 2012 — Leave a comment
lynnNewBkup (1) 2sm (copyright - Lyn Miller LaCoursiere)

Mystery novel writer Lyn Miller LaCoursiere

More than a year ago I conducted an interview with Minnesota mystery writer Lyn Miller LaCoursiere, and promised at that time to keep readers updated on her happenings and events.

Much has been taking place for Lyn since that interview, including

  • a fifth book published;
  • a sixth book soon to be released;
  • a new novel in the works with all new characters;
  • her books published as eBook and Kindle Editions, and
  • a recent interview published in the Maple Grove Magazine.

Here’s more about each of those happenings:

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When you’re visiting Como Zoo in St. Paul, say ‘hello’ to Berlin

August 20, 2012 — Leave a comment
800px-PolarBear7_CincinnatiZoo cr small web

A handsome polar bear, name unknown, enjoying some summer water play at its home in the Cincinnati Zoo.

No, the photo to the left is not one of Berlin – unfortunately, I don’t have an image readily available of her.

Who is Berlln? She is the female polar bear that has been temporarily relocated to Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota due to the flood that occurred in Duluth in June. The photogenic bear that is pictured here resides at the Cincinnati Zoo and “posed” for this photo in 2010.

Berlin, the newest inhabitant at Como Zoo’s Polar Bear Odyssey Exhibit, is now on public display.  You can see a photo of her enjoying her new habitat along with Como’s polar bears named Buzz and Neil by clicking here.

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‘Groovin’ in the Garden’ free outdoor concert series at Como Park Zoo

August 3, 2012 — 2 Comments
800px-Como_Park_Zoo_and_Conservatory-2006 lge web

A beautiful location to do some groovin’ in Saint Paul!

Free is good, but that’s not all – this concert series is held outside in a beautiful Saint Paul, Minnesota setting, boasts a variety of music genres, and even has lawn games and a cash bar provided.

‘Groovin’ in the Garden’ is a free outdoor concert series held at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on the Visitor Center Lawn every Wednesday in August plus on September 5th.  The hours are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Mall of America® turns 20 and celebrates big!

July 17, 2012 — 2 Comments
MOA media image 20 year celebration

Congratulations, Mall of America®, and Happy Birthday!

The Mall of America® in Bloomington, Minnesota is throwing a birthday bash to celebrate big that they’re turning 20, and everyone is invited to the party!

Mall of America®, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex, officially opened its doors and welcomed in the public on August 11, 1992.  As their “Big 20” birthday celebration approaches, the MOA is announcing giveaways galore and a birthday party featuring a custom-made cake by Buddy Valestro, the “Cake Boss.”

Want to get in on the “MOA turns 20″ fun?  Check out the following special birthday events and maybe even snag a nifty prize for your very own:

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Important message: Mall of America® issues phone scam warning

July 11, 2012 — 4 Comments
800px-Mall_of_America._Sign lge e (Mall of America media file)

The Mall of America wants everyone to report unsolicited fraudulent phone calls.

Here’s an important message that was issued by the Mall of America® today (7/11/12) about a telephone scam that has surfaced within the past 24 hours:  The Mall has received several reports of individuals receiving phone calls purporting to be from Mall of America.

The Mall explains the situation as follows:

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Zoo News in the Twin Cities for June, 2012

June 2, 2012 — 2 Comments

Just as the Cafesjian's Carousel is much enjoyed at Como Park, carousels are popular worldwide. These two carousel pigs, hand-made in the late 19th century, delight visitors at an amusement park in Sweden.

From butterflies to dinosaurs, the Minnesota Zoo has exhibits, animals and special summer events in June, 2012 that will be of interest to all ages.

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is also stepping up its summer fun activities.  To make it easier for visitors to travel to the zoo, they provide a convenient shuttle bus that takes zoo goers almost to the doors of the Visitor Center.

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To find summertime events in the Twin Cities, keep your eye on ‘The Buzz’

May 28, 2012 — Leave a comment

Keep your eye on "The Buzz" - you'll find plenty of events listed to keep you amazed and amused!

Today was the unofficial start of summer.  Now we are in for some serious festival-fair-fireworks-and-fun time.  We Minnesotans deserve it, and we’re going to have it!

There are far too many summer activities and events to fit on the “Beat’s” regular event calendar.  Here’s my Plan B – I’ve begun a listing of them on “The Buzz” in addition to those that are on the calendar of events.

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Plastic pot recycling – how gardeners can help rescue plastic from landfills

May 12, 2012 — Leave a comment

Rows and rows of plastic plant containers at only one nursery. Just think how many nurseries there are worldwide!

Plastic pot recycling – is this really a big deal?  Well yeah, it is for our landfills!  Minnesota gardeners will be purchasing thousands of plants in plastic pots this year, pots that can be reused if they are taken to a proper recycling location.  Plus, there are plastic trays and hanging basket containers that also do not readily decompose and remain intact in landfills for many years.

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