Congratulations Albert Lea! AARP and Blue Zones selected our community for a City Health Makeover sponsored by United Health Foundation. For updates and information go to Blue Zones’ Web site: www.bluezones.com/makeover

Blazing Star Trail news! The Joint Powers Board of the Blazing Star Trail will meet on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at Hayward City Hall. A public information meeting will be held immediately following.

Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Trails and Waterways — Kent Skaar, acquisition and development sector leader, and Joel Wagar, area supervisor — will be present.

Catch the ACT Theatre performance “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Feb. 11-14.

The 16th Annual Big Island Historical Faire will be held Feb. 14-15 at the Northbridge Mall.

Albert Lea Thunder Hockey team is scheduled to play at the City Arena February 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22. Albert Lea welcomes B-Squirt teams for their annual B-Squirt Hockey Tournament the Feb. 13-15.

Richie Lee will perform his tribute to Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center on Feb. 20.

The Albert Lea Park and Rec will host a Winter Carnival at Academy Park on Feb. 21. Come out for a fun filled afternoon of face painting, crafts, sledding, skating, snow volleyball, snow sculpture contests and cardboard sled races. Hot food drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

The Albert Lea Civic Music presents “Festinating Gershwin” a jazz trio accompanying Janice Martin on violin, piano and her spectacular soprano voice Feb. 27.

ShineFest Concert/Auction featuring music, food and fun at Crossroads Evangelical Church to help raise funds for the annual ShineFest activities will be held on Feb. 28.

Visit our Web site at www.albertleatourism.org for information on area events.

Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau.