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Events



Weekly and Monthly Events

Emily Food Shelf Coats for Children
The Emily Food Shelf has coats for children. These coats have been donated by the Knights of Columbus. The coats come in all sizes and colors and are new. These coats are available at no charge, in limited quantities, to anyone who needs a coat. Stop in at the Food Shelf during food shelf hours or call 218-763-3663.

Free Grief Holiday Support Group
Grief Support and Healing through the Holidays. Join us as we gather this season to share, remember and heal throughout this holiday season. Wednesday’s now thru January 11th 5:30-6:30 PM. Address: 7658 Design Road Suite #300 Baxter MN, 56425 Phone: 218-829-1252 Contact Haley for any questions

Second Wednesdays: Quilting Opportunity
The Knotty Ladies Quilters of Our Savior’s would like to invite women in the community to join us to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and others in need. No quilting experience is needed. Come learn how to quilt with mini quilt lessons at each meeting and help complete quilts. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Hope to see you starting in September! Please contact us with any questions you may have at 218-792-5346. If no answer, please leave a message for Shirley S.

Saturdays: Emily Community Market
Emily Wesleyan Church will be hosting the Emily Community Market every Saturday morning, 9 am - noon, beginning Saturday July 23. Emily Wesleyan Church is located at 40141 State Highway 6, Emily MN. The community market will offer garden fresh produce, handmade crafts and specialty items. For questions, or to be a vendor call 303-815-5887.

Care-n-Share pick-up meals

The Care-N-Share free weekly pick-up meal program is scheduled to continue through spring 2022 at which time the Board will again review opening to in-house meals. The need for additional volunteers to package the free pick-up meals is an ongoing need.

Call 952-240-7936 to reserve your free meals for pick-up between 1:00 & 2:30 PM at Emily Wesleyan Church on Wednesday. Your name can also be added to a distribution list for routinely receiving free meals every Wednesday.

Emily Food Shelf
The Emily Food Shelf is located at 20948 County Road 1 in Emily, MN.

Food Shelf Hours
• First Tuesday of the month – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Third Tuesday of the month – 5:00 -6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday following the third Tuesday of the month – 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

The Emily Food Shelf serves all neighbors in need within our local communities. Although we serve the communities of Emily, Fifty Lakes, Outing, Fairfield, Little Pine, Ross Lake and Perry Lake, all are welcome regardless of location.

Call the Food Shelf at 218-763- 3663 with any questions, or for emergency assistance.

Financial contributions may be sent to PO Box 93, Emily, MN 56447. We sincerely thank all who continue to support the food shelf.

Free Online Mental Health Peer Support Groups for Individuals and Families
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors a variety of online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. When joining an online group, please add only your first name. Also, the groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are over 18 years old, etc. Find a complete listing of group meetings and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups” or go straight to https://namimn.org/support/namiminnesota-support-groups/.

Cuyuna Iron Range Riders
We are a family style ATV club located in the Crosby /Ironton area. We are dedicated to responsible riding for all ages, youth safety training and trail ambassadorship. We plan activities centered around riding in Minnesota’s great outdoors.

The Cuyuna Iron Range Riders club has been activity in the Cuyuna Range community since 2004. We volunteer our time to host youth safety training and trail ambassadorship. We are actively pursuing grant in aid trails in Crow Wing County. The club offers memberships to anyone interested in trail riding and exploring nature. For more information, go online to www.cuyunaironrangeriders.com or contact  club President Russ Heittola at 825-0441 or email heittola@brainerd.net and visit us on Facebook.

Crosslake Food Shelf
The Crosslake Food Shelf is open the first and third Fridays of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. It is located at 34212 County Highway 3 in Crosslake, MN. If you have any questions or need emergency assistance, you may call:
Doris Mezzenga 218-692-1004
Fred Walch 218-270-0646
Nancy Rudberg 218-692-2309

Monetary donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 253, Crosslake, MN 56442

Outing Volunteer Library
The Outing Library Story Time will kick off Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 28th at 10:30 am. The program runs through September 3rd

Outing Volunteer Library hours:
Mon.10-12, Wed. 1-4,Sat. 10-1

The Outing Volunteer Library is located at: 6300 Woods Bay Dr NE, Outing, MN 56662

Emily Public Library
The City of Emily Public Library in Emily City Hall is now open. Hours are Mon-Wed 8 -4:00, Thur & Fri 8-11:30.

The option to request materials remains for in-house pickup. To request items or for more info log on the city website at www.cityofemily.com and select the library tab.


Lakes Area Food Shelf Now Open an Additional Day Wed. from 3-6 p.m.
Lakes Area Food Shelf is a community food shelf, open to any person from anywhere. To better serve our friends and neighbors, we are now open every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., as of January 5. These new hours are in addition to our regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to Noon.

We have an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and butter, a wide assortment of meats, bread, canned goods, baking supplies, and toiletries.

Our core values include:
• All are welcome at Lakes Area Food Shelf.
• We will help any person, from anywhere, needing food.
• We value all who use our services as friends, neighbors, and members of our community.
• We will serve all with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• We will do all we can to help friends and neighbors address barriers that prevent them from receiving food assistance through Lakes Area Food Shelf.

Physical address: 28316 Patriot Ave., Pequot Lakes, MN 56472

Mailing address: PO Box 724, Nisswa, MN 56468

Phone number: 218-568-8474

Email address: lafs1@tds.net

Web Site/Facebook: lakesareafoodshelf.org

Laker Lions News
Mobility Equipment available for use
The Emily, Outing, 50 Lakes Lions has mobility equipment for you to use. These articles include: Wheel Chairs, Walkers, Crutches, etc. Please contact Larry @ 218-763-5022 or Kathy @ 218-821-4668. Please call us—We are here to serve our communities.


Lakers Lions accepting recycled item donations
The Emily, Outing, 50 Lakes Lions are collecting used eye glasses to be recycled for foreign mission projects, used hearing aids to be recycled for our Hearing Foundation Projects, used cell phones to go to battered woman’s shelters, and used ink cartridges to be recycled for Pediatric cancer patients. If you have any of these items you would like to donate to the cause, please deposit these items in our donation boxes at these locations: Outing—Village Inn and Outing Station. Emily—Pine River State Bank, Ace Hardware, Kut & Kurl, Granny’s Bar and Grill, and the Emily Wesleyan Church

We and you Serve!!

Donate your used eyeglasses
Crosslake Ideal Lions are collecting used eyeglasses to donate to the visually impaired. Drop off sites are located at Crosslake Drug, Crosslake Community Center, Black Ridge Bank, First National Bank, Crosslake Clinic, Reeds,and Crosslake Lutheran Church.

Pine River-Backus Free Community Meals
The Free Weekly Community Meals initiative in the Pine River and Backus communities began on April 22, 2019. The overarching goal is to connect families with weekly access to restaurant quality food, prepared by area Chefs, and be a catalyst to continue building the solid network of support within our community.

Free Weekly CommUnity Meals are provided every Monday, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at the Riverside Church, located at 310 Norway Ave, in Pine River, and every Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 pm, at the Pine Mountaineer Senior Citizens Club, located at 131 Front Street North, in Backus.

These healthy meals are Chef prepared and open to the public. If you are interested in providing a monetary donation to support the CommUnity Meals they may either be mailed to: CommUnity Meals, P.O. Box 1, Pine River, MN or dropped off in person at the Pine River-Backus Family Center, located at 245 Barclay Avenue, Pine River. Your support and financial contributions to this valuable community resource are both respected and deeply appreciated.

Weekly Crosslake AA Meetings
There are three AA meetings in Crosslake held on different nights and in different locations. Those with a desire to stop drinking are invited to attend one or more of these meetings. They are all nondenominational and held as follows:

Monday Nights from 7-8 p.m. at the Crosslake Lutheran Church; 35960 County Road 66, Crosslake

Tuesday Nights from 7-8 p.m. at the Log Church; 37218 County Road 66, Crosslake

Thursday Nights from 7-8 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 35208 Co. Rd 37, south of Crosslake.

Crosslake Ideal Lions Seek Donations

One of the missions of Lions, worldwide, is in the collection of eyeglasses and hearing aids. If you have any glasses you no longer use, please drop them off at one of our sites where we have collection boxes. The locations are as follows: Crosslake Drug Store, Crosslake Clinic, Crosslake Community Center, Blackridge Bank, First National Bank, and Crosslake Lutheran Church. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Outing Bone Builders

Bone Builders, the strengthening program for men and women to help prevent osteoporosis and rebuild bone density for vaccinated seniors. The hour-long classes, held every Tue & Thurs at the Crooked Lake Town Hall in Outing begin promptly at 9 am. There is no charge to participate. Hand and leg weights are provided in class or bring your own. New to the program? Contact Jack Schuller 218-792-5256 to learn more and find out how to get started. The program is sponsored by the Outing Seniors, serving Outing, Emily, and Fifty Lakes.

Emily Gymnasium Schedule
• Exercise (low impact to vintage music): Mon &Wed 9 -10 am
• Ladies Beginner Pickleball: Mon 10 - Noon & Fri 9 - Noon
• Beginner Line Dancing: Wed 10 - 11 am
• Men's Pickleball: Mon 2 - 4 pm
• Youth Activities: Wed 4:30- 6 pm
• Open gym times: Call 218-763-2480 for availability.
• Prescheduled activities and events take precedence. Dry shoes MUST be worn in the gym.


Makers’ Place of Emily
All makers - (artists, crafters, writers, musicians, etc.) are welcome to come to the Emily City Building to meet, share, create, learn and collaborate.

Bring a project you are working on or bring ideas or interest in learning something new. A place to meet and make new friends, work individually or share/learn an art/craft or work together on collaborative ideas.

New Schedule Open Studio Times:
2nd Tues. 2-4pm
Most Thurs. 6-9pm (check FB)
3rd Mon. 10am-Noon then lunch
4th Mon. 1-4pm

For questions or interest contact makersplaceofemily@gmail.com or find the Facebook group by the same name.

First Thursdays: Explore Crosslake Business Meeting
Join us for the monthly Explore Crosslake Business meeting of business owners, managers and key staff. Meet and network with others, learn more about events, activities and organizations in Crosslake, and share information about your business!

The event is Chamber facilitated, and all businesses are invited to attend regardless of Chamber membership. Always the first Thursday monthly beginning at 7:45 for coffee and networking, and the meeting runs from 8 - 9:15 a.m.

Businesses are encouraged to pick a month to host and can plan for 15-25 attendees monthly. Call Cindy at the Chamber if you'd like to host this meeting and highlight your business!


Last Mondays: New Area Mental Health Support Group at CRMC
People who need someone to talk to or listen are welcome to attend a new mental health support group, I.O.U. (Importance of Unimpaired), the last Monday of each month at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

The confidential, non-religious based support group type environment of the gatherings will allow those attending to share, learn, inspire, and more regarding all concerns about mental health. Meetings are held from 2-3:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Earl Bedard Board Room on the lower level of the hospital.

“To be unimpaired means to be healthy. If talking, or even listening helps you help your own well-being, please come,” said Facilitator Christina Mullen, a mental health advocate from Crosby. She added that there will be no introductions and no standing in front of a crowd.

Mullen says as the I.O.U. implies, people owe it to themselves to keep their well-being healthy. Mullen’s son Conner was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, high anxiety, and depression. Born May 25, 1995, he died June 2, 2014, as a result of suicide. Mullen said although the group is not a cure-all for what ails individuals, together, those in the group can help those who may be in similar situations to Conner. She encourages attendees to feel free to share their thoughts, insight, inspirational quotes, and other information so that everyone may give hope to those who fear there is none and share knowledge with those in search of it.”

Registration for the support group is not required. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/inhonorofconner

Volunteers Needed for Care ‘N Share Meals
Community Care ‘N Share in Emily (CNS) sends to-go meals to over 100 people in the Crosby area who are seniors, veterans or home-bound people. We also supply another 100 to-go meals closer to Emily, Outing and Fifty Lakes.

We need about 10 volunteers Wednesdays Noon to about 2 pm for a variety of tasks: help prepare and package to-go meals, wash dishes, clean up or help deliver boxes of packages of to-go meals to apartments in Crosby or other surrounding destinations.

Our chef could use 1 or 2 more on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:30 pm to help pre-make some of the menu. If you would like to volunteer, call Lori at 651-246-7292 or LoriNelson@brainerd.net.

If you need a meal, call 952-200-9108. Any amount of financial contributions are needed to help us cover expenses. Care N Share is a 501c(3) charity exempt from federal income tax.

Our kitchen is co-located with the Wesleyan Church in Emily on State Highway 6. Donations can be sent to Care N Share, PO BOX 354 Emily, MN 56447.

We are financially supported in part by Essentia Health St Joseph Foundation; Second Harvest North Central Food Bank; Crow Wing Power Round Up; Hallett Foundation and generous individuals like you.

Free Online Mental Health Resources, for BIPOC communities
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a variety of free online BIPOC Black, Indigenous, People of Color) resources, community-focused classes, and support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, partners, and parents.

Find a complete listing of classes and resources for Multicultural Communities by going to namimn.org and clicking on the “Education and Public Awareness” tab or going straight to https://namimn.org/education-andpublic-awareness/. It includes resources in Spanish.

The support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. They include an African American support group meeting on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, an Asian support group meeting on the first and third Sundays of each month from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, and two general BIPOC support groups on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Biracial and bicultural people are welcome.

Find a complete listing of our peer-led online connection support groups for people in BIPOC communities who live with mental illness by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups” or going straight to https://namimn.org/support/namiminnesota-support-groups/ and click on "Online BIPOC Focused Connection Support Groups.”

USDA Accepting Applications to Help Low-Income Individuals and Families Buy or Repair Homes

USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area.

The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of generally 35,000 people or less.

The maximum loan amount is $40,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for a 20-year term and can be used to improve or modernize homes and do essential repairs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as fixing a leaking roof, installing indoor plumbing, or replacing a furnace.

Contact a USDA Rural Development Housing Specialist in your area today, to see if you qualify.

USDA Rural Development loans and grants provide assistance that supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and highspeed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.

CLC Music Department Musical Ensembles

Community members are invited to join one of 11 musical ensembles through the Central Lakes College Music Department.

Ensembles meet during the day and evenings. They are open to anyone at any skill level. For more information, please contact Director Jonathan Laflamme at jonathan.laflamme@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8215.

All musicians will be invited (but not required) to tour Spain, France & Italy at the conclusion of the academic year. More information: http://www.clcmn.edu/events/clc-music-department-international-tour-mediterranean-cruise/
 
Promedica Hospice Volunteer Training
Heartland Hospice is looking for caring and dedicated people with an interest in serving  terminally ill patients and their families in Crosslake, Breezy Point, Nisswa, Outing and the outlying communities. Volunteers provide services such as friendly visiting, pet therapy and musical enrichment. Volunteer classes are available to fit each person’s schedule. Please call Keshia Kettler at Promedica Hospice at 218-829-1252 for further information.

Volunteers Needed for Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers to help us complete two current build projects, as well as in our bustling ReStore. If you want a rewarding volunteer experience, many of our volunteer say that they receive more by volunteering than they feel they give…and that there is so much to learn! Here are the areas where we need help right now:

Construction
Get hands-on experience on with Habitat! You’re never alone building with us; a professional staff member is always on site to teach new skills or put your expertise to best use. Construction volunteers perform a variety of skilled and unskilled tasks including framing, vinyl siding, sheet rocking, painting, flooring, and installing trim. We work alongside each partner family for each home, so you will see and know the lives you are changing firsthand.

Opportunities change day-to-day, occur indoors and outdoors, and are typically four-hour shifts (morning or afternoon). Participating in build projects is an excellent opportunity for church and youth groups, local businesses looking for VTO, individuals in need of volunteer hours, or anyone with a desire to get involved with our community.

We are currently building two homes in the Brainerd/Baxter area and have several projects coming in 2023.

ReStore
Is HGTV your favorite channel? Our Brainerd ReStore is a retail outlet that deals in recycling new and like-new building and home improvement materials sold at discounted prices. We prevent quality items from crowding the landfill and reuse, repurpose, and recycle appliances and furniture, too.

Regular, weekly volunteers are needed to provide support to the ReStore staff, donors, and customers. Whether you’re a people person or you love seeing all the interesting things that come in, you’ll love the ReStore.

If you're a people person, your key responsibilities will be:
• Greet customers and answer questions
• Answer the phone/light office tasks between customers
• Assist customers in making purchases/cashier
• Help maintain a clean and attractive store

If you love to see all the donations that come in or like to fix things, your key responsibilities will be:
• Receive and organize donations
• Clean, repair, sort, and stock donations
• Help donors unload vehicles/trailers
• Fill out donation receipts

Pickups/Salvages
We tear apart, too! Pickup volunteers take our trucks and trailers throughout the Brainerd lakes area, collecting new and gently used home accessories, appliances, and building supplies. Pickup volunteers go out daily (on a planned route, scheduled ahead of time) and deliver donations to our warehouse.

Salvage volunteers go to a site and save reusable, quality materials from demolition. All these items stock our ReStore, which is open to the public and sells merchandise discounted up to 75% off standard retail prices. All net proceeds support our mission to build affordable homes for working families. Plenty of volunteers like to do both! We need pickup volunteers every weekday and salvage volunteers roughly once per week.

For more information on how you can help, you can contact us at:
• Heidi Gould, Volunteer Director, heidi.gould@lakesareahabitat.org, 218-454-7021 Lakesareahabitat.org > Volunteer

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March Events

March 30: “Management Tools for Coaches of All Sports” Free Seminar
“Management Tools for Coaches of All Sports,” a free seminar on sports medical care and  performance training for athletes of all levels, is being presented by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Sports Medicine team on Thursday, March 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Hudson, 208 Curtis Avenue in Ironton.

Area college, high school and other athletic coaches are invited to learn about the latest athletic injury prevention and treatment programs. Health care professionals will help coaches determine symptoms of injuries, when medical treatment is necessary, and whether its right for athletes to return to practice and competition.

Sports Medicine physician Wendi Johnson, M.D., will present “Concussion Management;” Registered Dietitian Heather Erickson will offer “Sports Nutrition: Knowledge is Power;” Surgeon Jeffrey Klassen, M.D., will speak on “The Shoulder in Overhead Athletes;” and Athletic Trainers Donovan Tiberg and Paige Peterson will lead “Athletic Taping Basics Stations.”

Dinner and beverages will be provided, and door prizes awarded. R.S.V.P. required by Monday, March 27, to: jennifer.podsiadly@cuyunamed.org or 218-545-4455.

March 30: Arthritis Management Seminar
People with ankle arthritis are invited to learn about the latest treatment options at a free seminar offered by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon Kyle Moore, D.P.M., at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at Dunmire’s on the Lake, 19090 MN-371 in Brainerd.

Dr. Moore will discuss current concepts in managing ankle arthritis. Those attending will gain a basic understanding of what ankle arthritis is including its most frequent causes and the associated symptoms. The specialist will also present information about the most current nonsurgical treatment options as well as the most current surgical treatment options including total ankle replacement.

A member of CRMC’s Orthopaedics medical staff since 2020, Dr. Moore has a particular interest in the management of traumatic injuries and complex deformities involving the foot and ankle. He is fellowship trained in Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction and is board certified by the American  Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Following the presentation, Dr. Moore and a nurse will be available to answer individual questions. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Register by March 28 at https://form.jotform.com/230516058510043. For more information, call 218-545-4447.

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April Events

April Classes at Balsam Moon Preserve
Spring is on its way and classes and activities are gearing up at Balsam Moon Preserve, a nonprofit organization located 10 miles west and south of Pine River on the edge of The Foothills State Forest.

Friday, April 21 will honor Earth Day with a meditation and walk on the labyrinth in the woods, 10am-11am. All are welcome to come focus on this special day.

Gardening 101 with Master Gardener Geoff Davidge will run Saturday, April 22, 9am-noon. He’ll present basic information on soil health, seed starting, garden planning, growing, composting, and harvesting. Though this is geared to a beginner gardener, there is always new information to be gained by participating.

A StoryWalk® Daycamp especially for children ages 6-12 is offered on Saturday, April 29, 1- 3pm and will feature an adventure along a trail in the woods featuring a story, movements and activities. Snack, craft and daypack exercise will also be part of the adventure. Space is limited so sign up early.

Backcountry Cooking on Sunday, April 30, 2-5pm will engage participants in hands-on cooking over an open fire and using a camp stove while learning safety in nature. You’ll even get to taste your creations!

Schedule a sustainability tour/visit that can include a lunch or snack, or schedule your group meeting out in nature. Facilities include screened pavilion, campfire, labyrinth, nature trails, pond, wood-fired barrel oven, flower & vegetable gardens, orchard, StoryWalk® trail, deep winter greenhouse and numerous applications of solar energy. There are also limited overnight facilities for a simple rustic experience in the cordwood constructed cabins should you wish to schedule an overnight.

You may register for classes and activities via the website https://balsammoonpreserve.wixsite.com/balsam/events-programs or by calling Balsam Moon Preserve at 218-587-3808.

About Fees: Balsam Moon practices an economy of “reciprocity”, giving in accordance to what you receive (i.e., labor, money, goods needed, etc.), for a balance; it is not "required”. We trust that participants will honor a different way of doing economy. Balsam Moon Preserve is a nonprofit organization sharing an alternative, sustainable, spiritual place of peace, honoring the earth and all living things. They offer trails, workshops on site and on-line, gardens, a labyrinth, demonstrations of solar uses and alternative building methods, overnight stays, pizza nights in the summer and  opportunities to gather in community sharing our common humanity. Balsam Moon Preserve is located at 3148 Bungo Creek Ln SW, Pine River (6 miles west of Pine River out highway 2 and 5 miles south on CR25).

They acknowledge the harm done particularly to Native and Indigenous Peoples by the false narrative of a colonial perspective of history. Given that awareness, they act with care for the Earth and all its creatures, and seek to regenerate the land by how they live on it. This place resides on the lands of the: Oãhéthi ·akówi? (Lakota /Dakota); Mdewakanton (subtribe of the Isanti Dakota); and Anishinabewaki.

For more information about Balsam Moon Preserve visit the website at: https://balsammoonpreserve.wixsite.com/balsam or FB, email: BalsamMoon3148@gmail.com or call 218-587-3808.

April 1 & 2: Heartland Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert Series
The Heartland Symphony Orchestra will be finishing up its 46th season by performing their Spring Concert Series titled “The Youth Concerto Competition Returns.” The program will highlight both winners of the 2023 Echo Kowalzek Youth Concerto Competition, Abigail Benson and Arriana Schwab. The Saturday, April 1st performance in Little Falls will be at Charles D. Martin Auditorium at 7:30pm. The Sunday, April 2nd performance in Brainerd will be at Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts at 2:30 pm.

Benson, a senior at Brainerd High School, will perform Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra. As a homeschool graduate from Royalton, Schwab, will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major. Other selections performed by the HSO will include music by Franz Schubert, Ingrid Stölzel, and Jacob Shay.

Conductor, Ryan Webber, will host "Conductor Chats" 45-minutes prior to each concert. For many, these informational programs make listening to classical music a much more enjoyable experience.

These concerts are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Five Wings Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. In Little Falls, the Laura Jane Musser fund provides additional support. The Echo Kowalzek Youth Concerto Competition is funded in part by a grant from Crow Wing Power Community Trust.

HSO concerts are welcome to all ages, free of charge, no tickets necessary. Donations will be accepted at the door or online at www.heartlandsymphony.com

April 4: Red Cross Blood Drive at Immaculate Heart Church
Date: April 4, 2023
Time: Noon to 6 pm
Location: Immaculate Heart Church, Co Rd 37 Crosslake, Mn
Program Leader: Sharon 218-851-3263
On-line Sign-up: Redcrossblood.org
Incentives: “Snoopy” donor t-shirt

COVID restrictions have been lifted so Sloopy Joes, Cole Slaw, Chips, and bars will be provided in addition to the usual canteen treats.

New donors are desperately needed as many life-long donors are now older and no longer able to donate. Requirements for not too difficult and can be found on the web site or by calling the program leader. Due to this need, we have a local donor who has an added, on the spot incentive: Successful new donors who fill a slot between 1:30 and 3:30 on this day will receive a $15.00 Holiday Gas Card.


April 5-11: Almighty Yahuah’s Annual Sacred Festival Passover
Area Torah Keepers are invited to attend Almighty Yahuah’s Annual Sacred Festival Passover April 5-11. Call Proverbs 6:23 Ministry for details. 218 533-6029

April 5: Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training to be held at the National Loon Center, Crosslake, MN
Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? If so, consider becoming a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer!

The National Loon Center is hosting a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training beginning April 5, 2023.

Master Naturalist volunteers complete a 40-hour hands-on course with expert instructors and fellow learners – studying natural history, environmental interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Final certification comes with the completion of 40 hours of volunteer service. The program offers three courses that correspond to Minnesota’s three major ecosystems – entitled ‘Big Woods, Big Rivers’, ‘Prairies and Potholes’, and ‘North Woods, Great Lakes’.

This course will cover the natural and cultural history of the “North Woods, Great Lakes” region. We will provide an in-depth overview of the boreal forest ecosystem and participants will observe and learn about the variety of plant and animal communities of the region. Through the course, participants will develop their ability to observe nature and will learn tools to improve these skills. In addition, participants will improve their communication skills by sharing knowledge with other participants and working on a group project.

The classes will be held Wednesdays starting April 5th to June 7, 2023, 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM with 2 full day field trips Saturday April 29th and May 20th.

For more information and register on-line go to https://www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org/courses/. For website assistance call Julie Larson at 320-589-1711 Ext. 2120; 1.888.241.4532, or email info@minnesotamasternaturalist.org.

Minnesota Master Naturalist is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

April 6: No April Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Meeting
The Brainerd Lakes Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meeting will not meet on Thursday, April 6. Our next meeting will be on May 4, 1pm at Lord of Life Church, 6190 Fairview Drive, Baxter. Any questions call 218-829-4017. Care partners are also welcome to attend.


April 8 and April 28-29: Crosslake Ideal Lions News
Crosslake Ideal Lions have announced their support for the Senior Cares, Senior Days & Expo to be held April 28-29. The event begins on Friday with an Open House at the Railroad Club, free to attend, with appetizers and all of the Senior Booths in attendance. The main event features Don Shelby on Saturday, April 29. The Senior Expo will feature reps from area support organizations, medical and community support organizations.

Crosslake Senior Services. A nonprofit agency, is a community group sponsoring their second Senior Days event. Last years event included Pickleball Training and a Senior Ball in the evening. Their purpose/mission is to help Seniors with active living decisions.

Crosslake Ideal Lions will also be sponsoring the EggStravaganza on Saturday, April 8, at Town Square in Crosslake. This is an annual event providing an Easter Egg hunt for small children, on the Saturday before Easter.

April 8: Lakers Lions Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Emily City Hall
When: Sat,. April 8th 2023
Time: 10:00 am sharp
Ages: 1-10 years
• Dress for the weather!!!!!!!
• Bring your own bag or basket
• Be prepared to have some fun!


April 11-12: Healthcare Directive Assistance Offered
National Healthcare Decisions Day educates and empowers the public and healthcare providers to take part in important advance care planning. While advance care planning seems like a difficult discussion, the alternative leaves family members struggling to make the decision for you. Completing an advanced directive removes the burden from our loved ones.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed annually on April 16th and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center is optimizing the event by encouraging everyone to make their healthcare wishes known to their family members and physician and to go through an advanced care planning process. The observation is aimed at increasing the number of people who have completed an advance directive (“living will”), in which they name the person who will make medical decisions for them in the event they are seriously ill and can’t speak for themselves.

CRMC staff and advance directive forms will be available  in CRMC’s main entrance lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11 and 12. CRMC’s facilitators will answer questions and discuss how to start the discussion with those close to you, determining wishes for end-of-life care and who you want to make medical care decisions. No appointment is necessary.

“It’s understandable that people would put off discussing the topic of serious illness and death,  but it’s essential to have this family conversation in advance,” CRMC Social Worker KariLee Pietz said. “It’s a discussion that should take place in the living room, not in the hospital waiting room when it may be too late.”

Call 218-546-2357 to speak with  CRMC social worker and schedule an appointment during other times.

Advance Care Directive forms are also available at: https://www.lightthelegacy.org/health-care-directive-downloads/

To update or drop off a completed document, contact Stephanie Miller at 218-546-7000, ext. 2551, or send her a message at Stephanie.Miller@cuyunamed.org

April 13: Osteoarthritis Seminar
Area seniors are invited to attend a presentation about Osteoarthritis that will be  given as a free lunch and learn seminar by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Hip & Knee Total Joints Coordinator Amber Taylor, R.N., on Thursday, April 13, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby.

Topics of discussion will include a description of osteoarthritis, how it is diagnosed, what you can do about it, and avoiding surgery.

Taylor, who has been a Registered Nurse for 12 years, joined CRMC’s Orthopaedics team last year. Previously she worked at Essentia Health in Brainerd for seven years. Her nursing experience includes Long-term Care/Transitional Care Unit, labor and delivery, and Post Anesthesia Care Unit/surgery. Taylor earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing at The College of St. Scholastica.

Presented by Cuyuna Area Connections and sponsored by CRMC, lunch will be provided. Registration is required by Friday, April 7, by calling 218-546-2357.

April 14: National HealthCare Decision Day
Crow Wing Energized wants to highlight the importance of advance care planning in order to support your end-of-life wishes —this is an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16th as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). A Healthcare Directive (Advanced Care Directive) is an important document to complete prior to an illness or life-threatening injury; you should dedicate time to have meaningful conversations with your loved ones.

Crow Wing Energized is sponsoring the 6th annual “Got Plans?” conference at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa on Friday, April 14. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. – the event runs from 9 a.m. to 2:00 pm.

Lucas Spaeth, an attorney who specializes in estate and elder law, will be the keynote speaker. He will talk about the importance of completing this document and will be available to answer any questions. He will discuss what a power of attorney vs a health care agent is. An educational skit will be performed by Pro- Medica. You will be able to meet with a specialist to complete the form.

Lunch will be served; registration is required. Registration link: Got Plans? 6th Annual Conference - Crow Wing Energized


April 19: Crosslake Area Garden Club
Crosslake Area Garden Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00PM in the meeting room at the Crosslake Community Center. The upcoming programs are listed below:

April 19th – “House Plants” Presenter: Shelly Boser of Landsburg Landscape Nursery

May 17th – Plant Sale Prep Information & Pot Luck at noon

June 3rd – Plant Sale in the Shelter at Crosslake Community Center

Everyone is welcome to join our meetings. For questions call Linda @ 507-202-9374.

April 28-29: Crosslake Ideal Lions News

Crosslake Ideal Lions have announced their support for the Senior Cares, Senior Days & Expo to be held April 28-29. The event begins on Friday with an Open House at the Railroad Club, free to attend, with appetizers and all of the Senior Booths in attendance. The main event features Don Shelby on Saturday, April 29. The Senior Expo will feature reps from area support organizations, medical and community support organizations.

Crosslake Senior Services. A nonprofit agency, is a community group sponsoring their second Senior Days event. Last years event included Pickleball Training and a Senior Ball in the evening. Their purpose/mission is to help Seniors with active living decisions.

For the Crosslake Ideal Lions upcoming Events include the St. Pat’s Day parade Saturday March 18 at 2:00 pm. Parade will begin in Town Square and follow a route up County Road 33.

Crosslake Ideal Lions will also be sponsoring the EggStravaganza on Saturday, April 8, at Town Square in Crosslake. This is an annual event providing an Easter Egg hunt for small children, on the Saturday before Easter.

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