Upcoming events Jan. 23 - Feb. 24
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Parent/teacher conferences at the Park Rapids Area High School will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today (Wednes-day) and Monday, Jan. 28.
An informational meeting on how to access college financial aid will be held at 6 p.m. today (Wednesday) in the Park Rapids Area High School choir room.
Info to be covered includes grants, loans and work study as well as FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and how to apply.
Parents of seniors who are the first in the family to attend college are strongly encouraged to attend, as well as anyone who might want to get updated information.
This is free and open to the public. Stephanie Bard, assistant director of financial aid at Bemidji State University, and Susan Rassier, high school counselor at Park Rapids, will be sharing information and answering questions.
Friday, Jan. 25
The Friendly Squares will host a square dance Friday, Jan. 25 at Century School.
A "plus" workshop will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m. with mainstream dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. Caller will be Jim Lizakowski and Rita Lizakowski will cue round dancing between tips.
Club members will furnish a potluck lunch. All square dancers and spectators are welcome
Saturday, Jan. 26
The University of Minnesota Extension will host educational classes on The Making of Maple Syrup and Beekeeping: Beyond the Basics in January and February.
The classes are free and open to the public.
The Making of Maple Syrup will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Town Hall in Guthrie, 44255 Rail Road.
And Beekeeping: Beyond the Basics will be presented from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at Northwoods Bank in Park Rapids.
JoAnne Sabin, a well-known educator on honeybees and a Dakota County UMN Master Gardener, will teach the beekeeping courses which are designed to encourage, assist and educate others in the wonderful experience of keeping honeybees.
The Art of Beekeeping will cover fundamental bee basics, apiary equipment, hive assembly, selecting a site, feeding and treating bees, queen, worker and drones behavior, nectar and pollen plants, honey extracting and seasonal management.
Beekeeping: Beyond the Basics will cover current events, diseases, pesticides, CCD research, bee biology, making splits, expanding your hives, queen grafting, winterizing, experiences with various bee races, equipment beyond the basics, the importance of feeding, honey characteristics, bee-related products and how to make them.
Carl Vogt, a retired University of Minnesota Extension specialist, known for his dedication as a conservation educator, will teach the course on The Making of Maple Syrup.
The course will include what trees can be tapped; what tools are needed; when to tap trees, how to tap trees and how to process sap into syrup.
To register, call Sally Shearer, Hubbard County Extension program coordinator at 732-3391 (office) or 237-1245 (direct) or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.org. All classes are free and open to the public.
First English Church in Menahga will host a lutefisk and Swedish meatball dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.
The menu includes lutefisk, Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, lefse, carrots, rice pudding, fruit soup, flat bread, dessert and more.
Proceeds will go to the needs and works of First English Lutheran Church.
The LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) will be holding a raffle to benefit their trip to the Youth Impact gathering in the summer of 2013.
In case of a storm, it will be rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 2.
Sunday, Jan. 27
The Rising Sun Dancers will have a square dance starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Waubun Community Center.
Jim Lizakowski will call the tips. Lunch will be served by the club. All dancers and spectators are welcome.
Dan and Marilee Ottoson will present a musical concert of gospel sing along songs with a special children's ministry time at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at Grace Community Church of Osage.
The Ottosons of rural Detroit Lakes have been traveling in ministry since 1979. They have sung and performed children's ministry programs for major crusades and traveled internationally.
A freewill offering will be received for their ministry. Lunch will be served after the program.
Monday, Jan. 28
The Nemeth Art Center annual members meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 at the Northwoods Bank community room.
All members are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, jan. 30
The Park Rapids Area Library will host a program on Swedish musical instruments from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Bill Dahl makes an instrument called a Nyckelharpalag (or Swedish Nyckelharp). One of his instruments is on display at the library in January.
He and Janice Springer, who plays a Swedish fiddle, will present a program. Dahl will talk about making the harps, and they will play some tunes and perform a dance demonstration, as this music originated primarily for dancing.
They will also have some harps available for people to try.
For more information about the nyckelharp, go to www.tcnyckelharpalag.org, which is the website for Dahl's musical group.
Friday, Feb. 1
The annual Pregnancy Resource Center benefit concert will be performed from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at Evergreen Church in Park Rapids.
Featured local musicians are Annette Haas, Dana Johnson, Aaron Bradt, April Hodge and Eric Bervig and The Chasing Clarence Band. A freewill offering will benefit the Pregnancy Resource Center of Park Rapids.
Coffee and desserts will be served.
Calvary Church of Walker invites the area community to a marriage-enriching video conference to be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 and from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.
The sessions address the purpose of marriage, overcoming conflict and moving toward reconciliation, communication, a healthy sexual relationship and leaving a legacy.
The sessions have a dose of humor, drama and real life stories.
Registration is $30 per couple, which includes workbooks, the sessions and snacks.
For a preview of classes, go to familylife.com; call Calvary at 218-547-1897 to register.
Wadena's 8th annual Critter Cookin' Contest and Wild Game Feed is set for Friday, Feb. 1 at the Evangelical Church. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.; sampling and the meal start at 6 p.m.
If you killed it and you can cook it; bring it. A wide variety of dishes, including turtle, venison, squirrel, salmon and many other types of wild game have been served.
Attendees will be able to sample each entree as they enjoy a meal at the contest. There will be a shotgun as the grand prize for the entree judged best.
Following the meal, Ray Howell will entertain and inform the audience with tales of his outdoor experiences.
Howell, of LaCrescent, is founder of the Kicking Bear Foundation that had its beginnings in 2000. Kicking Bear serves as a medium to share a message of hope and God's love to hurting kids across the country using archery, bow hunting and the outdoors.
Each year, thousands of kids attend free Kicking Bear events.
Learn more about Howell's endeavors by visiting his website: www.kickingbear.org.
The Wadena Evangelical Church is located at 419 2nd St. NE.
For more information on the contest, call Ron Malone at 218-639-2571 or the church at 218-631-1928.
saturday, Feb. 2
The 15th annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Fishing Contest is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2 on Fish Hook Lake. More than $110,000 in prizes will be given away.
Besides the opportunity to fish is the chance of winning a raffle prize. Tickets are $40 each. The grand prize this year is a 2013 Chevy Silverado LS from Thielen Motors. The vehicle is parked at the American Legion.
The 15th largest fish caught in any category will win an Ice Castle fish house, with $2,000 awarded to the seller of the winning fish house ticket and $2,000 awarded to the seller of the winning truck ticket. The fish house is also parked in front of the American Legion.
Also, $2,000 is awarded to the seller of the most tickets.
Tickets are available at businesses throughout the Park Rapids area and at the American Legion.
More than 60 raffle prizes are available. Additional prizes could be won in four fishing categories: Division I: bluegill and crappie; division II: northern, walleye and largemouth bass; perch division; and rock bass division.
Prizes range from cash to a microwave to an ice auger, with many gift certificates.
The fishing derby weekend kicks off Friday, Feb. 1, with a welcome dance from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. with entertainment by "Billy D and the Crystals."
Breakfast will be served from 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Legion and a fundraiser lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Legion.
The fishing contest is from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Fish Hook Lake that afternoon with an awards presentation at 5 p.m. at the American Legion. That evening is the fisherman's ball from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Legion. The entertainment will be "Billy D and the Crystals."
A Boy Scouts breakfast will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 to wrap up the weekend.
Tickets are available at the American Legion or by calling 732-3360. For more information, contact the Legion at 732-5238. Information can also be found at www.parkrapidsamericanle gion.com.
The Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will host a guided snowshoe hike beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Pine Lake Trailhead in the Tamarac Refuge.
Contact Ray Vlasak at 573-3243 for more information.
Sunday, Feb. 3
The Park Rapids Boy Scouts will serve their annual fundraising breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 at the Park Rapids American Legion.
The menu includes biscuits and gravy with sides.
Park Rapids Assembly of God will once again host a Super Football Party at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3.
The community is invited and all ages are welcome to watch the big game on a big screen. Food and beverages will be served at no charge.
A DVD will be shown at half time featuring NFL stars sharing their faith experience.
The church is located at 208 Western Ave. South in Park Rapids. For more information, call the church office at 732-8818.
Thursday, Feb. 7
ECFE invites children ages birth to 5 years to a Sweetheart Dance to be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Frank White Education Center.
Dress in your finest for a "school dance." Jim Hartig of Big Show Entertainment will keep kids and adults swinging and singing.
Take a break from tripping the light fantastic for some sweetheart punch and goodies or go on a cookie walk to win prizes. A "silently sweet" auction will also be part of the evening.
Patti Ryan from Piks Clicks and Fabulous Funtography will be photographing for a nominal fee.
No pre-registration is necessary.
SAturday, Feb. 9
The 8th annual Audrey's Purple Dream, including a fishing tournament and the Purple Plunge, will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 on 11th Crow Wing Lake.
Proceeds from Akeley's "Answer to Cancer" benefit area residents whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
Fishing tournament registration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon with the tourney held from noon to 3 p.m.
Purple Plunge registration (for the daring willing to take a dip in the lake) begins at 12:30 p.m. in the tent on the lake. The plunge begins at 2 p.m.
Raffle tickets and merchandise will be for sale in the tent from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $2 buttons enters names into a drawing for an $800 grand prize.
Hot food will be served at the Akeley VFW beginning at 4 p.m., with tournament awards and prizes presented at 4:30 p.m. at the VFW. Button raffle drawings begin at 6 p.m.
Live music will entertain from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Audrey's Purple Dream is dedicated to the memory of Audrey Faye Pidde, a lifelong resident of Akeley. She passed away March 24, 2005 after a battle against cancer.
The event's founder, Melissa 'Nib' Niblick succumbed to cancer in 2009. Niblick organized the community fundraiser in 2005 in honor of her friend and cancer victim Audrey Pidde. One of Pidde's wishes had been to travel to Alaska. Niblick took on the role of fundraiser to fulfill the dream.
Pidde succumbed to cancer before she could make the journey, but the "dream" lives on.
Area residents whose lives have been impacted by cancer may request assistance by contacting First National Bank-Akeley and request an application for assistance.
For more information, go to www.audreyspurpledream. com.
Audrey's Purple Dream buttons are available at several Akeley area businesses and from members of the "Dream Team." The $2 purchase is entry into a drawing for prizes.
The public is invited to celebrate a rescheduled Winter Trails Day with the Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail at Maplelag Resort Saturday, Feb. 9.
n Join a group to cross-country ski or snowshoe at 1 p.m. (meet in the lodge lobby).
n Learn more about wolves and northern Minnesota ecology and environmental issues with environmentalist Barry Babcock at 3:30 p.m.
n Check out the silent auction featuring outdoorsy items and unique local
artisans' products from 1 to 6 p.m.
All proceeds will go toward building, maintaining and promoting the NCT.
Laurentian Lakes Chapter's annual business meeting begins at 5:15 p.m. with a family-style dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m.
An RSVP is required for dinner; contact Ray Vlasak by Feb. 1 at 218-573-3243 or email@example.com.
Maplelag Resort is located north of Richwood off Becker County Highway 110. Check out Maplelag Resort's facilities and trails and get the latest trail conditions online at www.maplelag.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
The Healthy Moms Network will host a chapter meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Park Rapids Area Library.
Tanya Miller, from Back In Time Farm CSA, will be discussing a grassroots food revolution, "The Modern Victory Garden." Harkening on the self-sufficiency of previous generations who planted victory gardens in their front and back yards as a means to support their nation's war efforts, today, many are undertaking the challenge of declaring independence from corporate food systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels to bring food to the table and cultivating a more healthy and fulfilling life.
This grass roots revolution is occurring in today's modern version of the Victory Garden. The "war" is a revolution - and the battleground is right here on the home front.
It is all about taking back responsibility and control of our own food supply. Whether it is a modest container of tomatoes on a patio deck, or a full fledged self-sufficient garden - each effort represents one step toward freeing ourselves from the forces that would keep us dependent on a system of petroleum fueled and factory farmed food.
Growing more of our own food heightens the taste and nutrition of meals, and along the way, we experience the empowerment and fulfillment that comes from learning the basic skills of providing for our families ... and ourselves.
Membership is free and open to women of all ages. Children must be directly supervised by an adult, or be able to engage in quiet activity. For more information, contact Nicole Guida 732-5229.
Friday, Feb. 15
A fish dinner benefiting the Headwaters chapter of Let's Go Fishing will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at the Park Rapids American Legion.
A freewill offering will be received and there will be a silent auction.
Proceeds benefit the program that offers a fishing trip to area residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Thursday, Feb. 21
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) is delivering a course to help grant writers learn the basics of putting together a successful grant application.
The first session will be held Thursday, Feb. 21 at the NMF Conference Center in Bemidji. Another session will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27 in Thief River Falls, at the Northwest Service Cooperative.
Early registration is encouraged; the deadline is Monday, Feb. 18.
The workshop will cover writing styles, formatting, defining the problem, developing solutions, budget basics and supporting documentation.
This four-hour workshop is for professionals and nonprofit staff who are directly involved in grant applications.
Finding grants opportunities is not the focus, but will be covered. Participants will leave with techniques to find data for need statements, tips on writing effectively and discussing the importance of collaborating for effective grant applications.
Fee is $25 fee for the workshop; to register, visit www.nwmf.org, where a link will be available under upcoming events.
A second workshop, beyond Grant Writing Basics--Keys to Success will be offered in April, with sessions in both Bemidji and Thief River Falls, for more information, visit www.nwmf.org.
Sunday, Feb. 24
The Osage Sportsman's Club will hold the annual Dorothy Noeske Memorial Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 on the Straight Lake Mill Pond in Osage.
Tickets can be bought from any member or on the ice. Grand prize is one of two Jiffy Ice Augers. A youth lifetime fishing license will also be awarded. The first 100 children get a free "goodie" bag.
For more information call Allen Belt 732-0978 or visit the website, www.osage sportsclub.com.