Upcoming events April 18 - June 11 (2024)

Wednesday, April 18

Park Rapids Area High School parent-teacher conferences will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) and Monday, April 23.

THURSDAY, April 19

Widowed Friends Fellowship (for men and women) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19 at the West Forty for lunch with dominoes to follow.

Call Karla at 732-0424 or Joan at 732-4917 for more information.

The Arts Downtown PR series continues from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19 in downtown Park Rapids.

Rebby Lee will be featured from 5 to 5:30 and 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Bella Caffè. A singer, songwriter, lyricist, pianist, guitar player, violinist, drummer, poet, writer and photographer, she writes songs of nature and people, inspired by the north woods.

In honor of National Poetry Month, LouAnn Muhm, poet and English instructor at Nevis High School, will bring students to read their original poetry from 5:30 to 6 and 6:30 to 7 p.m. at Beagle Books.

Northern Bass Family Band will play from 5:30 to 6 and 6:30 to 7 p.m. at The Good Life Cafe. Band members are Brian Bass on drums and vocals, Louise Bass on keyboard, bass and vocals, and Dan Bass on guitar and vocals.

The Frazee School visual arts and music departments are hosting a spring arts festival April 19 and 20.

The event begins Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the main gym and continues Friday. The event will feature visual arts displays from students in kindergarten through grade 12, a mosaic window silent auction and music and dance performances Friday evening.

An organizational meeting of the new Park Rapids Area Energy Expansion is at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at the Northwoods Bank meeting room in Park Rapids.

The Park Rapids Area Energy Expansion project's primary aim is the formation of a local energy interest group, encompassing roughly a 40-mile radius of Park Rapids, including the city itself.

The group will collaborate with other organizations, provide structure for future community energy initiatives and educate group and community members on a broad spectrum of energy topics including energy efficiency and conservation measures, renewable energy systems and the expertise to maintain them.

Friday, April 20

The Weston A. Price Nutrition Foundation will have a chapter meeting at 4 p.m. Friday, April 20 at the Evergreen Church located west of Park Rapids. Chapter leader Tanja Larson will explain Dr. Price's three basic principles of a healthy, traditional diet - with a focus on the importance of good quality fats. Visitors will sample and watch Tanja demonstrate how to make salmon patties fried in coconut oil.

All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, call Tanja at 732-9402.

A North Country Trail chapter meeting will be heldFriday, April 20 at Terrapin Station in Nevis.

A potluck beginsat 5:15 p.m. followed by a short business meeting and stories from Anne Dunne, an Anishinabe story teller. Live music begins at 7 p.m.

The public is invited to come and learn about the NCT.

Saturday, April 21

Lake George Senior Citizens will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 at the senior center on Highway 71.

The menu includes pancakes, sausages, fruit and coffee.

A Ruby's Pantry food distribution will be held Saturday, April 21 at the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church in Menahga.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church with the food distribution following at 10:30 a.m. at the Catholic Church.

Cost is $15 per share. Bring baskets and boxes for food. Volunteers are also needed and much appreciated.

Contact Karol or Dave at 564-4501 for more information.

Robin Cunningham of Smoky Hills Art will show the Twisted Stitchers the basics of wire wrapping a crystal Saturday, April 21.

Members will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Bella Caffé.

For more information, contact Kathy Belt at 732-0978.

The Hubbard County DFL will conduct a ditch clean up at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 on a section of Highway 34.

The public is invited to participate. Meet one mile west of the Dorset corner at 189th Avenue.

A "wrangler's chuck wagon dinner" will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Park Rapids American Legion as a benefit for the Hubbard County Historical Museum.

The roast beef dinner will include baked potato,

baked beans and a sourdough biscuit with an ice cream sundae for dessert. Tickets are being pre-sold and are available at the

door.

Call Cookie to reserve tickets at 255-2448.

Silent auction items are needed also. All proceeds benefit the Hubbard County

Historical Museum.

Saturday, April 21

A spaghetti benefit dinner for Shirley Dennis will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at First English Lutheran Church of Dorset.

A free will offering will be received with proceeds helping to defray Dennis' recent medical expenses.

Sunday, April 22

Join the global chorus at the International Sing for the Trees for Earth Day to begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 22 at Sophie's Heart Labyrinth and tree farm at 14388 Chippewa Loop, Park Rapids.

Songs have been used for raising awareness and creating community in many social and environmental movements, such as civil rights and the fight against apartheid. "It is more important than ever to preserve our trees and environment," organizer LuAnne White said.

People can meet in the garden on the west side of Chippewa Loop by 11:30 a.m. Participants will follow the nature trails from the garden to the beaver pond about a quarter-mile walk. At noon a ceremony initiated by Jeanne Troge of Brigid's House will begin, with drumming, blessings to the four winds/directions, and songs.

The initial ceremony will focus on the single white pine that grows near the pond alone.

White will share information about trees, deforestation and climate change and some of the story of the tree farm. After the official ceremonies, people may share tree stories, poems, songs and play instruments. Bring a drum, guitar or hand carried instrument and join in.

This will all take about one to two hours depending on the number of people attending.People can then walk the trails on their own, finding trees they wish to share song with on their way back to the garden.

At the garden, Sophie's Heart Labyrinth will be open for people who want to pray, meditate or just enjoy for a freewill donation. Bring a sack lunch for afterward around the garden.

Directions: From Highway 34 in Park Rapids head south on CSAH 6 for 5 miles to Chippewa Loop then a quarter mile to 14388. Follow the signs to Sophie's Heart Labyrinth and nature trails. Park on the west side of the road. Call White at 732-7939 or e-mail admin@avallondowsing.com .

A chicken dinner and silent auction fundraiser, benefiting the Laporte area Take a Kid Fishing event, will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22 in the Laporte School commons area.

A freewill donation will be received. Every dollar donated goes directly to LATAKF. Silent auction items can be bid on throughout the meal. Highest bidders will be identified at the end of the meal.

The Laporte Area Take A Kid Fishing event was conceived to let kids in the Laporte area experience the fun of fishing. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase items for the event, such as life jackets, rain gear, sunglasses, suntan lotion and water.

Tentative plans for the event are to fish Garfield Lake from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, followed by an evening fish fry.

This year, the day of fishing is limited to youths between the ages of 10 and 15. Youth must turn in an application to be accepted. Application forms will be available at the chicken dinner, at the Laporte School and area businesses.

All applications must be turned in by May 30 to allow time to match kids to adults in boats.

Those with a conflict of schedule, but who still want to help by providing fishing experience and boat, may contact Dwight Powell at 218-224-3367.

Contact Judy Honer at 218-224-2732, to donate time, items or dollars for the event. This is a community-wide effort.

Tuesday, April 24

A free safe food handling session will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at the Lakeport Township Hall, located at the top of the hill in Laporte, next to the watertower.

Cass Lake Lion Ardean Brasgallia, a licensed food manager, will conduct the session.

This session is open to all faith-based and other community organizations that serve food to the public, and any interested individuals. The Laporte-Benedict Lions are sponsoring this free session. All interested persons and organizations from surrounding towns are invited to attend.

The session will discuss how to prepare and handle food safely, as well as the current state regulations for proper food handling.

Copies of the USDA publication "Kitchen Companion" will be available.

For more information, or to register, contact Winnie DauSchmidt at 218-224-2516 or winnied@ paulbun yan.net.

The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office-Emergency Management, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, will be hosting a SKYWARN® storm spotter course from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 in the Law Enforcement Center Conference Room, and is open to all members of the local community.

National Weather Service encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such HAM radio, to join the SKYWARN® program.

Seating is limited. Direct questions to Deputy Brian Halbasch-Hubbard Co. Sheriff's Office - Emergency Management Office at 732-2588 or bhalbasch@co.hubbard.mn.us

Wednesday, April 25

Central Lakes College will host a free, public Earth Day Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Brainerd campus.

The event features presentations by speakers, earth-centered games and activities for children and adults, prize drawings, and a lunch-hour cook-out hosted by the Natural Resources Club.

Bob Schafer, director of the Central Lakes College Agricultural and Energy Center at Staples, will present an update on bio fuels and how farmers can grow crops to supplement fuel costs. The center is a state leader in research of energy crops and on-farm biofuel production.

Vendors and those wanting a complete schedule may contact Gary Carson, at CLC, at 218-855-8079 or e-mail gcarson@clcmn.edu .

Take a trip half way around the world for free in the comfort of the local library with Cal Rice, professional photographer at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Park Rapids Area Library.

Rice will lead a "trip" to Bhutan: A View from the Top of the World, showing the beautiful landscapes and the people amidst massive changes.

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China.

Rice has been a professional commercial photographer for 25 years. Recently he traveled to Bhutan, in the Himalayas, to document the country and culture as it emerges from the 17th century into the 21st century.

In the last decade they have completed the first road across the country, made TV, cell phones and the Internet generally available.

The country is moving from a pure monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, welcoming tourists and becoming more aware of the global community.

The presentation will show the beauty of the landscape and architecture; the acceptance by the people; the commitment to the Buddhist culture; and, the pride of the people in their way of life.

This library sponsored, free Legacy Program is funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's art and cultural heritage. This activity is also made possible, in part, by a Region 2 Arts Council Individual Artist Grant Award with funding from the McKnight Foundation to the artist.

Thursday, April 26

The Park Rapids Area Library will be hosting a Senior Surf Day to assist seniors in learning some basics about computers and using the Internet.

The class will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26.

Space is limited; call the library at 732-4966 to reserve a space. There is no charge for this training.

The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual spring open house and annual meeting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Chamber Visitor Center, 1204 Park Ave. So. (Highway 71 South).

Information will be available on Chamber programs and how membership dollars are being spent. Tutorials on how to use Chamber Master also will be given.

Bring brochures to stock the Visitor Center so other members can pick them up to share with their customers.

The 2012 Happy Packs will be available for pick up, too.

Stop by for refreshments and to visit with members, staff and the board of directors.

For more information, call 732-4111.

Friday, April 27

The seasoned singers of the Park Rapids Classic Chorale, under the direction of Jim Wheeler, will present "Seasons of Spring" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.

The 45-member chorale will be accompanied by instruments for several selections. Charmin Michelle from Minneapolis will be a guest soloist.

The first half of the concert will keep the Easter spirit alive. The second half will focus on the celebration of love.

Refreshments follow each concert.

The Friendly Squares will host a square dance Friday, April 27 at Century School.

A "plus" workshop will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m. with mainstream dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. The caller will be Roger Lueth with round dancing between tips.

Club members will furnish a potluck lunch after the dance. All square dancers and spectators are welcome. The annual meeting with election of officers will also be held after the dance.

Sunday, April 29

The Northern Minnesota Square Dancers will have a benefit dance for the American Heart Association from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at the Waubun Community Center.

There will be a silent auction during the dance. Everyone is welcome to come and bid on the items.

All proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

Any questions, call 218-532-7891 or 701-293-6620.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Beverly Everett, will close its 2011-12 concert series with "American History at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at the Bemidji High School auditorium.

Clay Jenkinson returns to Bemidji to narrate the Minnesota premier of Chris Brubeck's new composition, "Roosevelt in Cowboy Land," a symphonic work that tells the story of Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands of North Dakota.

The program also features music representative of the Roosevelt White House, including Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," Saint-Saëns' "The Swan," David Popper's "Vito," and Virgil Thompson's "The Plow that Broke the Plains."

Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Lueken's North, Brigid's Cross, and online at brown papertickets.com. Doors open for seating at 2:30 p.m. More information is at www.bemidjisymphony.org .

Monday, April 30

Minnesota Folklore Theater will hold auditions for the summer season from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 1 at the theater located at 405 Minnesota Ave. in Walker, behind Aunt Belle's Candy.

The June production is "Judy, Why Can't I?" July's is "Nunsense" and August's is "On Golden Pond."

For more information, call 218-547-4044. Newcomers are welcome. No appointment is necessary; stop in any time during the scheduled hours.

If interested in the "Nunsense" musical, bring a song to sing. Also needed are set design crews, a music director and backstage help.

Saturday, May 5

Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative employees and members will join forces from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Itasca State Park for the annual project GreenTouch.

Volunteers are needed for pruning, transplanting trees and shrubs, removing bud caps, raking and various other projects. All volunteers will receive a free lunch and no park pass is required that day.

This annual event is sponsored by Minnesota's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in partnership with Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that participate in project GreenTouch are part of a group of rural electric cooperatives throughout the state.

This year marks the 13th year of project GreenTouch. Over the past 12 years, 7,350 people have volunteered their time to Minnesota State Parks and have worked more than 24,750 hours.

Participation is open to the public; volunteers are asked to RSVP by calling Itasca-Mantrap at 732-3377 or 888-713-3377.

Saturday, May 19

A Walk for Let's Go Fishing, presented by the Headwaters chapter, will be held Saturday, May 19 at Heartland Park.

The walk is an avenue to raise awareness for an organization that enriches the lives of people age 55 and older through free fishing and boating excursions. The initiative strengthens communities, builds relationships and creates memories.

The Walk for Let's Go Fishing is 5 kilometers. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Fee is $10 per walker and includes a free T-shirt.

Additional donations are appreciated.

Participants can register for the walk on the day of the event, or online at www.lgfws.com/WalkforLGF . For more information about the walk or how to become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer, contact Diane George at 237-8315.

Wednesday, June 6

The 31st Conference on Aging for the 55+ age group will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College.

This event will offer a day of health, wellness and fun for the 55+ population in Central Minnesota. More than 30 organizations and agencies will display relevant products and services throughout the day.

Attendees will also enjoy breakfast and lunch, various health and wellness breakout sessions, musical entertainment and door prizes.

This year's theme is "The Magic of Health & Happiness," which celebrates the happiness and health that can be experienced in this "magical" stage of life.

The purpose of the Conference on Aging is to provide information, educate, and provide a social environment for the senior population in Central Minnesota.

Best-selling authors Janie Jastin and Chez Raginiak are the keynote speakers.

Jasin has been igniting energy in audiences for more than three decades. She delivers a powerful message, laced with stories and humor that move audiences. Through music, story-telling, and audience participation, senses are awakened, stress is relieved, creativity soars, and enthusiasm grows.

Raginiak is an award-winning speaker, author and songwriter. Born and raised in communist Poland, he made a decision at the age of 25 to escape. With nothing more than a dream, Raginiak sought asylum in United States. His determination, perseverance, and vision for the future continually fueled his soaring spirit.

Sponsor and exhibitor inquiries may be directed to Kori Busho, Central Lakes College, at 218-855-8139.

Monday, June 11

Central Lakes College will conduct a music video camp June 11-15 for senior high school students (grades 10 to adult) on the Staples campus.

The day camp (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will instruct up to 15 participants in the creation of a professional-looking music video in just five days. The fee for instruction and all supplies is $75, including daily lunch, discs, and tapes.

Students will get together in groups of two to four and select a song. They write a script, set up and film the shots with digital video recorders and use computers to produce and edit the timeline using Apple's Final Cut Pro software.

When completed, students will author a DVD for final presentation.

For information or to register, contact instructor Leon Dahlvang at 800-247-6836, ext. 5142, or e-mail ldahlvan@clcmn.edu .

A spaghetti benefit dinner for Shirley Dennis will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at First English Lutheran Church of Dorset.

A free will offering will be received with proceeds helping to defray Dennis' recent medical expenses.

Sunday, April 22

Join the global chorus at the International Sing for the Trees for Earth Day to begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 22 at Sophie's Heart Labyrinth and tree farm at 14388 Chippewa Loop, Park Rapids.

Songs have been used for raising awareness and creating community in many social and environmental movements, such as civil rights and the fight against apartheid. "It is more important than ever to preserve our trees and environment," White said.

People can meet in the garden on the west side of Chippewa Loop by 11:30 a.m. Participants will follow the nature trails from the garden to the beaver pond about a quarter-mile walk. At noon a ceremony initiated by Jeanne Troge of Brigid's House will begin, with drumming, blessings to the four winds/directions, and songs.

The initial ceremony will focus on the single white pine that grows near the pond alone.

White will share information about trees, deforestation and climate change and some of the story of the tree farm. After the official ceremonies, people may share tree stories, poems, songs and play instruments. Bring a drum, guitar or hand carried instrument and join in.

This will all take about one to two hours depending on the number of people attending.People can then walk the trails on their own, finding trees they wish to share song with on their way back to the garden.

At the garden, Sophie's Heart Labyrinth will be open for people who want to pray, meditate or just enjoy for a free will donation. Bring a sack lunch for afterward around the garden.

Directions: From Highway 34 in Park Rapids head south on CSAH 6 for 5 miles to Chippewa Loop then a quarter mile to 14388. Follow the signs to Sophie's Heart Labyrinth and nature trails. Park on the west side of the road. Call LuAnne White at 732-7939 or e-mail admin@avallondowsing.com .

A chicken dinner and silent auction fundraiser, benefiting the Laporte area Take a Kid Fishing event, will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22 in the Laporte School commons area.

A freewill donation will be received. Every dollar donated goes directly to LATAKF. Silent auction items can be bid on throughout the meal. Highest bidders will be identified at the end of the meal.

The Laporte Area Take A Kid Fishing event was conceived to let kids in the Laporte area experience the fun of fishing. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase items for the event, such as life jackets, rain gear, sunglasses, suntan lotion and water.

Tentative plans for the event are to fish Garfield Lake from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, followed by an evening fish fry.

This year, the day of fishing is limited to youths between the ages of 10 and 15. Every interested youth must turn in an application to be accepted. Application forms will be available at the chicken dinner, at the Laporte School and area businesses.

All applications must be turned in by May 30 to allow time to match kids to adults in boats.

Those with a conflict of schedule, but who still want to help by providing fishing experience and boat, may contact Dwight Powell at 218-224-3367.

Contact Judy Honer at 218-224-2732, to donate time, items or dollars for the event. This is a community-wide effort.

Tuesday, April 24

A free safe food handling session will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at the Lakeport Township Hall, located at the top of the hill in Laporte, next to the watertower.

Cass Lake Lion Ardean Brasgallia, a licensed food manager, will conduct the session.

This session is open to all faith-based and other community organizations that serve food to the public, and any interested individuals. The Laporte-Benedict Lions are sponsoring this free session. All interested persons and organizations from surrounding towns are invited to attend.

The session will discuss how to prepare and handle food safely, as well as the current state regulations for proper food handling.

Copies of the USDA publication "Kitchen Companion" will be available.

For more information, or to register, contact Winnie DauSchmidt at 218-224-2516 or winnied@ paulbun yan.net.

The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office-Emergency Management, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, will be hosting a SKYWARN® storm spotter course from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 in the Law Enforcement Center Conference Room, and is open to all members of the local community.

National Weather Service encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such HAM radio, to join the SKYWARN® program.

Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter.

The course will cover:

n Basics of thunderstorm development;

n Fundamentals of storm structure;

n Identifying potential severe weather features;

n Information to report;

n How to report information and

n Basic severe weather safety.

Once county residents have completed their SkyWarn training they will be added to the Emergency Managements roster for on-call spotter activation during times inclement weather.

Seating is limited. Direct questions to Deputy Brian Halbasch-Hubbard Co. Sheriff's Office - Emergency Management Office at 732-2588 or bhalbasch@co.hubbard.mn.us

Wednesday, April 25

Central Lakes College will host a free, public Earth Day Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Brainerd campus.

The event features presentations by speakers, earth-centered games and activities for children and adults, prize drawings, and a lunch-hour cook-out hosted by the Natural Resources Club.

Bob Schafer, director of the Central Lakes College Agricultural and Energy Center at Staples, will present an update on bio fuels and how farmers can grow crops that can supplement their fuel costs. The center is a state leader in research of energy crops and on-farm biofuel production.

Exhibitors and educational vendors with environmental and eco responsibility have been invited to reserve space for the event. Past participants have included agencies with natural resources orientation and producers of organic and conservation-based products and services.

Vendors and those wanting a complete schedule may contact Gary Carson, environmental studies and natural resources instructor at CLC, at 218-855-8079 or e-mail gcarson@clcmn.edu .

Take a trip half way around the world for free in the comfort of the local library with Cal Rice, professional photographer at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Park Rapids Area Library.

Rice will lead a "trip" to Bhutan: A View from the Top of the World, showing the beautiful landscapes and the people amidst massive changes.

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China.

Rice has been a professional commercial photographer for 25 years. Recently he traveled to Bhutan, in the Himalayas, to document the country and culture as it emerges from the 17th century into the 21st century.

In the last decade they have completed the first road across the country, made TV, cell phones and the Internet generally available.

The country is moving from a pure monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, welcoming tourists and becoming more aware of the global community.

The presentation will show the beauty of the landscape and architecture; the acceptance by the people; the commitment to the Buddhist culture; and, the pride of the people in their way of life.

This library sponsored, free Legacy Program is funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's art and cultural heritage. This activity is also made possible, in part, by a Region 2 Arts Council Individual Artist Grant Award with funding from the McKnight Foundation to the artist.

Thursday, April 26

The Park Rapids Area Library will be hosting a Senior Surf Day to assist seniors in learning some basics about computers and using the Internet.

The class will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26.

Space is limited; call the library at 732-4966 to reserve a space. There is no charge for this training.

The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual spring open house and annual meeting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at the Chamber Visitor Center, 1204 Park Ave. So. (Highway 71 South).

Information will be available on Chamber programs and how membership dollars are being spent. Tutorials on how to use Chamber Master also will be given.

Bring brochures to stock the Visitor Center so other members can pick them up to share with their customers.

The 2012 Happy Packs will be available for pick up, too.

Stop by for refreshments and to visit with members, staff and the board of directors.

For more information, call 732-4111.

Friday, April 27

The seasoned singers of the Park Rapids Classic Chorale, under the direction of Jim Wheeler, will present "Seasons of Spring" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.

The 45-member chorale will be accompanied by instruments for several selections. Charmin Michelle from Minneapolis will be a guest soloist.

The first half of the concert will keep the Easter spirit alive. The second half will focus on the celebration of love.

Refreshments follow each concert.

The Friendly Squares will host a square dance Friday, April 27 at Century School.

A "plus" workshop will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m. with mainstream dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. The caller will be Roger Lueth with round dancing between tips.

Club members will furnish a potluck lunch after the dance. All square dancers and spectators are welcome. The annual meeting with election of officers will also be held after the dance.

Sunday, April 29

The Northern Minnesota Square Dancers will have a benefit dance for the American Heart Association from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at the Waubun Community Center.

There will be a silent auction during the dance. Everyone is welcome to come and bid on the items.

All proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

Any questions, call 218-532-7891 or 701-293-6620.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Beverly Everett, will close its 2011-12 concert series with "American History at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at the Bemidji High School auditorium.

Clay Jenkinson returns to Bemidji to narrate the Minnesota premier of Chris Brubeck's new composition, "Roosevelt in Cowboy Land," a symphonic work that tells the story of Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands of North Dakota.

The program also features music representative of the Roosevelt White House, including Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," Saint-Saëns' "The Swan," David Popper's "Vito," and Virgil Thompson's "The Plow that Broke the Plains."

Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Lueken's North, Brigid's Cross, and online at brown papertickets.com. Doors open for seating at 2:30 p.m. More information is at www.bemidjisymphony.org .

Monday, April 30

Minnesota Folklore Theater will hold auditions for the summer season from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 1 at the theater located at 405 Minnesota Ave. in Walker, behind Aunt Belle's Candy.

The June production is "Judy, Why Can't I?" July's is "Nunsense" and August's is "On Golden Pond."

For more information, call 218-547-4044. Newcomers are welcome. No appointment is necessary; stop in any time during the scheduled hours.

If interested in the "Nunsense" musical, bring a song to sing. Also needed are set design crews, a music director and backstage help.

Saturday, May 5

Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative employees and members will join forces from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Itasca State Park for the annual project GreenTouch.

Volunteers are needed for pruning, transplanting trees and shrubs, removing bud caps, raking and various other projects. All volunteers will receive a free lunch and no park pass is required that day.

This annual event is sponsored by Minnesota's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in partnership with Minnesota State Parks. Minnesota's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that participate in project GreenTouch are part of a group of rural electric cooperatives throughout the state.

This year marks the 13th year of project GreenTouch. Over the past 12 years, 7,350 people have volunteered their time to Minnesota State Parks and have worked more than 24,750 hours.

Participation is open to the public; volunteers are asked to RSVP by calling Itasca-Mantrap at 732-3377 or 888-713-3377.

Saturday, May 19

A Walk for Let's Go Fishing, presented by the Headwaters chapter, will be held Saturday, May 19 at Heartland Park.

The walk is an avenue to raise awareness for an organization that enriches the lives of people age 55 and older through free fishing and boating excursions. The initiative strengthens communities, builds relationships and creates memories.

The Walk for Let's Go Fishing is 5 kilometers. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Fee is $10 per walker and includes a free T-shirt.

Additional donations are appreciated.

Participants can register for the walk on the day of the event, or online at www.lgfws.com/WalkforLGF . For more information about the walk or how to become a Let's Go Fishing volunteer, contact Diane George at 237-8315.

Wednesday, June 6

The 31st Conference on Aging for the 55+ age group will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College.

This event will offer a day of health, wellness and fun for the 55+ population in Central Minnesota. More than 30 organizations and agencies will display relevant products and services throughout the day.

Attendees will also enjoy breakfast and lunch, various health and wellness breakout sessions, musical entertainment and door prizes.

This year's theme is "The Magic of Health & Happiness," which celebrates the happiness and health that can be experienced in this "magical" stage of life.

The purpose of the Conference on Aging is to provide information, educate, and provide a social environment for the senior population in Central Minnesota.

Best-selling authors Janie Jastin and Chez Raginiak are the keynote speakers.

Jasin has been igniting energy in audiences for more than three decades. She delivers a powerful message, laced with stories and humor that move audiences. Through music, story-telling, and audience participation, senses are awakened, stress is relieved, creativity soars, and enthusiasm grows.

Raginiak is an award-winning speaker, author and songwriter. Born and raised in communist Poland, he made a decision at the age of 25 to escape. With nothing more than a dream, Raginiak sought asylum in United States. His determination, perseverance, and vision for the future continually fueled his soaring spirit.

Sponsor and exhibitor inquiries may be directed to Kori Busho, Central Lakes College, at 218-855-8139.

Monday, June 11

Central Lakes College will conduct a music video camp June 11-15 for senior high school students (grades 10 to adult) on the Staples campus.

The day camp (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will instruct up to 15 participants in the creation of a professional-looking music video in just five days. The fee for instruction and all supplies is $75, including daily lunch, discs, and tapes.

Students will get together in groups of two to four and select a song. They write a script, set up and film the shots with digital video recorders and use computers to produce and edit the timeline using Apple's Final Cut Pro software.

When completed, students will author a DVD for final presentation.

For information or to register, contact instructor Leon Dahlvang at 800-247-6836, ext. 5142, or e-mail ldahlvan@clcmn.edu .