LOCAL BRIEFS

CROSSLAKE - Sharon Corbin, Crosslake, has written and published "Crosslake Cooking," which compiles more than 50 years of recipes collected from family and friends.

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The hardcover book features clear instructions, large print and spiral binding. It is available at Haven Book Store in Crosslake or from the author at nibroca@crosslake.net. Cost is $20 plus $3 for shipping.

Author Sharon Corbin posed with a copy of her cookbook, "Crosslake Cooking."

Corbin, a Minneapolis Central High graduate who is retired from a variety of careers, lives with her husband, Don.

Brainerd English teacher establishes fund at CLC

Betty Lou Johnson, who taught English for the Brainerd School District for 17 years, created a Central Lakes College Foundation scholarship fund in memory of her late husband, Carl.

The $10,000 Carl L. and Betty Lou Johnson Scholarship Fund will provide financial aid to one CLC student per year. To be eligible, the high school graduate must reside in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Todd or Wadena counties.

The recipient must be enrolled at CLC as a full-time student with at least a 3.25 grade-point average and be pursuing a four-year degree. The recipient also must be active in his or her church.

Betty and Carl Johnson both attended Brainerd Junior College.

Betty never finished high school but wanted to go to college. She met with John Chalberg, then president of BJC, and after two days of testing, was admitted to the college as a freshman. She continued to work while attending college.

After completing two years of college in Brainerd, she transferred to Bemidji State University to complete her degree in education. She taught English in the Brainerd school system for 17 years, retiring from Washington Junior High School.

Carl graduated from high school in 1940 and was drafted and served in the European theater in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. He returned and finished two years at BJC, graduating in 1948. He transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he completed his education in 1950.

His dream was to become a doctor, but the money wasn't there for schooling, so upon graduating from college, he re-enlisted.

Carl was commissioned chief warrant officer in 1950 and served with the army in Korea in 1951-1952. He was employed by the Department of Military Affairs for Minnesota until his retirement in 1976.

Carl Johnson died in 1998 at the age of 76.

Back to B.A.S.I.C.S. scheduled Jan. 20

PINE RIVER - Sign up now and get the early bird rates for a full day of fun and education at Back to B.A.S.I.C.S. (Building A Sustainable, Integrated Community System) from 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Pine River-Backus School Commons.

There will be workshops and vendors to discuss topics such as healthy living, biodiesel, gardening, composting and more.

Sponsors are the Happy Dancing Turtle, Pine River-Backus Community Education and Central Lakes College.

Keynote speaker will be Ellen Sandbeck, author of "Organic Housekeeping, Slug Bread and Beheaded Thistles and Eat More Dirt."

Cost for each child for the day, including lunch and snacks, is $15. Cost for adults, including lunch and a morning snack, is $25.

Open house, trail side luncheon scheduled

MERRIFIELD - The Merrifield Marathons Snowmobile Club is having an open house and trail side luncheon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Merrifield Marathon's Center.

The clubhouse, groomer and new trail drag will be on display. Members will be available to answer questions and offer trail tips.

The center is on the Paul Bunyan Trail in Merrifield, on the west side of Crow Wing County Road 3, 1/4 mile south of SuperAmerica.

Volunteer orientation training set Jan. 17

HACKENSACK - New volunteer orientation training for Faith in Action volunteers will be from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Union Church in Hackensack.

Faith in Action volunteers make a one-on-one difference in their local communities, through compassionate assistance to people in need. Depending on their interests and abilities, volunteers may help with rides to medical appointments or errands, grocery shopping, minor home repair, friendly visits or other household tasks. Volunteers receive excess auto liability insurance, mileage reimbursement and the satisfaction of doing something meaningful and worthwhile.

Call (218) 675-5435 by Jan. 16 to attend, for more information or if you need the assistance of a Faith in Action Volunteer.