LOCAL BRIEFS

GARRISON - Garrison Dollars for Scholars, sponsored by the Garrison Lions, will offer three $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2009.

Applicants must be residents of Garrison, live within a 10-mile radius of Garrison or the applicant's parents must own a business in Garrison.

Applications for Dollars for Scholars scholarships are available from high school counselors at the Brainerd, Crosby, Aitkin and Onamia high schools. Entries must be postmarked by March 27.

College, professionals offer free dental exams

The dental assisting program at Central Lakes College, in partnership with area professionals, will offer free dental exams to children and young adults Feb. 5-6.

The annual event, Give Kids a Smile Day, is a project during Dental Health Month. It is an opportunity for free oral exams, X-rays, teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment courtesy of the Minnesota Dental Association and Central Lakes College.

Dental Assisting students, faculty and staff at CLC join volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants to provide the services to families who could otherwise not afford the care.

In the Brainerd campus dental clinic, appointments will be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 5-6 for ages 3-18.

Appointments also may be scheduled at two dental offices on Feb. 6 - KOALA Dental Care in Baxter (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Dr. John Gorton's office in Staples (8:45 a.m.-3 p.m., ages 4-16).

Dentists partnering in the project include Gorton, Grace Shin, Kristin Rajala, William Beasley, William Stein, Jeff Hiebert, Arnold Rutman, Craig Johnson, Clint Roberts, John Collier and David Collier.

Volunteer dental hygienists include Marcia Schroeder, Marie Johnshoy, Valorie Heitkamp, Randi Lindberg and Becky Aventi.

Volunteer dental assistants include Denise Carter, Deana Maier, Ashley Czech, Sally Ostendorf, Courtney Austin, Tracey Foss, Mindy Laudenbach and Angie Holtz.

Appointments may be made by calling LeAnn Schoenle at 855-8106 or (800) 933-0346, ext. 8106. All patients served on this day must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Rotary Club seeks area professionals for goodwill exchange

Enthusiastic, informed and articulate young professionals are sought for a Rotary-sponsored vocational visit to Japan in October/November 2009.

Through Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program, local residents (non-Rotarians) have the opportunity to foster international goodwill and understanding through an exchange that involves team members sharing information about their own country while experiencing the customs, vocations and lifestyle of another.

While in Japan, team members will stay with Rotarians who will provide meals, lodging and group travel in the host district. The Rotary Foundation provides a round-trip air ticket. Team members pay only for personal and incidental expenses.

Young professionals age 25-40, employed full time and residing in Rotary District 5580 are encouraged to apply.

Applications are available on the Rotary District Web site: www.bemidjirotary.org/ 5580-gse/.

The district closing date for applications and essays of interest is Feb. 13. Contact your local Rotary club for specific application and essay deadlines.