Area briefs

NISSWA -- The Nisswa Lions Club presented Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards to five club members at its annual Christmas Program at Madden's Resort.

This international foundation award recognizes commitment to servicing the world community.

Named for the founder of Lions Club International, Melvin Jones, the fellowship is the foundation's highest honor. It is a recognition to humanitarian service.

Receiving Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards were:

-- Lee Heurung, past president of the Nisswa Lions Club, director for 14 years, District 2 Zone chairman, co-chair for pork on a stick, newsletter editor, health and welfare chairman, Camp Confidence Learning Center and member of Brainerd Sertoma.

-- Bruce Gateley, president of the Nisswa Lions Club, four years as co-chair of pork on a stick and three years as co-chair for the nut drive.

-- Scott Clement, past president of the Nisswa Lions Club, member since 1991, first, second and third vice president, board member for six years, five years as chairman of parties and conventions and five years as youth teacher at St. Christopher's Church.

-- Ted Schaefer, past president of the Nisswa Lions Club, eight years as scholarship chairman, Helen Keller Award.

-- Bob Hurst is a charter member of the Nisswa Lions Club. He was a director for seven years on the University of Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and Children's Eye Clinic and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for volunteer service to sight conservation.

Hurst has received numerous sight conservation honors and awards, the President Award, Hearing Award, Secretaries Award and Helen Keller Award, and has held most all of the offices in the club.

Hurst has been active in community, state and national organizations for many years.

He was the 1991 Nisswa Citizen of the Year and 1973 Nisswa Teacher of the Year, as well as a recipient of the Community Service Award and Minnesota Principals Academy Award. Other accolades include 1996 Bemidji State University Teachers and Administrator of the Year Hall of Fame, Minnesota Distinguished Service Award, Blandin Fellowship and State Department Leadership Award.

Hurst was honored in 1992 in Washington, D.C., with the National Distinguished Principal Award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the U.S. Department of Education.

Community Education classes starting soon

PEQUOT LAKES -- The following Pequot Lakes Community Education classes will start in the next week to 10 days at Pequot Lakes School:

LCCC Beginning Windows, Feb. 10 and 17.

Creative Memories workshop, Feb. 8.

Youth drivers education, Feb. 5-9 and 12-16.

Growing gourmet mushrooms, Feb. 22.

Hand quilting techniques, Feb. 5 and 12.

Bull's-eye quilt, Feb. 10.

Valentine card stamping, Thursday.

Call 568-9200 for information and to register.