LOCAL BRIEFS

Dreams lie buried in the snow in McGregor.

It's the dream of Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity to build its next home there.

Habitat for Humanity is a global Christian nonprofit agency that works to eliminate substandard housing. It works with families in need to build or renovate decent, affordable housing. Families put in sweat equity on their homes and pay back no-interest mortgages. Mortgage payments are used to build more homes.

The Aitkin County affiliate had a successful year in 2009. They built a single family home for a family in Hill City and a double home in Aitkin for a family of three and a family of five.

Now the affiliate is raising funds and looking for volunteers in McGregor. The old mobile home on the McGregor lot has been cleared and the next step is to remove the basement and flatten out the space for a slab. Homes are built on a slab with in-floor heating and follow a standard floor plan that includes three bedrooms and a bath, with appliances, washer and drier and an outside storage shed. There is a garage on the McGregor lot that may be renovated.

What can you do? Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity offers everyone an opportunity to help with the McGregor project and future projects. For more information, call (218) 927-5656, e-mail achfh@aitkincountyhabitat.org log onto www.aitkincountyhabitat.org or visit them on Facebook.

- By Ann Schwartz, Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity director

Astronomy for grown-ups

CROSBY - Space flights haven't cleared up all the mystery surrounding what lies beyond our solar system. Join Unlimited Learning on Feb. 18, when David Kobilka, earth science instructor at Central Lakes College, will explain what's out there and how it all came to be.

The class is scheduled from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby.

Explore with Kobilka the stellar evolution, the galactic center, cosmology and the universe. Learn what it all means, how it began and when it will end. Consider the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence and the Drake equation.

Kobilka received his bachelor of science degree in geology from Bemidji State and a master of science degree in oceanography from Texas A&M University.

Unlimited Learning provides quality learning opportunities for all ages with emphasis on mature adults. The organization offers monthly classes and courses for those who love learning and enjoy exploring new and varied interests as well as connecting with people. Individual classes are free to members while non-members pay $6 per session. Scholarships are available.

For further information, contact Larry Foote at 678-3034.