Spring YMCA swim lessons begin the week of Feb. 25

The Brainerd Family YMCA's next swim lesson session is coming soon. The lesson schedule is available at the YMCA and on the Web at brainerdlakes ymca.org.

The session begins the week of Feb. 25 and meets once a week for six weeks. These pre-school and school-age lessons are taught by trained instructors. YMCA members can begin registering for classes Tuesday. Community members can begin on Feb. 21.

Interested persons may contact the Brainerd Family YMCA at 829-4767 or stop by at 602 Oak St. in Brainerd to register.

Mental health group to provide transportation for Capitol rally

A mental health rally is scheduled for noon March 5 at the state Capitol rotunda in St. Paul, with the Brainerd lakes area affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness providing free, round-trip transportation from either Walker or Brainerd.

No lunch will be served and participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. After the noon rally state legislators will meet with those who attended the rally.

The rally is for consumers and their families and friends and anyone interested in improving the lives of those living with mental illness. People who are interested in attending the rally may contact the Western Leech Lake Chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance by calling (218) 547-3905 or e-mailing at dbsawesternleechlake @hotmail.com.

Ward lists grants for those exploring health care careers

Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, recently announced two grant opportunities for individuals exploring health care careers.

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking applications from statewide nonprofits to administer the summer health care internship program. The purpose of the program is to expose interested secondary and post-secondary students to various careers within the health care profession through summer internships with hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities and home care providers.

Prospective applicants may contact the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care in the Minnesota Department of Health at (651) 201-3851.

The second grant is offered through the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which is requesting proposals from qualified Medicaid home and community-based service providers interested in receiving scholarship funds for employee education and training in nursing and other health care fields. More information may be obtained by calling (651) 431-2264.

Planning commission to meet Wednesday

The Brainerd Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Brainerd City Hall.