Area Briefs

PEQUOT LAKES -- Mike and Mary Sams of Cass County were among the more than 90 young farmers to attend the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference on Feb. 23-25 in St. Paul.

Coordinated by the MFBF State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, the weekend included a variety of leadership building and educational sessions.

The Samses farm and log with draft horses near Pequot Lakes. They also run a small beef cow/calf operation. They have two children, Rachel and Matt, who help with chores.

Learn coffee basics at the Plaid Duck

PEQUOT LAKES -- Learn the origins and 1,500-year history of coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Plaid Duck in Pequot Lakes.

Participants will see coffee being roasted in the new mini-roaster, as well as experience a coffee cupping -- the art and technique of coffee tasting and evaluation after a discussion of coffee.

Participants will learn where coffee comes from, how coffee came from its origins in Ethiopia to its popularity throughout the world, how it is grown, processed and roasted.

The cupping is not unlike wine tasting. This event is jointly sponsored by the Plaid Duck and Pequot Lakes Community Education. Cost is $5. Register at 568-9200. Linda, instructor and owner of the Plaid Duck, is a member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

Pequot Community Education brochure to arrive in mail

PEQUOT LAKES -- The spring and summer 2001 Pequot Lakes Community Education brochure will arrive in the mail the week of March 26. Inside are listings for more than 100 classes and events that will take place over the next several months at Pequot Lakes School, Pine River schools, Lakes Area Boosters Club, the Crosslake Community Center and the surrounding area.

Classes will cater to interests in computers (including a five-day computer camp for adults), crafts, art, exercise, fishing, theater, relationship issues, swimming, sports or learning a foreign language.

This issue also will list summer activities for youths, including summer full-day Kid Konnection for school-aged children, a youth summer theater program, teen summer activities at the Eclipse Teen Center, Safety Town for preschoolers, and other spring and summer sports and recreational activities.

If a brochure doesn't arrive in the mail, pick up a copy at TDS Telecom, Brandangers Office Supply, Pequot Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Lakes Area Family Center, Pine River Chamber of Commerce, Iron Hills Pawn, Crosslake Community Center or the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce. For more information call Community Education at 568-9200 in Pequot Lakes or 587-2080 in Pine River.