AREA BRIEFS

LEADER - Former students and teachers of country schools in southern Cass County are initiating an all-schools reunion for July 8 at the Leader Hall.

The term "country schools" is used to include one-room school and all smaller rural schools.

Rena Underhill, one of the organizers, said there will be a planning meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 18 at the Leader Hall. Those people who have ideas, contact information for former students and teachers or pictures or memorabilia are encouraged to call Ed Vogel at (218) 894-3108 or Underhill at (218) 352-6448.

Rural schools in southern Cass County used different names at times, organizers said, but included Poplar, Crescent, Oakland, Garfield, Esterday, Hazel Dell, Leader, Meadow Brook, Oak Grove, Workman, Riverside Otter Lake, Olinger, May, Sunrise, North Kentucky, Birch Hill, Coolidge, Hardin, Bridgeman, Granger, Pine Ridge, Oak Knoll, Fairview and Hartshorn.

Bingo fund-raiser to help Hallett Community Center planned

CROSBY - The Hallett Community Center Foundation Board will host a bingo fund-raiser from 7-9 p.m. April 21 at the Hallett Community Center, 470 Eighth St. N.E., Crosby.

All proceeds will be used for improvements at the community center.

For more information, call (218) 546-2616 or visit the Web site at hallettcenter.com.

Hackensack American Legion Post donates funds

HACKENSACK - American Legion Post 202 of Hackensack recently donated $300 to the Cass County Food Shelf to help with the annual March food drive.

Lisa Tuller accepted the money on behalf of the Cass County Food Shelf.

Deep Portage lists upcoming programs

HACKENSACK - Upcoming programs at Deep Portage Learning Center will get you in the mood for spring.

Pysanky Egg decorating will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The traditional technique will enable participants to create beautiful eggs for the season.

Cost is $5.

Bring your shotgun (side by side, over-under, or pump) to the Deep Portage Sporting Clay Course and raise money for the Deep Portage Youth Upland Game Camp. The program includes lunch and clays. Bring your own ammo.

Two rounds of 50 and lunch is $45; one round of 50 and lunch is $25. Youth rate (under 16) is $35 for the day or $20 for a half-day. The event is limited to 50 people.

Look for hepatica, bellwort and other signs of spring on a spring hike at 1:30 p.m. May 13. The hike is geared for all ages and fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes.

Cost is $5 per hiker.

A bird walk is planned with Deep Portage Bird Observatory naturalists for 9 a.m. May 27. Enjoy and identify the songbirds of north-central Minnesota. Bring walking shoes and binoculars (Deep Portage has some to lend if needed).

For reservations or more information on any of the programs, future programs or memberships, contact the Deep Portage Learning Center at (218) 682-2325 or (888) 280-9908. Or e-mail to portage@uslink.net.