Crosslake Community School fund-raiser set

MANHATTAN BEACH -- A fund-raiser for the Crosslake Community School will be 5 p.m. Thursday at Manhattan Beach Lodge.

For the 12th consecutive year, the lodge will contribute half of the revenue from its spring reopening party to a Crosslake area cause.

"The birth of this school is a story of dedication and heroism," said Mary Zesbaugh, lodge president. "We have watched the parents work for several years to make this happen and now we see children who absolutely love their school."

The community school is a charter school in its first year of operation. Part of the school's mission is to assure that children from Crosslake have access to quality education in their own community. The school's maximum class size is 16 students and each student has a personal learning plan in which the parents, students and teacher set goals for the child.

Mike Stone, charter school board chair, expects the school to grow from 40 to 60 students next year. Currently, school staff members are negotiating a contract to lease the old fire hall for the school facility.

At the fund-raiser, Chef Jeff Berres will feature a five-course gourmet dinner with classic wine pairings, plus the regular menu. A silent wine auction will be held that will showcase rare, collectible and hard to find wines.

Representatives from the school will be available throughout the event to explain school programs. For more information or to make reservations, call (218) 692-3381.