Area briefs

The American Red Cross is seeking blood donors for bloodmobile drives in Emily, Walker and Nisswa.

Blood drives are set noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Emily City Hall, noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the AmericInn in Walker and 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 5064 County Road 13, in Nisswa.

To help boost the blood supply, North Central Blood Services is offering all Red Cross donors a chance to win a pre-paid gasoline card. Based on a calculated average use, this card could be considered "free gas for a year."

Through Oct. 1, people who go to American Red Cross blood donor centers or bloodmobiles will receive a ticket to win free gas for a year. Two separate drawings will be available. All current Red Cross donors will receive a ticket for an "existing donor" drawing. All first-time donors will be entered into a "new donor" drawing. If existing donors bring a new donor, they will receive two entries.

Details about the sweepstakes are available by visiting the North Central Blood Services' Web site at www.yourbloodcenter.org or by asking for a copy of the rules when donating.

Ride for Unity Family Hospice set Sept. 18

The ninth annual Ride for Unity Family Hospice will be Sept. 18 with registration 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $5 donation.

The ride will start at Red Bull Bar in Little Falls and will travel to Capp's Family Dining in Hillman. The next stop will be Triple Play in Genola with cyclists returning to the Red Bull at 5 p.m.

Last year 140 riders participated in the Ride for Hospice. The event includes food, prize giveaways and an auction.

For more information, contact Karen Dolan at Unity Family Hospice at (320) 632-1388.

Morrison County Historical Society to host annual dinner

LITTLE FALLS -- The Morrison County Historical Society will hold its annual dinner meeting with a presentation by T.H.E. Plainsman, a 340-year-old Minnesota traveler, Sept. 19 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls.

Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the memories of T.H.E. Plainsman as he tells of his journey to Mille Lacs with father Louis Hennepin, his exploration of the Mississippi River with Zebulon Pike, how he fled a prairie fire with George Catlin and hunted buffalo with Zebulon Pike.

The characterization of T.H.E. Plainsman is presented by Jim Cummings, former high school teacher and museum director. He is the park naturalist and outdoor educator at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. He is an archeologist and teaches introduction of archaeology at Central Lakes College.

Cost of the dinner is $15, payable in advance or at the door. Reservations are required for dinner and must be made by Sept. 14 by calling the Morrison County Historical Society at (320) 632-4007.