AREA BRIEFS

Fathers Read Every Day is a special program for 3- to 8-year-old children and their dads. There will be gym time, food, fun activities and free books for each child.

This FRED program is free, but pre-registration is required. Contact each site to register.

Sessions will be from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Nov. 2 at Harrison elementary, register at 454-6500; Nov. 6 at Lincoln elementary, register at 454-6600; Nov. 9 at Whittier elementary, register at 454-6700; and Nov. 13 at the Early Childhood Center, register at 454-5430.

Research has shown that when fathers read every day to their young children, kids become better readers and more successful in school. Any male role model may participate with a child - biological dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, family friends or any other man that is involved in a young child's life.

This FRED program is sponsored by Target Stores, The Minnesota Humanities Commission, local parent teacher associations, Brainerd Lakes Area Early Childhood Coalition and in part by the Initiative Foundation.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Early Childhood Coalition was developed by the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and meets the second Thursday of each month. For more information on becoming involved, call 828-1281.

4-H Ambassadors to have haunted house

"The Haunted Prison," the 4-H Ambassadors eighth annual Halloween haunted house, will be from 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the livestock arena at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds. The event is funded by Youth as Resources.

Admission is $1 or a non-perishable food item. Proceeds will go to the area food shelf.

There will be free hot chocolate and candy, Halloween games and activities for younger children in the 4-H building.

Baxter leaf disposal dates extended

BAXTER - Baxter residents have additional days to drop off leaves at the city's leaf disposal site.

The city will be accepting leaves from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays on the following dates: Oct. 27, Oct. 28, Oct. 29, Nov. 3, Nov. 4 and Nov. 5.

The site is on Mapleton Road just west of Ironwood Drive and near Jasperson Drive. The leaf drop-off site will be marked by a gate and signs. No brush or garbage will be accepted and an attendant will be on site.