LOCAL BRIEFS

The Cuyuna Range Women's Club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library in Crosby (note the new time).

Following a brief business meeting chaired by Myrna Nelson, special music will be provided by Gary Stacken, singer and guitarist.

The program, "Growing Up in Haifa, Israel, as a Palestinian Christian," will be given by Samir Sambar of Milwaukee. Sambar has a master's degree in Middle East Foreign Affairs from Marquette University. He will recount his experiences living in Israel, show pictures of the area where he grew up and share personal memories of the situations he encountered during those years.

Following the program, refreshments will be served by the committee of Betty Brager, Juanita Noble and Darlene Olson.

All area women are invited to the meeting and welcome to join the club.

Israel and Palestine: A human rights point of view

CROSBY - On Nov. 10, Peter Mann, a Lake Shore resident, will share his unique perspective on the long-standing national rivalry between Israel and Palestine.

This class, sponsored by Unlimited Learning, is scheduled from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby.

In 2006, Peter Mann traveled to Israel and Palestine on a fact-finding mission with a group of 100 Presbyterians. He returned in 2007 from one of a number of such trips to investigate starting an import business. He is currently president of Import Peace, a nonprofit import mission.

Those planning to attend the class are encouraged to read "Blood Brothers" by Elias Chacour, a three-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Funded in part by a Lifelong Learning Grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center, the program is open to the public for a fee of $6. For Unlimited Learning members, the program is part of this year's membership. Scholarships are available. For information, contact Larry Foote at 678-3034.

East Meets West Dryland Sleddog Race set in Clearwater

The organizing committee for the East Meets West Dryland Sleddog Race is swinging into high gear in preparation for the Nov. 14-15 event at Warner Lake Park in Clearwater.

More than 100 competitors from throughout North America are expected to compete for $10,000 in 12 classes. The event is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association and accredited by the International Federation of Sleddog Sports with collaboration by the North Star Sled Dog Club of Minnesota.

Events are open to the public and begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.isdra-dryland-racing.info or call Monica Jendro at (320) 282-2824.