LOCAL BRIEFS

For the first time because of the flu shot shortage, Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd is unable to give flu shots to its 325 employees and volunteer caregivers.

So the staff has come up with a way to encourage their employees to stay healthy during the flu season.

Liz Csanda, Bethany community relations director, said when employees pick up their paychecks on Monday they will receive a "Caring for Caregiver" care package. The packages include a can of chicken noodle soup, hand sanitizer and a candy treat. The soup was donated by Schaefer's Foods and SAVE.

Csanda said the care packages include a note saying that they are sorry they can't provide the employees with a flu shot but "take good care of yourself so you can take care of others."

Brainerd Area Shriners to meet

Brainerd Area Shriners will meet for soup and sandwich lunch at noon Monday in the Shrine Club Room in Brainerd. The paper crusade meeting is 10 a.m. and the board of directors will meet at 10:30 a.m. Monday. All Shriners and Masons welcome.

Little Falls School Board to meet Monday

LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday for a work session at the media center in the Little Falls Community High School.

The board also will meet at 7 p.m. in the media center for its business meeting.