Vermilion Dream Quilters to display

at Depot Days

TOWER- The Vermilion Dream Quilters Guild will host a booth in the Tower Civic Center during Depot Days, which runs from Friday noon, July 29 - Sunday July 31 at 5:00 pm.  The booth will be non-commercial with displays featuring quilts, quilting samples and a variety of projects made by members of the guild.  Also on display will be a “Quilts 4 Comfort” quilt made by members to be given to the cancer chemo center at several area hospitals.  Also on display will be a “Quilt of Valor”, intended for returning veterans.  These groups are two of the charities that the Vermilion Dream Quilters support.

 The Vermilion Dream Quilters has been in existence for over 10 years and has members from Ely to Side Lake and from Cook to Virginia. 

P.E.O. Summer Luncheon

LAKE VERMILION- The members of P.E.O. Chapter DX cordially inviteall P.E.O. area summer residents and unaffiliates to join in for lunch at the Wilderness Club House at Fortune Bay Resort on Thursday, Aug. 11. The menu will include a choice of two soups, two sandwiches, or a salad and a basic beverage for $12, tip included. Registration will begin at 11:30 and lunch at 12:00 noon.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Marge at 753-3503 or Sally at 753-2154 no later then Saturday, Aug. 5.

We hope to see many of you there for the informal social event.

Lilypad picnic on July 23

ELY-The North American Bear Center will host the second annual LilyPad Picnic in Ely on July 22-24. The festivities are to honor the efforts of the NABC and Wildlife Research Institute, and celebrate the lives of Lily, Hope, Faith, Jason and the other study bears involved with those organizations.

The actual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Whiteside Park starting at 10 a.m. A brunch and Q&A with bear researchers Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield will take place at the Grand Ely Lodge on Sunday, July 24 at 9:45 a.m.

For a detailed list of the doings visit www.lilypadpicnic.com.

Town and Country Garden Tours July 28

COOK-The next meeting of the Cook Area Garden Club will be on Thursday, July 28 at 6 p.m. We will first be touring the city gardens of Dan Manick located at 104 First Street in Cook. Our second tour will be at the country gardens of Lois Pajari at 1953 Vermilion Dr. Our final stop will be a social time with treats at the Cook Gazebo. Members, guests, and local visitors are all welcome to attend.

St. Mary’s Vacaton Bible School

COOK- Summer is here and we’re planning an exciting Vacation Bible School experience! Let’s work together to care for creation! It’s time to register for ReNew: “The Green VBS.” The VBS will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook, Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ReNew Vacation Bible School invites kids to learn about Jesus, explore the Bible, help build our community and grow, as they become stewards of God’s creation. Kids will have an amazing time growing in faith.

All kids between ages 3 years old and 6th grade who want to ReNew are welcome!

Registration is going on now. For more information or to register for VBS, the forms are available at the Trinity Lutheran Church office (666-5965) or at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (666-5334).

Greenwood BBQ

on July 30

LAKE VERMILION- Come and join us at Greenwood Township’s 30th Annual Summer Barbecue on Saturday, July 30 at the Greenwood Town Hall, located at the intersection of County Road 77 and Birch Point Road at the Tower end of Lake Vermilion.  Serving begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

 Ticket costs remain the same - $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under.  Tickets may be reserved at the door by calling Delores at 753-4855 or Ruth at 753-5966.

 Duke Skorich and company will once again prepare the barbecued beef and pork, assisted by the Fire Department, Auxiliary and friends of the Auxiliary.  Menu items include hashed brown potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, beverages and dessert.  Carry out meals are also available.

 Following the BBQ is the benefit drawing.  Petersen Drilling has again donated the top prize of a $1,000 savings bond.  Second prize is a two-seat glider swing and third prize is a single-seat glider swing.  Dozens of other prizes will also be awarded and include merchandise and gift certificates donated by area businesses.

 Profits from the benefit go toward the purchase of emergency medical and/or firefighting equipment needed by the volunteer firefighters.

Hymn Sing at Soudan Baptist

on July 24

SOUDAN- Soudan Baptist Church is holding an old-fashioned hymn sing on Sunday, July 24 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come join us and praise the Lord. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments, and local singing groups are encouraged to attend. Please come and share your talents. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the singing. Soudan Baptist Church is located at 32 Church Street. For more information, call 753-3902.

Red Hat Belles dinner and theater night on July 28

TOWER- The Northern Red Hat Belles will be getting together for dinner at the Adventures Restaurant at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 28. Then the group will attend the musical “My Fair Lady” for the 7 p.m. performance at Mesabi Range College. Please call Judy at 753-3982 to make your reservation by Monday, July 25.

Fireflies planning garage and bake sale for Aug. 6

EAGLES NEST - The Fireflies, Eagles Nest Volunteer Fire Auxiliary, will hold its annual Garage and Bake Sale on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. - 12 noon. The sale will be held at the Eagles Nest Town Hall, 1552 Bear Head State Park Road. Come to browse a whole fire hall of goodies including furniture, housewares, sporting goods and much, much more. Coffee an’ treats will be available for purchase starting at 7 a.m. Donations are still needed and can be dropped off at the town hall on Saturday, July 30 from 10-12 noon or on Sunday, July 31 and Monday Aug. 1 from 3 - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 4 - 6 p.m. Contact Bonnie Adams (Garage Sale) 365-6326 or Pat Humay (Bake Sale) 365-5170 for additional information or to volunteer. Mark your calendars and don’t miss the best garage sale ever!

Summer Sing at the Free Church

EMBARRASS- The Evangelical Free Church of Embarrass will host a “Summer Sing” on Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. There will be a number of gospel songs presented by various local musicians, and the congregation will have the opportunity to sing along on familiar hymns of the faith. It will be an enjoyable evening for music lovers. Refreshments will be served following the service. All are welcome to attend.

Nature of the

North Woods

ELY- Vermilion Community College Continuing Education has begun its 2011 “Nature of the North Woods” summer programs with the assistance of the Ely Field Naturalists.

Call VCC at 218-235-2165 for more information or to register early, as tours and field trips have limited capacity.

Nature writing: “For the Birds, Animals & Plants”

Ely poet and writing instructor DyAnne Korda will engage anyone interested in discovering their nature writing potential through workshops on a series of featured topics.

“For the Birds, Animals & Plants” is the fifth in the six-part program on Monday, July 25 from 1-3 p.m.

The final class, “Summer Rituals,” runs on Monday, Aug. 1. Sign up for classes individually or for the last two in the series.

Bird outings

Birdwatching field trips will be conducted to some of the best locations in the area every Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. These trips are for any level of experience. Binoculars will be available for participants.

Vermilion forest hikes

On Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. take a hike through the forest at VCC. Look at trees over 100 years old, historical sites, wetlands, plants and animals, plus whatever else participants young or old can discover. All ages are welcome.

Listening Point tours

VCC has partnered with the Listening Point Foundation for presentations on Sigurd F. Olson, and tours of his Listening Point cabin and the writing shack at his former home in Ely. Tours are conducted every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. throughout the summer.

If You Gotta Move...!

ELY- If you are one of those people who loves to move and express yourself, here’s something for you.

Cast from the Water’s Edge: The Boundary Waters Project is the intended title for Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater’s performance piece, which shall take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Vermilion Community College Fine Arts Theatre.

You are invited to participate in the ensemble’s creation of this dance/theatre piece. The performance will be created out of the lives, stories and experiences of the participants. That means you.

Come to the VCC Theatre lobby on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 4-5 p.m. to learn about the process, take the first steps toward the final performance, and have your chance to move and perform.

Rehearsals will start on Monday, Aug. 8 from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Ely Community Center auditorium and continue throughout the next two weeks until the final performance.

Contact the Northern Lakes Arts Association office at 365-5070 if you are interested in joining the fun and having the opportunity to work with a professional Minneapolis dance/theatre group of eight. Participation is free and participants should be 12 or older.

Kids’ Stuff presents Dazzling Dave

ELY- See a performance by Dazzling Dave and you might start believing his yo-yos are alive.

Dazzling Dave will be at Ely Public Library on Monday, July 25 at 11:30 a.m. and at Babbitt Public Library on Monday, July 25 at 3 p.m.

Dazzling Dave is a full-time professional yo-yo performer, and one of 13 officially recognized National Yo-Yo Masters. He has circled the globe since 1998, storming audiences everywhere with his freakish tornado of whirling tricks and tips.

Kids will love his high energy, and his freestyle performance.

Each show lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, with a question and answer session that follows. The show is best for school age children, but younger audiences will enjoy it as well. After the program, Dazzling Dave will have yo-yos for sale.

Dazzling Dave is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System Kids’ Stuff and your local library.

Children’s Tea Party on the Tower train

TOWER- The Tower-Soudan Historical Society is hosting a tea party on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 2-3:30 p.m. on Coach 81 at the Tower train depot. All young ladies and gentleman ages three to 11, along with an accompanying adult (plus dolls) are welcome to attend. Dress-up attire is welcome but not required. The free event is sponsored by the Tower-Soudan Historical Society, Tower-Soudan Community Education, and Tower-Soudan Youth Development. The event is free but reservations are required to make sure we have plenty of room for all our guests. Please call Jayne Sundeen at 753-2526 or call the Depot Museum at 753-5021.

Gardening 101

Want to get started growing your own food, but don’t know where to begin? The Local Foods Project invites you to join us for free beginning gardening classes! All classes held at 5:30 p.m. and will run about 45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Don't Bug My Garden!. July 28. Learn natural ways to protect your garden from hungry insects and other plagues. Classes are held at the Youth Foyer building, 302 12th St. South, Virginia. Directions: Directions: Take 2nd. Ave. south, turn right at the last alley before leaving town. Head west to end of 12th. St. Questions?, email us at thelocalfoodsproject@gmail. com.

“Earth art” class

scholarships

available at ECR

ELY- Ely Community Resource is offering a chance for youth ages nine through 14 to study and create environmental works of art inspired by the work of Andrew Goldsworthy.

Participants will work with natural objects along the Trezona Trail to create “biodegradable” art. The artists will photograph their work, have their favorites enlarged and matted, then invite the public to a showing on Aug. 19.

Guides for the program include Jill Nocera-Swanson, M. Ed. environmental education; Wanda J. Pearcy, assistant professor of art and design, UMD; and Chris Perry, professional photographer.

The course will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Aug. 1-19 from 1-3 p.m. The classroom will be based out of the Ely Recreation Center next to the Trezona Trail. In addition, 10 full scholarships are available for a class size of 10.

Sign up by calling ECR at 365-5254 or access registration on their website at www.elycommunityresource.org. This program is funded by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.

Makela receives an Associate in Applied Science degree

DES MOINES, IOWA– Samantha Makela of Tower has been awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Communications Design and Management with Highest Honors from AIB College of Business.

“You can be especially proud of this accomplishment,” said commencement speaker Catherine (Kay) Smith, professor in the AIB Court Reporting & Captioning department.  “You are in a very special group of people.”

Professor Smith addressed the students about compound interest.  She advised them to invest immediately, invest wisely, and invest for the long term.

“In addition to being a good steward of the financial gains you make in life,” she said, “be an exceptional steward of the things in life that really matter.”

Ebassa Berhanu to preach at St. Paul’s

SOUDAN- Pastor Ebassa Berhanu will be preaching at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Soudan on Sunday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

One-day retreat at

St. Martin’s

TOWER- All area residents are invited to attend a one-day retreat on “Forgiveness” at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Team members are from Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake. The cost is $28 for the day and includes breakfast, lunch and coffee break. For more information or to register call Mary Ann Henderson at 753-6302 or Lorraine Mortaloni at 753-2431. The deadline for registration is Monday, Aug. 15.

100th anniversary of the Bear River Fair

BEAR RIVER- The Bear River Fair committee invites all residents and visitors from surrounding communities to exhibit their agricultural products and handwork items at the 100th Bear River Fair. Our goal is 100 exhibitors this year. Exhibits are to be entered on Saturday morning, Aug. 20 between 9-12 noon. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. All exhibits will remain on display until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21. Regulations and premium lists are available from Cindy Holm at 218-376-4405.

Besides the fair exhibits, visitors will enjoy live music, bingo, children’s activities, pie social, baseball tournament, food concessions including corn on the cob, scavenger hunt for ages 12 and up, and much, much more.

The Bear River Centennial Fair will be held at the Bear River Community Center (the old Bear River School) on the corner of Hwy. 22 and Hwy. 5 in Bear River. For more information, visit www.bearrivermn.com.

Movie Night at

St. James

TOWER- St. James Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a movie night on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. The move will be “Rust.” Popcorn and beverages will be served. The event is free and open to all.

Relaxation yoga class

TOWER- The Relaxation Yoga class will meet on Wednesday, July 27 at 4 p.m. in the Timberjay building in Tower.

Cost is $5 summer special, no prepays required, just drop in. This is a very, very gentle class with no sun salutations or movement up and down (except for a gentle half-sun salutation flow to gently energize upper body).  Modifications to let yoga meet us where we’re at is the focus in this class. We end with a 20-minute guided meditation to allow our body to soften and to quiet our mind. 

Space is suitable to the class ambiance.  Check it out, put up your feet and hang loose.

ValleyFair trip on August 11

TOWER- There will be a trip to ValleyFair on Thursday, Aug. 11. Reservations and payment must be made by Aug. 3. Cost is $65 per person which includes bus fare, ValleyFair tickets and snacks during the ride. The bus will leave Tower at 6:30 a.m. and return late that evening. Call Christina at 780-4645 for more information or to make your reservation.

Vermilion Dream Quilters to display

at Depot Days

TOWER- The Vermilion Dream Quilters Guild will host a booth in the Tower Civic Center during Depot Days, which runs from Friday noon, July 29 - Sunday July 31 at 5:00 pm.  The booth will be non-commercial with displays featuring quilts, quilting samples and a variety of projects made by members of the guild.  Also on display will be a “Quilts 4 Comfort” quilt made by members to be given to the cancer chemo center at several area hospitals.  Also on display will be a “Quilt of Valor”, intended for returning veterans.  These groups are two of the charities that the Vermilion Dream Quilters support.

 The Vermilion Dream Quilters has been in existence for over 10 years and has members from Ely to Side Lake and from Cook to Virginia. 

P.E.O. Summer Luncheon

LAKE VERMILION- The members of P.E.O. Chapter DX cordially inviteall P.E.O. area summer residents and unaffiliates to join in for lunch at the Wilderness Club House at Fortune Bay Resort on Thursday, Aug. 11. The menu will include a choice of two soups, two sandwiches, or a salad and a basic beverage for $12, tip included. Registration will begin at 11:30 and lunch at 12:00 noon.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Marge at 753-3503 or Sally at 753-2154 no later then Saturday, Aug. 5.

We hope to see many of you there for the informal social event.

Lilypad picnic on July 23

ELY-The North American Bear Center will host the second annual LilyPad Picnic in Ely on July 22-24. The festivities are to honor the efforts of the NABC and Wildlife Research Institute, and celebrate the lives of Lily, Hope, Faith, Jason and the other study bears involved with those organizations.

The actual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Whiteside Park starting at 10 a.m. A brunch and Q&A with bear researchers Dr. Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield will take place at the Grand Ely Lodge on Sunday, July 24 at 9:45 a.m.

For a detailed list of the doings visit www.lilypadpicnic.com.

Town and Country Garden Tours July 28

COOK-The next meeting of the Cook Area Garden Club will be on Thursday, July 28 at 6 p.m. We will first be touring the city gardens of Dan Manick located at 104 First Street in Cook. Our second tour will be at the country gardens of Lois Pajari at 1953 Vermilion Dr. Our final stop will be a social time with treats at the Cook Gazebo. Members, guests, and local visitors are all welcome to attend.

St. Mary’s Vacaton Bible School

COOK- Summer is here and we’re planning an exciting Vacation Bible School experience! Let’s work together to care for creation! It’s time to register for ReNew: “The Green VBS.” The VBS will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook, Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ReNew Vacation Bible School invites kids to learn about Jesus, explore the Bible, help build our community and grow, as they become stewards of God’s creation. Kids will have an amazing time growing in faith.

All kids between ages 3 years old and 6th grade who want to ReNew are welcome!

Registration is going on now. For more information or to register for VBS, the forms are available at the Trinity Lutheran Church office (666-5965) or at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (666-5334).

Greenwood BBQ

on July 30

LAKE VERMILION- Come and join us at Greenwood Township’s 30th Annual Summer Barbecue on Saturday, July 30 at the Greenwood Town Hall, located at the intersection of County Road 77 and Birch Point Road at the Tower end of Lake Vermilion.  Serving begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

 Ticket costs remain the same - $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and under.  Tickets may be reserved at the door by calling Delores at 753-4855 or Ruth at 753-5966.

 Duke Skorich and company will once again prepare the barbecued beef and pork, assisted by the Fire Department, Auxiliary and friends of the Auxiliary.  Menu items include hashed brown potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, beverages and dessert.  Carry out meals are also available.

 Following the BBQ is the benefit drawing.  Petersen Drilling has again donated the top prize of a $1,000 savings bond.  Second prize is a two-seat glider swing and third prize is a single-seat glider swing.  Dozens of other prizes will also be awarded and include merchandise and gift certificates donated by area businesses.

 Profits from the benefit go toward the purchase of emergency medical and/or firefighting equipment needed by the volunteer firefighters.

Hymn Sing at Soudan Baptist

on July 24

SOUDAN- Soudan Baptist Church is holding an old-fashioned hymn sing on Sunday, July 24 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come join us and praise the Lord. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments, and local singing groups are encouraged to attend. Please come and share your talents. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the singing. Soudan Baptist Church is located at 32 Church Street. For more information, call 753-3902.

Red Hat Belles dinner and theater night on July 28

TOWER- The Northern Red Hat Belles will be getting together for dinner at the Adventures Restaurant at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 28. Then the group will attend the musical “My Fair Lady” for the 7 p.m. performance at Mesabi Range College. Please call Judy at 753-3982 to make your reservation by Monday, July 25.

Fireflies planning garage and bake sale for Aug. 6

EAGLES NEST - The Fireflies, Eagles Nest Volunteer Fire Auxiliary, will hold its annual Garage and Bake Sale on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. - 12 noon. The sale will be held at the Eagles Nest Town Hall, 1552 Bear Head State Park Road. Come to browse a whole fire hall of goodies including furniture, housewares, sporting goods and much, much more. Coffee an’ treats will be available for purchase starting at 7 a.m. Donations are still needed and can be dropped off at the town hall on Saturday, July 30 from 10-12 noon or on Sunday, July 31 and Monday Aug. 1 from 3 - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 4 - 6 p.m. Contact Bonnie Adams (Garage Sale) 365-6326 or Pat Humay (Bake Sale) 365-5170 for additional information or to volunteer. Mark your calendars and don’t miss the best garage sale ever!

Summer Sing at the Free Church

EMBARRASS- The Evangelical Free Church of Embarrass will host a “Summer Sing” on Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m. There will be a number of gospel songs presented by various local musicians, and the congregation will have the opportunity to sing along on familiar hymns of the faith. It will be an enjoyable evening for music lovers. Refreshments will be served following the service. All are welcome to attend.

Nature of the

North Woods

ELY- Vermilion Community College Continuing Education has begun its 2011 “Nature of the North Woods” summer programs with the assistance of the Ely Field Naturalists.

Call VCC at 218-235-2165 for more information or to register early, as tours and field trips have limited capacity.

Nature writing: “For the Birds, Animals & Plants”

Ely poet and writing instructor DyAnne Korda will engage anyone interested in discovering their nature writing potential through workshops on a series of featured topics.

“For the Birds, Animals & Plants” is the fifth in the six-part program on Monday, July 25 from 1-3 p.m.

The final class, “Summer Rituals,” runs on Monday, Aug. 1. Sign up for classes individually or for the last two in the series.

Bird outings

Birdwatching field trips will be conducted to some of the best locations in the area every Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. These trips are for any level of experience. Binoculars will be available for participants.

Vermilion forest hikes

On Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. take a hike through the forest at VCC. Look at trees over 100 years old, historical sites, wetlands, plants and animals, plus whatever else participants young or old can discover. All ages are welcome.

Listening Point tours

VCC has partnered with the Listening Point Foundation for presentations on Sigurd F. Olson, and tours of his Listening Point cabin and the writing shack at his former home in Ely. Tours are conducted every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. throughout the summer.

If You Gotta Move...!

ELY- If you are one of those people who loves to move and express yourself, here’s something for you.

Cast from the Water’s Edge: The Boundary Waters Project is the intended title for Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater’s performance piece, which shall take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Vermilion Community College Fine Arts Theatre.

You are invited to participate in the ensemble’s creation of this dance/theatre piece. The performance will be created out of the lives, stories and experiences of the participants. That means you.

Come to the VCC Theatre lobby on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 4-5 p.m. to learn about the process, take the first steps toward the final performance, and have your chance to move and perform.

Rehearsals will start on Monday, Aug. 8 from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Ely Community Center auditorium and continue throughout the next two weeks until the final performance.

Contact the Northern Lakes Arts Association office at 365-5070 if you are interested in joining the fun and having the opportunity to work with a professional Minneapolis dance/theatre group of eight. Participation is free and participants should be 12 or older.

Kids’ Stuff presents Dazzling Dave

ELY- See a performance by Dazzling Dave and you might start believing his yo-yos are alive.

Dazzling Dave will be at Ely Public Library on Monday, July 25 at 11:30 a.m. and at Babbitt Public Library on Monday, July 25 at 3 p.m.

Dazzling Dave is a full-time professional yo-yo performer, and one of 13 officially recognized National Yo-Yo Masters. He has circled the globe since 1998, storming audiences everywhere with his freakish tornado of whirling tricks and tips.

Kids will love his high energy, and his freestyle performance.

Each show lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, with a question and answer session that follows. The show is best for school age children, but younger audiences will enjoy it as well. After the program, Dazzling Dave will have yo-yos for sale.

Dazzling Dave is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System Kids’ Stuff and your local library.

Children’s Tea Party on the Tower train

TOWER- The Tower-Soudan Historical Society is hosting a tea party on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 2-3:30 p.m. on Coach 81 at the Tower train depot. All young ladies and gentleman ages three to 11, along with an accompanying adult (plus dolls) are welcome to attend. Dress-up attire is welcome but not required. The free event is sponsored by the Tower-Soudan Historical Society, Tower-Soudan Community Education, and Tower-Soudan Youth Development. The event is free but reservations are required to make sure we have plenty of room for all our guests. Please call Jayne Sundeen at 753-2526 or call the Depot Museum at 753-5021.

Gardening 101

Want to get started growing your own food, but don’t know where to begin? The Local Foods Project invites you to join us for free beginning gardening classes! All classes held at 5:30 p.m. and will run about 45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Don't Bug My Garden!. July 28. Learn natural ways to protect your garden from hungry insects and other plagues. Classes are held at the Youth Foyer building, 302 12th St. South, Virginia. Directions: Directions: Take 2nd. Ave. south, turn right at the last alley before leaving town. Head west to end of 12th. St. Questions?, email us at thelocalfoodsproject@gmail. com.

“Earth art” class

scholarships

available at ECR

ELY- Ely Community Resource is offering a chance for youth ages nine through 14 to study and create environmental works of art inspired by the work of Andrew Goldsworthy.

Participants will work with natural objects along the Trezona Trail to create “biodegradable” art. The artists will photograph their work, have their favorites enlarged and matted, then invite the public to a showing on Aug. 19.

Guides for the program include Jill Nocera-Swanson, M. Ed. environmental education; Wanda J. Pearcy, assistant professor of art and design, UMD; and Chris Perry, professional photographer.

The course will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Aug. 1-19 from 1-3 p.m. The classroom will be based out of the Ely Recreation Center next to the Trezona Trail. In addition, 10 full scholarships are available for a class size of 10.

Sign up by calling ECR at 365-5254 or access registration on their website at www.elycommunityresource.org. This program is funded by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.

Makela receives an Associate in Applied Science degree

DES MOINES, IOWA– Samantha Makela of Tower has been awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Communications Design and Management with Highest Honors from AIB College of Business.

“You can be especially proud of this accomplishment,” said commencement speaker Catherine (Kay) Smith, professor in the AIB Court Reporting & Captioning department.  “You are in a very special group of people.”

Professor Smith addressed the students about compound interest.  She advised them to invest immediately, invest wisely, and invest for the long term.

“In addition to being a good steward of the financial gains you make in life,” she said, “be an exceptional steward of the things in life that really matter.”

Ebassa Berhanu to preach at St. Paul’s

SOUDAN- Pastor Ebassa Berhanu will be preaching at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Soudan on Sunday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

One-day retreat at

St. Martin’s

TOWER- All area residents are invited to attend a one-day retreat on “Forgiveness” at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Team members are from Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake. The cost is $28 for the day and includes breakfast, lunch and coffee break. For more information or to register call Mary Ann Henderson at 753-6302 or Lorraine Mortaloni at 753-2431. The deadline for registration is Monday, Aug. 15.

100th anniversary of the Bear River Fair

BEAR RIVER- The Bear River Fair committee invites all residents and visitors from surrounding communities to exhibit their agricultural products and handwork items at the 100th Bear River Fair. Our goal is 100 exhibitors this year. Exhibits are to be entered on Saturday morning, Aug. 20 between 9-12 noon. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. All exhibits will remain on display until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21. Regulations and premium lists are available from Cindy Holm at 218-376-4405.

Besides the fair exhibits, visitors will enjoy live music, bingo, children’s activities, pie social, baseball tournament, food concessions including corn on the cob, scavenger hunt for ages 12 and up, and much, much more.

The Bear River Centennial Fair will be held at the Bear River Community Center (the old Bear River School) on the corner of Hwy. 22 and Hwy. 5 in Bear River. For more information, visit www.bearrivermn.com.

Movie Night at

St. James

TOWER- St. James Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a movie night on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. The move will be “Rust.” Popcorn and beverages will be served. The event is free and open to all.

Relaxation yoga class

TOWER- The Relaxation Yoga class will meet on Wednesday, July 27 at 4 p.m. in the Timberjay building in Tower.

Cost is $5 summer special, no prepays required, just drop in. This is a very, very gentle class with no sun salutations or movement up and down (except for a gentle half-sun salutation flow to gently energize upper body).  Modifications to let yoga meet us where we’re at is the focus in this class. We end with a 20-minute guided meditation to allow our body to soften and to quiet our mind. 

Space is suitable to the class ambiance.  Check it out, put up your feet and hang loose.

ValleyFair trip on August 11

TOWER- There will be a trip to ValleyFair on Thursday, Aug. 11. Reservations and payment must be made by Aug. 3. Cost is $65 per person which includes bus fare, ValleyFair tickets and snacks during the ride. The bus will leave Tower at 6:30 a.m. and return late that evening. Call Christina at 780-4645 for more information or to make your reservation.