Brainerd Lakes Real Estate News

     This project is a total community organization in Crow Wing County.  The purpose is to bring together juveniles, who have by their bad choices caused harm,  the people they have harmed, and other community members.  Juveniles are held accountable for their actions and efforts are made to help them turn their lives around.  Victims are provided restoration and a means to promote healing.

     Volunteers need to undergo a training program along with 4 on-going training sessions per year.  They will work in pairs and be mentored, as well.

      Up coming training sessions will be held at the Brainerd Public Library.

      October 26th  3:30 - 8:30 PM

       October 27th 9 AM - 5:30 PM

        ~ For more information call or E-mail Stephanie Haider - Director~

2 18-562-4926       stephaider@aol.com

  On October 23, from 6-8 pm Cragun's Conference Center will be the site for the Region 5 Development "Plan for our Future" sesquecenntenial forum.  Each of Minnesota's 87 counties will have a forum.  These are planned for state residents to give their ideas for the future,  as we are at the crossroads of Minnesota's 150th year. Many changes have occurred during those 150 years of statehood  and Minnesota is ready for more.

     After the conclusion of all forums, the sesquicentennial commission will compile the given results into a blueprint for future leaders at all levels of government.

      An online survey and group discussion is on the Web Site.

     Call Cheryal Hills for information on the Cragun's meeting at 218-894-3233.
 

                                                                                    photo by Fusko- Flickr

                                                                                        Creative Commons
 

What is Hippology?
Hippology is a Greek word, with the word root "hippo" meaning horse and "ology" meaning the study of. Hippology was first presented in Washington State in 1997 when Pierce County sponsored an exhibition at State Fair in Puyallup.

Objectives
The primary objectives of the Hippology Contest are to provide, in a friendly but competitive setting:

• the opportunity to blend equine science and husbandry with horse judging and public speaking into one activity where 4-Hers can apply their acquired knowledge and skill;
• to encourage youth to continue expanding their horse knowledge and participation in various equine events;
• to recognize youth for their comprehension of the many facets of the horse industry; and
• to teach good sportsmanship and encourage leadership.

     The Crow Wing County Intermediate Hippology team finished in first place at the 4-H State Horse Show.   This win will allow them to advance on to Albuquerque, New Mexico in July 2008 for the Arabian Horse Youth Nationals.

     For more information on the Hippology team or other 4-H activities, contact the Crow Wing County Extension office at 218-824-1065.  Their office is located at 322 Laurel Street, Suite 22, Brainerd, Minnesota.  Access them online by selecting the contact information tab . 

     The every other year open house at Camp Ripley in Minnesota was this year and there was a big crowd. There is a certain amount of curiosity about a military training facility.  Living within ear shot , we know when they are practicing flying maneuvers or shooting the big guns.  However, people want to see just what is inside that big guarded space and they got the opportunity on Open House Day.

     Children participated in the Cini-Stick Assault Course (by Domino's Pizza), the inflatable obstacle course, the rock climbing wall. archery and Humvee rides. 

     There were shows for everyone throughout the day by the Wadena Mounted Posse, Little Falls K-9  Police unit, and the St Cloud Tae Kwon Do Club.

      Many groups who support our nation's troops were also on hand.

     The apple growers at the University of Minnesota need a name for their newly developed apple.  It will have an unusual flavor - tropical, like pineapple or sugar cane were several of the descriptive terms used for the flavor. Apple number MN447 is blocky and rather small in size.  Jim Luby, the university's top apple expert said "By the time it's ripe, it's a really strong flavor...Some people really hate it, some people really like it"

       I have several University of Minnesota developed apple trees and had a bumper crop this year.  Although I don't really need to add to my orchard, this new one sounds like a winner.

    Can you help pick its name?  The winner will receive bragging rights and a bag of apples.  The contest runs through October.

                                                                                photo by clarity
 

     It was so nice to go out to eat on Sunday and not have to ask to sit in the non-smoking section of one of our favorite restaurants.  They are all smoke free sections now.  I passed through the bar area on the way to the restroom and did not have to hold my breath.  I came out smelling like I did when I went in (hopefully good). No migraine headache and the food just seemed to taste better.

     A young couple sat in the bar area watching the TV and eating .  They had their infant daughter in a carrier next to them in their booth.  Her lungs were breathing in smoke free air. 

     I know everyone is not going to be happy about the smoking ban in Minnesota, but I am not one of them.  It is  about time and is it all good. Smoking is bad for smokers and second hand smoke is bad for anyone  around them.

     This was a quick fix for a matching pair of niches in a lovely formal dining room.  I already had the bottles in my staging inventory.  Usually I use one as a stand alone accent piece or perhaps a grouping of three for a large space.  I don't usually fill them with anything.

     I have a variety of ropes and tassels, which come in handy for door knobs, towels, or  hanging on artwork.

     The Asiatic Lilies were from a local grocery store and $10.00 a bunch.  The twigs from my yard and soaked in glycerin.  They will last for years. The arrangements stand 36" Tall.

      Fresh floral arrangements are really special touches for an open house or home tour.  I love all my silk plants, but nothing beats the real thing, if you can swing it.

     Adding pre-open house prepping can give you extra income and creates another niche (couldn't resist that one - sorry).

Floral arrangement in the niche.

                                               ~close up with room  background~