Mentoring makes a big difference. According to the Charity Guild, when kids enjoy a regular, positive activity with an adult over the course of a year, those kids are 46 percent less likely to begin using drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol and 52 percent less likely to skip school.

Jenkins VFW Post 3839 made $122,000 in donations in the Jenkins, Pequot Lakes and Pine River areas from 2005-09.

The Nisswa Lions, Lions District 5M9, the Nisswa American Legion and Grand View Lodge all co-sponsored a fundraiser for Project New Hope on Aug. 26-27.

The Brainerd Christian Women's Connection invites women for all ages to a luncheon from 12:15-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Red Roof Inn, Brainerd.

Red Cross will send extra staff to the Emily Area Blood Drive that will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Emily City Hall.

The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will offer a 55+ Driver Improvement Course on the following days.

Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa will host American Red Cross blood drives from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at the church.

The Community Clothes Closet in Crosslake will resume its fall and winter schedule beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Medica's Center for Healthy Aging will hold an informational meeting about Medicare and the health plan options available to seniors at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the AmericInn in Pequot Lakes/Jenkins.

The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will be offering the following 55+ Driver Improvement Course.

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has announced that May Creek Senior Living Campus of Walker is a recipient of their National Quality Award.

The third annual Senior Celebration, a fun and informative event for area baby boomers and seniors, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker from 8:30 a.m. to noon.