Albert Lea Medical Center&8217;s free weight loss series begins Thursday and meets again on April 24 and May 8. Participants can sign up for classes at 3:30 or 5:30 p.m.

Participants will learn a variety of tools to help them lose weight using healthy and proven weight loss methods. Those who complete all three sessions will receive one free individual appointment with a dietitian.

For more information and to register, call 379-2046.

Lions to hear speech on pork industry

Minnesota pork production takes center stage on Tuesday, April 15, at the regularly scheduled Cloverleaf Lions Club meeting. Jim Rorvick of Phibro Animal Health will address the group at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn at 2306 East Main Street in Albert Lea.

Titled &8220;The Pork Industry:

More Than Just the Other White Meat,&8221; the speech by Rorvick will showcase the industry&8217;s rural economic impact plus on-going programs to enhance the nutritional quality of pork, to protect the environment and to treat livestock humanely. Due to new technologies and management systems, U.S. pork producers have trimmed pork&8217;s fat content 31 percent since 1983.

&8220;Like other industries facing strong competitive pressures,&8221; Rorvick remarked, &8220;we&8217;re working to constantly improve our ability to provide tasty, affordable and nutritious pork products in a responsible manner.

I&8217;d like to thank the Cloverleaf Lions Club for giving me an opportunity to discuss how pork producers are providing quality pork products, benefiting the local economy and being responsible neighbors.&8221;

Rorvick is one of 68,000 U.S. pork producers. Minnesota pork production generates $7.8 billion of economic activity, and provides Minnesota residents with over 22,500 direct and support jobs.

For more information, contact Lisa Shellenberger, National Pork Board Speaker&8217;s Bureau, at 800-474-0747, Ext. 261.