---

In the next edition of the Search Shopper, you will find something very special. The Chisago County Press and the Search Shopper are proud to present our annual Christmas Gift Guide.

This year's guide is filled with great ideas for decorating, cooking, and all things Christmas. Along with that information, you will find some really terrific advertising from local businesses that can help you find that perfect Christmas gift. Whether you are looking for something for that special someone, or you are looking for a family size present, the businesses in this guide are here to help.

I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but with the economy the way it is, now is the time for you and I to make a conscious effort to shop locally. I am not asking you to spend every dollar you own right here, but if we all make a decent effort to shop locally, we will help keep businesses going through these tough times.

If you are looking for a great Christmas present for your family or friends, I think I can help you out. What about a years subscription to the Chisago County Press? Think about it, your gift will come to them 52 times a year. On top of that, they will get all of the news, school events, sports information every week of the year. Right now we have a special for new subscribers, The special includes two free months when you purchase a year's subscription. How can you go wrong? If you would like to subscribe, or if you would like to give the County Press as a present this Christmas, please give us a call at 651-257-5115.

Will you be alone this Thanksgiving Day? Do not spend it all by yourself. The Lions Club along with wonderful local churches want to help. They have joined forces and will be offering a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal. Held at the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, this is a fantastic traditional Thanksgiving meal with all of the fixings. As in the past, the cost of the meal is free, all they ask for is a reservation by Monday, November 23. Everyone is invited.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who have given up part of their Thanksgiving Day to help with this special event. There is a need for a few more turkeys, so if you would like to donate a turkey, you are encouraged to drop it off at Chisago Lake Church. Any food that is not used during the dinner will be donated to the local food shelf.

To make reservations or for any information on the dinner, please call Louise at 651-257-6300.

Thank you to all of you who have donated to The Refuge recently. I told you about the generosity of Lisa at Forest Lake Cleaners, who offered to clean any and all donations to The Refuge. Let me just say wow! Lisa had a tremendous amount of clothing donated that she thankfully cleaned.

Without sounding redundant, the people around here never cease to amaze me with their kindness and generosity. Whether it is you the readers who are doing the donating, or Lisa and many other great businesses who go above and beyond everyday life to help someone.

Donations are still being accepted for The Refuge, and Forest Lake Cleaners are still cleaning those items.

Another great idea for donating to The Refuge is in the form of gift cards. They can be to any store you wish. Any donations can be made to First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom. If your clothing donation needs to be professionally cleaned, please visit Lisa at Forest Lake Cleaners.

The Chisago County Press is looking to add a key piece to our already dynamic sales team. We are looking for that special someone who is a self-starter, highly motivated, and most importantly friendly.

As a sales associate, you will field sales calls on the phone as well as face to face meetings with advertisers.

We offer competitive wages and a great workplace. Sales experience is a must. References are required. Must have reliable transportation. If you are that special someone, I encourage you to send your resume to:  Chisago County Press, PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045 Attn: Sales position.

Thanks also to the good people of St. Bridget's Catholic Church for their donations of toiletries to be donated to the New Pathways Shelter in Cambridge. I personally drop these donations off, and let me assure you, they are very appreciated.

We here at the Press are getting started on the 2010 Chisago Lakes Community Guide and Visitors Guide and we need your help. The past few years, we have solicited and used readers' photos in our guides.

We need your help once again. We are looking for some really great photos that emphasize the Chisago Lakes Area. The photos can be of whatever you think expresses Chisago Lakes. They can be of nature, events, people, or whatever you like. We will consider each and every picture we receive. If your photo is used in the guide, you will receive full photo credit.

Please send your photos to Chisago County Press, PO Box 748, Lindstrom, MN 55045 attn: Matt.

---