December 8, 2011 at 8:17 a.m.
Santa Claus is coming to...Shafer on Saturday; please don't spend Christmas alone this year
There is still one more town celebration this weekend. Shafer is holding their "Old Time Christmas" at the Shafer Creamery on Saturday. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will feature a bake sale, a holiday craft sale, children's crafts, cloggers and of course pictures with Santa. Bring the kids and bring your camera.
Just because the town celebrations will be over this weekend, doesn't mean Small Town Christmas is over. All stores in the Chisago Lakes area are participating in this year's event. What does that mean to you? It means they have wonderful Christmas specials offering you savings and most importantly a great Christmas gift that was purchased locally.
With Christmas right around the corner, we are all somewhat guilty of losing focus on things that really matter. Like the men, women, and children of our community that are struggling right now. These folks need our help and there are many ways you and I can help.
There is always a constant need for food donations at our food shelf. This is one of the easiest ways to help your neighbors without breaking your bank. Open your pantry, I bet there is plenty of food in there that you maybe purchased in the past with the intention of using, but haven't got around to making it yet. That food is a meal for people who utilize our food shelves. Most people, without even trying, could bring in four or five food items, without ever knowing they are missing from their pantry.
Another way to help these families this holiday season is to give items for Christmas presents. There are a few ways to do so. You still have time to give a book in the Giving Tree campaign at the Chisago Lakes and Wyoming libraries. You will select a tag from the tree and purchase a new book or two for the child on your tag. Be sure to return your new book to the library by December 14.
Another great campaign taking place is Toys For Tots. I am sure you have seen it on the newscasts, but we have a drop off place right here in our neighborhood. You can drop your toy or toys off at the Wolf Creek Charter School on Liberty Lane in Chisago City. Whatever you donate, large or small, will be cherished by a Minnesota child.
If you do not have plans this Christmas and would like a great meal and a little companionship, I have your solution. You are invited to the 22nd annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day. The dinner will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Irene Avenue in Lindstrom (by the Middle School). The dinner is served from noon until 1:15 p.m. and is open to anyone and everyone who would like to share a meal and fellowship. They will even come and get you if you do not have transportaion or if you request, they can deliver a meal to you. They are asking that you make a reservation, so they cook enough food by December 19. Please call 257-4306 between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you think this sounds like a wonderful event that you would like to help with, please give Wendy or Lois a call at 257-8791 or 257-5547. Thank you.
I don't know if you heard or not, but John Jindra, whom many of us know as the expert framer at Up North Gallery and Gustaf's hurt his hand severely not long ago. In fact, John is lucky to even have his hand after the terrible accident. There is however a silver lining to the story. John is back to work framing. John is an exceptional framer who has done work for hundreds and hundreds of local residents including myself. The Jindras would like to thank everyone for their well-wishes for John. They also would like you to know the framing department is open for business. As usual, they are churning out beautiful framed artwork that is second to none. If you need something framed before Christmas, please call John. He will take care of you and create a gift that will be cherished for years.
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