What could be more filling than a big meal? Volunteering, give it a try

As you know, the holiday season can be very stressing on family checkbooks. Some people choose to spend their money on presents while neglecting the obvious, groceries. I am not condoning this, in fact, I have done it myself. This is where our local food shelves come into play. They play such a huge role in our community. They help families bridge the gap when finances just won’t allow for a good meal. The holiday season is easily the busiest time of the year for our food shelves. So while the need for food is great, so is the need for us to give. Right now, there is something special taking place at Family Pathways. One person (an Angel possibly) has graciously agreed to match funding (food included) up to $30,000 in value. Amazing. So if you and I can donate anything, it will double thanks to this generous person. Donations can be sent or dropped off at: Family Pathways, PO Box 947, Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Thank you and THANK YOU to the anonymous donor! Speaking of donating, Lakeside Elementary School in Chisago City has begun their annual Toys for Teens drive. From now until December 5, they will be accepting a variety of items for kids ranging from 10-14 years. This group is often overlooked by the various toy drives. Lakeside’s goal is 200 items this year. They would love to reach this goal with the community’s help. Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom has already donated 20 fleece blankets to the collection. Items can be dropped off at the school or here at the Press. Thank you for anything you can give. As we were sitting at the dinner table on Thanksgiving, I started to really think about being grateful. Sure, everyone has a little quip for what they are thankful for, but I really began thinking. So if you don’t mind, I thought I would air it out. God, I am thankful for my faith which has helped me survive so many trials in my life. Family, the obvious one, I, just like you, have the greatest family a man could ask for.

Health, knock on wood, our health has been good. Friends, I have been lucky to have such great friends in my life. Work, while it may not seem like it some times, I am so thankful for having a job where I can interact with the public. Obviously there are rough times that accompany this position, but when you get to meet special people in our community, it makes it all worth while. My employees, I have the greatest set of employees a person could ever hope for. They have stuck with me through thick and thin and I am eternally grateful to them. And finally, you. I am so grateful for you the readers. without you, we would be nothing. It sounds cliche, but it is true. You are the reason we come to work every day. Obviously we can’t please everyone, but I think we put out a pretty darn good newspaper. Sorry if this got a little wordy, but putting it in print is better than me muttering it to myself. My son and I decided to do something different this Thanksgiving. (I am not sure what is going on, maybe I am having a mid-life crisis, but lately, I have really put an emphasis on growing my children. They are at the age, where I hope I can instill some good traits in them that will last a lifetime.) We decided to volunteer at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner held at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.

We were the first ones there, other than Mary O’Reilly, who bless her heart, takes on this massive event. We immediately were put to work decorating tables. As we worked, people began streaming in. First there were five, then ten, soon there were over 20 people in all working diligently and swiftly. Soon a cooked turkey was brought in by someone who had donated it to the cause. Then another, then another. Honestly, it warmed the heart to see so many people take time out of their own family plans to help with the dinner. As our shift ended, we walked to our car, and turkey after turkey passed us en route to the kitchen. In all, the meal served 147 people this year. What a spectacular event, and I am so thankful we were allowed to be part of it. Thanks a million to all who donated their time. We will definitely be helping again next year. This weekend is huge if you are a fan of Christmas. That is because there are three tree lighting ceremonies. All of the lighting ceremonies are the kick off of the Chisago Lakes/Taylors Falls Small Town Christmas celebration. What is Small Town Celebration? 

It is a joint effort by many, many businesses in the Chisago Lakes and Taylors Falls area who have combined to make your Christmas shopping experience special this year. There are hundreds if not thousands of specials for you to enjoy. The whole goal of the celebration, is for you and your family and friends to have a wonderful shopping experience and at the same time keep the money spent, local. Happy 95th birthday to one of the greatest women to ever walk this earth, my Grandma. You have been my rock, my inspiration and my mentor.