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I had a chance to spend a couple of different Veterans Day celebrations with our local Vets.  I attended a touching dinner at the Taylors Falls Fire Department which was catered by the fire department. I also had a chance to attend the Veterans Dinner at Zion Lutheran church.  This dinner was catered by many local people whose only wish was to honor the Vets.  Both celebrations were amazing.  Both were well attended. Both were the epitome of respect.  I marvel at the utmost respect our local veterans receive from every day folks like you and me.  I have the utmost respect for all the men and women who have served our country and apparently there are many, many more like me.  It warms the heart to see such reverence.

We are getting ready to put the final touches on this year's Gift Guide.  If we have failed to contact your business, I apologize.  If you call us in the next couple of days, we can still get you in the guide.  The guide will be a consumers resource for some wonderful local holiday shopping.  Keep in mind, this is not limited to just retail, if your business offers a service that can be given as a gift, this is a great opportunity to drive customers through your doors.  Give us a call at 615-257-5115, we will be more than glad to help you.

This Saturday, the wonderful folks at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom will be holding their annual Children's Shop Day.  It gives kids up to sixth grade a chance to shop for mom, dad, and grandparents.  All gifts are $1 each and include free gift wrapping.  Parents are treated to coffee and cookies while they wait.  All gifts are new or gently used items donated from the community and friends of First United Methodist,  The event begins at 10 am and runs until 1 pm.  Call 651-257-4306 with questions.

Last week in this spot, I wrote about how great a  snowy season would be for many local businesses. I must be part witch, or something, because as you know we didn't just get a dusting of snow, we got punched in the stomach by a foot of snow.  Okay, maybe it wasn't a foot of snow, but my fourth dose of Doans Pills says otherwise.  It is beautiful, at least what I can see of it (I am laying in a prone position waiting for the pain to subside).  I guess it's here to stay, so we might as well embrace it. Still,  I didn't even get a chance to string Christmas lights this year.

Congratulations to Wildcat diver Payton Nelson and Wildcat swimmer Kalli Jo Olson.  These two girls have qualified to represent Chisago Lakes in their respective state dive and swim meets.  

It seems every year I am heading to the U of M to cover at least one diver and swimmer.  That is quite a testament to the strength of our swim and dive programs at Chisago Lakes.  Hopefully we will be printing a photo of the two of them on the podium.

 Speaking of Wildcat sports, on December 19, there is going to be a wonderful event celebrationg 40 years of Chisago Lakes girls basketball.  All former Wildcat and Trojan girls basketball players are encouraged to attend the December 19th game against St. Anthony High School. Former Taylors Falls Bluejay basketball players are welcome and encouraged to attend as well.  They are asking for locals to please help spread the word. The goal is to pack the gym with former players and also to allow the public to show our appreciation for all their hard work.  

This weekend the benefit for Estefani Hanson. The benefit is to help alleviate mounting bills as she deals with an incurable cancer.  

There is a chili feed, silent auction, bake sale, games, bouncey house, and raffle. Tickets are $10 {6 and under free} and include chili meal and kid's games.

The event will take place at Maranatha Assembly of God in Wyoming and runs from 4 to 8 p.m.  There will be raffles and a silent auction as well.  Please consider coming out to help this beautiful little girl.

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