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I would like to thank the public from the bottom of my heart.  Thank you for coming out and supporting the Hanson family and their daughter Estefani.  I have been telling you about her courageous battle with a terrible disease for a while now.  Friends of the family have held two benefits to help the family with mounting medical bills.  The first was a cut-a-thon at Designer’s Salon in Chisago City.  People came out in droves to help the Hansons.  Saturday at Maranatha Church, people came out by the hundreds.  The massive church was packed.  Packed with many of you and packed with love. when it was all said and done, the family was blessed with around $40,000 to help with medical expenses.  

It was awe-inspiring, it was magical, it was a blessing from God.  I spoke with Joni (Estefani’s mom) on Tuesday.  She could not stop crying.  Tears of joy, and tears of gratitude.  We both agreed that this community is the greatest in the world.  when you put us in a “spot”, we will band together like you have never seen.  So I apologize, but I really wanted you to know how much you are appreciated.  I love this place.

Thanksgiving is next week already.  Can you believe that?  

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of family.  I think of spending an entire day with our family just being together.  For many, that just isn’t the case.  There are a large number of residents in our area that have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving.  Noboby to spend some quality time with.  I am here to tell you that there is place for  Thanksgiving.  

A conglomerate of volunteers from the area have given part or all of their Thanksgiving Day to make a free community Thanksgiving meal.  It is a wonderful meal with all the fixings held at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  

If you are not religious, please don’t let the church location scare you away.  We would love to see everyobody who will be alone join in for the meal.  The cost is free and dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m.  They are asking that you please reserve a space by calling 651-257-6300.

Beginning today, the Chisago Lakes High School is putting on their annual fall musical.  This year’s play is White Christmas.   It is a wonderful play filled with music, humor and some really great acting from our local school thespians.  The show runs tonight, Thursday to Sunday with two shows on Saturday.  You can purchase tickets online at the Chisago Lakes Highschoolwebsite or at the Performing Arts Center. For North Branch play details see this week’s story.

Our annual Gift Guide is complete and has been sent to the printers.  You will find many wonderful gift ideas that can be purchased locally.  We hope you enjoy it.  

Speaking of local, November 29 is National Shop Small Day in America.  It is our chance to purposely shop at small stores in our area instead of heading to the big box stores.  Obviously, our area is filled with these kinds of shops, so this is your  chance to get out and explore, shop them and thank them for being such a great part of our community.  Please, please make a concerted effort to shop small next Saturday.  

Thank you in advance.

I am currently looking for adult coats to donate to the homeless shelter.  

They have told me that outerwear  is their number one concern right now.  If you have a gently used or new coat that you don’t really wear, please do not leave it in your closet.  Bring it here to the office and I will ensure it ends up belonging to a grateful recepient. Thank you for already being such gracious givers!

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