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Many, many thanks go out to all of the men, women, and children who helped with the free Thanksgiving meal at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  Over 185 people were served a delicious turkey meal with all of the fixings including some amazing desserts.  

My family had the priveledge (yes priveledge) of working the morning shift, which includes setting up the hall, and many other odd jobs.  In the time we were there, there had to be 15 turkeys delivered with the same amount of sides being constanty brought to the kitchen.  It was like a well-oiled machine. People were everywhere, and everyone knew their jobs.  It was really quite the sight to see.  

I can’t list all of the people who were there helping, but there are a couple that deserve mentioning.  Mary O’Reilly of Printing Express  was and continues to spearhead this wonderful meal. She is the first one there, and the last one to leave. She works non-stop and the dinner is lucky to have her.  Chris Lundberg is another that needs mentioning. Chris was under the weather but still managed to make sure everything was moving correctly.  Without these two women, this meal does not happen.  There are many more to thank, look for a thank you letter in next week’s Press.

This weekend, Christmas and all of the wonderful things associated with it, are in full effect. On Saturday, there are some great events taking place that I hope you will take advantage of.

At the Chisago Lakes Primary School there is the super-popular Secret Santa workshop. It is another chance for youngsters to come and shop for their parents.  Let’s face it, the good book tells us that it is better to give than receive, and even in the faces of young children you can see the joy when they are able to give their Mom and Dad a present they picked out, they are so happy to see the enjoyment in others.  The workshop is a great opportunity for the kids to experience that joy.  The workshop runs from 9 am until noon and gifts are wrapped on site. Santa will be on hand for pictures!

Beginning on Friday and running through Sunday, the Lord of the Lakes Church will be hosting a beautiful Christmas dinner theater.  Guests will enjoy a great dinner while watching the incredible reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem that stary night at the inn and in the manger.  I urge you to please come and enjoy the show.  They ask that you please make reservations by calling 651-462-8113.

Saturday night is Lindstrom’s Tree lighting ceremony.  Always a great time, the ceremony will have hot dogs, brats, coffee and hot chocolate.  There will be hay rides and wonderful music and of course a visit from the man in the red suit and his wife.  Bring the kids, this is a great night for them and the community.  The ceremony begins at 4:30 and runs until 6:30 pm at the Chamber of Commerce (Memorial Park).

Want a great gift idea this year? How about a year’s subscription to the County Press?  It is very inexpensive and you will get a present each week of the year.  that’s 52 gifts for one low price.  Call us at 651-257-5115.

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