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On Saturday, at Gustaf Galleries, a local author will be holding a book signing event.  Sue Leaf, whom many of you know, has written a wonderful book titled “Portage - A family, A canoe, and the Search for a Good Life”.  A signed book makes a great present and also a keepsake.  (Hopefully, my wife is not reading this.)  The book signing begins at 1 pm.  

In this edition of the Press, you will find our Winter Sports Preview. The preview is a 20 page circular that has stories about North Branch and Chisago Lakes winter sports teams.  Our sports editor Jeff Norton and our assistant sports editor Chuck Fitzer have interviewed all of the coaches to get their opinions on the upcoming season.  You will also find advertising from local businesses who year in and year out support our local youth sports.  This season promises to be entertaining and we truly hope you come out and support our girls and boys.  Admission  is inexpensive and events are close by.

This weekend, there is another chance for your kids to meet Santa.  Culver’s in Forest Lake will host Santa from 1 to 4 pm.  You are invited to enjoy a breakfast with Santa on Sunday at the Clubhouse.  The Clubhouse is the new restaurant located at the Chisago Lakes Golf Course.  You are asked to make reservations so Santa will save a table for you by calling 257-3712.
Security State Bank and Agency would like to invite you to their bank on Friday.  They are having their annual holiday open house.  You are  invited to come enjoy coffee, cookies and cider. Santa will be at all locations at 4 p.m. and there will be reindeer sleigh rides at the Marine on St. Croix branch.  You are asked to please bring a non-perishable food donation when you come.  

Speaking of donations, thank you so much for the gracious donations you have made to the homeless.  In the  last two weeks, you have donated enough clothing to fill my car twice.  When I say fill, I mean to the roof in the back seat, the passenger seat and the trunk.  Amazing, the amount of love and compassion this area shows is truly overwhelming.

On Saturday, there is something really neat taking place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls.  They are hosting a community Lefse making event.  You will learn to make, cook and most importantly share lefse.  Lefse made will be bought to shut-ins, nursing homes and neighbors.  What a wonderful idea.  The event is a two part event.  They are looking for help tomorrow Friday night peeling and boiling potatoes.  That begins at 6:30 and runs until 9 p.m.  Saturday’s lefse making begins at 8:30 am and runs until 12:30 pm.  I encourage your family to take part, you will be glad you did.

This hectic Christmas season can be very stressful on families.  I have found over the years that if I keep the true meaning of Christmas and whom it is truly about fresh in my mind, well the rest always seems to work its way out and my stress level instantly lowers.

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