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As you can imagine, with Thanksgiving already next week, and Christmas just around the corner, there is no shortage of things to do around here. Just look through this edition of the Press, you will find countless ads for fun family events.  We have five ads for turkey/ham/cash bingo nights. Not sure if you have ever taken your family to one of these, but we have made it a tradition in ours and we love it. It is fun to see friends and neighbors all laughing having a great time. The best part is, that each one of the bingos is for a great cause.  

  Another great event taking place on Saturday is the annual Childrens’ Shop Day.  

Held at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom (by the Middle School ), children up to 6th grade are invited to come shop for mom, dad, and grandparents.  Helpers will assist with their shopping while mom and dad wait enjoying coffee and cookies.  Presents are only $1 and are gift wrapped on the spot.  It is an absolutely wonderful event for children to really feel like they independently shopped this season.  The event runs from 10 am until 1 pm.

  In this edition, you will also find many specials from local restaurants inviting you to dine at their establishments.  We have really built a great community of restaurants and each one offers something delicious and unique.

  We also would like to welcome a new business both to the community and to the newspaper.  Ignite X Training Gym has officially opened  its doors in Lindstrom.  Erin Schenkey and Shelly Wolfe have purchased the old Chisago Lake Township Hall (by Dairy Queen) and transformed it into a wonderful gym.  They would love for you to come out to their official Grand Opening on Saturday,  from 10 am to 2 pm.  There will be refreshments, drawings, games and discounts on memberships (Saturday only).  They invite you to wear workout (comfortable) clothing so you can experience what Ignite has to offer.

Getting back to the Thanksgiving theme for a second.  If you are planning on being alone this Thanksgiving, don't.  There is a place where you can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings.  If you are having a slight bump in the road and just could not make Thanksgiving work this year, we want you.  The public is invited to the annual Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 26 at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  Before you let the church part scare you off, let me add that this is a dinner made up of hundreds of volunteers from throughout the county who simply do it out of love for friends and neighbors.  I am proud to say I have been a part of this dinner for years now, and it absolutely melts your heart to see such generous people working their tails off for people and families to have a great Thanksgiving meal.  The meal is free but they do ask that you please call in advance to reserve a spot. That way we know how many turkeys to cook. Please call 257-6300 to reserve your spot.  If you would like to donate your time or food, please call the same number, and thank you very much.

In the Search Shopper this weekend, you will find our annual Gift Guide. The guide is absolutely packed this year with great ideas to make your holiday a memorable one.  It is also packed with many wonderful advertisers who have some really great ideas for your holiday shopping season.  Not to be a broken record, but I can't begin to tell you how serious I am when I plead with you to please shop local this holiday season.  

Do you have to buy everything from our local businesses? Of course not, but what I and the rest of our great businesses ask, is that you please give them the first shot.  Who knows? Maybe you won't ever have to leave the area to shop.  We can do this, together, we really can.

Mark your calendars for November 27.  Friday night is the annual Lighting Festival Parade in Taylors Falls.  

The parade takes place at night and features many lighted floats among them has The man in a red suit.

It is one of the most beautiful parades in Minnesota in one of the most picturesque towns in Minnesota.  

In this weekend’s Gift Guide you will see a more detailed advertisement for  the schedule of the Lighting Festival.

Just when you think we are making progress in the fight against terrorism, we have an awful event take place like just happened in Paris.  I don’t have any words of wisdom, nor do I have any suggestions on how to possibly thwart further attacks.

I do have sympathy and prayers to those who were killed and to the families of those affected by this heinous crime.   To see this happen in a different country certainly doesn’t make it sting any less.  I can’t tell you how many times I have written about bombings and murders in the past.  It doesn’t get an easier.  Please pray for these folks.

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