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I had the privilege of taking the photo of the men and women who put together this year’s Kids Outerwear Fair at Trinity Lutheran Church last week.  Let me just say wow.  what an amazing group of people they have.  These folks have put together such a wonderful event that helps our friends and neighbors in need.  They supplied over 400 people with warm clothing for their kids and even some adults.  

This comes on the heels of Lakes Free Church holding their annual Free Store event where families were allowed to purchase clothing for pennies on the dollar.  This area, with all of our faults (mine included), never ceases to amaze me.  The amount of love and compassion that you see from people of all ages, groups, churches, and organizations is overwhelming.  The thing that resonates with me is that there are so many people working towards a greater good.  And the neat thing is no matter how big (Feed My Starving Children for example) or small (one person volunteering their time at Parmly or the food shelf), they all are making a difference.  This place will always hold a special place in my heart.  Because this is the place that taught me it is not all about me.  These people have shown me that giving is the single most important thing you can do in life. Man, I love this place.

Tonight (Thursday) there is a neat presentation at festival Theater.  St. Croix Paranormal will be doing a paranormal presentation that will run from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. They will discuss some of their most exciting ghost adventures and discuss the potential hauntings around our area.  At 8, 8:30, 9, and 9:30 p.m., they will be conducting lantern tours of Angel Hill and the Folsom House. The tours are approximately one and a half hours long.

This is your last weekend to take in the Haunt at Ojiketa.  It only will run tomorrow night (Friday) before it packs up for another year.  The cost is $5 per person or $3 if you bring a food donation for the local food shelf.  The haunt runs from 7 to 10 p.m.

I don't know if you have had a chance to stop into the new business in Lindstrom or not. But for those of you who have not, it is called "Grandpa Cheesecake".  For years Paul Martin would bring his famous cheesecakes to parties, work functions and other events. For years he would always hear the same thing "Paul, why don't you open a cheesecake shop?". I am not sure what prompted Paul to change his mind, but I am glad he did.  He has opened a shop in downtown Lindstrom and is getting rave reviews.  I stopped in last week to see how he was doing, and of course he made (it was pretty easy to make me) me sample his cheesecakes.  I tried his key lime cheesecake, his cherry chip cheesecake and his Mexican chocolate cheesecake.  All three were extraordinary. My favorite was the Mexican chocolate, which is a regular cheesecake but the crust has some spices in it that you taste and feel in the end.  Come out and try some of Paul's creations.

Businesses, if you would like to be featured in our 2015 Gift Guide, please give us a call.  We are trying desperately to get ahold of all businesses, but that is a tall task.  So if we have not reached out to you yet, please accept my apologies.  we would love to highlight all local businesses and make this holiday season a great one for everyone.  Our number here is 651-257-5115 or if you prefer email send to [email protected].

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