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This Thursday is Thanksgiving. A time to reflect on what we are thankful for, who we are thankful for and just some nice time to spend with family and friends.  It is also a time to not be alone.  If you do not have plans on Thanksgiving, you do now. There is a group of around 50 volunteers who would love to have you over for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal in a warm inviting environment.  

There is a free community Thanksgiving meal at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church that will feature some of the best food you have ever had. The meal is held in the fellowship hall and is put on by a bunch of local residents who have taken time out of their holiday to make sure you have a great Thanksgiving.  There are no questions asked, just come and enjoy good food and great camaraderie.  They do ask that you please give them a call at 651-257-6300 to make a reservation. If it’s after hours please leave a message stating your name and if any  will be joining you.  

Wow, I hope you had a chance to take in one of the four sold out shows of Little Mermaid that the Chisago Lakes High School Theater Group put on.  I was able to attend the Thursday show and I was blown away at the talent of the students and the singing ability of the entire cast.  The costumes were stunning and so, so colorful.  Erin Myhran, Elijah Marshall, Lindsey Kohlhase, Anthony Walker and all the cast did such an amazing job!  Thanks to Rachael Lexvold for putting such time and commitment into such a wonderful show.  I can’t wait until next year’s show.

All of this Thanksgiving talk has me in a reflective mood.  So forgive me but I want to let you know what I am thankful for.  First and foremost, I am thankful for my faith. I am also thankful for my family, especially my wife-- who only God knows why-- puts up with me on w daily basis.  I am thankful for our staff here at the Press. Denise, Laure, Jeff, Karen, Kathy and Natalie.  Without them the paper would not exist. I am thankful for our advertisers who in a day and age of computers and smart phones realize that there is still a loyal group of readers who like to hold a paper in their hands. We have an amazing group of faithful advertisers who without you we also wouldn’t exist. Finally - you. Yes you. Our readers who never cease to amaze me on how well read, well versed in local politics, and local events you are.  Without you the paper is nothing. You are the reason we get up every day. You are the reason we stay out late at night covering meetings in the dead of winter.  We are so grateful to you all. Thank you for making this one of the best local papers in the state of Minnesota.  That is pretty much it, but that is pretty much my life right now.

If you looked at your Search Shopper over the weekend, you most certainly saw our 2018/19 Gift Guide. we have worked hard to bring you a jam-packed gift guide that is filled with local businesses offering you some great ideas this Christmas and holiday season.  I know I say this alot, but we have such amazing businesses right here in our backyard, why not see if you can accomplish your shopping without fighting the crowds and traffic in the big city?  

You will be surprised at what you will find!

On Saturday you are invited to play Shop Small Saturday Bingo.  Purchase a gift from one of the many participating businesses and you will get a dab on your bingo card. Reach a bingo or a cover-all and you will be entered for a chance to win “Bingo Bucks” to be used locally.

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