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Today (Thursday) is Winter Diva Bingo Night in Chisago Lakes. You and your friends are encouraged to register at In The Moment Boutique in Lindstrom and then as you and your girlfriends shop throughout the area, you wil receive bingo cards from those participating businesses.  

When the shopping fun ends at 7 pm, everyone is invited to Winehaven to play Bingo with their cards. The games begin at 7:30pm where you can enjoy some great wine and fabulous prizes.

Fathers, there is a super cool dance coming up where you can treat your daughter like a princess and she will remember forever.

February 7, at the new Lakeside School in Chisago City (29678 Karmel Avenue, Chisago City) all fathers and daughters ages 3 through grade 6 are invited to the annual Daddy Daughter Dance. Attendees will be treated to a DJ, refreshments, games and photos.  The dance begins at 6 pm and is very popular.  They do ask that you register on the Chisago Lakes Community Education website. www.isd2144.org/communityed. The cost is $25 ($30 at the door), but trust me, it is one of the greatest times you and your daughter will experience! You will not regret it.

Changing topics--anxiety and depression are quickly on the rise in our country, especially affecting our young people. It's important now more than ever to educate ourselves, know the signs, and experience how God is an active part of our health and well being.

Rev. Dr. Gary Wilkerson - pastor, professor, and mental health expert, will be giving a presentation at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Center City, Wednesday, February 5 at 6 pm and Sunday, February 9 at 9am.

Wilkerson invites any and all who may be dealing with depression or know loved ones who may be.  Speaking as someone who has dealt with depression in the past, these seminars are worth their weight in gold.  Please make a point of attending.  

Also, February 8, Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City will be hosting a mental wellness fair.  The fair will have two sessions beginning at 8am and will run until 1pm.  Lunch will be served.

Speaker will be from NAMI.  Both events at both churches are wonderful local events to help our community deal with mental health.  Thanks to each congregation for putting these on.

A big shout out and thank you to AnneMarie Brink for her years of serving the city of Lindstrom while on the city council and many other committees. AnnMarie - to her credit, was unafraid to stand up for what she thought was right no matter which way the council was leaning.  She will be missed.

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