---

Veterans Day was filled with events in Chisago County all taking place to honor those men and women who have and are serving in the armed forces.  As you can see on page 9, the students of both North Branch and Chisago Lakes did wonderful jobs showing respect to these great people.

I was lucky enough to take part in the annual Veterans Dinner that was held at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City.  Veterans and family were treated to a wonderful pork meal with all of the fixings, free of charge. We had a large contingent of volunteers on hand to make sure all the Veterans’ needs were met.  It sure looked like everyone was having a great time.  Thanks to LeRoy, Emmy, Matt and the rest of the gang for putting together such a great meal for our veterans.  

 As I have been writing here lately, if you are going to be alone this Thanksgiving or would like to spend it with others, then please come to the Chisago Lakes Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  The meal begins at 12:30pm on Thanksgiving and features a traditional turkey dinner with all of the fixings.  They are asking that you please, please make a reservation by November 21 by calling 651-257-6300.  They will once again be providing curbside to-go meals at 11:30am.  Please call and notify them if you would like to pick up your meal.  And if you would like to volunteer at the meal, by all means they would love to have you. Simply call the same number and let them know when you can help.  
Many hands make light work.

This Saturday there is a really cool event.  The good folks at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom (by the Middle School) are hosting their popular Childrens’s Christmas Shop Day.  Children are invited to come shop for their whole family (everything is sold for $1) while mom and dad enjoy cookies and coffee in another room in the church.  After the kids choose the presents, the volunteers will gift wrap them so nobody knows what presents they are getting.

 The event runs this Saturday from  10am to 1pm and the church is located at 30828 Irene Ave. in Lindstrom.  They have a sign on the highway already,  by the Middle School.

Mark you calendars for next week (more specifically Friday night Nov 25).  That is the start of the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival.  The events run all weekend long but the downtown parade takes place Friday evening.  Grab the kids and your cameras and head to downtown Taylors Falls for the lighting of the village.  This includes a great lighted Christmas parade with the one and only Santa.  The parade starts at 6pm but I would get there early, the last few years it has been quite busy.   All details of the fun filled weekend can be found on page 8 in this paper.  We will see you there!

---