---

This is our last paper before we turn the page to 2026.  Besides starting a new year, this is our Christmas edition.  I would like to personally wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas this year.  Christmas is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends.  

I always teased my dad when he would tell us that he didn’t want any presents, rather he was happy just to spend time with everyone at the same time.  As ridiculous as that sounded then, I fully appreciate what he was saying now.  Life moves so fast, and these get togethers  make memories that last way longer than a Carhartt sweatshirt (although I do like those).  Please take time to look around you this Christmas, ignore the chaos, and really take in what a gift family and friends are.  Merry Christmas to all!

Thanks to all who have donated hats and mittens and gloves for the homeless.  We will not be making our next donation trip for one week yet, so if you have been meaning to donate winter clothing, please do so soon.  Again, all of the clothing you donate goes directly to the homeless and is not sold on a store shelf.  There are some wonderful thrift stores in our area that support some amazing things for our community, but this is just another avenue for you to give.  Just a reminder because I get asked all the time where do the clothes go? They go to a few places; one is Walking With A Purpose which brings clothing and food to the homeless multiple times a week. The other place is the Central Lutheran (in the heart of Minneapolis) Church’s Free Store.  The clothing is free to homeless people with no questions asked.  Both places are doing some incredible work and you are helping the cause with your donations. Thank you so much.

---