Free holiday meals offered by area faith communities
Meet your neighbors and enjoy great food at two upcoming free holiday community meals. A Thanksgiving meal will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Church of St. Joseph’s Heritage Hall, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. A Christmas meal will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 N. CR 2, St. Joseph. All are welcome. Deliveries are available for the Christmas meal; call 320-363-4232 for more information regarding deliveries. Sponsored by Church of St. Joseph, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Gateway Church, St. Benedict’s Monastery, College of St. Benedict Community Kitchen and Central Minnesota Catholic Worker. For more information call 320-316-3290 or email centralmncw@gmail.com.
Local wood craftsmen gives demo at Winter Market
Local wood craftsmen, Ken Ramler, will give demonstrations and information on how to get started in woodcarving at the Winter Market from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. The market is also expanding the board of directors. Applications will be available at the market or by email request info@marketmonday.org. Board term begins Jan. 1.
Barn dance slated Nov. 21 at Heritage Hall
A barn dance will be hosted from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at Heritage Hall in the Church of St. Joseph, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Fiddler/dance caller Cristina Seaborn will be on hand, as will the band Random Road. Dance instruction will be provided for those interested.
Dance showcase set Nov. 21 at Sartell High
The 2015-16 Sartell Sabre Dance Team presents its annual dance showcase on Saturday, Nov. 21. This high-energy show will feature many high school dance teams and area studios including dancers from the Tech Tigerettes, Apollo Astronettes, Cathedral Crusaderettes, Sauk Rapids Storm, Rocori Rockettes, Just For Kix, Northcrest and the St. Cloud School of Dance and Gymnastics as well as the Sartell Dance Team. The show will also feature the Sartell’s guy/girl dance. Show times are 2 and 6 p.m. at the Sartell High School gymnasium, 748 Seventh St. N. A nominal fee will be charged.
Upcoming Jingle Bell 5K supports local Toys for Tots
On Nov. 21, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bells will be ringing outside of St. Cloud Orthopedics. That’s where the annual Jingle Bell Run begins, and where more than 500 people participated last year with bells tied to their shoes in support of the local Toys for Tots program.
“The annual Jingle Bell Run, now on its 18th year, has been able to raise one third of the total toys received by our local Toys for Tots program each year,” said St. Cloud Orthopedics Clinic Administrator Bill Worzala. “And all of what is collected stays right here in the community.”
“Our Clinic’s ties to the St. Cloud community run deep – we’ve been serving here for 60 years,” Worzala said. “All of the event sponsors and participants share the same strong desire, which is to support local families in need. The Jingle Bell Run lets us all come together year after year to make a lasting difference for kids and families, who in reality are our neighbors.”
Worzala said the Jingle Bell Run has become tradition for many of the participants.
“With this being an annual event and its support going directly to such a great organization, most participants do come in groups, essentially making it a modern holiday tradition,” he explained.
Online registration runs through race day on Nov. 21. For the second year, a 1K fun run will be held prior to the customary 5K, and all registrants will receive jingle bells for their shoes as well as a discounted fee when they donate a new, unwrapped toy. The course is certified, allowing for immediate real-time finish results. Find more details online at StCloudOrthopedics.com/jingle-bell-run or call St. Cloud Orthopedics at 320-202-5525. Register online at jinglebellrun.itsyourrace.com.
Choral concert set Nov. 21
The second annual Thanksgiving Benefit Choral Concert, featuring the Minnesota Center Chorale, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Concert Choir, Cantabile Choristers Chorale, Cathedral of St. Mary’s Choir and the Minnesota Mormon Chorale, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 25 Eighth Ave. S., St. Cloud. Admission is free, but all guests are invited to bring food-shelf items that will be donated to Catholic Charities. Cash donations will also be accepted. Seating is limited, so please arrive early.
Little Falls hosts Christmas at the Mansions
The ninth annual Christmas at the Mansions event, a fun holiday event where both of the Linden Hill mansions built in 1898, will be beautifully decorated and open for self-guided tours, runs from Friday, Nov. 27-Sunday, Dec. 6 from 1-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays in Little Falls, Minn. This year’s theme is “Deck the Halls.” Cookies and hot cider will be available for guests as well as live music. Families and groups of all sizes and ages are welcome.
Between the two mansions there will be 50 decorated rooms with volunteers in many of the rooms to help tell the story of the two lumber magnate families – the Weyerhauser and Musser families – that once lived in these lavish mansions. Of these two homes, the Weyerhauser mansion is open in the summer for guided tours and the Musser mansion is typically used as a conference/event center and lodging thus closed to tours, so it’s a grand and rare opportunity to view both mansions in the wintertime.
Along with Linden Hill, there are two other attractions in Little Falls that are also decking their halls with the Christmas spirit and will be open the same days (Nov. 27-Dec. 6).
The Burton-Rosenmeier house, which is the site of the Little Falls Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, is also lavishly decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths and a whole lot of nutcrackers. The home is a free, self-guided tour of the historical mini-mansion and will be open every day from 1-7 p.m.
The Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame boasts more than 100 decorated Christmas trees and wreaths with fun-themed trees such as their Fishing tree and Fourth of July tree. Many of the trees will be for sale at their silent auction on the last day, Dec. 6. The Fishing Museum is open noon to 6 p.m. every day and admission is free.
If you have any further questions or inquiries feel free to call Linden Hill at 320-616-5580, the Little Falls CVB at 320-616-4959 or the Minnesota Fishing Museum at 320-616-2011. Have a great day!
Free admission to state parks set for Black Friday
Entrance fees to all 76 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, Nov. 27 for “Free Park Friday,” encouraging Minnesotans to spend time outdoors, and with family, on the day after Thanksgiving.
“At a time of year when Minnesotans pause to give thanks, I am so grateful for the incredible state parks and trails we have here in Minnesota,” said Lt. Gov. Tina Smith. “Visiting these parks is a great way to spend time with family and loved ones, relieve stress and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors.”
Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, to be “Free Park Friday” at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The governor also directed the DNR Commissioner to exercise his statutory authority to issue a written order, waiving entrance fees to state parks on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
“We are very fortunate to have such outstanding state parks and trails in Minnesota,” said Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Landwehr said. “So get out there, walk off your turkey dinner and have some fun on Friday!”
Research shows spending time outdoors benefits children and adults, including improving mood, enhancing creative thinking and problem solving, promoting a conservation ethic and improving physical fitness. On Thanksgiving Day, the average American consumes around 4,500 calories. A brisk walk can burn about 300 calories in one hour.
“There is a Minnesota state park within 30 miles of almost everyone,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. “So no matter where you live or celebrate Thanksgiving, the restorative power of nature is always nearby.”
Minnesota’s state parks contribute to a $13 billion tourism industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state’s economy. A 2012 study from the DNR found Minnesota state parks draw in more than $230 million in spending to local communities each year. An estimated 69 million domestic travelers and 270,000 international travelers vacationed in Minnesota in 2013.
“Outdoor recreation is a main draw for visitors to Minnesota and numerous state parks and recreation areas are a big part of Minnesota’s tourism economy,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota. “State parks are nestled near vibrant communities where you can find cozy hotels, B&Bs, resorts, dining options, unique festivals and something new to experience only in Minnesota this season.”
Those visiting Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Nov. 27th are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FreeParkFriday and #OnlyinMN.
To find a state park, head to http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html.
Trucks, Toys campaign seeks donations
Brenny Specialized Inc., in partnership with the Minnesota Trucking Association, is seeking donations for the annual Trucks and Toys campaign. Beginning as a small outreach, the MTA Trucks and Toys gift drive has now become a large-scale holiday event, delivering toys to more than 2,000 children who may not otherwise receive a gift. Toys are collected across the state and then distributed to metro-area charities and organizations in greater Minnesota that help families in need. The community is invited to donate to this year’s campaign. Any new, nonviolent and unwrapped toys can be dropped off throughout the month of November at Brenny Specialized Inc., 8505 Ridgewood Road, St. Joseph. For more information on the Trucks and Toys campaign, contact the MTA at 651-646-7351, or by email at mta@mntruck.org.
Heartland Hospice seeks volunteers for training
Heartland Hospice is looking for caring and dedicated people with an interest in serving terminally ill patients and their families in Sartell and the outlying communities. If you enjoy playing a musical instrument, sing or have a loveable dog you would like to register, please call Keshia Kettler-Herrmann at Heartland Hospice at 218-829-1252 for further information. We also need volunteers to provide companionship to our patients. Volunteer classes are available to fit each person’s schedule.
United Way volunteer opportunities
Anna Marie’s Alliance seeks holiday donation needs
Anna Marie’s alliance is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing safe shelter, support and referral services for battered women and their children. The alliance also works with the community on systems change and violence prevention. Anna Marie’s Alliance is in need of items for their clients during the holiday season. Donations include: hair products, store certificates, body wash and lotions, towels and washcloths, shampoo and conditioner, new socks, underwear in all sizes and diapers sizes 3, 4 and 5. Visit www.annamaries.org for additional donation needs. Contact Kim, Anna Marie’s Alliance, at 320-253-6900.
Big Couples ~ Big Families
Did you know Big Brothers Big Sisters also has Big Couples and Big Families? Be a Big Couple by teaming up to help a Little. Start something significant with your spouse, significant other or close friend. As a Big Couple, the two of you can provide a child with a team of support. To be eligible to be a Big Couple both individuals must be over 18 and out of high school. Or become a Big Family, a couple or individual with children who spend time with a Little. They are looking for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples and Big Families in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Morrison and Wright counties. Contact Rachel Bogenrief, Big Brothers Big Sisters recruiter, at 320-258-4537.
Support families in crisis
St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery seeks to strengthen and nurture families, in cooperation with community organizations and individuals, through a family-focused service to protect children from possible harm and provide support and validation for parents. They are looking for volunteers who will have the opportunity to counsel and support families from a crisis line via a cell phone from their home. Volunteers will be responsible for answering the crisis line from 5 p.m.-8 a.m. Monday-Friday and during weekends. Volunteers can determine their availability and can help as many hours as their schedule allows. Volunteers will attend a two-hour orientation training and come together every other month for two-hour training with the coordinator. Trainings are fun and casual. Everyone is able to volunteer, but they require volunteers to be friendly, personable, professional and able to work under stressful situations. Volunteering with St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery is very self-rewarding and making a difference really matters. Contact Conni Orth, Lutheran Social Service-St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery, at 320-654-1090.
Work with animals
Tri-County Humane Society is looking for volunteers to transport animals from their shelter to local veterinary clinics, Petco and Petsmart. Volunteers are generally put on a call list and contacted when transportation is needed. Volunteers must be 16 or older, have a valid driver’s license and own your own vehicle. Contact Rose, volunteer and humane education coordinator, at 320-252-0896 Ext. 27.
VA seeks escorts
St. Cloud VA needs volunteers to assist veterans who are confined to wheelchairs as they move across the campus to their appointments. Volunteers are also needed to assist veterans with navigating to and from their PT or OT appointments. Flexible shifts available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday for either volunteer position. Contact St. Cloud VA Health Care System at 320-255-6365 or vhastcvavsstaff@va.gov.
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or Mkrippner@unitedwayhelps.org.
Abbey hosts deer hunt
St. John’s Abbey will host its 14th controlled deer hunt since 1933. The intent of the annual hunt is to reduce the deer population to a level that allows natural regeneration of the forest ecosystem that is essential to the long-term habitat of deer and other components of the ecosystem. The archery hunt runs now through Dec 31. The Abbey Arboretum land and trails will remain open for the duration of the hunt. Additional information is on St. John’s Deer Hunt website and commonly asked questions are answered in the Deer Hunt FAQ.
The most recent winter aerial survey of the deer population in the Abbey Arboretum found 11-16 deer per square mile. While this is down from the peak population of 29-44 deer per square mile, the population is still too high for the available habitat. Tom Kroll, abbey land manager, said, “The diversity of the area’s wildflowers, herbs and shrubs on the forest’s floor has been diminished by hungry deer in addition to the significant browsing of tree species. This disruption of the ecological balance of the area directly affects the forest and the deer herd as well as the populations of other wildlife.”
Search starts for Miss Stearns County
The Miss Minnesota International Program is seeking 19- to 30-year-old females to apply for Miss Stearns County, who will represent the county in the Miss Minnesota pageant to be held March 12 at Ritsche Auditorium, on the campus of St. Cloud State University. Criteria includes the following: female, single, never been married and never given birth. The young lady chosen as Miss Minnesota will receive a prize package worth $7,000 and the chance to represent Minnesota at the 2016 Miss International pageant held in Jacksonville, Fla.
The American Heart Association is the official charity of the Miss Minnesota Pageant.
The current reigning Miss Minnesota is Alexis Adu-Bobi of Duluth. As Miss Minnesota, Adu-Bobi speaks to young adults about “No More –Together We Can End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.”
As a child, her mother, siblings and Alexis suffered through years of abuse at the hands of her father. Her mother somehow found the strength to leave, but the aftermath that domestic violence leaves is a legacy of broken lives full of fear, trauma and mistrust. For more information go to: www.nomore.org.
Miss contestants will compete in personal interview, fitness wear, fun fashion wear and evening gown. There is no talent or swimsuit competition. Young ladies living in Stearns County interested in applying should write for a bio-form to the following: Miss Minnesota International Pageant, 7287 W. 153rd St., Box 240537, Apple Valley, Minn. 55124 or call for information at 952-432-6758, fax 952-953-3896 or email pagunltd@frontiernet.net.
