Carlton happenings

The holiday season is fast approaching, but look for changes this year because of the pandemic.

For more than 50 years, the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and Auxiliary have been collecting donations to assist veterans, families of veterans who are deployed, and residents in nursing homes and veterans’ facilities. Due to the pandemic, the annual Christmas auction fundraiser will not be held this year. The Carlton VFW will still need help from the community and businesses. Monetary donations will go into a Christmas account, and physical donations will be on display at the VFW for either a silent auction or some other means of raising funds. All donations, large or small, will be very much appreciated.

The 26th annual toy drive will run Nov. 16 through Dec. 16 with limited dropoff sites. Dropoff locations include the Carlton VFW, City of Carlton offices, Thrivent Financial, Carlton Wellness Center, Carlton Meat & Grocery, and The Brickyard in Wrenshall. Donations can be dropped off during regular business and city hours. Please donate a new unwrapped toy, or a gift card, for children ages 17 and under. The gifts will be distributed with the food baskets from the Carlton VFW to the families of the Carlton, Wrenshall, Cromwell, Barnum, Esko and Moose Lake areas. If you would like to donate, make checks payable to the Carlton VFW Auxiliary.

Hats, mittens and scarves will also be collected at the dropoff locations. For more information, contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or email [email protected]. Let’s help our area kids have a great Christmas.

Thank you to the Carlton Chamber for organizing the trick-or-treat in downtown Carlton on Halloween. It was great, and so many kids and their families came to participate. There were so many great costumes, and a great time was had by everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving. Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Let us all give thanks for our family and friends who are able to share this time with each other. Everyone be safe, wear a mask and wash your hands.

Here are some regularly occurring events for Carlton:

• The Four Seasons Sports Complex and Event Center board meeting is held at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month. The public is welcome to attend.

• Check out the Four Seasons schedule of events and open skating at fourseasonsofcarlton.com or

carltonhockey.net.

• The Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce meets the first Thursday of every month. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the meetings are held virtually. Find out more at

carltonchamber.com.

• The Carlton Area Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Carlton VFW. Dinner is served. Contact Betsy Anderson at 218-255-5457 for more.

• Veterans interested in joining the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and/or the Carlton VFW Auxiliary, please contact the VFW at 218-384-3794.

• The Carlton County recycling shed is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Please observe social distancing for the safety of the employees and community members who are also using the recycling area.

Everyone be safe, wear a mask and wash your hands.

If you have a special community event in Carlton or know of a special person who should be recognized, contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].