Carlton news

The Carlton Community Toy Drive is happening again this year. We will be working with the Carlton VFW Auxiliary and the focus will be to help veterans and their families that are in need. In addition to toys - hats, mittens and scarves are also needed. Collection boxes will be out from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 at the Carlton VFW, Carlton Meat & Grocery, CreativEdge, City of Carlton offices, Thrivent Financial, and J3 Insurance in Cloquet. To make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to the Carlton VFW Auxiliary and drop off at the Carlton VFW. Contact Leola Rodd, 218-310-6065, for information.

The Carlton South Terrace Elementary School Parents In Education group is selling take-and-bake pasties through the Magnolia Café in Carlton. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to PIE. The sale started Monday and continues through Nov. 19. Pre-orders only. Cost $7.95. To order go to http://www.magnoliacafecarlton.com.

A group of community members are still making plastic mats for the homeless out of clean plastic shopping bags. The group meets at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays. Donate bags to Northwoods Credit Union in Moose Lake and Cloquet, and Bethesda Lutheran Church. Contact Mary Saarela at 218-393-2693, for more.

Veterans interested in joining the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and/or the Auxiliary, please contact the VFW at 218-384-3794. Weekly events include bingo on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., meat raffle on Fridays at 6 p.m., free pool and darts on Sundays, and poker on Sundays at 7 p.m.

Thank you to the Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing the Halloween trick-or-treat event in downtown Carlton. Although the weather was cool and rainy, an estimated 1,300 kids visited the booths sponsored by many local businesses.

Bring your camera to The Green House at 210 Sixth St. in Carlton beginning Nov. 22 to see the beautiful display of poinsettias and take a Christmas photo. Poinsettias will also be available for purchase.

Local churches are back to in-person services: River's Edge Church (the former JM Paine) 10 a.m. service; Bethesda Lutheran Church 9 a.m. service; St. Francis Church 4 p.m. Saturday Mass and 8:30 a.m. Mass Tuesday-Friday and Sunday.

Christmas is coming and I need to think about the Christmas lights that decorate my very tall house. I am putting out a request for someone who does not mind climbing a ladder or who may have a bucket truck or lift to help straighten out the lights, and would be willing to donate its use for a couple of hours. I know a lot of people enjoy the lights, and I do not want to disappoint the community. If you can help sometime in November, give me a call 218-310-6065. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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