Carlton happenings

The 29th annual Carlton area toy drive runs through Dec. 10. Please help those less fortunate. Collection boxes will be available at the Carlton VFW, City of Carlton office, Carlton Wellness Center, Thrivent Financial-Carlton, Carlton Meat & Grocery, CreativEdge, South Terrace Elementary School and Inter-Faith during regular business hours.

Please donate a new unwrapped toy or gift card for children ages 17 and under. Monetary donations can also be made to the Carlton VFW Auxiliary. Hats, mittens and scarves will also be collected at the locations listed above. Happy shopping.

There are plenty of things to do with the approaching holiday season.

The Carlton Lions Club Burger Night is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at the Carlton VFW. Takeout is available.

Live music by Gypsy Wagon, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 19.

Thanksgiving Day hours are 2-9 p.m. The VFW will be cooking a turkey for those unable to have a Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the dinner will be a potluck. Bring your favorite dish to share.

Lunch with Santa from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Lunch is free.

Veterans interested in joining the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and/or the Carlton VFW Auxiliary, please contact the VFW at 218-384-3794. Weekly VFW events include bingo at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; free pool and darts on Sundays; poker at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and a cribbage tournament at noon Mondays. There are cash drawings at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and a meat raffle at 6 p.m. on Fridays.

The annual “A Touch of Scandinavia” Christmas bazaar runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, 204 Fifth St., Carlton. Featuring Christmas cookies and candy, crafts, next-to-new, silent auction, Sloppy Joe lunch and so much more.

Four Seasons Sports Complex and Event Center board meetings are held at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. The public is welcome. The Sports Complex also collects aluminum cans, which may be put into the trailer located on the south side of the complex. See www http://www.carltonhockey.net for more.

Lions meetings are at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the VFW. Dinner is served. Contact Betsy Anderson at 218-255-5457 for more.

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 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays. Bring bags to the Northwoods Credit Union in Moose Lake and Cloquet, and Bethesda Lutheran Church. Contact Mary Saarela for more info at 218-393-2693.

The Carlton Recycling Shed is open 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce: Visit http://www.carltonchamber.com for more information.

For more information about scheduled events at Oldenburg House and the bed and breakfast, visit http://www.oldenburghouse.com or http://www.oacc.us.

Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be healthy, happy and safe, wear a mask (if needed), wash your hands and get vaccinated.

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