Carlton Happenings

As I write my column, the sun is shining and the temperature is not below zero. My outdoor Christmas decorations are still buried in the snow and ice, waiting to be rescued and put away until the next holiday season. I am hopeful for the spring that is soon to come. As the days stay light longer, I look forward to seeing the green grass, trees budding and flowers begin to bloom. On that subject, make a note: Daylight Saving Time begins March 12.

Here’s a list of upcoming meetings and events in our area:

The Carlton High School blood drive will be held 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 at Carlton High School. Call 218-384-4226 for more information.

Carlton VFW Post 2962: 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 VFW Auxiliary is planning its “Gigantic Garage Sale” fundraiser for Sept. 9-10. To donate, contact Linda at 218-428-0496. No clothing or shoes, please.

The City of Carlton council meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. The public is welcome to attend. The meetings are held at the city offices in the old civic center building. Call the city at 218-384-4229 for more.

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

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 next meeting is March 15. The Four Seasons also collects aluminum cans, which may be put into the trailer located on the south side of the Four Seasons Complex.

Four Seasons Sports Complex schedule: Open hockey at 12:30 p.m. and open skate at 2:45 p.m. on Saturdays. Open skate starts Sundays at 11 a.m. Find schedules at http://www.carltonhockey.net.

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.

Volunteers wanted: A group of community members are still making plastic mats for the homeless. Volunteers crochet mats from strips cut from clean plastic shopping bags. About 700 bags are needed to make a mat about 6 feet long. The group meets from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton. Bring bags to the Northwoods Credit Union in Moose Lake and Cloquet, and Bethesda Lutheran Church. Prospective volunteers are invited to contact Mary Saarela, 218-393-2693.

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

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

Hugs. Kittens crave them. Puppies love them. Heads of state are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier and make your travels so much merrier.

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