Carlton Happenings

The holidays are upon us, and the orange lights will be replaced with red, green and white twinkling lights.

Many of us have been out to local stores or been online shopping for that special gift for family and friends. When you are out shopping, please think about purchasing a toy for the 30th annual Toys for Carlton Area Kids toy drive. Help us celebrate giving to area kids in need.

The toy drive runs through Dec. 6. Dropoff locations in Carlton are the VFW, city office, Carlton Wellness Center, Thrivent Financial, Carlton Meat & Grocery, CreativEdge Designs, South Terrace Elementary School, Carlton High School, Inter-Faith Care Center, Pine View apartments, SoulShine Salon, and N.P. Junction Books.

Donate a new unwrapped toy or gift card for children ages 17 and under. Christmas gifts will be distributed through the Carlton VFW Auxiliary. Hats, mittens and scarves will also be collected at the toy dropoff locations.

Community notes

• Lions Burger Night is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at the Carlton VFW. Gather family and friends for a Burger Night Out.

• Reminder: Bethesda Lutheran Church bazaar 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 7. Mark your calendars now!

• There will be a blood drive Dec. 23 at the Carlton firehall. Give the most precious gift of blood for those in need.

• The Nicholson Sellgren Auxiliary to VFW Post 2962 in Carlton is offering two $1,000 Johnson/St. Maine scholarships. Applications must be received on or before March 31, 2025. For more information call Mary Griffith, 218-380-1621.

• Carlton community members interested in being a part of the committee on refurbishing the tennis courts to one tennis court and four pickleball courts are invited to meetings at 4 p.m. the fourth Wednesdays of the month at the city office. All are welcome.

• Volunteers needed: the Bethesda Mat Makers are still making plastic mats out of clean plastic shopping bags for those in need. They meet 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton. Bag donations can be brought to the Northwoods Credit Union in Moose Lake and Cloquet, and to Bethesda Lutheran Church. Contact Mary Saarela, 218-393-2693.

• Bethesda Lutheran Church also collects non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army located in Cloquet. For more information call 218-384-4501.

• Carlton Public Library offers an in-person or take-and-make craft for every Wednesday. The “Present Wednesdays” activity will continue through the winter.

Get involved

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

• Carlton Area Lions Club meetings are at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Carlton VFW.

• City of Carlton council meetings are at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. The public is invited.

• If you are interested in serving on the Carlton Area Public Library board, contact Bethany, 218-940-5831, or stop in at the library at 310 Chestnut Ave., Carlton.

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