Carlton Happenings

When I was a kid, Christmas was a big deal and an exciting time. One of the events I remember most is the Wood Conversion Christmas party for the kids of all the employees. Booths were set up, for girls and boys by ages. Each child would receive a gift, a red mesh stocking filled with candy and nuts, and an orange. I think I still have the Lifesaver doll with green hair I received one year. And I know my sister still has the Pitiful Pearl doll she received. It is still in the original box in storage. The funding for the presents and party came from the canteen fund at the mill. That party held in the beginning of December was the start of our Christmas excitement. As kids, we also looked forward to receiving the Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogs. We would spend many hours looking through them, circling the gifts we hoped Santa would leave under our tree on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

When you are out shopping, please think about purchasing a toy for the annual Toys for Carlton Area Kids drive. Help us celebrate 30 years of giving to the area kids in need. Today, Dec. 6, is the last day to donate to the toy drive. Dropoff locations in Carlton are the Carlton VFW, Carlton city office, Carlton Wellness Center, Thrivent Financial, Carlton Meat & Grocery, CreativEdge Designs, South Terrace Elementary, Carlton High School, Inter-Faith Care Center, Pineview Apartments, SoulShine Salon and Spa, and N.P. Junction Books during regular business hours. Please 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 locations listed above. Let’s fill the boxes and help our area kids have a great Christmas.

Coming soon

• Reminder: Bethesda Lutheran Church bazaar 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Don’t miss this fun event! The Bethesda Church also collects nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army in Cloquet. Call 218-384-4501.

• Christmas with Santa: 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Lunch and pictures with Santa at the Carlton VFW. Children of all ages are welcome.

• Lions Burger Night: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at the Carlton VFW.

• Christmas Eve services: 3 p.m. early service and 7 p.m. late service Dec. 24 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Carlton. Everyone is welcome.

• Blood drive: All day Dec. 23 at the Carlton firehall. Give your most precious gift of blood for those in need.

Regular happenings

Community members interested in being on 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 Wednesday of the month at the city office. All are welcome.

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

Veterans interested in joining the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and/or the Carlton VFW Auxiliary, contact the VFW at 218-384-3794. Check out bingo at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and the meat raffle at 6 p.m. Fridays. Mondays are Pizza & Pitcher Night, 5 p.m. to close.

The Nicholson Sellgren Auxiliary to the VFW Post 2962 is offering two $1,000 Johnson/St. Maine Scholarships. Applications must be received by March 31. Contact Mary Griffith, 218-380-1621.

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

Carlton Area Lions Club meetings are at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Carlton VFW. Dinner is served. Call Betsy Anderson at 218-255-5457 for more information. The Lions are collecting all kinds of plastic bags to be made into benches. Bring donations to the Carlton VFW.

Four Seasons Sports Complex & Event Center board meets 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Open skating is 2:45-4:45 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. Open hockey is 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Helmets are required. Check out http://www.carltonhockey.net for a schedule. The Four Seasons Complex Sports and Event Center is available for small or large events. Contact Leola Rodd, 218-310-6065, for more.

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