2011 Holiday Wishbook - Issue 3

Home Holidays

November 30, 2011 • www.brainerddispatch.com

for the

2011 Gifts & Traditions

Inside Kids Coloring Contest Gift Ideas Holiday Events Festivities Recipes And More

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

paul Bunyan Land enchanted Village Date: Nov. 25 Ð De c. 17, 2011 Time: 6 Ð 9p m Fridays & Saturdays Event Description: Paul Bunyan Land will be lighting up their pioneer village again this year. The village will have holiday themes inside the buildings and several displays set up along the streets. It is a great way for a family to spend a winter evening. Bonfires and hot chocolate will be available. A stroll thru the village is the best way to experience the Enchanted Village or the trolly will be giving rides. Admission is FREE.

Lakes Area

HOLIDAY EVENT GUIDE

christmas at the Mansions Date: Nov. 25 Ð De c. 4, 2011 Event Description: Linden Hill Historic Event Center, 608 Highland Ave., Little Falls. Celebrate Christmas by touring the decorated Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions.

Admission $10/person, $8 with food shelf donation, 12 and under free taste of the holidays Date: December 1, 2011 Time: 4pm Ð 7pm Event Description SchaeferÕ s Foods, Nisswa. Come and taste a huge selection of different samples store wide.

Admission: $3 donation will go to help fund the Nisswa Historical Society.

Brainerd dispatch Girls night Out on the cuyuna range Date: December 1, 2011 Time: 11am Ð 8pm Event Description $500 cash drawing at 8:30pm at the Ironton Legion.

Call 546-5029 for more details.

18th annual radiothon to end child abuse Date: December 1-2, 2011 Time: Starts at noon for 24 Hours Event Description: Lakes Area Radiothon to end child abuse is a joint effort

by WJJY/B93.3/Cool 103.5/The Power Look 107.5 Radio, the Child Abuse Prevention Councils of Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, and Morrison Counties Child Protection Teams.

Grass roots concert Ð peter Ostroushko & the heartland Band Date: December 2, 2011 Time: 7:30 Ð 9pm Event Description: Livewell Nightclub and Coffee Bar, Journey Church, Nisswa www.grassrootsconcerts.org 7th annual toys for Kids & salvation army Food shelf Fundraiser Date: December 3, 2011 Time: 3pm Ð 10pm Event Location: The Green Lantern on County Road 8 (between Garrison & Brainerd on Hwy 18)

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Event Description: Dog sled rides, coloring contest, cookie decorating, crafts, silent auction, bake sale, pie eating contest and Visits with Santa. Drawings and raffles throughout the event.

Admission: 2 non-perishable food items per person, toy or $5.00 cash donation

heartland symphony Orchestra Winter concert Date: December 3, 2011 Time: 7:30pm Event Description: Charles D. Martin Auditorium, Little Falls High School.

Contact 1-800-826-1997

Breakfast with santa & Mrs. claus Date: December 3, 2011 Time: 10am Ð 1p m Event Description: Pequot Lakes American Legion. Come and have breakfast (pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee) with Santa. They are asking for donations and items for the Lakes Area Food Shelf and Project New Hope. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for a minimal charge.

heartland symphony Orchestra Winter concert Date: December 4, 2011 Time: 2pm Event Location: Charles D. Martin Auditorium, Tornstrom Auditorium

annual aitkin county historical society Open house Date: December 3, 2011 Event Description: Open house, cookie walk, raffle at the Depot Museum in Aitkin ironton Fire department ham Bingo and Raffle Date: December 3, 2011 Time: 7pm Event Description Ironton American Legion. First prize is a Remington 700 ADL 30.06 Bold Action. Second prize is a framed 2011 Ironton Centennial Print (The Gathering by JD Speltz) and third prize is a large ham

christmas in the park Date: December 7, 2011 Sponsored by: Cuyuna Lakes Chamber.

For more details visit: www.cuyunalakes.com

annual holiday Bazaar Date: December 9, 2011 Time: 9am Ð 4p m Event Description: Essentia Health-St. JosephÕ s Medical Center Auxiliary welcomes the community to their annual Holiday Bazaar. Located in the River Room Cafeteria on the lower level of Essentia Health ÐS t.

JosephÕ s Medical Center. the steele Family christmas Date: December 10, 2011 Time: 2-5pm Event Description Central Lakes College, Chalberg Theatre. Contact 218-855-8199 or visit www.clctickets.com

Home for the Holidays 3 annual soup Walk Date: December 10, 2011 Sponsored by: Cuyuna Lakes Chamber.

For more details visit: www.cuyunalakes.com cookie sale Date: December 10, 2011 Event Location: St. JosephÕ s Church in Deerwood Just for Kix show Date: December 10, 2011 Time: 7pm Event Location: C-I High School

all You care to eat dadÕ s Belgian Waffles Date: December 11, 2011 parade of Lights & christmas Time: 9am-1pm program Event Location: Ironton Legion downtown holli-Walk Date: December 10, 2011 Sponsored by: Cuyuna Range Lions Date: December 8, 2011 Time: 2:30pm Admission: $7 adults, kids 6-12 $5, chilTime: 10am Ð 8p m Event Description: Pine River, Free dren under 5 eat free. Carry out availEvent Location: Downtown Brainerd horse drawn rides downtown 2:30-4pm. able, advance tickets available.

Parade of Lights will start at 5pm. the steele Family christmas Fireworks and Yuletide bonfire. tonic sol Fa holiday concert Date: December 9, 2011 Date: December 11, 2011 Time: 7:30-10pm cookies with santa Time: 7pm Event Description Central Lakes Date: December 10, 2011 Event Description: Tornstrom AuditoCollege, Chalberg Theatre. Contact Time: 9am-1pm rium, Brainerd. Tickets available at Cub 218-855-8199 or visit www.clctickets.com Event Description: West Side SkatFoods (Brainerd & Baxter), www.tonicing Rink, Little Falls. Children visit with solfa.com or by calling 320-259-4071 Santa and decorate cookies. Pictures also available. Contact 320-632-6349

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Brainerd dispatch

The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

Even Santa needs to ensure the Web sites he uses for Christmas shopping are secure.

Secure Your Identity

WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE There is no denying that shopping online is the quickest and easiest way to zip through a holiday shopping list.

With a few clicks and keystrokes, itÕ s possible to have all of your Christmas shopping done in no time. But as many people have found out -- the hard way -- purchasing via the Internet can be risky business, especially during the holiday season when shoppers are pressed for time and make hasty decisions. While identity theft and fraud can occur at any time of the year, the holiday shopping season leaves consumers particularly vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a San Diego-based nonprofit, there are several important steps that consumers should take to ensure that their online transactions are conducted both safely and securely. First and foremost, the ITRC recommends that consumers shop only on sites that use technology that encrypts -- or encodes -- both your personal and financial information before sending it for payment processing. Encrypting sensitive information makes it inaccessible to anyone outside the system, and all of the WebÕ s major retailers secure customer data in this manner. Nevertheless, itÕ s a good idea to ensure that a shopping site is se-

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cure, particularly if you have not made purchases there in the past. Any page on a site that asks for personal or financial information will have a URL or Web address beginning with https:// as opposed to the usual http://.

Shopping only on the sites of merchants you know and trust is another critical means of ensuring your online safety. However, if you decide to order from a Web site you have never patronized before, itÕ s a good idea to spend a few minutes investigating the site. For starters, reliable Internet retailers always include a business address and contact telephone number on their sites, as well as information about site security, their return and refund policies, shipping practices and privacy policy. This information should be easily located on the Web site, often along the bottom of the companyÕ s home page. If you canÕ t find this information or suspect that the business might not be legitimate, contact the Better Business Bureau or your state’s Attorney General’s office to determine if there are outstanding complaints against the company.

Another critical step in securing your

The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

personal and financial data is to provide only the information necessary to complete the transaction -- and no more. Social Security numbers are not required to complete an online purchase and consumers should never provide this information. Being asked to reveal sensitive information, such as a Social Security number, on a retail Web site is an automatic red flag indicating that something is not right. Your best bet? Close your browser window and search for another, reputable source for the item you want.

Finally, whenever you shop online, itÕ s best to pay with credit cards, which are protected by the federal Fair Credit Billing Act -- a law that entitles cardholders to dispute charges made to their accounts. Unfortunately, there is no other form of payment that provides this type or level of protection.

The good news? Once you are assured that a site is secure and the retailer is reputable, shop away. Chances are good that youÕ ll not only save time, but money and energy as well.

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

Brainerd dispatch

IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING...

The Brainerd Salvation Army has announced the locations of its Angel Trees, where interested community members may pick a tag and purchase a gift for a child.

The Angel Trees are at the Westgate Mall, Bremer Banks, Wells Fargo Bank, Mid-Minnesota Credit Unions, Deerwood Bank, Big Stone Therapies and the BN Credit Union, Sawmill Inn, Giovanni’s of Brainerd.

After they pick up a tag and buy a gift participating donors should deliver the gift to the Salvation Army at 208 S. Fifth Street by December 5th.

The 30th annual ÒT oys for KidsÓ campaign sponsored by Heartland Detachment, Marine Corps League is scheduled for now through December 15, 2011.

This local community service program is supported entirely by local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Applications can be made for the Toys for Kids program during the month of November at the Brainerd Salvation Army office.

Donations of new toys may be deposited between November 22nd and December 15th at toy drops located at many businesses throughout the area. Tax deductible cash donations may be sent at any time to Toys For Kids, PO Box 2811, Baxter, Minnesota 56425. Gifts will be distributed at the Brainerd National Guard Armory on December 15th. For additional information please contact Steve Amerud at 218.764.3170 or 218.838.1640 Other local charitable organizations: Bridges of hope Ð www .bridgesofhopemn.org Camp Confidence – www.campconfidence.com - 218-828-2344 Family safety network of cass county, inc - 218-829-2619 habitat for humanity Ð ww w.lakesareahabitat.org or 218-828-8517 heartland animal rescue Ð www.hartpets.org or 218-829-4141 Kinship partners Ð www .kinshippartners.org Mid-Minnesota WomenÕ s shelter - www.womenscenteronline.org or 218-828-1216 northland arboretum Ð www .northlandarb.com or 218-829-8770 salvation army - www.thesalarmy.org United Way Ð www .unitedwaynow.org If your charitable non-profit organization would like to be listed please contact Kristine at 218-855-5829.

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

30th annUaL tOYs FOr Kids dOnatiOn drOp OFF LOcatiOns YOUr GiFt FOr a LOcaL chiLd 0-15 Years OF aGe MaY Be LeFt at anY OF these LOcatiOns BetWeen nOV. 25 Ð dec.14.

BaXter

Brainerd Lakes Area Board of Realtors Ð Bra inerd Savings and Loan Ð C rosby Eye Clinic Ð C row Wing Power Ð Culvers Ð Do ndelinger Chevrolet Ð F randsen Bank & Trust Ð Gander Mountain Ð G ull Lake Glass Ð H iwayan Club (MNDOT) Ð I n-Fisherman Communications- Integra TeleCom Ð M enards Ð M id-Minnesota Fed. Credit Union – Mid-State Heating and Air Cond. – Mills Fleet Farm – Mills Ford – Mills GMC Ð M N Pollution Control Agency Ð N orson Builders Ð Ri ddles Jewelry Ð Riverwood Bank – Westgate Mall Office – Widseth, Smith, Nolting – WJJY Radio

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3WI Radio – AFCME Crow Wing Co. Auditor’s Office – Brainerd American Legion Ð Bra inerd Fire Department Ð Bra inerd Savings and Loan Ð Bra inerd VFW Club Ð Br emer Bank Ð C row Wing Co. Jail Ð C row Wing Co. Law Enforcement Center Ð Edgewood Vista – Giovanni’s Pizza – Mid-Minnesota Fed. Credit Union – People’s Bank – Salvation Army Office - Senior Center – U. S. Marine Corps Recruiting Office – Walgreen’s – Wendy’s – Westwood Professional Services

crOsBY/irOntOn

Crosby Eye Clinic – Mid-Minnesota Fed.Credit Union –Ironton American Legion Papa JohnÕ s Pizza Ð T rue Value Hardware

MerriFieLd/nissWa

Grandview Lodge Ð N ortech Systems (Toys For Kids is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization)

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

FaBULOUs FiVe-MinUte FUdGe prep time: 5 minutes total time: 25 minutes servings: Makes 24 pieces

ingredients 1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon water 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted if desired 1 teaspoon vanilla directions Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk, and water.

Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 1 minute more, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and spread it into a 9x6-inch rectangle, or drop mixture by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

Chill fudge about 30 minutes or until firm. Cut fudge into 1-1/2-inch squares.

Makes 24 pieces

snOW peOpLe

prep time: 30 minutes total time: 50 minutes servings: Makes 12 candies ingredients 1/2 package (16-ounce size) vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark) 24 large marshmallows 12 large pretzel rods

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24 large gumdrops 24 mini semisweet chocolate chips About 3 Fruit Roll-Ups¨ directions Cover cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper. Melt candy coating as directed on package.

Thread 2 marshmallows on each pretzel rod so marshmallows are at one end of pretzel. For hat brim, press gumdrop to flatten and attach to top of pretzel, using melted coating; press and hold brim about 5 seconds.

For top of hat, attach another gumdrop, flat side down, on center of brim, using melted coating; press and hold about 5 seconds. Place pretzel in empty beverage glass to hold upright; let stand about 20 minutes or until set. For eyes, attach chocolate chips to marshmallow, using melted coating. Repeat with remaining gumdrops, pretzels, marshmallows and chocolate chips. Cut fruit snack rolls into strips, about 6 inches long and 1/4 inch wide; place on snow people for scarves. special touch For an individual gift, package one snowman in a plastic bag filled with miniature marshmallows to resemble snow. Tie with fanciful ribbons.

pOinsettia cOcKtaiL

ingredients 1/4 cup vodka 1/4 cup Champagne 1/2 cup cranberry juice Crushed ice 2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long directions Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass.

Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

PLEASE

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

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Brainerd dispatch

Giving

ON A TIGHT BUDGET As global economic woes continue, holiday spending remains diďŹƒcult to predict. In 2010, holiday spending rose more than five percent from the year before, according to MasterCard

AdvisorsTM SpendingPulseTM. That increase surprised forecasters, many of whom predicted holiday spending would decline for the fifth straight year.

Brainerd dispatch With the holiday season on the horizon once again, no one truly knows what consumer response will be. But many consumers figure to exercise some restraint this holiday season, sticking to a budget when buying gifts for family and friends. While budgets are good ways to limit spending, a holiday spending budget doesnÕ t mean shoppers canÕ t still put a smile on their loved onesÕ f aces. In fact, with a few tips, holiday shoppers can stick to their budgets and still enjoy a happy holiday season.

Get creative Holiday gifts donÕ t have to be bought at the local mall or from an online retailer. Gift-givers with unique talents can create their own gifts and save some money along the way. For example, shoppers skilled at woodworking can create a personalized wood carving for a friend or family member.

Good at knitting? Knit a scarf, mittens or even a blanket for a loved one who lives in a cold weather region. Such personalized gifts are often especially meaningful to their recipients, who appreciate the time and effort such keepsakes take to create.

Be patient Nowadays, many families are so spread out geographically that they donÕ t always get together on Christmas Day. If thatÕ s the case and you wonÕ t be seeing your family until a few days after Christmas, take advantage of the special sales offered in the days after the actual holiday. Items are often heavily discounted, and if you can stay patient, your patience might just pay off with substantial savings.

The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

establish spending rules With Family Members Before the shopping season Begins In an effort to reduce some of the financial burden of the holiday season, many families have begun to place spending limits on holiday shopping. This saves everyone money and ensures no one finds themselves with substantial debt come the new year. do a Gift exchange With Family and Friends Many larger families have also begun to do a gift exchange rather than asking members of the family to buy gifts for each and every member of the family. In a gift exchange, each member of the family draws a name out of a hat and then only buys a gift for that specific person. This even has the added benefit of allowing shoppers to buy something a little more expensive for a family member since they arenÕ t obligated to buy gifts for anyone else. start early The earlier you begin your holiday shopping, the more you can spread out your spending. This reduces the financial stress of the season while still allowing shoppers to get something special for everyone on their shopping list.

Holiday spending may or may not increase this holiday season. But savvy shoppers can still make the most of their spending without breaking the bank.

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KIDS’ CORNER

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Name_________________________________________________________Age ________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________State________________ Zip______________ Phone # ( ) ________________________ Drop off or mail this picture to the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James Street, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401, by Friday, December 16, 2011, to enter the coloring contest. The Dispatch will judge and award first, second, third and honorable mention prizes in each category of ages 1-4, ages 5-8, and ages 9-13. Winners will be announced on Christmas Day.

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The Week of November 30 - December 6, 2011

Kids and Gifts:

HOW MANY IS TOO MUCH? Despite the many messages from all corners promoting a Òmo re is betterÓ philosophy when it comes to holiday gifts, the truth is far more complex -- especially for children. While most parents work hard to give their kids everything they need and much of what they want, it is often hard to draw the line, prompting many well intentioned moms and dads to ask, ÒH ow much is too much?Ó In general, the answer lies within each family. Parents should purchase what makes sense to them and what they believe their children will use and appreciate. However, in recent years, child psychologists and experts in child development have returned to these questions as economic conditions have forced many families to scale back, both throughout the year and during the holiday season.

Books such as ÒT he Pampered Child SyndromeÓ ( Jessica Kingsley, 2006)

by Maggie Mamen and ÒG ive Me, Get Me, Buy MeÓ ( HCI, 2010) by Donna Corwin and several others on the same topic offer similar conclusions: When children are given too much over the course of their childhoods,

they can develop a serious case of entitlement, become unappreciative of what they have and begin to equate love with “stuff.” And for younger children, receiving a huge pile of gifts in one sitting can be both overwhelming and overstimulating.

If you have been wondering about these issues, here are some general guidelines for having a fun-filled holiday with just enough stuff.

Make a Gift plan Before setting out on your first shopping expedition, devise a plan that makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, decide on the number of gifts for each. With older children, you might want to establish a dollar amount rather than a gift amount. Once youÕ ve made the plan, stick to it -- no matter what. draw names Particularly in bigger families, giftgiving can become a financial and emotional burden if everyone buys for everyone. Drawing names not only reduces those burdens, but often results in more meaningful gifts all around.

Brainerd dispatch Opt For a shared experience Consider pooling the money you would have spent on individual gifts and putting it toward a special outing, vacation or shared item for your home. Long after the toys have broken and the electronics have stopped working, your children will cherish their memories of a holiday that focused on sharing time together. communicate If Grandpa Mike or Aunt Emily has a reputation for heaping on the presents at Christmas or Chanukah, let them know ahead of time that one will do, then offer a suggestion that is sure to please your son or daughter. If they insist that they want to do more, consider asking them to make a donation in your childÕ s name to a charitable organization or to purchase a gift for a local child in need. collaborate Sometimes one big gift makes a lot more sense.

If your child would love a new bike or a trampoline or horseback riding lessons, consider asking extended family members to contribute to that item or to items that go with it, such as a helmet or other gear.

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