Yesterday I had the extreme privilege of attending a couple of events in our community. First I attended the Perham Rotary lunch meeting as a guest of Jon Staebler. The ever-dynamic Scott Hennen was the keynote speaker. The Rotarians demonstrated great hospitality to all their guests, pride in their community, and good-natured humor. Best of all we sang Christmas Carols with the accompaniment of Russ Bunker, who is one of the most gifted pianists I have ever heard. A huge thank you to all the Rotarians for what you do for our community! Oh, and if you haven’t had a Chimichanga at Lake’s Cafe in Perham you don’t know what you are missing.
Next I attended “A Taste of Perham”, hosted by Dean’s Country Market. Dean and Kathy Simpson and all of the Dean’s Country Market family cheerfully served a vast array of food to sample. A free will offering basket was at the door, with all of the proceeds benefiting the area Food Shelf and the Giving Tree, and it was brimming with donations. I am pretty sure most of Perham was in attendance because we never saw the end of the line. The Perham High School Choir, led by Kevin Kosiak, serenaded us with Christmas Carols…WOW, what talented kids we have in our district! Santa was there checking his list….one little girl was over heard to say, when asked if she’s been good, “Well, most of the time I’m good.” Oh, the honestly of the little ones. I even got to have a visit with Santa! Thank you Dean and Kathy and all of your wonderful staff for putting on this event. It was a great evening…and Dean even had on a dress shirt and tie…he cleans up real nice! 
Topping the day off….I was so privileged to attend the New York Mills Community Christmas Program. The atmosphere was festive and smiles abounded. The simplicity of people coming together to celebrate the birth of Christ and old fashioned community pride was felt everywhere. From the depiction of the Nativity, to the singing of Christmas Carols the true meaning of Christmas will never be lost when we remember to keep Christ in Christmas. It was a magical night that in its simplicity filled your heart with joy in this most blessed Christmas season. Thank you to all the organizers and participants for making it a very memorable evening.
Gretchen
