We are scheduled to have lunch at the Maddens Town Hall on the Wednesday of Thanksgiving Week. Their goal this year is to raise money for the Good Samaritan Hospice program which provides comfort care for terminally-ill patients and their families. The big news is this year the sponsorships are much more affordable since the trees were donated. They will have a total of 55 trees.

Lynn remarked, "I would like to encourage all the Sertomans to consider being a part of the Gala Reception on November 18th." She continued, "This is a very special event that includes refreshments, music, and a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the best the Festival has to offer." Tina also brought along her Christmas elf who handed out goodies and tried to get us all in the holiday spirit. Something must have gotten into the air because the group certainly was rather rowdy. Tina concluded by asking for volunteers to sell tickets on the 18, 19, and 21st.

The festival is free to the public on community days and includes complimentary photos with Santa on the 20-22. The Artisans Holiday Fair where you can get much of your Christmas shopping done is on November 24th and 25th.

James Munsch also took the opportunity to speak briefly with the group about his plans to cross the country on his bicycle and raise funds for children's cancer research. He calls his effort Bike to Life and both Tom Steiger and Patty Hartman donated their winnings to his cause. Patty won the much sought after Pot O Gold that was over $100. To check out James and his plan go to biketolife.org. He is working with the Brainerd Community Action group and his advice from our own biker Gary Walters was, "Pedal hard!" The trip will encompass several cities and about 6,000 miles. Good luck James. He leaves for Seattle on Thursday.

When you look at her list of hobbies it is perfectly clear that she will excel at It Figures Fitness Center for Women. Laura is a huge exercise enthusiast who likes roller blading, cross country skiing, kayaking and biking. It is located in Baxter just west of Northern National Bank on Excelsior. The center has a whole new look and will feature circuit exercising, ellipticals, and yoga classes.

This doesn't mean that Laura is not still very involved with her job at United Way. She is the community impact director and plans special events, works with marketing, and communications. She has been there for three years. She is married to her husband of 23 years, Loren, who is General Manager for Nex-Light. She encouraged everyone to become and Ambassador for the Chamber which she explains is a very rewarding networking opportunity. She is a flag committee and has helped with hearing and vision screening. She is very proud of her GEM award. Her most embarrassing moment involved a trip to the state fair and a U-Care shopping bag.

• Does Cheryal Hills always get Laura into trouble?
• Bill Goers theme for the day was "Bill is always going to be a pill!"
• Happy Birthday John Raboin
• Our president explained that he was told he had an 11 month honeymoon to work with and then he was a lame duck. Pam didn't save him this week and he got zapped for a buck.
• The rookie group is headed up by Paul Heinlein, he is looking for the fun folks to help him plan the party.
  Bonnie Franke and fellow Sertoman Ken Thomas each threw in a dollar for a happy fine--Mike Boen is gone from the radio station all this week.
• Welcome back Brian Lehman and Tom Steiger.
• Forty Seven, Forty Seven, Forty Seven (the magic booth number to vote for at the Chili Cookoff).

Kari Barnes and her assistant Cathy Picek are the go-to folks for Pipe and Drape information.

Need awards? Did you lose your pin? Tami Webb is the person in charge of awards and meeting paraphernalia.