December 2022

Belle and I took a walk around Lighthouse Point and ended with a visit to the Winter Market at Castle Danger Brewery which is where we met Betsy. Betsy has a 2 year old dog who looks like Belle.

Two Harbors is a town built on history and industry. From logging to fishing, to mining, and the railroad that connected us to the rest of the nation, Two Harbors was crucial. This week in Small Town Stories we spoke with Ellen Lynch, Executive Director of the Lake County Historical Society. And the result was more than just a history lesson. Lynch has been with LCHS for five years, and even with the slowdown of Covid, she and her staff have begun to make a significant impact on how the LCHS works in and among our community. Originally it was founded in 1925 with a mission to preserve the stories of area residents. Fast forward to today, and LCHS has taken great leaps to be more active in the Lake County Community. Programming, events, and activities have definitely stepped up. Recently, they’ve added their “History in a Pint” series, in which they’ve partnered with Harbor Rail for a small battery of history lessons about our area and our community. On November 2nd, was a presentation about Wolf Ridge Learning Center. On December 3rd, they did a makeand- take ornament class out on the depot platform. Coming up on January 4th, the discussion is about our logging history featuring Todd Lindahl. And finally, on March 1st, the discussion is about Title 9 featuring Linda Hoffman. Other ways the LCHS is reaching out? Their current endeavors are sponsoring a scavenger hunt during Winter Frolic – taking photos at locations they’ll have listed on a “bingo” card. Secondly, they are actively seeking funds for their “Keep the Light Lit” program. Essentially, the current light seen at the Two Harbors lighthouse is generously on loan from the US Coast Guard for five years. For a new, rotational light, the cost is upwards of $70,000 – as there are only two manufacturers of them worldwide. Currently, they’ve raised $20,000. Even with a matching grant, they’re only halfway there.

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Advent: A Time Expectation A Time of Joy Christmas is a time of joy- When in their hearts each girl and boy Thinks about such earthy things As all the toys that morning brings. Christmas joy cannot be real If all it is- is what we feel When we look about and see Mounds of presents beneath the tree.

We are full steam ahead into the holiday season. The holidays are a time of excess, and in many ways I appreciate that, but not so much when it means excess shoveling. “True winter” begins, and soon the days will begin to grow lighter, but in the meantime a little extra kindness can go a long way. If you see a neighbor struggling to keep up with the snow, please give them a hand if you are able. Consider that some have added pressures during this time with busier schedules, financial expenditures and family expectations. Getting outside to take in some fresh air walking, ice fishing or taking the kids sledding can help relieve some of the stress from increased demands during this time of year. Experiences in nature, even if brief, can increase our mood, and help us all enjoy more of the holidays.