As Mother’s Day is fast approaching, this is a reminder to get that special mom in your life a very special gift. I have some suggestions that don’t necessarily cost a lot of money. Spend a day with Mom, doing what she wants or maybe cooking a nice meal for her. If gardening is her passion, purchase some seeds or flowers that Mom and you can plant together. Or just give Mom a call (no texts, please) to wish her Happy Mother’s Day on May 14.

There are many upcoming events in the Carlton area:

Sjodin Strong benefit 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at Four Seasons Sports Complex, 90 Chestnut Ave. in Carlton. Pulled pork BBQ, bake sale, silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to the family. Cash or checks accepted.

Carlton VFW steak fry 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Music by Brian Gunderson.

Lions burger night 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the Carlton VFW.

Community Memorial Hospital Volunteer Services Organization rummage sale 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, May 18 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the Four Seasons Complex in Carlton

Transportation Night 5-7 p.m. May 18 at South Terrace Elementary School. There will be numerous vehicles to explore and food available for purchase from the B&B Market food wagon. The event is free and open to the public. Bring the whole family.

Carlton community cleanup Friday, May 19. Carlton High School students will be out raking yards, bagging leaves, cleaning up brush and getting Hillside Cemetery cleaned up for Memorial Day. Call Leola at 218-310-6065 for more information. Residents must reside within the city limits of the City of Carlton.

Carlton High School graduation 7 p.m. May 26, at the high school.

Memorial Day is May 29, the day to honor the family and friends that have gone before us. Carlton VFW Post 2962 Honor Guard & Auxiliary will be visiting the following area cemeteries: 7:45 a.m., Eagle Lake; 8:10 a.m., Cromwell; 8:50 a.m., Atkinson; 9:30 a.m., Elim Lutheran; 9:55 a.m., Oak Lake; 10:25 a.m., Nickerson; 11:05 a.m., St. John’s; 11:30 a.m., Carlton Hillside.

Carlton VFW memorial raffle drawing May 29. Tickets, $20. There are only 320 tickets available. Purchase tickets at the Carlton VFW.

Ongoing

Veterans interested in joining the Carlton VFW Post 2962 and/or the Carlton VFW Auxiliary, please contact the VFW at 218-384-3794. Check out bingo 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and the meat raffle at 6 p.m. Fridays.

The City of Carlton council meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month in the old civic center building, 218-384-4229.

The Four Seasons board meeting is 7 p.m. May 17 at the Four Seasons Complex. The public is welcome to attend. See http://www.carltonhockey.net for the schedule of events.

Businesses or individual community members interested in joining the Carlton Chamber are invited to visit http://www.carltonchamber.com for more information.

Lions Club meetings are at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the VFW. Dinner is served. Contact Betsy Anderson at 218-255-5457.

For information about the Oldenburg House bed and breakfast as well as events there, visit http://www.oldenburghouse.com and http://www.oacc.us.

The Carlton VFW Auxiliary is planning its Gigantic Garage Sale fundraiser for Sept. 9-10. Contact Linda at 218-428-0496 about donations. No clothing or shoes, please.

Volunteers wanted: A group of community members are still crocheting plastic mats for the homeless. They meet 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton. Donate old plastic shopping bags at the Northwoods Credit Union in Moose Lake and Cloquet, and at Bethesda Lutheran Church. Questions? Call Mary Saarela at 218-393-2693.

“Hugging is a silent way of saying you matter to me.” (author unknown)

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