On behalf of Becker Public Schools, I would like to thank the many area Veterans and their families who joined us this year during our school district celebrations.  It is our pleasure to offer programs each year to honor your service and sacrifice. Thank you to Tom Risley for sharing his experiences as an E-9 in the US Navy with our students and staff, as well as Chris Barber and the Pain Free Patriots organization for partnering with our high school student council this year. We would also like to thank the following organizations for helping to sponsor this year's programs which included a special Veterans Day resource fair and luncheon at the Becker Community Center: Sherburne County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, Bernick's, Sherburne State Bank, Starcor Credit Union, McDonalds's Meats, Becker Lions, City of Becker - Becker Community Center, Becker Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, LSS of MN, Sherburne County Veterans Services, St. Cloud VA Hospital, Becker American Legion, Becker SAL, and the Sherburne County Historical Society.

 

To the reader who is upset about the Confederate flag on Third Street: the Confederate flag no longer represents the horrors of slavery. No one could support that.  Today it represents a dissatisfaction with an overly intrusive federal government. A dissatisfaction that many of us share. I’m sorry that the reader finds those of us who live on Third Street so distasteful.  We still believe in free speech and I salute my neighbors for having the courage to show us what they think. 

 

I had the privilege of attending a “Thanks to Veterans” program at the Becker Primary School. So great to hear about 600 students in Kindergarten, first and second grades sing a song containing the pledge of allegiance, God Bless America and a medley of patriotic songs. Absorbed their applause, shed some tears of appreciation, and then visited the special education room where I used to substitute teach. I saw the love and acceptance these teachers and staff have for children of all abilities and races. People of Becker should be thanksful for the principals, teachers and staffs in our schools. As we watch the rioting and division in our nation,the words “one nation under God, indivisible: were especially meaningful. 

 

Thank you so much for your dotation to the VFW Auxiliary Oktoberfest Silent Auction. This year with your help we have been able to raise over $6500. With the generous support of people and businesses like you, we raise these funds to give to charitable groups or organizations that benefit veterans, active duty soldiers and their families, and the local community. At our most recent meeting we have already started the donation process by giving to the following organizations who share the values the VFW Auxiliary want to support: $1000 to Eagle’s Healing Nest’s, $300 eah for a total of $1200 to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign in Monticello, Becker, Big Lake and Buffalo and food shelves of Monticello, Becker, Big Lake and Buffalo.

 

The white stuff is now flying and the temperatures are dropping, this means Christmas is just around the corner.  This year you could help make Christmas a little brighter for a child in need by helping out the Community Toys for Tots program.  You have probably started to see boxes for collection out in the community waiting to be filled.  We could use your help in purchasing new and unwrapped toys for the children in need this year.  

Last year our program served over 800 children in the area and we you’re your help to do the same this year.  To help the children in the area, you can fill any one of the distribution boxes in the following communities: Big Lake, Becker, Monticello, Clearwater and Clear Lake.  For a list of locations you can drop your toys off to help children in our community please visit our website at www.toysfortots.org. Click on search local contacts and toy drop locations in your area. Choose Monticello, MN. You can also check out how to donate online. Hurry fast to fill the boxes, they will only be out until Dec. 16.  Also please keep in mind any toys going down to Kare11 or put in boxes outside of the cities listed do not help the children in your community.  For any questions please contact Stacy Boone-Vikingson at 763-482-4447 or by email at communitytoysfortots@gmail.com.  As always have a happy holiday season. 

 

Wanted: Salvation Army Volunteer Bell Ringers to ring the bell for the Red Kettle Campaign.  The Salvation Army has kettles at the Clearwater Coborns and Travel Plaza now through Christmas Eve and is looking for volunteers from throughout the community.  How about volunteering for even just a couple of hours?  Do it with your family or a friend if you want, or play a musical instrument instead. None of the volunteers are paid, so any help from the community is greatly appreciated.   Many people have needs, so even if you are short on cash, what better way to help make a difference than by contributing some time? Register online at www.RegisterToRing.com or Call 320-558-5678 or 320-257-7437 to sign up. Your work is appreciated!