What is Minnesota’s official state grain, often featured in cozy Thanksgiving soups and stuffings, known in Ojibwe as “manoomin”?

Marine veteran Bill Lowe brings inspirational stories to life through the Semper Try podcast, a show devoted to highlighting relentless determination.

With candid talks, laughter, and life lessons, Bill spotlights veterans, coaches, volunteers, and everyday heroes who never give up.

The premiere episode aired on November 10, 2025—fittingly, the Marine Corps Birthday—and features Bill’s own journey and a deep dive into what “Semper Try” truly means.

Listeners are treated to special guests like Wayne Harting, Commander of the Brainerd American Legion, who shares insights on the Minnesota National Guard and local volunteerism.

Semper Try is available on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Podbean, PlayerFM, Podchaser, and BoomPlay.

Discover uplifting stories of service, community spirit, and perseverance with Bill Lowe’s unique approach.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Nov 25
40 °F 🌡️ 23 °F | ❄️ Snow accumulating 1-3 cm, breezy and colder | 💨 WNW ~15 mph
Snow begins, slick travel possible; colder start to the week.

Wednesday, Nov 26
28 °F 🌡️ 17 °F | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy with a few flurries; windy and colder | 💨 NW ~20 mph
Very cold and blustery, limited sunshine.

Thursday, Nov 27
25 °F 🌡️ 11 °F | 🌥️ Turning cloudy | 💨 NNW ~15 mph
Chilly air lingers, cloud cover increasing.

Friday, Nov 28
23 °F 🌡️ 14 °F | 🌥️ Cloudy most of the time | 💨 N ~12 mph
Very cold with overcast skies dominant.

Saturday, Nov 29
23 °F 🌡️ 11 °F | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy | 💨 NW ~10 mph
Cold weekend start, little sun.

Sunday, Nov 30
24 °F 🌡️ 8 °F | ☁️ Cloudy | 💨 N ~10 mph
Still very cold, clouds hold firm.

Monday, Dec 1
23 °F 🌡️ 6 °F | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy | 💨 N ~10 mph
The coldest night of the week; bundled up required.

The days before Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming with all the planning, hosting, and organizing that’s required.

Finding time for quick self-care is essential to manage mounting stress and stay energized.

Simple practices like deep breathing or a brief nature walk calm your mind and help restore balance.

Short power naps can boost focus, while maintaining regular meals, movement, and rest keeps your energy stable.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help—sharing holiday duties can lighten your load and make gatherings more meaningful.

Setting realistic expectations, embracing gratitude each day, and limiting alcohol or caffeine improves your sense of well-being.

Carving out a quiet spot for yourself and sticking to a clear schedule can help reduce anxiety and chaos.

Prioritizing your own needs lets you be more present and joyful with family and friends this Thanksgiving.

LAKES AREA KIDS BUZZ

Share with a child you know :)

In the Northwoods, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox team up with Click the tech-savvy squirrel to host a “Thank-Share-ing Day” when some forest friends don’t have a feast.

Instead of giant dishes, everyone shares drawings, songs, memories, and talents that light up the forest with joy.

Kids learn that Thanksgiving isn’t about how big the meal is—it’s about kindness, creativity, and caring for your community.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

12:15 pm — Parent Power Hour — Warrior Early Learning Center, Baxter

12:00 pm — B-I-N-G-O Fundraiser — Smiles for Jake Movement, Brainerd

3:00 pm — YFC Junction Open Hours (Middle & High Schoolers) — The YFC Junction, Brainerd

6:00 pm — Music Bingo — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

1:00 pm — Pet Photos with Santa — Crosslake Town Square, Crosslake

4:00 pm — Community Cooking & Open House — The Shop (Brainerd Baxter Youth Center), Brainerd

5:00 pm — Evening Library Event — Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

5:00 pm — ★ Brainerd Turkey Run Sign Up — Brainerd, MN

6:00 pm — Meat Raffle — Lucky’s Tavern, Pequot Lakes

6:00 pm — Live Music: The Mark Petersen Band — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving)

7:00 am — ★ Brainerd Turkey Run 5K & 1-Mile Walk — Brainerd, MN

9:00 am — Thanksgiving Day Community Meal — Brainerd American Legion Post 255, Brainerd

11:00 am — Thanksgiving Free-Will Dinner — Pequot Lakes American Legion Post 49, Pequot Lakes

11:00 am — Dine-In Thanksgiving Dinner — Wilson Bay at Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd

3:00 pm — Traditional Thanksgiving Feast — Cragun’s Resort Lakeside Dining Room, Brainerd

Friday, November 28, 2025

11:00 am — ★ Nisswa City of Lights Celebration — Downtown Nisswa, Nisswa

11:30 am — Thanksgiving Weekend Extravaganza — Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake, Nisswa

10:00 am — Black Friday Sale & Small Business Event — Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop, Baxter

10:00 am — Black Friday in Town Square — Crosslake Town Square, Crosslake

6:00 pm — Live Music: Tailgunners — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Saturday, November 29, 2025

11:30 am — Thanksgiving Weekend Extravaganza — Quarterdeck Resort on Gull Lake, Nisswa

1:00 pm — Paint-Your-Own Sugar Cookie Workshop — Knotty Pine Bakery, Brainerd

2:00 pm — Live Music: Mark Mraz — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

5:00 pm — Live Music: Tequila Tom — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa

5:30 pm — ★ Sertoma Winter Wonderland Drive-Through Lights — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd

Sunday, November 30, 2025

9:00 am — Breakfast at Sunshine’s — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Nisswa

12:00 pm — Bells + Blossom Christmas Open House — Jami Just Juice, Nisswa

8:00 am — Vikings Watch Party & Waffle Breakfast — Brainerd American Legion Post 255, Brainerd

2:00 pm — Meat Raffle — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake

7:00 pm — ★ Tonic Sol-Fa Holiday Concert — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd

Monday, December 1, 2025

12:00 pm — Brown Bag Author Visit — Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

3:20 pm — Gymnastics Tumbling Tots (Birth–Age 6) — Brainerd High School Gymnastics Gym, Brainerd

6:00 pm — Monday Night Trivia — b*merri at The Woods, Brainerd

6:00 pm — Childbirth Preparation Series (Week 1) — Essentia Health Online Classes & Events (Brainerd-based, virtual)

All day — Photography Pass (Trails Open Sunrise–10 pm) — Northland Arboretum, Baxter

Wild rice (manoomin).

Thanks a bunch for reading Lakes Area Buzz today! If you spotted something handy, go ahead and pass it along to a neighbor or a friend—ya never know, it might make their day too.