Trivia Question❓What is Minnesota’s official state grain, often featured in cozy Thanksgiving soups and stuffings, known in Ojibwe as “manoomin”? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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. Read More... |
Weather Forecast |
Tuesday, Nov 25
Wednesday, Nov 26
Thursday, Nov 27
Friday, Nov 28
Saturday, Nov 29
Sunday, Nov 30
Monday, Dec 1 |
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. Read More... |
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 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 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. |