I had a ham in the freezer that needed to be used, so I prepared a tasty ham dinner one day, and we enjoyed ham sandwiches the next day. I had enough ham left over to prepare a pot of split pea soup.

By LAUREL HALL The holiday season is often a joyous time to gather with friends and family, carry on traditions and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes it brings.

Judy Nelson retires from CLC after 43 years After 43 years of service at Central Lakes College (CLC), Judy Nelson, who worked in registration and records retired Dec. 7. CLC President Larry Lundblad proclaimed Dec. 7 as Judy Nelson Day at CLC.

Little Falls Senior Center happenings LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Senior Center's New Year's Eve party will be held at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 27, with live music by J&R Concertina Band. Meal will be at 5 p.m.

Christmas Day used to be a day when Peg cooked a ham and all the trimmings dinner for her family! Presents were wrapped, stockings stuffed and the tree decorated.

■ Vida Jokela ● Age: 73. ● Live: Rural Brainerd. ● What are you doing at The Center: "I joined the senior's morning club. I met a friend through the Widowed Friends Club and she encouraged me to join this club.

■ GSS in Pine River participates in learning collaborative PINE RIVER - Good Samaritan Society (GSS) - Pine River has joined the Stratis Health Acting Together to Achieve Excellence campaign (ATTAX).

“Mom, remember when we were traveling to South Dakota for Christmas and we got caught in the snow and we had to stay in that horrible hotel? They only had one room left and it was freezing cold and the snow came under the door! Dad had trouble getting the car started the next morning. We met Uncle...

inging the bell for the Brainerd Salvation Army is the least that Wendy Pearson can do. Pearson, 50, who recently moved to Brainerd from Pequot Lakes, said the Salvation Army has helped her out in her time of need.

The first weekend in December each year is always reserved for girls' holiday weekend at my sister Judy's house in Hawley.