Sparky the ReindeerC o m e s t o A L B e R t L e A

December 16, 2014

“So you want to be one of the elite reindeer?” Santa asked, looking skeptically at the young Sparky. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve added a new member to my sleigh team. I’m not sure you have what it takes, but I’m willing to give you a shot. Please schedule a trip to Albert Lea right away.”

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Sparky arrived in Albert Lea with a list of places to visit and a notebook to write down everything he learned. Santa assured him the good people of this city would help him learn what he needed to know before he could join the sleigh team: the true meaning of Christmas.

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Sparky’s first stop was at Celebrations Party & Gifts where he found a shop full of people looking for toys and special gifts for their loved ones. He was greeted by the shop’s owner with a welcoming smile and a friendly hoof-shake. “It’s great to have you in town,” the owner said warmly. Sparky took notes about the friendly atmosphere and spirit of giving that was so evident in the store, along with the thought and care that each shopper put into choosing just the right item.

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Next, Sparky stopped at Uptown Dental, where the halls were buzzing with activity. “Do you mean to tell me you care for the people of Albert Lea every single day?” “Yes”, replied the dentist. “We know people need good dental care all year long, and we’re glad to help our neighbors whenever they need it.”

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Walking through the doors of the Albert Lea City Offices, Sparky was impressed with how many people had dedicated their lives to public service. He was happily greeted by the librarian who took him to the Children’s Library on the 2nd Floor of the city offices. What a wonderful place for the town children to read books and enjoy activities.

Next on Sparky’s list was a visit to Reinertson’s Embroidery. “This is one of our busiest times of the year,” said the store owner, “and it makes us so happy to be able to create special gifts for people and businesses in our community.” Sparky sure was learning a lot about Christmas in Albert Lea.

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“What could Santa want me to learn about Christmas here?” Sparky thought to himself as he walked into Sanderson Auto Repair. He introduced himself to a family in the waiting room who were on their way to Grandma’s house for Christmas when they got a flat tire. “We’re so glad there are people willing to help us when we need it,” they said. “The garage was about to close, but the manager said he would stick around a few minutes extra to make sure we could get back on the road.” Sparky smiled and noted how even small acts of service can make a big difference.

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Sparky walked into the front doors of one of Albert Lea’s elementary schools expecting to see classrooms filled with learners, but instead he heard the familiar sound of Christmas songs wafting through the air. He followed the sounds to the auditorium and joined the audience in clapping for the special holiday musical program. He was also impressed with how the students were collecting food for needy families. “School isn’t just about classroom lessons,” Sparky jotted down. “It’s also about life lessons, and the students in Albert Lea are getting a wonderful education in caring.”

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For his last stop, Sparky visited St. Theodores School. The parents of the children were gathered together to enjoy a Christmas play being performed by the school children. The children were excited to share the wonderful message of Christmas with their parents.

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On his trip back to the North Pole, Sparky had a lot of time to think about what he had learned in Albert Lea. There were a lot of lessons — about service, family, hard work, kindness and beauty — and he couldn’t wait to share what he had learned with Santa. He anxiously walked into the workshop and told Santa all about his adventures.

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“Well, Sparky, I’ve got to admit I’m impressed,” Santa said. “The people of Albert Lea obviously know what Christmas means, which is why I sent you there to learn. And it looks like I can comfortably present you with the highest honor we bestow at the North Pole. You’re officially the newest member of my sleigh team, ready for duty on Christmas Eve.”

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Children’s Winter Programs Starts Monday, January 12 ⦁ Ends Thursday, April 9

Albert Lea Public Library

(507) 377-4350 ⦁ 211 E. Clark St. ⦁ Albert Lea, MN

Storytime 10:30 AM

Mondays ⦁ Tuesdays

6:30 PM Thursdays

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Join the Party on Monday, March 2nd

2 to 4 p.m. Lots of games, crafts and fun!

Book Pals

Gr. 5, 6 & 7 ⦁ Mon.: Feb. 23th - Mar. 23th

Gr. 3 & 4 ⦁ Tues.: Feb. 24th - Mar. 24th

Registration Required Both groups meet at 3:45 p.m.

LEGO Time: Mondays: Jan. 5th, Feb. 2nd & April 6th ⦁ 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Adult Winter Programs

Non-Fiction Book Club 3rd Tuesday of each month

6 p.m. Fountain Lake Readers

2nd Thursday of each month: 10 a.m.

Computer Classes for Seniors • 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday ⦁ Jan. 14th & Feb. 4th • Registration Required

Open · Mon.-Thurs. ⦁ 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ⦁ Sun. ⦁ 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.a lp lon l ine.org

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Music & Movement

Thursdays @

10:30 a.m.

Adult Winter Reading Program Hot Reads for Cold Nights

Jan. 12 — Feb. 26 Fun & Prizes!!!

Gladys & Lyle Reinertson127 S. Broadway | Albert Lea, MN

507-373-0751www.reinertsonsembroidery.com

• Hats• Sweats • Blankets

• Jackets• Denims• Business Logos

Call 507-377-3320131 West College St.

Albert Lea, MN 56007www.SandersonAuto.us

Are you looking for a great Pre-Kindergarten program?St. Theodore Pre-Kindergarten School has an awesome academic program for children that are 4 years of age.

We will be opening our doors for new enrollment in January.

If your child will be 4 by January 1st and you are interested in enrolling your child, stop in at the St. Theodore School to fill out

the required paperwork and to get all required forms in.

If you want a tour or more information give us a call at 373-9657 or email us at saa@sttheo.org.

Call the Albert Lea Tribune to find out how you can help.507-379-3423

507-377-5033141 e. William st., Albert Lea, mN

www.uptowndental.org

Dr. Hung Vu, DDSLumineers/Veneers • Sapphire Whitening • RestorativePeriodontal • Root Canal Treatments • Laughing Gas

Laser Check-ups • Crowns • VisiLite Plus (oral cancer screening)Dental Implant • Fast Braces

Downtown Albert Lea (507) 373-7746

GIFTS YOU CAN’T WAIT

TO GIVE