Hello members, local residents and friends, 

Hi. How are you? Well, I never thought I would ever be in the position to be writing to you. To be frank, I don't have the same way with words that Melissa does, but as in all things, I will endeavor to do my best.

There is only one way to start this letter and it is with a heartfelt Thank You to Melissa Vander Plas. It was a true pleasure to work with Melissa from August of 2022 through April of this year. It was an even greater pleasure to work for Melissa since April. She was an amazing coworker, mentor, and leader. And though her tenure was short, this letter alone highlights her lasting legacy on the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce. I will miss Melissa, probably every day for at least a month, and somewhat regularly through April. However come April, when the Volunteer Program starts back up again, Melissa will be coming a few times over the summer to volunteer at the Visitors Center.

And although we enter yet another unplanned transition, I have great faith in our Board and the leadership of the Chamber moving forward. We are still accepting applications for the Executive Director position, but what is clear is that we are in good, smart, forward thinking hands as the search continues to fill the Executive Director position.  

In the meantime, we will keep on keeping on. The Depot Delivery will continue every other Thursday through March or April when it will move to weekly. We’ll continue to work with members on anything they need, we’ll be getting the guide out in the next few weeks, and we’ll probably host a happy-hour or two this winter.  

Thanks for all your support, and we look forward to crushing 2024 right along with all of you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Levine

We are in the very final stages of making the 2024 Lanesboro Area Visitors guide (Big shout out to Sarah Peterson/Peterson Creative for all her hard work!), and we can’t be more excited for this edition. For one thing, with final proofs being passed around, we will have the guides in hand in the next few weeks! We’re very excited about that part.

As we embark on the development of our new brand and a 2025 guide that will have a different feeling, we wanted to make sure this year's guide at least fit a new tone that we want to roll into our new brand identity. In particular we feel the future of tourism in Lanesboro is going to be built upon humans and we wanted to focus on the unique humans, be they resident or visitor, that truly love Lanesboro.  

We have some really great stories coming in this years guide, including a feature on our local music scene, from Commonweal Theatre’s David Hennesy, a feature from Lanesboro’s history author Steve Harris, on Whalans connection to the past, and a story from Fillmore County Journal contributor Andrew Darling, who has a great story on fun ways to explore the Root River. We also have an extensive interview between the Cottage House Inn Manager Alison Leathers and a regular guest of theirs who is an avid road and gravel road biker, on the benefits of getting out of the valley on your bike. And there is a focus on our vast, rich resources for History in Lanesboro and Fountain, and for our “livability” section we have a look at where summer jobs in Lanesboro can take your kids.  

One story in particular went the extra mile, so much so that we couldn’t include all the interesting data that was collected. So I thought we would share the findings here! On what was a beautiful fall day…

“a gathering of great minds occurred at a premier location — the Lanesboro Elementary School. This serious meeting had the sole purpose of discussion, writing and drawing all things liked and loved about Lanesboro. The great minds in question were students in Courtney Graves’ second grade class and, although these minds are only 7 and 8 years in the making, they will be sure to teach you about the joys, tastes and sights that can be found in this tiny, but mighty, town.“ –From Experience Lanesboro through the eyes of second graders. Article by Alison Leathers, in the 2024 Lanesboro and Whalan Area Visitors Guide.

While the whole article is a great read, Alison Leathers, the author and focus group mediator, gathered some fascinating data from these wise minds and we thought it was worth sharing. Alison had the class answer a series of questions on a worksheet and draw their favorite things about Lanesboro. Here is a condensed version of the data she collected:

Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce

begins search for new Executive Director

It is with a sad, but understanding heart that we are looking for a new Executive Director. This last year was a struggle for our organization, but we would not be where we are today without the steady hand of Melissa Vander Plas. She guided us through the stormy chaos of 2023 to lead us to a brighter and fiscally sound future. Needless to say the next Executive Director of the Chamber has some big shoes to fill.  

Think you got the chutzpah to take on the challenge? Check out the Job post on our website and apply. 

LACC returns to in-person meeting for 2024 Annual Meeting of Members

SAVE THE DATE: The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Cedar Valley Resort's Rustic Hearth Event Center. You must be in person in order to participate in giving feedback and voting. We will go over our 2023, present the 2024 budget and elect new board members. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here.  

Board of Directors Elections to be held in January

Speaking of the election of the Board of Directors, in addition to our usual three, three-year term rotation, we also have an open, one-year board seat. This year we return to in-person voting at the annual meeting. If you are interested in serving on our Board of Directors, please fill out this form. 

Come to the Legion, eat fish, fight cancer.

On Saturday Jan 13th starting at 5 PM the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40 will host it's regular Fish Fry. Enjoy some battered and fried fish and support a good cause. This is a part of the Annual Eagles Cancer Telethon that will take place live at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. As a part of those festivities, The American Legion Post 40 here in Lanesboro will be selling fish for $14 dollars with all proceeds going to the telethon fundraiser.

Construction timeline update MN DOT is planning to reconstruct Hwy 250 in Lanesboro from the Hwy 250 bridge over the Root River to Hwy 16. We plan to remove the entire road and replace it with new materials. During that time, the City of Lanesboro will also replace sewer and water utilities. Reconstruction for this project on Hwy 250 has been moved to 2027. This additional time will allow MN DOT to be more thorough in its preparations, including the environmental review process in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources. This timeline adjustment will also give businesses and community members additional time to plan for construction. To learn more about the upcoming construction reach out to Cindy Morgan at cindy.morgan@state.mn.us.

Lanesboro Arts will also be hosting the 2024 Juried High School Art Show from January 13-28 in its gallery. The 2024 Annual Juried High School Art Show celebrates the immense creative talents of local high school students! This show will be on display at the Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery. See artwork created by 9th-12th grade students from Chatfield, Fillmore Central, Lanesboro, Mabel-Canton, and Rushford-Peterson High Schools. The show features a variety of art works, including paintings, drawings, stained glass, mixed media sculpture and more. There will be an Opening Reception on Jan. 13 from 5 to 7 pm to celebrate these young artists.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Lanesboro Arts presents Ann and Andy Lowe, AKA “Needy Dog” at the St. Mane Theatre at 7 pm. Performing original music from their “Time Will Take Us” and “Truckin’ Along" albums as well as some new songs, Ann and Andy will move you with their soulful harmonies, complementary guitar work and personal lyrics. Tickets are on sale now for $20 ($15 Lanesboro Arts Members). For Ann and Andy, it’s all about drawing rich, complex harmonies from a mixture of original music and songs by their favorite artists. Their music is accompanied by guitar, harmonica and banjo and is best characterized as contemporary acoustic folk. Performing under the moniker, Needy Dog, the duo share a mutual love of harmony and complementary guitar work. Their songs are deep, honest reflections on their lives and experience, and sure to touch their fans.

Winter Rock Climbing is back at Eagle Bluff! Learn the fundamentals of Rock Climbing as you work to reach your climbing goals on the 30 foot-high indoor wall with routes that suit every level of climber. No prior experience required, as the indoor wall offers over 35 routes, ranging from beginner to expert. The 30-foot wall has various features including multiple overhangs, cracks and a chimney. Eagle Bluff staff will be there to provide belay services and ensure safety and success. Climbers of all ages are welcome. Eagle Bluff will provide harnesses and helmets. Climbing shoes will be available if desired, but tennis shoes work fine. Personal climbing shoes are allowed, but please refrain from bringing in any other outside equipment (i.e. harnesses, chalk, belay devices). Tickets are $10 a person and can be purchased here: https://eaglebluffmn.org/event/winter-rock-climbing-2024/2024-01-20/

Sylvan Brewing’s Workshop Series is back. Just about every Sunday, local artists teach workshops on various things they like to make! The next workshop on Sunday, Jan. 7, is Soy Candle making. Back by popular demand, from like a couple weeks ago. Jamie is back to lead another fun afternoon of crafting while drinking some craft (beer). The $30 charge covers the costs of the materials, which will be provided. You’ll go home with five candles. Payment due at the time of the class. And if words are more your bailiwick (eh? eh?) then save Sunday January 21 from 1:30-3:30 PM as the Driftless Poet Society will lead a free Poetry Writing workshop for anyone 10 years and older, because anyone and everyone can write poetry! In this workshop, participants will write a “Where I Am From“ poem with assistance from members of the Driftless Poet Society. (Free-Will donations to the Society are welcome). And then on Jan. 28th at 1:30 PM there is a real treat. Learn to make Sami inspired Braided Bracelets with Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelers. Liz is a nationally acclaimed and award winning jewelry and an expert in Norwegian and Viking inspired techniques. More details to follow.

Open Fly-Tying with the Root River Rod Co. at Sylvan Brewing is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. This month, it's the 11th and the 25th at 5 PM. Join the guys from one of the nation's preeminent fly fishing shops and tie some flys!  

Sylvan Brewing has had quite a musical year last year, and with a larger space, so too comes more tunes! On an average winter night, there’s nothing quite like a cozy night in Sylvan’s Taproom. Grab yourself Daisy, or a Sweetbender to warm up and gather with friends. But what if we saw that cozy night of the Tap room and rose you some Live Jazz. On Saturday Jan 13th The D’Sievers Jazz Duo From 6-8 PM will play Sylvan for the first time! With a trombone and keyboard, these cats are truly groovy. You are not going to want to miss this cozy night of Jazz in the Taproom. Then on Saturday Jan 27th local regional favorite Clay Fulton is embarking on quite the endeavor. Chatfield Center for the Arts has created a really fun pop-up concert tour with Clay Fulton on Saturday, January 27th to promote their February Chillfest! Clay will play a short set at each location so grab some friends to carpool with and caravan along! Clay will be at Sylvan Brewing from 2-230 PM before heading to Karst in Fountain.  

Jokes on Tap at Sylvan Brewing continues its year-round mission of bringing laughs to Lanesboro. Join hosts Ryan Stock and Andy Holt at an evening of hilarity, a regional comics showcase their talent, try out new material. Watching comedians work in real time is a real treat and this show always delivers. If you want to try your hand at stand-up, arrive a little early to check in with the host to sign up! Otherwise just show up early to get a seat, grab a pint, and get ready for some laughs! No cover charge. The next Jokes on Tap is Friday, Jan. 26.  

It’s a new year, and the High Court Pub is continuing it’s rocking calendar throughout January. This Saturday Jan. 6th Orchid Janes returns to the High Court Pub for a night of beautiful Music of some of your favorite songs and super fun mash-ups. But that’s not all! There will also be a steak special on the menu! I missed the steak special the last time they ran it and it’s one of my greatest regrets. Don’t be like me get to the High Court Pub by 5 PM to get your steak! Then next weekend, on Jan 13 Tim Dallman will be gracing the balcony stage. The Rochester based singer songwiter who blends rock, pop, country and folk

Of course Tuesday Trivia continues uninterrupted at the High Court Pub. It will continue through ad infinitum, never ending through time or memorial. There are (normally) three rounds of (usually) 10 questions that truly fit that Goldilocks rule - fitting just right in the middle where it’s accessible to everyone, but still feels good when you get it right. Be sure to like and follow the High Court Pub on Facebook for weekly freebie questions of the week! Like and comment on those posts for a chance to win a free drink token. The winning team gets $25 in drink tokens and there are trophies and other prizes as well. Truly, a fun time will be had by all.

January topics include: On Jan. 9 we’re talking food, we’re talking pyramids, and we’re talking schemes, baby, Food Pyramid Schemes is the topic. Yeah, you heard me and there is nothing lazy about that portmanteau…or is it just a before and after? Don’t get it twisted, the January 16 will have a guest host covering Missconceptions. Then on Jan. 23, we’re talking about the best new (ish) board game sensation “Villainous,” or at least I think that's what it is? Because that game rules. But knowing Wyatt, he will branch that out to be a broader set of subject matters, I am sure. Finally, we end the month with a bang- No S#!t Sherlock – so probably poop and Holmes.

The Lanesboro American Legion has a new line-up!: Monday is Soup du Jour, starting at 3 pm until it’s gone, and bucket beers, five beers for $12. Taco Tuesdays is two tacos with fixings for $6 from 3 to 7 pm. Ladies' night is Wednesdays and men’s nights on Thursdays see $1 off drinks, respectively. Meat Raffles are on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30. Family Fun Day is Saturday with $1 kiddy cocktails, $1 off a large pizza and a variety of games.

Remember to swing by Granny’s Liquor every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. for a Complimentary Tasting.

Jonathan Levine

Office Administrator

Phone: (507) 467-2696

Web: lanesboro.com

Email: chamber@lanesboro.com

Events: Calendar