■ Residents, business owners and motorists were invited to an open house to get information and provide feedback on a proposed project to replace the Highway 24 bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Clearwater. The open house was to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Clearwater City Hall, 605 County Road 75. The project as proposed will build a new two-lane bridge at one of two locations near the existing Highway 24 bridge.
■ The Annandale School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, in the Middle school band and choir room. See the news brief in this issue.
■ The first day of winter is Friday, Dec. 21.
■ Winter vacation in the Annandale School District begins Monday, Dec. 24. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
■ The Annandale Post Office will close at noon on Monday, Dec. 24. The office will re-open on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
■ All Wright County offices will close at noon on Monday, Dec. 24, for the Christmas holiday and will resume normal business hours Wednesday, Dec. 26.
■ Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24 and 25, See the church listing on page 3A.
■ The Wright County Parks Department has several activities planned this winter. In December, there will be two free programs offered at Robert Ney Regional Park in Maple Lake. A moonlight snowshoe and boot hike is planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29. On Sunday, Dec. 30, there will be a wildlife art exhibit and open house with featured speaker and artist Jillian Alberg from noon to 4 p.m. Alberg will also teach a wildlife drawing session for beginners from 2 to 3 p.m. for people of all ages and abilities. For information, visit the Wright County Parks Department web page, www.co.wright.mn.us.
■ Monday, Dec. 31, is New Year’s Eve. See the ads on page 3B for New Year’s celebrations. Also, see next week’s Advocate for more options.
■ Powder Ridge Recreational Area north of Kimball will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Family Night on Monday, Dec. 31. Specials start at 4 p.m. The torchlight parade and fireworks begin at 11:15. See the ad on page 1B.
■ The Route 55 Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at the Waverly Village Hall. Proceeds go to benefit area music programs. This will be a "back to the ’40s" dance. There will be a dance contest, prizes and more. Food and beverages will be on site.
■ Tuesday, Jan. 1, is New Year’s Day, a state and federal holiday.
■ The next meeting of the Annandale Improvement Club will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Classic Hall Event Center. Following the business meeting, there will be a program, "Let’s Talk About Books." Mic Golden, former GRRL Collection development coordinator, will educate and entertain the group with recommendations of great books to enjoy this winter. This month donations are requested for the Annandale All-Day Kindergarten Scholarship Fund. The public is welcome to attend. There is a fee for the lunch. RSVP to Sharon at 274-5043 by 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31.
List your community event in this Update. Fax it to 274-2301 or e-mail it to news@annandaleadvocate.com.