MARILYN HAGERTY: Folks around the Forks deserve gifts from Santa

Dear Santa Claus,

In another week you will have your sleigh loaded. I know the reindeer will be fairly flying as you come down from Winnipeg.

Believe me, we will be waiting. Most of the people around Grand Forks have been very good this year.

Could you drop off a good book for Alyce Haugen in Edmore? Bring as many Lego sets as you can pack in your sleigh. And gloves and mittens, too. We need them more than ever around here this Christmas.

We could really use a new library in Grand Forks, Santa. But our city fathers and mothers seem to think we need a new water treatment plant first.

Could you bring a new basketball for Quinton Hooker? He shakes hands with the kids after UND basketball games.

Themis, the Goddess of Justice who sits atop the Grand Forks County Courthouse, is cold this December. Could you bring a bearskin robe for her?

Some people around here might not ask for things, but most have been fairly good all year.

• Gladys Hallstrom could use some gloves.

• Tootsie Gasparani should have some new snow boots.

• Mary Loyland needs Chippers from Widman's. So do Joan Gaul and Mayor Mike Brown.

• Nancy Hvinden at Thompson could always use another pair of gloves.

• Liz Eggers might like a gift certificate to the Eagles Crest Grill.

• Ann Porter could use a very nice notebook to keep her busy schedule straight.

• Joe Hanson, chef at Sky's, needs a bike with winter tires.

• Jack, John and Sam Bjerke could make good use of a great big long sled to use on the snow-covered dike over by Lincoln Park.

And while you are at it, Santa, will you remember to bring hand warmers for the letter carriers around here.

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• Tim Dittus, Judge Joel Medd and all the other Lions Club members who tend Christmas in the Park, should have some hot chocolate.

• Dennis Johnson needs a new binocular set so he can watch the traffic on South Washington Street.

• Tammy Howard could use new earmuffs to wear when she is out showing houses in the dead of winter.

• Les Klevay could use bird books to identify all that fly through his back yard.

• Harold Vold needs a coupon or two for popcorn at UND basketball games.

• Mark Pryor should have a bowl of popcorn to eat while he savors the season his volleyball team had at UND.

• Greg Opp is old enough now for a Super Crane playset.

• John Clayburgh should have a new snowmobile.

• John Cook needs a box of Oreo cookies.

• Joel Arnason should have a diary to save the memories of marathons in New York City.

As for me, Santa, I don't ask for much. Just Mr. Goodbars. And maybe, if you think it is right, one of those cord-free vacuums?

Life is good. Life is tough, too. So we are glad you come through here at Christmas time.

I've always wanted to be your friend,

Marilyn