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Just so you know! |
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Drop David a note if you read this. He would like to hear from you. Any comments, suggestions, additions, critiques or questions would also be appreciated. Email David at: spears.duluth@juno.com Just
so you know! December 22, 2008 Visited Sears and Shopko today. Among the items areas we looked at was the Christmas villages. The good news is twofold. For us, the customers, everything is on sale (50% off at Sears, 60% off at Shopko). For the stores, the stock is just about where they would like it to be by this date - almost gone! A reminder Sears has Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' to go along with a very limited number of Lemax items. Shopko, of course, is strictly Lemax. From Sundays paper in Duluth (MN) - Menard's, 50% off Christmas Decor (including villages) and 50% off Lemax villages at Kmart. January 17, Christmas village open house at our house. Details to follow. The Dept 56 releases for 2009 include several things I'm pretty sure we will be adding to our Chinatown for next season. One is the Christmas In The City 'The Golden Ox Market.' To go with it they have 'Lanterns & Fireworks For Sale' and 'Welcome To Chinatown.' 'Lanterns' is a sales stand ($28.50) and 'Welcome' is an oriental arch ($47.50). Did I tell you that we were gifted 'Learning The Charleston' from Christmas In The City? She figured that just because we teach country dancing, this would be an appropriate gift. She was right (and we thank her). Just
so you know! December 21, 2008 I found some new, to me, 1:24 scale people/accessories at Carr's Hobby in Duluth (MN)). The three sets were named 'Road Signs,' Construction,' and Landscaping.' They include such items as pylons, shovels, signs and wheelbarrows. Maybe a tad big for our Dept 56 Heritage Villages, but just the right size for Snow Village. They are from Hobby Gear, $7.95 per set. The Barclay Company http://www.barclaycompany.com/servlet/StoreFront - the following is information from their web site:
I don't know anything about these 'people.' If anyone does, please let me know. The NCC 'House Duster' has all sorts of uses. The brush was among the items we received in the 'goodie bag' at the National Council of 56 Clubs Convention in June. We use it for dusting houses and people, but it also is good for 'cleaning up' the 'flat areas' on the magnetic accessories i.e., ski hill, skating rink. I saw Linda using the brush to remove the dust (and last years snow) from one of the caulk 'water displays' we tend to reuse. We have used paint brushes for these tasks, but the House Duster is softer (and I don't/can't mess up Linda's paint brushes). I received an E-mail today announcing the release of Homies #11. You can find them at: http://www.adreamstore.com/index.html - Full Set 24 figures: BBQ Beto, Browine, Creeper, Double X, Dreds, Duckyboy, Earth Angel, Elotero, Flea, Green Bean, Hopalong, Hyna, Hyphy, Jarhead, Lil Missy, Mole, Mr. Firme, Rosa, Shredda, Slugga, Solja, Thumper, Vampgirl, and Wanderer ['Spellcheck' questioned almost all of these names]. I could send you an attachment with the images if you are interested. eBay also has the new Homies available. Merry Christmas from our house to yours!!! Just
so you know! December 1, 2008 Kathy from Gordy's Gift's and Collectibles (Hermantown MN) called today. From now until Sunday, December 7 the store is having a sale offering 25% to 50% off many items. It will included 25% off selected Dept 56 items. A special note: Kathy will be offering a 'Hot Wire' demonstration on Saturday, from 4 - 5 P.M. She will be showing the various Hot Wire Styrofoam carving tools. Village North Collectors Club members will be receiving a flyer with a special deal!! A new (2009) Dept 56 'Christmas In The City' release features Oriental colors, lettering and 'decorations' All of a sudden I am finding a whole bunch of new stuff for our Chinatown. 'The Golden Ox Market' appears to include an Oriental style gate/arch. There is also an accessory with fireworks, Oriental banners, signs and lanterns (with a salesman). I saw a photo in the December/January Village D-Lights (it came in the mail today). Just
so you know! November 30, 2008 Linda and I visited CJ's of Cloquet on Friday. We made a couple of small purchases (it was really tough not buying at least one of the 50% off Dept 56 houses). We plan to be up there again the week of December 8th when they have a Dept 56 sale. Call Cece at CJ's (218) 879-1343 if you have questions. OUR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2009 INTRODUCTIONS - Information currently on the Dept 56 web site For over 30 years our passion has been to design and create unique and highly detailed seasonal gifts and decorations. We take great pride knowing that our special craftsmanship has brought warmth to family traditions and celebrations. For 2009, our product designers have created numerous new Village buildings that feature flashing lights, detailed interior scenes and even sound compatibility with your MP3 players. The popularity of the classic holiday movie, The Christmas Story has led us to expand our introductions for 2009. Kristi Jensen-Pierro will share with you a new line of Snowbabies™ titled, Exploration. A collection that pays tribute to our friends that live in the Arctic. We continue in 2009, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Dickens' Village with a fresh new series of buildings based on our original introductions. As the #1 Santa Claus Company, many new Santa designs are planned from Possible Dreams® including a piece with Santa Claus holding a North Pole lighted building! We will have the lights on and the welcome mat out when you return on December 17th to review all of our 2009 introductions. Information from Cece at CJ's of Cloquet (MN) - 1112 Cloquet Ave., Cloquet, MN 55720 - (218) 879-1343, After Thanksgiving: Fri & Sat. Hallmark
Ornaments 50% off Week of
Dec. 8-13 Department
56 Plus there are other in store special from now until Christmas!! Just
so you know! November 18, 2008 The Club Christmas Party, Annual Tour of Homes and Election of New Club Officers - all on the agenda of the Village North Collectors Club meeting - Wednesday, November 19 at C's Lounge in Superior. The dinner meeting begins at 6 P.M. Everyone is welcome to attend! Lemax Christmas village sale time: 20% off at Menard's; 25% off at Shopko; and 50% off at Michael's. Selection is not as good as before, but still some fun stuff to be had! Just
so you know! November 13, 2008 Target has added several new 'village buildings.' One that I found interesting/attractive is called 'Fiber Optic Illuminated House,' cost $29.00. It's actually a row house combination that would look very nice as a background piece (Christmas in the City or maybe even Dickens' Village). The colors are good, building is twelve inches long. It does have some very small people attached but you could either remove or hide them. In the background you probably wouldn't notice them. Ming Fern, Green - Linda found them (probably at Michael's). She has made some very nice, small trees/bushes for our displays. She thinks the 'fern' looks Oriental, I agree. Yes, she has added a couple to our new Chinatown display. It says "Grande Impressions Ltd, Denver Co." on the label. I'll bet that the West Duluth (MN) KMart their village stuff out by now. The shelves were all set last Friday. If anyone stops by, let me know. Just
so you know! November 10, 2008 You can find Village D-tails at www.VillageD-lights.com That info is for the couple of folks that asked about it. We have ours and it is all marked up just like the Greenbooks we used to use. For all practical purposes, our carnival display is now done. A little bit here, a bit there, but then that would go on forever (if we'd let it). We are still trying to find the right place for the motion detector for the animation and sounds, but that should work itself out in a day or two. November 11 is Veteran's Day! Please remember that it means more than the banks are closed and you won't receive mail. Just
so you know! November 9, 2008 Christmas village items area again available at Denny's Ace Hardware in Duluth (MN). They have at least twenty-five different houses, a few accessories (and a few people). I'll begin by saying two things. One, most of the houses are better looking than you and I would normally expect to see at a hardware store. And two, the house prices are inexpensive. Example: our new 'Music Hall' (Heartland Valley Village) cost us $16.11 - including tax! Linda says the size of the houses vary between 'just right' for a Dept 56 New England Village to several/many that are Snow Village size (but not shiny). Among the many offerings were: an animated 'Palace Ballroom' (didn't see it run, but it looked good, SV size?); a 'Porcelain Water Wheel' for $39.95, animated, uses real water; 'Rays Record Shop' looks like it might belong in NEV, nicely done, Linda likes this one; 'The Apple Farm,' $14.99, nicely done, SV size; 'Playland,' animated; 'Garden Restaurant,' greenhouse type room attached; '3rd Street Five and Dime' is maybe another NEV style, a nice looking 'storefront' type building; if you like dogs, 'Amy's Pet Shop' might interest you. SV size, lots of dogs inside the several windows; 'Cinema' is an old movie theater. Like the look, don't like the sign that says "Cinema;" and 'Deck the Halls,' a very cute Christmas shop. - Accessories: five different covered bridges, a town clock tower, a sailing ship and a couple other things I probably missed. - Among the 'people' are three different vendors that are well done. Maybe not Dept 56 quality, but close - $12.99 each (two pieces). They also have the firefighters they had last year and several other people. - The pieces come from Sugarplum Valley, Lemax and Heartland Valley Village. - If you are at all interested, I suggest you shop early. Their supplies are limited. You can find them at the 'end of the Woodland carline.' That would be Woodland Ave and West Calvary Rd for those from other parts of our area. 7 West Calvary Road to be exact. (218) 728-4479 I have discovered that there is an advantage to the smaller Ferris wheel from Dept 56. We purchased the Lemax version this year (because it has children in the seats) and discovered it doesn't fit on several of our display shelves. It's too tall! Of course there's always a solution, but this was a 'situation' we weren't planning on. Our Sunday newspaper ads say: Michaels' Arts and Crafts, 50% off Lemax Christmas Village Collection, November 9, 10, and 11. - Shopko, buy one, get on free, entire stock of Lemax buildings and accessories, November 9, 10, 11 and 12. - KMart, 25% off Lemax Coventry Cove (today only?). - Walgreen's, sale on Victoria Falls Village Collection. - L&M Fleet Supply, many toy sets on sale. Not fancy, but cheap and fun. Hunting, farming and animals are the subjects. A lot are the right size for our villages. Sears has Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' on sale on a their web site: http://tinyurl.com/6y2a3t Houses, $29.99 instead of $39.99, and accessories two to three dollars off. For some reason the 'Leg Lamp' is not on sale. It doesn't say if the prices apply for 'in store' sales, but they usually do. Thanks to Robert on a Yahoo Dept 56 group for the 'heads up.' Just
so you know! November 6, 2008 http://www.christmas-auburn-ca.com/ Dept 56 2008 Retirements List, effective December 28, 2008. Thanks to Mary H. for the link. I have also attached the Dept 56 Retirement List from Peggy Culler-Hair of the National Council of 56 Clubs. You must have Adobe Reader on your computer to open/read the attachment. 50% of Lemax at Michael's Arts and Crafts, Duluth (MN), We purchased the 'Petting Zoo,' 'Giraffe Cage,' and 'Polsons Pottery' all for $39.97! I believe that's the original cost of Polsons. They have a decent stock of most, but not all, Lemax Christmas village items. I see Menard's has their usual 19% off sale on Lemax Christmas buildings and accessories. That includes their exclusives: 'CJ's General Store,' 'June's Bakery,' ' Menard Cashway Lumber,' and 'Jay's Woodworking.' I was told these are one of the original sets from WB Studios. I believe there were eight 'houses' along with several trees and maybe one accessory. Torke Weihnachten-Christmas & Chocolate, 11 E Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 723-1225. Several are music boxes - sorry I don't know more. They are selling them, as a set, for $2,5000. Village North Collectors Club November meeting, Wednesday, the 19th, 6 P.M. at C's in Superior, WI. There have been several changes to the Village North web page. If you want to take a look go to: www.minnesota56clubs.com and then click on 'Village North.' Thanks to Dave Erickson for maintaining the site for the clubs to use. Just
so you know! November 2, 2008 Mary H. has been visiting stores again. She reminded me that the Cloquet (MN) Walmart has their Christmas village items on display. She also visited Lowe's in Hibbing (MN). She says they have 12 to 14 houses and a few accessories. She did mention a couple of "very attractive" carnival pieces. One was a 'two-tiered lighted carousel' and the other a 'yellow-lit Ferris wheel.' They were each priced $99! "Yikes!!!" was her comment on the cost. Thanks again Mary. http://www.minnesota56clubs.com/ is where you can find recipes for Linda's 'Banana Bread' and 'Chocolate Chip Cookies.' I had a couple of requests for the recipe this past week so I thought I'd repeat the location here again, just in case. Todays newspaper ads: 40% off all Lemax at Shopko - they actually have photos large enough to see four buildings and 'Memorial Square.' Michael's is offering 50% off their Lemax Christmas Village Collection. Just
so you know! October 30, 2008 I stopped by the Hermantown (MN) KMart today and guess what - Lemax Coventry Cove is there! - twelve houses, prices from $19.99 to $29.99. I didn't have the time to list them all, but I think I've probably seen them all before (maybe this year, at other stores). The new (2008) people I liked were the 'Puddle Jumper' (a man in the air leaping over a puddle), 'Tennis Anyone' (a young couple about to play tennis) - these are both/each $3.99. For $4.99 you can purchase an outdoor 'Pharmacist' with a lady customer. There is also 'Blacksmithing,' two men with a lit (adaptor required) fire - $9.99. I like each of them. There may be more new ones, I'll try to go back and learn more. Just
so you know! October 29, 2008 Mary was kind enough to explain the Shopko card to me. She said it better than I could, so here are her words (the spacing sometimes gets messed up on these E-mails, for that I apologize, but you'll certainly know what is said): Hi David, Big red straw from Taco John's - how many folks bring them home? Linda thinks we should be able to find a use for them, probably in our North Pole display. They are a nice color red and bigger, wider not longer, than most straws. I know nothing about the future of Dept 56 - I have been asked by several folks, that's why I mentioned it. "Marvy 1122 LePume II" are the words - it looks like a pencil - the color Linda used was No. 91 tan. I needed something to 'take away' some of the WHITE on the bases of several Dept 56 people we are using in a non-winter display. Linda found these at Michael's Arts & Crafts. Not sure what they are designed for, but the tan dulls the white very nicely. Not perfect, doesn't turn it tan, but helps the bases blend in with our display. I tested a couple of days later, and whatever it is wiped off with a wet cloth - no guarantees that it'll wipe off in a year but I don't see why it wouldn't. Linda and I are celebrating 15 years of marriage today. Planned activities: exchange of cards, dinner (to include wine) at Linda's favorite, The Olive Garden, and working on our village displays - not necessarily in that order. Just
so you know! October 27, 2008 Information from Penny Miller on the Dept 56 Yahoo Group: "Here are some NEW Snow Village pieces being offered on QVC today. They are selling them as Heartfelt Holidays by Valerie Parr Hill, but they are D56 (bottom has d56 logo on it). Here is more information: Heartfelt Holidays Lit 'Porcelain Garden Center' by Valerie; Price: $39.92 + shipping; H10574. -- Heartfelt Holidays Lit Porcelain: 'Grace Chapel' by Valerie Parr Hill; Price: $39.92 + shipping; H10575. -- and this one - you need to pick which on you want - they both have the same item #. H12141. 'Town Tree' or 'Tree Lot Village Accessories' by Valerie Parr Hill; $24.25 each + shipping -- 'Holiday Town Tree': porcelain decorated Christmas tree on brick pedestal; battery-operated lights; requires 3 AAA batteries, not included. -- 'Five-Piece Tree Lot': three sisal Christmas trees; porcelain mantel with "Christmas Tree"; 'A Tree for Everyone' banner; porcelain family with mother, two children, and Christmas tree. Measurements: Holiday Town Christmas tree 5-1/4"H; Five-Piece Tree Lot sisal Christmas trees 3-1/4"H; Five-Piece Tree Lot banner 2"H x 2-1/2"W; Five-Piece Tree Lot porcelain Christmas tree 2-1/2"H x 2-1/4"W -- Go to QVC.com, search the item numbers for pictures and how to order." I found them at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dept56/spnew/view/cdb2?i=443 Dept 56 'Porcelain Garden Center' or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dept56/spnew/view/cdb2?i=446 Dept 56 'Grace Chapel.' Sam's Club in Hermantown (MN) has a lovely set of Lincoln Logs. It is called 'Woodland Express,' sells for $49.86 and contains 290 pieces. I think it would be fun to have a Lincoln Log structure in one of our displays. It surely has a different look but could look kinda neat. Plus, the rest of the set could be used for kids to build their own display when/if they stop by to visit our displays. Linda wanted me to remind folks that now, before Halloween, is the time to purchase colored hair spray to use on display backgrounds. The colored stuff is usually only available for hair coloring for 'Halloween costumes.' The Dollar Tree in West Duluth (MN) has plastic barbed wire available again this year. Nice for use in Halloween displays or western/cowboy displays. They had brown and black. They also had sounds (on CD's) that might just work for displays. They were called 'Halloween Sounds,' Halloween Party Pack, or ' House of Horrors.' We didn't actually hear any of them, but for a dollar. Just
so you know! October 19, 2008 Kohl's is continuing their 50% off Nicholas Square and their Halloween decor (no village stuff in Halloween). Should note that it excludes Hallmark. It was bought to my attention that the % off Christmas stuff at Younkers last week excluded Dept 56. I apologize for reporting incorrect information. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. The Michael's ad shows 30% off Lemax Christmas and 50% off Lemax Spooky Town. The 'spooky' stock is getting pretty low. Styrofoam disposal! Linda and I discovered that for $2 the Materials Recovery Center of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District will allow us to leave an entire car, well actually a small station wagon, full of used styro. That would be the six large leaf bags that we filled while attempting to cleanup our garage. Of course we (Linda) did find a bunch of those super big black garden pots (the kind that trees come in) at the 'dump/landfill.' She asked about them and we came back home with a half dozen. Just
so you know! October 17, 2008 Matt Lake from a Yahoo Dept 56 group tells us that the following are early releases for 2009: 'Tinker Bell's Lighthouse' (NP?); 'Dressing up with Tink'; the CIC '21 Club'; and 'It's A Wrap.' He said there will be an exclusive piece for QVC announced later this month. Link for 21 Club is http://tinyurl.com/4azfas Not sure where to find the others - yet! www.tistheseason.net is a Florida store with discounts on several Dept 56 items. Mary H. was kind enough to send me there to remind me of the retired Dept 56 'carnival lights. Anything 'village' at Kmart yet? Just
so you know! October 14, 2008 Cece at CJ's of Cloquet (MN) says she/they have been very busy with Christmas setup. She reminded me that today (October 14) is Christmas Debut Day. 20% off Christmas and double dollars in the Courtyard all day. She does have some of the Dept 56 Midyear houses, but like other dealers, no Midyear brochures. It is now 50% off St. Nicholas Square at Kohl's in Duluth (MN). Remember they are on the back wall of the store, not on the usual table and shelves. Same general area, different location. Todays Younkers ad show 40% off 'Trim A Tree.' In the small print, that includes Dept 56. They Miller Hill Mall (Duluth, MN) store doesn't have much stock, but if they have what you want . . . . . . Based on Leigh Anne's info on the Cloquet Super Wal-Mart, I took a trip to the Superior (WI) store last evening. They have many more shelves of Christmas decorations, trees etc., than in past years. They also have their one shelf of village out. Nothing not mentioned at other stores, but it is there. Oh, one thing I hadn't noticed before was 'Fence with Buoys' for $3.00. A small brown fence with many very colorful buoys. Looks like a winner for any New England Village. It's one of those that I bet Dept 56 will copy in a year or two. - A reminder on the popcorn vendor that they are offering this season. You may remember that last years was a true winner. Many of us bought one (at least). Well I have to tell you that this years offering is not from the same company, is not nearly as well done, and while it does feature 'popping corn' it appears to be on and off only with a switch. One of the things that made last years 'popcorn vendor' special was the motion sensor that nicely controlled 'on' and the timer that turned it off in a few seconds. While in Superior (WI) I also visited Menard's and KMart. Things seem to be selling well at Menard's. Most all of the Halloween is gone and Christmas has many spots empty on the shelves. A reminder that if you are among those that wanted that nice little Menard store, and didn't buy it, they have only a couple left in Superior. Also if you need a Lemax adaptor, the Halloween version will go on sale soon. Check the volts/amps you need for Christmas Lemax and see if they still have the one you want/need. If the numbers are the same, the only difference is in the packaging. - The Superior KMart has nothing out yet that says village. Just
so you know! October 12, 2008 Joe P. mentioned a quiet 'Ski Hill' at Menard's West Duluth, MN. I took a look today. It is quiet, but has pretty small skiers for our use. Cost is $59.99. By Mr. Christmas, it could be useable if displayed in the right place. They also have a 'Skating Pond' for $69.99. It has eight skaters, by Mr. Christmas, again with small people. They also have a 'Fiber Optic Christmas Village.' It features a train with several white houses – didn't like this one much at all. Menard's does have a whole bunch of Christmas stuff, including many, many, many trees. I mean a whole bunch of trees? I purchased the new, 2008 Midyear, Dept 56 Dickens' Village 'An Artist At Work.' She is a lovely young lady painting on an easel. I found her at Gordy's Gift and Garden (Hermantown, MN). I believe we now have four different artists painting at easels. They are all very nice looking and will look good together. 'Graceland at Christmas' is available at the West Duluth (MN) KMart. It has lights on the decorative lights outside of the building and has Elvis singing various Christmas songs. The house is good looking if a little large at 18 inches by 6 inches by ?? inches. Even at $99.99 I can see this as a 'must have' for Elvis Presley fans. - They store has maybe one small row of Christmas stuff. The only other village item was a Lemax bowling alley. I didn't note the actual name. - They did have the 'Village Light Show Starter Set' that some folks on the Internet have been talking about. It features music plus 2 LED light strings, a snowman, 4 trees and three lamp posts - all with 'on and off' LED lights. For $99, I'm pretty sure we won't be buying this set. However if you want some 'action' in a display it might be for you. Not sure if we need any of the very limited supply of Christmas houses they offer at Target in Duluth (MN). They did have some black metal 'for Halloween' houses that are pretty cool. If we did a Halloween display we could we looking at one of these. Not great detail, just sort of 'cut out' three dimension buildings - $9.99 for the 7 inch, $14.99 for the 12 inch, and $19.99 for the 14 inch. - If you are a fan of the Beatles you may want to take a look at the Corgi taxis and buses with Beatle decorations. The English taxi is about 1/43 scale (the size we use in our Dept 56 Heritage Village displays). The double decker buses are the same size meaning they are pretty small scale for displays. It looks like they come in black, white and maybe yellow. The cost is $6.99 each. - They also have a big group of different horses of nice size for displays. The one I liked best as a Appaloosa Jumper. It comes with a clear plastic stand. The cost is $2.99, per horse, from Breyer. Series #10 Homies are available in a 'bubble gum' machine near the front door in the West Duluth (MN) KMart. Fifty cents each, some could be fun for use in displays. Kohl's has 40% off on St. Nicholas Square for the next three days. At least that's the way it is in Duluth, MN. 50% off October 12 & 13 or 40% off October 14-18 - one item at Michael's Arts & Crafts. 50% Lemax Spooky Town Collection this week. Just
so you know! October 11, 2008 Shopko, Duluth, MN, finally has their Lemax village display up. As usual nothing is plugged in so the are no lights in the houses (or animation). Everything is currently 30% off and it appears to be selling well. Example: they only had one each of the new animated 'Tea Cups' and 'Zinger' carnival rides. And that is with a $20 higher price than Michael's (I know, minus ads, coupons and discounts, but still!). Did I mention before that the Lemax T-Cups has nine cups, nine!! - each with at least one child riding in it. - For you diner collectors, 'Roy's Diner' ain't bad when seen out of the box. - I just noticed that the cotton candy stand that is being offered this time around isn't as nice as the one we bought several years ago (also by Lemax). Don't know why that is. - And I gotta tell you that the animated (?) boy using an old fashioned pump (to get water) is a bit strange/unusual looking. I haven't seen it work and but geeez, the pump has to be five inches tall and the kid has to be a giant compared to the rest of the Lemax people. I don't care if he is under the pump handle, he is still huge! JC Penny's in the Miller Hill Mall (Duluth, MN) has very limited Christmas but it is all finally out. The strange thing, is that everything is 50% off! There was nothing 'village' oriented or even any ornaments that I found interesting. The Halloween stuff they have left is 70% off. I suppose a few things would be OK for seasonal decorations if you were looking for what they have. Just came from Gordy's Gift & Garden (Hermantown, MN). A reminder that they are getting in the Dept 56 Midyears so you may want to take a look. Kathy is working hard on their new displays - we had a discussion on using the variety 'Hot Wire' tools that they sell. We have two of the tools, probably need a third - well want is a better word. Tracy was putting Dept 56 houses in a Christmas tree as decorations (not sure I said that good). Take a look at the lights she used as well in the tree. I kinda like them. Just
so you know! October 7, 2008 The Dept 56 village date for the announcement of retirements is the first Friday in November - this year that would be the 7th. For the past several years the pieces have officially retired near the end of December (after Christmas). As was pointed out to me, the new village pieces are introduced in early December adding to the confusion. Thanks to Robert, Lani, SuzyQ, Terry and everyone else who passed along the Dept 56 retirement date. The Village North Collectors Club meeting in on Wednesday, November 15. Items on the agenda include: nominations/elections, display contest, tour of homes, and the Christmas Party menu. These are all coming up in the next three months and every ones input is needed. Linda and I have recently been spending a bit of time 'cleaning and straightening' in our basement. Something about finishing last years 'put-a-way' so we can start our village displays for this season. We actually did some 'city planning' today. That's like sort of deciding what will go where. This time it was a couple of big things like the carnival and zoo. The train, ski hill, Christmas in the City, and waterfront will probably be next. Just
so you know! October 5, 2008 The Target ad it todays Duluth newspaper shows 15% off Halloween items. Among the listings are Halloween villages and lighting "to create your own Halloween town." $16.99 - $29.7. I have not been there to see anything so if you do go, please let me know you opinions. 50% off Lemax Spooky Town Collection and 25% off Lemax Christmas Village Collection. Both in this weeks Michaels newspaper ad. The entire stock of Trim-A-Tree from St. Nicholas Square is 40% off at Kohl's - village collection & accessories and decor. The 'display class' Linda and I offered in Duluth Community Education for this coming Wednesday has been cancelled. With only three people signed up as of last Thursday, we had to make a decision. The Minnesota 56 Clubs web site is up and running again. If you 'see' Dave Erickson, give him a big thanks for all he does to maintain the site for all of us. Oh yes, you can see these words there by going to http://www.minnesota56clubs.com and then clicking on 'Just so you know.' I noticed that Lindas' Chocolate Chip Cookie and Banana Bread recipes are still there as well. Just
so you know! October 4, 2008 'The Big Fish,' ' Pine Cones and Holly,' and 'The Guests Arrive' are Lemax accessories that I haven't seen at other stores. These were at Sears in Duluth (MN). 'Fish' is a really large fish being carried on a sling between two men. The fish is separate. $4.99 - 'Pine Cones' is a neat little bazaar type display of the items mentioned. $2.99. - 'Guests' is two travelers being greeted by a 'motel' clerk. $4.99. The store has all their Lemax product out. - They also have all of the Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' products out, including the display. I did notice that there is only one 'Chop Suey Palace' left at the store. In past years they have done no restocking of village items, sooooo. Under the name 'Home Accents' (some have added Canterbury Lane) the Duluth (MN) Home Depot has their Christmas Village items for sale. In the carnival area they have: 'Ferris Wheel' $39.99; 'Shooting Gallery' $16.99; 'Flying Sleigh High' $39.99; 'Popcorn Stand' $16.99; and 'House of Darts' $16.99. The Ferris Wheel and Flying Sleigh (merry go round) are animated (battery operated). The popcorn stand looks like it might 'pop,' but there is no apparent sensor so it would be on all the time. - There is also an animated 'Ski Hill' for $29.99. - I gotta say that the paint job on all of these isn't very good. And some of the people are downright scary looking. That being said, at a reasonable distance of couple of them don't look too bad. We took a example of most pieces out of their box, we bought nothing. - They also had a gold wire tree' that Linda liked for the North Pole. It is 23" tall with many small green and red ornaments. I think it was about twelve dollars. - Sorry, no display (nothing out of the boxes). Linda S., (not Spears) answered by question about the Chevy dealership available at Lowes. She said, " It is about 10 1/2 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches tall. It is called American Classics Chevrolet Car Dealership and is made by Santa's Best. I went out and got mine last weekend as soon as I heard the others talking about it...lol..it IS COOL!!!!!!!" - thanks Linda! Just
so you know! October 2, 2008 #2 Leigh Anne tells me that the Cloquet (MN) "Wal-Mart does not have any of their Christmas items displayed or stocked." - She also says that L & M Supply in Cloquet has four hunters in camo that might be display usable. A bit tall at 3" but then you can always hide them (they are in camo). - She also mentioned that they have some gorgeous puzzles from Terry Redlin and Kim Norlein. Remember that some can be used as a display background. Thanks to Leigh Anne for the info (and for saving me a trip to Cloquet). A clerk, sorry, sales associate, at Sears in the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth (MN) was seen today taking Christmas items out of boxes. They were both Dept 56, 'A Christmas Story,' and Lemax. Because he has very strict orders on product placement, he says it might be late Friday evening before all is out on the shelves. It looks like about the same amount of Lemax as in previous years. That would be six to eight houses and maybe a dozen or so accessories (or people). Not sure about Dept. 56, but would guess they are going to have the same four or five houses as the gift shops. They would go along with the six or eight accessories, mostly people. Remember that it is two weeks 'til the next Village North Collectors Club meeting! Have I asked? - is anyone receiving E-mails from Evonne S? I keep getting message back from her new address. Any help would be appreciated. Just
so you know! October 2, 2008 These are the things I found on the Home Depot web site. Mr. Christmas; 'Holiday Around The Carousel,' 'Bobsled Ride,' 'Ski Hill,' 'Cable Cars,' and 'Christmas Eve Express (train under tree).' All are animated. - costs from $69.99 to $129.00. From Home Accents Holiday the list includes 'Canterbury Land Winter Carnival Shooting Gallery,' 'Canterbury Land Winter Carnival Popcorn Stand,' 'Canterbury Lane Winter Carnival Ferris Wheel,' 'Canterbury Lane Winter Carnival Flying Sleigh Ride.' Up to $39.99, all are animated, most with adaptor power. http://tinyurl.com/4l2aos Shopko in Duluth (MN) is featuring 30% off their Christmas Lemax. They still have no Lemax Christmas display in place, but all of the product on the shelves. Sorry, I didn't look at the end date for the sale. Lemax Christmas is 25% off at Michael's Arts & Crafts in Duluth (MN). The sale expires October 4th. If anyone sees Homies anywhere but the Kenwood Duluth Super One store, please let me know. That is currently my only local source. Just
so you know! October 1, 2008 This is my latest update (Monday, Sep 29) from Britni at Gordys Gift & Garden of Hermantown (MN). She said "Here is the latest shipment we have from Department 56. It should be here and opened within the next few days. Some of it is new product and some is reorders." - David says: "I have marked the 2008 Midyears with an asterisk*" . Snow Village: *Noah's Stuffed Animals, Chateau Valley Winery - Snow Village Halloween: *An Ax To Grind - North Pole Village: *Reindeer Stables, Dasher & Dancer; *Time For A Tune-Up!; *Dasher; *Dancer; *Polar Pizza, Never Cold; Duck, Duck, Gray Duck - Christmas In The City: *Praise In Perfect Harmony; *Wind Him Up, Watch Him Go; Ferrara Bakery & Cafe; Luigi's Gelato Treats; American Diner; Bucket Lunch; Free Soda For You?; Welcome Christmas In The City - Dickens' Village: *An Artist At Work; *Hallelujah; *Heading Home From The Market - New England Village: Bennington Manor; New England Lamplighter; Roundel Cottage; Hope For The Future; Making Friends; Tin Goods For Sale; Welcome To New England. - Am I remembering correctly, no New England Village Midyear's in 2008? While camping this past weekend I noticed that an ash burl would make a wonderful cliff in a display or vignette. Unfortunately that particular piece of wood ended up in our campfire. It was pretty chilly and the heat did feel good. I also must note that the ash is pretty darn heavy - especially when I'm used to working with Styrofoam! - Definition: burl n : a hard woody often flattened hemispherical outgrowth on a tree. Linda handed me the new LTD Commodities catalog with several pages marked. She thought the items might interest me. The page with 'Winter Village or Ski Slope Scene' leaves me with more questions than words (did I say that right?) Anyway, I can purchase a 3-pc Ski Slope Set with skiers actually going up and down the slope. It measures 10 1/2" X 7 1/2" sq. and features two skiers, 2" high. It is cold cast ceramic and plastic. When turned on, it plays a Christmas tune. It does require 4 "AA" batteries and has an on/off switch. It looks OK in the catalog photo. Here is my question - what can this possibly be like for the price of $9.95 - $9.95? They also show, for the same $9.95 price, a 'Village Set.' That includes two lit buildings and 10 accessories (people, animals, signs etc). - I haven't looked on the web site, www.ltdcommodities.com, to see if either of these items are shown. The same LTD Commodities also has three 'Thomas Kinkade Ornaments' for $4.95 each and several 'Musical, Hidden Scene Ornaments' for $9.95 each. Thomas Kinkake are the 'Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,' 'The Forest Chapel' and 'Silent Night House.' The ornaments are: a train that plays 'Joy To The World;' a sleigh plays 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas;' and a snowman plays 'Jingle Bells.' On, also a Nativity scene plays 'Away in the Manger.' Home Depot web site shows several 'Mr. Christmas' items plus some stuff from a line called 'Home Accents Holiday. Several of the things are carnival related. Unfortunately they are all 'on-line order' only. I will be interested to see if the local store has anything 'good' in the village area. The October/November Village D-Lights just came in the mail - just so you know! Just
so you know! September 26, 2008 The Dollar Tree in Cloquet (MN) is now open. Leigh Anne C. says it's in the new mall next to Applebee's. No one I know has stopped in yet (as far as I know). Thanks for the info! 'The Kissing Booth' and 'Hoop Stars' are already gone from the shelves at Michael's in Duluth (MN) The fact that they have sold the display version tells me that they probably not expecting anymore this year. I didn't take my own advice and buy them - not sure exactly what coupon I was waiting for.-The 'Valley Vineyards' are almost gone as well. I did buy those (and you get find them at Shopko if you miss Michael's). Oooops! Gordy's does have the Dept 56 Midyear Snow Village Halloween. As a matter of fact, the new 'Screech Owl Farm,' 'An Ax To Grind,' and 'Halloween 10th Anniversary Sign' are all in Kathy's new Halloween display. They now also have the Snow Village 'Nokomis House,' 'An Angelic Scene,' and 'It's A Tough Choice.' I also found 'West Lott Chapel,' Dickens' Village.-They also have two of the 'Limited to Year of Production' Celebrate Value Sets. They are the Dickens' 'Barton's Holiday Greens' and CIC 'Miller & Sons Hardware & Garden Center.' For $79 they each come with an accessory. The accessories are 'Picking The Perfect Tree' (CIC) and 'Delivering the Holiday Greenery' (Dickens'). I actually like both the accessories a lot. 'Delivering' is a very nice horse drawn cart-'Picking' is a family selecting a Christmas tree. I'm not sure we will buy the houses to get them.-They also have assembled the life sized Halloween animated 'scary man' from Dept 56. Maybe Britni (did I spell her right?) will let me know what he is called. Remember that this request is still out there. Let me know if you are interested: "Do you know of anyone looking to buy the Old Royal Observatory, gold dome? I have one for sale that is mint in the box and has never been set up. It's from a smoke free home. I'm ready to make a deal." Woof (pet dog) and our security system will be called into play again this weekend-Linda and I are going camping. If you have information, comments or questions, please keep them coming. Just don't expect a reply until say, Wednesday. Just
so you know! September 24, 2008 KMart in Hermantown (MN) has 'Trim A House' group of mostly animated/musical items for 2008. Don't get me wrong, these are not Dept 56 quality. However as a 'stand alone' for someone that just wants a little sound and motion as part of their Christmas decorations, this might work. For $49.00 they have the 'Train Station,' 'Church,' Neighborhood,' and 'Rotating Tree.' - They really spent a bunch of time coming up with those names. They also offer a non-animated 'Cottage' for $29.99. These items are not with the rest of the Christmas decorations/trees. They are just inside the front door and to the left. While they do have a whole bunch of seasonal stuff out, they are not thinking about their limited village items - yet! Younkers at the Miller Hill Mall (Duluth, MN) has made a cute little display with their very limited, seasonal Dept 56. I think I saw a bit of Snow Village, North Pole and Dickens'. If you are looking in the store, Dept 56 is on the second floor, far right corner when you get off the escalator. Walmart in Hermantown (MN) still has nothing Christmas out. I revisited Shopko (Duluth MN) to check on the status of their Lemax display - not there yet. Remember, they do have most all of their planned Lemax already available. Did I mention the 'Fishing Pond?' I think it will be in our carnival by the end of the season. The cost is $24.99. They also have the Lemax 'Memorial Square.' It features a statue, American Flag and a child saluting (and several other things) - $39.99. All of the Dept 56 that was at TJ Maxx is gone. I think that is a good thing for the store (and Dept 56). Not so good for those that wanted to buy - but didn't. Kathys' new Dept 56 Halloween display looks, and sounds, good! For those of you that don't know, I am talking about Gordys in Hermantown (MN). She also has the 'store copy' of the brochure for Dept 56 Mid Year's. Hopefully the customer copies, and the products themselves, won't be far behind. Nothing of 'village' interest at the Burning Tree Plaza Dollar Tree in Hermantown (MN). They did have some circus stuff - kinda dumb, cheap stuff. Yes, I know I was at 'dollar store!' "I am happy to say that the printer is shipping shipment of 300 books on Friday the 26th (of September) ...the book has more pages than expected...I will ship the books out in the order that they were purchased...thanx for your patience....I will post when I receive them and ship them out the same day..." Bill Laughlin - The Village Registry - NOTE: This is for anyone that might have, or be interested in, this new publication. Just
so you know! September 22, 2008 Shopko also had, new for 2008, accessories: 'Learning to Ride,' a child being assisted to ride a bicycle, $5.99; 'What's Inside?' two boys opening a present, $3.99; and 'Postal Predicament,' big present, small mailbox, $3.99. There were several others that I apparently didn't write down (I'll try to do better next time). Continuing at Shopko, they now have the 'S&H Greenstamps' building that, as I remember, was only available from Michael's last year. Several folks asked about it at the end of last year - now is your chance to buy one for $39.99. They also have a new 'Fishing Pond,' $24.99; 'Little Waterboy,' $27.59; plus the carnival 'Tea Cups,' $119.99 and the 'Zinger' $119.00. The last two are actually less expensive at Michael's. I know they both have coupons and sales - I'm just showing the sticker price. Menard's in Superior (WI) has joined the stores with Lemax Christmas out and for sale. I noticed nothing new or different then the West Duluth Menard's, but is another source for 'stuff.' Michael's has a 'Diorama Kit' offered in the School Projects part of their ad this past Sunday. We're going to have to take a look at that one. There just might be something useful in this kit. I just received the following message: "Do you know of anyone looking to buy the Old Royal Observatory, gold dome? I have one for sale that is mint in the box and has never been set up. It's from a smoke free home. I'm ready to make a deal. If anyone is interested please let me know and I'll put the two of you together. Just
so you know! September 18, 2008 CJ's of Cloquet (MN) 25th Anniversary celebration! - September 18, 19, 20. I don't have any details but Cece told me earlier that the number '25' will be part of most everything they do. You know, 25% off stuff, $25 gift cards - you get the idea. If I get more information - so will you. The new 'Assorted Birds' from Lemax have a feature that I've never seen before. Each bird has a small coil of wire on the feet (bottom). It allows the birds to be placed (sort of clamped) onto the branches of trees. The system actually works! The five birds are duck-like (2), hawk-like (2), and a single owl. We bought two sets. Linda likes the new bride and groom but we didn't buy the couple. We agreed that we already have enough wedding couples. - We were doing our shopping at the West Duluth Menard's. Just
so you know! September 17, 2008 Our local Kohl's (Duluth, MN) has most of their Christmas stuff out. That includes St. Nicholas Square (it's on the 'back wall' shelves this time around, including the 'displays' and accessory stuff). The new for 2008 houses are 'Betty's Diner,' Bill's Barber Shop,' City Row House,' 'Country Church,' 'Patty's Pub,' 'Phil's Pharmacy,' 'Ranger Station,' School,' and Train Station.' For those of you that like diners, Betty's Diner is nice looking and well detailed. Now that I look at the picture, it looks like it might be a drive-in as well. It's not shiny, but looks like it might fit right in a Dept 56 Snow Village display - $49.99. - The new accessories are: 'Majestic Moose' (Linda thinks they look funny), 'Rescue Dog,' 'Ride to School (yellow bus),' 'School Friends,' 'School Playground,' and 'Set of 3 cars.' The three St. Nicholas Square animated pieces that I noticed at Kohl's were the 'Skating Scene' (also musical) - a skating pond with a big bunch of skaters - $99.99. Next is the 'Snowball Fight.' That one is four kids (two to a side) with a snowball going back and forth between them - $44.99. And the other is the 'Winter Wonderland Half Pipe' that I talk about below. Unfortunately they have chosen to have none of the pieces 'running' or even plugged in. To add to the confusion, they have glued the people to the skating pond so they don't get broken or stolen. As usual, they don't show the animated pieces, or the accessories in their brochure. And, they only show the new for 2008 houses. They do list the others, including which ones are retiring this year. Ooops, I'm wrong, they do show the Skating Pond, and most of the new people, in the display photo on their brochure. Kohl's in Duluth (MN) has a new 'Winter Wonderland Half Pipe' in their St. Nicholas Square line. Our store has it sitting there, not plugged in and with no snow boarders. It comes with three 'boarders.' It looks like they enter the half pipe from a hole in the upper left corner. They would then apparently leave through a hole in the lower left corner. If the photo on the box is correct, they go back and forth down the hill (apparently on magnets). If anyone sees this animated/musical piece in action somewhere, I would love to have an opinion on how it looks 'moving.' I know I could buy it, bring it home and plug it in, then return it, but that's just not my style. And besides, the price was $159.99, yes, $159.99. Oh, this is a 25% off week, but still Thanks! Just
so you know! September 15, 2008 I found some Halloween 'House Accessories' at the Miller Hill area Walgreen's. Nothing fancy, some small pumpkins, kids, tombstones, you know, Halloween stuff. Too small for most Dept 56 displays, but might look good in the background. For $.69 each (two for a dollar) they are nicely done. If you are looking for some inexpensive items for a kids display, these could be for you. They also have a fair amount of other Halloween decorations as well. - I spotted nothing for Christmas. The October/November 2008 issue of O Gauge Railroading (OGR) is a magazine for you to read if you are interested in trains for your displays. This is a 'Special Issue' featuring 'Exploring Narrow O Scale Gauge' (which includes On30, the Dept 56 train) and 'OGR Visits Bachmann Trains.' Bachmann makes the trains sold by Dept 56. There are lots of interesting On30 stories and ideas in this issue. Sceniking - They make backgrounds for model railroad layouts. I absolutely love their slogan "We're behind you all the way." 147 inches x 13 1/2 inches. From $20 to over $60. http://www.sceniking.com/ Village North Collectors Club monthly dinner meeting: Wednesday, September 17, 6 P.M. at C's Supper Club in Superior WI. On Belknap, just a few blocks off the Bong Bridge. Visitors welcome - members and friends too! Just
so you know! September 11, 2008 For those that asked, our dogs name is Woof - that's W-O-O-F, Woof!!! He/she's about 'this big' and can/might make a lot of noise. Thanks to Mary H. for the list and prices of Dept 56 Pine Isles that she had. I'm still looking to make a complete list of those items from Dept 56. Remember, I'm still looking for any 'village items' that you might spot on store shelves. This time of year you never know where it is going to pop up. For example, I know that Denny's Ace Hardware in Woodland, Duluth, MN, has a bunch of their village stock already in the store. They don't know yet when they are going to bring it 'upstairs.' I just can't stop there every day. I understand that new The Village Registry is having some printing problems. Bill, the man responsible for the publication, asks all to be patient. If you have questions, please call him at his store phone number, 561-805-7000. Call between 11:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. I know that several of you looked at this new 'note book system' to keep track of your Dept 56 collectibles when we were at the NCC Convention in June. Some of you may even have ordered it. Village North Collectors Club dinner meeting next Wednesday, September 17. Just
so you know! September 7, 2008 September 17th is the date for this months Village North Collectors Club meeting. Just
so you know! September 6, 2008 The same Walmart also had some 'American Graffiti,' 1/43 scale cars. They are a set I haven't seen before. They are sort of the 'hot rods' you might have seen on the streets in the late 50's or early 60's. A '50 Mercury coupe with flames, a couple of convertibles, a pickup or two and a model 'A' hotrod. $6.97 each. In the 'Lakeside Collection' catalog I found some interesting 'playsets.' They are called; 'Bass,' 'Deer,' and 'Duck.' Very similar to the ones we found at Fleet and Farm a couple of years ago. They each have several hunters (or fisherman), hunting/fish accessories and animals/fish. Kinda of cheap looking, but still good background items. We used them under our big display table last season. $9.95 per set. www.lakeside.com Scenic Accents from Woodland Scenics has several new items that might have some interest to display builders. These are 'G' Scale model railroad accessories: 'Begging For Bucks,' Dock Crew,' and 'Wooden Crates & Barrels.' Not sure of the price, but I'd have to guess around $10 per set. I'm pretty sure we would like them because this line has a good 'track record' at our house. www.woodlandscenics.com Carr's Hobby in Duluth's West End carries Woodland Scenics, but I don't know if they have these particular items. The August 2008 Model Railroader magazine has an interesting 'how-to' on 'modeling mountain meadows.' I know that few folks are into that much detail, but if you ever wanted to make an Alpine pasture, take a look. Not hard, but maybe a bit time consuming. - The same issue also has an interesting article on 'Upgrading Structure Roofs.' Way to much to do for me, but interesting nonetheless. I will be away from the computer for a few days. The dog will be here, and the alarm system is on - just so you know! Just
so you know! September 2, 2008 Just saw a friendly reminder on a Lemax Internet group - "The Spooky Town Collection is rapidly beginning to fade in the Michael's stores." That doesn't mean they are changing colors (or the lights are going dim). - Thanks Cecilio, for the reminder. Just
so you know! September 3, 2008 In the Christmas Lemax out at Menard's they had a few new things I think worthy of mention: A Menard's exclusive for 2008 is 'Jay's Woodworking.' $24.99. Didn't see one out of the box, but their exclusives have been very nice more often than not; A new animated piece is 'The Perfect Christmas Tree.' It is a man cutting a tree. #84806, $16.99; I liked a new 'Aspen Tree,' large, $9.99, #84791. A bunch, a whole bunch, of snow on this one. Might take some getting used to, but kinda neat. - I will go back later to look when they have the rest of the stuff out. Nothing 'village-wise' at Walmart in Superior, WI. If someone gets to the Cloquet Walmart please check out their seasonal area. They always have more/better Lemax Christmas than Duluth or Superior. Nothing 'village-wise' at Shopko in Duluth, MN. A couple of comments on Michael's stuff that I had forgotten, or just discovered. On the animated Lemax 'Saucer Fun,' the saucers the kids are riding on are connected to the display with magnets. That means that they won't break off and you can do some interchanging if you have that wish. The down side is you could/can lose them. - The company that makes the 'rubber' people and animals (and sold at Michael's) is Safari LTD. Most of the pieces that are 'our' size are sold in 'Toobs.' Just so
you know! September 1, 2008 If you are a Halloween person, now is the time to go to the same TJ Maxx I mentioned above. They have a whole bunch, and I mean a whole bunch, of fun Halloween stuff. Nothing village you understand, but most anything else that you might be looking for (mostly indoor decorations I would think). NOTE: Remember that they are doing a whole bunch of new highway construction in the Miller Hill Mall area. That means many of the roads north and west of the mall are closed or detoured. You can get everywhere, you just have to look around a bit (and read the signs). The Super One in Kenwood (Duluth MN) is the only place I have found the latest Homies, set #10. The machine seems to be full of only set #10. I say that because sometimes in the past I have found machines with have only a few of the 'advertised' Homies, the rest are older ones. I found Lemax on a Dutch web site. Not sure what the items cost but I'm going to be looking for 'Fire Eater' (82503); 'Unicycle Clown' (82504); and 'Punch and Judy.' I wonder if Bill C. in Hermantown has found these yet. Please tell me if you spot any village stuff of any kind on the shelves of any store. I can't be everywhere you know :-) Just
so you know! August 31, 2008 Packers North Pole Village! For those of you familiar with the usual Hawthorne National Football League (NFL) sets, this is nothing like those. They are all basically alike with only the colors and logos changed. This new Packers version is completely different. The four houses are: 'Santas Super Stadium,' 'Super Fan Souvenir Shop,' 'Coach Claus Castle,' and 'Frozen Tundra Train Station.' The only one with a size is the stadium, 7 1/2" tall. The cost is three payments totaling $59.54. For that you get the stadium and 'Packer Backer Elf.' The houses do 'light up.' - The newspaper insert shows several accessories that are very interesting to me. Unfortunately it shows no way to purchase them. Such things as an elf 'going out for a pass;' an elf with two hot dogs, an elf petting a deer, a refreshment stand, a ticket booth, souvenir stand and a 'big' balloon carrying two elfs. The shops each have at least one elf selling, some with a elf or two buying. There is also 'Santa's sleigh and reindeer' sold separately - no price but it does say $8.99 shipping and service. Everything possible is Green Bay green and gold and the 'G' is everywhere. - The web site www.collectiblestoday.com shows nothing about this. I saw it in a newspaper insert. The address is Hawthorne Village, 9210 N Maryland St, Niles, IL 60714-9828 (I found no phone number either on their web site or newspaper ad). Just so you know! August 25,
2008 There is now a Michael's (Arts & Crafts) coupon on the Internet: http://www.michaels.com/coupons/081908/coupon.html It let me print more than one copy using the same E-mail address. The current coupon is 40% off a single item. CJ's of Cloquet (MN) 25th Anniversary celebration! - September 18, 19, 20. Cece says all the details haven't been worked out, but the number '25' will be part of most everything they do. You know, 25% off stuff, $25 gift cards - you get the idea. Stay tuned for more info! October 14 will be the official 'Christmas Debut' at CJ's of Cloquet (MN). You will find 'double dollars' in the Courtyard and 20% off everything Christmas. Cece emphasized 'everything!' The fourteenth is a Tuesday, they will be closed Sunday and Monday to get everything all set up. CJ's of Cloquet (MN) has the following from the Dept 56 A Christmas Story: Accessories - 'Pink Nightmare;' 'Leg Crate "Isn't it Beautiful?'; and 'Triple Dog Dare.' Houses - 'Chop Suey Palace;' 'Cleveland Elementary School;' and 'Higgbee's Department Store.' For those of you paying attention you already should know that we bought the Chop Suey Palace! - These are the pieces that were previously sold exclusively at Sears, now they will be offered in various gift & speciality stores (including CJ's). - Still no Dept 56 Village Midyears, or the brochure. Adelaide Cline informed me that TJ Maxx (Hermantown, MN) has three different Terry Redman buildings on their shelves. If anyone gets there before I do, please let me know which ones (and the prices). http://www.visionsweb.com/ToddBachman/Guestbook.asp is the link to sign/view the Todd Bachman Guestbook. It will be available for entries until Wednesday, September 3, 2008. Yesterday we received a note from Adelaide. Her mother Lorraine came home from Chris Jensen on Saturday. She is planning to play bridge at the Duluth Womens Club on Tuesday. Not sure when she is going out for a 'bacon cheeseburger.' - If this makes no sense - that's OK, but you're missing a funny lady. Just
so you know! August 18, 2008 The Village North Collectors Club dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 20. The time is 6 P.M., the location is C's in Superior, WI. Members and guests are welcome! Just
so you know! August 15, 2008 Just so you know! August 13, 2008 Village North Collectors Club picnic, Saturday, August 16, at Mary P's. Club members should have received details in the mail. If you have a question, please let me know. Remember that if you are a 'coupon buyer' at Michael's, now is the time to purchase Lemax products. Later in the season they offer 20-25% off on a regular basis but then you can't use the 40% off coupon. Of course you can wait 'til near, or after Christmas, for the really big discounts on Lemax, but by then you are taking a big chance of them not having what you want. As of Tuesday, nothing new at Gordy's in Hermantown (MN) - Dept 56-wise that is. It appears that Kathy is doing some display work however, so you may want to stop in and check that out | |