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Hard as she tried, Mother Nature could not dampen the spirits of the people gathered for the annual Cancer Society Relay for Life last Saturday at Chisago Lakes High School. Two downpours changed the way things were done, but all of the events took place in some fashion. People walked inside the school during the rain and at about midnight, when the skies cleared, a huge percentage of the luminary bags were lit and people continued to walk throughout the night.

As I write this Monday, I don’t have any official word on how much money was raised, but if the efforts of those present Saturday are any indication, it appears that the financial rewards should be good. The evening was grand, in spite of the rain, from the great entertainment to the support and fellowship exhibited by everyone present. The evening is always an emotional rollercoaster but the highs far out-weighed the lows. It’s great to see and visit with cancer survivors and friends and families of survivors and victims.

Words alone cannot adequately thank all of the great folks who volunteered their time, talents and treasures to help make the event a great success––from the people who walked in the rain to those who got their heads shaved in support of their friend and cancer survivor, Scott Sellman, who played a huge part. Thank you to: Jody and Scott Sellman for their never-ending energy and efforts; Barb Lindstrom for wonderful fundraising efforts and all her help; Carrie Frickie and her luminary helpers; Bobbi Sells for her work with the survivors and her inspiration; all who donated food, money and their spirit; and to the Chisago Lakes School District for providing the use of the facilities.

For those who have never witnessed or taken part in this event, please don’t think of it as a huge gathering of long-faced people feeling sorry for themselves, think of it as a wonderful celebration of life and lives. The evening is always full of emotion but mostly the evening is filled with support, conversation and laughter. Thanks to everyone who in any way played a part in this effort, with some luck and through the grace of God maybe some day soon we will have helped raise enough to find a cure for the dreaded cancer. Plan on being a part of next year’s Relay––you will find it to be a great experience.

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If you ever had doubts that the main reason for confrontation is misunderstanding, I’m living proof of it this past week. After my column last week where I asked some questions about the proposed library expansions and additions, I have received feedback, nearly threatening and had conversations accusing me of being opposed to libraries. After re-reading my own column, I am amazed that conclusion could be drawn. I support the expansion of the library system, but still question many things that need to be determined in the process.

I know that there have been multiple groups around the county looking at the library issue for years and have some data available. Maybe I’m all wrong, but I don’t think the general public has been afforded the opportunity to have that information available to them without being part of the groups. Libraries are a very important part of our society and the need for a good library system is obvious. I agree with those who say the time is right, but I also want to know that we are doing what the public wants, and will use, so that we don’t have to readdress this issue in a few years. Call your commissioners and let them know your feelings on the issue.

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Community events in the area remain in high gear. This weekend you can take a short drive to the Almelund Threshing Show, a trip that will take you back in time when big machines and strong backs were the order of the day.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is a full schedule of events, including tractor parades, tractor pulls, pedal tractor pulls, threshing, petting zoo, playground, flea market, entertainment, great food and drink. You can purchase a chance to win a completely restored Case 210-B tractor. The events all take place right here in Chisago County at the Almelund Threshing Company grounds, just east of Almelund, on Highway 95.

If your taste runs to trapshooting, sporting clays, volleyball, horseshoes, mud turtle races (bring your own turtle), games, bingo and good food; then the Chisago Lakes Sportsmen’s Club is the place to be this Sunday, Aug. 10. The Chisago Lakes Sportsmen’s Club 48th annual picnic is scheduled from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The club grounds are located on Lake Lane (the frontage road) across Highway 8 from Fairview Lakes Health Care Services in Chisago City. Parking and admission are free to this great traditional event.

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Our weather patterns have been nothing, if not strange, of late. Talking with an acquaintance who lives in the southwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities the other day, he informed me that all the lawns in his area were going dormant and turning brown if they weren’t watered every day. Just the opposite has been the case for us; trying to find a day or two when the grass is dry enough to mow has been the challenge.

There I go again proving that we are never happy, it’s always too wet or too dry, too hot or too cold, too sunny or too cloudy. I guess the guy who said, “we would complain if we were hung with a new rope,” may be right.

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