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Congratulations to Pat Collins and his core classes for all their hard work last week. These wonderful kids and many parents spent last Tuesday planting trees all over Ki Chi Saga Park in Lindstrom. Prior to planting, the kids were treated to a special screening of Al Gore’s movie” An Inconvenient Truth”. The movie highlights the effects of global warming and has received very high accolades. At the park, the students who besides planting trees, built bluebird houses and wood duck houses. I have never seen a group of middle-schoolers so excited about giving back to the earth. Thanks also to the Meehans for donating their time and many of the trees, mulch and other planting supplies. What a breath of fresh air, the parents of these kids should be proud.

I would like to apologize for not mentioning Fire Prevention Week last week. We are lucky to have such well-equipped, well-trained, dedicated volunteer firefighters to protect ourselves and our properties.

Local firefighters give thousands of hours each year for service, training and community volunteer projects. They have been doing this for years and years. All of their advanced training and equipment translate into some pretty favorable property insurance rates, not to mention the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing we are in safe hands.

Besides fighting the usual fires, our local departments do much, much more. They have donated tens of thousands of dollars for many worthwhile projects. In addition to monetary gifts, the firefighters give freely of their time and talents to more area projects than I can list. After all of this they still hold down regular employment and provide for their families. The reward they get is helping in their community and the promise of a retirement pension upon retiring.

Thanks to all area firefighters for all you do for the area.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you are a woman or know a woman, please be sure to encourage them to get regular breast exams. Early detection is imperative. Take it from someone who lost their mother to breast cancer, as uncomfortable as a breast exam might make you, finding out you have waited too long is way more uncomfortable.

The County Press is currently looking for a Taylors Falls City Council correspondent. If you or someone you know likes to write and enjoys keeping up on local news, I would encourage you to give us a call. The Taylors Falls City Council meets on Monday nights. You will be asked to attend regularly and submit your article by the next day. Please call Matt or Denise if interested at 651-257-5115.

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