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I hope you had a chance this past weekend to take in one or more of the Memorial Day Celebrations at our local cemeteries and the Veterans Memorial Park in Lindstrom. This year I decided to take in a new location, usually I attend the Lindstrom and the Chisago Memorial services. I was honored to observe this year's ceremony at Panola Cemetery between Lindstrom and Scandia. Panola is one of those cemeteries that you might have heard of but aren't just sure where it is located. Well, I am here to tell you it is a hidden gem. Located on Quinlan Avenue it sets back from the road in a beautiful grove of oak trees and is breathtaking.

It was an honor to watch and listen to the local veterans from the V.F.W., display their dedication, honor and pure proudness to be an American. If you know me, you know that these men and women hold a special place in my heart and I think that the group we have in the Chisago Lakes area are second to none. Thank you to any and all veterans who may be reading this. Although we may not say it nearly enough, thank you!

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, we enter into summer celebration time. With all of the local celebrations in our area, the great people that organize these celebrations could really use your help. If you would like to donate some of your time or some of your muscle, these folks would love to have you.

There is no job too big or small for volunteers. It seems like every event, vendors from other towns comment on how helpful our area is. If you would like to volunteer for your town's summer celebration, call us here at the Press and we will put you in contact with some people that will be thrilled you called. If you are new to the area it is also a great chance to get out and meet these wonderful people who make all of the celebrations possible.

If for some reason you have not sent in your renewal, you will be receiving your last paper this week. Unfortunately, we have to draw the cut-off line somewhere and June 1 is that date. You still can mail in your check with the blue card we sent you in April, and we will get you re-instated into our system. Thank you to all who partook in our early renewal campaign, you have really made this renewal season a little easier.

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