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If you were one of the many who donated coats to the Kid's Fair held at Trinity the last month or so, I would like to give you a great big thank you. Because of you, there will be 280 children wearing warm jackets and winter garb in good condition. Thanks also to the great bunch of folks that took time out of their busy lives to collect, sort and disperse all of the winter wear. We have one of the best communities around when it comes to giving, you should be proud.

This is the last paper before the big Chisago Lakes School referendum vote. You will get your chance to express your feelings at the polls on November 6.

You can cast your vote at one of these places:

1. The Chisago City Community Center

2. The Chisago Lakes High School at the south east entrance

3. Taylors Falls Elementary School

I have said it plenty, I truly believe that this is a positive change for all of our schools that can be accomplished without raising taxes. I would encourage you to vote, no matter if you are for or opposed to the referendum. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please get out and vote!

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, the annual Chisago Lakes PTO Craft Fair is just your ticket. Held at the Middle School in Lindstrom, you will find all kinds of great things, from crafts to terrific gift baskets. If the number of vehicles parked at last year's craft fair was any indication, you might want to get there early. The craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

There is a really neat campaign going on right now to help the troops overseas morale. Dr. Joe and Dr. Kathy Virga are proud to be part of a nationwide campaign asking fellow Americans to donate their new or used DVDs to provide entertainment to the troops. The good doctors are offering a free consultation if you bring two or more DVDs to their office in Lindstrom. If you would like to just drop your DVDs off with no consultation they would be more than happy to take them. DVDs are one of the safest forms of entertainment across seas. If you would like to learn more about Operation DVD, go to www.operationDVD.net. Almost everyone has at least one movie they have watched and could part with, why not give it to the people protecting our freedom?

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