---

The good folks that have collected coats and winter items for kids, wanted me to let you know that they are now looking for needy children to give these donations to. Please, if you are having a little trouble making ends meet this year, do not be ashamed of taking a good will gesture. Hard times can fall upon each and every one of us at any given time. These great people just want your child to be happy and warm this winter. The distribution of these winter items will be Friday, October 26, from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, October 27, from 9 until noon. If you have any questions, you can call Chris at 257-5681 or Bonnie at 257-6822.

I am pleasantly surprised with all of the positive feedback that I am hearing about the Chisago Lakes referendum. Normally, referendums put people in a sour mood because they associate referendums with tax increases. But this year, I think that the school district has done an outstanding job informing the public about the upcoming vote. There have been many letters to the editor in favor of the referendum including some from people you would have never in a million years guess that they were for the referendum. That tells me that what the school district is proposing must really be a good idea. On November 6, I urge you to cast your vote.

This fall I had the opportunity to help coach a first and second grade flag football team. What an absolute blast I had. These kids are at such a fun age. They are smart enough to follow instructions but young enough to just enjoy being with other kids their age.

The other coach and I have coached other teams and other sports, but this was one of the most entertaining groups we have had.

Thanks to LARA for allowing such a wonderful experience for our children to participate in. Thanks also to Brad Doble for taking his personal time to make sure flag football is running perfectly. And finally, thanks to the kids who participated in this year's season and allowing me to be part of it.

If you were thinking about signing your child up but did not for some reason, I would highly recommend it. Boys or girls, it doesn't matter, I guarantee they will have a blast.

There is a really neat campaign going on right now to help the troops' morale. Drs. Joe and Kathy Virga are proud to be part of a nation-wide 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. 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 who are protecting our freedom.

---