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I had a meeting with some local Vets recently. They told me how they have been planning, brainstorming, trying to figure out how to bring a 1/2 scale Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Chisago Lakes Area. For those of you that have never seen a scaled replica, it is almost as spectacular as the one in Washington, D.C. They are currently applying for a Memorial stop that would bring the wall to the Chisago Lakes area in September of 2009.

The local Veterans plan to do much of the work, however, there will still be a need for plenty of outside volunteers. Some of the tasks which will have to be addressed soon are: schools (visits), military (fly-overs), set-up and take-down, possible parade, security (around the clock), facilities (restrooms), day to day entertainment, medical (first-aid), and counseling. The cost to bring the wall to the Chisago Lakes Area is quite high. The local Vets have some money set aside, but donations from the public would be welcomed and much appreciated.

If you would be interested in donating anything, manpower, services, or money, it would all be very much appreciated. We think that this could be a once in a lifetime chance for a lot of residents to view this magnificent structure which has touched millions of lives.

For more information, or to volunteer, please call Ken Harmon at 651-213-0535.

Family Pathways is proud to announce that they are taking part in this year's Join Hands Day on May 3. The subtitle of the event is called Family and Youth Fun Day.

For those of you who have never heard of Join Hands Day, it is a national day of volunteering that brings youth and adults together to improve their own communities. A benefit of the day comes through the friendships that will be made across generations. The new partnerships will be an important first step in bringing more young people into leadership roles in many organizations.

Along with a donation from Thrivent, the group has been able to purchase items for first aid kits. In fact, the first 300 families attending the Family and Youth Fun Day will receive a free first aid kit.

The event will take place at St. Bridget's of Sweden. They are currently looking for people or businesses to run booths at the event. You can call Bonita at 651-462-4398 for more information. Be sure to check the County Press for more updates regarding the event.

The nation lost a film icon on March 24. Richard Widmark was 93 years old. Widmark played parts in over 70 films and countless television appearances. Widmark was in the blockbuster film Murder on the Orient Express, and Coma. Remember when Lucy snuck onto his property in the "I Love Lucy Show?"

There are a few people today that actually remember Widmark around the area. Why? He was born in Sunrise. Richard's father ran the General Store in Sunrise before setting out on the road to become a salesman.

Speaking of local icons, sadly, we lost two other community pillars last week. Gary Gilbertson, who most of you know from Gilbertson Farms in Scandia, passed away unexpectedly on March 29. Gary was one of the nicest people you would ever hope to meet and really left an impression on people.

Howard Nelson, who has been the face of Lindstrom for 95 years sadly passed on. Howard lived a wonderful life that included running a very successful business, and serving in the Minnesota Legislature. Having the privilege of working with Howard, I can honestly say that Howard was one of the nicest, hardworking people around. If you gave Howard an honest eight hours of work, he would give you nothing but respect. Howard will be missed by everyone.

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