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In my article last week, I spoke about the deteriorating condition of some people's flags. I mentioned that the local Vets usually have a flag recycling day.

On Friday, I got a call from one of my favorite Vets Gaylon Brandt. Gaylon thanked me for writing about flags and also wanted me to give readers a bit more information. There will be a flag sale along with a flag disposal on June 13. From 9 a.m. until noon in Moberg Park in Chisago City, you will be able to dispose of your flags in the proper manner as well as purchase a new one. The sale and disposal will be held by the American Legion Post 272.

This past Saturday, my wife and I attended the Lions Cadillac Dinner in Chisago City. I have always purchased tickets in the past, but have never attended. Having never been to a Cadillac Dinner, I had some misconceptions in my mind of a snooty dinner that consisted of the who's who in the area. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was such a relaxed atmosphere and every person in attendance could not have been friendlier.

The atmosphere was great, the people were great and the food was outstanding. There were six raffle packages that were all amazing. Mark Karnowski was this year's emcee and he did a super job keeping the audience entertained.

If you have ever thought about attending the Cadillac Dinner, and were leary about what it involves, don't be. It is a great time and you will have fun I guarantee it. Thanks to the Chisago Lakes Lions for an enjoyable night away from the kids.

On a completely different note, it is with a heavy heart that I tell you our community has lost another great member. Joan Ertl passed away last week. For those of you who were unlucky enough to not meet Joan, she was the face behind the counter at the old County Bank in Center City which is now Mainstreet Bank. Joan and her husband Larry live north of Center City and have been staples in our community for years and years. Whether it was supporting our local sports teams, teaching religion, or working on the farm, Joan was always there to greet you with a smile. She was never too busy to stop and visit with anyone. There was an enormous amount of love and happiness in that tiny body of hers. Joan will be missed by all.

This past Friday, my family decided to go out and have a celebratory dinner. When we polled our children on which restaurant they would like to try, they agreed on the Drive In in Taylors Falls. Not knowing if it was even open yet, we piled in the car and headed east. They started to hoot and holler when they saw the big mug of root beer rotating. Unfortunately, the mini golf course was not open, but we were able to enjoy some really great food. Wade Vitalis has really made the Drive In into a great family dining experience.

Last Saturday, attending the Cadillac Dinner got me reminiscing about the past. It really made me think about my dad. My dad used to emcee the dinner along with a ton of other events in the area.

I used to ask him why he emceed so any events. After the obligatory "because no one else wants to" retort, with a smile on his face, he would tell me that he hated doing these emcee events.

Later, when he would come home after the events, he would always be laughing and smiling to which I would ask "I thought you hated these things". His response was always the same. He would say "I do, but I love the people".

It never made much sense to me, until I started dealing with "the people" and realized what an amazing group of community activists we have here.

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