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Well it definitely looks like we are going to have a white Christmas this year. Thank goodness, Christmas seems to lose something when you are looking out the window at brown grass as you are opening presents. Now that the winter driving season is in full swing, please make a concerted effort to drive carefully. We have already had some very serious accidents in our area, and we have only had snow for a week or so. Take your time going to your destinations. If you have to, leave a little early. You might be surprised, leaving five minutes early could actually save you from being 20 minutes late depending on traffic.

There is a really neat program taking place right here in our area. It is called the Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP). There are quite a few people in the area that have medical equipment that they no longer need. There is a need for that equipment from those less fortunate who are unable to afford such equipment.

Area churches have decided to join forces and collect this equipment for distribution. Equipment can range from something as simple as crutches or a wheelchair to a treadmill or exercise bike. First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom has graciously offered to store all equipment collected.

If you would like to donate to the program, please call 651-257-4306. They will tell you when and where to drop off your equipment. They are asking for clean, newer equipment. Once there is enough equipment to lend out, they will let the community know when and how the equipment can be attained. The hope is to start lending out equipment by June 1, 2010. Any questions call Gary Gerke at 257-5679 or Harris Sonnenberg at 257-9663.

Time is running out for you to give a gift that keeps on giving. What a great idea to give a subscription to the County Press to a loved one? Call us here at 651-257-5115. We will make sure you have a certificate and a new Press under the tree by Christmas.

Have you ever had to say goodbye to a good friend? It really hasn't happened to me since I was in sixth grade. Unfortunately, it is happening to me again.

Becky Carlson is leaving the Press after four plus years of selling advertising. I know what you are thinking "So what? Employees leave businesses all the time?" Well the difference this time is that Becky and I have known each other since seventh grade. That is 28 years that we have been close friends.

Becky, while working here has formed some incredible relationships with both advertisers and community leaders. She has been part of so many committees that I couldn't list them in the space allowed. She has bettered this newspaper and for that, I thank her.

I don't want this to come off as a eulogy, because Becky is not leaving the area. Becky is now focusing her abilities on her dream. That dream is to sell real estate. Sell real estate in this economy? I am telling you this, if there is one person that can buck the trend and become successful in a field where other people are struggling, it is Becky Carlson.

It is going to be odd coming to work and not seeing Becky at her desk. But at the same time, it is going to be exciting to see her ads and signs in people's yards for real estate.

Thank you Becky Carlson. Thank you for all you have contributed to this paper, thank you for all you have contributed to this community, and most importantly, thank you for being such a great friend.

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