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Now that the crisp white snow has hardened into crusty brown jagged pieces, we all have been getting a little antsy. We know that spring is knocking on our door, but for the time being, winter has a hold on Minnesota.

If you are like me, and could really use a boost out of this winter hole, come join me and your neighbors at the 2010 Home & Garden Business Show. I know it is not a trip to Fort Myers to watch a Twins game in the sun, but it is a really great chance to get out and enjoy the weekend while doing a little bit of day dreaming.

I know what you are thinking, with the economy being so anemic, the show must be really down this year. Wrong. In fact, we have more booths than ever this year. Businesses want to show you that they are in it for the long haul and you the consumer can benefit from that.

This last weekend, you should have received our Home Show tab with your Search Shopper. The Press has combined with Chisago Lakes Community Ed and the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to put together a great little piece for your enjoyment. In the tab, you will find stories about home improvement and projects. You also will find some great advertising from vendors that are in the show. Make sure to stop by their booths and let them show you how they can help you improve your home in a cost effective manner.

The back of the tab has a map of the show to direct you to your place of interest. If you are interested in landscaping it's on the map, if you are interested in insurance, it's on the map. The map also has a list of entertainment at this year's show. We have some really great shows throughout this weekend including cloggers, a magic show, music and my favorite, a golf lesson from Todd Kueppers of the Chisago Lakes Golf Course.

This weekend the forecast is saying highs in the 20's. How does a nice afternoon in the 70's sound? Come on out to the show and look around. Who knows, you might find the perfect idea for your home.

We here at the Press are very excited to present our 2010 Community and Visitor Guide. This is our sixth guide and let me tell you, they keep getting better.

We have joined with the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to bring you the most complete, informative guide yet. The guide is a handy resource filled with valuable information about our great community. Make sure to keep your guide all year because the information inside is useful the whole year.

The guide has information about local cities, as well as information about local celebrations. You can also find info about fishing our lakes. This year we have a new map that we think you will really enjoy.

Inside the guide, you will find valuable advertising from local businesses. These businesses are the heart and soul of Chisago Lakes and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for being in the guide.

We hope you enjoy the guide because we sure enjoyed making it. The guide will also be available at the Home Show this weekend and at stores and businesses around the area all year long.

My son, who is in fourth grade, just completed his second season of Forest Lake Community Ed basketball league. Chisago Lakes had two teams this year both filled with great talent. Both finished with winning records over the 10 week season. When we initially signed up, my son was very hesitant about playing basketball. But after a few short weeks, he really started to enjoy playing. I attribute that to the great coaches Perry Tinjum and Rob Mohr.

To see coaches take a group of hyper, unfocused, and sometimes unruly kids, and transform them into two cohesive, "team first" groups is nothing short of amazing. I have long said that Chisago Lakes shines when it comes to youth coaches. We have some of the greatest coaches molding our future ball players and we are lucky to have them. If you have coached youth sports in the past, thank you. If you have not, but always wanted to, take it from me, there is nothing more satisfying.

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