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Did you know that March is Food Share Month in Minnesota?

Most people do not associate March as being a critical month for food needs, but it is the month that food shelves try to build up their supply for the remainder of the year. Most of the local food shelves have been depleted from the long hard winter we just had. This means that the need is greater than ever for your donations.

It is really simple, in fact, you most likely have some groceries in your pantry that would be a perfect donation to the food shelf. The good people that run the food shelves and the many volunteers will always welcome any and all of your donations with a smile.

I know I have said it a million times, but you just never know if someday it could be your family visiting the food shelf.

The Chisago County Master Gardeners will be holding their 12th annual Spring Gardening Bonanza on Saturday, March 13. Held at the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, the bonanza features a wonderful marketplace where you can purchase plants and other gardening supplies. You can get anything from bare root trees to lawn ornaments and everything in between.

They will be offering free nitrate water testing for your tap water. They just ask you to take a sample no sooner that 24 hours before it is tested and it must be refrigerated.

If you would like to attend the Bonanza, it begins at 9 a.m. For a schedule of seminars, please go to www.extension.umn.edu/.../2010_Bonanza_Brochure_and_Registration.pdf. I know that is a lot of typing, I just type in 2010 Chisago County Master Gardener Bonanza on the Google machine and it is the first link.

Next week, we will be starting our annual early renewal campaign. On page two you will find a coupon for a $1.50 off a year's subscription to the Chisago County Press. Make sure to clip the coupon and either send it to us or drop it off. We will make sure you receive every copy of the Chisago County Press. As always, we appreciate every single reader, and we thank you.

The good folks at Karl's Appliance in North Branch are looking for your help. On March 20, they will be holding a Community Recycling and food drive. The drive will go from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will take place in the parking lot. You can recycle appliances, televisions, stereos, and computer equipment. The charge for most items is merely a donation to the food shelf. For others such as televisions and appliances, there is just a very nominal fee.

Here is a good chance to get rid of that fridge that has been clogging your garage for years and you can help the food shelf at the same time. As always, they are looking for non-perishable food items. If you have questions about a certain appliance, please call Karl's to verify if it qualifies for recycling.

Remember, if you are a young woman who is planning on attending this year's prom, make sure you stop by Recycled Wardrobes. They have wonderful specials on beautiful prom dresses and accessories. Not only can you get a prom dress for a steal, you also will get many valuable coupons for hair, make up and dry cleaning.

The North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce deserves a big thank you. They have once again put on a very successful Business Expo at the North Branch High School. There were over 1,600 people in attendance Saturday. Pretty great numbers considering is was close to fifty degrees outside.

Thanks also to all the people who entered to win a free one year subscription to the Chisago County Press. We had hundreds of entries and unfortunately, we only have one subscription to hand out. This year's lucky winner is Marie Carlson of Harris. Marie will start receiving her Press this week. If you would like to subscribe to the Chisago County Press please call us at 651-257-5115.

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