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Thanks to everyone who participated in Shafer Days this year. I was there a few times over the weekend, and I honestly have never seen it so busy. Maybe it was the great weather, or maybe people are realizing the Shafer Days is a really fun event. Either way, this year was amazing. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this year's event a success.

The folks at Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago Lake Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church, have combined to do something very special this Fall. Every Monday afternoon form 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., you are invited to come enjoy a free community meal. The meal is held at Zion in Chisago City, but all the churches mentioned are participating. The meals are intended to bring the community together and have some great conversations. There is no obligation, you are welcome always. Zion is located at 28005 Old Towne Road.

If you are looking to get out of the house this weekend and get a little exercise, I have what you are looking for. Friends of Allemansratt Park are looking for volunteers to assist with Buckthorn clean-up. Buckthorn is an invasive plant that if left alone will strangle and overtake other vegetation. The clean-up will take place at 9 a.m. and you are asked to meet at the park gate. The entrance to the park in on North Olinda Trail. Please bring gloves and a hatchet or machete if you have one.

Last weekend, per usual, our family was heading off a million different ways. This car was going to football, that car was going to gymnastics, this car was going to basketball...you get the message. Instead of having a nice quiet meal together, we end up waving to each other as we pass on the highway.

Being the owner of a small business of course we drive the finest vehicles. In case you are wondering, I do not drive a Lexus anymore, nor does my wife drive her Range Rover. I in fact, drive a 1999 Chevy Venture Van. Pretty sweet huh? If you have ever seen a forty-something guy with salt and pepper (mostly salt) hair driving a blue van with a tail light out, that is probably me. It's a real chick magnet...more like a pigeon magnet.

While we do not have car payments and that makes me happy, we do have to deal with little quirks that come with older vehicles. For instance, both our cars have broken fuel gauges. That's right, broken. Instead of looking down and seeing you have a quarter tank left, we now get to look down and try and multiply how many gallons of gas times our estimated gas mileage. I like to say it keeps my brain sharp.

Well, on Saturday, while we were chauffeuring kids to various sports, my calculation was off. We were already running a little late to a football game in Forest Lake when it happened. Sputter, sputter and then nothing. I could not believe it. I ran out of gas. I have never, ever, run out of gas. I have done a lot of other stupid things with vehicles over the years, but never ran out of gas.

Surprisingly, I remained calm. I placed a few calls and before long a family friend came to the rescue with a can of gas. We made it to the game before it started and all was well. Except for one thing. Now every text I get from friends either begins or ends with "get gas". I can see my birthday presents already...six gas cans with bows on top.

Next Tuesday, you will have a chance to speak to your Representative. Bob Barrett will host a forum which will feature other politicians such as Sean Nienow, Matt Dean and other local leaders. This is your chance to voice your opinion and your ideas for government reform. The politicians will listen and respond to any and all ideas. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or whatever, your opinion matters. The forum is on October 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chisago Lakes Library.

If you have growing children like we do, then you most likely have outgrown winter clothes. Thanks to some absolutely wonderful people at Trinity Lutheran Church, you now have a place to donate your coats, hats, mittens, scarves, boots and blankets. Items must be in good condition and clean.

So what happens when you donate these items? This is the best part. The items are given away at the end of October to families who otherwise could not afford such items. The Kids outerwear Fair will take place on October 27, 28 and 29, and believe me folks, if you think your items are not appreciated, come volunteer for the fair. You will see people crying and hugging and smiling because of your good will. I have been there for four years now, and it is one of the most moving events I have ever been part of. If you would like to donate please drop off at Trinity Lutheran church in Lindstrom. Or call Chris at 257-5681 or Bonnie at 257-6822.

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