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As I wrote last week, we as a community have a unique opportunity to help the children of famine stricken countries. Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization committed to feeding hungry children around the world. It involves children and adults hand packing meals that are specifically formulated for malnourished children. The meals are packaged on site and then shipped to over 70 countries around the world.

On October 28 & 29, Chisago Lakes will be hosting their mobile pack at the Lakes Free Church (by the high school). Friday, the first shift will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and a second shift will begin at 8:30 and run until 10:30 p.m. Saturday the first shift will run 9 to 11 a.m. and the second will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run until 1:30 p.m. You may register for a packing shift beginning September 7 at www.fmsc.org. I would really encourage you to register on or very close to September 7, the reason is, it helps the folks at Feed My Starving Children know how much food to bring with them in October, to the church.

I spoke with Pastor Ric Stanghelle this week, and he is very hopeful to have 500 volunteers during these two days. Iâasked him what he plans to do if more show up, and he said he welcomes any and all who would like to help. They would simply create more food packing stations.

Donations for the program are always welcome and you can donate by going to www.lakesfree.org and clicking on Feed My Starving Children. If you would like to mail a check, please send it to Lakes Free Church, PO Box 777, Lindstrom, MN 55045. Please write Event # 1110-111. Thanks and hopefully we will see you there.

You have read about my admiration for the heroes serving our Country. Another business in our great area is stepping up to help families of those in the military. Chisago Lakes Golf will be participating in Patriot Golf Day. On Saturday, September 3, all golfers are asked to donate $1 to the Folds of Honor Foundation which provides post secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. Chisago Lakes Golf will then match all donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation. Any golfer donating $10 or more will have their name entered in a drawing for pro shop merchandise. If golf is on your agenda for the Labor Day weekend, make your tee time at Chisago Lakes and donate to this great cause.

As I was lowering our flags recently, I noticed how tattered our flags have become. The wind really takes a toll on flags. Iâhad always held my flags until flag day and then given them to the Veterans to dispose of. My problem was, this was always held on a Saturday and I would be busy and forget. Luckily, there is now a place that will accept your U.S. flag and will dispose of them properly.

Grandstrand Funeral Home is now offering a no-cost flag retirement service to all residents. The flags will be retired with dignity and honor. You may drop your worn out flags at any of the Grandstand Funeral Homes Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 651-257-4000 with any questions.

As we were driving around this weekend, we passed three groups of people who were picking up litter in the ditches along various roads in our area. Iâwould just like to say thank you. If you are one of those people who takes time out of your busy schedule to pick up garbage so we can live in a beautiful county, thank you. The world is getting better as far as littering goes, but there will always be some litter. Looking at our ditches in Chisago County, you would never guess anyone would litter. They look wonderful.

Our house is entering new territory this school year. We have our first child entering middle school. Not only is our little baby growing up way too quickly, but it drastically changes our morning regimen.

Gone are the days of me showering and getting to work early. Gone are the days of having a quiet cup of coffee with my wife and quietly discussing the day. Now it will be a foot race to see who gets in the shower first and who gets the hot water first. Instead of having a peaceful cup of coffee, we will now have to assist with last minute geometry or world science. Instead of jumping in my car and casually heading to work, I will be in the Middle School gridlock which is Chisago Lakes' version of spaghetti junction. Instead of counting sheep in the early morning (Isn't morning sleep the best?) I will be counting school busses.

They have and will continue to say, "They grow up way too fast". It couldn't be more true. Iâmiss Lakeside (elementary school) already.

Speaking of school busses, next week is the start of the new school year. Please be aware of school busses and the hundreds of kids that will now be running around early in the morning. We have become accustomed to driving to work with no one on the roads, now they will be filled with anxious children. Let's make this year a safe one for children and motorists.

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