Congratulations to Plastic Products; remember to please spend locally

Congratulations to all of the seniors who have made it through their long journey. I know it seemed like it would never come, but as the saying goes, time does fly by so quickly. I have had the privilege of knowing quite a few of this year’s graduates, and they are one of the nicest groups you will ever meet. I know they will accomplish great things in the future. Last week I told you about the group of students that are going to be traveling all over India. I apologize, I had my dates mixed up. The group leaves on June 21st. You are encouraged to “friend” the group’s Facebook page and follow them along their fantastic journey. You simply go to our home page: chisagocountypress.com and click on the link on the left hand side that says “Follow Students in India”.

You will be directed to their Facebook page where you can track their travels and thoughts of the trip. Beginning next Wednesday, Lindstrom’s Harmony in the Park will kick off another summer concert series. The concerts will take place at the band shelter in Lions Park. There are 10 shows planned with the Mouldy Figs highlighting the first concert. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Come on out, it is great entertainment and the best part is it’s free. I hope you received your Search Shopper last week. We have partnered with Smith Metals and Plastic Products to bring you a Smith Metals Grand Opening and Plastic Products celebrating 50 years tab. In the section, you will learn about Smith Metals new building whom many of you have seen along Highway 8 across from Hazelden. They have moved from a small building next to St. Bridget’s Catholic Church to a beautiful, huge new building. The section also highlights Plastic Products which is turning 50 this year.

There is a great article on Willard Smith who founded the company along with a nice article on Marlene Smith who currently runs the company. Marlene has been absolutely everything to this community. She has donated so much over the years, whether it is money, manpower, space or her own time. Without Marlene, many of our events would not have taken place. A lot of people perceive Marlene as a stoic, serious person who is very tight laced. In reality, she is one of the nicest, caring persons with a heart of gold. We never say this enough, but from all of us in the community - we thank you Marlene. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement! For those of you who have sent in your renewals, I would like to say thank you.

If you for some reason have forgot about it, I would urge you to do so soon. We will be stopping all subscriptions that are unpaid next week. If your paper stops because of a non-payment, do not worry. All it takes is a phone call and we can get you up and running again. I say this all the time, but I truly mean it. We have the best, most loyal readers in the country. We appreciate each and every one of you. Sometimes people disagree with what is in the paper, but that is part of the business. We constantly strive to make this the best small community paper in the state of Minnesota, and we thank you for making it happen. Please, please try to implement the spend local program. It is so simple, just make a vow to spend an additional $25 per week locally. What does additionally mean? It means that if you work in the cities, make sure to get gas in the Chisago Lakes area. It means if you bring donuts to work, make sure to buy them locally. It means instead of stopping off at the mega super market on your way home from work, stop at one of our markets. It means...well you get the picture. We can make this work.

Could you do me a favor? Could you email me and let me know just how you are keeping it local?  Maybe we could start printing some suggestions so other people might catch on. Please email me your way of keeping it local to: [email protected] attn:Matt. Thanks again for helping. Lindstrom wants you to know that there will be temporary power lines strung along 1st Ave. The lines will only be there until construction is complete.