Want to make a difference? Here's your chance; school is almost here

There are some really neat things I want to talk about this week. They are not happening for a few weeks, but I thought I would mention them for your calendars.

First off, the week of September 14 through 21 is Chisago County Mission Week. We had a great article about the week in an earlier paper and there’s a follow-up this week. The organization is going to concentrate on a bunch of projects around the community. Volunteer teams will be led by skilled supervisors doing roofing, painting, home repairs and much more. It is a wonderful time to be invested in our community. what better way to feel better about the community we live in than fixing up and helping those who live among us. People of all skill levels and all ages are asked to donate time during the week. If you can't work and would still like to help, you can donate food for the workers or a monetary donation. Either way, you are helping. This is a great idea for sports teams to teach valuable life lessons to their young teams. Maybe you and your friends would like to form a group and help out. Any and all help is welcomed. Email ecmabwk@gmail.com to donate or visit ecmabwk.org for more information.

Another great opportunity to help someone in our community happens September 14. The great friends and family of Zach Bartz will be holding another benefit. Zach has become an icon in our community. He has touched so many lives with his corageous battle with neurofibromitosis - a disease that causes tumors to grow in or on the body. Unfortunately the tumors have returned and grown in his brain. His family, who are so unbelievably nice, are in need of our help. Zac is fighting for his life and you will never see someone with such a deep and wonderful soul. Because there is no cure, Zac's future is uncertain, but if you know Zac, you know he is one of the greatest fighters in the world, and I for one believe he can beat this. On September 14 at Stars and Strikes in Wyoming, friends and family of Zac will hold a spaghetti dinner with a silent auction. If I know the Bartz family, it will not be a cry in your soup benefit, rather a be strong and fight with everything you have benefit. I hope you can attend.

I can’t speak for you, but we are one household that is glad school is beginning. We have two teenagers in the house and when we leave for work in the morning a strange phenomenon takes place. Somehow, we must have a ghost that comes and eats every piece of food we have in the pantry, because it’s always empty. Our grocery bills have doubled this summer feeding a ghost. Why a ghost you ask?  Simple, every time we ask the kids who ate all of this?  The answer is always “Not me”. Hurry up September 3, our checkbook needs a break.

Friday night is the Chisago Lakes football team’s first game of the year. I have spent a little time around this group and I have to say, it looks very promising this year. Before the game, you and your family are invited to a Brat Feed that the Chisago Lakes Dance Team is hosting. For only $5, you will get a brat or hotdog, chips and a soda or water. There will be kid’s carnival games for the youngsters. Come out early and support our great local dancers, and then stay and support our football team.

St. Bridget of Sweden Church in Lindstrom is putting the final touches on the ever-popular Block Party. It will be September 7 and 8 in the St. Bridget parking lot. Beginning at 6 p.m., there is a pig roast that also features burgers, hot dogs, brats and of course beer. There is a $5,000 cash raffle too. Later in the evening, the Rockin’ Hollywoods take the stage. Sunday the fun begins at 11 a.m. There will be tons of kids games and entertainment for all. There are inflatables, a marketplace, a silent auction, and a meat raffle. The St. Bridget’s Praise Band will be playing on Sunday. Admission is free and they would like to stress that this block party is for everyone. It is not limited to St. Bridget members. I hope to see you there!