Summer work skills participants' efforts are Lindstrom's gain

Students ages 14 to 21 participated in a work readiness summer jobs program providing labor for a number of local projects-- including painting the exterior of Koehn Auto Sales and its adjacent Lindstrom Motors Auto Service.

The student work program is funded by a grant through Central MN Jobs & Training and requires materials be donated to complete a task. Students learn time management, responsibility, cooperation with co-workers, budgeting and many enjoyed receiving their first ever paycheck. Journals were kept by students so they could report what they were learning and which skills were needed to perform certain tasks.

The City of Lindstrom also got 175 fire hydrants painted, police cars were washed and waxed and the garage was cleaned. Brush and scrub growth was cleared from Lindstrom Beach. Program Supervisor Stephanie Bellinger-Bushard said Chisago Lakes Lions and Rotary helped to provide meals and snacks for the students. Kathy Burrill, Food Service Director for Chisago Lakes presented a safe food handling class, and worked with participants to develop satisfying nutritious lunches.