Grand Openings in this economy? these folks will hear none of that

On Saturday, the U.S. Post Offices will be holding their annual Food Drive. If you have a Lindstrom mailing address, you should have gotten a blue bag in your mailbox earlier this week. The post office is asking for non-perishable food items to help stock our local food shelf. Rural mail carriers will pick up the bags. Any and all donations are very much appreciated. There is also a drop off box at the Post Office if you have more than fits in the bag. As always, thank you for giving.

On Friday and Saturday, you are invited to something exciting in Lindstrom. There are three grand openings taking place in our little town. Pretty huge news for a community that has seen more for sale signs than grand opening signs. So what is opening? Northwoods Roasterie who many of us love the coffee, has refurbished a dilapidated old house on the North Side of Highway 8. Before you say “Pass”, let me just say that John the owner has transformed this old house to a stunning, beautiful customer friendly environment. Customers are encouraged to get a cup of the best coffee in the world and sit in one of the beautifully decorated rooms that overlook the lake. Maybe you are too busy to stop in and enjoy the new shop, John has taken care of that, there is now a drive thru so you can enjoy Northwoods coffee on your way to work, school, or play.

The second business announcing their Grand Opening is the Sweet Swede Candy Shoppe. Sonia Palmer has relocated her store from the County Press building to of all places, Northwoods Roasterie’s old spot. While the spot might not have been ideal for Northwoods (no place for a drive thru), it is a perfect spot for the Sweet Swede. Sonia Palmer has created her dream, and to finally see her store where it should be and just how she envisioned it, warms my heart. She (as many of you know) has some of the best and unique candy you will ever taste. Her signature item is Lingonberry Fudge, and if you have not tried it, you have no idea what you are missing. Sonia is a dear friend of mine, and cares about our community so much, it is awesome to see her so happy.

Lastly, Gustaf’s Gallery has opened their beautiful new Scandinavian Gallery. MaryAnn and John have rebuilt their already beautiful store to incorporate a Scandinavian theme. It is gorgeous folks, you really must see it.

There is one common bond these businesses all have. They are all very vital to the business community. The one thing people do not see is just how much love and vigor these folks have for our community. Seeing Lindstrom and the Chisago Lakes area succeed is just as important to them as seeing their businesses succeed. They all sit on various committees, they all attend local meetings, they all care. Let’s really try to show our thanks by stopping in and saying hi. I guarantee they will be happy to see you, and I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed.

Next weekend is Chisago City and Lindstrom’s clean up day. So why am I telling you now?  So you can start cleaning your house, your garage, your shed. This is the perfect day to rid your property of clutter that you have meant to throw away but never gotten around to. We have an ad for the clean-up day on page 14, so you can see what the charge is for various items. This is a combined effort by the two cities along with some great garbage haulers.  I hope you take advantage of the clean-up day if you area resident.

Speaking of recycling. On the clean-up day, the great folks that make up the Chisago Lakes Rotary will be on hand representing Bridging Inc. Bridging is a non-profit company that helps provide furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty, Bridging gives hope–and for many–a leap toward financial stability for the first time. The Rotary will be accepting gently used furniture including mattresses, small household appliances and bedding along with blankets. Last year they filled a semi, lets try to fill two this year.