Charity with this economy? Nothing is impossible for this community

Congratulations to the Chisago Lakes Boys Cross Country team. They qualified for state at Cloquet on Thursday. Seven boys will compete including Andy Magnuson (finished first overall), Zac West, Carson Velaski, Nick Bartz, Jake Schwelling, Simon Eddy, and Quinton Lee. The Wildcats will be running on Saturday at St. Olaf college in Northfield. We have some great runners, hopefully they will bring home a title. Congratulations to North Branch runner Rhianna Rinke. Rhianna finished second overall in the girls cross country championships also in Cloquet. Rhianna will be competing at St. Olaf as well and has a great chance to win it all. Good luck Rhianna!

My family and some friends had a chance to once again take part in the Feed My Starving Children event on Friday night. What a magical night. The atmosphere in the gym was electric. For almost two hours people packed, packaged, and hauled boxes of food that will eventually end up in Swaziland. In all 737 of you (us) showed up for this great event. 792 boxes were packed, which means that 171,072 meals will be making their way to Sawziland from Chisago Lakes. The initial goal of the pack was 160,000 meals. As you can see we blew that number out of the water. I can't begin to thank everyone who participated or donated to the event. As tough as the times are for us, it was unbelievable to see people show up to help another country. God bless you all.

Speaking of giving, there were a couple of other events that I need to mention that involved the community's generosity. The angels that run the Kids Outerwear Fair once again helped over 500 people stay warm this winter. Along with coats, these people were given hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants and other warm clothing. The women and men who put the fair on, dedicated this year's event to Chris Bjorklund who founded the event and sadly passed away this year. If it seems like I am going on and on about all of the charity in our area, it's because I am blown away. You are amazing.

Finally, thank you so much for all of your donations to the local homeless shelter. I took an amazing 55 garbage bags full of clothing to the shelter on Friday. It was the largest donation they have ever received. They were so thankful and stressed that I pass along their thanks to you. So once again, thank you!

Okay, it's time to get controversial. No not about the government shutdown. I want to address something that annoys me beyond belief. We all get gas (the kind in our car) right? So you have been in my shoes, standing in the freezing cold, or pouring rain, shivering, trying to get your credit card swiped correctly when it happens. Here comes "Let's play 50 questions". Do you want to use your grocery card? Do you want a car wash? Do you live nearby? Do you like 80's music (guilty)? What began as just a quick in and out to get a couple of gallons of gas has now turned into the SAT test. The only thing that is missing is your report card printed on your receipt.

On Saturday there is a benefit for a local man who had friends everywhere. Jeff Meredith passed away in September and his wife Dawn was left with many expenses. The benefit will be at Smitty’s Bar in Chisago City from noon until 5 p.m. There will be food, refreshments, a raffle and a silent auction. Steve Levey has painted another chair for the benefit. Steve’s chairs were featured in this summer’s “Life is Great on Highway 8” campaign.

With Halloween on Thursday, let’s try to make this a safe one. I am always very leery when we are out driving around on Halloween. Please slow down.

My son just completed his final year of traveling football. Eighth grade is as far as you can go in traveling football. It has been a pleasure to work with the Chisago Lakes Traveling Football program over the last five years. They run a top notch football program and the kids love it. Thanks also to our coaches this year. They took a bunch of kids and made them into a team that went 9-1 this year.