Home Show is coming; this is our chance to really help those in need

Mark your calendars, the 2014 Home Show is on February 22 and 23. If you are looking for fresh ideas for home improvement, saving energy, building, remodeling, landscaping, health and finance. This is your one stop shopping for a multitude of ideas, products and services. Make a connection with area businesses, share new ideas and get ready to take the next step. Enjoy seminars and entertainment. Find it all under one roof. It all takes place at the Chisago Lakes High School. Admission is free. There is entertainment with prizes given away hourly. There are well over 100 exhibits and we usually have over 2,000 visitors. If you would like to get your business into the show, there is still time. Please contact Community Ed at 651 213 2600. I hope to see everyone at the show!

The Hiram Lodge of Lindstrom is doing something extraordinary in February. They are matching funds donated to the local food shelf. Given the economy today, being able to double your investment is an exciting situation. The Masons and the Minnesota Masonic Charities will match dollar for dollar during the month. It is a chance to truly help our food shelf and make a difference in the community. The recession has been tough on everyone, but for some of us and our neighbors it has been devastating. It's never easy to ask for help, but thankfully we have a wonderful resource here in Chisago Lakes.

The food shelf in Chisago City on Liberty Lane, gives those who have fallen on hard times a reliable place to turn for food and support. Because of your support, the food shelf has never had to turn someone away who needed help. The Hiram Lodge has pledged $500 to kick off the fundraising, so already it's off to a great start. Last year, the Lodge was able to raise $3,616 which was matched my the Minnesota Masonic Charities totaling a whopping $7,232. Let's try to blow last year's number away. Please, if you can, send a check to: Hiram Lodge 287 and in the memo put Food Shelf, Hiram Lodge 287, PO Box 681, Lindstrom, MN 55045. Folks this is a great chance to really help out locally with a wonderful cause. Thank you.

I am not a meteorologist. I have been told that I have meteorologist hair (not sure if that is good or bad). I have never taken any classes that deal with weather forecasting. I have taken a class where we had to draw nude models (trust me, if you were there it wouldn't sound so great). I digress. I am going to play a meteorologist for just one day. I am going on the record to officially say that the cold, no the unbearable, bone chilling, pipe freezing, school canceling, battery killing cold weather is officially behind us. We will now have close to seasonable temperatures that are above freezing. We will really feel the sun's warmth when it's out and our moods will improve ten fold. It is printed in ink so it has to come true. Please let me be right.

Many of you have been seeing construction happening at the old Dinnerbel site. The Dinnerbel is not being remodeled. Meredee's Restaurant has purchased the building and is currently re-constructing the inside. Knowing Shelly (Meredee’s owner), the finished product will be fantastic. I for one, can not wait for her to open up. Meredee’s has a great following already and this new location should only build upon that. Look for the restaurant to open up in the very near future. If you happen to bump into Shelly, tell her how excited we are to have the bistro in Lindstrom.