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I, along with many others from the area kept our fingers crossed and our thoughts with the group of Chisago Lakes America’s Best Community presenters. They are in Durham North Carolina presenting (yesterday, Wednesday) hoping to be chosen to advance to the final eight. There are 15 communities vying for the final eight spots. If chosen, they will receive $100,000 to bring their plans to life. If they happen to make it to the final three, the ABC National Committee will award the winner with a $3 million prize. Think about the wonderful things they could do in the community. Second place gets $2 million and even third place wins $1 million.

  This weekend is prom for both Chisago Lakes and North Branch students. What an exciting time to be a student.  Having been through it myself, I know how scary it can be as a parent. But one thing my parents did do was to make sure there was a plan. Even if it meant staying over night somewhere to ensure our safety, having a plan is smart.  Kids will be tempted to try things they normally steer clear of, but the way I look at it is;  all of these years being a parent and trying to pound right and wrong into our kids has come down to this. You just have to let go of the reins and trust them.  Have faith they will do the right thing. And by all means, have a plan.

Businesses, you are invited to a small business open house  Tuesday, May 3  7:30-9am.

 In appreciation of local small businesses, the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Chisago County Blandin Broadband Communities committee invite you to an open house.   Along with a continental breakfast, you can also:

  Have your business checked on Google and submit your name for a prize drawing.

 Meet with the Chisago Lakes Clean Energy Hub representatives to learn about clean energy savings, solar options and sign up to have your building assessed.

  Learn about business resources such as workforce training and recruitment tools, business consulting and financing services.

  Meet with the Lindstrom Office Center to learn about resources offered.

 Call the Chisago Lakes Chamber at 651-257-1177 for more information.

So you may have read about some of my past Craigslist adventures, but on Sunday I had a new one.  I have been looking for a wheel for my utility trailer for a month or so, after scouring stores and the internet, I finally found one and it was reasonably close - Afton.  I called the number and immediately was greeted with profanity. Kind of an odd way to introduce yourself to a potential buyer. The voice on the other end proceeded to tell me how sick and tired he was of people trying to lowball him (only he used some incredibly racist sayings). I assured him if the wheel was what I was looking for I would not talk him down.  

After a nice drive in a thunderstorm, I pulled into the gas station parking lot. Out of a truck approached a 50 something man, with long scraggly hair.  He then did a double take, he said he thought he was talking to a teenager. “Thanks?” I said. He laughed and as his mouth opened I saw them. He had two fangs (real ones) that had to be over an inch long.  When he closed his mouth the fans were on the outside of his mouth.  I quickly paid and got in my car. I must have driven six miles never once taking my eyes off the rear-view mirror.  I am a magnet for oddity, honestly.

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