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I have a couple of really neat happenings to tell you about. When I say neat, I mean neat as far as helping our community out.

Gregory Contracting out of Chisago City, has partnered with No Roof Left Behind. No Roof Left is a charitable organization that provides free roofs to people who are in dire need.  From now until June 24, nominations are being accepted.  The great folks at Gregory Contracting really want to give a roof to a family or individual that need it the most.  They need your help locating these homes.  You are encouraged to nominate a home by going to gregorycontracting.com and selecting the No Roof Left Behind icon at the lower right side.

Maybe your home is one that needs it, or maybe your neighbors are down on their luck and could use a new roof, either way, it is a wonderful gesture by DJ and his staff.

Another great group, A Brush With Kindness, is also looking for you. A Brush With Kindness is a non-profit faith based group that specializes in helping those who are in need.  The group of volunteers (including me) fix up exteriors of homes for people who can’t otherwise afford to do so.  If you or your neighbors are in dire need of some exterior work and are unable to pay for it, we want to talk to you.  Actually an easier step is to go to ecmabwk.org and click on application for assistance.  We are trying to get our jobs lined up for the Spring/Summer, so please apply soon.

I have been part of this group for two years now, and I can honestly say these are some of the most generous people I have ever met. Most all of them have full time jobs and still find time to work on homes.  I am so lucky to be a part of such a great group of people.

 This weekend is Valentine’s Day. In this edition, you will find many ads from local businesses whom would love to share Valentine’s Day with you.  We have some great restaurants, retail stores and services all who are offering you something special this Valentine’s Day.  We hope you take advantage of these local businesses and have a great Valentine’s Day.

Speaking of advertisers, I would like to formally introduce Patty’s Pastries and Right Away Driving School to our quickly growing group of advertisers.  I would like to thank them for joining our great advertising base and encourage you to give them your business.  

We are putting together our 2016 Home, Business and Garden circular.  The tab will go to 16,000 homes and be distributed throughout the area.  It is a great vehicle for businesses that specialize in home, or business related services and goods.  

If you are planning on being in the show, please give us a call at 651-257-5115 and we will be happy to help you create a great message that will be seen by 50,000 eyes.  

If you are not planning on being in the show, you are still invited to advertise in the tab.  It is a great avenue to showcase your business and get your brand out to a ton of homes in Chisago County. I have said this before, we are here to help.

Next week is Minnesota School Board Recognition week.  It is a week where we the public get to personally thank the women and men who make up our great school boards.  These folks have a daunting task of keeping our schools on task both fiscally and academically.  It is a thankless job that most of the time only hears the negatives from the public.  Both North Branch and Chisago Lakes have some of the hardest working board members you could hope for. Sometimes they have to make decisions that everyone does not agree with, but in the end it is for the greater good of our schools that these decisions are made.  We are very lucky to have such great people serving on our boards.

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