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 As I was driving through Lindstrom this week, something struck me. Not a rock thrown from a ‘fan’ of the paper, it was the realization of just how beautiful the downtown now looks.  Was I a critic of the split pairs? Was I a staunch opponent of the change that was going to “ruin” the town?  Was I one of the many who were positive that nothing good could possibly come from splitting the highway in two parts?  A resounding yes to all.  

But as I drove down the highway I was taken. Taken by the beauty of the greenery that lines downtown Lindstrom mainstreet. Filled with trees and beautiful flowers. It is so inviting.  I think to all of the small towns I have been to over my life, and the ones that stick in my memory are the ones that make you feel warm and welcome.  When I look down mainstreet Lindstrom that is exactly the feeling I get.  Hey, we are all entitled to change our minds, right?

I am lucky enough to be in a wonderful group of people that belong to a great organization called A Brush With Kindness.  We are a faith based group that focuses on home preservation and offers painting, landscaping, weather stripping and minor repair services for homeowners in need. A Brush With Kindness helps low-income homeowners, impacted by age, disability and family circumstances who struggle to maintain their homes. Homeowners are essentially able to reclaim their homes with pride and dignity.  It is the greatest thing I have ever done and I wished I would have joined earlier.  

  You can join us. We are looking for volunteers for our upcoming Mission Week.  Held in the middle of July, Mission Week is a sort of blitz where we try to accomplish the fixing of local homes in a certain time frame.  It is awesome, it is inspiring, it is moving, and it is the right thing to do.  Please do not let the words ‘faith based” scare you off. The group is not from a certain church, rather it is made up of people from all walks of life gathering together to do great things for one boss - God.  If you would like to help us this Mission Week, I would encourage you to call 651-361-0229 or go to our website www.ecmhabitat. com.  You can donate your time, talents, anything at all, it all makes a difference.

Karl Oskar Days is just around the corner.  This year’s celebration is going to be huge.  We will have much more about the celebration in the next few weeks.  I had the opportunity to interview Sue Wilson this year. Sue has been chosen to be the grand marshal for this year’s parade.  I jumped at the chance to see Sue again.  You see, Sue holds a special place in my heart. Sue was the first person to reach out to my family in 1979 when we first moved here. She made us and more importantly, my mom,  feel so welcome in this community.  She forced us to have lunch with her boys Tom and Mark who later became great friends to us, even to this day.  When my mom passed away, it was Sue who became my surrogate mother. Always stopping by for a hug, always checking in on me and the family.  When my dad died, our relationship grew even more.  Sue is such a beautiful person, it was my honor to interview her. The Karl Oskar Days group couldn’t have picked a better person for this year’s grand marshal.  

Now that summer is officially here, it means Harmony in the Park is in full swing.  If you have never been to Harmony in the Park, you have no idea how much fun you are missing.  It is the most relaxed, fun, atmosphere filled with great music and amongst friends.  Next Wednesday the featured artist will be Sonny Knight and the Lakers.  There will be a health fair before the concert, so grab your lawn chairs or blanket and come out and have some fun.

Remember this Sunday is Praisefest.  Praisefest is held at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom.  It is a full day of music from praise bands from local churches. This music will blow you away, how good it is.  Everyone is invited to the free event and the best part is they will have a free community barbecue in the afternoon. Please see page 20 for all the details.

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