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Last week we wrote about the committee that was heading to North Carolina for the America’s Best Community competition.  After speaking with many local people, it sounded like many people watched the live stream on the internet.  I too watched from my computer and was so ecstatic when the team was announced first in the group of eight finalists.  Incredible.  Amy Frischmon was our representative who gave the presentation and she did amazing.  I can’t imagine the pressure Amy was feeling. I once gave a speech to local business owners whom I know, and I thought my head was going to explode. But there she was, calm, collected and knocking it out of the park.
 
  The entire group has worked so hard, really the whole community has had a big part in reaching the final eight ABC communities.  So now what? Now, the group will use the $100,000 prize money to bring their plans to life. They will prepare for the final presentation in April of 2017.  Once there, three of the top eight will qualify to win one of the top three prizes of three million, two million and one million dollars. That money will be utilized to accomplish many of the communities’ plans outlined in the presentations.  

  I am confident that the Chisago Lakes ABC Committee will make it all the way and some extraordinary things will be taking place here in the near future.

  Tonight (May 5), there is a celebration at WineHaven for being chosen to the top eight.  The open house will run from 7-9 p.m.  There will be WineHaven wine, Northwoods coffee and Eichten’s serves dessert.

  On Saturday there are a couple of events that might be fun for your family to take in.  First, at 9 a.m.,  you are invited to the Chisago Lakes Water Trail Summit. You will be able to learn about water trails in Minnesota and the amazing plans for the Chisago Lakes Water Trail.  The summit will be held at the Chisago Lakes Library.
Also on Saturday, the public is invited to a fun small town baseball event at Pump House Park in Lindstrom.  The field received funding from the Minnesota Twins to renovate both the field and the fencing. It looks amazing.  TC Bear, the Twins mascot will be on hand and available for pictures.  Mark Wilson who is a scout for the Twins will be speaking and throwing out the first pitch. The event will be capped with a baseball game between two 10U Chisago teams.

 I had the opportunity to take some photos at the Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) olympics. This year, the event was held at the Chisago Lakes High School.  There must have been around 150 athletes from seven different schools competing.  I am having a hard time trying to put into words just how moving it was to see these beautiful kids enjoying themselves so much.  Each and every student was beaming with pride and excitement.  Even if they didn’t win the event, they were just so happy to be there. We all could learn so much from them and their can-do attitudes.  They are not the ones with disabilities, we are.

  I would be remiss if I failed to mention one of our most loyal readers Lindsey Tyrrell. Lindsey competed in the olympics and did great. Nice job Lindsey!

  I wanted to take this time to wish all Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.  Mothers are so instrumental in how we become who we are. I for one, miss my mother terribly, but at the same time I get to see how wonderful my wife is to our children.  Thank you Cheryl and thank you all for being such great mothers.

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