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This week marks a milestone in our family.  Our eldest son is heading off to college as a freshman at Mankato State.  I have seen it a million times with our friends as their kids slowly head off to college one by one.  Never once did I think I would be caught up in the emotion of your first born leaving the nest.  But go ahead and place me in the category of being an emotional wreck. What a wuss I know - I can literally hear what you are thinking.  But, for as many headaches as he has given me over the years, he is still my best friend and each and every night I look forward to chatting with him before bed.  

He is, as are all the young adults in our area heading off to school, work or the armed services,  ready. Ready to take on the world. Ready for life’s challenges.  Did we raise them right? We will soon find out.  If things don’t work out, they still will work out,  I am a living example of this.

If you see me around without that normal gleam in my eye, give me a break.  My life just got a bit emptier. It will get better I know, but for now it doesn’t feel so great.

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The good folks at Edward Jones Jim Green's office are doing something really cool and they need your help.  They are once again collecting school items for local students. I know most of you parents have plenty to worry about with your students heading back to school, but for those of you who do not have kids or maybe your kids have come and gone through the school system, please consider what I am about to ask.

The Chisago Lakes area has always looked out for our neighbors. We have always gone above and beyond when our neighbors have been in need.  It is a trait that cannot be taught, it's a deep down feeling of not having to help those less fortunate but rather WANTING to help those around us who have fallen on rough times.  It is what sets our area apart from other communities and it's what makes this place so special.  

Getting back to Edward Jones, who have taken it upon themselves to start a school supply drive for local kids with parents struggling right now.  These are kids that you wouldn't have a clue looking at them, but are having trouble putting food on their tables. This is our chance to be a silent supporter, a quiet angel if you will and give these families supplies so their kids can feel just like our kids.  They are asking for school supplies - backpacks, paper, pencils, pens, crayons, folders, you name it. If kids use it in school they are asking for donations.  
Green's office is in Brink's Plaza next to Chico's Mexican Restaurant.  If at all possible, the next time you are at the store, please consider picking up a school item or two and donating.  You can drop it off at their office or if you can't make it to Chisago City, you can certainly drop it off here at the Press and we will make sure it will be delivered.  Thank you in advance for looking out for our neighbors - you are awesome!

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Did you know $10,000 in grants are available from Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation?

The Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation is now celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving grants to local charitable needs that enhance the quality of life in our area.  This foundation serves approximately the same geographical area as Chisago Lakes School District # 2144.   

The foundation fulfills its mission by:

• building a community of donors •offering donors simplicity and flexibility in charitable giving •supporting projects by awarding grants that stimulate the further development and enhancement of our community

Apply for the grant application at www.clac-foundation

The deadline for accepting grant applications is September 15, 2018.  Grant(s) will be awarded in mid- October, 2018.

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