---

This weekend is of course one of the most important days of the year. A time we plan for months, meticulously looking for the right item in store after store. Wondering will this work? What if I fail? Maybe I need to buy another item?  I of course am speaking about... the fishing opener.  Just kidding, I am referring to Mother’s Day.

It is our time once a year (should be weekly throughout the year) to honor our mothers and the mothers of our children.  Being a mom while raising kids in this era has never been more challenging.  The battle between reality and cell phones has reached epic proportions.  It happens in our home, trying to get information out of kids these days is so much tougher than pre-cell phones.  That is why I have so much respect for moms of all generations and especially this day and age.  To teach kids how to love, function, behave in a world that moves a million miles a minute is a job none of us fathers could ever accomplish, but yet here is mom doing just that, after a long day at work.  

Thank you to each and every mother out there no matter if your children are young or old like me.

You are amazing and you are loved.  Without you we would be completely lost. Enjoy your day, you have earned it and a million more.

Fishing opener is of course this weekend.  The lakes will be packed as always.  Just a friendly reminder to be careful out there and have fun.

There is a neat program taking place at Lakes Region EMS called 'The Good Neighbor Project.”

If you know of a family, due to medically related hardship, who is in need of some extra support, this is your opportunity to help.  

They are asking that you write a brief summary of the medically related hardship and a selected family will receive gifts, groceries or other needed items that will be delivered at the end of July.

Submit nominations to [email protected]. Questions contact Jessica or Sara at 651-243-5556.

This weekend in Lindstrom there is something this area has never seen. The first ever Lakes Area Renaissance Festival will debut in and around Lions Park Friday through Sunday. Most everyone has heard of the renaissance festival in Shakopee, but instead of driving over an hour, and twice the ticket price, this time it comes to your neighborhood. The festival will feature tons of live entertainment including actors, musicians, great food and of course beverages.You are encouraged to dress accordingly for that era, by all means come in your kilt.

The festival runs Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Adult tickets are $10. Children 6-17 are $4 and children 6 and under are free.

There is a really cool thing that the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber is spearheading. It's called "Walk your city 30 day challenge." Basically on the Chambers website you will find a form with 13 different walking challenges. All challenges are 20 minutes long and involve walking in our local towns and cities. For example there is one that says Take a 20 minute walk in Chisago City beginning at Anytime Fitness.  You fill out the form when completed. Do five of the challenges and you will be submitted for a drawing for some great prizes.  It encourages exercise as well as getting to see our area from a different perspective. The challenge begins May 15 and runs to June 15.   

---