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So I had this big article written telling you what a miracle it was that we had won the lottery and all of the great things I had planned for my share of the winnings.  And, how sad I was to be saying goodbye to the newspaper business and all of the great friends I have made.  I was going to go on and on about how the money wouldn't change me.  Well, at least the last part is true, I will not be changing anytime soon, that's because I came so close but didn't match enough numbers to spend the next few years on a beach in Mexico.  Hey, a guy can dream can't he?  Maybe next time.  

The good folks over at First United Methodist Church (the one by the Lindstrom middle school) are still collecting (and distributing) medical supplies for those of us who are in need.  They collect virtually any and all medical supplies including wheelchairs, crutches, scooters, walking boots, slings, shower and toilet assists and much more.  If you are in need, it's just a simple phone call to 651-257-4306 to see if they have what you are in need of and hopefully they can hook you up.  If you are reading this and you just so happen to have a medical assist item that you no longer have use for, by all means give them a call and they will arrange an opportunity for you to donate.  It is a wonderful thing they are doing and I personally know many who have taken advantage of this great service.

As the weather sadly begins to change, the leaves are changing, and it can only mean we are getting close to Halloween.  Halloween is on a Wednesday this year - kind of a bummer, it is more fun when it's on the weekend both for kids and parents.  Nonetheless, it will be here in just a few short weeks.  The good folks at Chisago City would love to have you come out to Ojiketa Regional Park the next few weekends. Ojiketa Haunt will once again fill the park with ghosts, ghouls and other unmentionables.  You are invited to walk the haunted trail and maneuver your way through the haunted house if you dare.  The event runs October 19,20,26 and 27 and is open from 7pm until 9:30pm.  The cost of the event is only $5, and $3  when you bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the local food shelf.  

Since I am talking about Halloween, I would like to remind you that the same folks that help put on Ojiketa Haunt also have something planned for the younger kids (Ojiketa Haunt is for teens and adults).  Saturday, October 27, you and your children are cordially invited to Ojiketa for their 15th annual Falloween Celebration.  Bring your children dressed in their Halloween costumes for an afternoon of absolute fun.  Your kids will be treated to hayrides, games, crafts, a kid friendly haunted house, a hayslide, and a free pumpkin.  The event runs from 2:30pm to 4:30pm and is free to all. You are asked to please bring a food (non-perishable) donation for the local food shelf.  I have been here many times, trust me, you children will love it.

There is still time to donate your child's out-grown winter clothing to Trinity Lutheran Church's Kids Outerwear Fair.  They are still accepting gently used kids winter clothing including coats, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, sweaters and snow pants.  Every donation gets used - hard to believe I know, but there are so many families who are struggling right now and not having to worry about buying winter clothing for their children would take a huge burden off their shoulders.  I have been friends with the group that puts on the fair and I can honestly say they are angels on earth.  They only care about helping our neighbors with no questions asked and no agendas.  You can drop off donations at Trinity Lutheran Church (the big white one in Lindstrom) or here at the Press until October 21st.  The fair will take place October 25-27. Thanks so much for giving.

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