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Well our annual Winter Blast was a bit of a downer.  Mother Nature decided to not cooperate and the cold temps in turn cancelled many of the outdoor events.  A lot of the kids events were also cancelled, but on a bright note, there were a few events that did go on.  The polka party at Lindstrom City Hall was very well attended, and the food and drinks were great.  There were a few brave souls that ignored below zero temps and ran a 5k Saturday morning in Center City. The fire department did a great job ensuring everyone was quickly warmed up after the races. The Chisago Lake Lutheran Church spaghetti dinner was successful as was Bingo at Trinity Lutheran in Lindstrom.  Maybe next year we can have a full schedule including radar runs, outdoor activities including an ice carousel and the weather will cooperate.

Weather has certainly dictated our lives lately  Two days of school were cancelled due to 50 plus below zero wind chills.  Yes the polar vortex has made its way to little ol' Chisago Lakes.  I know I am getting old, and maybe my memory is fading, but I certainly seem to remember these days before. If I am correct, then why are our newscasts wall-to-wall polar vortex coverage?  I read yesterday a news article that named eight things to not leave in your vehicle during the polar vortex.  Number one was, cell phones, very important in our daily lives.  Number two was pop and beer. Guess what was all the way down at number seven?  Loved ones!  That's right they placed cell phones, beer, musical instruments, eggs, canned foods and medications before loved ones.  I was so confounded that I read it twice.  So let me get this straight, just got in the house, it's 40 below, did I grab my cell phone? Check. Beer? Check. My eggs, my french horn and my cialis? Check, check and check. Whew what a day... wait what was number seven again?

On February 15, the Chisago Lakes Rotary Club is hosting their most popular event of the year. Every year the Rotary holds a casino night It's a night where people get to enjoy great food, drinks and are allowed to gamble without the fear of truly losing money - which is why I stay away from real casinos.  Every year there is a theme to the casino night, it has been a Deadwood theme, a James Bond theme and others.  This year, the theme is Love Boat.  You are encouraged to come dressed as your favorite Love Boat character and enjoy a night of fun. The casino night is held at Frankie's Marine in their beautiful showroom.  I really urge you to go, you will have a great time. I guarantee it.  You can purchase your tickets at frankie's, Eichten's, Northwoods and at the Chamber in Lindstrom.  See you there!

If you bought a Winter Blast button and didn’t make it to the polka dance to hear the winning number drawn, rest assured, you can still win.  The winning number chosen was 282. If you have that button, please call the Chamber at 257-1177 to claim your $100.

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