---

The Karl Oskar Days ambassadors are doing something special and they need your help.  They just completed a food drive that delivered food to the riot destroyed neighborhoods.

These girls have decided to take up a collection of clothing for the homeless.  A subject near and dear to my heart, these girls are collecting gently used clothing that will go directly onto the backs of needy, down on their luck Minnesotans who could use a nice gesture. All the clothing collected will be taken to Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The church has just recently rebuilt a homeless shelter that also includes a homeless shopping experience called “The Free Store”.  The store allows homeless and needy people to come in and shop with the help of volunteers.  I have been to the Free Store many times and trust me when I say your donations are so appreciated.

The ambassadors will be at the Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Friday from 7:30am to 10am and then again in the evening from 5:30pm to 8pm.  I have been collecting clothing for the homeless for years and I know how much our community likes to help, this is our chance!

This whole COVID thing is really dragging me down.  We have been pretty good about social distancing and even wearing masks when required.  When I say dragging me down, I am more referring of downtrodden news stories about deaths and resurgences of the virus.  I think I wrote about this before so forgive me if I did, but these people that have passed away due to the virus are so quickly dismissed and or mentioned in the news.  Maybe I’m a wuss, maybe it’s because my grandmother passed away and I wasn’t allowed to say goodbye.  I don’t know, maybe I’m rambling... but to turn on the news and you hear “Minnesota today lost 33 people to COVID, now onto weather” just feels weird to me.

I’m ready for some good news. Like a treatment that is really working, or a vaccine that is coming soon.  We heard about 83 vaccines that were getting fast-tracked a month or more ago.  I’m not an idiot (stop), I know it takes time to test vaccines and treatments, but how about throwing us an update story a little more often?

Just a reminder that the Lindstrom City Hall Drivers Exam Station is closed, as a written test and road test location until further notice.

If you have questions regarding the status of an appointment or location please call the State of Minnesota at 651-284-1234. I know that Arden Hills, Anoka and St. Paul are up and running.

If you would like to get out and enjoy the weather locally, I have good news. Strawberry season is officially open and Pleasant Valley Orchard invites you to come out and pick strawberries with the family.  social distancing is required, but the trade off is so sweet and tasty!

Speaking of local businesses, a congratulations is in order to Amy Frischmon and her brother Dan Raedeke.  After running Wild Mountain for what seems like forever, they have decided to move on to the next chapter in life.  

I have grown up in the area and they have made Wild Mountain look almost unrecognizable with all of the improvements. I mean that in a good way.  I have been working with Amy for two decades and she is one of the nicest people in the world.  

They are keeping the paddle boat and the campground so you will continue to see them.  Congrats Amy and Dan - enjoy the winters!

Congratulations to Mary O’Reilly on her upcoming retirement as well (see Letters).  I have known Mary since the day I started here at the Press. Mary is awesome.  She is one of the smartest people I know with a dry sense of humor that is right up my alley.  Mary has organized the Thanksgiving community meal at CL Lutheran Church for years. She has been such an inspiration to me and others.  Thanks Mary for the laughs and all you have done for the community!

---