FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 23, 2002
Contact: Sal Di Leo
P.O. Box 18334, Minneapolis, MN 55418
612.789.2795, saldileo@aol.com

St. Francis Village to Open in Lake George, MN
Summer of 2003

Nestled in the heart of the pine forests of northern Minnesota, just seven miles east of Itasca State Park, where the mighty Mississippi begins its 2,500 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico lies the quaint little north woods town of Lake George, Minnesota.

This sleepy community of 350 residents maintains a beautiful little town on the northwest shore of Lake George, an 890-acre body of clean, clear water surrounded by pines, tamarack, birch, and oak trees. The setting is also home for the call of wild loons who spend their summer here and raise their young. Tiny Lake George Township also boasts a senior community center, two churches, a volunteer fire department, a beautiful park on the lake with a ballpark and picnic area and a beach, as well as arts and craft shops for visitors from around the world who pass by on their way to the headwaters of the Mississippi.

The Whispering Winds Resort, with its old water-front cabins and built in the1920's, is still hanging on for the grandchildren of their original guests. Past visitors return with their children to the shores of the blue waters in order to catch the peace their grandparents did—back when. The annual Blue Berry Festival in early August brings the whole town together to raise money for the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department. Blue berry pies, baked beans, and a whole lot of fun are expected. It is the backdrop for a time gone by in a place where time stand stills and life stays wonderful.

County Road 4 and old state highway 71, which goes west seven miles to Itasca State Park, meet right in the corner of this pristine little town. The lake, just kitty corner to the southeast, is the spot where St. Francis Village will be built so that the world may experience this magnificent place.

St. Francis Village will be home to artisans, peddlers, musicians, and good old-fashioned food from a time gone by. With it's tin-roofed and wooden-floored crafts buildings, over 50 dealers will show their wares as they did in old Europe centuries ago. The covered outdoor stage will host any musician who wishes to play for free to the many visitors happening by on the picnic grounds in front of the stage. Hot dogs, french fries, ice cream cones, and soda pop will be served at the old 1940's drive-in food building near the front of the Village. Nestled in the pines, on the corner is the Old St. Francis Chapel for families to stop in for some quiet time or for weddings and special events. Summer will be in the air and children and families will experience America as families did back in the good old days. Come by and enjoy a slice of peace at St. Francis Village.

Proceeds from St. Francis Village will be used to support St. Francis Lodge, a private retreat on Lake George where Catholic Sisters and young women intent on becoming Sisters can go (at no charge) to find a little peace from the city and to pray.

Sal and Beth Di Leo, who own the property, will be the hosts for these special women. "This wonderful place has been sent to us by God to share with the Nuns. I am a product of the love and support of many Catholic Nuns, as I have chronicled in my book, Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?, available on-line at www.salsbook.com (click on Ordering, scroll down and click on St. Francis Lodge). St. Francis Lodge is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2003," explains Sal Di Leo.

For more information on how to lease space at St. Francis Village, write to Sal Di Leo at P.O. Box 18334, Minneapolis, MN. 55418, or e-mail him at saldileo@aol.com or call 612.789.2795.

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