It's like the last 6 miles of a marathon - still need to raise the last $150,000  

November 11, 2008                                                                                                                               click here for donation form

This it folks. After three years we are almost there. We are within $150,000 of reaching our goal to purchase Ojiketa - the last six miles of this amazing marathon.

OPS met Sunday, November 9, 2008  with Bob from The Trust for Public Land and John and Doris from Chisago City to learn about the status of the Ojiketa Regional Park Project. TPL would like to close the transaction before Christmas and this means that funds must be in order by the end of November. That doesn't leave much time.

OPS continues to look for sources of funding. We are contacting the business community, churches, groups and individuals in the Chisago area for help. The response has been good but we still need you to make this work. Please consider a tax deductible donation to this very worthwhile project because we will never have another chance to preserve Ojiketa. Even if you have already donated please consider giving again. Every gift, even small ones, will help. The purchase agreement expires next month and we must act NOW.

Please send tax deductable donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund                    Donation form
10625 Railroad Ave.
P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013 

Our web site will have news as it happens. Please check www.ojiketa.com for the latest information. Also available on the web site are the newly released music cd's One was recorded at a 1993 alumnae reunion and the other at the last reunion in 2006. These CD's are awesome and will evoke many special memories. Order yours now as all profits go toward the purchase of Ojiketa.

The Holidays are upon us. Help us make the 2008 Holiday Season memorable by preserving Ojiketa as a gift to the future. Donate now to make sure that Ojiketa will live on.

As Julie Redpath wrote recently -
Remember.... the times you've had here.
Remember.... when you're away.
Remember.... to make a contribution
So that you'll be able to come back some day
.....Remember.....

News About Ojiketa Park                                                                                   

November 4, 2008 
We need some direction and suggestions to raise the last $150,000 needed to purchase Ojiketa. With the slow economy our fund raising has stalled. We will meet with TPL and Chisago City on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 at Cheewin Lodge (Chisago City - Follow your regular route to Ojiketa. Kirby rd leads to camp, but turn in at the RIDGE POINT sign, just before road becomes gravel. Cheewin Lodge is strait ahead at the end of the road) . Everyone is invited to attend this important meeting. Please bring snacks.

Chisago City awarded a Grant of $500,000 from Minnesota DNR!!!                 

October 29, 2008 
WE ARE GETTING CLOSER!  KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING!  click here for donation form

October 4, 2008 
The correct amount still needed to purchase Ojiketa is $183,000 - not $150,000 as stated in yesterday's update (see below). The lesser amount was based on a few unconfirmed pledges so until we hear otherwise the amount is $183,000.  If you intend to donate, but must wait until November or December to do so, please call Bob McGillivray at The Trust for Public Land to express your intent. Bob needs to hear about pledges soon to make sure that we will reach our goal. Bob's number is 651-999-5307 or you may e mail him at Rjm@tpl.org.   If you wish to donate stocks or if your employer will match your contribution, also contact Bob McGillivray.

We are still within reach - Help preserve Ojiketa as a Regional Park by donating today!  Please send donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund (Checks payable to: Chisago City -Ojiketa Fund)  cliick here for donation form
10625 Railroad Ave.
P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013

October 3, 2008
Good News - Chisago City was awarded a grant of $500,000 from the Minnesota DNR!!!!!!!!
This brings our effort to preserve Ojiketa as a regional park to within $183,000 of the negotiated purchase price. If the pledges and other previously promised monies come into the fund, we will be left with a very reachable amount needed - $150,000. We are asking that all Ojiketa supporters dig deep and help us reach our goal. We have come a long way from three years ago when this was just a dream. Help put us over the top. Don't let the opportunity slip away. This will be a park for everyone to enjoy -and we can make it happen.

July 30, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society  

The Ojiketa Open House was a huge success.  There were over 300 Alumnae and local residents who came to Ojiketa last Sunday to walk the grounds and become acquainted with, what hopefully will become the new Ojiketa Park.  The weather was beautiful and the mosquitoes cooperated by being  just slightly more scarce than usual.

Highlights of the day included nature walks given by DNR Naturalist Dave Crawford from Wild River State Park.  Most alumnae that participated were surprised to find hidden treasures on the land they thought they knew so well.  All who participated were impressed by the natural wealth that Ojiketa contains. Did you know that there is a cranberry bog on the property?  Dave did a great job of describing the unique characteristics and the general good health of the land, as well as dreaming about the possibilities for future management.

Many of us were awed and educated by the program presented by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.  It was amazing to be so up close and personal with the falcon, hawk, eagle, and owl that they brought and described so expertly.

A short program celebrating the possibility of the future Ojiketa Park followed the Raptor Center program.  Speakers included the Mayor of Chisago City, Don Taylor; the local legislators Jeremy Kalin and Rick Olseen  along with representatives from The Trust for Public Land, Embrace Open Space and the Ojiketa Preservation Society.  Everyone expressed great enthusiasm for the project and included the hope that next summer we would be gathering for the dedication of the new Ojiketa Park. 

Bob McGillivray of TPL told us that two thirds of the funds for the purchase are secure and that they are working on other sources of donations.  He stated again how important the fund raising by OPS is and that we need to give a final push for donations.  We are doing well but still need to convince Ojiketans and other supporters that NOW is the time to donate.  The preservation of Ojiketa will happen with our help.

Members of the Ojiketa Preservation Society helped make this a success.  Thanks to the hard work by many, this will be a day that is remembered in Ojiketa history.  A special thank you goes to all who helped clean up after the vandalism.  The open house event would not have been possible without that extra effort. 

Keep checking www.Ojiketa.com for updates.  Soon we hope to have shirts, note cards, a camp song CD, and an Ojiketa DVD available for purchase as part of the fund raising effort.

Our next event will be Ki-Chi-Saga days – August 22-24. Members of OPS will have a float in the parade on Sunday August 24 at 2 PM, as well as a booth to give out information. Let us know if you would like to participate. This will be a fun day to benefit the Ojiketa Fund.

Don't forget to donate - it is important to do so NOW.  Send donations to Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund, 10625 Railroad Avenue, PO Box L, Chisago City, Minnesota 55013 - 9400.

WoHeLo and Bambalela -

 Donations Needed NOW!!                                                                                

The Time Has Come.                             The time that so many of us have been waiting for.          
         The perfect time.                                      The right time to donate to the Ojiketa effort.
Many of us may not have sent checks because we have been waiting to see what happens - waiting to be assured that our money will be used for the purchase of Ojiketa and that the purchase will actually occur. We are close now and have been asked to make a big push for donations which will show that Ojiketans and Ojiketa supporters back this purchase. Other monies from grants and public sources depend on our show of commitment toward the preservation of Ojiketa and we need to gather as much financial support as we can to show this is true.

                             So, hesitate no longer. Make those donations and send them to: 
                          Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund. 10625 Railroad Ave., PO Box L, Chisago City, Mn. 55013-9400.  (Click here for form)

                                             Continue to be a part of this worthwhile effort.
Remember, donating will preserve as much of the 70 acres as possible. We would like to keep the property intact because, if the purchase amount is not met, a few lots could be sold on the Lutheran Camp side to raise needed money. It would be unpleasant to see development of any type on the property so please help us preserve as much as possible - please donate.
We hope to see everyone at the Open House, at Ojiketa, on Sunday, July 27. Many activities are planned as we introduce the public to Camp Ojiketa from 11:00 to 5:00 that day. Join us for a good time seeing old friends, singing and time spent exploring camp. The history of Ojiketa will be emphasized and we will spend time video taping interviews with Ojiketans as we pay tribute to our camp. We especially extend an invitation to early year campers to come and give us their stories. We would like to preserve this human aspect along with the physical land to show future generations.
Lots to think about but the message is - Donate Now!

It soon will be three years since Camp Fire decided to sell Ojiketa and three years that we have been working to preserve the property.

It is time now for the final push - please help us.

    The Open House was a great success.      Thanks to everyone who came!  

The weather was summer camp beautiful, there as a blue sky (way up yonder), and many people enjoyed the sweetness of life that Ojiketa has to offer on Sunday, July 27th.   The Naturalist-lead tours were wonderful and informative as well as a bit buggy!  The Raptor Center from the University of Minnesota gave a fasinating presentation.  Those involved with the efforts to create Ojiketa Park updated us on all of the efforts to secure the neccessary funding needed to acquire the property the deadline at the end of 2008.

Thanks to the many local citizens who came to see Ojiketa and to see why it is so critical to preserve this special place as green space for future generations.   Many came after a full day of volunteering at the triathalon - we really appreciate your support!

Right now donations  are critical, if you haven't made your donation yet, please consider doing so now! Send tax deductable donations to:

Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund  (checks payable to: Chicago City - Ojiketa Fund)
10625 Railroad Ave.
Chisago City, MN 55013

Please Donate NOW!!!                                                                                        IT'S TIME!!!    Fundraising letters have been sent to everyone on our mailing list (click here for letter).  NOW is the time to encourage everyone to send their donations in to help preserve the land that was Camp Ojiketa as Ojiketa Park. Share the letter with friends who are willing to help us preserve this unique land as green space in an increasingly urban landscape. We are so excited and know that we can be successful!! 

A wonderful, full color 2 page Fact Sheet has also been developed and distributed with the fundraising letters. (Click here for Fact Sheet - Ojiketa Alumni)       (Click here for the General Fact Sheet)      

It is important to be completing our major fund raising efforts by the end of July/early August. Trust for Public Lands have the July partial payment to make to Camp Fire and in August they need to start seriously calculating how many (if any) lots might have to be sold and start the surveying, appraisal process.

To ensure that we will be able to purchase the entire property, please seriously consider donating as soon as possible.

In the News                                                                                                       

We Still need you to CALL, email or Fax TODAY:

3/25/08  URGENT the Capital Investment Conference Committee has NOT MET YET, Please call your legislators today - from Emily Miller - Trust for Public Land
*Please forward this to anyone you think can help**
You can help save Camp Ojiketa - with two quick calls today!
Action: Please call or email your senator and representative today. Calling is better.
Please ask them to talk to the capital investment conference committee members, who will make critical decisions on funding to protect Camp Ojiketa.
Ask your senator and representative to tell the conference committee members:
"Please include $1.4 million for Camp Ojiketa in the capital investment bill, HF 380, SF 3295. This state match is essential to protect the lakeshore, wildlife and woods at Camp Ojiketa. This land will be lost to development without this state match. Please include that critical funding."
Urgency: The landowner has entered an agreement to conserve the land, but the city must raise the funding before December 2008.

Need to know who represents you? Check out the district finder:
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder.asp

Kalin and Olseen: If you live in Rep. Kalin or Sen. Olseen's district, call or email them and ask them to talk to Sen. Langseth and Rep. Hausman to including funding in the final bill. Or, if you are able to arrange a meeting with Kalin or Olseen in the district this weekend to talk, you could do that.
Status: The House has included $1.4 million to protect Camp Ojiketa, but the Senate has nothing for it. The capital investment conference committee will decide in the next few days what the final bill will include, and how much each project will receive. Discussions are already occurring, so time is of the essence for YOU to speak up.
Questions? Please call Bob McGillivray or Emily Miller, the Trust for Public Land, 651-917-2240, with questions. Thank you!
What is next? Please let us know when you call your legislator, and what you hear.
After the conference committee agrees, the House and Senate must vote on the final bill, and then the Governor needs to sign it.
YOUR CALLS COUNT. Please call today - for Ojiketa's future.

Write Letters or emails

When contacting legislators, please copy Rick and Jeremy so they can keep up on what's happening as the bills work their ways through to conference.
sen.rick.olseen@senate.mn       rep.jeremy.kalin@house.mn

March 26, 2008
From: Rick Olseen, State Senator District 17

Hi Everyone. We're off and running through the legislative process again and it's time to encourage another committee. The email included here from Rep. Jeremy Kalin gives an excellent update on last Friday's hearing and explains the next steps needed from us.

Thank you for taking the time to get your voices heard.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy Kalin <rep.jeremy.kalin@house.mn>
To: JMontgo102@aol.com
Cc: Jennifer Hall <Jennifer.Hall@house.mn>
Sent: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 8:31 am
Subject: Re: Ojiketa Preservation Society
Judy-
Thanks so much for your email and for your leadership on the Ojiketa Regional
Park project! Camp Ojiketa is a beautiful parcel, on a beautiful lake, and it
will be a true gem for Chisago City, the county and the entire region. I am
proud to be able to help in any way.

Yesterday, I presented House File 2743 to the House Environment Finance
Committee, with Chisago City Administrator John Pechman and Jeanne Miller,
Chisago City resident and an Ojiketa alum. The hearing went very well, with
several committee members expressing their interest in the project with detailed
questions, all of which we were able to answer. During the hearing, we accepted
the Vice-Chair's friendly amendment to ask for $1.4 million in bonding for the
project, as well as his amendment to remove the specific local match
requirement, as the City of Chisago City has already made a significant local
commitment to the project. I also suggest an alternative funding path that might
make it easier for the Environment Finance Committee to
support our project, through the DNR's Natural and Scenic Grants program.

The Vice-Chair ended the hearing by confirming that for $1.4 million in state
funds, we could establish a 70-acre regional park with 3,000 feet of shoreline
on a beautiful lake, in close proximity to the Metro area. I am very optimistic
about our prospects for funding!

The Committee will submit its formal recommendations for funding next week, to
the House Capital Investment Committee. The lead Republican on the Capital
Investment Committee, Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, serves on the Environment Finance
committee as well, and has publicly and privately expressed interest in Camp
Ojiketa, including yesterday.

I encourage you and every other Ojiketa advocate to write to the members of the
House Environment Finance Committee, listed here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committeemembers.asp?comm=4400
.
I also encourage you to write Rep. Alice Hausman, Chair of the House Capital
Investment Committee, at Rep.Alice.Hausman@House.mn. It will be helpful to ask
them all to support HF2743 or any other means to fund the establishment of
Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City.

Again, thanks for all your work advancing the Ojiketa Park project - keep it up!

All my best,
Jeremy Kalin
State Representative - 17B
sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/17b

Contact me at the Capitol:                                             Contact me at home:
Rep.Jeremy.Kalin@House.mn
651.296.5377                                                                  11629 Loftman Trail
579 State Office Building                                                 North Branch, MN 55056
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive                         651-257-9861
St. Paul MN 55155                                                                          Jeremy@Kalin.com

Write Letters or emails

February 18, 2008 and beyond:
Write to the members of the House Environment Finance Committee, listed here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committeemembers.asp?comm=4400

Write Rep. Alice Hausman, Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, at Rep.Alice.Hausman@House.mn.

It will be helpful to ask them all to support HF2743 or any other means to fund the establishment of
Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City.

February 18, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society

There is much exciting news surrounding the Ojiketa effort.

Chisago City and Jeanne Miller from the Preservation Society met yesterday (February 15) with a legislative committee to try to obtain funding for the project. Representative Jeremy Kalin is leading the legislative effort and Bob McGillivary from the Trust for Public Land is deeply involved in finding other sources of money. Reports indicated favorable responses from the legislators. Thanks to all of you who wrote support letters yesterday. Hopefully, in the future we will be given more time for our e mail group to get in action.
I would also like to update the e mail list. So many addresses have changed so if you know someone who would like to get our updates please send us their correct e mail address. This effort has worked well in the past because we have all worked together.
Next week we have a meeting to out line the Preservation Societies role in this and we will be sending out more information next weekend.
We are close - a price has been set that is realistic - and we have help and support from new areas. We can do it - hang in there with us. Bambalela and WoHeLo - Judy

Check it Out!
An Article from the Forest Lake Times February 6, 2008; "Investing in Chisago County's future" which reads in part:
    ...Another great opportunity has arisen in Chisago City. The Trust for Public Land has signed a purchase agreement to buy Camp Ojiketa and preserve it as a Regional Park. This land on Green Lake is a true gem, and needs to be preserved. The Trust for Public Land is working hard to pull together a partnership of city, county and state grants and funds. I’ve already drafted a bill to secure state bonding to preserve Camp Ojiketa, and several senior legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed real interest. I am very optimistic....

February 10, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society

Happy COLD February - something warm to think about -

Bob McGillvary of the Trust for Public Land would like OPS to be involved with public awareness (esp letter writing to the legislators). The legislative effort is starting now as Jeremy Kallin is introducing a bill for funding. It is surprising that groups such as TPL have the power to get these things done. We will e mail information as soon as we have it.
2. OPS will also be asked to raise funds to show other donors our "good intent" He did not mention an amount but thought if we could come close to our last effort that it would be meaningful.
3. Camp Fire has signed a letter of intent and sounds as if they will give this effort a year or so to become funded.
4. A price has been agreed on - we do not know what that is. Chisago has committed money to the effort (amt.?) and there are possible other large donors.
5. TPL is intent on keeping the property intact but may consider selling the Hasselback residence to obtain money.
6. TPL is very confident that this effort will finally preserve Ojiketa. There will be an organizational meeting where we will be given more details. The meeting has been set for February 22 at 1:00 at the Cheewin Lodge in Chisago City. Please let us know if you can attend.

Here we go - again. I have a lot more confidence in this effort now the TPL is involved as they have the reputation and muscle needed to accomplish our goals. Please hang in - we are very close to a park at Ojiketa! WoHeLo - Judy

January 30, 2008
From: El Randels, Ojiketa Preservation Society

The Camp Fire board voted to accept TPL's offer to purchase Ojiketa!

TPL has worked with Chisago City to buy Ojiketa for use as a city park. Andrea indicated that there are still some minor points to hammer out, and we hope that will be a smooth process.

It is sad that Ojiketa will no longer be the special camp that we all remember, but also good to know that the peace and beauty will still be there for all to enjoy.

January 27, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society

When things happen they happen fast. There is now a written offer on the table by the Trust for Public Land to purchase Camp Ojiketa. The Camp Fire Board is considering the offer and will vote on Monday. We do not know the details or if the two sides are close to an agreement. We hope that there will be a happy ending to these negotiations and that Ojiketa will soon have a new purpose as a Chisago City park.
Interested parties are needed for the Chisago City Ojiketa Committee. If interested call John or Doris at City Hall. 651-257-4162.
This could be it! Thanks to all for the continuing support and we will update information as it becomes available.
WoHeLo - Judy

January 24, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society

Breaking News!

Finally some promising action on the Ojiketa front. Chisago City has obtained a strong partner and is currently in negotiations with Camp Fire USA to try to purchase the Ojiketa property. Details are not available but it sounds promising that a deal could be reached. If this happens the Ojiketa Preservation Society will be involved again in the planning and possibly fund raising for the purchase.
Chisago City is accepting applications from people who want to be part of the City's Ojiketa committee. You need not be a resident of Chisago City but knowledge about Ojiketa and the area would be helpful.
We have been at this point before in the past two and a half years but the City Administrator, John Pechman, says he is "cautiously optpmistic" about the success of this deal. After rejection by the legislature and months of no news this sounds good.
Stay tuned - we will send out news as it becomes available. Any thoughts- please contact us - WoHeLo - Judy

Old News from the Ojiketa Preservation Society                              

April 16, 2008 From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation SocietyIt looks as if Spring has finally arrived and OPS is charging ahead on the Ojiketa project with renewed vigor. Our meeting last Sunday at Jenni Runte's in Lindstrom was well attended and very productive. We feel that we are well underway and that this project will be a success. The granting of the $500,000 by the state legislature has given us a major boost and that along with the $1.5 million from Chisago City is an excellent start to the efforts to purchase Ojiketa. The Trust for Public Land and Chisago City are busy applying for grants from various sources and OPS is gearing up for a major fund raising drive. It is important that Ojiketans show possible grant donors that they support this project so we are attempting to raise money through an e mail campaign and by personally contacting Alumnae that may not be aware of the Ojiketa situation. Here's where all of you can help. Of course, send money, but also contact any Ojiketa supporters that may still be in the dark about this effort. Ask them if they would like to be involved and if they say yes, send us their names and snail mail or current email addresses and we will add them to our contact list. Also tell them about www.Ojiketa.com and ask them to watch for some of the fun fund raising events that are planned for this summer. For those of you that asked we are in the process of setting up programs for monthly automatic bank deductions and for matching donations by employers. We hope to have these in place very soon. We were happy that the Camp Fire USA- Minnesota Council Spring Newletter paid tribute to Ojiketa with an article about the preservation efforts involving their former camp and that they expressed their support by asking their members for donations to the Chisago City - Ojiketa fund. This week we learned about the resignation of Camp Fire's CEO, Andrea Dwyer. We have not agreed on many things but we want thank her for keeping us informed on the major issues concerning Ojiketa. I do believe that she is relieved that Ojiketa will be preserved as a green space and that there will be a happy ending to this project. We wish her well in her future and hope that she will have fond memories of the passionate group of Ojiketans that crossed her path. Please send us you thoughts and ideas. We need your help - you are all a part of this project.. Remember to check www.Ojiketa.com often for the latest news. Thanks and WoHeLo - Judy

February 28, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society

April 8, 2008 From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society
Exciting news!!!!! $500,000 for Ojiketa survived Gov. Pawlenty's bonding cuts. Our letters and phone calls convinced the state legislators to grant money to this project and Gov. Pawlenty decided to keep the money in the final bill. This is a very positive step. We are on our way but still need to show our support for Ojiketa as grants and other monies are applied for. Your help is needed as we begin our efforts to raise money and to contact as many former Ojiketa campers, counselors and supporters as possible. The recent newspaper articles have reached a lot of people but we are still asking for all of you to contact any of you friends who may not be aware of the situation. Please refer them to www.ojiketa.com for information or have them contact Sandy Johnson - johns630@umn.edu or Barb Williams - teachbw@yahoo.com. Monetary support is also needed. Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to send it to Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund - 10625 Railroad Ave. PO Box L, Chisago City. Minnesota, 55013. You can help this project become a reality by donating to this effort dedicated to saving Ojiketa as a Regional Park. We are making progress. The money from the legislature helps but we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Please submit ideas, contact friends and send donations. Your support is crucial to the success of this project. WoHeLo The option agreement is signed!!!!!!!!!! We now have until December 31 to obtain funding. Yeah - what a good feeling!
Judy  (see entry from 2/24/2008 for background info)

February 24, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society
Friday, February 22nd, members of the Ojiketa Preservation Society had an opportunity to meet with Bob McGillivray and Emily Miller from the Trust for Public Land so that we could hear their plans for acquiring Ojiketa and for us to find out what role the Preservation Society will have in this process. John Pechman, Chisago City Administrator, was also there to outline Chisago Cities' agenda for completing this process.

Bob McGillivary began by giving us an overview of the general mission of the Trust for Public Land ( visit their website to learn of their impressive history in land conservation Nationwide and especially in Minnesota). He then told us how they hope to purchase Ojiketa.
After a signed Option Agreement is obtained from Camp Fire ( this will give TPL until the end of 2008 to obtain funding) everyone will begin working to get this project underway. Both TPL and the City felt that the Option Agreement will be signed in the very near future.
The funding plan involves applying for grants from the DNR and other organizations, obtaining money from the legislature (Senator Olseen and Rep. Kaline have already introduced bills), monetary contributions from Chisago City and the Trust itself and finally private fundraising. Amounts from each source are only speculated at this time.

Other Ways You Can Help

Money must be raised from other sources and this is where you can help. We are asking you to become involved in the project by sharing this information with your Ojiketa friends. We know there are many former campers and counselors we are unable to contact for the lack of an address. We ask that you:

1. Send us the names of former campers, counselors and other individuals who want to be on our contact list (we will not be selling this list to third party vendors even if it would raise some money for our cause!!) Include maiden names and years at Ojiketa if appropriate.

2.  Ask yourself what you might be able and willing to donate to help with the purchase of Camp Ojiketa

3. Send us your good ideas and share skills that can lend help to the cause

         4. Check the website often at www.ojiketa.com/  It will be updated as new information develops

Most of the information that was on the home page the last two years (2006-2007) is obsolete.  If you need any of the "historical info" that was on the home page at one time, please contact webmaster, Margy Ingram at: ingramm@uwstout.edu

I’m emailing you today to update you on the progress of turning Camp Ojiketa into a regional park. I am proud to have authored, along with Representative Jeremy Kalin, SF2563/ HF 2743, a bill to create the Ojiketa Regional Park. The funding for the park has been put in the House’s omnibus bonding bill, but not the Senate’s. This happens every year where the two legislative bodies each pass their own bonding priorities and usually they are not always the same. As a result, now the two legislative bodies will meet and try to reach a compromise between their differences.

I have been meeting with Senate leaders, including the Chairman of the Senate’s Capital Investments Committee, Keith Langseth to discuss this project. I know that Senator Langseth is well aware of Ojiketa and clearly understands the time sensitivity to doing this project this year.

Rest assured that in the days ahead I will continue to advocate for funding to help create the Ojiketa Regional Park.

Thank you for your interest in this matter. If I can ever be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to continue to email sen.rick.olseen@senate.mn or phone my office at 651-296-5419.

"New Deal for the Future of Camp Ojiketa" 
CampFire Newletter Spring 2008 (page 6)     Click Here for PDF Document

"Groups trying to turn closed camp into state park"
Duluth News Tribune  April 6, 2008        Click Here for MS Word Document     Click Here for PDF Document

"Chisago City, nonprofit and former campers unite to save Camp Ojiketa land for park"
Pioneer Press - TwinCities.Com  April 4, 2008     Click Here for MS Word Document   Click Here for PDF Document

"Chisago City pursuing funding for Ojiketa with unanimous support"
Chisago County Press, March 20, 2008      Click Here for MS Word Document    Click Here for PDF Document

"Efforts continue toward preservation of Camp Ojiketa"
Chisago County Press, March 6, 2008         Click Here for MS Word Document   Chick Here for PDF Document

"Rallying Around Camp Ojiketa" 
StarTribune (Minneapolis St. Paul, MN) published on March 1, 2008
Click here for MS Word Document                               Click here for PDF document

March 25, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society
It is time, time to stand up and show everyone that we are serious about saving Ojiketa as a park for Chisago City. The Trust for Public Land is pursuing possible sources of funding for the park and Chisago City has committed $1.5 Million to the project. Our partnership and financial support is a critical component of the funding package.

Two years ago we raised $80,000 for this effort. $60,000 was returned when we failed to obtain other financing and the other $20,000 is still in the fund held by Chisago City. We have a goal this year of $100,000 and feel that this amount is within our reach but we need to contact as many former campers,counselors and supporters as possible.

Many have already contacted us wishing to donate and we now are ready to accept donations.
Donations should be sent to Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund. The checks will be cashed and the money placed and held in the Ojiketa Fund. If, for some unforeseen reason the project fails, the money will be returned to you shortly after the December 31, 2008 deadline. We do not anticipate failure as the Trust for Public Land has assured us that they have many resources for raising money to aid in the purchase of Ojiketa. A charitable donation voucher will be issued to you for the amount donated.

The Preservation Society feels that this project will succeed this time but we need your help to make it happen. Ojiketa has been such an important part of so many of our lives and we would like to see it preserved so that this influence will continue for future generations. We are asking for donations but also for the names, addresses, email addresses or phone numbers of any Ojiketan that has not been contacted yet. We want to broaden our data base and feel that there are many who will want to contribute if they know what is transpiring.

We accept donations in any amount. Please contact Chisago City if you want to make arrangements for single or monthly bank debits. All forms and information may be found at www.ojiketa.com and we are encouraging everyone to submit ideas for further fund raising methods. Someone has already suggested that our members be asked to donate a portion of the Stimulus Plan money that will be mailed to all tax payers later this year by the Federal Government. Good Idea and great way to donate to Ojiketa!

Please - help us kick off our fund raising efforts and to locate Ojiketans that want to help. Spring is time for new beginnings and we hope this Spring will see new life for Ojiketa. Remember to check www.ojiketa.com for the latest news.

WoHeLo and Bambelela -
Judy   jmontgo102@aol.com  715-376-4499
Send Donations to: 
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund
10625 Railroad Ave.
PO Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013-9400
also see "How You Can Help page"  Donation Form

March 20, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society
Several members of OPS meet last Friday and planned our course for raising funds to preserve Ojiketa. We soon realized that we need to expand our list of former Ojiketa campers and counselors. We know they are out there - we just need to reach them- so please help us!

Ojiketa.com is a valuable source of information - please check it often. Donation forms, news articles and other important information are all available there. Please let us know what you think of the new, improved site
February 18, 2008
From: Judy Montgomery, Ojiketa Preservation Society
We need your HELP NOW!!  More emails needed to support HF2743