Today, Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote a nice piece about Aaron Rodgers’ involvement with the MACC Fund and his friendship with Jack Bartosz, the Hartland boy who was recently featured in a story written by Julie Wroblewsi of The Lakeland Times.

That story was featured in The Times and here at Lombardiave.com because Jack’s grandmother, Julie Detling, is a former teacher at Lakeland Union High School and her husband is the former owner of Whoops!, a toy store in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Jack’s parents started I Back Jack, a foundation to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancer.

I post this story and the link to Dunne’s story here because as editor of The Lakeland Times and Lombardiave.com, the ties to the boy with local connections and with Aaron Rodgers only underscores just how small this world truly is.

Rodgers is a great guy whose impact on the football field is known worldwide. When his impact hits close to home, it means that much more.

Don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Salvation Army will be at Lambeau Field prior to the Packers-Saints game collecting jackets for the "Coats for Kids" program.

You might want to bring a jacket or two (or three) to Lambeau Field for the season opener against the New Orleans Saints …

No, more than likely you won’t need to wear more than one (maybe two) layers for the evening game … and the coats you bring might be some you want to give away. I know you all have those extra jackets hanging in that back closet. Dig them out, bag them up and bring them for donation to the annual Coats for Kids collection taking place prior to the game.

That ever-present organization, the Salvation Army, will be collecting the coats in the parking lot starting at 3:30 p.m. and will also be stationed at each entry to Lambeau Field with arms (and bins) open to accept whatever you would like to contribute.

Cash donations will also be accepted, of course.

Joining the Salvation Army will be FOX 11, Cumulus Broadcasting and several area cleaners, Lindeman’s Cleaning, Royal Cleaners, and Martinizing Dry Cleaning Service in sponsoring and collecting the coats. If you don’t want to bring the coats to the game, they may also be dropped off at those sponsoring cleaners. (more…)

Both Aaron Rodgers and Jared Allen will be at the golf tourney, so they should be ready for some interesting questions. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What are your plans the week of July 12-17?
Well, if you’re lucky enough to be a sportswriter at the Tahoe Daily Tribune in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., like my friend and former colleague, Doug Etten, you might be making plans to attend the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. (more…)

I know I’m thankful for Site5, the best hosting company you’ll find. And to be sure I’m very thankful for FanSided, the fastest growing sports network on the web. Most of all, I’m thankful to be able to help such a great cause as the BGCA.

Please take a moment to visit this link and help us to reach our goal of $5,000.

The BGCA has a very simple and noble mission.

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Here are a few things I’m thankful for this Holiday season. (more…)