Reaching EVERYbody!
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid St. Joseph Newsleader St. Joseph, MN 56374 Permit No. 21 ECRWSS Postal Customer
Newsleader St. Joseph
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 Volume 29, Issue 49 Est. 1989
Town Crier
St. Joseph Winter Market now on Saturday mornings
The St. Joseph Winter Market is on a new day and at a new time! It will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays in the Fellowship Hall of Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 N. CR 2, St. Joseph. The 2017-18 schedule is as follows: Dec. 16, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 14.
Sartell Winter Market set Dec. 16, Jan. 6
The Sartell Winter Market will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and Jan. 6 at Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. Some of the many items you will find include the following: meat, eggs, vegetables from storage, micro greens, canned goods, baked treats, breads and many craft items. Come complete your holiday shopping. All items are grown, produced or crafted locally.
Cofell’s concert blend of Christmas cheer by Patric Lewandowski news@thenewsleaders.com
The holidays come with all types of traditions, from caroling to cookie making. One St. Joseph tradition is entering its ninth year: the Dave Cofell Christmas Show at Local Blend. “It started small nine years ago but it has really grown,” said Dave Cofell, founder and host of the Christmas show. “The Local Blend didn’t have a regular Christmas show at the time and I had young kids. I wanted to have a familyfriendly show at my favorite local venue.” When Cofell started the annual Christmas show, he had a very clear vision of the kind of show he wanted to build. “(I wanted) one that would be welcoming to people from all over town, or the state or the Midwest,” he said. “We
Christmas Toy Shop seeks volunteers
Embrace caregiver specialist Krisie Barron will discuss what is “normal” and “not normal” signs of aging at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at the Church of St. Joseph Heritage Hall parish center, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph.
Citizens sought to serve on county committees
Place of Hope seeks donations
Place of Hope is in need of the following items to help families in our community this holiday season: teen gifts, backpacks, parent gifts, $10 gift cards, food donations, diapers, personal-care items, new socks of all sizes, winter coats, hats and mittens, wrapping paper and tape. Volunteers can also sponsor a meal or Adopt a Family for Hope. Donations can be dropped off at Bremer Bank locations in St. Cloud or Place of Hope. Contact Pastor Carol, Place of Hope, at 320-203-7881.
actually have people coming from as far away as Fargo or the Twin Cities regularly.” During the past nine years, the show certainly has grown. Besides Cofell playing guitar and singing, there are usually several guest acts covering not just music but spoken word and poetry. Past special guests have included Jeff Engholm, Dennis Kennedy, Rick Brix and Adam Hammer, Cofell’s Open Mic cohost. As for the line-up for this year, Cofell is keeping mum, just promising, “It gets better every year.” Typically, the crowd is huge, packing the small venue with people. “There have been some years where it has been shoulder-to-shoulder,” Cofell said. “Probably 150 over the course of the night.” Due to the size of the crowd, Cofell recommends coming Cofell • page 2 photo courtesy of EPS Photography
The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help with the Toy Shop Dec. 19-21 at the Youth for Christ Building, 203 Cooper Ave. N. (the old Anderson Trucking Building). Volunteers will help shoppers, direct clients, help with clothes shopping and check out when clients are finished. Contact Barbara Nelson, the Salvation Army, at 320-257-7435 or Barb_Nelson@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Stearns County is looking for residents interested in serving on various county boards, committees and task forces. The boards and committees serve a variety of county departments in a variety of areas. Stearns County is recruiting for appointments to be filled in January of 2018. The application deadline is Dec. 18 to be considered for an appointment that begins in January 2018. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 15 Town Criers.
Postal Patron
photo by Patric Lewandowski
Dave Cofell will host his ninth annual Christmas Show at Local Blend at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22.
Barron to discuss normal, not normal aging Dec. 22 by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
You forget what you wanted when you walked into a room or you misplace your keys, phone or other items. Are those considered “normal” signs of aging? Krisie Barron, a caregiver specialist from Embrace, will discuss what is considered “normal” and “not normal” aging at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at the Church of St. Joseph
Heritage Hall Parish Center, 12 W. MInnesota St., St. Joseph. She will discuss five ways we bring data into our brains to process the world around us and how to recognize and understand what normal/not normal aging looks like. Barron said people experience the world around them through their senses of vision, hearing, touch, smell and taste. As we age, we process the world around in a gradualAging • page 5
Christmas-tree trends range from old to new by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com
All you have to do is open a holiday home-décor magazine or step foot into the bustling Christmas aisles of any store to see the diverse spectrum of Christmas-tree styles and accessories for 2017. And whether your family leans toward the nostalgia of tradition, minimalist modern or even something a little more daring, there’s sure to be something fitting this holiday season. One of the trends Liz Schultz of Sartell is seeing more of this year is going back to family roots in tree décor. Schultz is
the owner of Unique Design, an interior design and decorating business. “They want that old-fashioned Christmas feel, like their grandparents had,” Schultz said. With such a media-driven culture, Schultz said, she’s seeing a desire to slow down at this time of year to enjoy some of the things they grew up with, like starting a collection of vintage ornaments or using pieces from their own childhood for their tree. Rice-based Hinkemeyer Tree Farm owner Cheryl Thiele of Chanhassen said the traditional Tree • page 4
contributed photo
Joe Styles (left) and Roger Woeste of the Riverbluff Tree Farm. Riverbluff will be open until Dec. 16.
www.thenewsleaders.com
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
2
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
People
contributed photo
A $40,000 check donation presentation includes (from left to right) Mayor and Lions member Rick Shultz, Lions President Joe Bechtold, Councilman Dale Wick and Lions Mascot Matt Killam, also a city councilman.
CLOUD BODY SHOP
Al’s
FREE Comp ESTIM A e Insur titively Pri TES! a c ed nce W ork!
252-8931 Foreign & Domestic Auto and Heavy Truck Repair & Refinishing
Newspaper Audit Report
USED CARS
2 Blocks West of Mills Fleet Farm
7284 County Road 75 • St. Cloud
BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO BODY REPAIR Auto Body 2000
Oct. 1, 2016 - Sept. 30, 2017
(behind Coborn’s in the Industrial Park)
Free distribution every Friday
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Frequency of Issue: Weekly No. of issues Per Year: 50 Subscription Price: $99 per year. Mailing Address of Office of Publication: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Editor: Janelle Von Pinnon P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Managing Editor: Janelle Von Pinnon P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Owner Name: Janelle Von Pinnon
Owner Mailing Address: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374
Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or other Securities: None Extent and nature of circulation Total No of copies (Net press run): Total paid or requested circulation: Free distribution by mail carrier: Newsstands Restock/office copies: Gross distribution: Unclaimed/returns: Net circulation:
12-Month Average St. Joseph Sartell Both 3,740 8,620 12,360 0 0 0 3,419 8,373 11,792 275 197 472 50 46 96 3,715 8,593 12,308 64 61 125 3,651
8,532
12,183
(Circulation Verification Council, P.O. Box 31523, St. Louis, MO 63131-0523)
St. Joseph • 320-363-1116
BEAUTY Mary Kay Cosmetics Joyce Barnes St. Joseph • 320-251-8989 CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Jerry Wetterling College Ave. • 320-363-4573 jlwchiro.com CHURCHES Resurrection Lutheran, ELCA Sunday Worship 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Worship 6:30 p.m.
610 N. CR 2, St. Joseph 320-363-4232 www.rlcstjoe.org
DENTISTRY Drs. Styles, Cotton & Milbert 1514 E. Minnesota St. St. Joseph • 320-363-7729 Laser Dentistry 26 2nd Ave. NW St. Joseph • 320-363-4468 ELECTRICAL HI-TEC Electric • St. Joseph Residential • Commercial Remodeling • General Services 320-363-8808 • 320-980-0514 EYECARE Russell Eyecare & Associates 15 E. Minnesota St., Ste. 107 St. Joseph • 320-433-4326
Masses: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.
PUBLISHING Von Meyer Publishing, Inc. 32 1st Ave. NW St. Joseph • 320-363-7741
YOUR INDUSTRY Your Business Address City • Phone • Website
TRUCKING Brenny Transportation, Inc. Global Transportation Service St. Joseph • 320-363-6999 www.brennytransportation.com
St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Joseph • 320-363-7505 www.churchstjoseph.org
Call the St. Joseph Newsleader at 320-363-7741
if you would like your business included. Check out the online Business Directory at thenewsleaders.com which hyperlinks to each business’ website.
The St. Joseph Lions presented a $40,000 check to Mayor Rick Shultz at the new Millstream Park Shelter during an open house event at the site on Nov. 27. The Lions participated in a flag-raising ceremony with Mayor Shultz during the grand opening. Members of the Park Board served refreshments and cookies. The event was attended by numerous members of the local community interested in seeing the new building.
Cofell from front page early for the 7 p.m. start time. “Definitely want to get in early. It tends to fill up,” Cofell advised. “And normally what we do here, if two people take a booth, we’ll encourage them to invite people to join them in the booth. A lot of times, people end up making new friends here, which is really neat. I like that sort of community-building that happens.” The social aspect is definitely Cofell’s favorite part of the event. Another favorite is since it started as a family affair for Cofell, it continues to be a family tradition to this day. “I have a special elf who helps out with all this stuff – my wife,” he said, smiling. She gets up and dances, and so do the children. My three daughters get up on stage and sing with me. They’re a senior in high school through gradeschool age.” When asked about his favorite parts of the show, Cofell talked about a dance song he and Hammer wrote that will get the audience on their feet. “There’s a Christmas song Adam Hammer and I wrote eight years ago with some preschoolers at Oak Hill in Sartell,” he said. “It involves dance motions, so we get people up and moving.” There’s also Cofell’s special version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” “For me, that song has always been a little too long so I just go straight to day 12,” he said. “Bam, we’re done.” Cofell presents his ninth annual Christmas Show from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at Local Blend, 19 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Admission is free.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc.
Newsstands Casey’s General Store Coborn’s
Holiday Kay’s Kitchen
Local Blend St. Joseph Meat Market St. Joseph Newsleader Office SuperAmerica
www.thenewsleaders.com
Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon
Editor Dennis Dalman
Operations Assistant Rachel Mohs
Operations Director Patric Lewandowski
Assignment Editor Carolyn Bertsch
Delivery John Herring
Newsleader staff members have the responsibility to report news fairly and accurately and are accountable to the public. Readers who feel we’ve fallen short of these standards are urged to call the Newsleader office at 320-363-7741. If matters cannot be resolved locally, readers are encouraged to take complaints to the Minnesota News Council, an independent agency designed to improve relationships between the public and the media and resolve conflicts. The council office may be reached at 612-341-9357.
P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374 Phone: (320) 363-7741 • Fax: (320) 363-4195 • E-mail: news@thenewsleaders.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF ST. JOSEPH RESOLUTION 2017-063 AMENDING ORDINANCE 104 PENALTIES AND FEES The City Council for the City of if the person responsible for the violation fails to pay the civil fine This Ordinance was approved by St. Joseph HEREBY ORDAINS within the required number of the majority of the City Council on That Section 104.05, Subd. 11 (A) days after issuance of the admin- this fourth day of December, 2017 of the St. Joseph Code of Ordi- istrative citation or fails to timely and shall become effective upon nances is hereby amended as request the pre-conference hear- publication. follows: ing and hearing pursuant to this Article. A late payment fee, in- Rick Schultz, Mayor A. A late payment fee, as estab- cluding the timeframe for which lished by the City Council, for payment must be received, will be Judy Weyrens, Administrator property- and non-property-re- designated by the City Council in Publish: Dec. 15, 2017 lated violations shall be imposed Schedule A of the City Code
Custodial Maintenance
Custodial maintenance at the College of Saint Benedict is seeking to fill a full-time custodian position. • 8 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. • Tuesday-Saturday For more information and to apply online, please visit http://employment.csbsju.edu Women, individuals of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The College of Saint Benedict is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
RATE INCREASE NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR CENTERPOINT ENERGY MINNESOTA CUSTOMERS
The MPUC will likely make its decision on our rate request in the summer of 2018. If final rates are lower than interim rates, we will refund customers the difference with interest. If final rates are higher than interim rates, we will not charge customers the difference.
EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS Formal evidentiary hearings on CenterPoint Energy’s proposal start on Mar. 6, 2018, at the MPUC’s offices at 121 7th Place East, St. Paul. The purpose of the evidentiary hearings is to allow CenterPoint Energy, the Minnesota Department of Commerce — Division of Energy Resources, the Minnesota Office of Attorney General — Residential Utilities and Antitrust Division, and others, to present testimony and to cross-examine each other’s witnesses on the proposed rate increase.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
TO LEARN MORE
CenterPoint Energy has asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) for approval to increase rates for natural gas distribution service. The requested increase is about 6.4 percent or $56.5 million per year. The requested increase would add about $4.45 to a typical residential customer’s monthly bill. The MPUC may either approve or deny the requested changes, in whole or in part, and may approve a lesser or greater increase than requested for any class or classes of service.
Administrative Law Judge Jeffery Oxley is holding four public hearings on the company’s proposal. CenterPoint Energy customers or other individuals may attend the hearings and provide comment. You are invited to comment on the adequacy and quality of CenterPoint Energy’s service, the level of rates or other related matters. You do not need to be represented by an attorney to provide comments during the public hearings. In case of bad weather, find out if a meeting is canceled by calling (toll free) 855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/puc. SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS Comment period Comments are accepted through Mar. 16, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. • Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the close date. • Comments received after comment period closes may not be considered. Online comments • Visit mn.gov/puc, select Speak Up!, find this Docket (17-285), and add your comments to the discussion. • If you wish to include an exhibit or other attachment, please send your comments via U.S. Mail or by email. U.S. Mail Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7th Place East, Ste. 350, St. Paul, MN 55101 Email
consumer.puc@state.mn.us
Date
Time
Location
Tuesday Jan. 16
4:30 p.m.
Blue Earth Library, Conference Room 100 E. Main St., Mankato, MN 56001
CenterPoint Energy’s current and proposed rate schedules are available at:
Wednesday Jan. 17
5:00 p.m.
Sabathani Community Center, Conference Room D 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis, MN 55409
Thursday Jan. 18
6:00 p.m.
Central Lakes Community College, Room E208 501 W. College Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401
CenterPoint Energy 505 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 Phone: 612-372-4727 or 800-245-2377 Web: http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com/RateCase
Wednesday Jan. 24
5:00 p.m.
Golden Valley Library, Golden Valley Room 830 Winnetka Ave., Golden Valley, MN 55427
The chart below shows the effect of both the interim and proposed rate changes on monthly bills for residential, commercial and industrial customers with average natural gas use: Avg monthly usage in therms
Avg monthly bill: current rates
Avg monthly bill: interim rates
Avg monthly bill: proposed rates
72
$56
$60
$61
65
$57
$61
$62
- 1,500 to 5,000/year
234
$164
$172
$173
- 5,000 or more/year
1,402
$881
$916
$910
Customer Type (usage in therms) Residential
Commercial/Industrial - up to 1,500/year
Small Volume Dual Fuel Sales Service - up to 120,000/year
3,539
$1,761
$1,826
$1,816
14,322
$6,861
$7,088
$7,049
59,449
$26,452
$27,127
$27,154
38,061
$17,399
$18,060
$18,195
Please include the Docket Number(s) in the subject line or heading:
- 120,000 or more/year
• MPUC Docket Number G-008/GR-17-285 • OAH Docket Number 19-2500-34684
Large Volume Dual Fuel Sales Service
1. Your name; 2. The specific issues that concern you; and 3. Anything you would like to say regarding the Docket.
Large General Firm Service
*Figures above are rounded (to the nearest whole number).
Important: Comments are available to the public on the MPUC’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The MPUC does not edit or delete personally identifying information from submissions. ©2018 CenterPoint Energy 176165
Minnesota Department of Commerce 85 7th Place East, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-539-1534 Web: https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling/search.jsp Select 17 in the year field, type 285 in the number field, select Search, and the list of documents will appear on the next page. Questions about the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s review process? Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7th Place East, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782 Email: consumer.puc@state.mn.us Citizens with hearing or speech impairment may call through their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.
3
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
4
Tree from front page Christmas seems to be a common theme among the fresh-cut Christmas-tree farms as well. “The trend we’re seeing is families keeping or starting a Christmas-tree tradition,” Thiele said. “They want the experience of visiting the farm, cutting it down, bringing it home and having that great smell in the home.” She said for a number of years her family saw sales go down with people purchasing artificial trees, but during the past 10 years there has been an increased demand for real trees. One reason for this may be due to more studies on what happens to fake trees when they’re discarded in landfills— which is nothing, Thiele said. “People are going green and realizing the fake trees sit in landfills for centuries. They won’t biodegrade,” Thiele said. She and her husband, Randy, as well as her parents, the previous tree-farm owners, strive to make the Christmas-tree experience as family-friendly and fun as possible to create a tradition for parents to pass down to their children. “We have an emphasis on family and really cater to kids,” Randy Thiele said.
They’ve also seen an increase in outdoor natural-décor items, such as spruce-tip metal planters, birch poles, berries and glitter sticks. “We’re seeing a want to decorate the outside of the home as much as bringing a tree in to decorate the inside of the home,” Thiele said. Fraser fir trees are a big hit this year at the Riverbluff Tree Farm near St. Augusta. Owned by Dr. Joseph Styles, a St. Joseph-based dentist, the farm was founded 25 years ago and now has 20,000 “pick-and-cut” trees for its perennial and new customers. Fraser firs are native to the mountains of North Carolina. They are bright-green trees with shorter needles and with a strong pine-y fragrance. They are a bit fussier to grow in Minnesota than other kinds of evergreens, but that’s what Styles’ customers want and so that’s what he grows, along with other kinds of trees. “Pines were more popular and now firs are the hottest trend,” Styles said. Styles and his wife go to great lengths to make Riverbluff Tree Farm a place for family fun. They offer horse-drawn wagon rides, sleigh rides and visits to the buffalo herd across the road. There is also a cozy warm-up area with treats for customers to enjoy. Styles’ wife is an expert maker of Christmas
wreathes. Another resource for real trees in the area is Rothstein Christmas Tree Farm owned by St. Joseph residents Jerry and Lois Rothstein. Jerry Rothstein said he agrees the name of the game for his 30-year family-owned business is nostalgia — creating that tradition for families to continue each year. “The kids love it and that’s really why we do it,” Rothstein said. “The kids will ask, ‘Jerry, do you have candy canes for us?’ We do it to give them that fun experience.” All farms said they’re seeing people decorating earlier and earlier. Rothstein said there’s even families who put a tag on one of their 6,000 trees during the summer to reserve it for the holidays. And though he’s seen some fluctuation over time in sales, he said it has remained a positive experience for them. “One thing you’ll never see is a crabby person cutting down a (Christmas) tree,” Rothstein said. If the vintage or old-fashioned look isn’t your style, Schultz of Unique Design said she’s also seeing a more minimalist modern look that is a “less-is-more” approach. Blackand-white-themed trees is another modern take on the traditional Christmas tree — blackand-white ornaments with accents of gold or silver. For the proud Minnesotan, she has seen quite a bit of the ‘Up North’ theme, with the black-and-red buffalo plaid adorning the tree and fishing or hunting themes. She has even seen antlers, sometimes painted, on the tree as well. Farmhouse décor in general is in vogue at the moment, and Schultz said she’s seeing that carry over into Christmas-tree decorating. In trying to achieve the farmhouse look, families
contributed photo
Randy Thiele, owner of Hinkemeyer Tree Farm in Rice, and son Jaden, 5, of Chanhassen enjoy their family tradition of picking out and cutting down their fresh Christmas tree. might look for slightly traditional things, such as strung popcorn and cranberries, along with some rustic-chic pieces with wooden, burlap, and light, airy colors. If people truly want to throw caution and tradition to the wind, Schultz said the ‘Charlie Brown’ very fake, very brightly colored trees are also in style. Another avant-garde trend this year is hanging your Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling. Some claim this is a way to keep children and pets clear of the tree as well as provide added room for presents underneath. And if you’re undecided about the many options, you may just decide to give a few different ones a try like Schultz and her family, who have eight Christmas trees in their house. “I have many styles I want to exhibit,” Schultz said. “I really like to see a little bit of
Glory to God in the Highest & Peace to God’s People Christmas Eve Worship: Sunday, Dec. 24 9:30 a.m. and 3 & 5 p.m. No Worship on Christmas Day
New Year’s Day Worship: Sunday, Dec. 31 9:30 a.m.
Holiday Soul Tour FRI & SAT, DEC 29 & 30 AT 7:30 TICKETS: $20$26
FOR TICKETS CALL 320.259.5463 OR PARAMOUNTARTS.ORG
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
Resurrection Lutheran Church • 610 N. County Road 2 St. Joseph • 320-363-4232
Christmas in every room of the house.” They have a tree for the children to showcase their ornaments they’ve received each year, one wintry blue-and-white one that’s left up until January, a traditional red-and-gold tree filled with the heirloom ornaments of their family, four thin white food-themed trees in the kitchen and then a bright retro “plastic” tree with 1940s vintage ornaments from her husband’s grandma. “I was finishing decorating and thought maybe I went a little overboard this year,” she said. “Then I kept finding articles about how decorating for Christmas early could actually bring you more happiness and joy because of the feelings it creates of nostalgia. So, I thought, nope, not too much at all!” Decorating a Christmas tree for many families is as much a part of their Christmas tradition as drinking eggnog and spending time with one another. And as varied as those families are, so are the aesthetics for their trees.
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
Aging from front page ly slower way. “Our peak processing age is 25,” Barron said. “It is downhill from there. So as we age, those filters that we used to be able to slip in place before we said something we did not want to say out loud were quicker to insert themselves. Our vision changes in regards to our peripheral vision.” Barron said when people age, their senses are affected slightly. When people have dementia, the way they process the world changes. If we have an understanding of what is normal and what is not normal, caregivers and practitioners can identify when something is not right and/or get an idea of how the dementia patients
People
Katie Schleper of St. Joseph, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology on Dec. 9 from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Schleper was among 75 students who earned a minimum 3.8 grade-point average to earn the honor of summa cum laude.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com take in the world around them so they can work with what they have left instead of what the patient has lost. She will also discuss some typical issues that occur in normal aging through the end of life for someone who is living with dementia. “Everyone’s aging journey is different and every dementia journey is unique,” Barron said. One in five elderly people is affected by dementia, Barron said. Within 10-12 years from now, as the elderly population increases, it will be one in two. Sixty percent of caregivers do not outlast the patients they are caring for. The goal of the discussion workshops is to answer the questions most people don’t know how to ask. Barron said she has found after attending her sessions, people feel much better about aging and caregiving for the people they support with dementia. People are trained to look at all the things the dis-
ease is stripping from them instead of looking at all the things patients have left. People can change their perception and realign expectations so they are more realistic for someone with dementia. She quoted poet Maya Angelou: “When we know better, we do better....” “Krisie does an excellent job of presenting the facts about aging and memory loss along with the practical information needed to make each day the best possible, said Marjorie Henkemeyer, Church of St. Joseph parish nurse. Embrace, located in New London, is owned by Barron who is a speaker, trainer, consultant and coach. For additional information visit the embracingjourneys.com website. The free discussion is funded under contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the Older American Act Program. No registration is required for the event.
5
FOR RENT
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY - $900 Spacious (1,500-square-foot) two-bedroom basement apartment with above-ground windows, chef’s kitchen, private backyard, on-site laundry, downtown St. Joseph. Within walking distance of EVERYthing. Utilities - additional $250/month. Non-smokers only.
Call Pete at 320-223-1519
RN Case Manager
Rapid Recovery in the Long Term Care Center
•Responsible for coordination of care and supervision of staff on his/her designated unit. •Train staff on policies, procedures, nursing methods and guidelines. •Visit residents and implement care plans. This is a fulltime, salaried position, days with every eighth holiday and weekend. We do not require a four-year degree, but applicant must have an RN license in good standing. Full benefits package. Apply in person at: 520 First St. NE, Sartell or visit our website at: countrymanorcampus.org
10 month CD 1.40% APY* 17 month CD 1.65% APY* Count on a banking experience you won’t find anywhere else!
320-252-2634 Certificate specials available for a limited time to new and existing members. 10-month Special Certificate will automatically renew into a 6-month CD upon maturity. 17-month Special Certificate will automatically renew into a 12-month CD upon maturity. Rates are subject to change daily. There is a substantial penalty for early withdrawal from a savings certificate.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
6
Our View
Male-female pay inequity still a problem in the state Minnesota ranks tops in the nation for women workers in terms of economic and social well-being, according to a study released this year by WalletHub. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is Minnesota women workers still earn less than their male counterparts in 20 key industries analyzed, according to an article by Sanjukta Chaudhuri in Trends magazine. In those industries, full-time women workers earn on average 85.5 percent of what male counterparts make. The industries with the biggest wage gaps, Chaudhuri writes, are finance and insurance, followed by utilities, professional, scientific and technical services, company management, enterprise management and information systems. The narrowest gaps are in arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services, administrative support and waste management. Chaudhuri concludes the reasons why women earn less are complicated and various. The causes included human capital differences such as educational attainment, skills, relevant experience, productivity and tenure. Other causes are differences between labor market and family choices such as family formation or breaks from work to raise families. Systemic issues include lower rewards for equal work, career stalling, marriage and family penalties, the glass-ceiling syndrome, subtle prejudices and stereotyping. Because the causes are complex, a solution will likely be hard to come by, we can assume. However, on the other hand, there should be allowances and compensations made for so many of the causal factors, such as family raising, educational and experiential backgrounds, and lack of tenure. The causes of “subtle prejudices” and “stereotyping” have long played a part in many of the other factors, one way or another. In other words, for many decades systemic prejudices have existed to impede the economic progress of women, and there is no doubt in some quarters and many industries those same prejudicial forces, subtle or not so subtle, lurk just underneath the other causes, such as career stalling and family penalties. What is needed are studies in each of those 20 industries that would first examine all causes of pay inequity and then close the pay gaps completely irrespective of any so-called causes. It’s good Minnesota is a leader in pay equity, but it’s obvious we still have a way to go. The 14.5-percent pay-equity gap must be closed, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders. Letters to the editor may be sent to news@thenewsleaders. com or P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Deadline is noon Monday. Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only.) Letters must be 350 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for space.
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
Opinion Bullies also diminish themselves When I watched the heartbreaking video of 10-year-old Tom Held, a victim of relentless bullying, I choked up with tears, and I flashed back to my boyhood, feeling a burning sense of shame all over again. That is because during one or two years in grade school I was a bully myself. It was back in the mid-1950s at Washington Elementary School in south St. Cloud. There was a girl in our class whose name was Elizabeth. She was a rather uncoordinated, clumsy girl with pitch-black hair that reminded us of the hair of a Halloween witch. So we teased her. Behind her back, we thought, but of course she had to have been aware of every slight and taunt. Some of us students would play a mean playground-recess game we called “Lizzie’s Fleas.” One of us would walk or run up to Elizabeth, touch her, then run over to somebody else and “tag” that kid while chanting, “You got Lizzie’s fleas! You got Lizzie’s fleas!” And then, that student would hurry over to somebody else, tag them, and repeat the taunt, thus continuing the cruel game. All of the participants in the game were boys, not surprising considering the ingrained chauvinism so prevalent in that day and age. Even as we indulged in that rotten game we knew it was wrong; we knew it was hurtful; and we did it anyway. What’s even worse is
Dennis Dalman Editor the teachers on the playground were completely aware of what was going on, and they never once did anything to stop it. At least they never told any of us to stop it. Through the years, I’ve often looked back at the inexcusable, sadistic “game” and felt so ashamed. And years later, as I became more aware of the terrible outcomes of kids being bullied, the more I felt the burning shame. Poor Elizabeth. How she must have suffered in shame and silence. How could we have been such cruel kids? Bullying, not unlike the sexual assaults so much in the news these days, is always devastating to its victims. It can knock kids’ confidence right out of them quicker than a punch to the stomach; it can shred their sense of self-worth; it can cause them to turn inward or to lash out in violence. And, as we are so well aware in recent years, it can lead children to commit suicide. Suicide among children and teenagers, especially among girls, is on the rise, and most experts believe the increase is directly due to cyber-bullying, which can be merciless, never-ending, ‘round the clock. I’d always wanted to apologize
to Elizabeth, but I did not know where she was or how to contact her. Years ago, I wrote a column about the cruelty of our mindless, stupid, vicious game of “Lizzie’s Fleas.” A classmate from those grade-school years, a woman named Jeanine, happened to read that column and sent it to Elizabeth because she’d stayed in touch and knew where she lived. Jeanine wrote me at the newspaper to inform me Elizabeth did indeed remember the mean game but that she had managed to brush it off, at least later. She told Jeanine to tell me she appreciated my reaching out to apologize but that the long-ago hurt was all but forgotten and certainly forgiven. Thank you, Elizabeth. It’s ironic you have forgotten it, but I have not. It’s yet another reminder people who hurt others also hurt themselves in one way or another, somewhere down the line. It’s the lesson tyrants (and diehard bullies) never seem to learn – or learn too late. Dear readers: Please read the story about bully victim Tom Held in today’s newspaper (or online at thenewsleaders.com), and then sit down with family members and have a good discussion about how all forms of bullying, even mild verbal teasing, can hurt children so deeply, so badly. As Tim Held, the father of Tom, told me: The real solution to bullying must start and stop in the home.
Franken exit opens way for change During the last few weeks, a lot of national and international attention has been focused on our home state of Minnesota. This attention, though, has not been the kind we would have liked to receive. This is of course due to our embattled Sen. Al Franken, who for several weeks now has been embroiled in a series of sexual-misconduct allegations. Though Franken made a pledge Dec. 7 to resign in the coming weeks, this is just the first in a series of steps our state will go through on the road to replacing him. Franken’s case is just one of many sweeping the nation in recent months. After allegations by many women throughout multiple years were made against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, the metaphorical house of cards has begun to fall. Some of the most famous and powerful men in the world have come under scrutiny by accusers and their supporters. Those once thought untouchable are having the limelight shown on their most terrible actions and are being forced from positions of power. What’s so sad about this is justice is so delayed or late for those who have had to suffer for so much time thinking they wouldn’t be believed. The #MeToo movement that started on Twitter has also provided a platform for those who were unable to make their voices heard before. Hopefully, this is the first step toward making sure everyone in this country is accountable for their actions and everyone has the right to be safe and comfortable in whatever
Connor Kockler Guest Writer environment they find themselves in. People across the world have shown they believe in this ideal, and this kind of wrongful behavior is unacceptable. Sadly, though, what started as a universal movement is now turning partisan. Accusations that are considered to be grounds for resignation by one side against opposing parties are dismissed when they emerge among their own ranks. Every single accusation deserves proper investigation and accountability. Democrats such as Franken and John Conyers or Republicans like Donald Trump and Roy Moore should get no less scrutiny due to their political affiliations. If there is a way to move forward, it should be by uniting to rid our communities and workplaces of attitudes and behaviors that if not promote, end up condoning such mistreatment of fellow people. This isn’t just a problem for social elites and those in positions of power. There are people in our local communities who everyday have to endure prejudices or mindsets purely based on their gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity. America is based on the ideal of equal opportunity and that people are equal before the law. That means every citizen of this nation from the
richest to the poorest should be protected from abuse. No matter how powerful someone is, that does not give him or her the right to use that power to take advantage of others. If we want to keep that ideal alive, we need to live it ourselves. We need to recognize when something isn’t right, to speak up when we see people being treated in ways that are wrong. It’s up to us to be champions for each other and spread the word people shouldn’t have to suffer in silence any longer. So in the coming weeks, I hope Franken will quietly exit the stage. And I hope in appointing a new senator to serve until the special election next November, Gov. Mark Dayton will exercise his best judgment. Minnesota deserves a new senator who represents all of our people, who will advocate for our best interests in Washington, D.C., and who is someone who values practicality over politics. Minnesota and the world need people who respect others and want to do things in a right and ethical manner. Optimistically, perhaps we can turn a new chapter, as more wrongdoing is exposed, remedies will be proposed and systems can bring accountability immediately rather than taking decades. We can make that change and turn that chapter, but only if we all push to make it so. Connor Kockler is a Sauk RapidsRice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 Is your event listed? Send your information to: Newsleader Calendar, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374; fax it to 320-363-4195; or, e-mail it to news@thenewsleaders.com. Friday, Dec. 15 Tae Guk Kwon Do, 3-4 p.m., Independent Lifestyles, 215 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. 320-267-7717. St. Joseph Area Historical Society, open 4-7 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 First Ave NW. stjosephhistoricalmn. org St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 Second Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-3394533. stcloudsingles.net Saturday, Dec. 16 American Red Cross Blood
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Community Calendar
Drive, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1420 29th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. Free Community Christmas Dinner, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. 320-249-5718. Historic Salem Church Christmas Program, reindeer pulled sleigh rides from 3-4:15 p.m. with the Old Fashioned Christmas Program starting at 4:30 p.m., collecting toys and nonperishable food items for the Paynesville Community Center, four miles north of Paynesville on 220th Street, 320-276-8287.
Monday, Dec. 18 Lunch and cards, sponsored by Helping Hands Outreach, noon-3
p.m., Rusty Nail, 4 CR 2 S., St. Stephen. St. Joseph Food Shelf, open 1-3 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 First Ave. NW, St. Joseph. Town Hall Meeting, a public forum focusing on improving VA health-care services and programs, 5 p.m., Auditorium (Bldg. 8), St. Cloud VA Medical Center, 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud. St. Joseph City Council, 6 p.m., council chambers, St. Joseph City Hall, 75 Callaway St. E. 363-7201. cityofstjoseph.com St. Joseph Park Board, 6 p.m., St. Joseph City Hall, 75 Callaway St. E. St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, 7 p.m., American Legion, 101 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph.
Skalicky to match food-shelf donations
ADOPTION **ADOPTION** Adoring, Financially Secure, Loving Family, Outdoor Adventures, Music awaits 1st baby. Expenses paid **1-800352-5741** (MCN) PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 855-390-6047 (Void in IL & IN) (MCN) AUTOMOBILES CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Competitive Offer! Nationwide FREE Pick Up! Call Now For a Free Quote! 888-366-5659! (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (MCN) CABLE/INTERNET SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/ Month, includes FREE Genie HD/DVR # 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card. Call 877-8945275 (MCN) Change the way you watch TV- Get rid of cable and get DIRECTV! You may also qualify to receive $100 VISA gift card when you sign up today - Limited time Only. CALL NOW! 844-359-1203 (MCN) Stop paying too much for cable, and get
Tuesday, Dec. 19 Community Lunch and Entertainment, sponsored by Helping Hands Outreach, noon-2 p.m., St. Stephen Parish Hall, 103 CR 2 S. 320746-9960. St. Cloud Area Genealogists, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. stearns-museum.org
a.m., Sartell Community Center, 850 19th St. S., Sartell. American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon-5 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4310 CR 137, St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. St. Joseph Food Shelf open, 1-3 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 First Ave. NW, St. Joseph. Tommy B. Hoopin’ in Heaven Night, 7 p.m., varsity boys basketball game, Sartell High School Gym 748 Seventh St. N., Sartell, 320-656-0748.
Wednesday, Dec. 20 St. Joseph Economic Development Authority, 5 p.m., St. Joseph City Hall, 75 E. Callaway St. 320363-7201. cityofstjoseph.com
Friday, Dec. 22 Tae Guk Kwon Do, 3-4 p.m., Independent Lifestyles, 215 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. 320-267-7717.
Thursday, Dec. 21 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group featuring Jim Berg from TED Talk introduction, 9
St. Stephen Optical
The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation are once again doing their “Charity Challenge” through Dec. 31. The Skalicky Foundation will match every dollar donated to three area food shelves, including the St. Joseph Food Shelf, up to an amount of $100,000. Last year, Charity Challenge raised a record-setting $464,045. In the past 16 years, it has raised $2.7 million. Contributions, either via check or online, can be sent directly to St. Joseph Community Food Shelf, P.O. Box 384, St. Joseph, Minn. 56374; Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 2390, St. Cloud, Minn. 56302; or online at www.ccstcloud.org; and St. Cloud Salvation Army, 400 U.S. Hwy. 10 S., St. Cloud, Minn. 56304; or online at www.salvationarmynorth.org/community/st-cloud.On the checks, contributors should write on the memo line, “Food Shelf Charity Challenge.” WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY: Basswood logs by truckload delivered to Dodgeville, WI. Bark intact, harvested in dormancy, delivered FRESH cut. Pre-arranged purchases only. Call Al Ladd at 608-935-2341 ext.333 (MCN)
7
Hap Holi py day s!
(formerly Index 53)
Larry Rudolph, Optician 306 Main St. E. St. Stephen, MN 56375 320-252-9380 320-252-6924 Home Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-noon Saturday
VOTED BEST SOUP IN TOWN!
VOTED BEST SANDWICH IN TOWN!
VOTED BEST QUICK LUNCH IN TOWN!
SUBS • POCKETS • GYROS • SCHWARMA
SINCE 1981!
Oldest Sandwich Shop in Area Over 8 Million Served Multi-Winner ʻBest Sandwichʼ Weekly Folk Music Concerts Cribbage Capital of Minnesota
50% OFF Any Sandwich
With purchase of sandwich of equal or greater value Expires 01/14/18
Downtown St. Joseph • 25th Ave So, St. Cloud DISH today. Call 855-589-1962 to learn more about our special offers! (MCN) DISH Network Satellite Television Service. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/ mo! FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD.Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 1-800-7329635 (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 855-623-8796 (MCN) CLASS A TRUCK DRIVER. North Central region. Earn up to $70,000. No touch freight. Good benefits. All mile paid. Nice equipment. 2 years experience needed. Call 507-4379905. Apply on-line WWW.MCFGTL.COM (MCN) FINANCIAL Are you in BIG trouble with the IRS? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-606-6673 (MCN) STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS got you down? We can help reduce payments and get finances under control, call: 866-871-1626 (MCN) Buying a home and need a mortgage?Or, have a home and want to lower your monthly fees and refinance? Getting a mortgage is quicker and easier than ever. Call now! 855-7154721 (MCN) FOR SALE TRAILER SALE: Used 6X12 Black ramp door tie downs & spare $1,499.00, 2014 Black & Orange 6X12 Aluminum wheels ramp door V-nose $2,299.00; Special on 25 Aluminum utility trailers; Free Spare with all 14,000# SKID Loader trailers; Extra tall 7’X14’ UTV cargo
trailers, V-nose, 80” ramp door. Over 150 trailers IN-STOCK! For inventory & prices: www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com 515-972-4554 (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK PAIN? Medicare recipients may qualify to receive a pain relieving brace at little or no cost. Call now! 844-668-4578 (MCN) OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-852-7448 (MCN) OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit. Call 844-550-4772 (MCN) YOU or a loved one have an addiction? Very private and Confidential Inpatient care. Call NOW for immediate help! 800-761-9934 (MCN) Medicare doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses. A Medicare Supplemental Plan can help cover costs that Medicare does not. Get a free quote today by calling now. 1-855-3985900 (MCN) OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit. Call 888-572-4944. (MCN) HOME IMPROVEMENT L & D Handyman Service specializing in plumbing, bathroom remodels, and interior painting. Available evenings and weekends. Free estimates within 50 mile radius of Cedar Rapids Iowa. Call 319-551-7858 or 319-440-7124. Leave message and we will call you back. (MCN)
Water Damage in your Home? Call now for a free, fast quote. Insurance approved. Help restore your piece of mind! 866-865-1875 (MCN) SAVE THOUSANDS ON SURPRISE COSTLY HOME REPAIRS!! With Nations Home Warranty we pay 100% of covered Home repairs! CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY!! 888-925-8106 (MCN) Leaky Faucet? Broken toilet?Call NOW and get the best deals with your local plumbers. No hassle appointment setup. Call NOW! 866865-1875 (MCN) Got Mold- or think you might have it? Mold can be hazardous to you and your family’s health! Get rid of it now! Call our experts and get a quote today! 855-398-7133(MCN) Water Damage? Dealing with water damage requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediately, Nationwide and 24/7. No mold calls. Call today! 1-877-417-5824 (MCN) Call Empire today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-800-213-9527 (MCN) LEGAL Diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lung Cancer? If so, you and your family may be entitled to a substantial financial award. We can help you get cash quick! Call 24/7: 866-9240504 (MCN) MISCELLANEOUS Moving out of state? Best Interstate Moving and Storage offers a FREE Quote and A Price Plus Promise. Call 855-428-6241 Now! (MCN) Paying too much for car insurance?Not sure? Want better coverage? Call now for a
free quote and learn more today! 855-417-7382 (MCN) Cross country Moving, Long distance Moving Company out of state move $799 Long Distance Movers Get Free quote on your Long distance move. 1-800-503-6126 (MCN) Crazy Discount! Christmas Lights,Garden Decorations, Landscaping Lights, More!. Free Shipping. 708-995-1996; Email: sograndlights@ gmail.com; Visit Amazon Storefront: amzn. to/2AhQAtz (MCN) Are you in Debt? Get help now with a 30 minute Phone debt analysis. Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sat: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. All eastern time. 1-888-306-0480.(MCN) PERSONALS Wanna flirt and have some fun?Livelinks in the best chatline for meeting real singles who know how to have a good time! Call Livelinks and make a real connection. 866-9101044 (MCN) VACATION/TRAVEL DOES WARM WINTERS SOUND GOOD?? Bring your RV down to the warm Rio Grande Valley. J-5 RV Park in Mission Tx. will welcome you with a country setting, friendly people and lots of activities to keep you busy. We have a special for first time visitors. Phone us at 956-682-7495 or 515-418-3214 Email j5rvparktx@gmail.com Tom and Donna Tuttle, Managers (MCN) CHEAP FLIGHTS Call now! 1-877-2952904 (MCN) WANTED TO BUY Want to purchase minerals and other oil/ gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver CO 80201(MCN)
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | THE GIFT OF THE STORY
M
The Reader
any people on your list, young and old, have a real passion for reading. They are always ready to tell you what book they’re devouring at the moment and can rattle off a list of their favorite author from every genre.
These enthusiasts can be tough to buy for because you may not be sure exactly which books they have read over the years. A little creativity in your gift-giving can go a long way toward finding the perfect present. There are many reading subsets, from fiction and non-fiction to biographies and true crime. Knowing what your friend or family member prefers is a great first step to finding the perfect gift.
BOOKS OR TECHNOLOGY Reading has a new venue in the form of modern technology. This adds to your choices because there are now multiple formats in which readers can enjoy books. E-readers are perfect for tech-savvy readers. These devices are always coming out in newer, better equipped models, so help your friend stay on top of technology with the latest offerings. Traditional books come in soft or hardbound copies. Hardbound are generally more expensive but are better for collecting and showcasing on shelves. Consider the type of reading your book-lover prefers before buying that new bestseller.
YOUNG READERS Reading is vital to the development of children. Giving
© FOTOLIA
opportunities to read as well as a variety of reading material at a young age will encourage reading. Family members and caregivers can play significant roles in developing reading readiness, and the easiest time to learn is during the early ele-
mentary years. That is a great reason to choose books as gifts.
OTHER OPTIONS Newspaper or magazine subscriptions are another option. Gift-givers could choose local or national newspapers. Magazines that spe-
cialize in topics such as fashion or hunting, or those tailored to children are good options. A lot of people have favorite authors, so purchasing an book autographed by the author would be an unforgettable gift. Another possibility
would be an autographed collector’s item. Audio books are great for traveling long distances or for those who are more geared toward that type of learning. Of course, you can never go wrong with a gift certificate to your local bookstore.