COUNTRY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
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MARINE ART FAIR: 2019 featured artists, info. PAGES 7-10
Warner Nature Center announces closure BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM
SUZANNE LINDGREN | COUNTRY MESSENGER
2019 Taco Daze Members of the Scandia Riders Saddle Club celebrate the Taco Daze theme of heritage during the Taco Daze parade.
The Lee & Rose Warner Nature Center last week announced plans to close by the end of the year. The news came after the center’s chief funding agency, Manitou Fund, said it would not renew its longstanding partnership in 2020. In addition to funding operations at the center, Manitou Fund owns the land and buildings. The Science Museum of Minnesota has worked with various philanthropic organizations to offer nature-oriented programs at the site since 1958 (see timeline in sidebar). The partnership between the Science Museum and Manitou Fund is set to expire December 31. In a statement, the Manitou fund did not explain its decision but said it hoped to continue to positively impact the community. “It has been Manitou Fund’s honor to support Warner Nature Center over the years,” the statement read. “Manitou Fund is exploring options for how best to use the land and facilities going forward and for future generations. Any plan will continue Manitou Fund’s 50-plus
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After announcing that it will close at the end of the year, Warner Nature Center will honor its legacy of outdoor education at this year’s Fall Color Blast, Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 to 5 p.m.
years tradition of using this cherished space to positively impact the community.” The organization expressed gratitude to visitors, volunteers and donors, adding, “A special place was created where meaningful connections with nature have taken place for over five decades.” Alison Rempel Brown, president and CEO of the Science Museum, emphasized that the museum remains committed to connecting children to the natural world.
“While it is truly difficult to say goodbye,” she wrote, “both the Science Museum and the Manitou Fund are extremely grateful to every supporter who has dedicated his or her time and financial support over the years. Together we have shared the joy of environmental learning and of positively impacting thousands of children’s lives. This land holds a special place in the hearts of many including mine. SEE WARNER PAGE 2
Scandia ‘saints’ remembered through Living Cemetery Tour CONTRIBUTED ELIM CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Elim Lutheran is hosting another Living Cemetery Tour on September 15. It is an opportunity to hear the stories of saints who rest in the cemetery. (In Lutheran tradition, all are considered saints and sinners. So these folks were everyday members of Scandia.) Attendees will hear multiple perspectives including settlers, a farm couple, a minister, the Scandia fire department, etc. A slice of their lives is shared through interpreters who tell the stories in first person. The cemetery has been serving Elim's congregation and the Scandia area since the early 1860s. There are over 3,000 lots within two sections, and over 1,700 burials. The original
cemetery (or North Cemetery) is directly across from the church in downtown Scandia. Attendees will gather in the Fellowship Hall at Elim Lutheran Church. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. The tours will be in flights of 18 people, leaving every 20 minutes to walk through the cemetery, listening to each saint's story. The tour lasts about an hour. The tour route will stay on sidewalks and there will be chairs at each station for those who need to rest. To make reservations, contact Steph Pereboom at (651) 433-3508 or stephaniepereboom@gmail.com Confirmed reservations will be posted on the church website https://www.elimscandia.org/ living-cemetery-tour-reservations. html
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Attendees will hear multiple perspectives including settlers, a farm couple, a minister, the Scandia fire department, etc. A slice of their lives is shared through interpreters who tell the stories in first person.
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