SEE ROOKIE

ROOKIE: Therapy dog bridges disconnect between law enforcement and citizens

FROM PAGE 1

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

Over the course of her career, Rookie, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, will greet and impact thousands of lives.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce (WCSO) is likely one of the fi rst agencies in the state to have a certifi ed therapy dog paired with a law enforcement offi cer working in the fi eld.

Rookie is a part the WCSO’s Crisis Response Team, an initiative that was launched in October 2020.

“Whether it’s meeting a preteen with emotional concerns or a veteran struggling with daily life, Rookie provides a friendly tail wag and head for them to scratch, which helps them focus on the help we are able to provide,” said Rookie’s handler, Detective Matt O’Hara.

Where it all began

The idea to add a therapy dog within the agency originated as a way to improve health and lower stress within the workplace. Last April, the agency started to research the idea and found several law enforcement agencies across the nation that had successful therapy dog programs that went beyond their four walls and helped the community.

A retired deputy told the sheriff’s offi ce about Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) of America, a nonprofi t organization that custom-trains dogs for people in need. FSD trains dogs to serve veterans with post-traumatic stress as well as clients with disabilities. (See freedomservicedogs.org for more information).

After several emails, phone calls and a few virtual meetings with FSD staff, O’Hara traveled to the FSD training facility in Colorado in June to meet Rookie and see not only if he was a good fi t for Rookie, but if Rookie would be a good fi t for the WCSO. O’Hara and Rookie are FSD’s fi rst team to serve in law enforcement.

“The meeting was only a few hours long, but we knew we had found the perfect dog,” O’Hara said.

O’Hara then returned to Colorado in July for a week of training. O’Hara said the training was mainly for him, as Rookie is his fi rst certifi ed therapy dog. Rookie, however, had already been training for her mission since she was a young pup.

Amanda Vallo, FSD director of client services, said O’Hara is and continues to be an amazing part of the team. “He really was the one who had the forethought and vision for how this team would work and has already been putting that vision into practice,” she said. “(During the placement process) he was able to give a specifi c example of a woman in the community who was making an inordinate number of non-emergency 911 calls. Matt has reported that with the arrival of Rookie, that number has been greatly reduced. A Rookie visit is now the service she needs.”

What Rookie does

Rookie tags along with O’Hara on crisis follow up visits with people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, homelessness or a substance/chemical abuse issue.

“We'll go out and visit with them, try to work on fi nding resources for them and get them connected to the help that they need,” O’Hara explained. “We have the connections with social workers, hospitals, to be able to ensure that the people that we are working with are getting the help they need and not slipping through the cracks.”

Having Rookie there can help people open up. “Talking about somebody's mental health can be extremely stressful for somebody, and the addition of Rookie kind of gives us something else to talk about as we go through that,” O’Hara explained. “We can talk a little bit about what's going on in their life, what we can do to help and they get to hang out with a dog for a while.”

Rookie also makes her rounds to law enforcement staff and will visit inmates and possibly schools in the future. Rookie is also around for crime victims who visit the sheriff’s offi ce.

O’Hara recalled that while he and Rookie were making their rounds at the Washington County Fair, every day they would stop and visit one of the ride operators. It didn’t take long, but the operator opened up about his struggle with homelessness and was touched by his interactions with Rookie. “He said that dog changed his life,” O’Hara said. “It just really bridges that gap and that disconnect in between law enforcement and the citizens.”

Since Rookie was originally trained as a service dog, she is really in tune with how people are feeling. If she notices someone is anxious, she will put her paw on their foot or rest her head on their lap or in their hands.

Rookie knows both verbal and hand commands, and her reward is food. “When she is working with me, she is always looking for her next treat,” O’Hara explained.

When Rookie is not on the job (wearing her vest), she goes home with O’Hara and does everything any other dog would do — That is, except going into the kitchen, where she has a bad habit of counter surfi ng.

Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM

Above: Since Rookie was originally trained as a service dog, she is really in tune with how people are feeling. If she notices someone is anxious, she will put her paw on their foot or rest her head on their lap. Below: When Rookie is not on the job (wearing her vest), she goes home with Detective Matt O’Hara and does everything any other dog would do — That is, except going into the kitchen, where she has a bad habit of counter surfi ng.

COVID-19 Lino Lakes Testing site to stay (for a while)

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced a semipermanent COVID-19 community testing site in Lino Lakes.

“As more and more Minnesotans get vaccinated, testing remains a critical component of our strategy to protect our communities from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Through a robust, collaborative testing program, we have removed many obstacles to testing for families across the state. Combined with social distancing, masking and staying home when sick, testing can help us slow the spread of the delta variant as we continue our work to boost vaccinations across Minnesota.”

Due to the spread of the delta variant, demand for COVID-19 testing has increased throughout Minnesota. After people are vaccinated, testing will remain critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months as students and educators return to school and more activities move inside as the weather turns colder. In addition to Lino Lakes and Minneapolis, and the Bloomington and Saint Paul sites added last week, MDH continues to assess current and projected testing needs and will keep working to meet demand.

The Lino Lakes site is at the former YMCA, located at 7690 Village Drive. Testing at the Lino Lakes site occurs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Testing is free at all of the state’s community testing sites. Participants who do have health insurance will be asked for their insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or if insurance does not cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference, so testing remains open to all at no cost.

Testing is open to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test, with or without insurance. State guidance on who should get tested can be found online at www.health.state.mn.us/ diseases/coronavirus/testsites/index. html#test.

Those who arrive for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at a testing location, they will self-administer the test by administering saliva into a funnel attached to a small tube. Site staff will be available on site to monitor the collection process.

While walk-ins are welcome, people seeking testing at state sites can schedule a test online at https://mncovidtestingappt.as.me/schedule.php. Tests will be processed in Minnesota at the saliva lab in Oakdale. Results will be provided via email in approximately 48-72 hours.

LINO LAKES TESTING SITE

Location:

Former YMCA 7690 Village Drive Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testinglocations/community-testing.jsp. • Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: www. health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html. • Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp.

How Minnesotans can get their free COVID-19 vaccine:

• Walk in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector: VaccineConnector. mn.gov. Call Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. • Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to fi nd a vaccine provider near you: https:// mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/fi nd-vaccine/locations/index.jsp. • Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder on vaccines.gov. You can search for appointments by vaccine type. • Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy. • Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities. Submitted by the Minnesota Department of Health

ONGOING EVENTS

Outdoor Evening Yoga

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, May 6 through Sept. 30 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, north picnic pavilion, County Roads 10 and 19 Details: Guided yoga for all levels. $8/ person; reservations required. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington. mn.us, search “outdoor yoga”

Hugo Senior Citizens Play “500”

When: 12:45 p.m. Sept. 30 & Oct. 7; the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com

Hugo Senior Club

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18; the 3rd Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Short meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served. News members welcome; annual dues $10. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com

Cribbage

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413

White Bear Lake Farmers Market

When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, through Oct. 29 Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets Details: More than 50 vendors selling produce, plants and fl owers, baked goods, meats, jams and jellies, dog treats, and more. Contact: whitebearlake.org

CLASS REUNIONS

White Bear High School Class of 1970

When: 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 Where: Dellwood Country Club Contact: whitebearlakeclassof1970.com

www.readthecitizen.com THE CITIZEN 15

CURRENT EVENTS

Many Faces Community Conversation Series-Session 3 Lead & Act

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 Where: Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Participants will fi nalize action steps on how to eliminate racism in communities and determine ways to get involved. Part of a 4-part series that addresses racism and how to create a more welcoming and inclusive community for all. Attending all sessions is not required to participate. Contact:manyfaceswblarea.org/events

Author Book Signing

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake Details: Local author Stephanie Landsem will sign her book I”In a Far Off Land.” Call to reserve books. Contact: 651-426-0918

Moving Forward with Our Writing

When: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 Where: Online; register at marinemillsfolkschool.org Details: Online writing workshop taught by Minneapolis-based pet and memoirist Marge Barrett. $65.

Build a Bluebird House

When: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 Where: Marine Mills Fold School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Build a Bluebird House for your backyard from a kit. Intergenerational class. Registration required; $30. Contact: marinemillsfolkschool.org

Stories from the Stones: A Discovery Walk through Union Cemetery

When: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 Where: Union Cemetery, White Bear Lake Details: Walk through the cemetery and meet several people from the community's past. Guided tours in led in partnership with Lakeshore Players begin every 20 minutes and last approximately 1 hour. Reservations required; $25/person general public; $20/WBLAHS members. Fundraising event. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

Bluegrass & Lemonade in the Shade

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail N., Scandia Details: Free concert in the museum's shaded backyard, featuring Peter Gibson and his band Rarely Scene, playing acoustic bluegrass. Bring a lawn chair and an instrument to play along. Lemonade provided. Event is cancelled in case of rain. Contact: gammelgardenmuseum.org

Birchwood Village Turns 100

When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 Where: Online, Zoom Details: Hear about the people and events that make this area unique including Al Bloomquist, school bus driver and police offi cer for the village and Lucy Tighe, our area’s fi rst woman mayor. Register to get link. Contact: 651-724-6001 or whitebearhistory.org

Strategies for job searching

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 Where: Virtual Details: Learn tips for resume writing, networking, managing online profi les, interviewing and more in an online workshop. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

Fall Family Night Hike

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Enjoy night hiking along 5.5 miles of lighted cross-country ski trails. Free with vehicle permit. Contact: co.washington.mn.us/parks

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, Friday, Oct. 1, Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday Oct. 3; 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Students ages 13-18 perform one of Shakepeare's most beloved comedies. Tickets $10/adults; $7 under 18; 5 and under free. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Hugo Public Works Garage, 6900 137th St. N. Details: Household hazardous waste and electronics recycling, and confi dential document shredding. Contact: co.washington.mn.us

Rivertown Fall Art Festival

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 Where: North Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater Details: Street Croix Valley's largest juried art festival features the works of more than 150 artists from around the country, food vendors, beer tent, live music, culinary arts. Contact: 651-430-2306 or rivertownartfestival.com

Nooks & Crannies Tour

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Thurd Streets, Stillwater Details: Behind the scenes guided tour of the courthouse. $10/person; registration required. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington. mn.us/hc

Chili Cook-off

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: St. Genevieve's education building parking lot, 6995 Centerville Road Details: Annual Centerville Lions Chili Cook-off.

Bear Bike for Youth Sports and Activities

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: White Bear Lake High School North Campus, 5045 Division Ave. Details: 50-mile bike ride fundraiser for the Community Services and Recreation Department. Register by e-mail. Contact: BearBikeWBL@gmail.com

Brewers and Bourbon Bazaar

When: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Avalon Riverboat, Stillwater Details: Annual Fundraiser for Stillwater Sunrise Rotary includes numerous brewers and restaurants. Tickets $55, includes commemorative tasting glass, food item and beer and bourbon samples. Contact: brewersbazaar.com

Marine Mills Folk School Third Birthday Celebration

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St. Marine on St. Croix Details: Artist marketplace with handmade art for sale, demonstrations by local artists, a sheep herding demonstration with real dogs and sheep, free classes, and cake. Free and open to the public. Contact: marinemillsfolkschool.org

Marine Fire and Ambulance Street Dance

When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 Where: Downtown Marine on St. Croix Details: Annual family-friendly fundraiser for the Marine fi re department. Contact: marineonstcroix.org

The Minstrel's Bazaar

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 Where: Lakeshore Players, 4841 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Performance by progressive rock group; including two band members with local connections. Tickets $15-$20. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

Understanding Chronic Pain

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 Where: Online, Zoom Details: Discussion of medial and nonmedication strategies for managing symptoms of chronic pain. Contact: facebook.com-HP Community Health Club

Prime produce season for area farmers markets

WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, through Oct. 29 Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets Details: More than 50 vendors selling produce, plants and fl owers, baked goods, meats, jams and jellies, dog treats, and more. Contact: whitebearlake.org

MAHTOMEDI FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Oct. 2 Where: Veteran's Memorial Park, Mahtomedi Avenue and Stillwater Road Details: Vegetables, fl owers, and other goods from local vendors. Community Resource table. Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@ gmail.com

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FARMERS MARKET

When: 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 13 Where: County Road E and Highway 61 (3585 Highway 61, Frandsen Bank parking lot) Details: Thirty selling spaces with locally-grown produce, fl owers, baked goods, and other items. Contact: stpaulfarmersmarket.com Municipal Liquor Store, 9271 South Hwy Dr. Details: fruits, vegetables, wood crafts, Tupperware and Pampered Chef. New vendors each week. Contact: kgregory244@gmail.com

STILLWATER FARMERS MARKET

When: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, through Oct. 23 Where: Riverview Parking Lot, 3rd and Pine Street (across from Historic Courthouse) Details: Assortment of organic food, vegetables, crafts, fruits and local specialties. Contact: localharvest.org/stillwater-farmers-market

SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 12 Where: Shoreview Community Center, lower parking lot, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: More than 30 vendors provide fresh locally grown produced handcrafted artisan items. Also live entertainment. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov/parksrec/special-events/farmers-market