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Art at every river bend | 14
NEW ESPRESSO TRAILER
ALAN PAGE
WINGS AND THINGS
SERVING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE | 17
1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE TO SPEAK AT LIBRARY | 25
CAMP INSTILLS CONSERVATION, SPORTSMANSHIP IN YOUTH | 26
Your guide to the Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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HUDSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM | SUBMITTED
About the cover 5 | Trolley tours highlight history and arts:
24 | Full house at Emmer town hall:
6 | Minnesota Technology Corridor:
25 | There’s a new warden in town:
From bite-size chocolates to giant sculptures, upcoming tours offer a glimpse into the arts and history of the St. Croix Valley. When you think of a tech hub, the Twin Cities’ north metro might not come to mind, but a new public-private partnership aims to change that.
Constituents packed Scandia Town Hall to ask U.S. Rep Tom Emmer where he stands on issues they care about.
A father and daughter explore original acrylic paintings by Greta Sandquist at the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival in Hudson, Wisconsin. The annual event is part of Take Me to the River, a region-wide arts festival Sept. 7–29 throughout the St. Croix Valley. Read more about this year’s slate of studio tours, art fairs and more on page 14.
Guy Bosch is now officially warden of Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater.
CONTRIBUTORS |
What was your favorite back-to-school tradition as a kid?
ELIZABETH CALLEN | Staff Writer
lowdownnews@presspubs.com Going out for an early breakfast with my parents and sisters on the first day of school.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | Quad Editor quadnews@presspubs.com Back-to-school shopping for a first day outfit.
JULIE KINK | Contributing Writer RANDY ROBERTS |
Multimedia Consultant
lowdown@presspubs.com Whining about having to go back!
PAUL DOLS |
Photojournalist/Website Editor photos@presspubs.com Getting new tennis shoes that included a Jonny Quest secret decoder ring as a bonus prize.
The Lowdown Vol. 07 No. 15 COPYRIGHT © 2019 PRESS PUBLICATIONS Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever.
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Elizabeth Callen
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Patty Steele
Randy Roberts
kink100@att.net Going to the store with the teacher’s list of necessities, which we got during the first few days of school, to look for the specified number of pencils (No. 2), erasers (artist’s type or pencil head), paper (loose leaf, wide lined or thin lined), spiral notebooks and pocket folders, and wondering what I would be creating with all these goodies.
JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | Contributing Writer jackiebussjaeger@gmail.com Going to the Scholastic fall book fair in elementary school.
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INBOX
SEPTEMBER 2019
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180 days to make a difference for our students
I
just hung my new 2019-2020 school calendar on the wall of my office. As I admired the photos of our students and explored the many events listed each month, I was struck by all that happens in nine short months. Mixed in between the big events on that calendar are countless little moments. Those seconds of laughter when students are completely engaged in a project. That “aha moment” when a complicated math concept suddenly makes sense. Or those times when students feel valued and heard. We have just 180 days to Talk of the teach, motivate, challenge, inspire and develop perDistrict sonal connections with the Denise Pontrelli 8,300 students in our care. Each one of those days is jam-packed with a long list of things to get accomplished. We have standards to meet. Lessons to teach. Meals to serve. Buildings to clean. And while those things are important, I’m very proud to say that in our schools, the kids always come fi rst. You won’t see big changes as you come back to school this fall. What you will see is teachers, administrators and support staff more committed than ever to making a difference in the lives of every student. Every day. That’s our motto for the year. It’s emblazoned on a calendar hanging by each staff members desk. And it is at the heart of every decision we make. For the past several school years we’ve been very intentional about keeping our
focus on our students. We’re not the same school district we were five or ten years ago. We’re less about buildings, programs and standardized test scores, and more about students, relationships and meaningful experiences. We know kids learn best when they’re engaged in their learning, and when they feel safe and valued as individuals. The efforts we’re making to support social and emotional learning and mental health is being recognized at both the state and national level. We’re also a national leader in innovation work. This is an excellent school district. We are doing incredible things. And yet, there are still difficult conversations to be had and decisions to be made in the coming year. Budgets are tight. Our operating levy will be expiring in just two short years and will need voter support to be renewed. Facilities are in need of improvement. Some areas of the district are experiencing rapid growth. As leaders, we don’t always agree on the best ways to move forward. There will be debate and discussion in the days ahead, and we will continue to engage our community to develop solutions to the challenges ahead. And while those conversations take place, so too will the learning. Because the one thing we can all agree on it that our students come first. They have just 180 days with us and it is up to each of us to make every one of those days matter. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for all that you do as a community to help support them all year long. Go Ponies! Denise Pontrelli is the superintendent of Stillwater Area Public Schools.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Missing in action The Baytown Township Board of Supervisors requested and cordially invited Sen. Karin Housley and Rep. Shelly Christensen to attend its monthly meeting on Aug. 5 to present a legislative update and be available for residents of their district to ask questions. Thank you to the Baytown Board for providing this perfect opportunity to get up close to our representation. Both Sen. Housley and Rep. Christensen committed to attending. Sen. Housley arrived promptly and was extremely well-prepared and welcomed. Rep. Christensen was nowhere to be seen, and there was no communication with the board as to why she didn’t attend. How rude and disrespectful to the board members and her constituents. I attended the 2019 Washington County Fair and was impressed that Sen. Housley was there for eight to 10 hours every day, meeting and greeting all the fine people who came out to enjoy Washington County’s signature event. She even called bingo on two evenings and made a personal donation of $50 each evening to the Afton-Bayport-Lakeland Lions. I was informed Rep. Christensen was at the DFL booth for an hour; the rest of her “many hours at the Fair,” as she posted on her Facebook page, were spent enjoying the “food and the smells,” not meeting and greeting
fairgoers as is the purpose of candidates being there. And where was Rep. Christensen on Night to Unite, Aug. 6? I don’t know, but she certainly was not at all, if any, of the events in the district that Sen. Housley attended. Missing in action again. At the Capitol, Rep. Christensen voted against helping Oak Park Heights in the event of the closure of Xcel’s King power plant. What IS important to Rep. Christensen? My vote goes to those who care about the district and residents they represent by working hard and being available to listen and help. Apparently, Rep. Christensen wants the title but not the hard work. I say bring back Kathy Lohmer to represent us. She actually showed up for work. Chris Addington, Baytown Township
Action needed on climate change As members of the St. Croix Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, we were pleased to see the article about the closing of the Allen S. King coal plant in Bayport a decade earlier than scheduled (“Xcel Energy will close Allen S. King plant by 2028” in the June Lowdown). Driving down our carbon emissions is key to addressing climate change, and we need to do it together as a nation.
In June more than 1,500 Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers from across our nation, including three from our chapter, were in Washington, D.C. They had over 500 meetings with congressional offices during which they asked members of Congress to support the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This legislation will reduce America’s carbon emissions, and it won’t be at the expense of the economy. Quite the opposite. It will spur the creation of new jobs, good jobs, part of the clean energy economy of the future. We support this legislation and encourage Congresswoman Betty McCollum to become a co-sponsor. As a democracy, we are used to taking on big challenges. In the 1960s, our nation set a goal for itself — to land a man on the moon. Before the decade was over, we did it. Solving climate change is not beyond us. We have the solutions. We need only the political will to do it. Tell those who represent you that Minnesota and the nation want action on climate change. Citizens’ Climate Lobby St. Croix Valley Chapter: Sue Fletcher, Stillwater Don Schuld, Stillwater Bonnie Power, Afton Rick and Joan Meierotto, Afton Michael Kelbel, Woodbury Jeff Kolstad, Mahtomedi Mary Haltvick, Shoreview Sharon Coombs, Shoreview
THE LOWDOWN
What I needed to see
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or as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be “the sports guy”. Nothing else inspired me to read, watch or write. I never wanted to get rolled up in any other kind of journalism. The other stuff just didn’t attract me as much as writing game recaps and athlete features. Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is to write about what I have authority over; I know a lot about sports and love watching sports and enjoy talking about sports. Perfect fit. I was going to be a sportswriter and would never have to touch any of the rest. Turns out summer newspaper internships run right in line with the quietest season of local sports to cover. So, I was forced to change my perspective. Was I enthralled by city council meetings or dying to cover ribbon-cutting ceremoJared Martinson nies at new small businesses? Not really. I had to sacrifice what I wanted to do in order to learn what I had to do. I could count on one hand the number of times I’d been to White Bear Lake before I started at Press Publications. I knew next to nothing about the city, and nobody in it. Same with the surrounding towns within the coverage area. I remembered Stillwater was pretty—if that counts for anything. I probably would have been very comfortable and content covering sports and nothing but sports here; except that would mean missing out on so much more of this community and what makes it special. Now, eight weeks later, the assignment doesn’t matter. As long as it’s truthful storytelling, I feel that I can succeed, especially in an area as supportive as this one. A big thank you to the Johnsons and the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication at Bethel University for giving me an opportunity to wet my feet at Press Publications and get a taste of community journalism at its best. A big thank you to the newsroom for throwing all types of leads and tips at me to get a feel for stories that matter. I still want to write about sports. That goal hasn’t changed. I’m returning for another semester as the sports editor at Bethel’s student newspaper, The Clarion. I’ve won some awards for my sports reporting. That’s all really cool and fun to be a part of. But I’m just a lot more confident that I can tell other stories now, too. My repertoire has expanded. I’ve seen some stuff. I’ve met some people. I hope if and when you read The Clarion, and whatever I end up doing after college, you see this experience mirrored in my work. Thank you, Press Publications. Thanks to you, I’m not satisfied with only being “the sports guy”.
THE LOWDOWN LETTER GUIDELINES • Limited to 350 words. • Submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters. • Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. • Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. • Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. • Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must be accompanied by factual verification. • All letters are subject to editing. • Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication. • To submit a letter, e-mail it to lowdownnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
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Nostalgia in painting, drawing and mixed media
SUBMITTED
Alpha Omega 3.29 (diptych), by Wendy Fernstrum.
A certain nostalgia for childhood and youth will fi ll the ArtReach gallery during School Daze. The exhibition features mixed media “shrines” to school days past by Sue Cranston, portraits celebrating the innocence of youth by Jennifer Davenport, and contemplative artist books by Wendy Fernstrum. Sue Cranston (River Falls, Wisconsin) explores her childhood with her artistic practice. Using acrylic paint, mixed media, digital art and decon-
SUBMITTED
Girl Scout #2, by Sue Cranston.
structed school furniture, Cranston plays with her interest in uniforms, textiles and objects of her youth. Her shadowboxes and paintings seek to depict symbolic evidence of vulnerability, earnestness, wholesomeness, honesty, ambition and civic duty. Jennifer Davenport (Stillwater) uses her skill in drawing and illustration to depict young girls in moments of concentration, exploration and discovery. These charcoal drawings were inspired by her daughter
and other children she met during a year working as an assistant teacher. She seeks to explore themes of introspection, personal growth and social justice with her art practice. Wendy Fernstrum (Minneapolis) is a book and paper artist, and formerly resided in Marine on St. Croix. Her drawings and handmade artist books are concerned with interstitial spaces and subverting the illusion of duality. Her work has been exhibited locally and nationally and can be
found in many prestigious collections such as that of the Walker Art Center. Celebrate the opening of School Daze 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. The show will be on view through Oct. 5. The galleries at ArtReach St. Croix are free and open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Submitted
Trolley tours highlight history, arts BY SUZANNE LINDGREN COUNTRY MESSENGER EDITOR
From bite-size chocolates to giant sculptures, a ghost-town play to a lively drink, upcoming trolley tours will offer a glimpse into the arts and history north of Stillwater. Stops on the Art Trolley Adventures are scheduled in Scandia, Marine, May Township, Franconia and Shafer. Organized by Wahoo! Adventures, riders will join Heather Rutledge, executive director of ArtReach St. Croix, for tours, visits with artists and hands-on demonstrations. “The really cool thing is it’s a behind-the-scenes look,” Rutledge said of the tours. “The itineraries were pulled together in collaboration with the artists, but Kerri (Kolstad of Wahoo!) also provides an experience, lunch and vino. It’s such a treat to have her hospitality and have her take care of all the details.” The series launched last week with a trip to Afton and Hudson. “It was fun!” Rutledge said of the tour, which stopped to paint with Sharon Weiser in Stillwater, craft a haiku with writer Greg Seitz at Belwin Conservancy, visit Patrick and Linda Casanova’s Hudson glass blowing studio and sample the goods at Knoke Chocolates. An August 30 tour will bring visitors to the abandoned sawmilling village of Arcola, now in May Township’s jurisdiction, where they’ll watch actors from Stillwater High School perform a short version of “Newsies.” Next up, the Gammelgården Museum for insights on how Swedish immigrants lived in the 1800s. Finally, a stop at the Marine Mills Folk School to learn about and taste kombucha and other fermented drinks. A Sept. 27 tour will be part of the annual Take Me to the River arts event. First stop: a visit to Judd Street Exchange in Marine for a visit with the gallery’s owner, painter Mary Jo Van Dell. Then a walk up the street for handmade truffles and local wine at St. Croix Chocolate Co. Next up, Shafer, to meet potter Peter Jadoonath, followed by a tour and lunch at Franconia Sculpture Park. Before heading back to Stillwater, the trolley will stop at the studio and shop of potter Guillermo Cuellar.
SUBMITTED
Upcoming trolley tours will offer a glimpse of the history and lively arts scene north of Stillwater.
According to Rutledge, the tours were inspired in part by work ArtReach did around cultural tourism. “As an adventure and logistics expert, Kerri saw that Wahoo! Adventures could contribute to cultural tourism in the St. Croix Valley,” she said. “So many of these community ideas are artist driven or ArtReach Driven. For her to see that her business had a role to play in people’s connection to the arts
here was really great.” “Art is not just a stop in Stillwater,” Kolstad said. “It’s as vast as the Valley.” For more information or to register, visit mywahooadventures.com/art-trolley-adventures. Suzanne Lindgren can be reached at 651-433-3845 or editor@countrymessenger.com.
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Counties and cities collaborate to brand north metro as technology hub BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
A public/private partnership to attract technology businesses to the north metro is officially underway. Officials from Anoka and Washington counties are spearheading the effort to brand the stretch of Interstate 35E near five north metro cities—Centerville, Columbus, Forest Lake, Hugo and Lino Lakes—as the future home of the Minnesota Technology Corridor. The partnership has been in the works for about a year. It began with meetings between county officials and Connexus Energy, which had been approached by tech companies looking for areas with fiber access, high energy capacity and undeveloped land near the airport. The partnership has now grown to include the five cities and other energy and fiber providers, including Xcel Energy, Comcast and CenturyLink. This summer, the Minnesota Technology Corridor rolled out its new website (mntechcorridor.com), which provides detailed information about the region and highlights its benefits to large tech businesses. Following a recent launch party at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack in Columbus, marketing efforts have officially launched.
Partners will spend the next several months promoting the Minnesota Technology Corridor, said Bruce Sayler, principal of Community and Economic Development at Connexus Energy. “In the past, we were waiting for the phone to ring,” he said. Now, however, the goal is “to aggressively promote this region to a national and international audience.” The area, officials say, is primed for business development. The corridor’s website highlights its fiber availability, electric and utility capability, proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and buildable lands, including five sites that range in size from 10 to 250-plus acres. The website also details various tax incentives. Among them is the data center sales tax incentive offered through the state, whereby companies that build data or network operation centers of at least 25,000 and invest $30 million can qualify for sales tax exemptions for 20 years on technology and energy equipment and pay no property tax. Officials say that the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is already a technology hub, as it’s home to more than 136,000 tech jobs. However, its growth is not keeping pace with other tech hubs of its size. Chris Eng, economic development director for the Washington County Community Develop-
ELIZABETH CALLEN | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Bruce Sayler, principal of Community and Economic Development at Connexus Energy, speaks during a launch event for the Minnesota Technology Corridor.
Chris Eng, Washington County Economic Development Director, speaks during a launch event for the Minnesota Technology Corridor.
ment Agency, also said that Anoka and Washington counties are losing talented workers to jobs outside the region: 52% of Anoka County’s workforce and 77% of Washington County’s workforce commute to jobs located outside county borders. “We want to give them the opportu-
nity to stay in our counties and work in our counties,” Eng said. For more information, visit mntechcorridor.com.
Scandia Cafe closes After nearly three decades, the Scandia Cafe has closed permanently. “It was 28 years serving the community and being in the restaurant business,” said owner Holly Kaufhold. “It was a hard decision but, ultimately, when it’s time to retire out, it’s time.” Kaufhold posted a note on the door expressing gratitude to former employees and customers. “I wanted to thank everyone who worked for us through the years, and the community for their support,” she said. “We really enjoyed
everything we did there; Taco Daze celebrations, birthday parties and more. It’s been great being part of this community.” Kaufhold still owns and operates the Scandia Market and Mercantile. “We appreciate our customers at the store and now I’ll have a little more time to focus on that,” she said. Suzanne Lindgren
FINANCIAL THE NEW TAX BILL MAKES A SIDE-GIG MORE ENTICING, BUT YOU STILL NEED TO SAVE FOR TAXES BY HUGH NORTON SUBMITTED BY VISA
Whether they’re renting out a spare room, driving others, delivering food or products, selling crafts or offering services online, many people are trying to find new and interesting ways to make money outside of their nine-to-five jobs. Some turn to online platforms that connect contractors with work and others are creating their own small businesses. Either way, a side gig can help you make ends meet or provide you with extra spending money. The idea of joining the “gig economy” may be even more enticing for some after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the new tax bill), which offers some contractors and business owners a tax break if they meet certain outlined criteria. Even if you’re eligible for the new deduction, you should still plan ahead to avoid a surprise next tax season. What does the new tax bill offer freelancers and
Elizabeth Callen can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
BUSINESS BRIEF Chamber welcomes Blue-Pencil Collective The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Blue-Pencil Collective at a ribbon-cutting celebration July 30. Blue-Pencil Collective is an architecture and interior design fi rm founded on the vision of creating a purposedriven, relationship-based company that focuses on community involvement and sustainability. The all-women team of seven was built around shared core values, and team members are passionate about creating projects with intention through a collective of people and beliefs. Blue-Pencil Collective is located at 226 E. Myrtle St., Stillwater. For more information, call 651-968-4487 or visit bluepencilcollective.com.
WELLNESS
contractors? In short, you may be able to deduct 20 percent of the net income (your income after expenses) you earn as a sole proprietor or contractor. Owners of a pass-through entity, such as an S-corporation or limited liability company (LLC), could also be eligible. The deduction doesn’t apply to income you earn as an employee of a temp company, even if you’ve moved from one short-term gig to another. And there are exceptions for high-income earners. But many people who work a regular job and have a side gig, or even a few side gigs, could be eligible. Freelancers and contractors still have to pay taxes. The new deduction could help limit how much you’ll owe when you file a tax return next year. However, even if you are eligible for the deductions, your net income will likely still be subject to income taxes – you should consult a tax professional for further information. You could also have to pay Social Security, Medicare and self-employment taxes on all your earnings (including the deductible portion). Unlike income earned as an employee, when you work as an independent contractor, taxes generally aren’t taken out of your paychecks. As a result, contractors could face a hefty tax bill because they’ll owe the full amount at filing time. If you don’t want to be caught off guard at filing time, consider one of the following ways to prepare: • Save part of your contract income. Knowing that you’ll eventually have to pay taxes on the contract or freelance income you
earn, you could set aside a portion of the money in a savings account as you receive it. An added financial benefit of doing this is that you could earn interest on the savings throughout the year. • Make estimated tax payments. If you owe more than $1,000 in taxes when you file your return, you may have to pay an additional penalty for underpaying your taxes throughout the year. To avoid this, you can make estimated tax payments online, by phone or by mail each quarter. • Increase your W-4(s) withholdings. If you’re an employee (as opposed to a contractor), the Form W-4 you fill out helps the company determine how much money it should withhold and send to the IRS from each of your paychecks. When you start a new side gig, you can update your Form W-4 and change your withholdings based on your new total income. To determine the correct withholdings, you can use the worksheet attached to the W-4 or try the free IRS tool online. Once you figure out the correct withholdings amount, fill out a new Form W-4 and give it to your company’s HR department (or whoever manages your payroll). You can update your W-4 as many times as you want throughout the year. Bottom line: There are many ways to get a side gig and earn extra money, and the new tax bill means many contract workers may be able to keep more of the money they earn. However, freelancers and contractors should still take steps throughout the year to avoid being caught off guard when they file a tax return next year.
SEPTEMBER 2019
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POLITICAL BRIEFS Former Spring Lake Park mayor announces run for Anoka commissioner seat Cindy Hansen recently announced her intention to run for Anoka County Commissioner – District 6, which includes the communities of Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbus, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Linwood Township and a portion of Blaine. As a former mayor of Spring Lake Park, Cindy Hansen Hansen also has experience working with a threecity, two-county fi re department for nine years. Hansen has served on the Joint Law Enforcement Council (JLEC) and the JLEC Governance Committee for nine years. Hansen
has been employed by ISD #621 for 19 years and married 32 years to her husband, Doug. They have a 25-year-old daughter and live in Lino Lakes. Hansen is an award recipient for her support to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. More information about Hansen can be found on Facebook at Cindy Hansen for Anoka County Commissioner. She can be reached at 63-482-2834 or cindyhansen.dist6@gmail.com.
Lino Lakes mayor announces run for Anoka commissioner seat After serving on the Lino Lakes City Council for 20 years, Mayor Jeff Reinert has decided to run for the vacant District 6 county commissioner seat rather than for what could have been his sixth term as mayor. Reinert has been the mayor
of Lino Lakes for 10 years and served on the City Council for 10 years before that. He has also held roles on the Economic Development Authority, Park Board, Anoka County Jeff Reinert Fire Protection Council, Anoka County Fire Protection Council Finance Committee, Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Committee and the Centennial Lakes Fire Department Steering Committee. He is currently a member of the Sons of the American Legion and Chain of Lakes Rotary Club. Previously, he was a member of the Lino Lakes Lions Club. To learn more about Reinert’s candidacy, visit his website at anokacountycommissioner.com.
State senator wins legislator award State Sen. Karin Housley received a Legislator of Distinction Award from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 25 at its conference in Bemidji. Housley, of St. Mary’s Point, was recognized for her impact on economic development in Minnesota. She is serving her second term in the Senate. Housley was a supporter of the CGMC’s proposal to give funding for the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, which provide business assistance and training to child care providers. State funding totaling $750,000 was divided between six foundations for this proposal. CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing 97 cities outside the Twin Cities metro area.
COUNTY BRIEFS Washington and Ramsey Counties form Gold Line Joint Powers Board Ramsey County and Washington County will jointly form a Gold Line Joint Powers Board, along with the respective regional rail authorities from each county. The Washington County Board of Commissioners, sitting as the county’s Regional Rail Authority, agreed to form the board. The Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project will create a bus rapid transit route from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury along Interstate 94. The project development phase of work is coming to a close. As the Gold Line BRT prepares to apply to the Federal Transit Administration to enter the project’s engineering phase of work in 2020, a new organizational structure is needed to streamline fi nancial oversight and the management of contingency funds. It is anticipated that the joint powers board will enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the engineering phase of work near the end of 2019. Project engineering is expected to take one to two years. Construction is expected to begin in 2022, and will likely take two to three years to complete.
Washington County will work with Solid Ground to help homeless Washington County will work with Solid Ground to serve 28 families experiencing homelessness, after the County Board approved an agreement with the agency. The county will provide $141,399 in Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance program funds to the agency for the service. The program was established by the Legislature in 1993 to assist families with children, youth/ unaccompanied youth, and single adults who are experiencing barriers to housing. The money will be used to serve 28 households, or families experiencing homelessness, with support services and rent payment assistance through the Home Again program. The outcomes of the program are to ensure households will be permanently housed and not re-enter shelter or become homeless within six months of program exit.
Washington County will conduct household hazardous waste collection this fall Washington County has satellite weekend house-
hold hazardous waste collections for 2019, in spring and fall. Satellite collections bring the services offered at the Washington County Environmental Center closer to residents, making it more convenient and practical for them to recycle and dispose their household hazardous waste and electronics. Fall events are: • Forest Lake Transit Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N., Forest Lake • Forest Lake Transit Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 • Hugo Public Works Garage, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 12, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo.
McGee re-appointed Washington County medical examiner Dr. Michael B. McGee was designated the Washington County medical examiner by the County Board for a four-year term beginning Aug. 4. In 2011, Washington County entered into an agreement with Ramsey County for medical examiner services. In that agreement, McGee was named the Washington County Medical Examiner.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Forest Lake Masons raise money for MOST Forest Lake Masonic Lodge #344 hosted a pancake breakfast and a fundraising benefit for MOST FL Drug Free Communities Coalition April 28. MOST provides support for youth and information on making good choices. The donations collected at the event were matched by Masonic Charities and a check for $1,041 was presented at a dinner/picnic celebration at the Masonic Lodge in Forest Lake July 11.
Tri-County Senior Luncheon The Tri-County Seniors 50+ DFL luncheon will take place at Vannelli’s By the Lake 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Seniors from eastern Anoka, southern Chisago and northern Washington counties are welcome to attend. The guest speaker will be Ann Jones, of Health Care For All Minnesota, who will speak on the movement to build a health care system for people not for profit. Vannelli’s is located at 55 S. Lake Street in Forest Lake. For more information, call Sandy at 651-492-1148 or Jackie at 320-290-9540.
Join local farmers for ‘Breakfast on the Farm’ The Washington-Ramsey County Farm Bureau and Washington County American Dairy Association are co-sponsoring a Breakfast on the Farm 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. The event will be hosted by the Fran
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Forest Lake Masonic Lodge #344 presents a $1,041 check to MOST FL Drug Free Communities Coalition July 11. Pictured (left to right) are Eric Ernst (Mason), Will Caldwell (Forest Lake High School student), Lindsey Doten (MOST), Michal Perreault (Mason), Jim Caldwell (Forest Lake High School principal) and Hunter Cloutier (Mason).
& Mary Ann Miron Family on the Miron Century Farm located at 15250 N. Homestead Ave. in Hugo. The breakfast is free and open to the public. Pancakes, sausage and dairy products will be served and guests are invited to make a free-will donation to support scholarships for students studying agriculture. The event will be held rain or shine, and food will be served indoors. In addition to breakfast, families can see the animals, participate in a farm tour, and learn more about agriculture by visiting the numerous displays designed to inform guests about farm life. This event is also a celebration of the Washington-Ramsey County Farm
Bureau’s centennial anniversary. For more information, please visit facebook.com/ washingtonramseycounty farmbureau
YMCA Camp St. Croix hosts annual music festival The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities and Royal Credit Union will co-host the fi fth annual Prairie Burn Music Festival Saturday, Sept. 14, at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin. The festival features several live music acts, including Har Mar Superstar, Yam Haus and Haley Bonar. Camping is hosted by REI. There will also be food trucks on site and camp activities throughout the day. Tickets are $35 for
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The Miron Family Farm, established in 1887, will host Breakfast on the Farm, co-sponsored by the Washington-Ramsey County Farm Bureau and Washington County American Dairy Association. The event is free and open to the public.
adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will benefit the YMCA Camp Endowment Fund, which helps ensure all
children have opportunities to experience camp. For more information, visit ymcamn. org/prairieburn.
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STUDIES & SPORTS www.presspubs.com
SCRA awarded grant for educational programming
Lions create fund to offset expenses for teachers BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
FOREST LAKE—Nearly all public school teachers in the U.S. report having to dig deep into their own pocketbooks for school supplies, according to a recent study from the National Center of Education Statistics. Though they rarely receive any form of reimbursement, the Forest Lake Lions Club is working to change that. Last year, the Forest Lake Lions created a $20,000 fund for local teachers who spend their own money on supplies for their classrooms and students. In a press release, the group said its members “recognize there are times when Forest Lake teachers use their own money to provide materials for the students of Forest Lake. As a token of appreciation for their commitment to Forest Lake students, the Lions are providing a reimbursement program toward money
SEPTEMBER 2019
Forest Lake teachers spend purchasing materials for their students.� The program, which started in December 2018, has so far given $18,000 back to local teachers. Forest Lake Lion President Marc Harshman said it was “humbling to see the investments the teachers of Forest Lake make in their students,� and the reimbursement program functions as a token of appreciation for area teachers. “These teachers work hard to provide children of our community with a strong educational foundation. Their influence creates a lifetime of opportunities.� Each Forest Lake teacher is eligible for a reimbursement of up to $100 for items purchased between Aug. 1, 2019 and May 30, 2020. Requests must be submitted by May 31, 2020. More information on how to submit a request is available from district leadership.
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The St. Croix River Association (SCRA) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Xcel Energy Foundation to support the successful growth of SCRA’s Rivers Are Alive K-12 Environmental Education program.
The St. Croix River Association (SCRA) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Xcel Energy Foundation to support the successful growth of SCRA’s Rivers Are Alive K-12 Environmental Education program in the lower St. Croix Riverway. Support from the foundation will allow SCRA to offer the Wild River Journey Riverboat Adventure, which connects more K-12 students to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, our moving national park. The Wild River Journey Riverboat Adventure will integrate hands-on learning, observation and science-based discovery as part of a riverboat
field trip on the lower St. Croix River. Students will be immersed in the rich history of riverboat travel on the St. Croix River and experience for themselves a memorable riverboat journey with their classmates. SCRA presents this new field trip program in partnership with the National Park Service and a host of volunteers. To book a Wild River Journey Adventure for the 2019-2020 school year, please contact Jaime Souza at jaimes@scramail.com or call 715-483-3300 or request a program online at stcroixriverassociation.org/learn-explore/ rivers-are-alive.
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
*Athletes chosen by press staff
Sean Graff
Keaton Koenig
Forest Lake baseball
Stillwater swimming
Sean Graff was the leading hitter for the Forest Lake town baseball team with a .395 average, 26 runs-batted-in, 31 runs, four home runs and 14 doubles, all tops for WKH %UHZHUV ZKR ÀQLVKHG *UDII DQ LQÀHOGHU GUHZ ZDONV ZKLOH VWULNLQJ RXW just eight times, in 140 plate appearances. Graff previously played for North Branch High School and Bethel University.
.HDWRQ .RHQLJ D MXQLRU LQ KHU Ă€IWK YDUVLW\ season, is one of the leaders of the perenniallystrong Stillwater girls swimming team. In the season-opening Suburban East Relays on Aug. .RHQLJ ZDV SDUW RI Ă€UVW SODFH PHGOH\ relay and 800 freestyle relay teams. She made all-state last year, helping the 400 FR team place third at state. “Keaton is a dedicated and hard working athlete. She helps make the team better because of her presence.,â€? coach Brian Luke said.
Jordan Oberholtzer
Marissa Bonilia
Forest Lake soccer
Stillwater soccer
Jordan Oberholtzer, Forest Lake soccer senior IRUZDUG OHG WKH 5DQJHUV¡ VHDVRQ RSHQLQJ win over Blaine on Aug. 22, pumping in three goals and assisting on another. Oberholtzer is counted upon to lead the Ranger offense after he logged 13 goals and nine assists as a junior and made the coaches association all-state WHDP 6SHHG LV 2EHUKROW]HU¡V SULPDU\ DVVHW said coach Joe Tomas. Also a hockey player, Oberholtzer notched eight goals and 11 assists for the Ranger icemen as a sophomore.
Marissa Bonilia, sophomore forward, delivered two goals and assisted on another as the Stillwater soccer team opened with a 4-0 win over Rosemount on Aug. 22. Bonilia then knocked in the lone goal as the Ponies beat Anoka 1-0 on Aug. 24. She was one of three IUHVKPHQ RQ ODVW \HDU¡V WHDP WKDW SODFHG fourth in the state, and at state led a 2-0 win over Lakeville North with a goal and assist. “Marissa has incredible speed, and a knack for going to the goal,â€? said coach Mike Huber. “Her work rate and tenacity sets her apart.â€?
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Board split over mediation offer, superintendent’s future remains uncertain BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
The Stillwater Area School Board is still at odds over Superintendent Denise Pontrelli’s future with the district. At a recent meeting, board members discussed whether to enter into mediation to settle differences with Pontrelli. The Lee S. and Dorothy N. Whitson Fund has offered the district a $10,000-$20,000 grant to fund the cost of mediation services, but a motion to further explore the offer failed in a 3-3 vote. Board Chair Mike Ptacek and Directors Tina Riehle and Liz Weisberg cast the dissenting votes. Director Sarah Stivland was absent from the meeting. In July, the board voted 5-2 to enter into talks regarding a possible separation agreement with Pontrelli, which she has said she is uninterested in. Pontrelli and her supporters have instead encouraged the board to enter into mediation as a means of resolving ongoing tension between the board and district administration. Fund advisor Dianne Polasik, of Stillwater, urged board members to accept the mediation offer. “I’m asking you to set aside past emotions and talk together about the reality of where the district is now,” she said. “Will you try mediation respectfully and honestly?” However, some board members are hesitant to enter into mediation, as Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law requires those discussions to be public. Board Chair Mike Ptacek said he consulted the district’s attorney,
Maggie Wallner, who advised against public mediation as it could run the risk of disclosing private personnel data related to Pontrelli’s recent job evaluation and run the risk of defamation lawsuits. “I just don’t think, given the liability that’s out there for the district, that we can do that,” Ptacek said. Other board members echoed Ptacek’s concerns and reiterated their preference to discuss Pontrelli’s evaluation in a closed session. Though that would be permitted under the Open Meeting Law, in June, Pontrelli instead opted for a public self-evaluation, meaning the board has not yet discussed her evaluation as a group. “I would be much more inclined to mediation if we were fi rst allowed to have a closed session,” Weisberg said. “We could actually talk about things, work through some things.” Ptacek said that an informal opinion from the Minnesota Department of Administration Information Policy Analysis Division advised that the board could hold a closed session to discuss Pontrelli’s evaluation, even though the evaluation has been completed. However, following advice from her legal counsel, Pontrelli rejected the request to hold a closed evaluation. Weisberg and Riehle expressed disappointment in Pontrelli’s decision. “I am very disappointed that now we’ve been refused two closed evaluations when in the past that’s how it’s always been done,” Weisberg said. “I feel like it’s a ‘non-versation’ that we would have at an open mediation.” “We had an opportunity to have a
second chance for a closed session, which doesn’t cost anything to anybody, and that, again, was not utilized,” Riehle added. Pontrelli agreed that her decision was unusual. “Not very many people do that, but there was a reason that I did that because I think it’s important for the community to know that we have a good evaluation tool, that we’re doing great work as a school district,” she said. Pontrelli also alleged that a week before the June 12 evaluation session, Stivland had approached her, “asking for my resignation or a buyout or some type of an option.” That alleged conversation, along with advice from legal counsel, Pontrelli said, prompted her to reject the board’s request for a closed evaluation. She said that she has invited board members to discuss the evaluation with her individually, as Directors Mark Burns and Jennifer Pelletier have done. “(They) came in and had a conversation and gave me critical feedback on things that were working (and) things that they’d like to see more of,” Pontrelli said. “I haven’t had that conversation with the rest of the board members.” However, other board members said that conversations about the superintendent’s performance needed to be held collectively, with all members present. “We speak as a whole board, not as individual board members,” said Riehle. Pelletier, who made the motion to add the mediation discuss to the meeting’s agenda, said that her colleagues
were confusing the evaluation conversation with that of mediation and the Whitson Fund’s offer. “I think we’re kind of jumping the gun in making this about the evaluation …. This is an offer to have a discussion about how we might be able to work collaboratively with the superintendent,” Pelletier said. “I think we owe it to ourselves, as well as our community to take (the offer) seriously.” Burns added that set boundaries would ensure the board did not discuss private information during public meditation sessions. “If there is a well-defined structure to the mediation, I do not understand why it puts us in legal jeopardy.” Vice-Chair Shelley Pearson, however, disagreed. “I don’t know if (mediation) would do any good without being able to discuss the evaluation,” she said. “I think that’s just unfortunately where we land.” “I agree with Shelley; it has everything to do with the evaluation,” Riehle echoed. “And things that the board needs to discuss as a whole to build off of one another because we are one board.” A motion, proposed by Pelletier and seconded by Burns, to further explore the mediation offer failed in a 3-3 vote, with Ptacek, Riehle and Weisberg against. The board’s Aug. 22 meeting fell after press time. The board will meet again 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, and 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Stillwater City Hall, 216 N. 4th St.
Severe lung injury cases found among teens who reported vaping The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is encouraging Minnesota health care providers to be on alert for novel cases of severe lung disease potentially related to vaping and e-cigarette use among teens and young adults. Children’s Minnesota has reported finding four cases of severe lung injury in the metro area potentially related to vaping. These cases are similar to lung disease cases recently reported in Wisconsin and Illinois, though it is too early to say whether they are connected. “There are still many unanswered questions, but the health harms emerging from the current epidemic of youth vaping in Minnesota continue to increase,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and MDH medical director. “We are encouraging providers and parents to be on the lookout for vaping as a cause for unexplained breathing problems and lung injury and disease.” In Minnesota, symptoms have resulted in hospitalizations lasting multiple weeks, with some patients being admitted to the intensive care unit. Product names are unknown. “We are deeply concerned by the severe cases of lung injury associated with vaping that we are currently seeing,” said Dr. Emily Chapman, chief medical officer at Children’s Minnesota. “These cas-
es are extremely complex to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic a common infection yet can lead to severe complications and extended hospitalization. Medical attention is essential; respiratory conditions can continue to decline without proper treatment.” Clinical presentation among Minnesota cases included shortness of breath, fever, cough and vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms reported by some patients included headache, dizziness and chest pain. After receiving reports from Children’s Thursday, MDH started working in partnership with Children’s to learn more about the cases. Use of both nicotine and marijuana-based products were reported. The state health department is also asking providers to look for similar cases and report them. Clinicians should ask patients who present with pulmonary symptoms about tobacco and marijuana use, particularly vaping. Clinicians should consult with pulmonologists and evaluate for infectious diseases when treating patients with pulmonary symptoms who report a history of vaping. Patients and people with a history of vaping who are experiencing lung symptoms should seek clinical care. Patients and those experiencing symptoms should avoid using e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
E-cigarette aerosol contains harmful chemicals such as ultrafine particles, oil, heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead, and other cancer-causing chemicals. E-cigarettes, vapes, e-pipes and other vaping products are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale aerosolized liquid. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful to the adolescent brain. Nicotine can impact learning, memory and attention span, and contributes to future addiction to tobacco and other substances. The U.S. Surgeon General calls teen e-cigarette use an epidemic. Locally, the 2017 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey found that nearly 20% of highschool students use e-cigarettes and 40% have tried them. Youth e-cigarette use has surpassed conventional cigarettes as the most commonly used tobacco product category among youth. In addition, 34.7% of high school students and 15.8% of middle school students who currently use e-cigarettes have used an e-cigarette for recreational marijuana, THC or hash oil, or THC wax at least once in their lifetime. Learn more about e-cigarettes and other vaping products at E-cigarettes and Vapes.
SAVE THE DATE
Learn more about job opportunities available right where you live!
NE METRO JOB FAIR
Meet representatives from employers and organizations looking for candidates for a range of job opportunities from full-time, part-time, seasonal and volunteer positions!
Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 Jimmy’s Event Center | 2pm - 6pm 1132 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights
Suitable for entry-level, new grads, professional careers, seasoned experts, returning to the job market or looking to make a transition. n addition to meeting employers and organizations, take advantage of resources and services to improve your success!
Call or email Cori Black 651-407-1221 | employment@presspubs.com
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THE LOWDOWN
WALDFEST When: Noon-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day) Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Restaurant, 8390 Lofton Ave. Stillwater Details: Polka in the pine forest to music of the Artie Shafer Band and enjoy brats and beer. Contact: 651-439-7128 or gasthausbavarianhunter.com
CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW When: 3-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 4 & 18 Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, live music at 5 p.m., free festivities. Contact: discoverstillwater.com
ST. MARY’S GERMANFEST When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 Where: St. Mary’s Church, 423 5th St. S., Stillwater Details: Annual outdoor event with food, live polka music, dancing and beer. Contact: 651-269-2966 or stmarystilwater.org
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Where: Miron Century Farm,15250 Homestead Avenue N., Hugo Details: Free event hosted by the Fran and Mary Ann Miron family includes pancakes, sausage and dairy products will be served and guests are invited to make a free will donation to support scholarships for students studying agriculture. Families can see the animals, participate in a farm tour and learn more about agriculture by visiting the numerous displays. Contact: facebook.com/washington ramseycountyfarmbureau/
BACK YOUR BUDDY COMMUNITY FUN SHOOT When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Forest Lake Sportsman Club, 4648 240th St. N. Details: Community outreach trap shooting event teams up Trap students from local high schools with Community Service members. Teams will shoot 20 rounds; lunch follows. Spectators welcome. Contact: bmartin@flaschools.org
GRANT HERITAGE DAYS TRACTOR PARADE
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER When: Three weekend event, in September; time varies Where: Various locations along St. Croix River from Hudson to Taylors Falls Details: Celebration of art and music; many activities and events against a backdrop of autumn foliage. Some events require tickets. Contact: 651-439-1465 or artreachstcroix.org
RIVER VALLEY RIDERS 20TH ANNUAL WALK, WHEEL & RIDE A THON
When: 9-10 a.m. for horseback riders; 10-11 a.m. for walkers and wheelers, Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. Details: 8 mile horseback ride or 3 mile walk/wheel to benefit therapeutic riding and driving programs for people with special needs. Breakfast followed by walk/wheel/ride; lunch follows at noon. Pledge form online. Contact: 651-439-2558 or rivervalleyriders.org
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 & 14 Where: Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N. Details: Washington County Environmental Center offers satellite household hazardous waste, electronics, and recyclables collection and confidential document shredding. Contact: co.washington.mn.us
BREAKFAST ON THE FARM When: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
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Scandia Taco Daze When: Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N. Details: Annual community festival includes tacos, parade, dodgeball tourney, beer garden, arts and crafts, car and tractor show. Contact: scandiamarinelions.org/event/scandia-taco-daze/
GRAPE STOMP FESTIVAL When: Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8 Where: Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater Details: Family-friendly event with old-fashioned grape stomping, tours, music and prizes. Bring a picnic. Stomps at noon, 2 & 4 p.m.; Tours 1 & 3 p.m. Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
When: Noon Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Grant Town Hall, 8380 Kimbro Ave. NW and Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave. Details: Parade with nearly 80 tractors begins and ends at the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter restaurant, where participants can enjoy a free picnic lunch, kid activities, civic and cultural history, raffles and prizes. Registration 9-11:30 a.m. at the Gasthaus; tractor participant judging at Grant Town Hall 12:30 p.m.; Picnic and festivities at the Gasthaus 1-3 p.m. Contact: 651-429-3900 or facebook.comGrant Heritage Days
NOOKS & CRANNIES TOUR When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept 7 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater Details: Small group tours will explore areas of the Historic Courthouse that are typically closed off to the public, including the basement, attic, dome, and the 1870s jail that housed women and juveniles. Also exhibits. Reservations required. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington. mn.us/hcevents
WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo Details: Family event featuring local bluegrass bands. Contact: 651-430-6000 or co.washington.mn.us
MARKETING SKILLS FOR ARTISTS When: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Define your product, discover your target audience, make decisions about how you sell your work, and identify a budget and strategy for your artistic business in this class presented by Springboard for the Arts. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
70TH ANNIVERSARY LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST When: 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 Where: The Royal Golf Club, Lake Elmo Details: Support the United Way of Washington County-East and learn how to respond to community needs. Tickets $40. Contact: uwwce.org/leadershipbreakfast
SPECIAL STORYTIME: DANCE TOGETHER When: 9:45-10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Use movement to explore imagination, stories and music in this class where caregivers and children dance together. For children birth - 5 years. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
STILLWATER LADIES NIGHT OUT
RUNNING OF THE MEATBALLS When: 3-3:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Where: Oak Hill Rd., Scandia Details: Downhill race of thousands of “meatballs” (brown painted golf balls) is a fundraiser for historic building renovations. Tickets $5 or $20 for 5. Contact: 651-433-5053 or gammelgardenmuseum.org
WILD RICE FESTIVAL
When: 2-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 Where: 100 Main St., Stillwater Details: Downtown shops offer discounts, drink specials, food samples, fashion tips and decorating ideas, followed by drawing at 8:30 p.m. Contact: 651-342-1386 or mainstreetstillwateriba.com
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 Where: St. Mary’s Church, 423 5th Street S.,Stillwater Details: Food, crafts, silent auction, games and family fun at the 50th Annu- GROWING TEFFLA al festival. AT WALDOCH FARM Contact: 651-439-4400 or When: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 stmarystillwater.org
Where: Waldoch Farm, 8174 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes Details: Fundraiser for educational opportunities in the Forest Lake Area. Contact: teffla.org
OKTOBERFEST AT THE GASTHAUS When: 5-11 p.m. Friday & Saturdays, Noon-6 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22 Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Restaurant, 8390 Lofton Ave. Stillwater Details: Festival tent, German food, beer and oompah music. Sundays are family days with face painting and live music. Over 21 only. Contact: 651-439-7128 or gasthausbavarianhunter.com
SHAUN JOHNSON BIG BAND EXPERIENCE When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Emmy Award-winning crooner and lead singer of the internationally known vocal group, Tonic Sol-fa performs vocal jazz and swing with a contemporary punch. Tickets $35. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
POWER TOOLS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS When: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Marine Elementary School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Class for women and girls to increase comfort in using basic power tools such as a cordless drill, random orbital sander, reciprocating saw, and jigsaw. $40. Contact: 651-983-5244 or marinemillsfolkschool.org
NORTHWOODS HUMANE SOCIETY’S 21ST ANNUAL WALK WITH THE ANIMALS When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Lent Town Hall, 33155 Hemingway Ave., Stacy Details:Activities include a 1.5 mile walk, games, bake sale, silent auction, shopping for pet supplies, $5 nail trim and $20 microchipping for cats and dogs, and a food truck. Rain or shine. Contact: northwoodshs.org/ fundraising-events/walk2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
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WASHINGTON COUNTY HORTICULTURE SOCIETY When: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 Where: Hope Church, 7910 15th St. N., Oakdale Details: Organic Bob will speak on “Building Healthy Soils” at monthly meeting. Free; all are welcome. Contact: washingtoncounty hortsocietymn.webstarts.com
MUSHROOM WEIRDOS When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 Where: River Market classroom, 218 N. Main St., Stillwater Details: Learn when and where to look for delicious, nutritious, strange-looking fungi and how to prepare them. $15 r $10 for co-op owners. Contact: 651-439-0366 or education@rivermarketcoop
A CONVERSATION WITH JUSTICE ALAN PAGE SUBMITTED
The Secret Garden: In Concert When and where: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2:30 and 7:30 Saturday, Sept 14, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept 22 at Aamodt’s Apple Farm, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater Details: Zephyr Theatre performs the award-winning musical that tells the story of a recently orphaned girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle and his invalid son, where she finds a secret garden and spirits to help guide her into her new life. Tickets $30. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
PRAIRIE BURN MUSIC FESTIVAL
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
When: Noon- 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: YMCA Camp St. Croix, 532 County Rd. F, Hudson, Wisconsin Details: Family-friendly festival includes folk and bluegrass music, food and drinks, games and camp activities. Contact: 715-386-4380 or ymcamn.org
When: 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 Where: Tin Bins, 413 E. Nelson St., Stillwater Details:Kick off the 2019-2020 program year and the Centennial Year of the League of Women Voters with a presentation and discussion on “Protesters, Prisoners and Political Persuaders: Women’s suffrage and 100 Years of LWV.” Contact: 612-618-2502
KIDS-MAKE-SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Former defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings and retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page discusses his life and work. Justice Page was the first African American to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. Contact: 651-433-2820 or marinecommunitylibrary.org
BAYPORT DERBY DAY When: Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Bayport, city-wide Details: Food, craft fair, duck races, live music, fireworks, sporting tournaments, pet parade and fireworks display. Contact: bayportcommuni tyactionleague.com
STILLWATER BOOM SITE LOG RUN
NORTHERN LIGHTS PIG ROAST AND CAR SHOW
When: 1 to 4 pm Saturday, Sept. 14 Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Franconia Details: Students ages 4-18 create sculptures with assistance of Franconia staff and artists. Contact: 651-257-6668 or franconia.org
When: Gate opens 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 Forest Blvd. N. Hugo Details: Car show, kids games, door prizes and craft sale. Breakfast available 9-11 a.m.; pig roast dinner 203:30 p.m., Dash plaques for the first 500 cars; trophies presented at 12:30 p.m. Admission $20; or $15 pre-registered by Sept. 6. See list of restrictions online. Contact: blacksmithlounge. com
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Various starting points; ends at the Boom Site north of downtown Stillwater Details: 10 mile, 12K & 5K scenic routes north of Stillwater. Contact: stillwaterlogrun.com
THE LOWDOWN
MODERN TAPESTRY WEAVING FOR BEGINNERS When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Marine Elementary School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Students will learn all aspects of beginning weaving, including how to warp a loom, what to consider when choosing the correct yarns for a project and three weaving techniques, and take home a finished wall hanging. $65. Contact: 651-983-5244 or marinemillsfolkschool.org
STEM SATURDAY: BIRD BANDING When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Kids ages 6-12 will work on our bird identification skills, talk about food webs, and learn about bird migration and bird banding. Bring binoculars. No registration required. Contact: washcolib.org
“BILLY & ELTON: THE HITS” TRIBUTE CONCERT When: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: WCCO TV’s “Man About Town” and Kawai-Endorsed pop pianist and vocalist Phil Thompson will perform a night full of Billy & Elton’s biggest hits. Tickets $25. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
CENTURY COLLEGE 2ND ANNUAL ALUMNI CRUISE When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: Stillwater River Boats 525 S Main St. Details: Join fellow Century College (Lakewood, 916 VoTech, Northeast Metro Technical) alumni for an afternoon sailing the scenic St. Croix River aboard the historic Anastasia River Boat. View fall foliage while networking, socializing, and enjoying delicious food. Anyone who has taken one class is considered an alum. $20/person. Contact: 651-779-3355 or facebook.com/ events/429006617683052/
DOWNTON ABBEY MOVIE TEA PARTY When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Come to the library in tea party clothes to learn how to make a proper cup of tea (and then enjoy one), make a fancy hat, test knowledge of
all things Downton Abbey and more. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
BLUEGRASS AND LEMONADE IN THE SHADE When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail, Scandia Details: Listen to area musicians play bluegrass and enjoy free lemonade. Guided tours at 1p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for $7. Contact: 651-433-5053 or gammelgardenmuseum.org
ANDA FLAMENCO COMPANY When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Enjoy authentic Spanish flamenco with virtuoso guitar mastery and percussive footwork. Tickets $22. All Ages. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
INTRO TO EDIBLE AND NATIVE LANDSCAPING When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 Where: River Market classroom, 218 N. Main St., Stillwater Details: Class for those interested in converting lawns into a more productive garden. Learn the considerations to make when selecting the right edible and native plantings and techniques to create low maintenance gardens. $5 or free for co-op owners. Contact: 651-439-0366 or education@rivermarketcoop
AN EVENING WITH HERMAN JONES When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Minneapolis-based Herman Jones, My Funk Brother and Friends brings back the great sounds of the ’70s and ’80s bands with funk, R&B, and blues. Tickets $20. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
ART TROLLEY ADVENTURE TOURS When: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 Where: Stillwater Trolley, 400 Nelson St. S. Details: Jump aboard the trolley for behind the scenes tours, meet artists, hands on demonstration. Sept. event travels to Shafer and Franconia. Picnic lunch & wine included. $79. Contact: mywahooadventures.com
Shop • Dine • Relax • Stay in Downtown White Bear Lake
www.DowntownWhiteBearLake.com Over 200 Shops & Businesses in a Beautiful 14 Block Area
Shop Downtown White Bear Lake
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FUNDS FOR FRIENDS When: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater Details: Valley Freindship Club’s Annual Breakfast and Fashion Show features breakfast, fashion show, local merchants, music, art sale, and Bloody Mary bar. Supports inclusive social and educational activities for children, teens and young adults with disabilities. Free; donation requested. Contact: 651-491-6486 or valleyfriendshipclub.org
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artists, entertainment, food vendors and more. Contact: 715-386-8411 or thephipps.org/ events/art-fair
AFTON ART IN THE PARK When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 Where: Town Square Park, Afton Details: 100+ vendors showcasing fine art, live music, food wine and beer garden, craft and activities for kids. Contact: aftonartfair.com
STILLWATER FLEA MARKET
MEDITATION: AN ANTIDOTE TO STRESS
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., Lake Elmo Details: Free outdoor flea and crafter’s market. Contact: 715-557-1785 or rsgdevelopment.com/fleamarket
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Explore the healing power of meditation and learn how to create peace in life in spite of the stress. No registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
SPIRIT OF THE ST. CROIX ART FESTIVAL
CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 Where: Lakefront Park, downtown Hudson. Details: Free. More than 65 juried
SEPTEMBER 2019
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Details: Bid on collectibles, antiques, lawn & garden and household items. Consignments taken the morning on
SUBMITTED
46th Annual Marine Art Fair When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 Where: Downtown Marine on St. Croix Details: Fundraiser for Marine Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Department. Outdoor juried event; multiple artists and craftspeople. Contact: marineonstcroix.org the auction 7-9:30 a.m. Contact: 507-256-4459 or mangesauction@yahoo.com
DRYLAND SKIJORING CLINIC When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve Nor-
dic Center, 1515 Keats Ave. Details: Opportunity for beginners to try the sport of dog-assisted cross-country skiing. Includes equipments and instruction. $10/person plus park permit; registration required. Contact: co.washington.mn.us/parks
Forest Lake
Collection Day Saturday, September 7 & 14 · 8 am – 2 pm Bring unwanted household hazardous materials and electronics to the collection day event. Accepted materials include: automotive, household, yard & garden, and home improvement. Location
Forest Lake Transit Center 19987 Fitzgerald Tr. N. dN Forest Lake, MN st R Fore YMCA 55025
Headwaters Service Center
61
Headwaters Pkwy
All items listed will be accepted from residents of Washington, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties only. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, is required. More info: www.co.washington.mn.us (Click on Environmental Center) | 651-275-7475
SEPTEMBER 2019
THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com
Catchin’ big fish The big rod doubled over, the drag screamed as the 10-year-old’s arms strained against the power of fins and muscle. Without warning, the big fish erupted from the water heading into the sky, twisting and turning until re-entry, vanishing into the deep. I could see Brady’s eyes enlarge when he saw the big fish he had on. He fought to keep the rod tip up against a fish Wild River that wanted to get as far away from us as Trails possible. “Keep the rod tip Jim Bennett up, keep reeling, you can’t let the line go slack, you’re doing great,” came the encouraging words from Ben Elfelt, a good friend and fishing guide who asked us to come with him as he scouted a lake for future clients. Brady finally turned the fish, heading it back towards the boat. As it got closer it came to the surface. Ben was quick to recognize the fish. “It’s a muskie!” Brady’s eyes grew even bigger! I could almost hear his heart pounding as I grabbed the big net as the fish made a run at the boat where it went airborne again right in Brady’s face. Excitement to the max was written all over his mug. Ben calmly gave directions that Brady followed to a tee and again turned the fish towards the boat. All I had to do was scoop it up. I’m not sure who hollered the louder “YES!” — Brady or Ben — when the fish was in the net. After a few quick pics, Brady released the fish by its tail, letting go after a helpful handshake, pumping in O2 so it could swim away in good shape. We were trolling big-lipped Rapalas
that dove to around 13 feet on two-level wind reels set up on trolling rods and another rod set up with lead core line. Ben was looking for walleye, but Brady’s fi rst muskie was a lot more exciting for Brady. When the next rod popped, Brady was happy to have his name called again. After a good fight, we netted a 24-inch pike that foul hooked itself so it felt much larger but still exceeded the 21-inch pike that Brady pulled through the ice two winters ago. When the next fish hit, Ben grabbed the rod and set the hook before handing it to Brady. “This is another nice fish,” added Ben, as it made a nice run before it went down deep playing dirty, but making Ben think he had found a walleye. Once it when came into view, Ben shouted, “It’s a big pike!” Brady was all smiles working the pike with Ben’s same encouraging directions. I grabbed the net and scooped up the fish up like Orlando Arcia, shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, would do to a one-hopper. After that, it was photo time and another released fish. Although Ben never did find any walleye on this quick scouting trip, we did find some big fish and some crappie before we had to head in. Ben had to get his 1-year-old daughter Eleanor to the doctor, where she got four shots. Ben said she was not a happy baby afterwards. All I know is that Brady was a happy angler and is still watching the videos and looking at photos of the two biggest fish he has ever caught, as well as his first muskie! Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com
SUBMITTED
Ben Elfelt and Brady display the muskie they caught.
NAMES IN THE NEWS Michael Ochsenbauer, a recent graduate of Forest Lake Senior High School, was one of 25 Eagle Scouts selected by Northern Star Scouting to receive a $1,000 scholarship. The council awards 20 to 35 scholarships annually to candidates who have demonstrated outstanding troop leadership, scholastic achievement and strong citizenship. Since the program began in 1990, more than $500,000 has been distributed. Ochsenbauer earned his Eagle Award as a member of Troop 9487, chartered St Peter’s Catholic Church in Forest Lake, where he served in many troop leadership positions. Scouting highlights include taking part in high adventure programs in the BWCA, a summer troop trip to Glendalough State Park and providing silent auction service for St. Peter’s.
SUBMITTED
Michael Ochsenbauer
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SEPTEMBER 2019 www.presspubs.com
Art at every river bend: ‘Take Me to the River’ highlights vibrant local arts scene
FROM PAGE 1
BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
The St. Croix Valley will transform into a sprawling outdoor art gallery for three weekends in September, when Take Me to the River returns for another year. The annual event, which runs Sept. 7-29, is a massive endeavor, with 14 individual events expected to draw tens of thousands of art enthusiasts to the area throughout the three weekends. Deemed the “festival of festivals,” Take Me to the River includes art fairs, open artist studios, music festivals and more, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with art. Whether you’re seeking to create a memorable art-fi lled day or plan on, exploring the St. Croix Valley’s arts scene is made easier with the sample itineraries available on the event website, takemetotheriver.info. Below is an overview of when and where selected events will take place throughout the nearly month-long arts celebration. Franconia Art and Artists Celebration Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer 12–6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Franconia Sculpture Park will host a full day of family fun Sept. 28, offering handson art activities and free guided tours of the 40 new sculptures by this year’s artists. Musical performances will take place throughout the day—the line-up features the Swongos, the Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League and headliner Superior Siren. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit franconia.org/eventsprograms Three Artists at the Big Pink 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 20–22 Take Me to the River’s newest event invites visitors to enjoy art and architecture at a unique Stillwater landmark. The Big Pink, designed by Tim Old, will host pottery, painting, photography and weaving and will highlight work by artists Joe Samuelson, Paul Randall and Kristen Kaas Sept. 20–22. Enter from the intersection of North 2nd St. and Willow St. For more information, visit josephsamuelson.com or kristenkaas.com. Marine Art Fair 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 21–22 Downtown Marine on St. Croix More than 100 artists displaying a variety of fine arts, pottery, woodworking, jewelry and photography during the 46th annual Marine Art Fair. Proceeds from sales benefit the Marine on St. Croix Fire and Rescue Department. For more information, visit marineonstcroix.org/artfair
ARTREACH ST. CROIX | SUBMITTED
Pottery by Sarah Dudgeon at Peter Jadoonath’s Backyard Pottery Sale in Shafer. The pottery sale is part of Take Me to the River and the River Valley Potters fall tour.
Sharon Weiser Art Studio Sale 12 p.m.–8 p.m. Sept. 21 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 22–23 1940 S. Greeley St., Stillwater Sharon Weiser and guest artists invite festival-goers to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Weiser’s spacious, light-fi lled studio. Weiser, an awardwinning representational painter, established her studio in 2011. She will be joined by Nadine Jentzsch and Jon Kamrath. Jentzsch uses acrylics and mixed media to create abstract/ intuitive paintings and has a mission to create art that calms the soul. Kamrath creates architecturallyinspired sculpture and landscapes constructed from clay, metal and wood. For more information, visit sharonweiser.com Nick Earl Pottery Sale 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept 27-29 Abnet Farm, 16885 Square Lake Trail, Stillwater A still place in a turning world, Abnet Farm was established in the 1960s by the late potter Richard Abnet. Come experience beautiful handmade pottery spread throughout the century-old barn and its surrounding gardens. Join Nick Earl and guest potters Bill Gossman, Ernest Miller and David Swenson for a weekend full of wonderful art and great people in an inspiring setting. For more information, visit nickearlpottery.com Peter Jadoonath Backyard Pottery Sale 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept 27–29 30208 Tern Ave., Shafer Peter Jadoonath and friends Joe Singewald, Ani Kasten, Mike Helke, Ross Nordquist and Sarah Dudgeon will sell a diverse selection of functional pottery. The annual sale is hosted at the Jadoonath studio, a 19th-century homestead surrounded by towering maples and old pine trees. Visitors can enjoy a fall beverage with great pots, great people and a slice of pie. Guillermo Cuellar & Friends Fall Pottery Sale 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 27–29 The annual three-day sale takes place at Guillermo Cuellar’s studio, located on the bluffs that overlook the
ARTREACH ST. CROIX | SUBMITTED
Ceramics by Ernest Miller at Nick Earl Fall Pottery Sale at Abnet Farm in Stillwater. The pottery sale is part of Take Me to the River and the River Valley Potters fall tour.
SHARON WEISER | SUBMITTED
Winter Play, an oil painting by awarding winning artist Sharon Weiser, showcases the region’s majestic trumpeter swans. This and similar paintings will be available at the Sharon Weiser Art Studio Sale in Stillwater. The open studio is part of Take Me to the River.
St. Croix River. Cuellar will exhibit his handmade pottery alongside that of Alana Cuellar, Doug Hanson, Jim Lorio, Leila Denecke and Mike Norman. Furniture by wood and metal artist Paul Howe, Peruvian rugs and weavings from ArtAndes, and botanical print scarves by Diane Gamm will also be available for sale. Look for a red sign for the pottery on St. Croix Trail (Hwy. 95), a halfmile north of the intersection of Osceola Trail (Hwy. 243). Mary Jo Van Dell Studio – Judd Street Exchange 1–8 p.m. Sept. 27 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept 28-29 Above the Marine General Store, 101 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix Van Dell Studio and Gallery, the Judd Street Exchange, features Mary Jo Van Dell’s contemporary
oil paintings as well as other fine art by established ceramic, wood, glass and sculptural artists from the region. Located above the historic Marine General Store, visitors are invited to experience the unforgettable art and scenic charm of the St. Croix Valley. For more information, visit maryjovandell.com Afton Art in the Park Town Square Park, Afton 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 28 and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sept. 29 The 41st annual Afton Art in the Park will be held Sept. 28-29. The two-day outdoor fine arts and traditional craft fair takes place in Afton’s Town Square Park and features more than 90 vendors showcasing fine arts, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fiber and more.
For more information, visit exploreafton.com/art-in-thepark Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival Lakefront Park, Hudson 10 a.m.–5 p.m Sept. 28 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sept. 29 Each year, the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival draws thousands of visitors to experience creativity through a wide variety of artistic disciplines. This year’s event features original artwork by more than 90 juried artists, showcasing their work on the banks of the St. Croix. Artist demos, music and live performances will add to the atmosphere of fine art amid the fall weather. Elizabeth Callen can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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Capturing a sense of place
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Melanie Burley and Monica King encounter breezy conditions as they use Forest Lake Beach near downtown to launch their kayaks into the lake for a late summer paddle.
16 THE LOWDOWN
SEPTEMBER 2019 www.presspubs.com
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
BAYPORT
bash
Rivertown Fall Art Festival 2019 Lowell Park, Stillwater riverfront October 5th - 6th Saturday, October 5th - 10a.m. to 5p.m. Party in the Park Saturday! 5p.m. to 8p.m. LIVE MUSIC with Free & Easy on the main stage Sunday, October 6th - 11a.m. to 4p.m. RivertownFallArtFestival.com
SEPTEMBER 7TH
11AM•TO•2PM
LIVE MUSIC & FOOD
The Rivertown Fall Art Festival has been part of the beautiful and historic Stillwater riverfront for over 30 years. This event will feature high-end artwork ranging from custom made jewelry, hand-thrown pottery & hand-blown glass, to gorgeous paintings, photographs, lovely ďŹ ber work, wood and more. Relax on the grass and listen to live music, shop, enjoy some beverages and food.
FAMILY FUN + SHRED-IT TRUCK FURRY FRIENDS FROM COCO’S HEART
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New espresso trailer serves up something for everyone BY SHANNON GRANHOLM QUAD PRESS EDITOR
HUGO — Motorists traveling along Highway 61 will be happy to fi nd another option for coffee and breakfast. As of August, The Espresso Base and Treats trailer was parked in front of the Blacksmith Lounge (17205 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo), where it plans to remain for 30 days. But, don’t worry, its proprietors hope to stick around longer. St. Paul resident Deb Johnson purchased the trailer from Maple Island Brewery in Stillwater about a year ago along with her daughters Arianna Johnson and Karissa Johnson-Schmidt. Despite some delays in opening due to a faulty generator, the trailer is now up and running from 6:30 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. Buying a trailer offered some immediate benefits. “We can go wherever we want to go and sell coffee, dessert drinks and pastries,” Deb Johnson said. The family can also bring the trailer to Florida for various events and art shows from November or December through April. It is not uncommon for Johnson to drink 15 cups of coffee a day. Coffee has long been a passion for her family. “We would go to visit my great-great grandmother on White Earth Reservation and she would drink her coffee with chocolate syrup. I really enjoyed it and was drinking coffee at 12 years old,” she recalled. “All the women in our family have always had coffee.” Six years ago, the family owned a coffee shop/thrift store in Somerset, Wisconsin, for a couple of years. Johnson’s dream is to one day own a “brickand-mortar” coffee shop of her own, hopefully in this area along Highway 61. “We are trying to bring convenience for our customers,” she said. “There is nothing on this side except for Kodiak Coffee in Forest Lake, and then there is nothing all the way until White Bear Lake.” The Espresso Base serves coffee, of course, but patrons can order an espresso specialty drink: Americano, latte, cappuccino, mocha, café breve and macchiato. Specialty frappé coffees are also on offer, including salted caramel, java
chip and strawberry. There are even selections for the kids — cotton candy or a unicorn (topped with whipped cream, Nerds candy and rainbow sprinkles). “We have more than just coffee. We have something for everyone,” Johnson explained. If something is not on the menu, she encourages customers to make a request. In addition to coffee, cream-based or dairyfree smoothies (mango, wild berry and guava) and frozen lemonades (cherry, raspberry, strawberry and lemon lime) are available. The Espresso Base and Treats has hungry patrons covered, too: in addition to breakfast sandwiches, it also carries breakfast bowls, pancakes, pigs in a blanket, yogurt parfaits, cereal in a cup and fresh pastries. If customers want their order to be ready to go when they pull up, they can either contact Johnson directly by calling/texting 651226-7574 or messaging her on Facebook or Snapchat, with payment via PayPal. The Espresso Base offers concessions at corporate events, art shows, outdoor events, weddings, graduation parties and catering. “We can do any kind of party you have going on,” she said. Johnson hopes to fi nd another location in the area to park the trailer before they head to Florida for the winter. If the family does secure a building space for a coffee shop, she said they will stick around and stop being snowbirds. For more information about The Espresso Base and Treats, visit facebook.com/ theespressobase.
SUBMITTED
The Espresso Base and Treats is now parked outside of the Blacksmith Lounge in Hugo and ready for business. The trailer serves coffee, espresso specialty drinks, smoothies and breakfast food.
[Making it fun: Awarding grants; fostering student success.]
JOIN US AS WE RAISE A LEAST $80,019 TO AWARD GRANTS FOR INSPIRED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOREST LAKE AREA!
GROWING TEFFLA AT WALDOCH FARM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 20189 5:30-8:00 PM WALDOCH FARM 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 651-780-1207 www.waldochfarm.com
Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com. THIS EVENT IS
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You can bid now! Check out qtego.net/qlink/teffla for registration and bids!
Food and fun from 5:30 l Live Auction starting at approximately 7:15 Thank you to the many partners, including our presenting sponsor, Hallberg Family Foundation and Waldoch Farm, who make this event possible. For a complete sponsor listing, and event details, visit www.TEFFLA.ORG/events.
TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING SOMETHING GREAT! Visit our website for more information www.TEFFLA.org
APPLY NOW FOR 2019-20 CLASSROOM/PROGRAM GRANTS Visit: teffla.org/all-grants
18 THE LOWDOWN
SEPTEMBER 2019 www.presspubs.com
2019 Derby Days is back! The Bayport Community Action League is at it Ć?Ç•Ć?ǣȇ Ć?ȇƳ Ç?ȒɀɎǣȇǕ (ƺȸƍɾ (Ć?ɾɀً ³ƺȾɎƺȅƍƺȸ ‍ Ů?×?×?َ׎×?‏hȒǣȇ É–É€ ǔȒȸ IĂˆz‍َ‏˥ǟǟƺƳ ĆłĆ?ɾɀ Č’Ç” ƺɎƺȇɎɀ Ć?ǟǟ Ć?ƏȸȒɀɀ Ȓɖȸ ǟȒɎƺǟɾ ɎȒɯȇ Č’Ç” Ć?ɾȾȒȸɎŮ? !Ç?ƺƏǸ Č’É–ÉŽ Ȓɖȸ ɀƏÇ?ƺƳɖǟƺ Č’Ç” ƺɎƺȇɎɀ ƍƺǟȒɯ Ć?ȇƳ ɀɎĆ?Éľ ɎɖȇƺƳ ǔȒȸ ȅȒȸƺ ǣȇǔȒŮ?
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651-430-2792
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Spread the word to friends, family + locals! Let's make this years event the best one yet!
Friday Night: Street Dance 6-7 p.m. Open Mic 7:30-10:30 p.m. live music “Boats and Bridges� River Dogs will be serving food
Saturday: Events around town 9-11 a.m. Breakfast at the Bayport Legion 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Book sale at the Bayport Library 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Maker's Market in Village Green 11 a.m. Medallion Hunt - clues at the Legion every hour - $500 prize 10 a.m. Medallion Hunt for Kids at the Bayport Library 2 Kindle Fire tablets (1 for winner of the hunt &+ 1 for the winner of drawing) 11 a.m. Duck sales begin for the Duck Derby at 12 p.m. $5/duck 12 p.m. Duck Derby. 1st place $150, 2nd place $100, and 3rd place $50!
Saturday: Events at Lakeside Park 3-5 p.m. Vintage baseball 3-6 p.m. All age activities, kid-friendly activities 4-8:30 p.m. Food/Drink (including beer), glow toy sales and Music! ‍ ׎בيזَ׎בيו‏ȾŮ?Č…Ů? Ȓȇ˥ȸƺ Ć?ȇƳ ÇŁĆŹĆş ƏȸƺĆ?Č… ɀȒƏǣĆ?Çź 8:30 p.m. FIREWORKS! 651-342-0376 | 338 5th Ave. N. Bayport, MN thewilderscratchkitchen.com
200 Fifth Avenue South Bayport, MN !!! " #
Scott Edlin, DC 287 Central Ave, Bayport, MN 55003 651-351-5070
Before you hit the road get your vehicle inspected
FREE! Braun Automotive Repair
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263 3rd St N, Bayport BayportLegion.org
“The More Tishans� Saturday, Sept. 21 7:30-10:30pm $5 at the door
Derby Days Medallion Hunt Clues given out at 10am at the Legion
www.breadart.biz 110 N. Third St. Bayport, MN 55003
651-351-1475
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Interested in becoming a member?
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DOWNTIME
SEPTEMBER 2019
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SEPTEMBER WEATHER OUTLOOK
Weather Tidbit: I really don’t know how to best describe this past summer. How would you describe this past summer? It’s hard to believe that we’re winding down yet another one, but here we are just a few weeks from the first official day of Fall, which begins on Monday, September 23 at 2:50am. Look for the sun to rise due east and set due west. There were a few notable weather events last month. A heavy rain of 2.63 inches fell on August 18. There wasn’t much in the way of wind with this rain. For the year, I’m already nearing my yearly precipitation total, 28.68 vs. 33.10 inches. A severe storm went through the area on August 5 with high winds and hail. One thing that does stand out was the lack of 90º days this summer. I’ve had only two! In a normal year we would have had 11-12. We still could get one or two 90º readings this month but it’s highly doubtful. Fall colors are expected to peak late this month and into early October. Also, I’m looking for weather/outdoor/nature photos for my weather calendar. Receive a free calendar if I use yours. Email me at WatsonWx@aol.com.
Morning Planets: Uranus Evening Planets: Jupiter, Saturn 8 Jupiter south of moon 23 Autumnal Equinox 2:50am 26 Regulus south of moon
8 Saturn north of moon 13 Beehive south of moon
AREA NORMALS FOR SEPTEMBER SEPT 1 TO 7
SEPT 8-14
SEPT 15-21
SEPT 22-28
% DAYLIGHT HOURS
% DAYLIGHT HOURS
AVG. HIGH……80 AVG. LOW…… 57 SUNSHINE…… 63
AVG. HIGH……77 AVG. LOW…… 55 SUNSHINE…… 57
AVG. HIGH……74 AVG. LOW…….52 SUNSHINE….…58
Precipitation0.90
Precipitation0.72
Precipitation0.94
% DAYLIGHT HOURS
% DAYLIGHT HOURS
AVG. HIGH……70 AVG. LOW…… 47 SUNSHINE…… 61 Precipitation0.65
Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Frank Watson is a local meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
September to Remember ACORN APPLE AUTUMN BACKPACK BARBECUE BOOK BRAVE BREAK BREEZE CELEBRATE CIDER COLOR FALL FOOTBALL HARVEST HEROES LABORDAY LEAVES MEMORIAL MIGRATE PICNIC PUMPKIN RAKE REMEMBER RESCUE SCHOOL SUMMER SUNFLOWER TRAVEL WEEKEND
ACROSS 1. Adventure stories 6. Amphetamines 12. Extend the limits 16. Article 17. Socially disoriented 18. Gold 19. Part of the mind 20. “Rubber Band Man” rapper 21. Take by force 22. Football position 23. American cola 24. Risk management plans (abbr.) 26. Narrow channel on the moon 28. Semitic alphabet letter 30. Dorm employee 31. Dessert dish 32. A street where nightmares happen 34. For each 35. Fat from a pig 37. Easily altered 39. Salvador __, Spanish artist 40. The last CEO of Sears 41. One who lades 43. Russian pop duo 44. Fictional free city of Essos 45. Cool! 47. Strong liquor 48. Rural delivery 50. Brews
FUN FACTS Why do we give our teacher an apple? The tradition goes back to 16th century Denmark, where teachers didn’t earn enough for food so parents would send their children to school with an apple for them.
52. Compound found in hops 54. Where golfers begin holes 56. Third note of a major scale 57. City of Angels 59. Snag 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Controversial retired wide receiver 62. For example 63. Free to use 66. Carson’s sidekick 67. Pirate saying 70. Convulses 71. Semitic gods
DOWN 1. Split apart 2. Equally 3. Mountain passes 4. Another name for Thor 5. Chinese chess piece 6. Helpless 7. US army designation (abbr.) 8. Micturated 9. One to respect 10. Small Greek island 11. In a thinly dispersed way 12. Put two together 13. Of the supernatural 14. Type of structure in organic
chemistry 15. Card game 25. Feeling of discomfort 26. Get free of 27. Unit of measurement 29. A person who enjoys good food and drink 31. Violin maker 33. Noted psychotherapist 36. Complete 38. Ballplayers’ tool 39. Afternoon illumination 41. Points a finger at 42. Moved quickly 43. ‘__ death do us part 46. Blue jeans 47. French Jesuit theologian 49. Dissuades 51. Eastern European peoples 53. Abnormal rattling sound 54. Air-breathing land snail genus 55. Turfs 58. Farewells 60. __ mater: one’s school 64. They __ 65. Baby’s eating accessory 68. Priestess of Hera 69. Type of railroad
DID YOU KNOW? High school was actually created to deter teenagers from working! Until the Great Depression, public high schools didn’t exist, as kids went only up to the 8th grade (unless they were rich). But in order to slow the flood of young men entering the workforce during the Depression, high school was created, ensuring the few jobs went to adults and family men.
24 THE LOWDOWN
SEPTEMBER 2019 www.presspubs.com
V IN TAGE V I EW F IN DER
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
A postcard depicts a trolley car traveling along Rattlesnake Curve by Lake McKusick in Stillwater. The area where the tracks were is now McKusick Road and a pedestrian and bike trail that intersects with the Brown’s Creek and Gateway state bike trails.
Constituents crowd Emmer’s town hall to talk health care, environment BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
SCANDIA — Constituents from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District fi lled Scandia City Hall this summer for a town hall meeting with U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R). Questions covered a range of concerns, from gun safety in schools to war with Iran to mining in the Boundary Waters. Emmer, a former state representative, has represented Minnesota’s 6th District since 2015. He secured a third term in 2018, winning his re-election bid against DFL challenger Ian Todd with 61% of the votes. Emmer serves on the House Financial Services Committee and chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which recruits Republican candidates and works to elect Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives. Among the topics raised by constituents at the town hall meeting, health care and the environment dominated much of the conversation. Joan Del Rio, of Stacy, urged Emmer to address the rising cost of health insurance premiums. “I pay $560 (for health insurance) every month … and it covers nothing except for some preventive testing until I then throw in another $6,650. I can’t go to the doctor, even though I pay $560 a month because I go and I incur more bills, and my income is finite,” she said. “Please do something about that.” Emmer blamed the Affordable Care Act for costly health insurance premiums. “The Affordable Care Act did not work. It has collapsed. It’s dead. It’s gone. It drove up premiums. It reduced choice.” Emmer also said that health care has been overly politicized by both parties. “What I disagree with is Republicans and Democrats pointing the fi nger at one another over these things. This is not a political issue. We’ve made it one.” “It was your (party’s) bill to begin with,” one constituent interrupted. “Oh, here you go; ‘it’s you guys.’ I don’t mean to be critical, but it shouldn’t be about us and you …. It’s not whether someone is a Republican or a
ELIZABETH CALLEN | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Wendy Ward, of Marine on St. Croix, addresses U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer during a town hall meeting at Scandia City Hall.
Democrat. It’s (about) what are your ideas to try and tackle it,” Emmer responded. “The other way didn’t work. We’ve got to start looking at how do you drive premiums back down while at the same time providing coverage for pre-existing conditions so that everybody can get access to the health care they need …. At the end of the day, it’s an insurance issue.” Emmer also said that he believes that health care should be the purview of individual states and not the federal government. “What we should do is return the authority back to the state. We should restore Minnesota’s ability to choose.” He has previously said that he supports a system in which insurance can be purchased across state lines and moves with an individual, which he says will extend coverage and competition. Several attendees pressed Emmer on his environmental record. Wendy Ward, of Marine on St. Croix, questioned Emmer’s support for the PolyMet and Twin Metals mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). “I’m wondering if you’re aware of the immense
financial risks the state is assuming by allowing this project …. Every copper-sulfite mine has left communities and environments destroyed,” she said. “I’m wondering why you think it’s acceptable to saddle us as taxpayers with a perpetually toxic environment and then the tax bill to respond to this health crisis.” Emmer said that he trusts environmental review results for both projects. “If someone proposes a project that doesn’t meet the environmental review standards (and) is going to destroy the environment or leave the devastation that you suggest, it should never go forward. We have never advocated for that,” he said. “With the PolyMet situation, as I understand, it has gone through a decade-plus of review …. If it makes it through the process, and it has been proved through the incredibly steep and detailed environmental processes of the state, it should be allowed to proceed.” Emmer was also asked if he would support renewing a study that would investigate the effects of mining in the BWCA. The study, commissioned by the Obama administration in January 2017, was intended to last two years but was killed by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue last fall. Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL), of Minnesota’s 4th District, has called for the study to be completed. Emmer, however, did not directly confi rm or deny his support. As the town hall drew to a close, some attendees expressed frustration that the hour-long meeting did not allow time to fully address the issues raised. Emmer said that he will continue to hold more town meetings. “This is our ninth in-person town hall of the year, so we’re actually ahead of schedule. We were trying to do one a month,” he said. “At these things, I always like to say that I’m from the customer service department of the United States Congress because that’s what this job is supposed to be.” Elizabeth Callen can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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New Stillwater warden sworn in, says ‘safe and secure facility’ is top priority BY ELIZABETH CALLEN STAFF WRITER
The Stillwater prison has a new leader at its helm. Guy Bosch began his duties as warden of the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater July 1. On Aug. 19, he was officially sworn in to the new role in a special installation ceremony— a new tradition for the Department of Corrections (DOC). Bosch comes to Stillwater’s correctional facility from that of Shakopee, where he most recently served as associate warden of operations. He began his career with Minnesota’s DOC three decades ago, initially starting as a corrections officer at the St. Cloud facility. The new role places Bosch at the head of Minnesota’s largest maximum-security prison—the Stillwater facility houses 1,600 inmates in seven different living areas. It is also one of several Minnesota prisons that will change leadership this year. In June, the corrections department announced that it would shift warden assignments at seven of the state’s 10
correctional facilities in an effort to bring in new perspectives and skillsets. “As we move forward under new leadership in the Department of Corrections, I feel it is important to make changes in facility leadership as well,” Nate Knutson, assistant commissioner, wrote in an internal memo to agency staff in June. “I believe by making these moves, we will provide the facilities division of the Department of Corrections with a change in perspective at all levels.” The Stillwater facility has come under the spotlight in the last year, following the death of corrections officer Joseph Gomm, who was stabbed to death by an inmate last July. According to data from the Department of Corrections, between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 there were 156 discipline convictions for assaults on prison staff, with the most assaults occurring at the Stillwater prison, which has reported 47 discipline convictions in 2019. “Working in corrections is no easy job,” DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell, told the crowd at Bosch’s
ELIZABETH CALLEN | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell (right) administers the oath of office to Stillwater Warden Guy Bosch (left).
installation ceremony. “The field of corrections exposes those who work in it to profound sadness, examples of incredible human failing and tragedy, and at the same time reminds us of the potential for change and the possibility of transformation.” Bosch said that he is “profoundly humbled by the appointment and thankful to the dedicated DOC staff who have supported, encouraged and mentored me.”
As the 20th warden of the Stillwater facility, Bosch promised to prioritize the safety of both staff and inmates. “You have my commitment to operate a safe and secure facility,” Bosch said. “That commitment is priority number one.” Elizabeth Callen can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
1st African American Supreme Court Justice to speak at Marine Community Library he obtained a law degree from the University of Minnesota and went onto work in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. In 1992, Page became the fi rst African American to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Page and his wife, Diane, founded the Page Education Foundation, which assists Minnesota students of color in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Page, alongside his daughter Kamie, has also
written three children’s picture books. In November 2018, Page was awarded the presidential medal of freedom. Seating for the event is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The conversation will start at 7 p.m. For more information, visit marinecommunitylibrary.org/ events/calendar. Submitted
Remodeling Resources SUBMITTED
Retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page will speak about his life and work at the Marine Community Library 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.
Enjoy Summer and Fall on your new screened in porch! Call Mike now - so you can enjoy the Seasons!
The Marine Community Library will host retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page on Thursday, Sept. 19, for a conversation about Page’s life and work. Page came to fame as a star defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings. At the same time,
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26 THE LOWDOWN
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Upland Bird Camp passes values of land conservation, sportsmanship to next generation BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When it comes to summer camp, you’ll only fi nd one that invites campers to improve their aim with a shotgun, snuggle with puppies, and learn the nuances of being a respectful and ethical hunter in today’s world. That’s Upland Bird Camp, held each summer at Deep Portage Learning Center in northern Minnesota. Deep Portage is familiar to many families in the North Metro. Several local schools send students off on field trips to this remote spot to develop survival skills, strengthen teamwork and enjoy the wonders of nature. In the summertime, Deep Portage runs several camps, many of them focused on hunting and fi rearm safety skills. Upland Bird Camp is one of the most unique. Sponsored by the Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever, this camp allows campers between the ages of 12 and 16 who have already received their fi rearm safety certification advanced instruction in hunting upland game birds such as pheasant, grouse, partridge and woodcock. Campers get a chance to hone their shooting skills with daily practice shoots on the Deep Portage sporting clays course and learn about the biology, habitat and behavior of Minnesota’s upland bird species. The camp also provides more typical summer camp activities, such as canoeing, archery and developing skills to survive in the outdoors. Upland Bird Camp culminates in a field trip to Pine Shadows Kennel in Brainerd. Pine Shadows breeds and trains English springer spaniels for hunting. Campers get to handle and help train the dogs on-site, and watch expert hunting dogs perform their abilities in the field. Somewhere amidst all this excitement, campers also get to spend time with experienced mentors who share personal stories of hunting
successes and failures, as well as advice that extends far beyond the field of hunting. Among the many who have made their way to Deep Portage over the years is Norm Moody, a conservationist and sportsman originally from the Scandia/Forest Lake area. Moody graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1966 and went to school for forestry. He came to Deep Portage as Cass County land commissioner in 1992 and has stuck around ever since. Today, Moody lives near Hackensack, the closest town to Deep Portage. He serves as a member of the learning center’s board and helps to educate the hunters and conservationists of the future. “We put an emphasis on ethics both in terms of teaching and also letting them know someone is always observing,” Moody said. “They’re asking themselves if they are the person someone else would want to take bird hunting or allow on their land.” Moody is one of several experienced hunters who provide guidance and encouragement to the Upland Bird campers each summer. Moody emphasizes the value of being knowledgeable and respectful in every occasion. One story he shares with campers is from when he was stationed in Uijeongbu, South Korea with the U.S. Army. He credits his confidence in how to clean fresh game with a follow invitation to join a hunt for pheasant and quail inside the Demilitarized Zone—a very rare opportunity. He encourages campers to start a little smaller. “When the kids fi rst get there, I tell them they have a job: to make sure every other camper has a good experience at camp,” he said. “You don’t disrespect or treat anybody poorly. It’s all about good manners—that’s probably one of the most important things they can learn here.” Moody said that upland bird hunting is very different for youth today than it was in
PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | SUBMITTED
Grey partridge, also known as Hungarian partridge, a popular upland game bird.
Watched by an experienced mentor, an Upland Bird Camp camper practices wingshooting on the Deep Portage clay pigeon course.
the past. One of the reasons is that a lot of hunting land is privately owned, and it can be a challenge to secure permission to hunt. That’s why one of the skills Moody works on with campers is developing a familiarity with the idea of approaching landowners to ask permission. Every year, Moody is impressed by the campers’ skill, respect, and openness to learning. “It’s fun to watch them
A Pine Shadows employee shows campers how English springer spaniel puppies are trained into expert hunting dogs.
improve their shooting skills and gun safety,” Moody said. Values of conservation are also extremely important for the future of upland bird hunting, Moody added “The kids don’t realize they have an undivided share of public lands.,” Moody said. “They’re owners, and you want to instill that in them.” As someone with a lifelong career in forest management, Moody considers environmental responsibility ex-
tremely important at Deep Portage. Even the camp itself provides a model of environmental responsibility to campers. Using solar and wood gasification, the Deep Portage facilities produce net-zero harmful emissions. “This is how we educate the kids that it can be done,” Moody said. Learn more about Upland Bird Camp and the other camp experiences at Deep Portage at deep-portage.org.
Join us for a FREE salad dinner and learn about Genealogy! Thursday, Sept 12th. 5:30-7:00 pm 651-436-2010
651-436-8883
ENJOY FALL WITH ST. CROIX RIVER CRUISES • Sunday Champagne • Brunch 12-2 / Adults $32.95 Child $22 / Tots $12 • • Friday Italian Dinner 6:30-8:45 Adults $37.95 Child $27 / Tots $12
Fajitas & Margaritas • Fall Color Cruises 6:15-8:30 / Adults $44 Adults $22 / Child & Child $19 / Tots $12 Tot $12 Lunch Cruise • Wine Tasting 11:30-1:30 / Adults $28 Sept. 13th / $59.95 Child $18 / Tot $12 • Oktoberfest Oct. 19th / $51.95
651.436.8883 | StCroixRiverCruises.com
Register by Sept 10th. kim@oak-meadows.org or 651-578-0676
At Oak Meadows Senior Living 8131 Fourth Street N. | Oakdale, MN 55128
SEPTEMBER 2019
THE LOWDOWN
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COME TASTE OUR FAVORITE PICKS FROM MIDWEST VINEYARDS & BREWERIES
Minnesota
Winehaven Chisago City, MN
Dancing Dragonfly Vineyards St. Croix Falls, WI
Belle Vinez Winery River Falls, WI 35E
7 Vines Vineyard Dellwood
694
Big Wood Brewery
61 9966
WBL
Wisconsin
Roma ma
Bent ryy Brewstillery
Willernie
Roseville
Saint Croix Vineyards
36 35E
694
Please visit websites for details on upcoming events!
Stillwater 95
Mpls. 94 St. Paul
7 Vin ines es Vineyard
“A premier destination for all good things” 101 hwy 96 East Dellwood 7 vinesvineyard.com 651-478-6300 info@7vinesvineyard.com
Escape to a wine experience unlike anything you’ve seen before... • Wine Tastings: Flights or Glasses • Traditional Tuscan-flare culinary creations • Corporate or life events
September Events DATE Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Sept. 7&8 Sept. 8 Sept. 13
EVENT Acoustic Sunday Music: Miltons Playhouse Grape Stomp Festival Acoustic Sunday Art at the Winery: Intro to Hand Lettering Sept. 15 Acoustic Sunday Sept. 21 Yoga Sept. 21&22 Grape Stomp Sept. 22 Music: The Plott Hounds & Dalton Bush Sept. 22 Acoustic Sunday Sept. 27 Great Table Dinner Sept. 29 Wine Club Grape Harvest Sept. 29 Acoustic Sunday
TIME 1-4 p.m. 3-6 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 1-4 p.m. 6-8:30 p.m.
Vineyard/Brewery Dancing Dragonfly Belle Vinez Winery Saint Croix Vineyards Dancing Dragonfly Dancing Dragonfly
1-4 p.m. 11-11:45 a.m.
Dancing Dragonfly Winehaven Winery Dancing Dragonfly Big Wood Brewery
3 p.m. free 1-4 p.m. 6-8 p.m. 1-4 pm
ONGOING Yoga: Mon 9-10 a.m., Wed 9-10 a.m., Wed 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fri 9-10 a.m. Trivia Night every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Every Thursday night: Live Music Beer Garden through fall 6-9 p.m.
Dancing Dragonfly Dancing Dragonfly Dancing Dragonfly Dancing Dragonfly
Grape Stomp Festival Come stomp grapes the old fashioned way! Grape Stomps: Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th from 12-4pm Please call 651-430-3310 for more information Stillwater, Minnesota Since 1992 Open 7 Days a Week 10-6 scvwines.com
7 Vines Vineyard 7 Vines Vineyard ROMA
W10829 875th Ave - River Falls, WI 715-426-9463 | BelleVinez.com for info
Open Every Day Hand Crafted Locally Grown Award Winning CRAFT BREWERY & TAPROOM IN THE HEART OF WHITE BEAR LAKE CO M M I T T E D TO Q UA L I T Y B E E R GO TO BIGWOODBREWERY.COM TO VIEW OUR TAPROOM SERIES OR FIND A STORE NEAR YOU! 2222 4TH ST., WHITE BEAR LAKE
Receive weekly updates about wine and wine related events, including grape stomps in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
We’re brewing up a Storm in Willernie! Stop in for a flight of our House-made beers on tap this week! Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm Sunday 10am-9pm
2013 120th Avenue St Croix Falls, WI | DDWinery.com
Go to: midwestwinescene.com
310 Stillwater Road, Willernie 651-653-4733
Roman-market.com
28 THE LOWDOWN
SEPTEMBER 2019 www.presspubs.com
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RIGHTOUS RAMBLER! Huge main floor family room, 3 season porch, 3 bedrooms on one level. Dyamite location! Just listed!
CHARMING COTTAGE 2 BRs/1Bth, hardwood floors, Gas fireplace, spacious private yard with established perennial gardens that complete the beautiful setting.
RAMBLER ON 5 ACRES Mahtomedi Schools, 5 bedrm, 4 ba. 3 car att. & 30x48 detached set up for a car enthusiast. Vaulted great room & owners’ suite, granite kitchen, decks.
JIM WALKER 651-303-7143
$239,900
DON WOLKERSTORFER 651-653-2482
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NANCY MAAS 651 235-8581
$249,000
CINDY CURREN 612-720-6445
$679,900
CRAFTSMAN CONTEMPORARY Architecturally awesome light filled home in Mahtomedi. Open floorplan. Great gathering spaces. Low maint lot. Treehouse views from master suite.
PAT MCGRATH 651-653-2449
$659,000
GREAT VALUE, INVITING SANDY ESPE 2 St,Walk-Out, Beautifully Updated With Quality Finishes, Hardwood Floors, Granite Tops, New Carpets,Sunroom, LL Kitchenette, Private Fenced Yard.
SORENSON 612-812-9792
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!
TOM HAYCRAFT 651-653-2534
Convenience of Townhome Living, park like yard setting. Hub of Home is the Sun Porch with eye catching vault and deck for relaxing & entertaining
OPEN HOUSE 8/25! Open house 8/25 from 1-3. Come take a look! Swimmable frontage, updated home, huge deck, porch, boat house. 5bed, 4 bath. 6026 West Bald Eagle Blvd.
$369,999
$230,000
CINDY CURREN 612-720-6445
$939,900
COMING SOON GORGEOUS LOT IN GRANT Prime Grant location and lot. Scenic backyard views, Walkout Ramber, 2 firepl, 4 car garage, Mahtomedi Schools. 3 bed, 3 bath, 3 acres. Lots of style!
CINDY CURREN 612-720-6445
$479,900
MOVE IN READY Situated on over an acre near North Center Lake in Lindstrom, well maintained home, lots of amenities to enjoy, add’l 2 car garage!
JOSH LEONHARDT 651-769-5329
$320,000
EVERYTHING “OLD” IS ... NEW AGAIN!! Get cookin’ in Lindstrom doing the things you love on 11 +acres. Spread out your living w/over 4000fsf 5Br4Bth,porch&2decks great land!
JANE MORRIS 651-785-4507
$525,000
Kirby Ehrreich 651280-8916
Tom Haycraft 651653-2534
Greg Juetten 651356-9139
Kim Koniar 651895-5857
Cindy Lange 651329-4372
Joshua Leonhardt 651769-5329
Jan Rapheal 651426-1671
Mike Oscarson 651343-9996
Sherry Birchem 651470-4824
Cathy Storey 612270-3427
Marty Weber 651653-2524
Amy Rostad 612670-4003
SOUTH WHITE BEAR Older home near schools has eat in kitchen, bedrooms same level. This could be a great start with a roomy back yard - man cave/she shed included!
JANE MORRIS 651-785-4507
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NMLS: 30890 MN - MN-MLO-30890 - MN-MO-1598647 - WI - 30890 - 1598647BA - 1598647BR • NMLS ID# 1598647 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MN - Lic# MN-MO-1598647 • WI - Lic#1598647BA & 1598647BR
Servicing the White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and Pine City areas. ©2017 Burnet Realty LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Burnet fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Burnet are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Burnet.