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Curtain call steadily approaching for old theater BY DEBRA NEUTKENS REGIONAL EDITOR

When the curtain goes up in fall of 2017 in the new theater, community theatergoers will be part of Lakeshore Players 65th season. It’s a dream goal for a dream project.

“But the dream will only happen with everyone’s involvement,” said Lakeshore’s Executive Director Joan Elwell. By everyone, Elwell means, well, everyone. “We need people who want to help with the capital campaign, help us make connections, fundraise, make in-kind donations and add expertise,” she said. “We’re hoping people will step up.” Individuals have already come forward to contribute to the theater’s $6.2 million capital campaign. So far, 165 donors and several foundations have contributed $3.4 million towards a new theater, which is 54 percent of the goal. If all goes as planned, construction should start this summer on the former site of Twin Cities Nursery in White Bear Lake. Thanks to a $1 million contribution from a “family with old ties” to White Bear, the 2.8 acres of land at 4941 Long Ave. was purchased in 2014. Demolition and site preparation SEE LAKESHORE THEATER, PAGE 12

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A sample of several dresses St. Croix Cleaners has collected so far. An employee said that the business receives between 5 and 12 dresses every day.

St. Croix Cleaners collects prom dresses to help out high-schoolers BY JACKIE BUSSJAGER STAFF WRITER

STILLWATER — St. Croix Cleaners, in partnership with Project Fairy Godmothers, is now collecting prom dress donations for high school students who may not have the financial resources necessary to buy a brand-new dress. The program allows them to select a donated dress to take home for free. St. Croix Cleaners Marketing Coordinator Christina Underkoffler said that locals show enthusiasm about the project every year. “We started getting dresses in January before we even announced doing it, so people are really anticipating it,” Underkoffler said. While St. Croix Cleaners has been collecting dresses for about a decade, the partnership with Project Fairy Godmothers is relatively recent. The cleaners used to partner with Ever

After Gowns, which was eventually absorbed into Project Fairy Godmothers. The group was founded in 2014 by Sisters Involved Sharing Truth Action and Healing (S.I.S.T.A.H.Z.), and in spring of 2015 held its first event. “Our very first year we didn’t have a name, we had maybe 50 dresses and a handful of students who came to the rec center,” said Kandace Logan of PFG. “Last year, we connected with Ever After Gowns and had an even bigger array and even more students.” Logan said the goal for this year is 100 dresses. “To reach at least 100 students, to be able to send 100 students away with a dress,” she said. “Last year we had 70, but we want to make sure they walk away with the dress of their dreams, get accessories, jewels, get everything matched up. That would be a huge goal for us.” Underkoffler said that the styles of

dresses are all over the board, but St. Croix Cleaners tries to make sure the dresses are not so old that they’re out of style. “It varies a lot; we try to keep the dresses [no more than] five years [old] or newer so we don’t get the big puffy sleeves from the ’80s,” she said. “Just so they’re modern, so the girls can get the right dress.” The dresses will eventually be displayed at an event on Saturday, April 2 at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul, where high school girls can come to browse through the dresses, shoes and accessories. Project Fairy Godmothers has also arranged for personal shoppers to be on hand to guide the girls through the area, as well as stylists with tips about hairstyles and makeup. SEE PROJECT FAIRY GODMOTHERS, PAGE 12

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Library report shows record number of supporters

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Lower St. Croix is protected by a set of regulations first drawn up in 1976. The St. Croix River Association proposed to educate locals about the details of this plan, but the meeting was canceled. River Corridor Steward Natalie Warren said that education about the plan is still available through personal research.

Water talk tabled due to confusion BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

STILLWATER — A meeting of the St. Croix River Association scheduled for March 2 at the Water Street Inn was canceled due to misconceptions. The meeting was supposed to present and educate citizens about the Cooperative Management Plan of the Lower St. Croix, which was originally established in 1976 and updated in 2001 to keep up with changes on the riverway. River Corridor Steward Natalie Warren said that the cancellation had much to do with misunderstanding about the intent of the meeting and her responsibilities as a river corridor steward. “There were some regulatory things that came out of that plan, and my job is not to create any restrictions or regulations, just bring awareness to the ones that are in existence. I think there’s a lot of resistance in the lower riverway with people saying, ‘Don’t come in and tell me what to do.’ People are very wary

of people trying to reinstate a higher regulatory authority,” Warren said. The cooperative management plan provides a framework for proactive decision-making, including decisions on recreational use, land use, natural and cultural resource management, and general development in the Lower St. Croix River. The event, which would have been presented by Randy Thoreson of the National Park Service, was instead meant to educate locals about the vision their predecessors had for the river. For those who are still interested in learning the details of the plan, Warren recommends that they continue to explore it on their own. “I would say read the plan,” she said. “It’s really well written, it’s not too technical, it talks about the process, it talks about the people involved, so I think anyone can figure out what it’s SEE RIVERWAY MEETING, PAGE 10

STILLWATER — Stillwater Public Library received $300,000 in donations from more than 100 supporters who provided in-kind contributions and services to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation (SPLF) in 2015. This was reported to SPLF board members, Friends of the Library, library trustees, and other guests who attended the SPLF annual meeting on Feb. 24. The board welcomed new members Dustin Moeller, CPA at Foley Kalseim & Company, Kathy Thueson, retired teacher, and Brent Voight, major gifts director, Salvation Army-Northern Division. Treasurer Andy Kass reported that 84 percent of the expenditures of the SPLF funded grants, awards, and gifts to the library. Fundraising costs for four unique and popular events accounted for 13 percent of expenses and general and administrative costs amounted to 3 percent. Additionally, the SPLF contracts with an event coordinator and a volunteer coordinator, whose efforts provide direct benefit to the library. Event Coordinator Anne Young reported that 33 weddings and events at the library yielded more than

Near-miss incident highlights dangers of bridge trespassing BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A multi-ton freight train has few options when a collision is imminent. Trains don’t turn, and they take miles to stop even when moving at speeds car drivers might regard as agonizingly slow. For two area teenagers and one crew of Canadian National railroaders, that is an awful, scary truth made all the more vivid by a near-miss incident on the Soo Line High Bridge over the St. Croix River two weeks ago. Michael Cavett, of Somerset, an engineer, recently wrote an account of nearly striking the two girls while operating a train bound for New Richmond, Wisconsin on Feb. 13. By Monday of this week, Cavett’s Feb. 14 online post had already been shared more than 2,100 times. Cavett described feeling helpless as he and his conductor approached the 2,682-foot span, also known as the Arcola High Bridge. Cavett’s heart sank as they reached the bridge and saw two teenage girls 184 feet above the frozen river and not near enough to make it to the Somerset, Wisconsin side before being overtaken. “Unable to use any form of brake while crossing the bridge we started out onto it,” Cavett wrote, “barreling down onto two people that [were] scrambling to reach the end of the bridge, but I knew they’d never reach it.” Cavett wrote that the girls both eventually stopped running and hugged the railing on the narrow edge of the bridge. As they passed, Cavett prayed the girls would not be struck by anything hanging from the side of the train and that they would not panic or attempt to jump into the frozen river below.

“I [saw] their young innocent faces filled with terror, the tears rolling down their cheeks,” Cavett wrote. “Only a few miles from my home, I know at least one of my children would recognize both of these girls and I pray[ed] that I [would] not kill a classmate or friend of one of my children.” The railroaders called 911 and eventually stopped the train at a siding in Somerset more than two miles away. They searched the train for signs that the girls had not been struck. Likewise, St. Croix County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the bridge, according to an ABC News report, and said they spoke with witnesses who saw the two girls leaving the area safely. Patrick Waldron, a spokesperson for Canadian National, confirmed the incident and said the company is thankful that no one was hurt. The incident highlights the dangers of trespassing on railroad property, Waldron said, both for the trespassers and the railroaders. With an average locomotive weighing hundreds of tons, “trains cannot stop quickly,” Waldron said. The Soo Line High Bridge is lightly traveled, Waldron said, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. “This is a reminder about the dangers and why these areas are posted as ‘No Trespassing,’” Waldron said. “Any time is train time.” Cavett agreed. “The Somerset bridge is a beautiful and scary structure,” Cavett wrote. “The length and height are enough to make me take a deep breath every time I cross it. But nothing has stopped my heart like the look on those young faces as our train reached them. I thank God that they made it off safely and that it was only a close call.”

SUBMITTED

Susie Danielson, volunteer coordinator and Anne Young, event coordinator at the Stillwater Public Library

$60,000 to boost the library’s budget. Young announced that 34 weddings and events are already booked for 2016. Volunteer Coordinator Susie Danielson, winner of the 2015 Vi Russell Award for Excellence in Volunteer Leadership, inspired 40 adults and 20 teens to provide more than 2,500 volunteer hours for the library. These hours, unmatched throughout the state, represent a value to the library that exceeds $60,000. “Impressive as these

numbers are, they do not express the unquantifiable and transformational power that the library holds for people of all ages, interests and needs,” said Ann Wolff, SPLF President. “The library provides a wealth of information, services and entertainment, free to all people for all times. They can be life-changing in ways that we will never know.” In addition to a review of 2015, a preview of 2016 initiatives

SEE PUBLIC LIBRARY, PAGE 14

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MARCH 4, 2016

What Harper Lee can teach us

n Feb. 19, Nelle Harper Lee died of a stroke at age 89, leaving a lasting legacy. Her book “To Kill a Mockingbird” was first published in 1960 and immediately skyrocketed to success, winning a Pulitzer Prize the following year. Today, it is required high school reading across the country, included along with the literary greats such as Steinbeck and Shakespeare. Although Lee continued to write after her success, she lacked faith in her work and never published again until 2015 when the “Mockingbird” sequel, “Go Set A Watchman,” was published by HarperCollins. Many of Lee’s friends knew that she was mostly blind Getting and deaf by this time, and doubted in Tune that she had fully consented to the publication of this work, which Jackie Bussjaeger was more of an unpolished and “lost” first draft of “Mockingbird.” Her lawyer pushed it to publication and, despite its controversial origin, “Watchman” was one of the most popular releases of the year. It is curious that Lee’s work should be drawn into national attention again so shortly after the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, since “Mockingbird” contains such a powerful message about the American justice system. Lee created Atticus Finch, a lawyer of incredible moral standards, to represent the voice of justice in her novel. In the book’s famous courtroom scene, Finch addresses the jury in his final defense of Tom Robinson: “There is one way in this country that all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of the Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court. It can be the Supreme Court of the United States or the humblest J.P. court in the land, or this honorable court in which you serve. Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” Currently, Senate Republicans have refused to consider even holding a hearing to vet any candidate the president puts before them. It appears they want to wait for the next elected candidate to make the decision in order to avoid tipping the court to liberals. Minnesota Senator Al Franken (DFL), among others, has criticized the Senate Republicans for avoiding their obligation to the American people to provide a fully staffed Supreme Court. Wherever the divisions in the Supreme Court lie, however hotly contested, this iconic passage from “To Kill a Mockingbird” reminds Americans that the true purpose of the court is to respect every case and every person as having an individual voice. Franken said that the American people have already spoken, in electing Obama in the first place and giving him the responsibility of choosing the next justice. It appears that the Senate majority has lost sight of its responsibility to the American people. During this squabbling, its members are failing to adequately maintain the justice system to best serve the needs of the country. Perhaps a read-over of Lee’s work, or even a viewing of the Academy Award-winning film, could refresh their memory about the importance and respect that should be given to one of the country’s most revered institutions. Regardless of who is eventually chosen to fill the vacancy (and when), Lee’s message will continue to ring true to generations of American citizens. This book reminds us all that while differences will inevitably arise between groups of people, we must always aspire to respect the voices and stories of others. Jackie Bussjaeger is a reporter for The Lowdown.

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Getting a hold on preventing falls

ith our ice covered sidewalks and streets, it’s no wonder falls are a big problem this time of year. But, even when the snow and ice melt, the risk is still constant. Each year an estimated 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention. According to the World Health Organization, about 424,000 fatal falls occur each yearThe most common fall Movers and injuries are: Head injuries Shakers Traumatic brain injuries are comDr. Kurt Belk mon with falls. You slip on the ice and your h head d strikes t ik the ground. The result can be a minor bump or as major as a traumatic brain injury. As a rule, it’s time to see the doctor if you’ve lost consciousness or even suspect the head injury is more than a little bump. Serious symptoms include: • Persistent or worsening headache • Imbalance • Vomiting • Memory loss • Mood changes • Fractures, sprains, torn tendons and ligaments. A severe injury in your legs, feet, arms or wrists can have long-term consequences. Fractures and tears can require surgery, and some patients never return to 100 percent. Many of these injuries take months to heal and require physical therapy.

In all but mild cases, your healthcare provider should evaluate the injury and establish a treatment and rehab plan. Meanwhile, rest, ice, compression and elevation (called RICE) will help minimize damage caused by sprains and strains. Start RICE right away after the injury. Do all 4 parts of the RICE treatment at the same time. If you think you have a more serious injury, like a fracture or broken bone, call your healthcare provider right away. Neck, back and spine injuries A slipped disk, broken back, or other injury could lead to chronic pain and possibly the need for surgery. Generally these injuries include pain that does not subside in which case it’s time to see the doctor. Broken hips or broken pelvis This injury is most common in the elderly. For older Minnesotans, the strength and density of their bones may deteriorate making these injuries more common. PREVENTING FALLS Start with your shoes High heels, poorly ﬁtting shoes or those with slick soles are almost certain to increase your risk for a fall especially on icy patches during the winter. Make sure you wear properly ﬁtting sturdy shoes with nonskid soles. Have you fallen before? Take a second look at areas where you have fallen before to make sure you’ve done everything you can to prevent it from happening again whether that means putting salt down on the sidewalk or, if inside, would a railing or carpet help? What medications are you

taking? Make a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. Your doctor can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. What health conditions do you have? Certain eye and ear disorders may increase your risk of falls. Be prepared to discuss your health conditions. Your doctor may evaluate your muscle strength, balance and walking style (gait) as well. Look around your house and lighten it up It’s important to make sure your house is well lit. As well, check that your home isn’t filled with the following hazards known to cause falls: • Bubbling carpet or loose floorboards • Electrical cords and phone cords near traffic areas • Clothing, dishes, food and other necessities in hard-to-reach places • Spilled liquids, grease or food • Bathtubs or showers without nonslip mats or stickers Keep moving Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your doctor’s OK, consider activities such as walking, swimming or tai chi. These exercises reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Kurt Belk is ER physician and medical director of The Urgency Room in Vadnais Heights.

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UP NORTH ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ TEA When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 6 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Celebrate the ﬁnale of ‘Downton Abbey’ with a Tea event. Scone making demonstration, trivia contest, how to brew a perfect cup of tea, and gift for participants who come in costume. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or co.washington.mn.us

MINECRAFT BUILD When: 1-4 p.m. Monday, Mar. 7-Friday, Mar. 11 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Compete with other Minecraft players to master building challenges, or try out Minecraft for the ﬁ rst time on the Washington County Library Minecraft Server. Limited number of library Minecraft accounts available. Ages 8 and up. Contact: 651-275-7300 or co.washington.mn.us

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Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Wyoming Details: One hour sessions at the Wyoming Library covering various technology topics and websites with a brief overview followed by hands-on experience. Ages 12+. Registration is required in person or by phone. Topics covered are Facebook (Feb. 25), Twitter (Mar. 10) and Apps for your device (Mar. 24). Contact: 651-462-9001

STOP SMOKING THROUGH GROUP HYPNOSIS When: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 14 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Quit smoking or chewing immediately without withdrawal, cravings or gaining weight. See hypnosisclinic.net for questions about hypnosis. Contact: 651-982-8110 or ﬂaschools.org/ce

SENIOR SURF DAY When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Hardwood Creek, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Free class for seniors to learn computer and internet basics. Contact: 651-275-7300 or co.washington.mn.us

Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Learn the basics of three dance styles. $29/person or $39/couple. Contact: 651-982-8110 or ﬂaschools.org/ce

MAGIC OF CELTIC MUSIC WITH WILLOW BRAE When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Duo plays unique Scottish and Irish music with Celtic harp and wind instruments. All ages. Contact: 651-275-7300 or co.washington.mn.us

WHEN: 1-5 p.m., Sundays, March 6,

BABY SHOWER When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 17 and 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Mar. 18 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Parents of infants can play with toys, sing songs, experience movements games and learn about ECFE. Take home a packet of resources and gifts. Free. Contact: 651-982-8110 or ﬂaschools.org/ce

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Chocolate March 2016 13, & 20

When: 6:15-7:45 p.m. Friday, Mar. 18 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW RED CROSS CERTIFIED 4th St., Forest Lake BABYSITTERS Details: Nick The TRAINING Honest Magician When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. performs a show for Wednesday, Mar. 9 MINDFULNESS people of all ages. Ages PRACTICE Where: Forest View 2+, $10 per family. Elementary media room, When: 6-7:30 p.m. 620 SW 4th St., Forest Tuesdays, Mar. 15-Apr. 26 Registration required. Contact: 651-982-8110 Lake Where: Central Details: Course for Learning Center, 200 SW or flaschools.org/ce children 11+ covers top4th St., Forest Lake ics such as safety, basic Details: Learn an ELEMENTARY care, fi rst aid and emerancient practice that YOUTH NIGHT gencies, play and activileads to better selfWhen: 6:30-8:30 ties, and the business of knowledge and selfFriday, Mar. 18 babysitting. Registration management skills that Where: Southwest Jr. $95, includes babysitters makes life richer. $49, High School cafeteria, 943 bag, handbook, certifiregistration required. SW 9th Ave., Forest Lake cate and safety kit. Contact: 651-982-8110 Details: Volleyball, Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce basketball and swimor flaschools.org/ce ming, bingo, pizza and snacks for kids in grades SALSA, MERENGUE 4-6. $10. & BACHATA DANCE TECH TALKS Contact: 651-982-8110 WORKSHOP When: 7 p.m. or flaschools.org/ce Thursday Mar. 10 and When: 7-9 p.m. Mar. 24 Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Wyoming Where: Central AARP TAXAIDE When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 15 Where: Forest Hills Week of Feb. 21 – 27 Methodist Church, 1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read Details: Free tax the full versions of these most-visited stories preparation for seniors and low-income resi1. Mother’s letters gave addicted son a dose of reality. dents, by appointment White Bear > News only. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card 2. Fish fry shack opens at American Legion in Lino Lakes. and income, expense Quad Community Press > News and health insurance 3. North to Alaska: Teacher using salvaged driftwood to documents (if obtained build wilderness lodge. White Bear Press > News through Mnsure). Contact: 651-675-7126 5. Expired permit stalls Bald Eagle island project. Lowdown (SCV) > News

MARCH 4, 2016

When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 4 & 11 and Saturday, March 5 & 12; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6 & 13 Where: Stillwater

WHERE: Various inns/B & Bs

SUBMITTED

chocolate delectables while touring the historic inns and wineries of the St. Croix Valley. Check website for details and reservations.

throughout the St. Croix Valley

CONTACT: 651-998-0185; DETAILS: Enjoy a variety of

Area High School Auditorium, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N, Oak Park Heights Details: Spring musical about a stowaway aboard an ocean liner from New York to London. Tickets $5/students; $6/seniors and $10/ adults, available during school hours or 45 minutes prior to the show. Contact: 651-351-8109

www.innsofthevalley.com

Thursdays, Mar. 10 &24 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo Details: 60-minute ﬁtness hiking program includes warm-up and ﬁtness challenges along the way. Ages 13+. Free with vehicle permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us/ parks

LADIES NIGHT OUT SPRING ART SHOW RECEPTION

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 10 Where: Downtown When: 5-8 p.m. Stillwater Saturday, Mar. 5 Details: Shop local Where: Squire House retailers for specials, Gardens, 3390 St. Croix fashion and decorating Trail S., Afton Details: Show features tips, appetizers, drinks 5 artists whose work cel- and more. Contact: 651-342-1386 ebrates quiet moments in contemplation. Artwork or www.mainstreet done in mediums such as stillwateriba.com metalwork, oil, watercolor and pastel available TEEN TECH MAKER FEST for purchase. Reception When: 10-11:30 a.m. includes complimentary Saturday, Mar. 12 beverages and appetizWhere: Stillwater ers, and opportunity to Library, 224 Third St. N. meet the artists. Details: Teens will Contact: 651-436-8080 have a selection of tech or squirehousegardens. projects to try or see com demonstrated. Activities include Makey Makey, Lego Stop Motion AniTHE ART OF PRUNING mation, Brush Bots and TREES AND SHRUBS Scratch Programming. When: 7-9 p.m. Contact: 651-275-4338 Tuesday, Mar. 8 or stillwaterlibrary.org Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. BUNNY BUDDIES Details: Learn When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 techniqies to care for p.m. The 2nd and 4th and prune shade trees, Saturdays of the month, evergreens and fruit including Saturday, trees. $19; registration Mar. 12 required. Where: Stillwater Contact: 651-351-8300; Library, storytime room, Stillwater.ce.feepay.com 224 Third St. N. Details: Young readers can read aloud WEDNESDAY to a therapy bunny. Sign TRAIL WALKS up at registration desk. When: 1-2:30 p.m. Contact: 651-275-4338 Wednesday, Mar. 9 or stillwaterlibrary.org Where: Gateway State Trail, Jamaca and Jeffrey Ave., Grant SECOND SUNDAY Details: Get outside SUPPER and walk a different When: 5 p.m. Sunday, local trail each week. Mar. 13 Contact: 651-231-6968 Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 490 GUIDED FITNESS HIKES 4th St., Bayport Details: Free. When: 9-10 a.m.

community meal includes Turkey chili, breadsticks and dessert. All are welcome. Contact: bethlehem star.org

FARE FOR ALL When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Stillwater Junior High, 523 W. Marsh St. Details: Open to everyone to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen meat packages at a discounted price. Cash, credit cards and EBT accepted. Contact: fareforall.org

IMAGE EDITING ON THE CHEAP When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Stillwater Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Discover the basics of photo editing and learn about some of the top web-based and desktop applications, including Picasa, Gimp, and Flickr’s Avery. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary.org

WILD ONES ST. CROIX OAK SAVANNA MEETING When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 Where: FamilyMeans, 1875 Northwestern Ave. S., Stillwater Details: Group hosts monthly meetings on native plants and landscaping. White Bear Lake artist and printmaker Emily Gray Koehler presents a narrative of her artistic work with plants. Social hour and refreshments at 6:30. Contact: 651-275-0526

AARP TAXAIDE When: By appointment, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, through April 13 Where: Community

MARCH 4, 2016

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maintenance. Free; preregistration required. Contact: 651-4306330 or lawlibrary@ co.washington.mn.us

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Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition Opening Reception WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10

WHERE: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater Details: Free tax preparation for seniors and low-income residents. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card and income, expense and health insurance documents (if obtained through Mnsure). Contact: 651-439-7434

DETAILS: Exhibit features some of Minnesota and Wisconsin’s ﬁ nest artists and runs through April 14.

CONTACT: 651-4070597 or whitebeararts. org

DIVE-IN MOVIE When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 4 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Float on water noodles or lounge on poolside chairs while enjoying the movie “Kung Fu Panda” Contact: shoreview communitycenter.org

LENTEN FISH FRY When: 5-7 p.m. Fridays, through Mar. 27 Where: Stillwater VFW Post 323, 5880 Omaha Ave. N., Stillwater Details: $10/adults; $6/children 6-12; 5 and under free. Contact: 651-430-1166

NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY ‘NOISES OFF’ When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Mar. 20 Where: Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Tickets $18$23. Performance full of shocking surprises and raucous humor. Contact: 651-426-3275 or lakeshoreplayers.org

‘OLE AND LENA’S WEDDING’ When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5 Where: Central Community Auditorium, 4857 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake Details: 70th Annual White Bear Lion’s Club show, written by Katie Vadnais and featuring the Lake Area Dance Center. Tickets $12. Contact: whitebear lions.org

WOMEN’S BOWHUNTING ARCHERY SERIES When: 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 5 Where: Schwan’s Center, Blaine Details: Introductory class and social gathering; dinner follows session. $40, registration required. Part of the DNR’s Becoming and Outdoors Woman (BOW) program. Contact: 218-203-4347 or linda.bylander@ state.mn.us

DROP-IN DISCOVERY: COCKATOO CORNER When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Mar. 5 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township Details: Stop by for up-close visits with animals, touchable artifacts, activities and treats. Free, no registration required. Contact: 651-407-5350 or ramseycounty.us

LAKE WOBEGON BRASS BAND When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5 Where: Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson Details: 30-member British-style brass band performs marches, classical, quasi-jazz and popular selections. Tickets $22 adults and

$15 students of all ages. Contact: 715-386-8409 or thephipps.org

14TH ANNUAL BOWL-A-THON When: 9-11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 6 Where: Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, 273 County Rd. E, Arden Hills Details: Support Merrick, Inc. with a morning of bowling, donuts, music, games, prizes, auction items and pizza. $100 per bowler; participants encouraged to get pledges. Contact: 651-789-6207 or merrickinc.ejoinme. org

U OF M CHORUS AND GREAT RIVER CHORALE CONCERT When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 6 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Great River Chorale and the U of M University Singers team with organist Bill Chouinard to present Faure’s gorgeous Requiem. Part of the St. Andrew’s Music Series and is open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken. Contact: saintandrews.org or greatriverchorale.org

DIVORCE INFORMATION SESSION When: 5-6 p.m. Monday, March 7 Where: Oakdale Library, 1010 Heron Ave. N., Oakdale Details: Participants will learn the general process for getting a divorce, as well as questions about child custody, child support and spousal

When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 Where: Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Ln., West St. Paul Details: All day symposium featuring Minnesota’s best experts with the latest on pollinators, habitat, pesticides and conservation. Sponsored by Stillwater’s Pollinator Friendly Alliance. Contact: 651-351-1100 or pollinatorfriendly.org

WEDNESDAY TRAIL WALKS When: 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 9 Where: Gateway State Trail, Jamaca and Jeffrey Ave., Grant Details: Get outside and walk a different local trail each week. Contact: 651-231-6968

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CPR When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 12 Where: White Bear Lake Fire Station 2, McKnight Rd. and County Rd. E Details: American Heart Association class for health care professionals includes adult, child and infant CPR, AED, bag valve mask use and foreign body airway obstruction. $50. Contact: 651429-8568 or cvoss@ whitebearlake.org

UPPER MIDWEST SCUBA & ADVENTURE SHOW When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 12 Where: Ramada Hotel Bloomington, 300 E. American Blvd. Bloomington Details: Exhibitors, speaker presentations, demonstrations; explore caving and diving in Minnesota and exotic locations, and the ‘HMS Erebus’ shipwreck. Contact: umsatshow. org

SAP TO SYRUP When: 1-3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 12, 19 and Apr. 2 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township Details: Tap a maple tree, collect sap, visit the evaporator, see how the ﬁnal syrup is made and taste the ﬁnal product. Join for one or all three days. $7/ person, registration required. Contact: 651-407-5350 or ramseycounty.us

NIGHT MOVES When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 12

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Where: Wild Mountain, 37200 Wild Mtn Rd., Taylors Falls Details: Late Night ski/ride sessions until 1 a.m. Lift tickets $16, all ages. Contact: 651-465-6365 or wildmountain.com

FRIENDS AND FAMILY FUN DAYS When: 10:30 a.m.-close Saturday, Mar. 12 and Sunday, Mar. 13 Where: Wild Mountain, 37200 Wild Mtn Rd., Taylors Falls Details: Free ‘never-ending’ ski and snowboard lessons with a lift ticket. Join lesson any time between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Print coupon online. Contact: 651-465-6365 or wildmountain.com

ST. PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 13 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Mozart, Schubert and Rameau selections performed. Contact: 651-291-1144

LINE DANCING When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Mar. 14 & 21 Where: Blue Heron Elementary School Gym, 405 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Learn the Samba, Charleston and Cowboy Twist. $12 for 2 sessions. Registration required. Contact: 763-792-6000 isd12.org/communityeducation

POWERUP KIDS COOKING CLASS When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 16 Where: Mahtomedi DEC, room 103, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave. Details: Children can learn to create and colorful and yummy baked potato. $10/child or $20/family, includes apron if ﬁ rst class. Registration required. Contact: powerup4kids.org/ classes

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GARDEN U When: 8:30 a.m.Saturday, Mar. 19 Where: Hudson House Grand Hotel, 1616 Crestview Dr., Hudson Details: Gardening topics include gardening for each season, small water features and Japanese gardens, hosted by St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners Association. $35 fee includes lunch. Pre-register. Contact: 715-549-438 or stcroixvlymga@ pressenter.com

FLOWER ARRANGING When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 19 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Re-interpret a piece of art from the Northern Lights Exhibition with your own ﬂoral masterpiece. Led bu instructors from Crocus Hill Studio. $55. Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING GUIDELINES Anyone in the community may send us news of an upcoming local event. The calendar is reserved for secular community events in or adjacent to Press Publication’s coverage area. Priority is given to free or affordable events that are likely to appeal to a broad audience. Due to space limitations, there is no guarantee whether, when or for how long submissions will be published. Submissions are subject to editing. Please include date, time, location, cost, brief details, and contact information for each event submission. Submission deadline is Wednesday prior to the following weeks’ publication. Call 651-4071226 with questions. Email: calendar@ presspubs.com Mail: Press Publications Attn: Calendar 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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cash machine was taken and the security system. Sometime during the morning, unknown suspects entered the business, cut the phone line and stole the change machine. The business lost an estimated

The Forest Lake Police Department reported the following incidents:

Arrest/Citation

• A 27-year-old Lino Lakes woman was cited with a 4th degree DUI and issued a traffic ticket on Feb. 20, 11:09 p.m. Police pulled her over on Broadway Avenue when they noticed her speeding past the squad car and saw that she seemed to impaired. Her blood alcohol level was .12, and she was issued a citation before officers released her to her mother.

Theft

• A motor vehicle theft was reported on the 300 block of 11th Avenue SE. at 4:42 p.m., Feb. 15. Police took a report of the theft, which had occurred sometime in the last three weeks. Several suspect names were mentioned, including a resident at the location. The complainant reported that the keys were not with the vehicle and the vehicle was stored on a lot on the property prior to the theft. He also reported a break-in to the locked room of the home where he has been staying. • A burglary was reported at the Forest Lake Car Wash on 12th Street SW. at 10:41 a.m., Feb. 13. The

$9000.

Other

• A property damage accident took place at the 20700 block of July Avenue N. at 8:16 a.m., Feb. 20. A vehicle had slid off of Highway 97 and into a tree in a yard; the driver reported a sore chest from the airbag but refused an ambulance. The vehicle was towed and the owner of the home where the accident took place was notified. • Police received a report of an assault on the 200 block of Second Avenue SW. at 11:36 p.m., Feb. 19. Officers checked the scene and found a 21-year-old Forest Lake man who appeared passed out with large amounts of alcoholic beverage containers around him. When police made contact, he reported he was assaulted by someone and struck 10 times in the head. He also reported he drank 12 beers (Breath test showed .254). Police spoke with another member of the household, who reported that the man had fallen due to being intoxicated, after

MARCH 4, 2016

he attempted cooking hardboiled eggs without water. Due to the man’s high intoxication level and lack of information regarding the alleged assault, there were no charges. • Police responded to a report of a vehicle that was partially submerged in Clear Lake at 9:05 a.m., Feb. 13. The rear tires of the vehicle had sunk halfway into the ice. The vehicle was unoccupied and appeared to have been there overnight, as ice had reformed around the tires. When the owner was reached, he said he would handle getting the vehicle out. The Stillwater Police Department reported the following incidents:

Arrest/Citation

• A warrant arrest took place on Mulberry Street W. at 3:22 a.m., Feb. 17. • An auto accident took place on Stillwater Boulevard N. at 7:25 p.m., Feb. 19. A driver was charged with a 4th degree DWI. • An individual received a 4th degree DWI and a 3rd degree DWI test refusal at a location on Third Street S. at 2:25 a.m., Feb. 20.

Theft

• Police received a report of identity theft and fraudulent tax filing information at a location on Hidden Valley Lane at 9:43 a.m., Feb. 16. • Police received a report of identity theft at a location on Benson Boulevard W. at 9:03 p.m., Feb. 17. • Police received a report of check fraud and mail theft at a location on Driftwood Lane at 8:03 a.m. on Feb. 18. • Police provided a civil assist in response to a theft report to a location on Orleans Street W. at 6:59 p.m., Feb. 19.

Other

• Credit card fraud was reported at a location on Orwell Court at 4:12 p.m., Feb. 15. • A suspicious person was reported at a location on Tower Drive at 8:48 a.m., Feb. 17. • Police provided a civil assist to a location on Main Street S. at 9:40 a.m., Feb. 17. • An unwanted person was reported during a verbal domestic dispute at a location on Everett Street N. at 4:10 p.m., Feb. 17. • A hit and run was reported at the Target on Market Drive at 5:39 p.m., Feb. 19.

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Early morning crash on Highway 61 Hugo firefighters were busy sweeping up highway debris after two vehicles collided around 7 a.m. Feb. 24. A Hugo man, 59, was driving a 1992 black GMC Sierra northbound that collided with a Floyd’s Security truck driven southbound by a Ham Lake man, 53, at 125th Street. The GMC driver was transported to Regions hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to the State Patrol. The man was not wearing a seat belt. His passenger was not injured and was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the other pickup, a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado, was not transported. He was belted. The

driver was attempting to turn left onto 125th when his vehicle struck the northbound truck. That vehicle then veered into the ditch and struck a utility pole. No citations were issued. Hugo resident Mike Gallivan lives on the corner. He was sitting at his office computer when he heard a loud bang. Gallivan said it sounded like the back of dump truck slamming down on its chassis. He ran outside to find the Floyd’s driver getting out of his truck. He was dazed and trying to send a text, Gallivan said. A woman had parked her vehicle and run to the aid of the Hugo driver, who was helped out of his truck and then lay on the ground.

MARCH 4, 2016

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SCHOOL BRIEFS

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

SUBMITTED

Scandia students become engineers for the week Students at Scandia Elementary recently discovered the engineering process and learned what it takes to build and create the things they see around them every day. Visiting instructors from the Science Museum of Minnesota were at the school for three days, helping students create projects using the engineering method of “Ask, Imagine, Plan Create, Improve.” Each student grade level was given age-appropriate challenges and allowed to explore science through hands-on learning. Pictured above: Addison Harris and Jace Maas, first-grade students from Scandia Elementary, celebrated recently after they successfully built a block bridge that was strong enough to hold their toy truck.

LILA receives education award

2016 MSHSL Section 7AA Boys Championship – 2/25/2016 to 2/27/2016 Team Rankings-Through Event 12

Forest Lake Area High School wrestling team was recently honored with a gold academic award from the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association. The gold award honors teams that have an average grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0 for their top 10 wrestlers.

FOR

EST

LAK

Ni Nic’s outstanding Section 7AAA showdown earned him a berth in sh the individual portion of the state th tournament. The Ranger senior placed to second at 170 pounds to improve to 28se 10 for the season. He was named two time all conference and four time letter tim winner. Nic also participates in football w and was named all conference. He is a an three time letter winner. He maintains a th 3.8 GPA and is a member of FFA. 3. Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer! Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2015

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of the

aff

Forest Lake wrestling

The Forest Lake relay team (composed of Duncan Johnson, Matt Clayton, Ben Chatwin and Wyatt Tompson) broke the Section 7AA record in the 200 Yard Medley Relay with a time of 1:36.91. Chatwin also took the 7AA record in the Boys 50 Yard Freestyle, with a time of 21.23, and came in first in the Boys 100 Yard Freestyle at 47.11. Forest Lake came first in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay with a team of Matt Clayton, Grant Maxfield, Ethan Herzog and Brad Youngquist. Forest Lake again took first in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, with credit to Duncan Johnson, Brad Youngquist, Wyatt Thompson and Ben Chatwin.

MAPLEWOOD

T TOYOTA

Connor Weiss

ST. CR

OIX V ALLE

Stillwater wrestling stling staff

Forest Lake wrestling team wins academic award

Forest Lake, 475 points Anoka, 346.50 points Andover, 311 points Centennial, 253.50 points Blaine, 221 points Duluth East, 195 points Cambridge-Isanti, 142 points Coon Rapids, 113 points

Connor’s outstanding Section 4AAA showdown earned him a berth in the individual portion of the state tournament. The Pony junior won the 195 pound class to improve to 27-14 for the season.

Kelli Frederickson (pictured far left) won the Forest Lake Post 225 Oratorical and then the Third District contest and is shown here at the State Semifinals on Feb. 20. She spoke well, but did not make it to the final round.

The boys teams were ranked in the following order:

Week

F Forest t Lake L k student t d t goes g to t oratorical semifinals

Nic Norem os thletes ch en by press st

Athlete

of the

Week

The Forest Lake High School Speech Team hosted another successful speech tournament on Saturday, Feb. 20. The Ranger speech team had 12 students in the final round of competition. Courtney Leonard achieved a second-place finish in the category of storytelling, and Sara DeSobrino took first place in the category of extemporaneous speaking. DeSobrino was ranked first in all four rounds of competition by all six judges who saw her perform.

Forest Lake places first in swim/dive Boys Championship

os thletes ch en by press

Sobrino leads in speech team success

Members of the Stillwater boys hockey team celebrate a goal by Noah Cates during their 4-0 victory over White Bear Lake in the Section 4AA semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Aldrich Arena. Stillwater scored 3 goals within the span of 4 minutes in the second period to seal the win. With a surprising spin move as he approached the net, Noah Cates also scored the 1-0 game winning overtime goal against HIll Murray in the Section 4AA final. Stillwater faces Farmington in the first round of the Class AA State Tournament.

Athlete

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), the International Baccalaureate Spanish and Chinese full-immersion school in Forest Lake, has earned its tenth consecutive School Finance Award from the Minnesota Department of Education. To receive the award, the school had to demonstrate indicators of sound fiscal health, including a zero or positive balance in the general fund. In addition, MDE also considered the school’s record for timely submission of financial data and compliance with Minnesota statutes as well as LILA’s accuracy in financial reporting.

Stillwater advances to state

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS CONTINUED Washington County opens online reservation system

St. Croix Crossing paddleboat tours scheduled

Washington County Parks will accept reservations for the 2016 camping and picnicking season online, by telephone, or in person at any parks office beginning March 1. New for 2016, park users may register for Washington County Parks programs online through the county’s website for both free and fee-based programs. Users will be required to create an account with Washington County Parks at www.co.washington.mn.us and may do so by searching “parks reservations.” Accounts may be created immediately with the new system.

The St. Croix Crossing project has announced the full schedule of public paddleboat tour dates for 2016. The paddleboat tours through Stillwater-based St. Croix Boat & Packet allow area residents and visitors to view St. Croix Crossing construction close up. Project engineers from both agencies will discuss St. Croix Crossing bridge work and Wisconsin approach work underway. The project will offer three tours per month. Visit www.stillwaterriverboats.com for dates, reservation information and more details. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 12. Visit www. dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing for more information.

Empty Bowls fundraiser held at SAHS Youth United Way invites the public to attend its 14th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. March 3 at Stillwater Area High School. Youth United Way is comprised of eighth- through 12th-grade students who work together to raise money for different youth and hunger programs in the community. Empty Bowls is the group’s largest fundraiser. In the past the Empty Bowls event raises approximately $4,000 per year for the Youth United Way group. These funds are then distributed by Youth United Way to local youth and hunger programs in the Stillwater area. Tickets are $20 for soup and a pottery bowl, $10 for soup only and $5 for students and children. Purchase at www.uwwce.org/empty-bowls.html.

Vaudeville, a Reptile Show by Snake Discovery and Dazzling Dave National Yo-Yo Master. The Kids Area will be packed with fun including science experiments, face painting, crazy hair, Mad Science, balloon artists and a bounce house. Don’t miss the Outdoor Vehicle Fair featuring police cars, dump trucks, excavators, an ambulance and recreational toys. The Community Stage will showcase local martial arts and dance studios, as well as fitness and performing arts organizations that will showcase music and arts programs in the community. For more information on the Woodbury Community EXPO visit the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce website at woodburychamber.org, Facebook. com/woodburychamber, or contact event manager, Amanda Roseth at amanda@woodburychamber.org.

Woodbury Community EXPO offers free Women’s reading club announces family fun meetings The seventh annual Woodbury Community EXPO, a free event for all ages, will be held March 19 at East Ridge High School from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. More than 179 area businesses and nonprofits will be on hand showcasing their products and services while offering some of their best deals of the season. Local restaurants will be selling their specialties. The main stage will feature Star Wars Saber Show and Meet and Greet, juggling and magic by Perpetual

The Stillwater Women’s Reading Club will meet at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 Fifth St. S, Stillwater at 1 p.m. Monday, March 7. Washington County Attorney Peter Orput will present “Senior Safety Tips.” Guests are welcome. For more information, call 651-788-9446.

RIVERWAY MEETING: Educational session canceled FROM PAGE 3

about even just by skimming it.” Anyone can view the full Lower St. Croix Cooperative Management Plan by visiting www.rivers.gov/documents/plans/lower-st-croix-plan.pdf. Warren also said that Thoreson is also a good resource for further education about the St. Croix waterway. Thoreson can be reached at randy_thoreson@ nps.gov. Warren also welcomes ques-

tions about the river as she continues to work on her own project of educating citizens who own homes and properties adjacent to the river, as well as local units of government, about how to best comply with the existing regulations. While the public presentation has been tabled for now, Warren believes that it may be a possibility for the future. “Somewhere down the line we might host like a speaker series about that,” she said.

Meanwhile, applications for the St. Croix Master Watershed Stewards program are now being accepted for the pilot project that begins in March. There are also opportunities for organizations or agencies to host learning opportunities and/or capstone projects. The St. Croix Master Watershed Stewards Certificate Program is a 2-year pilot project, one of just three in the nation funded in the fall of 2015 by the EPA Office of Environmental Education.

The adult learning program is similar to those used to train Master Gardeners or Master Naturalists. In the spring and early summer of 2016, a unique curriculum will be offered that combines the topics of watershed ecology, leadership, community organizing, and using the arts as a tool for designing and implementing successful projects. See the website for more information and to submit a Steward application at www.stcroixstewards.org.

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PROJECT FAIRY GODMOTHERS: St. Croix Cleaners collect dresses for teens FROM PAGE 1

“We have it set up where they each get their own personal shopper to accompany them,” said Logan. “They will find out what color scheme, style of dress they like, and they’ll choose. The goal is that the young lady isn’t left by herself to find her own dress. It’s even more important to have someone to partner with as they navigate the gymnasium.” Logan said all that’s required to receive a free dress is a high school ID. “I think sometimes there’s this idea that it’s only for the struggling student,” she said. “This allows anyone who wants to have a prom dress to have that opportunity. We want to take that stress off the table of spending a ton of money on a prom dress when you can come and get your perfect prom dress for free. There will be people there to give the students ideas on how to style their hair on makeup applications. It’s almost like a one-stop shop. The students don’t have to present any kind of financial need. All it costs is a

smile and school ID.” For dress donors, Underkoffler gave the following advice: “They can just bring [the dress] in as is, and we can handle it from there,” she said. “Also they can get a tax receipt.” As for the April 2 event, Logan said the event is a very relaxed affair. “They don’t have to make appointments, the doors open at 9, it’ll be open and available all day for students to come in and shop for their dress,” she said. St. Croix Cleaners has 18 locations throughout the metro area, including Stillwater, Forest Lake, White Bear Lake and downtown St. Paul. Underkoffler suggested visiting the website at www.stcroixcleaners. com to find the nearest location and learn more about dropping off dress donations, or calling the store at 651-351-1656. Project Fairy Godmothers also runs a Facebook page with frequent updates about the dress collection. St. Croix Cleaners will collect dress donations until March 11.

SUBMITTED

Above: The event will be held in the gymnasium of Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul.

LAKESHORE THEATER: Players anticipate relocation FROM PAGE 1

should start this summer now that a contractor has been hired. A facilities committee heard presentations from four companies this winter after sending out a request for proposals. They decided on McGough Construction, which Elwell said has much experience building performance arts space. “We felt they anticipated our every need just perfectly,” noted Mike Spellman, president of Lakeshore’s board of directors. The next step is to verify numbers on project estimates and work with the architects on the detail design phase. Elwell is keeping her fingers crossed the capital committee is successful in raising another $1 million by summer. Lending institutions want to see 75 percent of the money raised before they’ll issue a bridge loan to start construction, she said. If that doesn’t happen, the contractor will at least put in footings and wait until the money is raised. They do have the funds to complete the demolition work. The new theater will have seating for 240 versus 182, an orchestra pit, separate gender dressing rooms, a spacious lobby and ample restrooms.

“Everyone is thrilled about that,” Elwell added. A separate area to construct scenes will eliminate the three- to four-week interval between plays (construction happens on stage currently), meaning there will be more performances. A concert series is planned for the first time in the new theater; there will be a fiveshow children’s series, plus the regular seven-show season. There is also a black box theater with flexible seating for 72. As for the 1889 church-turned-community-theater on Stewart Avenue, that property will be sold to a developer. Artistic Director Ben Ratkowski considers the nonprofit community theater “a great steppingstone to professional theater.” “We have directors lined up at the door to direct our performances,” he said. According to Ratkowski, the Twin Cities is second only to New York City in number of theaters per capita. Chicago is third. “Actors, too, really want to come to Lakeshore Players and they put up with a not-very-glamorous ‘green room’ in the basement to act on that stage,” Spellman added. Elwell, in her 13th year as

“0% ng ci Finanable” Avail

director, said it’s because they know they’ll have an audience. “We have such a great following. A lot of theaters can’t always guarantee an audience.” The new facility will be the pride of the northeast metro, noted Spellman, who resides in Shoreview. “We currently have 23,000 visits. We’re looking to triple that. It will have a huge economic benefit.” Anyone wishing to contribute to the campaign can find more information at www. lakeshoreplayers.org. Right: Lakeshore Players’ Ben Ratkowski and Joan Elwell pose in “Grandma’s closet,” a storage area that holds props like a life-size doll and fake “blud.” DEBRA NEUTKENS |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

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Reeling In the best local fish fries We’re three weeks into the season of Lent, which means that churches and businesses all over the region are hosting Friday night fish fries. Here are the Lowdown’s recommendations for a satisfying Lenten meal this season. American Legion Post 225 in Forest Lake is one of many locations serving up fish this year. In addition to offering a fish fry every Friday, the Legion will hosts its eighth annual Fish Fry Fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. March 1 to benefit the Fourth of July Parade. This event will also feature a “Throw a Pie in the Face” fundraiser. Currently, guests will have the opportunity to throw a cream pie at State Representative Bob Dettmer, Forest Lake Councilman Rich Weber, Forest Lake American Legion Commander Robin Kunkel, Forest Lake VFW Commander Roger Fredsall, Forest Lake School Board Director Karen Morehead, Forest Lake Zoning Administrator Donovan Hart, and Famous Dave’s owner Bob Miesner. Post 225 is still seeking volunteers to take a pie in the face to support the Legion. “Our donations are down this year and we have quite a bit of ground to make up before the Fourth of July, which is just around the corner,” said parade cochair Krista Goodyear. To contact the Legion about volunteering for this fundraiser, email Goodyear at krich12@frontiernet.net or call the Legion at 651-4642600 before March 8. The regular Friday fish fry at Post 225 costs $11, but not all-you-can-eat, featuring deep fried or baked cod, baby reds or fries and cole slaw. Another notable fish fry location is the Lino Lakes American Legion. Entrepreneur Greg Brown had an idea when he noticed a lack of guests at the American Legion: Get permission to start a fish and chicken restaurant within the Legion to feed customers. Brown has been hosting fish fry parties for friends and family for 35 years, so he wanted to channel his passion into business. “People told me I make the best fish ever,” he said. Other than “Taco Tuesdays” and hamburgers, the Legion doesn’t have a full menu running throughout the day. Brown is hoping to bring in customers throughout Lent with cod, walleye, fish tacos and more. “Hopefully, the ball just gets rolling and gets a little bigger,” he said. “We’re just trying to get ‘er going. It’s a lot of work.” His fish fry recipe includes wheat flour and corn flake crumbs combined with a mixture of secret seasonings. The fish and chicken shack will offer a lunch

special throughout Lent: Two pieces of fish with fries and its “famous” coleslaw for $9.99. Hours are 12-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

OTHER LOCATIONS TO ENJOY FISH THIS SEASON St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Hugo The 14th annual St. John’s “Don Schoeller” Memorial fish fry serves a menu of Icelandic cod, baby red potatoes, french fries, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, pickles, rolls, cookies and beverages. Proceeds benefit church projects. Children may enter a free bike raffle. When: 4:30-8 p.m. through March 18 Address: 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $7 children 6-12, children under 5 eat free Contact: 651-426-9796 Lake Elmo Inn, Lake Elmo Lake Elmo Inn has a fish fry lunch special every Friday until March 25, featuring all-you-care-to-eat Alaskan cod, broiled or fried, served with cole slaw and French fries or a baked potato. When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday Address: 3442 Lake Elmo Ave. N., Lake Elmo Cost: $15.95 Contact: 651-777-8495 St. Odilia Catholic Church, Shoreview St. Odilia’s offers an all-you-can-eat dinner including dessert. Proceeds from the event support athletic programs. When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 4 Address: 3495 Victoria St. N., Shoreview Cost: $10 adults, $7 kids 5-12; kids under 5 free. Contact: 651-484-3364 Brine’s Restaurant, Stillwater Brine’s offers all-you-can-eat fish, lightly beer battered with all the fixings, and includes salad bar. When: 5-9 p.m. Address: 1790 Washington Ave. S., Stillwater Cost: $10.95 Contact: 651-439-7556 Stillwater VFW Post 323, Stillwater When: 5-7 p.m. through March 27 Address: 5880 Omaha Ave. N., Stillwater Cost: $10 adults, $6 children 6-12, 5 & under free Contact: 651-430-1166

St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Stillwater The Men’s Club of St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s provide all-you-caneat beer-battered cod, parsley buttered potatoes, coleslaw and green beans. There will also be macaroni and cheese for younger guests. Take-out is available. When: 4:30-7 p.m. through March 18 Where: St. Michael’s Social Hall (611 S. Third St., Stillwater Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children 6-12 years old. Children under 5 eat free, and there is a family household rate of $35. Contact: 651-439-4400 Keep Zimmer VFW Post 1782, White Bear Lake The VFW serves all-you-care-to-eat ﬁsh, fries and coleslaw. Address: 4496 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake When: 4-9 p.m. Cost: $12 Contact: 651-426-4944 St. Pius X Church, White Bear Lake St. Pius provides baked and fried ﬁsh and accompaniments. When: 4:30-7p.m. Address: 3878 Highland Ave., White Bear Lake Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children 12 and under, 5 and under free. Contact: 651-429-5337

Annual Audit Report 2015

Audit Period April 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015 PUBLICATION THE LOWDOWN ST. CROIX VALLEY

Publishing Company: PRESS PUBLICATIONS 4779 BLOOM AVENUE WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 651-407-1200, 651-429-1242 (FAX)

WEEKLY CIRCULATION: SIX MONTH AVERAGE THE LOWDOWN ST. CROIX VALLEY: FRIDAY FREE CIRCULATION MAIL TARGET TOTAL FREE PAID CIRCULATION MAIL TOTAL PAID

1,978 855 2,833

129 129

TOTAL QUALIFIED CIRCULATION AVERAGE PRESS RUN PRESS RUN AS OF 09/25/2015

2,962 3,015 3,068

QUALIFIED CIRCULATION HISTORY 3 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER, 2015 3 MONTHS ENDING JUNE, 2015 6 MONTHS ENDING MARCH, 2015 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER, 2014 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER, 2013

2,985 2,939 4,344 4,735 5,396

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SUBMITTED

The Eder schoolhouse in 1913.

JIM MORTWEDT | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Shortly after ending his 1,000-mile walk to Cedar Key, Florida, John Muir collapsed with malaria.

Wisconsin farm boy’s 1,000-mile walk ended here John Muir, Wisconsin farm boy, mechanical genius and arguably America’s foremost naturalist, walked into Cedar Key, Florida in 1867 incubating a near-lethal case of malaria. It was the end of his Woods 1,000-mile walk. The 29-year-old had begun and Water in Indiana after an eye injury caused him to Notebook forsake fortune to seek Jim meaning in the natural world. Muir had come Mortwedt to this country at age 11 with his family, hailing from near Edinburgh and the Scottish fjord, the Firth of Forth. They farmed in Wisconsin when it was a territory that included what is now Minnesota and more. My arrival in Cedar Key is in a Ford Escape with Minnesota plates. I head to the downtown waterfront and on the way see a hand-lettered sign for mullet dip. “Hmmm,” I think, “aren’t mullets bottom feeders?” They are. Hurricane Ivan slammed into this town in September 2004 with a fury I hope I never witness: 100-mile-per-hour winds blasted for more than nine hours. Some of the businesses haven’t recovered yet — or won’t. But today the brightly painted town is hopping with tourists. Both Muir’s arrival and mine were greeted with fair skies, light winds and temperatures in the 60s. I’m not long out of the car and walking along a handsome concrete and aluminum small craft harbor, when a brown pelican swoops in and grazes my dog Zipper. The golden retriever slips her collar but I grab her before she makes it over the rail and into the surf. Zipper is a Minnesota duck dog, and to her the swooping pelican is an outsized mallard. Her excitement is deeply rooted in her DNA and I understand. What’s more, her behavior in the car on the long trip down was exemplary. She is two different dogs, my wife says. Muir had only malarial hallucinations to deal with. We have a retriever who is seeing more large birds than ever before in her seven years. “This is the feeding-ground of thousands of waders of all sizes, plumage, and language, and they make a lively picture and noise when they gather ... to eat their daily bread, so bountifully provided for them,” Muir wrote of Cedar Key. Teddy Roosevelt, who got along famously with Muir and at his urging made Yosemite a national park, once pointed out an oddity of the naturalist: he wasn’t particularly interested in birds. Botany was his

first interest, geology perhaps second. It took Muir a few months to recover from malaria and he spent many days flat on his back outside, watching the ebb and flow of tides, and the Sabal palm and Southern pine sway in the breeze. He was that sick. Just after he collapsed, he was ignored and thought drunk. Soon after that he was taken in and cared for by a mill owner who had hired him promptly a day or so earlier after seeing him work with machinery. Muir had an eventful first week here in Cedar Key. As a boy, Muir had hand carved a working clock out of Wisconsin hardwood cut on the home farm, a precocious feat and the stuff of genius. Later, he was seen briefly as a promising student at the fledgling University of Wisconsin in Madison, but wholly focused on his own interests — primarily botany. And it was his fondness for “botanizing” that prompted him to leave a good-paying mechanic job in Indiana for the 1,000-mile hike in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the effects of which he later wrote could be seen in the charred mills, strewn farms and defeated “countenances” he met on his journey to the Gulf. After enjoying the fresh Gulf breeze for a while, we drive to a small state museum on the edge of a tidal flat here in Cedar Key that honors Muir. Once on the mend, he began looking for passage on a vessel to carry him away. He soon found what he was looking for and went on to bigger things: founded the Sierra Club, acquired national fame as a writer, and made some money as a California orchardist. Much more, too. He married an understanding woman who, accommodating his wanderlust, would shoo him off to his beloved California mountains while she minded the kids. He could be away for months. The plaque here at the museum notes that he left Florida early in 1868. He was here less than a year. But in that year, he formed a thought that would change the world forever. Muir believed that nature itself was of value and not merely grist for mankind’s progress. Wild was best, he said. That was a radical belief in 19th-century America and ironic, too. Muir’s early life was supported by the use of his mechanical genius at timber mills. But here at Cedar Key he became a steward of the land, and will forever be known for that. We leave Cedar Key on what is now called Florida’s Nature Coast. “Nature Coast” rings true. This is wild Florida and wild Florida is ever shrinking. It’s clear to me that the place gave a lot to Muir, the Wisconsin farm boy, and he gave something back.

Oakdale-Lake Elmo Historical Society transfers collection to Washington County Historical Society OAKDALE — Citing how difficult it is to get volunteers and new memberships, the Oakdale-Lake Elmo Historical Society (OLEHS) has asked the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) to take over programming at the Eder Schoolhouse, located at the Oakdale Nature Preserve. “We wanted to make sure the work this organization has done for the past 20 years didn’t get lost,” said Rich Eder, OLEHS president. “The Washington County Historical Society will make sure what we have done will live on for future generations.” “They have done marvelous work,” said Brent Peterson, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society. “It will be an honor to build on their efforts and continue telling the stories of Oakdale and Lake Elmo.” The schoolhouse, built in 1888 and known as the Eder

School, was rural District No. 12 in Washington County. It served a couple generations of area students until the district was consolidated into another in 1920. The building was moved and served as a shed for the Eder family until 2000, when it was donated to the OLEHS. It was relocated and donated to the Oakdale Nature Center in 2004. On May 23, 2004, Myrtle Eder and Myrtle Hunstiger attended the grand opening. Hunstiger, 105 years old at the time of the opening, had been a teacher in the school in 1918 and 1919. Eder was one of her students at the school at that time. Later in 2004, the OLEHS received an award for their preservation efforts of the school from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. WCHS Board Chair David Lindsey said that “transferring the collection and programming to the

Washington County Historical Society is a win-win for everyone.” He continued, “The stories and the history will be more accessible to the people of Oakdale, Lake Elmo and Washington County as a whole.” Many people helped in making sure the schoolhouse was preserved including Jim Morphew, Duane Ellertson, Judge Thomas Armstrong Sr., Chuck & Carol Houck, Rich Eder, Bill Rasmussen, Louise Frederick, Gloria Knoblach and many more. When the schoolhouse will be open and what programs will be offered are still being finalized. More details will be available on the WCHS website (www.wchsmn.org) in the near future. For more information about the Washington County Historical Society or how you can volunteer or donate, call 651-439-5956. From press release

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Current day Eder schoolhouse, now located at Oakdale Nature Preserve.

THE LOWDOWN

MARCH 4, 2016 www.presspubs.com

SUBMITTED

Students at Stillwater Jr. High perform a scene from “My Life as a Superhero,” written by former student Holly Newton and her father Dale.

Alumni-written superhero play debuts at Stillwater Jr. High Superheroes are all the rage in movies and TV and now drama club students at Stillwater Junior High School are getting into the act with a student-written, student-directed and student-performed play about an unexpected teenage superhero. The show ran last weekend, Feb. 25-27. “My Life as a Superhero” chronicles how teenager Jill Jamison is unexpectedly proclaimed a superhero and has her life thrown into chaos, uncharted territory and danger. Jill has nowhere to turn for help, except a website for the Superhero Guild. The play was written by former SJHS theater student Holly Newton and her father, Dale. Holly came up with the idea in ninth grade after seeing a superhero movie that was too violent for her. “For fun one night we started brainstorming what we thought the movie should have been about,” said Holly. “In our heads, we created characters, a storyline, and scenes. Then, when I woke up the next morning, my dad had written down the ideas we discussed the previous night and suggested we write a superhero play together. So that’s what we did.” “Since she was active in the drama club, I suggested that we could write a play that told the story we wanted to see,” said Dale. “Together we developed the superhero and supervillain characters, wrote scenes and then read and revised each other’s work.” The superheros they created include Captain Gaseous, Weenie Man and Spud Girl. The villains: Big Cheese, Techno Girl and Riff & Raff. They say the process was a fun and unique way for a father and teenage daughter to connect and collaborate. “My dad is a talented writer, and I’ve been editing his work for years, but this was my first experience writing with him,” Holly said. “I learned about his writing process as we worked together.

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Holly Newton (left) and her father Dale (right) developed “My Life as a Superhero” together.

It was an exciting experience to see our ideas come to life on the page.” Unfortunately, the process took more than a year to complete and by then Holly was in high school. At the time, there wasn’t interest in doing the play. About a year ago, they ran into SJHS theater director Drew Smith and “My Life as a Superhero” came up in conversation. He asked them to send him the script again for a possible spring play this year. Smith calls the script intelligent. “It would be easy to dismiss it as a kid

show,” Smith said. “But it has superheroes, sibling concerns, action and comedy, all combined with a thoughtful and earnest spirit.” “My Life as a Superhero” is full of humor, adventure, teenage self-obsession and other fun. The play also explores themes of valuing family, standing up to wrongdoing, relying on friends, recognizing your personal worth and being a force for good in the world. Dale believes the title character, Jill, is very relatable to teens and pre-teens. “Holly had a big role in develop-

ing the characters, and as a teenage girl, she had a lot of insight into Jill’s character,” said Dale. “I think there’s some of her in Jill, but Jill’s worries, challenges and strengths are present in many young women struggling to find who they will be in the world.” Although the set is limited to light and sound changes, Smith says the heart of this superhero comedy comes out in the characters. “Both the superheroes and villains are larger than life but also possessed of a genuine core,” said Smith. “The humor in the show ranges from the visual to timing-based jokes and the students have done a great job with it.” This is the second time SJHS has produced a student-written play. Last year, the theater group performed “Revenge of the Choir,” written by student Adam Sutcliffe. “After our production of ‘Revenge of the Choir,’ it became clear that we needed an outlet for student-written shows in Stillwater,” said Smith. “The success of having a student both write and co-direct made it evident that writing and directing are necessary experiences to offer our students.” Holly graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 2014 and is now a sophomore studying aerospace engineering at the University of Minnesota. She’s currently working out of state for the year participating in two internships, including one at NASA. Although she is no longer involved with theater, Holly says the skills she learned are still being used today. “Being involved in Stillwater theater has taught me valuable communication and presentation skills that have really helped me in life,” said Holly. “Theater has helped turn me from a shy, quiet mouse to a confident young woman.” From press release

MARCH 4, 2016

www.presspubs.com

Reel talk

Don’t Miss!

Good

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.

“THE LADY IN THE VAN” (PG-13) (3.5) [A BRIEF UNSETTLING IMAGE.]

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Fri

March

6:44 6:05

Sat

March

6:42 6:06

Sun

March

6:41 6:07

Mon

March 7

6:39 6:09

Tue

March

6:37 6:10

Wed March

6:35 6:11

Thu

6:33 6:13

March

WEATHER TIDBIT We enjoyed 59° this past Saturday. March outlook: Temperatures warmer than normal. Below normal snowfall and precipitation. March normals: High 42° Low 23° Snowfall 12.4” Precipitation 2.19”.

WEEKLY AVERAGES MARCH 4 - 10, 2016 High 37° Low 19° %Sun 55% PCP 0.47”

YEAR AGO THIS WEEK Arctic air dominated the ﬁrst week of March 2015. I had a morning low of -13° on March 5. It was also the last subzero morning of the season. 19-day dry spell began on March 4.

“RISEN”

(PG-13) (3) [BIBLICAL VIOLENCE, INCLUDING SOME DISTURBING IMAGES.]

— A religious, engaging, well-acted, emotional 147-minute film that follows a well-respected Roman Military Tribune (Joseph Fiennes), who was involved in the crucifixion, as he and his aide (Tom Felton) in 33 A.D. desperately search for the body of Jesus (Cliff Curtis) after his alleged resurrection per the order of a nervous Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth) and then has a spiritual awakening when he finds the Messiah alive among his disciples (Antonio Gil, Stewart Scudamore, Jan Cornet, Joe Manjón, Stavros Demetraki, Mish Boyko, Manu Fullola, et al.) and Mary Magdalene (Maria Bello).

Crossword

Fun Fact A duck can’t walk without bobbing its head.

Did you know? In Ancient Greece, throwing an apple to a woman was considered a marriage proposal.

“TRIPLE 9”

(R) (3) [STRONG VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT, DRUG USE, AND SOME NUDITY.]

— After five highly trained thieves (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Antony Mackie, Clifton Collins Jr., Aaron Paul, and Norman Reedus) rob an Atlanta bank of cash and a mysterious safety deposit box for a blackmailing Russian/Israeli Mafia CEO (Kate Winslet) in this gritty, action-packed, well-paced, bullet-riddled, unpredictable, star-dotted (Teresa Palmer, Gal Gadot, Michelle Ang, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Jon Eyez) 115-minute thriller, a drug-addicted lieutenant (Woody Harrelson) and his no-nonsense nephew detective (Casey Affleck) begin an investigation only to discover dirty cops were involved in the heist.

“THE WITCH: A NEW ENGLAND FOLK TALE”

(R) (3) [DISTURBING VIOLENT CONTENT AND GRAPHIC NUDITY.]

— When governor Julian M. Richings bans a devoutly religious couple (Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie) and their four children (Anya Taylor Joy, Harvey Scrimshaw, Lucas Dawson, and Ellie Grainger) and an infant from their New England settlement in the 1630s and must start over building a new farm in this creepy, engaging, chilling, factually inspired, 90-minute thriller based on historical records, the family becomes increasingly agitated and frightened as they are terrorized by a menacing, unseen witch (Bathsheba Garnett).

WENDY SCHADEWALD The preceding films were reviewed by Wendy Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities film critic since 1986. To see more of her film reviews, log on to www.shortredheadreelreviews.com.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Color properties 5. Arabian greeting 10. Frozen spike 12. Levels 14. Tear down social stiffness 16. Rapper Hammer’s initials 18. Midway between E and SE 19. Shooting marble 20. Edward __, British composer 22. Largest English dictionary (abbr.) 23. Cygnus’ brightest star 25. Goidelic language of Ireland 26. Midway between N and NE 27. Auditory organ 28. Last month (abbr.) 30. Indicated horsepower (abbr.) 31. Mediation council 33. Aussie crocodile hunter 35. Sylvan deity 37. Clears or tidies 38. In a way, emerges 40. Whimper 41. G. Gershwin’s brother 42. Begetter 44. Seated 45. Old world, new 48. Girls 50. “Song of triumph” 52. A covering for the head 53. Attack 55. Norwegian krone 56. Coach Parseghian 57. No good 58. Task that is simple 63. A way to move on 65. In a way, advanced 66. Loses weight 67. Shift sails

CLUES DOWN

Weather tidbits

Worth a Look Forget it

— A charming, captivating, well-acted, factually inspired, star-studded (Jim Broadbent, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, and Richard Griffiths) 104-minute film in which a cantankerous, transient, manipulative, former pianist (Dame Maggie Smith) wanders around London in the 1970s and is befriended by a playwright (Alex Jennings), locals and a social worker (Claire Foy) who try to help her.

THE LOWDOWN

1. Go quickly 2. Fiddler crabs 3. Cervid

4. 4 Gundog G d 5. Gushed forth 6. Caliph 7. Shoe cord 8. Give extreme unction to 9. Of I 10. “A Doll’s House” author 11. Documents certifying authority 13. Drunk 15. Principal ethnic group of China 17. Crinkled fabrics 18. Longest division of geological time 21. Pancake 23. Small pat 24. A garden plot 27. Strayed 29. Surgical instrument 32. No. French river 34. Modern 35. Now called Ho Chi Minh City 36. Set into a specific format 39. Exhaust 40. Individual 43. Moves rhythmically to music 44. D. Lamour “Road” picture costume 46. Having earlike appendages 47. Certified public accountant 49. Outermost part of a flower 51. Supplement with difficulty 54. Plains Indian tent (alt. sp.) 59. Electronic warfare-support measures 60. Displaying a fairylike aspect 61. Taxi 62. They __ 64. Syrian pound

Sudoku

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” -Henry David Thoreau

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MARCH 4, 2016 www.presspubs.com

Overpopulation is the most ignored environmental problem, says Minnesota writer BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

RICHFIELD — Even as the Stillwater School District cites poor population growth as one of many reasons to close three Washington County elementary schools, Bloomington resident and population expert Karen Shragg warns that population growth is not the good sign that most people assume. Shragg, who manages Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, recently published a book titled “Move Upstream: A Call to Solve Overpopulation.” Shragg has noticed the alarming effects of population in her everyday life, and implores others to think critically and recognize these symptoms in their own lives. Shragg said that when her father was born, the earth’s population was within sustainable limits. “That was 5 billion people ago,” she said. “We went from sustainable to unsustainable in one person’s lifetime.” With a current world population of 7.4 billion people, there are maybe two decades’ supply of coal left for fuel, she said. But even finding the perfect source of sustainable energy in that time will not have solved the earth’s problems, because overpopulation has not been addressed. “We structure our whole system as pro-growth, but we suffer with things like more traffic and more pollution,” Shragg said. “If you can start seeing overpopulation as ever-present, then you are opening your eyes to the real source of the problem.” Shragg pointed to the St. Croix Crossing bridge project as an example, as well as traffic in general. Commutes are longer, roadways have to be adjusted to handle the sheer quantity of vehicles, which is steadily increasing. She said it’s not the fault of the government or of the Department of Transportation — the structures they put in place were fully adequate for their time. “Every time you’re stuck in traffic, you’re experiencing overpopulation,” she

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Author Karen Shragg.

said. “But it’s not often that you recognize it as that.” Shragg firmly admires the work of other environmentalists who are undertaking huge humanitarian and environmental projects, but do not mention or fully understand the role of overpopulation in the issues they seek to resolve. With good intentions, many aid groups provide much-needed assistance to less fortunate areas of the world, but do so without educating these areas about birth control, she said. As a result, the people who receive this compassionate aid go on to have more children, all of whom also suffer from lack of basic needs. “We finally figured out we’re on the

Titanic, and the people who are supposed to be pointing toward the lifeboats are pointing toward the wrong side of the ship,” she said. This is what Shragg means about moving to a solution upstream of the problem—addressing the source—rather than installing ineffective measures to curb the devastating downstream effects. “At least, let’s point to the right side of the ship.” Shragg believes that by creating awareness and taking measures to consciously control population numbers, overpopulation is a solvable problem. “The solution to any problem is to be fully aware and understand it,” she said.

With understanding comes planning at a higher structural level, which can incorporate any number of solutions including limiting births, increasing education about birth control, and perhaps more possible options once the topic has been explored more thoroughly by the critical institutions such as health care and education. “Do you need a law, or is it just common sense?” Shragg said. “You probably don’t need a law; you just need to know the problem.” Shragg said that when aerosol sprays were first discovered to have a harmful effect on the ozone layer, people stopped buying them before regulations were even in place. “That gives me faith in humanity,” she said. Shragg said that the current infrastructure ironically awards growth and having large families, but the number is unsustainable. She said there are benefits in aiming toward one-child families, such as being able to save more money and devote more time to careers and creating a better quality of life. She realizes that many fiercely defend their right to have as many children as they want, but said that holding on to this conviction shows a lack of understanding about the world that those children are going to inherit. “The right to have children is thought of as sacred, but their future is what should be sacred.” Shragg has encountered resistance to the acceptance of the idea of controlling population growth, which she said is often misconstrued as coldhearted. But foremost in her mind is the condition of the planet that will be left to the next generation. ‘It’s really about caring, not hating,” she said. Right now, Shragg encourages people to discuss the topic, and bring it into the open as much as possible. “The solution is to be one of the people who keeps telling the story,” Shragg said. “You’ve helped create the awareness.”

Commissioners welcome vice president to town BY SARA MARIE MOORE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ST. PAUL — Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Chairman Victoria Reinhardt was the opening speaker at Vice President Joe Biden's visit to St. Paul Feb. 18. Biden stopped in St. Paul on a three-city trip to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which aimed to stimulate the U.S. economy. Reinhardt, District 7 commissioner and a resident of White Bear Lake, welcomed Biden to the Union Depot. The restoration of the historic structure was made possible through a $35 million grant under the Act. Ramsey County also invested $105 million into the project. “The Union Depot once again serves as a connection to so many aspects of our daily lives,” said Reinhardt. “The vibrancy of the Union Depot today is a hub of local, regional and national transportation connections. “After just 24 months, thanks to efforts of financial commitments of federal, state and local partners and citizens, including a $35 million dollar investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and a $105 million Ramsey County investment, this magnificent building was fully reopened to the public,” said Reinhardt. “We are proud that the rigorous efforts of our construction crews resulted in … a building on the National Register of Historic Places. It is not just a great place to transfer, it is also a great place to linger, as I am sure you know.” District 1 Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman of Shoreview was also at the event. In a private session with Biden before the public pre-

SARA MARIE MOORE |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Vice President Joe Biden celebrates the seventh anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at the Union Depot Feb. 18.

sentation, Huffman learned that Biden started out his political career as a county commissioner. “He can relate,” said Huffman. “He understands the minutia the county commissioners face.” Huffman was also impressed with Biden's down-toearth personality amongst all the pomp — the seal being placed on the podium before he spoke and Secret Service agents standing on guard. “He just sounds like an everyday guy,” said Huffman.

“He sounds like your neighbor.” And Huffman, who is a Republican, was impressed with Biden's bipartisan standpoint in his speech. “I was surprised he quoted a strong conservative,” said Huffman. “I'm a Republican. I really enjoyed his speech.”

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