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RETIRING COUNCILWOMAN : Plans to continue public involvement PAGE 3 The following students at Rice Lake Elementary School in Lino Lakes were asked about their New Year's resolutions for 2018.
New Year’s resolutions
Noah Rhodes, kindergarten “Eat more vegetables.”
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Quinlan Wells, second grade
Shelby Gordon, fourth grade
“To finish the Harry Potter series; to be really polite and respectful to my teachers; and to never go to the principal's office if it's for something bad.”
“To get more flexible for dance; and to get better at my multiplication facts.”
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
SEE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, PAGE 19
Lino Lakes cuts position and youth programs BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
event was funded by a grant coauthored by the Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) and Blaine Police Department. “A lot of folks want the SVC to teach folks about how to
LINO LAKES — After a series of meetings between the Centennial School District and the city of Lino Lakes, the two parties were unable to come up with a proposal that both were comfortable with. As a result, the city has decided to cut one staff position and nearly 40 park and recreation programs. The topic fi rst came up at a council work session in July 2017. The council discussed the city might have to alter its programming and consider eliminating one of two park supervisor positions. Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, Centennial Community Education began charging Lino Lakes facility rental fees for all indoor/outdoor programs conducted on school grounds. Up until 2010, the city had a joint powers agreement with the district in which the city was only charged in instances where there was additional custodial or site supervision required on nonschool days. If the school was open, Lino Lakes was not charged. After the topic came up and an article was published in the Quad Community Press, Superintendent Brian Dietz said, “I reached out to the mayor to have some discussions about where we are at and how we can work together to support our communities.” He added, “We want to work together and have a honest dialogue about how that can happen: what would that look like, how would it be fair and equitable to all sides, so no one feels like they are taking on more than they can support long term.”
SEE EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN, PAGE 2
SEE LINO LAKES CUTS, PAGE 9
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Centennial School District School Resource Officer Joe Ramirez, of the Blaine Police Department, helps juniors and seniors come up with a good personal safety plan.
Empowering young women with tools to change culture BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
Junior and senior girls at Centennial High School (CHS) had an important conversation about sexual violence and consent Thursday, Jan. 4.
Empowering Young Women, a presentation by the Sexual Violence Center (SVC) in Minneapolis, is designed to enlighten, educate and empower young women about topics surrounding sexual violence, personal space and consent. The
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Retiring councilwoman plans to continue public involvement BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — Twelve years ago Little League team mom Deb O'Brien, a Circle Pines resident, was asked, “How do you want to show up in the world?” It is that question that raised her awareness to the fact that she could make a difference. O'Brien, who was elected to the City Council in 2006, retired after her term was up in December. While on the council, she also served on the Planning Commission (2007-2009), Police Governing Board and the North Metro Cable Commission. “Deb brought an important voice to the City Council – that of a resident who loved the community and wanted to help it get even better,” Mayor Dave Bartholomay reflected. “She understood that a city council is not the place for divisive politics, but instead is a place where residents can come together to improve people's lives. Circle Pines is a better place because Deb stepped up to bring her talent to help her community dream bigger and reach higher.” After O'Brien was asked that question, she started looking for ways she could contribute beyond her day-today work, parenting and volunteering. “I began to think very deeply about how I was going to show up in the world. How would I contribute? What difference would I make beyond my workplace, family and personal relationships? It wasn’t clear to me what that path would look like, but I knew I was ready to step up,” she said. One day her son's baseball coach, longtime Utilities Commission Chair
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Mayor Dave Bartholomay recognizes Councilwoman Deb O’Brien for her many years of service to the city with a plaque during the Dec. 26 City Council meeting.
Ed Erchul, asked O'Brien if she would consider running for City Council. Erchul introduced O'Brien to Bartholomay, who was on the council. After sitting down for breakfast with Bartholomay, and having a conversation about all Circle Pines had to offer, O'Brien decided to step up. “One thing I knew then, and is still true today, is that I love to be a part of making good things even better,” she said. “Sometimes we underestimate the power of our value and our voice.
Local government is a place where you really can see a direct impact on the quality of life of people in your community.” One of O'Brien's fi rst accomplishments was establishing a set of principles that would guide the city's decision-making process. Other accomplishments include coming up with long-term plans for street projects and water quality improvements to Golden Lake. Most recently, O'Brien was proud
to be involved in the recruiting, screening and interviewing process that brought City Administrator Patrick Antonen to Circle Pines after longtime Administrator Jim Keinath retired in September 2016. When O'Brien fi rst joined the council, her youngest child was 7 years old. He is now 19 going on 20. After watching her children grow up, changing careers and becoming a grandmother, O'Brien felt it was the right time to step away and let someone new take over. “I believe that having new voices on the council is always good, and it was the right time to allow other people to step up to make an impact and contribute,” she said. “I can say with complete confidence and gratitude that serving my community has been a gift and created such meaning for my life. I will continue my public involvement; I'm not exactly sure what that is yet, but I know that I will fi nd a new way to show up in the world.” Bartholomay said, “Deb personified exactly what community leadership is all about: She had never run for office before but wanted to serve her community; she didn’t know much about the nuts and bolts of city government to start, but dove in and learned quickly. She asked a lot of good questions and worked well with others to fi nd new ways to improve her community.” For now, O'Brien plans to spend time being a grandmother until she fi nds her next opportunity to shine. Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or at quadnews@presspubs.com.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Learn to cross-country ski
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Cross-country skiing is great exercise and a fun way to get outdoors in the winter. What better place to learn than in one of Anoka County’s beautiful parks? Anoka County Parks and Recreation will host an introductory cross-country ski class from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 18 at Chomonix Golf Course Ski Area, 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. The class, for ages 8 and up, is appropriate for people of all abilities. The activity fee ($15/adult and $10/child 15 and under) includes ski rental, instruction and cross-country skiing. No experience necessary. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call 763-324-3350 or visit anokacountyparks. com.
Glaucoma, one of the most common eye diseases, currently affects nearly 3 million people ages 40 and older, according to Prevent Blindness. Additionally, the numbers are estimated to increase by nearly 50 percent to 4.3 million by 2032 and by more than 90 percent to 5.5 million by 2050. January has been declared as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” as vision changes tend to occur gradually, without pain. For more information, call Prevent Blindness at 800-331-2020 or visit https:// www.preventblindness.org/glaucoma.
Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County launches Happy Hour program The Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County is bringing a new Happy Hour program to the area in 2018. Happy Hour is 10 one-hour workshops rooted in the science of positive psychology. The program will be introduced at a 10-year celebration and fundraiser Thursday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at TPC Twin Cities, 11444 Tournament Players Parkway, Blaine. Janet Muth, director of health promotion at Carleton College and author of the Happy Hour curriculum, will present “Taking Back Happy Hour.” During the 10 workshops, eight topics are covered, including neuroplasticity, learned optimism and positive relationships. Tickets are $30 for the fundraiser. Money raised will help bring Happy Hour to businesses, faith communities and other interested groups. Buy tickets online by going to MWCAC.org. For information on event sponsorship or donation opportunities, email MWCACsuccess@gmail.com.
Winter Ecology Wander Explore the winter landscape and discover how plants and animals survive in the cold during Winter Ecology Wander from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 20 at the Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes. The event is for ages 12 and up. Participants will visit some of Wargo’s less-traveled corners and look for animal tracks, winter plants and other winter wonders. Dress in layers. If the snow is deep, Wargo will provide snowshoes. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Advance registration is required. Cost is $5/person. To register or for more information, call 763-324-3350 or visit anokacountyparks.com.
January is National Radon Month Radon occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and is an odorless, colorless and tasteless radioactive gas. But it is also the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Fortunately, the risk is largely preventable. Anoka County encourages homeowners to test homes and fi x radon problems. About two in five Minnesota homes have dangerous levels of radon gas. The only way for residents to know if their home has radon is to test. Testing is easy, inexpensive, and only takes three to five days. The best time to test is now during the heating season, but testing can be done year-round. Short-term test kits can be picked up in the Anoka County Administration Office, 2100 Third Ave., Suite 700, Anoka. An order form can be found online at www.anokacounty.us/radon. Additional information can be obtained by calling 763-324-4650. Anyone interested in mitigating his or her home for radon should consult the state’s list of certified radon mitigation contractors at http://www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/mitigation. html.
and community service projects. Anoka County 4-H is collecting gently used formal dresses, bags, shoes and jewelry for the sale. Items will be accepted at the Anoka County 4-H office during office hours (from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). For questions or more information, contact 763-324-3495.
Free Dollars into Sense class The University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County will present a free Dollars into Sense class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Anoka County Human Services Center, 1201 89th Ave., Blaine. The class will cover tracking expenses, putting together a spending plan, goal-setting, credit and where to get additional help/resources. To register, call University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County at 763-324-3495 at least three days prior to the class.
4-H offers winter camps Winter camps and outdoor adventures are being offered through the University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County 4-H. These programs are held at 4-H Camp Salie, located in Linwood Township. Camps are open to 4-H youth members and nonmembers. These camps encourage learning about nature and the environment, making new friends and indoor and outdoor recreation. Campers will participate in a variety of crafts and special projects. The overnight camps will be held Feb. 16-17 for grades 1-5 Feb. and Feb. 23-24 for grades 6 and up. There will also be a day camp offered Feb. 17 for grades K-5. For more information and registration forms, visit www.extension.umn.edu/county/anoka or call 763-324-3495.
Thinking of selling? Call the Quad Area Expert today!
Prom dress sale Anoka County 4-H is holding a sale of gently used or new prom/formal dresses and accessories from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW in Andover. Over 1,000 garments in varying designs and colors and in all sizes will be sold for $30 and under. Many dresses are new and were never worn. Cash and check sales only. All proceeds of the sale will support Anoka County 4-H Youth Leadership programs, scholarships
651-483-2001
JANUARY 9, 2018
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com
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My 5 favorite cookbooks from 2017
C
lose to the end of the year famous people start posting their book list. Bill Gates posted his “must readâ€? list last week. They seem very thoughtful and most have a global are. I’d really like to read a few of them. Must read lists inspire me. They expose me to new ideas, people and concepts. Occasionally, I’m lead to think the book must be awesome if some smart, famous person read it. Not always. I’ve read many books that were recommended, but just because others liked it doesn’t mean I will like it. That is not the case with cookbooks. I like every cookbook and books about food. Reading cookbooks is very satisfying. Sometimes even better than cooking because there is no mess to clean up! My mind can conjure up the avors and I can even get an idea of what the ďŹ nished dish will taste like. It’s the next best thing to cooking.
I read many cookbooks this year, some old, some new. A few were standouts and I think they are worth picking up! Here are my 5 favorite cookbooks from 2017. Green Kitchen at Wild Chow Home, by David and Luise Vindahl Lisa The photos in this book are stunning! Erickson The book is perfect for vegetarians. There are many fun and interesting recipes that your family will gobble up. They won’t miss the meat. Jerusalem, by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi This cookbook is my new favorite. I ďŹ nd myself going back to it again and again for inspiration. The food is Mid-Eastern and what you would typically ďŹ nd in Israel—obviously. Most of
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Henry Harlan Jelmberg was born Dec. 8, 2017 at Fairview Medical Center to parents Steve Jelmberg and Nicole Town of East Bethel. Henry weighed 7 1b. 8 oz. Proud grandparents include Julie Jelmberg, and Dallas and Patty Jelmberg, all of Blaine.
Brooklyn August Dahl Brooklyn August Dahl was born Dec. 19, 2017 to parents Aaron and Breanna Dahl of Blaine. Brooklyn weighed 7 1b. 15 oz.
There is approximately one award recipient for every 50 members in the Minnesota association. Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah was unanimously elected chair of the seven-member county board at its Jan. 2, 2018 organizational meeting. This is the eighth consecutive year Sivarajah will serve as chair. She has been a member of the county board since 2003.
SCHOOL BRIEF Preschool open house announced
lakes and Rice Creek. This past spring we discovered this park, loved the trails and noticed how much work was needed to make it a totally gorgeous park. And now that will happen! And, we know the park's name as well. Yay!
Incarnation Preschool is holding an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11, to give prospective families the opportunity to tour classrooms, explore learning stations, meet teaching staff and ask questions. Contact Director Kirsten Barie at 651-766-0723 or kbarie@incarnationmn.org for questions. Incarnation is located at 4880 Hodgson Road, Shoreview.
Jim and Karen Cox Circle Pines
I know this is not a cookbook, but I had to add it. It was eye opening because it made me think differently about the way I eat and what I eat. This would be a great gift for a health conscious person. The book claims to boost brainpower and energy—we all need more of that! The Book of Cheese, by Liz Thorpe If you like cheese this is the only book you need. The book is the best catalog of cheeses I’ve ever read— and trust me, I think I’ve read every book about cheese published in the last 10 years! The recipes are easy and trendy, showcasing cheese in a new light. It’s the perfect gift for that cheese lover! The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving. Cookbooks do just that! Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. You can ďŹ nd more recipes at www.wild-chow.com.
DEATH NOTICE
Anna Gilbertson, 4-H program coordinator with University of Minnesota Extension, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, presented by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) Nov. 16. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a NAE4-HA member that has served seven years or more in 4-H programs and has been an association member for at least the past two years.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR I am thoroughly delighted! Just read the detailed story about Country Lakes Park in the Dec. 26, 2017 issue of the Quad Community Press. My wife and I have lived here just 1 1/2 years, from Oregon. A key reason we chose to buy (and retire) here in Circle Pines is easily accessible trails,
the dishes are fresh and inspire me to eat clean. The many photos of people on the street show what life is like there. It makes me want to visit! The Midwestern Table, by Amy Thielen I know this book has been out for a while, but I never got around to reading it. It makes me feel at home. Thielen’s little stories make me remember my grandparents. The recipes are very good and fun. This is a great gift for someone who doesn’t live in the Midwest anymore. Fat for Fuel, by Dr. Mercola
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Henry Harlan Jelmberg
Kudos to Lino Lakes
Reading cookbooks is very satisfying. Sometimes even better than cooking because there is no mess to clean up!
Jon Grahek Jon Grahek, of Centerville, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2018 in hospice at Saint Therese at Saint Odilia. Preceded in death by his son Will and his parents Marnie and William Grahek. Survived by wife Heidi, son Devin and brother Mark. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at St. Genevieve Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville, with visitation one hour prior to service.
OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS Death notices of up to 50 words are published free of charge and include name, age, city of residence, former city of residence (if applicable), date of death and service information. There is a charge for longer, more thorough obituaries and life stories. Submitted photos are welcome. Both death notices and obituaries may be submitted with contact information (including a phone number), by email to obits@presspubs.com, by fax to 651-4291242 or by calling 651-407-1230. Obituaries are subject to minor editing for style. For billing questions, call Lisa at 651-407-1205.
Church Directory Find the church that ďŹ ts your needs
t 4VOEBZ Classes for all ages—9 a.m. Worship service—10 a.m. t 8FEOFTEBZ FWFOJOH Junior and Senior High, Awana
Mass Times Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am
10101 Lexington Avenue N Circle Pines, MN 55014 763.784.1760 www.livingfaithmn.org
The Church of St. Genevieve MASS IS CELEBRATED ON:
www.mystjoes.org 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015 A ministry of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Pastor Jim Hoekstra Worship Sundays 10:15 am
Saturday at 4:30 p.m.- Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd Sunday 8:30 a.m. St. John’s site the • 14383 Forest Blvd.inNorth, Sunday 8:30• a.m.-St. John Baptist Church HugoHugo Sunday 10:30 a.m.-Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd
Interim Pastor Anita Beste Worship Services: Sunday Worship Services at Sundays at and 8:3010:45am & 10:45 am 8:30 With 9:30am Education Hour for 3Sunday year oldsSchool - adults at 9:30 am on Sundays for 3 year olds - 6th graders www.stmarkcp.org
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15306 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover MN 55304 Phone: 763-210-5846 • www.immanuelchurchopc.org
Sunday Worship – 9:00 am
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1 North Road, Circle Pines 763-784-2558 “Growing Together in God’s Love to Serve Others�
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Living Waters Lutheran Church
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651-429-7937 s 7087 Goiffon Rd., Centerville
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ALIVE!
worship – 10:15 am All ages learning in an innovative vibrant environment ER
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865 Birch Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-481-0220 www.livingwaterslutheran.org • ELCA
To make changes or to advertise here, call Jeanne at 651-407-1224.
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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
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JANUARY 9, 2018
QUAD AREA EVENTS DOLLARS INTO SENSE CLASS
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 Where: Anoka County Human Services Center, 1201 89th Ave., Blaine Details: Class covers tracking expenses, putting together a spending plan, goal setting, credit and where to get additional help. Register at least 3 days prior. Contact: 763-324-3495 or extension.umn.edu
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12 Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Author/ reporter Jack Burch will discuss his book “Ghost Burglar,” the true story of thief and killer Bernard Welch. Free. Contact: 651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us
LOWERING YOUR SICK DAYS
When: 12:30-2 p.m. Friday, Jan 12 Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Discuss latest evidence about why some people are more susceptible to illness with Dr. Tyler of Northern Chiropractic & Wellness. $8/person includes lunch. Contact:651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us
LEARN TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI
When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 Where: Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln., Lino Lakes Details: Introductory class for people ages 8+ of all abilities. $15/ adult or $10/child 10 and under includes rental, instruction and skiing. Registration required. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacounty.us
WINTER ECOLOGY WANDER
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Look for animal tracks, winter plants and other wonders. Ages 12+; $5/ person. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacounty.us
CENTENNIAL BOOK CLUB
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: January’s book is “The Sleepwalker” by Chris Bohjalian. Contact: 763-717-3294 or anoka.lib.mn.us
18TH ANNUAL SNOW DAY
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Free family event includes ice-fi shing, cross-country skiing, Norwegian kicksledding, snowshoeing, crafts, indoor activities and live animal presentations at 2 & 3 p.m. Equipment provided. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacounty.us
Ongoing OUTDOOR ICE SKATING
When: 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; noon-9 p.m. Saturdays; noon-6 p.m. Sundays Where: Sunrise Park, 6918 Sunrise Dr.; Birch Park, 6520 Pheasant Run S.; and City Hall Park, 1189 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Supervised skating rinks with shelters. Closed Tuesday and Thursday at City Hall Park. Call the hotline for updates or
Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of December 31 – January 6, 2017 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. Minnesota’s broken public education system. Quad Community Press > Opinion 2. A passion for woodworking. White Bear Press > News 3. Reign of the Ice Castle returns Jan. 5. The Lowdown (SCV) > News 4. Comedian considers 40-year career a privilege. Quad Community Press > News 5. Murder is in the air in Minnesota. Quad Community Press > News
See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area.
closings due to inclement weather. Contact: 651-982-2448
BABY STORYTIME
When: 10:15-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fi ngerplays for children birth-24 months and a caregiver. Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org
TODDLER STORYTIME
When: 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fi ngerplays for children ages 2-3 and a caregiver. Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org
FAMILY STORYTIME
When: 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. Thursdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fi ngerplays for children of all ages and a caregiver. No registration required. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org
ADULT OPEN VOLLEYBALL
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 29 March 28 Where: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Ages 18+. $5 drop-in fee. Contact: isd12.org/ community-education
WINTER WALKING
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Where: Centennial High School West, 4757 North Rd., Circle Pines Details: Free. Contact: isd12.org/ community-education
NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY ICE CASTLES STILLWATER
When: 4-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-10:30 p.m. Fridays; noon-10:30 p.m. Saturdays; and noon-8 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 5-27 (weather permitting) Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Frozen castle with twinkling lights, archways and towers, ice-carved tunnels, fountains and slides. Admission
SUBMITTED
Top Secret Project: Decoding the Mysteries of the Teen Domain WHEN: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 WHERE: Centennial High School West, 4757 North Rd., Circle Pines DETAILS: Traveling exhibit followed by presentation and discussion aims to help parents under-
$9.95/adult, $6.95/child weekdays; $13.95/adult, $8.95/child weekends. See website for updates and details. Contact: icecastles. com
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTER’S MEETING
When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 Where: Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview Details: Public is invited to discuss Ari Berman’s book “Give Us the Ballot: the Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.” Contact: 651-493-0686
NEW NEIGHBOR’S CLUB COFFEE
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, January 11 Where: Shoreview Community Center Details: New Neighbors Club is a friendship club for women in the northern suburbs offering outings, interest groups, speakers, community service, and more. New members welcome. Contact: Katherine, 651-482-7861 or Mary, 651-653-1042
TEDTALKS DISCUSSION GROUP
When: 11:30-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St. Details: Bring a bag lunch and watch a video on “ideas worth spreading.” This month’s program is “Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection.” Free; registration recommended. Contact: 651-724-6007 or rclreads.org
RHYME FOR A REASON When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 Where: Running
stand how ordinary objects found in a teen’s bedroom may point to potentially risky behavior. Free, but registration required.
CONTACT: 763-324-1555 or anoka county.us/TopSecretRegistration
Aces, 15201 Zurich St. NE, Columbus Details: All-ages Cowboy Poetry performance by Ron McDaniel. Fundraiser for Acres for Life, an organization providing Equine Assisted Therapy. $15/person includes dessert, beverages and door prizes. Contact: 651-583-2162 or acresforlife.org
9TH ANNUAL MLK COMMUNITY BREAKFAST FOR THE NORTHEAST SUBURBS When: 7-9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15 Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi Details: Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with a hot breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a program at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast $5; program free. Tickets online. Open to the public. Contact: wbuuc.org/ mlk
‘THE UNDERPANTS’
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 (preview); 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 & 26 and Feb. 2; 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 & 27 and Feb. 3; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 & 28 and Feb. 4 Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Steve Martin’s hilarious adaptation of a time-honored German play. While
attending the King’s parade, a woman’s underpants fall down and her husband is convinced it is the end of his career. Recommended ages 13+. Tickets $25/$22 adult; $22/$19 seniors and students. Contact: 651-429-5674 or lakeshoreplayers.org
‘WHAT’S HAPPENING’ CALENDAR 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. Publication of events is subject to editorial discretion. 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 651-407-1226 with questions. Online: www.presspubs.com/calendar Email: calendar@ presspubs.com Mail: Press Publications, Attn: Calendar 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Did you know your Press Publications newspaper contains up to 25% post consumer fiber & we use soy based ink? READ REUSE RECYCLE
651-407-1200
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P&Z member resigns after 20 years of service BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
LEXINGTON — After 20 years of serving on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, Chairman Chris Olsson has decided to resign. Olsson, who has been a resident of Lexington for 34 years, was remodeling his home in the 1990s when he wondered why the price had increased so much from the last time he remodeled. He asked then-City Administrator Mike Delmont about it, who encouraged him to attend a council meeting and ask the question. He attended the council meeting and a couple weeks later got a phone call from Delmont, who asked him, “Do you want to have some control of what is going on in the city?” and invited him to attend a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to see what it was all about. After attending the meeting, Olsson agreed he would join the commission and his first term began in 1997. Olsson was hoping to wait to resign until he officially retired from his career in four years. “The only reason I am resigning now is because the job that I am in is taking me traveling more often. I think it's in the best interest of the city and certainly in my best interest, because I miss several meetings a year,” he explained. “I already know in 2018 I was going to miss at least
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
After 20 years of service to the city, Planning and Zoning Commission member Chris Olsson has decided to resign.
four meetings because of work. I have been doing this for 20 years; it's time for somebody else to take over.” Olsson is a sales support engineer for Optica Technologies, a provider of mainframe connectivity solutions, based in Colorado. Since he began the job 2 1/2 years ago he has traveled throughout the U.S. and to other countries including Europe, England
and Germany. In his many years of service to the city, he said he has learned a lot about setbacks, zoning regulations and land uses. “It was always something different, and I learned a lot,” he reflected. “Every city is unique in how it handles stuff. Learning land use rules and what you can and cannot do was a challenge, because there are state laws involved. Just because you want to do something doesn't mean you are going to be able to, because there is a state law that may override it.” One accomplishment Olsson is particularly proud to have been a part of while on the commission was developing multiuse zones in the city so there could be a mix of residential and commercial in one area. Another thing he is particularly proud of was something that didn't happen. Years ago, Olsson said there was a push to prohibit RV parking in the city, unless they were parked on paved driveways. “Myself and the other commissioners decided that was not a route we wanted to go down,” he recalled. One thing Olsson wants residents to know about the commission and City Council is “to understand that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council does listen to people of the city. We are here to serve the city and the residents; we are one of those behind-the-scenes commissions, but we do listen to the input that the residents bring to the public hearings.”
Olsson recalled a recent example when the commission was discussing the proposed Ephesians residential development located between DuWayne Avenue and Syndicate Avenue. “I was in favor of recommending it as it existed (to the council), but based on the public feedback we got I changed my opinion. We ended up unanimously recommending the City Council not approve it as it was. The company then went on and came back with a majorly different proposal.” Olsson encourages Lexington residents to consider serving on the commission. “It is an appointed, rather than elected, position and it helps steer the direction the city is going,” he said. “You will learn a lot of things and it's very interesting. If you don't understand why you can't build what you want to build, this is a really good way to learn why that is.” City Administrator Bill Petracek said, “Chris has provided steady, solid leadership to the Lexington Planning Commission for many years and his knowledge of the city of Lexington will be missed greatly.” In addition to the opening on the Planning and Zoning Commission, there is also an opening on the city's Park Board. Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
LINO LAKES WORK SESSION NOTES The Lino Lakes City Council discussed the following at its Jan. 2 work session: • City Clerk Julie Bartell administered the oath of office to Mayor Jeff Reinert and councilmen Dale Stoesz and Rob Rafferty. • Received a 2040 Comprehensive Plan update from Community Development Director Michael Grochala. A request was submitted by resident Lester Winter to change the guiding designation of 139 acres on the east side of I-35W from industrial to mixed use. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended the guiding designation change at the Dec. 13 meeting along with modification to adjacent land
Snowy roads defeat Chevrolet
from industrial to business campus. The board also recommended a change to mixed use (high density residential 10-24 units/acre and business campus use). City staff recommended a density range of 8-15 units/acre for the mixed use area with a residential/commercial split of 20/80 (percent). After a nearly hourlong conversation, it was decided to guide the area as medium density, allowing for 4-6 units/acre with a residential/ commercial split of 35/65. • City Engineer Diane Hankee gave an update on the local water management plan. She explained the city currently delivers approximately 1.4 million gallons of water per day; it is anticipated the city’s average water demand will exceed 1.5 million gallons per day by 2018 and exceed 2 million gallons per day by 2024. • Hankee also updated the council on the West Shadow Lake and LaMotte street projects. Neighborhood meetings are scheduled for Jan. 11 to review design plans. Public hearings on the proposed assessments for the extension on municipal utilities are scheduled for Jan. 22. At the public hearing, staff will present the unit prices, estimated total price and special assessment cost analysis. After the public hearing
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From the Anoka County Historical Society's (ACHS) “Nelson Accident Scene Collection” of photographs, here is one that took place around 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 1966 on Sunset Avenue and 107th Avenue, at the border of Blaine and Lino Lakes. The accident appears to have involved the Chevrolet in the snowbank on the left side of the road and a Rehbein Transit Co. school bus on the right side. Officers from the Anoka County Sheriff's Department and Blaine Police Department are on the scene.
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there is a 60-day period before the council may take action. • Rafferty wanted to know if the council would deem it appropriate for the city to seek a legal opinion on if a city is allowed to make annual contributions to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network and other nonprofit organizations. Mayor Jeff Reinert directed City Administratior Jeff Karlson to inquire with the city attorney regarding annual contributions to nonprofit organizations. • Discussed advisory board appointments. Seventeen candidates applied for openings on the Planning and Zoning Board, Environmental Board, Park Board and Economic Development Advisory Committee. Karlson said he would set up times for the council to interview all 17 applicants (including incumbents). • Grochala updated the council on the former 49 Club site. An informal concept plan was recently reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board and a Holiday Gas station also inquired about the property. Grochala explained one obstacle that has been an ongoing issue with site development is the lack of sanitary sewer and water serving the area. City staff has evaluated three potential options for the extension of utilities, including Woodridge Lane (preferred option), Raven’s Court and Ware Road. City staff is working with WSB & Associates on a proposal to prepare plans and specifications as part of the 2018 trunk utility improvement project. Staff anticipates the proposal being brought to the council for consideration at its Jan. 22 meeting. • Discussed the northeast Lino Lakes drainage improvement project, which is bounded by Main Street to the south, Hugo to the east, Peltier Lake to the west and Rehbein Street to the north. The council approved the submittal of the city's Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (CSMP) for the area to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) in November, where it is currently under review. Phase 1 of the improvements includes construction of a channel from 20th Avenue North to Peltier Lake, which would impact three properties. Acquisition of either fee title or drainage easements will be required to construct the project. For planning purposes, staff is proposing to obtain appraisals on the property to determine potential acquisition costs. City staff directed WSB & Associates to prepare a proposal for appraisal and acquisition services. The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 at City Hall. There will also be a work session at 6 p.m. in the Community Room. Shannon Granholm
JANUARY 9, 2018
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LINO LAKES CUTS: Around 40 park and recreation programs, many for youth FROM PAGE 1
The city and school district met six times from July through October in an effort to come up with a deal that would work for both parties. In August, the Quad Community Press reported both sides said they were feeling positive about the dialogue, wanted to leave the past in the past and were confident they would come up with a way to become better partners. At the Jan. 2 work session, City Administrator Jeff Karlson told the council city staff were recommending the elimination of one park supervisor position and eliminating several park and recreation programs, many of them for youth. “After meeting with the school district on many occasions and finally realizing that we were not going to get anywhere without them wanting us to contribute money toward their trails in exchange for lowering their rental charges … We determined that we should no longer keep two recreation supervisors,” he said. Mayor Jeff Reinert said, “It's an unfortunate situation that has been playing out for a number of years. At a certain point you have to understand where you are at, and where they are at. They are going to do what they are going to do.” He added, “Our budget is $10 million and theirs was $143 million last year. They are a little bit bigger than us and can do whatever they want.”
In a later interview, Karlson said the school wasn't willing to guarantee a space for the city for its programs and wanted the city to maintain or contribute to the restoration of the trails at Centennial Middle School and Blue Heron Elementary as well as Rice Lake Elementary like it had in the past. “We realized at that point that there was no sense in further negotiation. They weren't willing at that point to give us a break on rates or guarantee us the facilities. They have their own programs, have limited facilities and were trying to expand their programs,” he said. Dietz explained that after the city's needs were discussed, the school district presented city staff with a proposal the district felt highlighted some of those needs, while being realistic. “To the best we can, we can try to give you (the city) facilities, but because we serve five communities they are used nearly all the time,” he said. “I'd love to guarantee you three days a week, at this time period, at this facility … it's nearly impossible.” Another part of the proposal, Dietz said, was the city contributing to the trails, whether that meant helping with maintenance or contributing dollars to restoration. He added that by no means would the city have to pick up the entire bill. Executive Director of Business Services Brady Hoffman clarified that it would be, “whatever was reasonable in exchange for what they were
receiving from us.” Both Dietz and Hoffman explained that even though the school district has a larger budget, it has to be very conscientious about where dollars are being spent so it doesn't impact students. Hoffman said, “I understand that we have a larger budget, but at the same time our funding that we receive from the state and taxpayers doesn't keep up with inflation, and we are cutting year after year. Just because we have more … it is not like we have money going unused.” “We have cut about $8 million over the last four years and we will be cutting again this year as well. We have to maximize every dollar and ensure that if there are situations in which we have expenses that outrun the revenues, we have to make prudent decisions to close that gap,” Dietz explained. “We want to partner with (the city), but we can't partner in a situation where it is going to cause us to have to make more reductions on our side that are going to impact kids.” For 2018, Lino Lakes will cut a total of 38 park and recreation programs, 12 in the winter, eight in the spring and 18 in the summer. Among others, those programs include: Breakfast with Santa, Letters from Santa, Royal Princess Ball, various dance, theater and sports classes/camps, egg hunt and puppet shows in the park. “We are really going to focus on some of the big events that we do. We will still offer youth, senior and adult
programs, but what we really want to do is enhance our annual events such as the Family Corn Roast, Blue Heron Days and Secret Holiday Shop,” Karlson explained. Even though things didn't work out this time around, Dietz said his door is always open if the city wants to continue to have a dialogue about how the city and district can partner. “We want this to work. We work well with our four other communities and we work well in Lino Lakes too. This is just something that became the reality where we had a good conversation, it didn't work, we are all going to move in our own directions and figure out how we manage what we have and if there are opportunities down the road, we are absolutely willing to have those conversations,” Dietz said. He added, “I appreciate what the city provides for us. We have some amazing relationships that have huge benefits for our school district. We want to work with them as best we can, and if there are opportunities to do that the door is always open.” The council was scheduled to take action on the elimination of the position and programs at its Jan. 11 council meeting, after press deadline. Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Script going as planned: New performing arts center in home stretch NAMING OPPORTUNITIES:
BY DEBRA NEUTKENS WHITE BEAR LAKE PRESS EDITOR
Every room in White Bear Lake's new performing arts center has either been named on behalf of a benefactor or is awaiting one. The community has been generous. The curtain will lift next fall on the new home of Lakeshore Players Theatre and Children's Performing Arts. Actors will have their own dressing room, there is a scenic shop for set building, props and costumes will have a dedicated storage room — even a new Steinway will have its own climate-controlled closet, stage left. “A lot of thought has been put into every corner of this building,” maintained Kathy Blegen-Huntley, Birchwood resident and the capital campaign consultant. Of the $9.2 million needed for the 22,000-square-foot facility, $870,000 remains to be raised. “We met our goal early,” Blegen-Huntley stated, “and we're in the capstone (or final) phase of the campaign. For anyone who wants to contribute, now is the time.” What has made the campaign effort unique is that funding has come mostly from individuals and community members, noted Rob Thomas, Lakeshore Players managing director. “This is pretty special,” he said. “It's almost unprecedented for the majority of money to come from individuals, as opposed to grants or government funding. The community wanted this so bad that they really stepped up.” A tour through the state-of-the-art facility late last month began in the lobby, named for the Sally Ordway Irvine Family. Striking features like the curved “curtain glass” window and limestone fireplace greet theatergoers who will enter on either side of the lobby. There will be benches and tables for patrons to enjoy sandwiches and desserts from local vendors. Beer and wine will be served. During the day, the lobby and its coffee shop atmosphere will be open to the public, who can use the Wi-Fi. The theater's board felt the access would encourage ticket sales, Blegen-Huntley noted. Described as “huge, but still intimate,” the theater will seat 250. Ergonomically designed cushions will be a big improvement from the uncomfortable seats in the old theater. Every seat will have a cup holder. Much attention has been given to acoustics, Thomas pointed out. Theater walls are angled a certain way to enhance sound. Obviously, they want excellent acoustics for the spoken word theater. But there are also plans to offer classical live music. That brings up the Steinway. To the left of the stage
• Black Bl k B Box Th Theatre t - $750 $750,000. 000 A multifunction ltif ti space ffor performances, intimate gatherings and classes. • Steinway Concert Grand Piano - $150,000. The anchor instrument for a new classical music series. • Executive Suites - $100,000. Administrative staff offices for Lakeshore Players. • Costume & Wardrobe Room - $50,000. A work space for designing, building and maintaining costumes. • Artist Dressing Rooms - $50,000 each. A place for artists to transform into characters using costumes and makeup. • Artist Green Room - $50,000. A place for artists to congregate backstage and wait for their big entrance.
NAMED SPONSORS TO DATE: DEBRA NEUTKENS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Rob Thomas, managing director of Lakeshore Players Theater, Kathy Blegen-Huntley, consultant, and Lizzie Rainville, Lakeshore’s new development associate, stand stage center in the new theater.
is a dedicated room custom made to fit a 9-foot concert grand piano. When needed, the heavy instrument can be rolled directly onto the stage. Thomas is traveling to Queens, New York, this month with piano instructor Dr. Reid Smith of Dellwood to select the $150,000 Steinway. Smith is volunteering his time to sample the pianos for the theater. “He will have five to chose from,” said Thomas, adding Smith has a discerning ear and will know which piano is right for the space. “Reid is excited about the prospects of utilizing the Steinway not only for young performers, but for world-class pianists,” noted Thomas, who was told 98 percent of concert pianists require a Steinway in their contract. Every aspect of the theater's design purposefully stems from something they heard from the community, Thomas said. One notable bit of feedback involved stairs. In the new theater, patrons can walk anywhere without taking a single step up or down. “That was a big issue for seniors,” he said. “This is 100 percent accessible.” Other bells and whistles of the new theater are large restrooms on both sides, a wardrobe room with washer and dryer, classroom, administrative offices and an auxiliary box office by the rear entrance. On the other side of the building is the Children's Performing Arts group. They will have office space for their headquarters and a large rehearsal area. According to Blegen-Huntley, the project is on time and on budget. “The campaign has been extremely cost effective
Hanifl Performing Arts Center Osilas Lakeshore Theatre Auditorium Sally Ordway Irvine Family Lobby Mark & Rebecca Shavlik Orchestra Pit White Bear Lake Rotary Box Office Nicholson Brothers Classical Music Series Ordway Family Scene Shop Nicholson Brothers Conference Room
with low overhead,” she noted. “The cost per square foot for what we're getting is phenomenal. A number of subcontractors have donated extra services because we're a nonprofit, so we're actually getting more for every dollar spent.” Fundraising officially started in 2014. According to Thomas, the average capital campaign takes eight to nine years. They're doing it in four. “This project is spot on for this community,” added Blegen-Huntley. “There is something for everyone here.” Moving day will be sometime in early March.
Happy New Year!
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Reign of the ice castle returns to nearby community
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Ice castle visitors warm up near a fire in the main square.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Performers twirl fire sticks for an early evening audience gathered inside the icy walls of the Stillwater Ice Castle during a preview of the structure Thursday, Jan. 4. BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER LOWDOWN EDITOR
A royal winter palace has risen on the banks of the St. Croix River, marking the second year the Ice Castle has returned to downtown Stillwater. The Stillwater Ice Castle formally opened on Jan. 5 this year. Ice Castles LLC is a Utah-based business that constructs ornate castles such as the once in Stillwater in locations around North America. The Minnesota castle used to be in Eden Prairie, but moved to Stillwater in 2016. The castle has a unique construction method and design, using running water and icicles as construction materials, rather than the blocks of ice seen in many traditional castles. “It's more organic; it's not the pristine, clean deal like you'll have at the winter palace. It's much more like a frozen waterfall or a glacier,” Ryan Davis of Ice Castles told the Stillwater City Council when he presented the concept to them in 2016. The method was invented by Ice Castles founder Brent Christensen. While trying to create an ice structure in his neighborhood for kids, he realized the creation was more structurally sound when it was fortified with icicles and then sprayed with water. On a given day, Davis said the business will grow between 5,000-15,000 icicles. All are pulled off by hand, carried and placed by hand to build up the castle bit by bit. “It's like one solid rock, so it's totally flexible and it's super strong,” Davis said. The walls of ice are approximately 15 feet thick, and a number of features including tunnels, passages and slides can be constructed inside. Colorchanging lights will be frozen beneath the layers of ice to create a magical ambiance, and music will play throughout the castle. Last year, the castle shared Lowell Park with the hockey rink built for Hockey Day Minnesota. Ice Castle managers thought about moving the site of the castle a little further north in the park, but according to site manager Amanda Roseth, the ground there wasn't as suitable. “After the city did some assessment of the ground, they it's very soft, so there was concern about the weight of the ice castle shifting the soil and pushing on the retaining wall along the river,” Roseth said. “They just wanted to err on the side of caution. It's pretty loose soil down there. It probably has to do with sawdust dumped there during Lumberjack Days.” The castle remains in the same site it occupied last year, although the long, narrow space offers a few
design challenges. “We changed the design slightly, but we're very limited in what we can do because of the location of the site,” Roseth said. “It's very long and narrow, there's not a whole of lot design leeway there. We have a walkthrough wall so it will walk you through the outside wall as a passageway to go into a short slide. (Visitors will) get the feeling like they're part of the build crew.” Roseth also said the water fountain is more interactive this year; its dancing patterns have been coordinated with the music that plays through the castle. “We still have the double enclosed slide, the dome room, all of that this year. The biggest difference is an additional slide with a walkthrough passageway,” Roseth said. As with last year, the castle will offer several special events, such as field trip opportunities for students in the school district. Girl Scout troops can receive a patch when they visit, and there will be princess teas, fire performers, and star watching parties with WCCO meteorologist Mike Lynch. To learn more about the ice castle, and check whether tickets are available, visit www.icecastles. com. The Ice Castle is an outdoor winter experience, so its website includes the following tips for visiting: • Wear boots: The walking surface inside of the Ice Castles is made of crushed ice. Walking in boots is definitely best. • Buy tickets before you arrive: When you buy a ticket, you buy an arrival time. Ice Castles asks that you arrive within your 30 minute time window. Once you are inside the castle you can stay as long as you’d like. • Save some trees: When you buy your tickets online Ice Castles will send you an email with a unique QR code, so there’s no need to print your tickets. Admission employees can scan the code right from your phone. • Photos are encouraged but photography equipment such as tripods and lights should be left at home. For information about commercial or specialized photo sessions, email Ice Castles at info@icecastles. com. • Use a sled instead of a stroller: It is extremely difficult to push the stroller through the castle (think of it like trying to push a stroller through a sandy beach). • Dress warm: Dress like you are going to experience the elements. Layering clothing works best, and be sure to bring hats, mittens, jacket and snow pants.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
A trio of youngsters is given a sled ride around a twisting network of trails through the castle complex.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2018
Wedding Expo SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018 11 AM - 2 PM
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Cowboy poet raises funds for horse rescue at Running Aces BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER LOWDOWN EDITOR
The days of the Old West may be past, but the days of cowboys are far from over, says cowboy poet and comedian Ron McDaniel. McDaniel is a cowboy poet who will present his show “Rhyme for a Reason” at Running Aces Jan. 13 as a fundraiser for local rescue stable Acres for Life. McDaniel is a real life cowboy who lives in northern Arkansas, but travels for his job with an animal vaccine and medication company. Occasionally, those who have heard of his special talent invite him to present a show in their communities. McDaniel runs a hobby farm at his home, and only performs a few shows a year, because spending time at home with his family is one of his greatest values. When he was young, he decided he wanted to make a living in the livestock industry, and helped out on his uncle's ranch. “Even after I got out of college, I had this cowboy itch I had to keep scratching,” he said. “There are still a lot of cowboys today. I'm more of what they call a day worker. Even though I work for this pharmaceutical company, I get hired by ranchers that need labor over intense periods of the year...Most folks it's something that gets in your blood.” McDaniel's daughter is a teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and when the class was exploring the life of cowboys, she offered to have her father come in and talk to them. “(The other teachers) were all talking in the past, like historical,” McDaniel said. “(They asked) 'Is he a historian?', and she said, 'No, he is a cowboy.' I'm there telling teachers and kids that there's still cowboys today. Right here in your very state. So many people don't know that there are still men and women who that's their entire way of life. It's just who they are.” McDaniel said he feels blessed to have lived a rural lifestyle, and that he was able to raise his children in that environment. McDaniel's life as a poet began when he wrote a poem one year for a Christmas card. Soon, he was doing it more frequently, even reading a poem about growing up on a ranch at the rehearsal dinner for his daughter's wedding. Soon enough, McDaniel caught the attention of a group called the Fisher Poets, based in Oregon. These poets are commercial fishermen who gather every year to share poems and stories about their trade on the ocean. McDaniel didn't have many written materials, but the Fisher Poets were encouraging. “They never had a cowboy poet come out, and they said, well just tell stories,” McDaniel said. “You're the real deal, you're like us, we're fishermen who do poetry and music. Since they were kind enough to ask me (to go), I thought, I better write and recite more poems.” McDaniel has participated in the Fisher Poets gathering for the last 12 years, creating more stories and poems, which brought him to the attention of other people who wanted him at their events. He began participating in the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, and took home prizes in the humorous category. Cowboy poetry is a long tradition, which does have quite a bit in common with fishing poetry, McDaniel came to learn. “What the the cowboy and fishermen have in common is we come from a tradition where it's lengthy periods of time where you have a lot of empty space, and where you have nobody else around,” he said. “When you tell those stories, when you get together around other cowboys, around a campfi re,
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bunkhouse, or even a coffee shop, it's just history of sharing the stories about the cowboy lifestyle. That evolved into poetry, the classic cowboy poetry. There's a rhyme and a meter to it. It's just kind of how we've shared the good things, the bad things, the wrecks, the thrills, much of it is humorous, but not all of it. Some of it is serious and even sobering.” However, McDaniel does specialize in the humorous side of things. “Very few people can take 45 minutes or an hour of poetry unless they were an English major, so I mix funny things in,” McDaniel said. “When you put cows, horses, and people together, there are so many opportunities for catastrophes and humbling experiences.” Many of the events where McDaniel performs are fundraisers for some type of charity. Acres for Life is a stable with locations in Chisago and Stillwater that offers therapy and wellness services for at-risk youth and veterans, as well as educational opportunities. “I know that horses just connect in a way that takes a long time for people or dogs to connect,” McDaniel said. For him, there is no better therapy than spending time with a cherished horse. He has seen the magic effect that riding has had on veterans and the the kids he has fostered over the years. He plans to bring these many experiences on horseback to life for the crowd at Running Aces. “I just share about cowboy poetry and the cowboy lifestyle and frame of mind, and I love to see if I can present that in a way that makes people in town chuckle about our lifestyle,” McDaniel said. “I'd say my show is a mix of cowboy poetry and a night of laughter for folks who want to see the western view of things.” “Rhyme for a Reason” takes place 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Running Aces is located at 15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus. Learn more or buy tickets at www.acresforlife.org/event-items/ rhyme-for-a-reason. Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the St. Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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Ron McDaniel with three of his horses at home in Arkansas.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Mom driving drunk injures baby in rollover crash BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — A Hugo mom driving drunk injured her own baby in a rollover crash on Highway 61 Dec. 30. Melissa Daniels, 36, was heading north on Highway 61 near Highway 96 in White Bear Lake about 7 p.m. when she hit slick conditions and her Chevrolet Tahoe rolled over, said Minnesota State Patrol Public Information Officer Lt. Tiffani Nielson. “She was probably driving too fast for the conditions due to impairment,” Nielson noted. An open bottle of alcohol was found in the vehicle. Daniels and her 9-month-old baby
boy suffered injuries that were not life threatening and both were transported to Regions Hospital. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is processing a blood draw to determine Daniels’ blood alcohol level, Nielson said. Daniels faces charges for DWI and gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation, Nielson said. Generally, when a driver causes injuries without broken bones, the offense is a gross misdemeanor, Nielson explained. When bones are broken, the offense can be a felony. The baby did not have broken bones; however, additional details of the baby’s injuries were not disclosed.
JANUARY 9, 2018
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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.
“ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD” (R)
“THE POST” (PG-13) (3.5) [Language and brief war violence.] — After New York Times journalist Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) copies highly secretive, classified documents in 1971 that incriminated the upper echelons of government regarding cover ups in the Vietnam War from the Truman administration through President Nixon’s White House in this powerful, factually inspired, eye-opening, suspenseful, captivating, well-acted, star-dotted (Sarah Paulson, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Robert John Odenkirk, Alison Brie, David Cross, Michael Stuhlbarg, Pat Healy, David Cross, Carrie Coon, Jesse Piemons and Ben Livingston), 115-minute, Steven Spielberg political satire based on Josh Singer’s and Liz Hannah’s novel “The Post,” The Washington Post owner and publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) and manager editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) debate whether to publish the “Pentagon Papers” that would be challenged in the Supreme Court.
SUNRISE / SUNSET
WEATHER TIDBIT
Wed Jan.
10
7:50
4:51
Thu Jan.
11
7:49
4:53
Fri
Jan.
12
7:49
4:54
Sat Jan.
13
7:48
4:55
Sun Jan.
14
7:48
4:56
Mon Jan.
15
7:47
4:58
Tue Jan.
16
7:47
4:59
Did you notice that extra step in other people’s walk or a smile on your coworkers face? It’s amazing how a few days above freezing and fresh air can change your perspective. Dang, that was a good old-fashioned cold snap. About the only thing we’re missing now is snow. My coldest morning was on December 31 at -18°. I heard many reports of -20° and colder in some of the more outlaying northern parts of the metro and this readership. “Is this cold over?” is the next question. Probably not. While we have some relief this week, the cold is expected to return, hopefully in shorter bursts.
Crossword
“MAP TO THE STARS” (R) (1.5) [Strong disturbing violence and sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some drug material.] [DVD only] — An oddball, uneven, 111-minute, cliché-filled, 2014 film about dysfunctional, vain Hollywood people haunted by their past and present, including a down-on-her-luck, pill-popping actress (Julianne Moore) struggling to revive her career while suffering from nightmares of her deceased mother (Sarah Gadon), a handsome limousine driver (Robert Pattinson) trying to make it as an actor and screenwriter, and a mentally disturbed and physically scarred Florida woman (Mia Wasikowska) trying to help a writer (Carrie Fisher) compose a novel while she reconnects with her estranged psychotherapist father (John Cusack), her cigarette-smoking mother (Olivia Williams), and her troubled, egotistical, 13-year-old actor brother (Evan Bird).
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
©1986 through 2017 by Wendy Schadewald
WEEKLY AVERAGES JAN. 10 - 16, 2018 High 21° Low 3° %Sun 48% PCP 0.26”
Fun Fact
A cubic mile of fog is made up of less than a gallon of water.
Did you know? New York City has over 800 miles of subway track.
“PITCH PERFECT 3” (PG-13) (2.5) [Crude and sexual content, language and some action.] — When the now-graduated Bellas a cappella group (Anna Kendrick, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Alexis Knapp, Anna Camp, Hana Mae Lee, Ester Dean, Chrissie Marie Fit, Kelley Jakie and Shelley Anne Regner) heads to Spain, Italy and France to perform for the servicemen during a USO tour in this wacky, funny, entertaining, pratfall, starstudded (Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins, DJ Khaled, Matt Lanter, Alexis Merizalde Knapp, Guy Burnett and Michael Rose), 93-minute comedy, they find themselves competing with other talented singers (Ruby Rose, Andy Allo, Venzella Joy Williams and Hannah Fairlight) and then in danger after the estranged, desperate, broke, criminal father (John Lithgow) of one of the singers (Rebel Wilson) kidnaps the Bellas to coerce his daughter to go with him to the Cayman Islands so that he can get a hold of $181 million in an account set up by her mother for her years earlier.
13
Weather tidbits
Forget it
[Language, some violence, disturbing images and brief drug content.] — When 16-year-old grandson John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) of cynical, egotistical, miserly oil tycoon J. Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) is kidnapped on July 10, 1973, in Rome in this intense, poignant, factually inspired, suspenseful, 132-minute Ridley Scott film dominated by superb acting and cinematography and based on John Pearson’s novel, his distraught mother (Michelle Williams), who had divorced her drunken husband (Andrew Buchan) with only child support payments, is helped by a former CIA agent (Mark Wahlberg) to find and negotiate her son’s release from the Calabrian kidnappers (Roman Duris, et al.) after her former father-in-law refuses to pay the $17 million ransom.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
Sudoku CLUES ACROSS 1. Make ale 5. Residue 8. Female parent 12. Succulent plants 14. OJ’s judge 15. Czech river 16. Embarrassing predicament 18. NHL legend Bobby 19. Sunfish 20. One who acclaims 21. On the __: running away 22. Oklahoma’s “Wheat Capital” 23. The Golden State 26. Merrymake 30. Siberian nomads 31. Pock-marked 32. Baleen whale 33. Leaf-footed bug genus 34. Treasure 39. Tanzanian shilling 42. Changed 44. Intestinal pouches 46. Walked in a celebratory way 47. South American mountain chain 49. Jai __, sport 50. Consumed 51. Firm 56. Pubs 57. Leafy drink 58. Cured 59. Northern wind of France 60. Tax collector 61. Respite from the sun 62. American spy Aldrich 63. Central Standard Time 64. Myanmar ethnic group
CLUES DOWN 1. 1. Crush 2. Razorbill genus 3. “Full House” actress Loughlin 4. Bluish green 5. Garlic mayonnaise 6. Attacks repeatedly 7. Secretion 8. Special instance 9. A handsome youth loved by Aphrodite 10. Tree genus in the mahogany family 11. Israeli city 13. Formed a theory 17. Remove 24. Type of light 25. Repeats 26. Certified public accountant 27. River in eastern France 28. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 29. Special __: military group 35. Ribonucleic acid 36. Not even 37. Power transmission belt 38. Doctor of Education 40. Type of nerve 41. Types of tops 42. Large primate 43. Flooded, low-lying land 44. Gritty 45. Gets up 47. Stake 48. Not the most 49. Swedish rock group 52. Expresses pleasure 53. Expression of boredom 54. Queen of Sparta 55. Where Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation
“It doesn’t make a difference what temperature a room is, it’s always room temperature.“ - Steven Wright
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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
JANUARY 9, 2018 www.presspubs.com
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