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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
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AUGUST 23, 2016
We’re at the museum
W
HEN THE MINNESOTA get-together opens on Aug. 25, the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation Letterpress Museum will be open for its 28th year of operation. This year, Kathy and I will be in the museum for the morning shift from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, Aug. 31, and Sept. 2. Some of the days we will have grandchildren with us teaching them the process of how newspapers were printed in the early 1900s all the way to the 1960s. We enjoy explaining how the equipment works, but we also enjoy interacting with people who have had a connection to the industry through a parent or a grandparent. The printindustry was once the second About the ing largest industry in Minnesota. Today the letterpress process is Town used in various types of art and for Gene Johnson specialty printing and hobbies. While newspapers have changed in their production process, their purpose has not changed. The primary purpose of newspapers is to hold government accountable for its actions or inactions, inform readers of local happenings, stimulate the economy of the business community through marketing and advertising, and to allow community groups of people to have a voice through letters to the editor. Newspaper publishers and editors have a responsibility to call attention to their readers what is taking place in their community, whether it has positive or negative implications. Newspapers also challenge readers to debate issues through the newspaper to reach decisions that will be of benefit to the entire community. The museum volunteers continue to print a fourpage newspaper in the letterpress process all 12 days of the fair. This is a working, living museum typical of the newspaper offices throughout the United States in the 1930s and 40s. The letterpress process dates back to the 1600s and continued until the late 1960s when newspapers converted to the offset process, no longer using hot lead, the Linotype and hand-set type. It was typical for weekly newspapers to do commercial printing like auction bills, business cards and tickets on Thursday and Friday of the week. Two commercial presses are in the museum, one hand fed, the other automatic. While you are at the museum, you will even see how to make a printer’s hat out of newspapers. A FEW WEEKS ago in this column I suggested that the non-aquatic plant life be cleared along the lakeshore of White Bear Lake for more visual enjoyment of the lake and when the water returns fewer decaying trees in the water. I was corrected in this matter by my neighbor, David Schad, who plays a major role at the DNR. He said, “Gene, that’s up to the property owners. There is no restriction on removing non-aquatic plant life” That’s really good to know, and also in the cases where the street ends belong to the city, we could encourage them in the same process. It’s surprising what you learn over breakfast at Keys in the mornings. Thanks, Deputy Commissioner. “PAINT YOUR WAGON” is being presented at the Ordway Theater through Aug. 21. Opening night on Aug. 9 gave the audience a thrilling revised story of the development of a mining town in the Gold Rush era of California. Jon Marans of 5th Avenue Theatre adapted the original script to include a deeper insight into the cultural differences during the development of the small mining town. The new “Paint Your Wagon” gives an accurate depiction of the racial tension we are experiencing today. If you want a delightful family evening out that will get your kids talking about social problems of today, take them to “Paint Your Wagon.” It’s a learning experience that kids of all ages will enjoy. If you haven’t used theater as an educational tool before, this is the show to begin with. Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
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f you’ve driven by some of our sites this summer, the fi rst thing that probably pops into your mind is, ‘Wow! There is a lot of work happening at Centennial this summer.’ You are right. Centennial is in the second year of a three-year construction process. This year’s projects are tremendous in scope and phenomenal in opportunities for the future of our District. With Movers & its three oldest buildings being Shakers redesigned and reimagined for Brian Dietz the future, from flexible learning spaces to updated classrooms and a new Learning Commons at Centennial High School, to redesigned field spaces and parking lots across the District, we are solidifying solutions for all of our needs for the next 25 to 30 years. Thanks to the passage of our largest Capital Levy ever in 2014, we are cementing a legacy of pride and success for generations to come. The second question that probably is married to the fi rst one is this, ‘Are all of these projects going to be done in time for school?’ The answer is yes. The construction supervisor has
Back to school I invite you to see firsthand the work we’ve done to impact learning. We will have tours at Centennial High School on Friday, September 23 at 5pm following the homecoming parade; at Centennial Elementary on Tuesday, September 27, 4pm-7pm; and Centerville Elementary on Thursday, September 29, 4pm-6pm. confidently stated that all of the buildings under construction will be ready for the fi rst day back to school which is Tuesday, September 6. Throughout the summer, we have been walking through and watching these changes take place . . . and it’s been an amazing process. I am excited for our students and staff to return and see the transformational work that has occurred. I invite you to see fi rsthand the work we’ve done to impact learning. We will have tours at Centennial High School on Friday, September 23 at 5pm, following the homecoming parade; at Centennial Elementary on Tuesday, September 27, 4pm7pm; and Centerville Elementary on Thursday, September 29, 4pm-6pm. Please join us in celebrating the past and seeing all of the things we have done to shape
• Limited to 350 words. • Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • Letter writers are limited
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Carter C. Johnson .........................Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com
Patty Steele .....DIrector of Sales & Marketing marketing@presspubs.com
• Blaine • Circle Pines • Lexington • Lino Lakes
Gene Johnson............... Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com
Greg Workman ........... Production Manager ppcomp@presspubs.com
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Brian Dietz is Superintendent of Centennial Schools.
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the future. In the end, we have created an incredible future for our students. Fall is an exciting time of year for us. As students return to our buildings, they bring a sense of excitement for the year to come, joy for the connections they will re-establish and form, and hope that all of their hard work will pay off and help to make their dreams come true. That is the legacy we all leave for our children. I greatly appreciate your attendance at our events, your support of our learners, and the passion you take in creating such an incredible environment for all to thrive. We are proud to serve our five communities and thank you for being a part of the Cougar Nation! WE ARE CENTENNIAL!
Gene Annis................................ Sports Desk sports@presspubs.com
writer about the same subject editing. matter will not be published. • Deadline is noon, Thursday of • Submissions containing libel- the week prior to publication. ous or derogatory statements • To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. will not be published. • Submissions containing facts com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press not previously published in Publications, 4779 Bloom the Press must be accompaAve., White Bear Lake, MN nied by factual verification. 55110. • All letters are subject to Published Tuesdays by COPYRIGHT© 2016 BY Press Publications, Inc. PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. Material may not be reproduced in whole 4779 Bloom Avenue or part in any form whatsoever. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 News ...................... 651-407-1227 Office Hours: Advertising .............. 651-407-1200 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Circulation .............. 651-407-1234 Mailed Subscription Rate: Classified ................ 651-407-1250 $52.00 per year. Production .............. 651-407-1239 FAX ........................ 651-429-1242 Subscribe online
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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
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AUGUST 23, 2016
QUAD AREA EVENTS When: Noon-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 24 Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Dr., Circle Pines Details: Hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities for kids in grades 1-5. Contact: 763-717-3294 or anokacountylibrary. org
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Where: Centennial High School, Circle Pines Details: All children wearing a soccer jersey will get free admission with one paid adult ticket to the game vs. Totino Grace. Raffle for kids at half-time, free tickets at door. Do not bring soccer balls
BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS
KAYAKINGTHE NEXT LEVEL
SPECIAL OPS: STEM
When: 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, Heritage Lab Details: Guided walk around the diverse habitats to see common species and possibly fall migrants. $5/person; registration required.
BIRDING BY BOAT
When: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Aug Where: Wargo Nature Center Details: Access areas other birders can’t and see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and upland bird species. No experience in boating or birding required. $10/adult; kids 17 and under free. Equipment provided. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
SALSA MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 Where: Waldoch Farm, 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes Details: Step-by-step instructions for making salsa. $8/person; limited to fi rst 20 people who rsvp via phone or facebook. Contact: 651-780-1207 or www.waldochfarm. com
YOUTH NIGHT AT CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY SOCCER GAME
When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, Centerville Beach, 7373 Main St., Centerville Details: Designed for kayaker with some previous paddling experience, class coves skills such as wet exits and entries, draw and sweep strokes, bracing and more. Boats provided or bring one. Ages 15+. $25/person; registration required. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
Ages 15+, no experience necessary. $25/person; no registration required. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
55+ DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: 4 hour refresher course for seniors who have completed 8 hour course; to qualify for 10% discount on auto insurance. $22; registration required. Contact: 888-234-1294 or mnsafetycenter.org
BLAINE TRIATHLON
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Lakeside Commons Park, 3020 Lakes Parkway NE Details: Swim .3 miles; bike 16.7 miles; run 3.5 miles. Contact: blainetriathlon.com
Introduction to Fishing WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12 WHERE: Peltier Boat Launch, Rice Creek Regional Park Reserve
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, Centerville Beach, 7373 Main St., Centerville Details: Instruction is short and easy; most of class time is out on the water. $20/person; registration required. Ages 15+. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING
When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Class covers basic strokes, safety, and boat/equipment selection; most of the time will be on the water.
ST. ODILIA 47TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 Where: St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 Victoria St. N., Shoreview Details: Kids games, inflatables, facepainting, farmer’s market, food, live and silent auction, bingo and raffles; live music includes Necessary Diversion, Free and Easy Band, Backyard Band, and the Gospel Choir at weekend masses. Contact: http://fallfestival.church.stodilia. org
Class Reunions CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1966
Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of August 14-20
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1. Teen suffers severe brain injury in accident. White Bear Press > News 2. New middle school principal announced. White Bear Press > News 3. District Does Homework For Start Of New School Year. Lowdown (FL) > News 4. Plane crash in Lino Lakes. Quad Community Press > Featured 5. Young entrepreneur hooked on fishing. White Bear 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.
When: 1:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes Details: $35/couple; $30/single. Pot Luck dinner; sloppy joes and wings provided. Contact: Karen: 651233-4685 or Nancy: 651470-7480
BINGO SOCIAL
When: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Adults can play bingo, win prizes and meet new people. Free. Contact: 651-490-4750 or www.shoreview communitycenter.com
for all ages; equipment supplied. $10/person; $5/additional family member. Registration required.
CONTACT: 651-429-8007 or DETAILS: Instructional class
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Ongoing LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET
When: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 5 Where: 4175 Lovell Rd., Lexington Details: Variety of locally grown produce and handmade goods. Sponsored by the Lexington Fire & Rescue Auxiliary.
anokacountyparks.com
3-6 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 18 Where: Shoreview Community Center lower level parking lot and pavilion, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Check out new amenities, weekly themes and live entertainment Contact: www. shoreviewcommunity center.com
ARTS IN THE PARK/ FARMERS MARKET, FOREST LAKE
When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, through Aug. 30; Farmers Market only continues through Sept. When: 7 p.m. Where: Lakeside Park, Thursdays through Forest Lake August Details: Concert Where: Centerville series, crafts and Lake in Centerville farmers market Details: Members Contact: 651-209-9723 of all ages perform waterskiing tricks. Club or www.forestlakeparks. also performs at summer net festivals throughout the state. WHITE BEAR LAKE Contact: 651-983-0161 FARMERS MARKET When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, June 24-Oct. 28 ZUMBA IN THE PARK Where: Washington When: 9:15 a.m. Ave. and 4th St., Tuesdays through Aug. downtown White Bear 30 Lake Where: Lino Park, Details: Produce 7850 Lake Dr., Lino includes organic Lakes produce, natural meats Details: Zumba class led by YMCA instructor, and cheeses, honey, syrup, baked goods, runs through the end of plants and flowers sold summer. No childcare by more than 50 vendors. available, but children Contact: 651-747-3650 welcome to play in the or www.whitebearlake. park. Free and open to org the public. Contact: 651-259-2113 or ymcatwincities.org POTHOLE
BALD EAGLE WATERSKI CLUB SHOWS
EXPLORATION TOURS SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET
When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Sept. 20;
When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays through Labor Day
Where: Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls Details: Learn about how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the parks unique potholes on a 45 minute naturalist-guided tour. Free. Contact: dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/ interstate
NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY FARE FOR ALL
When: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24 Where: Forest Lake VFW, 556 SW 12th 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
‘SWING TO THE REAL THING’ AT YOST PARK
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25 Where: Yost Park, 4th Ave. & Florence St., White Bear Lake Details: Community outdoor concert features The Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics. Complimentary ice cream treats. Parking available at Cerenity parking lot. Bring a lawnchair. Contact: 651-232-1818
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26 Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766
AUGUST 23, 2016
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reflecting telescopes. Hosted by meteorologist Mike Lynch of WCCO Radio. Free family program with valid park pass. No registration required. Contact: 651-430-6000 or www.co.washington. mn.us
WALDFEST
When: Noon-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day) Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Restaurant, 8390 Lofton Ave. Stillwater Details: Polka in the pine forest to music of the Artie Shafer Band and enjoy brats and beer. Contact: 651-439-7128 or www.gasthaus bavarianhunter.com
STILLWATER LADIES NIGHT OUT
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 Where: Downtown Stillwater Details: Shop local retailers for specials, fashion and decorating tips, appetizers, drinks and more. Contact: 651-342-1386 or www.mainstreet stillwateriba.com
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
Saturday, followed by The Rowdy Cowboy Show at 4 p.m. and Uncle Chunk at 8 p.m. Food and craft vendors, kids activities, and fi reworks on Saturday night. Contact: www. wyomingstagecoach days.com
FOREST LAKE DANCE TEAM LIL’ KICKERS CLINIC
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Forest Lake High School field house (door # 10) Details: Clinic for students pre-K-8th grade includes t-shirt, TAKE ME TO THE RIVER snack, pom poms, routine taught by When: Two weekend members of FL Dance event, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Team, admission for Wednesday-Saturday, parent/family/friends Sept. 10-26 to the Sept 10th show Where: Along St. Croix River from Hudson at 12:30 and ONE free pass per registered to Taylors Falls child to the halftime Details: Explore performance at the the region’s art fairs, varsity football game music festivals, open on Sept. 16th. $40; studios and theatre registration required. performances against Contact: rangers. a backdrop of autumn flaschools.org/page/ foilage. show/867694-danceContact: 651-439-1465 or www.artreachstcroix. team-8-12-2014-2015org
SCANDIA TACO DAZE
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N. Details: Annual community festival sponsored by the SUBMITTED Scandia Marine Lions Club with a “Pirates of the Scandiaribbean” theme. Tacos, parade, dodgeball tourney, beer WHEN: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes. SHERLOCK HOLMES: Donationd for Hugo Good 27 THE FINAL ADVENTURE garden, arts/crafts, car and tractor show. Neighbors Food Shelf accepted. When: 7:30 p.m. Contact: www. Thursdays, Fridays WHERE: Hugo Feed Mill & scandiamn.com/ & Saturdays, 2 p.m. Hardware, 5582 146th St. N., Hugo CONTACT: 651-429-3361 or Sundays, September 8-25 tacodaze hugofeedmill.com Where: Lakeshore DETAILS: Taste over 90 varieties Players, 4820 Stewart TASTE OF Ave., White Bear Lake WHITE BEAR LAKE Details: The world’s When: 2-5 p.m. greatest detective and Saturday, Sept. 10 Washington Square, Elmo Details: See ‘E.T. the Where: Pine Tree White Bear Lake Details: Free outdoor Extra Terrestrial’ for $5. his trusted companion try to crack one last case Apple Orchard, 450 Details: David flea and crafter’s market. Rated PG. against his ultimate Apple Orchard Road, LaRochelle with sign Contact: 715-557-1785 Contact: adversary. Tickets $25/ White Bear Lake his two children’s books, or rsgdevelopment.com/ marcustheatres.com/ regular; $23/seniors; Details: Food and ‘Monster and Son’ and fleamarket marcus-specials/ $20/student. wine/beer tastings, ‘This is Not a Cat’. marcus-fi lm-series/ Contact: 651-429-5674 silent auction, live Contact: 651-426-0918 Spielberg-retro-series ICE CREAM SOCIAL or lakeshoreplayers.org music, wagon rides and WITH FABULOUS MUSIC more. Fundraiser for SHOREVIEW When: 6-8 p.m. ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB White Bear Lake Rotary FRIDAY NIGHT FLIX Saturday, Aug. 27 When: 2:30 p.m. AUTHOR VISIT Club. Where: William Sunday, Aug. 28 When: Dusk Fridays, When: 10-11:30 a.m. Contact: www. O’Brien State Park, Where: Sucker Lake Aug, 26 Friday, Sept. 9 Highway 95, Marine on Park parking lot, County Where: Haffeman Where: Lake Country tasteofwhitebearlake. com St. Croix Rd. F and Sucker Lake Pavilion, behind Booksellers, 4766 Details: Special Rd., Vadnais Heights Shoreview Community Washington Square, gathering in celebration Details: 5 mile hike Center, 4580 Victoria St. White Bear Lake TOWNSHIP DAY of the 125th Parks along Vadnais Lake N. Details: William CELEBRATION Anniversary includes takes appx. 1 ½-2 hours. Details: Bring Kent Krueger will sign When: 2-8 p.m. ice cream and classic Treats to follow at blankets and popcorn copies of his new Cork Saturday, Sept. 10 rock and roll music Panino’s in North Oaks. O’Connor mystery, and watch a familyWhere: Polar Lakes by the Turn Around Contact: Nancy, 612friendly movie. ‘Manitou Canyon’. Park, 1281 Hammond band. Located in picnic 584-8594 Contact: 651-490-4750 Contact: 651-426-0918 Road, White Bear or shoreviewcommunity shelters 1 and 2. Township Contact: 651-433-0500 center.com Details: Free concerts, MINNESOTA WYOMING or dnr.state.mn.us food, arts and crafts, STARWATCH PARTY STAGECOACH DAYS kids’ activities, food STILLWATER When: 8-10:30 p.m. When: Sept. 9-11 trucks, beer garden, FLEA MARKET Friday, Sept. 2 Where: Downtown RETRO FILM SERIES Where: Lake Elmo Wyoming, Viking Boule- silent auction, exhibits, When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. When: Noon Sunday, fi reworks at 8 p.m.. Park Reserve, County vard and Highway 61 Saturday Aug. 27 and Aug. 28; 7 p.m. Monday, Contact: www.ciRoads 19 & 10, Lake Elmo Details: Live music Sunday Aug. 28 Aug. 29 and Wednesday, white-bear-township. Details: Learn about by Bad Weather Where: Washington Aug. 31 mn.us constellations and Rocks Friday night, County Fairgrounds, Where: Marcus view them with large Marty Sonnek at noon 12300 40th St. N., Lake Oakdale Cinema
8th Annual Tomato Tasting
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WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo Details: Family event featuring local bluegrass bands Borderstone at 2 p.m.; Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures at 3 p.m.; The High 48’s at 4 p.m.; and Pushing Chain at 5 p.m. Food vendors, merchandise, facepainting and more. Free with park permit. Contact: 651-430-6000 or www.co.washington. mn.us
COMEDY SEASON KICK-OFF
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Where: Running Aces Laugh Your Ace Off Comedy Club, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake Details: Headliner Brian Hicks featuring Patrick Bauer and hosted by Earl Elliot. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Optional dinner reservations available before or after show. Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com
GRAPE STOMP!
When: Tours at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; stomping at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11 Where: St. Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater Details: Grape stomping competition for entire family, live music and wine tasting. Contact: www. scvwines.com
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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
AUGUST 23, 2016 www.presspubs.com
STUDENT PURSUES: Kromrey wants others to follow their dreams FROM PAGE 1
now known as Century College, and complete a two-year work at your own pace program in 12 months. She then got a job working for OBGYN Consultants in Minneapolis. Over the next three years she got married and was expecting her first child. “I really decided I wanted to be home to raise my own kids, so I quit my job and opened my licensed day care,” she said. For the next 18 years, Kromrey ran her own day care while raising her three children, Sarah, Megan and Derek, with her husband Vince. In 2000, after all of her kids were in school, she decided she wouldn't be needed at home anymore and closed her day care.
She became a special education paraprofessional in the Centennial School District until 2007. She left the district and served as a member services lead at the YMCA for almost two years. She then returned to Centennial until 2010, when her job was eliminated due to budget cuts. Over the years she also served on the City Council, Park Board and Fire Steering Committee. “I decided that the time had come. That I wasn't going to be needed anymore at home, and I decided I had to go back to school,” she said. “My medical training from all those years ago was outdated, and I really wanted to follow my dream and get back into the medical field. I had given it all up to raise my kids, and now that was done, and so it was time
SUBMITTED
Jennifer Kromrey shared her story with the other graduates in the student address at Rasmussen College's graduation ceremony on Friday, Aug. 19, held at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
for me.” Kromrey did some soul and school searching and decided that Rasmussen College in Blaine was the perfect fit for her. “It had been a really long time since I
had been in school, so it was a little intimidating and a really hard decision to make.” She earned her associate's degree in medical administration in December 2011 and her bachelor's degree in health care management in March. During that time she was not only a student, but also had a work study position. She served as an administrative professional and was promoted to a student record specialist for the nursing program, a position she still currently holds. “One of the (Walt Disney) quotes is ‘The way to get started is to quit talking about it and begin doing it,’ and that is exactly what you need to do. If a person has a dream of being something different from what they are,
whether it is a new career with a new degree or a promotion within the job they already have, you really just need to do it. It is tough, but it is so rewarding,” she explained. As for her future, Kromrey is in no rush to leave her job at Rasmussen. She plans to take her time to find her perfect job that she has dreamed of for so long. “I love my job, but my dream has always been to be in the medical field and now that I have finished my degree and I am equipped with what I need to go back into the medical field, that is really where I want to be,” she said. “I unfortunately don't have that many years until I retire, so I really want to make that job something that I really enjoy doing.”
Nearby newspapers purchased Adams Publishing Group announced the purchase of ECM Publishers earlier this month. ECM Publishers was founded in 1976 by Elmer L. Anderson, who was the governor of Minnesota from 1961-1963. The company started with one Princeton newspaper and currently has about 50 publications, many of which are around distributed in the metro. Most are printed at a plant in Princeton. ECM publications include the Stillwater Gazette,
Forest Lake Times, Anoka County Union Herald and Blaine-Spring Lake Park Life. Adams Publishing Group (APG) is based in St. Louis Park and owns over 100 publications in Minnesota, Idaho, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Washington D.C., Wisconsin, Wyoming and Virginia. About 60 of those are community newspapers. APG owns about 25 publications in Minnesota,
which includes dailies Faribault Daily News, Hibbing Daily News, Mesabi Daily News and Owatonna People's Press and weeklies such as the St. Peter Herald, Northfield News and Grand Rapids HeraldReview. For more information visit ecmpublishers.com and adamspg.com. Sara Marie Moore
STUDENT NEWS The following locals graduated from a university this spring: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Kaylin Peterson of Lino Lakes, bachelor’s degree in economics, minor in business management; Emily Schneider, Circle Pines, bachelor's degree in nursing; Sean-Michael Streier, Centerville, bachelor's degree in health education and physical education.
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The following locals were honored for academic success this spring: University of Wisconsin-Stout Chancellor’s Award: Cristina Dorschner, Lino Lakes; from Circle Pines, Britta Ahlm, Francis Barriga, Megan Bona, Andrew Chiodo, Rachel Drewlo, Sawyer Hagen, Rachel Huttle, Rebecca Larson, Anna Lutz, Blake Miller, Isaac Miller, Hannah Rawleigh, Mariah Ristow, Asha Sivarajah, Bailey Stack and Serena Westling.
BUSINESS BRIEF BBB offers Student of Integrity scholarships The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota is offering Student of Integrity Scholarships for high school students entering their senior year. This year, $13,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded. The scholarships recognize and promote ethics and integrity in young people, and are awarded to students who have demonstrated a
clear understanding of the importance of ethics in their personal choices and actions. To apply, students are asked to write an essay of at least 1,000 words or produce a video that is at least 30 seconds long. Applicants must also include an entry form, one letter of recommendation, a copy of a student's transcript, a list of extracurricular activities and post-secondary plans. For more information, visit thefirstbbb.org/ scholarship.