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ANOTHER KIND OF: Giving that saves lives PAGE 3
Blaine siblings give ‘top’ Ordway performance BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Centennial Fire District held its first annual Santa’s Fire Engine Parade in Centerville Saturday, Dec. 3. During the parade, donations of food and toys were collected for Good Neighbors Food Shelf.
Centennial Fire District and Santa hit the town for donations BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
CENTERVILLE-The Centennial Fire District (CFD) along with Santa Claus hit the streets of Centerville to “meet as many people as possible” while collecting donations for those in need for the holidays. CFD had its fi rst Santa's Fire Engine Parade on SEE CENTENNIAL FIRE DISTRICT, PAGE 12 AND 13
FROM THE TOP | SUBMITTED
Emma and Jacob Taggart recently performed for a live audience at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in St. Paul. The performance was tapped for an episode of From the Top, a National Public Radio show that features America's young artists.
BLAINE — A 14- and 10-year-old sister and brother from Blaine — performing as The Taggart Squared Duo — already have more international performing experience than most musicians will accumulate in a lifetime. In addition to traveling around the U.S. and the world, the siblings can now add a performance on National Public Radio (NPR) to their résumé. Emma and Jacob Taggart performed at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in St. Paul in front of a live audience Nov. 13. The performance was taped for an episode of “From the Top,” a NPR radio program that features America's best young classical musicians. The program is hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley.
The Taggarts performed Franz Schubert's “Der Erlkönig,” arranged by Greg Anderson for piano four-hands. The show aired nationally the week of Nov. 28 and on KSJN 99.5 on Dec. 4. The show can also be downloaded as a podcast on www.fromthetop.org. “I didn't know what to expect with these guys. I just thought both my husband and I took lessons and it would be something fun for them to do,” said musicians’ mother, Teresa Taggart. “I didn't really envision five pianos and 4 1/2 hours of practice each day, that was not on my radar.” In addition to playing on “From the Top,” Emma was awarded a $10,000 scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. Teresa said the money will be used SEE PIANO DUET, PAGE 9
Castle puts the crown on winter in Stillwater BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER
STILLWATER — If Hockey Day Minnesota and a second Sticks in Stillwater Festival aren't enough of a winter jamboree, a lighted ice castle on the banks of the St. Croix at the end of December will certainly put the frosting on the cake. A Minnesota ice castle has traditionally been constructed in Eden Prairie each year, but Utah-based Ice Castles LLC decided this year to make a move to Stillwater for the long term. Construction began on the lights and water line system mid-November, and the castle is slated for a Dec. 26 open. Amanda Roseth, the site
manager for the Stillwater ice castle, used to work at the Mall of America. Roseth grew up in Mahtomedi and now lives in Woodbury, and was familiar with the Stillwater area when she recommended the site to Ryan Davis of Ice Castles. “I bring my family here all the time to experience Stillwater, and when Ryan and I were talking I just knew that Stillwater was the perfect location for Ice Castles,” Roseth said. “It's everything that we are looking for in a location.” 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,” Davis said. 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. SEE ICE CASTLES, PAGE 2
ICE CASTLES LLC | SUBMITTED
Guests enjoy one of the many ice castles created across the country by Ice Castles LLC.
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Another kind of giving that saves lives BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
Members of the Centennial High School Senior Class Committee hoped to encourage a different kind of giving just before the holidays. The group of 41 students organized the school’s annual Red Cross blood drive, which was held Tuesday, Nov. 22. Both students and staff members stressed the importance of hosting a blood drive in a high school setting. “It gets the word out there early, that you have access to saving people's lives and it sets it up for the future so people will continue to give blood,” said committee secretary Olivia Ruble. “Most people think one pint isn't going to do much, but it does have the impact of saving up to three people's lives.” Committee co-advisor Elizabeth Eaton noted, “One thing we know, which Red Cross stresses, is that if you donate in high school, you are more likely to become a lifelong donor than even (if you donate) in college. “We want them to be lifelong donors and we want them to think outside of themselves. It is such a big deal.” By holding the drive in the high school, the main benefit is the volume of donors that can come through in a short amount of time. Another benefit is what the students called “positive peer pressure.” Senior Justin Mohlin decided to donate blood for the first time, after his friends asked if he would. He responded, “Why not?” “It is right here. They don't have to get up on a Saturday
morning and drive to a church, it is right here. They are right next to their friends the whole time, which makes the decision easier,” said committee vice president Jonathan Sweeney. Erik Tolkinen, committee president, added, “I think people are realizing how easy it is, it is not much work. I think a lot of people were nervous beforehand, but then they realized how easy it was.” The goal was to collect 202 units of blood; 193 units were collected. Centennial students have qualified for $1,000 worth of scholarship monies. Typically around six scholarships are given out to members of the Senior Class Committee who either worked during the blood drive or donated blood themselves. In addition to the blood drive, the committee helps fund and organize the homecoming parade as well as the senior class boat dance. Students who serve on the Student Council are not eligible to serve on the committee. “We want different students to step up and lead and have different opportunities,” Eaton explained. “We hope gone are the days where the National Honor Society president, Student Council president and Senior Class Committee president are all the same person.” Even though the goal was not quite met, the students said everyone was in a “giving mood” and attributed the extra willingness to give blood to Thanksgiving, which was two days later. Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
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(From left:) Senior Class Committee members Vice President Jonathan Sweeney, Secretary Olivia Ruble, President Erik Tolkinen and Treasurer Kaisia Bornhoft were key players in the planning and organization of the Centennial High School blood drive on Nov. 22.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Senior Class Committee members provide comfort to a student while she gives blood.
Lino Lakes Public Safety Department promotes 2
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department has elevated two personnel to different ranks, effective Dec. 1. Sgt. Kyle Leibel was chosen as the new deputy director and Fire Lt. Jeff Frid was chosen as a district chief (Station 2). Kelly McCarthy resigned from the deputy director position on Oct. 28 and Paul Peltier resigned from the district chief position on Aug. 31. “We are very fortunate to have high quality individuals to fill these vacancies and we are excited for Kyle and Jeff to continue to contribute to the success of our organization,” said Director of Public Safety John Swenson. “There is a ton I am excited about,” said Leibel. “I've learned a lot in my time here at Lino. We've had some fantastic leaders within the Lino Lakes Police Department over the years and I've learned a great deal from our former and current police administrators. I am really looking forward to and excited to apply those skills to our current and future challenges as we move forward,” he said. Although Leibel no longer lives in the area, he grew up in Lino Lakes and was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement after encounters with Lino Lakes police officers. “When I was a teenager, I worked at the Little Store in Centerville and got to know some of the Lino Lakes
police officers when they would come in for coffee. One of them took me under his wing and said, ‘Let’s go for a ride-along someday,’ so I took him up on it, and I was hooked after that.” In 1994 and throughout college, Leibel served as a reserves officer. In 1996, after he was eligible to become licensed, he went through the hiring process with Lino Lakes. He was not hired, and got a job as a police officer up north in Grant County. After a year in Grant County he returned to Lino Lakes after the department hired him. In 2005 Leibel was promoted to a sergeant position and in 2012 he became the sergeant of the investigative unit, where he remained until this promotion. Jeff Frid has live in Lino Lakes for nearly five years and is originally from Mounds View. He has been with the Lino Lakes Fire Department since its inception late last year. “I am excited to be working with an awesome management/leadership team; that's one of the biggest reasons I decided to apply, other than the fact that I like a challenge. Ever since I started, everyone has been great. It has been a really great place to work and a lot of times it doesn't feel like work,” Frid said. “All of the men and women co-workers I've gotten to know ... We all mesh and get along really well.” Frid has always been interested in firefighting. “I always had a fascination with it; I had all of my toy trucks when I was a young boy. I never lived
close enough to a station to be on a volunteer-type of station. It is something I've always had in me, but never had the opportunity to pull the plug on it (until Lino Lakes).” Frid developed the driving curriculum that all new hires have to pass before they can drive a truck for the department. Frid's full-time job is with the public works department for the city of Arden Hills, where he has worked for 12 years. Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
SUBMITTED
Jeff Frid has been promoted from fire lieutenant to district chief within the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department.
SUBMITTED
Kyle Leibel has been promoted from sergeant to deputy director within the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department.
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Newly elected
C
ongratulations to our newly elected officials. These people have stepped up and should be commended for putting themselves out for public office. Most folks have a common goal to keep a community great and very few are in it because they have a vendetta or to prove a point. With that being said, they are taking a risk. They have to make decisions that affect everyone, and in the process open themselves up to criticism and sometimes controversy. I residents to get Publisher’s encourage out and support your elected officials by trying to folView low what is happening at Carter Johnson city council work sessions or planning commission meetings. At public meetings, you will quickly learn the process and understand the issues so that you can be represented. Get involved by volunteering on committees or with events and begin to learn the systems. It might even inspire you to serve in an elected capacity in the future. Christmas Lights When we lived in western Wisconsin, the local paper started a Christmas light decoration competition. Being competitive, I challenged the neighbor and we went all out. We lived on the main street just a few blocks north of downtown, so we thought we would at least get the traffic to make it worthwhile. We shared in the rental of a cherry picker to string lights in the tops of the trees and line the roofs of our houses. In some ways, it was a Clark Griswold moment. Although we were not the winning house, we felt we did our part to bring a festive look to Main Street. Our family enjoys driving through neighborhoods in White Bear, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, North Oaks, and Shoreview to look at decorations. People are fi nding new ways to get creative. Plan an hour or so, load the family in the car with hot chocolate and drive through the neighborhoods in your area. As the season progresses, I hope people will keep their lights on through January as a sign of celebration. If you know of holiday light displays that should be publicly recognized, please tell us. Drone shows With drones being the hottest toy for the holidays last year, they are beginning to take the place of gunpowder. At theme parks like Disney, drones are set up with multi-colored LED lights and flown in patterns in place of a fi reworks show. The drones fly to pre-determined positions with the help of programming and GPS. The choreographed show boasts patterns, images and even nearly perfect patterns of our constellations. What is unique is how nimble and precise a drone can fly. They can illuminate the sky for minutes versus seconds, and they can turn lights on and off and move throughout the landscape. Not long ago, Disney was debuting fi reworks launched with air pressure rather than gunpowder, which was reusable and allowed them to launch under different conditions. It might be years before we see drone shows in our own communities, but the technology is here. Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Reverse mortgages
F
or many seniors citizens, their home is the most valuable asset they own. Some companies market the “reverse mortgage” as a way for seniors to convert this equity into cash to pay their bills or supplement their income. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows qualifying homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home, which may be paid out in cash installMovers & ments or one lump sum. The loan is Shakers generally repaid when the borrower Lori Swanson moves or passes away. To qualify for a federally insured reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years-old and live in your home. Before approving you for a loan, lenders are required to conduct a “financial assessment” to determine your ability and willingness to pay the costs associated with your home (e.g. property taxes and home insurance). This is typically done by reviewing your credit report and comparing your income and expenses. The amount of money you may borrow through a reverse mortgage varies based on several factors. The less you owe on your current mortgage, the more you can borrow through a reverse mortgage. Depending on your
financial assessment, a lender may require you to set aside funds from the proceeds of the loan to pay for expenses associated with your home. The amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows the longer you live in your home. Interest charges are added to the amount of the loan each day that you hold it, so the total amount you owe may substantially grow over time. When you take out a federally insured reverse mortgage, you or your estate will not owe more than your home is worth when the loan is repaid. The reverse mortgage may grow to equal the value of your home. Because you still own your home, you are responsible to pay the property taxes, insurance, and costs of upkeep to your home. Some people who take out a reverse mortgage can lose their home if they can’t afford the taxes, upkeep, and insurance. If you are considering a reverse mortgage, consider whether it is suitable given your circumstances or if there are other options that may be better for you. Review Costs and Fees. Reverse mortgages may be costly. Lenders sometimes charge up front origination fees and closing costs, so be sure to shop around for the best price. Beware of sales gimmicks. Beware of anyone who tries to sell you something and suggests you pay for it with a reverse mortgage. Lenders, brokers, or originators can’t require you to buy an annu-
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ity, investment, life insurance, or a long-term care insurance product as a condition of obtaining a reverse mortgage loan. Beware of fear tactics. Be skeptical of agents who use fear of going into a nursing home or running out of money to sell you a reverse mortgage. Beware of lenders or agents who falsely tell you that the government has somehow endorsed the sale of reverse mortgages. Get legitimate help. The law requires you to undergo counseling before you are sold a reverse mortgage. Some counseling is just over the telephone and may be by someone who is paid by the lender. Because a reverse mortgage is a complicated product and can have serious financial consequences, you should consult an independent attorney or trusted advisor before you enter into the transaction. You have a right to cancel. Under State law, there is a seven day “cooling off” period once a borrower has accepted, in writing, the lender’s offer, during which the loan cannot close and the borrower can still walk away. Under federal law, borrowers then have a right to cancel a reverse mortgage within three business days by notifying the lender in writing. The lender has 20 days after you cancel to return your money you paid for financing.
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DECEMBER 6, 2016
QUAD AREA EVENTS LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Bring a lunch, learn about the topic of ‘Winter Ecology’from a naturalist, and take a walk on the trails. Free; no registration required. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
DOLLARS INTO SENSE CLASS
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 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: 763-755-1280 or extension.umn.edu
55+ DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Schwan Center, 1750 105th Ave., Blaine Details: 8-hour fi rst time course for drivers 55+ to learn driver safety and qualify for insurance discount. $26; registration required. Contact: 888-234-1294 or mnsafetycenter.org
FRESH CHEESE MAKING
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Learn to make fresh mozzarella and ricotta. Ages 15+. $20/person; registration required. Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks. com
25TH ANNUAL GOURMET CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 7330 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes Details: Cookies sell fast; arrive early. Contact: 651-784-7667 or gum.church
HOLIDAY CRAFT, MERCHANDISE AND BAKE SALE
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: American Legion, 7731 Lake Dr., Circle Pines Details: Live auction 2-6 p.m. Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots or cash donations. Contact: 651-783-0055 or post566.com
BREAKFAST AND PHOTOS WITH SANTA
When: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: American Legion, 7731 Lake Dr., Circle Pines Details: Free digital photos, hosted by the Sons of the American Legion. Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Contact: 651-783-0055 or post566.com
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
When: 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 Where: Bus leaves from Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Pkwy. Details: Adults can board a bus to see homes decorated for the holidays in various residential communities throughout the metro area. $49/person includes non-alcoholic beverage and cookie. Register by Nov. 27. Contact: 651-982-2400 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us
QUAD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY PARTY When: 11:30 a.m.-1
Top 5 at PressPubs.com:
Week of November 27 – December 3 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. ‘Amazing Grace’ for 3 Mounds View students. Shoreview Press > News 2. 2 high school students killed, one hospitalized in car crash. Shoreview Press > News 3. Local mom celebrates babies with Down syndrome. Shoreview Press > News 4. Benefit planned for Kayla-Strong. White Bear Press > News 5. Teddy bears and flowers: Memorial planned for Mustang students. Shoreview 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.
p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 Where: Cowboy’s Saloon, 3801 Restwood Rd., Lexington Details: Network with local businesses. Silent auction proceeds benefit Centennial Community Food Shelf. $20/person. Contact: quadchamber.org
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Children 18 months-10 years old can enjoy a continental breakfast with Santa and decorate gingerbread cookies, make a craft, and have their photo taken. $5/adult; $9/ children. Register by Dec. 4. Contact: 651-982-2400 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us
Secret Holiday Shop WHEN: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 WHERE: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St.
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$12 including jewelry, coffee mugs, knickknacks and toys; and volunteers available to help with shopping and wrapping. Registration not required.
DETAILS: Children can shop on their own for family and friends. Wide variety of gifts priced $.50-
CONTACT: 651-982-2400 or ci.linolakes.mn.us
PARENT’S NIGHT OUT
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Where: Lino Lakes YMCA, 7690 Village Dr. Details: Childcare and activities provided so parents can enjoy an afternoon/evening out. $25; registration required. Contact: 651-795-9622 or ymcatwincities.org/ locations/lino_lakes_ ymca
House, Blaine Details: Weekly educational group for women who have experienced domestic or sexual violence. Call to register. Contact: 763-656-1366 or Alexandrahouse.org
NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY 69TH ANNUAL LUTEFISK AND MEATBALL DINNER
When: 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 Where: Faith Luther500 CARDS When: 7 p.m. Mondays an Church, 886 North Shore Dr., Forest Lake Where: Lino Lakes Details: Continuous Senior Center, 1189 Main seating; tickets $16 St. WINTER RECREATION before Dec. 5 or $18 day Details: Seniors can SAMPLER When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, play 500. Open to anyone. of event. Also silent auction, bake sale and Contact: 651-982-2440 Dec. 18 quilt raffle. Where: Wargo Nature or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us Contact: 651-464-3323 Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes HANDICRAFT WORK Details: Families When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. LEGO MANIA and individuals of all 2nd and 4th Tuesdays & BLOCKS PARTY ages can sample winter Where: Lino Lakes When: 1:30-4 p.m. activities such as kick Senior Center, 1189 Main Friday, Dec. 9 sledding, snowshoeing, St. Where: Hardwood and cross-country Details: Seniors can Creek Library, 19955 skiing. $7/adult, $5/ knit, crochet, embroider, Forest Rd. N., Forest child; registration quilt, needlework and Lake required. more while socializing. Details: Legos Contact: 651-429-8007 Contact: 651-982-2440 available; drop-in. or anokacountyparks. or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us For all ages and no com registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 TODDLER STORYTIME When: 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays CP HOLIDAY TRAIN Where: Centennial When: 5 p.m. Friday, Library, 100 Civic Dec. 9 Heights Cir., Circle Pines Where: Union Depot, ‘THREE MORE WISHES Details: Stories, songs 200 E. Kellogg Blvd. St. FOR CHRISTMAS’ and fingerplays for Paul When: 5:30 p.m. children ages 2-3 and a Details: General adMonday-Thursday; 6 mission at 5 p.m.; train p.m. Friday & Saturday; caregiver. Contact: 763-717-3294 arrives approx. 7:15 p.m. 10:45 a.m. Saturday or anokacountylibrary. and departs at 8:10 p.m. and Sunday Matinees; org Holiday-themed perforand 4:30 p.m. Sundays, mances by Colin James through Dec. 31 and Kelly Prescott. Free Where: The Seasons FAMILY STORYTIME and open to the pubDinner Theatre at When: 10:15-10:45 lic; heart-healthy food Majestic Oaks Golf Club, a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. donations encouraged to 701 Bunker Lake Blvd. Thursdays support Merrick ComNE, Ham Lake Where: Centennial munity Services Food Details: FamilyLibrary, 100 Civic friendly musical comedy. Heights Cir., Circle Pines Shelf. Contact: uniondepot. Tickets $46.95-$56.95; Details: Stories, org Children 6-12 $29.95. songs and fingerplays Contact: 763-755-2140 for children of all ages CHRISTMAS AROUND or majesticoaksgc.com and a caregiver. No THE WORLD: registration required. CHRISTMAS AT COFFEE AND Closed Thanksgiving THE COURTHOUSE CONVERSATIONS Day When: 10-11 a.m. When: 8 p.m. Friday, Tuesdays Dec. 9; 4 and 8 p.m. Where: Alexandra Saturday, Dec. 10; and 3
Ongoing
p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater Details: Varied styles and types of holiday music performed by Valley Chamber Chorale. Tickets $40/adults; $35/ students/seniors. Contact: 651-430-0124 or valleychamber chorale.org
ANNIE’S SWEDISH COFFEE PARTIES
When: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail N., Scandia Details: 3-course coffee party includes history and Swedish Jul program. $15; reservations required. Contact: 651-433-5053 or www.gammelgarden museum.org
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Sq., White Bear Lake Details: Local author Todd Mueller with sign copies of his new book, ‘Town Ball Parks of Minnesota’. Contact: 651-426-0918
HOLIDAY BAKE SALE
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 Where: Union Depot, 200 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Details: Event showcases top bakeries from around the Twin Cities and holiday gift vendors. Proceeds benefit Merrick Community Services Food Shelf. Tickets $5/ adults or $10/VIP; Seniors and children under 12 free. Contact: uniondepot. org/bakesale
DECEMBER 6, 2016
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com
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PIANO DUET: Blaine musicians top a stellar year with Ordway duet performance FROM PAGE 1
for lessons and to purchase the family's fi fth piano. Both Emma and Jacob each started playing the piano when they were 4 years old. “When I was little I used to go over to my grandparents' house and they had a clock that would chime every hour. Even before I could talk, I started singing back the melody, even when I wasn't around their house,” Emma explained, adding that her parents thought they should start her in piano lessons. Jacob said, “My parents thought if one can do it, the other one can do it.” The Taggarts found a piano teacher on Craigslist. After seeing their potential, North St. Paul resident Mary Carloni referred them to Dr. Reid Smith, who teaches out of his home studio in Dellwood. Years later, Emma now practices 4.5 hours a day and Jacob three hours a day. Typically, the Taggarts practice a variety of songs for an equal amount of time, but for months before the performance a large chunk of their practice time was spent on the piece they would perform for the broadcast. The two had to audition for a spot on the show, which included filling out an eight-page application, an interview process and performing both individually and together. The Taggarts were among the 9 percent of those youth who auditioned and made it on the show. Emma and Jacob said it was a positive process. “It was pretty stressful, but all that work paid off in the end, because it was a good experience,” Jacob said. Emma said, “It was probably the best musical experience we've ever had. We both performed at the Ordway in front of an almost sold-out audience. We had a lot of people come up to us after the performance to tell us how much they enjoyed our performance.” Emma added she really enjoyed the outreach aspect of the show. After the performance, all of the performers participated in arts leadership, an outreach program that allows the performers to bring their music to the community in an effort to give back and create positive changes in the community. The performers met with middle-school-aged students from the program ComMUSICation, an after-school choir and music program. They exchanged ideas about how music can bring people together and both the performers and the middle-schoolers performed for one another. “It was a really different aspect of a musician's life, where you get to share it with people and interact with them. Overall, it has helped me appreciate what music can do for people,” Emma said. “What I love about playing the piano is sharing it with others. People can really enjoy music. It can be relaxing.” The two haven't always played duets. In fact, it all started around three years ago, when the family got a call from “America's Got Talent.” Show representatives wanted them to perform a duet of a pop song and audition for the show. Although Emma and Jacob had experience playing the piano, neither had ever tried a duet together or ventured outside of classical music. After the call, Emma and Jacob decided to give it a try. They had trouble finding a pop arrangement, so Emma decided to make her own arrangement for them to play. The Taggarts tried out but did not make the show. “I think I enjoy playing duets, because I have a good partner,” Jacob said. Emma and Jacob enter various competitions. In fact, both have won the pre-teen category in the Minnesota State Fair Talent Competition. In addition to competitions, they travel all over the U.S and the world to
“It is a blessing. They both have been given a gift from God that we weren't expecting. They have put in a lot of work, and to see that gift grow and culminate in a talent, that I think is pretty amazing,” Teresa Taggart Mother perform. When Emma was just 6 years old, she visited Azerbaijan, a country situated at the crossroads of southwest Asia and southeastern Europe. She has also traveled to Spain and Turkey, and Jacob was able to join to visit Italy. “It is a lot of work, but they have gotten a lot of opportunities, like traveling throughout Europe that they wouldn't otherwise get to do,” their mother said. In February the siblings will go to Arizona for a performance and will head to Russia in August. Emma and Jacob have also performed at many venues in the Twin Cities. They visit nursing homes two to three times a year to perform for seniors.
FROM THE TOP | SUBMITTED
Jacob and Emma Taggart during the live performance at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Emma and Jacob Taggart practice their duet in their home in Blaine. Emma is 14 and Jacob is 10.
“Seeing them share that gift with other people and how music can touch other people's lives is pretty profound,” Teresa said. In addition to piano, Emma enjoys writing poetry and running on a junior-Olympic track team. Jacob enjoys fishing and playing baseball and football. Both attend St. Agnes School in St. Paul. Emma and Jacob have high hopes for their futures. “I would really love to be a professional concert pianist, but if for some reason that doesn't happen I would just really love to continue to share music with people, whether that is in a concert hall or a living room,” Emma said. Jacob said, “I would like to go to Harvard to be a businessman.” Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
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DECEMBER 6, 2016 www.presspubs.com
Quality Asian cuisine rules at Tasty Asia BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER
There's a stereotype about Asian restaurants, Tasty Asia owner Diana Benzakour says. They're dirty, they have poor customer service, they serve mediocre food. But when Benzakour and her husband decided to open their own Asian restaurant, the first thing they decided was that Tasty Asia was going to be none of those things, instead offering quality and fresh-prepared foods to reacquaint locals with a variety of Asian cuisines. “We wanted a place where we would be proud to work here, and that's what we did,” Benzakour said. The family-owned restaurant has operated in its Wyoming location for 12 years, but opened a second location in Lino Lakes about a year and a half ago. Benzakour said that the family had checked out the space a couple times in the past, and finally decided it was time to make an expansion. Benzakour works the cash register in the Lino shop most every day, but cooking is her real passion. She and her husband, who runs the Wyoming store, make all of the sauces themselves, and she bakes the gourmet desserts. “Tasty Asia” was the concept because the Benzakours did not want to be limited to one specific type of cuisine – rather, they wanted to explore their creative side when it came to dishes. Pho (pronounced “fuh”), or
Vietnamese noodle soup, is one of the more notable items on the menu. “It's the Vietnamese national dish,” Diana said. “It is very popular. I think with the Food Network and everything, everybody's got pho. Everybody wants pho.” The restaurant also offers a varied selection fresh baked desserts, including Benzakour's specialty cheesecakes, as well as unique offerings such as the creamy Italian dessert tiramasu. Benzakour said the restaurant likes to be supportive of its two local communities, and has done double-layer chocolate cake giveaways for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and other special occasions. Benzakour is originally from North St. Paul, but after college she moved to Boston, where she met her husband Chakib. She returned to Minnesota during Thanksgiving one year to visit her brother, who had moved to Wyoming, Minnesota. During the visit, the family noticed the empty endcap on the building on Faxton Avenue, and began considering opening their own restaurant. “That was 12 and a half years ago, and we just learned as we went,” Benzakour said. In Boston, Chakib had worked as a computer engineer, and Diana worked as a dental hygienist, so restaurant business was a bit of a departure for both of them. But Diana's family had owned restaurants, and cooking was in the family. She said they also liked the
idea of raising their two daughters in Minnesota, which has a little slower pace than a busy city like Boston. “I come from a family of restaurateurs,” she said. “I always loved to cook, and I naturally fell back into it. And just recently, I kind of had a revelation that I realized my place in life is to feed people. I work seven days a week, and when I have some time off, I'm at home in the kitchen. And I'm happiest there.” At Tasty Asia, Diana said that the customer experience always comes first. “We make everything from scratch,” she said. “We really believe in the quality of food as opposed to quantity, so everything is fresh. When you order, it's made. It's not sitting in a warmer. That's not our philosophy. We're pretty fast, but it's not fast food.” Tasty Asia prides itself on fresh food using minimal ingredients and no added MSG. There are also a number of glutenfree items on the menu. The restaurant employs a large number of high school employees. For many of them, this is their first professional position in the working world. “We're like family,” Diana said. “We create an environment where most of the kids we hire, it's their first job. So we feel that we're also educators, and we're responsible for them, too.” Despite the number of devoted employees the restaurant already has, it's been a struggle to meet staffing
needs, Diana said. She said Tasty Asia could really use a few additional workers to help the restaurant operate at peak efficiency. She invites anyone to apply for a job, especially for morning shifts when younger employees are still in school. But however large the business becomes, Diana said she could never imagine herself taking a back seat from the dayto-day frenzy of the busy restaurant. “It's hard when you put your heart and soul into this to step back,” she said. “I've seen it so many times that when the owner doesn't put as much time in, and the quality starts to go down.” Diana said she also appreciates the strong support of the many regular customers who frequent Tasty Asia. She added that the restaurant may offer new menu items in the beginning of 2017, as soon as she has time to spend more time exploring recipes in the kitchen. “We just have tons of ideas,” she said. “Really, I'd like to get back to my passion, which is creating and developing recipes and playing with that part of it.” Tasty Asia has locations in Wyoming ( 26685 Faxton Ave., Wyoming) and Lino Lakes (717 Apollo Drive, Lino Lakes) and is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. To learn more about Tasty Asia and to view the full menu, visit www.tastyasia. com.
approved a summary publication of the ordinance. • Accepted the renewal of the traffic safety grant from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety for 2017-18. The council originally accepted the grant Jan. 26, 2015 and it can be renewed for up to four years. The goal of the grant program is to enhance safety on community roads through community outreach and traffic safety education focused on prevention, analysis of traffic and crash data for targeted intervention strategies and enforcement of traffic offenses. The grant will reimburse the city for expenses related to salary and benefits for one officer ($108,514), court-related overtime (up to $25,000) and attendance at the Toward Zero Death Conference (up to $550). The council discussed establishing a threshold of $65,000 to continue the funding for the part-time community service officer (CSO) position at its Nov. 14 work session. If the achieving compliance through education (ACE)
program revenue drops below that yearly threshold, the CSO position will be eliminated. • Accepted a monetary donation to the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department K-9 Unit in the amount of $15,000 from the Coss Family Foundation through the grant administrator, the Saint Paul Foundation. The money is to be used for K-9 training equipment. • Approved the promotion of paid-oncall fire Lt. Jeff Frid to the rank of paid-on-call district chief. On Aug. 31 paid-on-call District Chief Paul Peltier resigned from the position and the public safety department conducted a promotion testing process, which included an application, background and experience evaluation and an oral interview. The promotion was effective Dec. 1. • Approved the promotion of Kyle Leibel to the rank of deputy director. Kelly McCarthy resigned from the position Oct. 28. The same promotional testing process occurred; the promotion also was effective Dec. 1.
• Approved the donation of 11 bikes to the nonprofit organization Bikes for Kids based out of Ham Lake. The bikes are seized property, and all related court and investigative matters were completed. The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department has donated to the organization in the past. • Approved final payment no. 3 for the 2016 mill and overlay project in the amount of $26,083. The project included work on Holly Drive and Old Birch Street. The original contract was in the amount of $337,749; after the final contractor payment the project cost was $309,975, $27,773 under budget.
Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached at 651407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Lino Lakes City Council took the following action at its Nov. 28 meeting: • Approved the consent agenda including past council regular meeting and work session minutes, amending the city's flexible spending account plan and approving an exempt permit for lawful gambling conducted by Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The amendment to the city's flexible spending account plan changes the maximum contribution amount for medical (out-of-pocket) expenses from $2,550 to $2,600 effective January 2017. • Approved the second reading and adoption of an ordinance establishing the 2017 city fee schedule. The changes to the fee schedule include building permits, escrow deposit administrative fee, lateral service connection fees, surface water management, land use and development fees. The changes were made to account for inflationary increases. The council approved the first reading of the ordinance at its Nov. 14 meeting. The council also
The next council work session was to be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 after press time in the Community Room at City Hall. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Shannon Granholm
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Lexington City Council took the following action at its Dec. 1 meeting: • Property owner of 9501 Hamline Avenue, Donald Sanders, contested ordinance violations and complaints that his property has too much clutter. Sanders said his backyard doesn’t have property drainage so he can’t store anything properly. The council argued that even if the drainage problem is fixed, Sanders still couldn’t store the amount of items he has on his property legally.
Sanders said he wanted the city to fix the area in his backyard that floods but the council said it’s the owners responsibly to fix their property. They added it floods because that area in his backyard used to be a small pond and was filled in illegally by the previous property owners. Instead of going to court, the council will set up a meeting with the city engineer to help Sanders find a solution for his drainage problems and in return he said he would clean up his property.
LEGISLATIVE BRIEF Runbeck named to Transportation and Regional Governance Policy committee State Rep. Linda Runbeck has accepted an appointment from fellow House Republicans to chair the newly created Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee. Runbeck said the committee she'll be chairing is an extension of her prior work on Metropolitan Council issues as head of the House Subcommittee on Metropolitan Council Accountability and Transparency. “This new committee will be heavily transportation- and transit-based. It certainly is a timely topic, given where the metro area and the state in general are terms of important transportation policy decisions and their impacts on state and regional entities. Choices we make today will have a significant bearing in shaping the metro and state
for many years to come,” Runbeck said. “I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve as chair of a House committee that has such close ties with the local and regional governments I have worked so closely with over the years. We are at a pivotal point in time and I look forward to building bipartisan solutions as we plan our future.” The Legislature is scheduled to convene at the Capitol in St. Paul Jan. 3.
• City Administrator Bill Petracek said plans for the proposed 180 unit affordable senior housing at Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road have been stalled again because the developers won’t be able to met tax return criteria. The council approved the signage of a letter for the board of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) and representatives to ask why Lexington isn’t eligible for tax credit for affordable housing. Petracek said the letter probably won’t help much but it lets the MHFA know Lexington isn’t happy about it. He added the city is still marketing the property to other developers but said affordable housing would be a good addition to the community. • Petracek said they are moving ahead with police union negotiations. “It’s slow and tedious but we’re doing the second round of negotiations,” he said. • Approved the city's final 2017 operating budget.The final budget shows a spending increase for storm water, water and sewer fund and a total levy of $1,082,481. • Council member Carin Payment reminded residents that Santa will be going door to door on Dec. 17 to collect non-perishable food items. The next regular city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at City Hall. Taya Banjac
DECEMBER 6, 2016
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Centerville Elementary students perform the ‘Mannequin Challenge’
SUBMITTED
Third-grade students in Debra Weir's class at Centerville Elementary took part in the social media-crazed “Mannequin Challenge” Nov. 15. The challenge has gone viral across social media platforms in recent months. The challenge involves getting a group of people to stand still in various positions, like mannequins, while the camera pans across the group, typically with music playing in the background. Weir said she had seen the challenge
on Instagram and one day while she was in class decided in the spur of a moment to attempt the challenge. She told her students to “freeze” while she made the 30-second video. Some other classes in the Centennial School District have also taken the challenge and even the community members who participated in the district's strategic planning process on Nov. 21 and 22 did their own Mannequin Challenge.
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DECEMBER 6, 2016
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SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
A Centennial Fire District firefighter gives out candy and candy canes to kids along the parade route.
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Donations start piling up in the trailer just minutes after the parade started. A total of 595 pounds of food were collected in addition to many toys.
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Centennial Fire District firefighters walk in the parade. CFD plans to do the parade again next year in Centerville and Circle Pines, with donations going to both Good Neighbors Food Shelf and the Centennial Food Shelf.
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Meet Stillwater prison's new warden BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER
Warden Eddie Miles, a month into his new job at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater, walks the halls of the close security prison, greeting guards and shaking hands with prison employees he meets along the way. Miles steps into a long line of Stillwater wardens, stretching back to 1853, when Stillwater opened its fi rst territorial prison, north of the current prison. The newer facility, now located in Bayport, was constructed in 1914, and appears much like the classic brick prisons featured in Hollywood fi lms. The facility houses approximately 1,600 offenders, making it the state's largest close security institution for adult male felons, according to the Department of Corrections. This is not Miles' fi rst experience at the historic Stillwater Prison — he is a veteran employee of the Minnesota correctional system, with a varied career at several state prisons. He has worked as a correctional officer, special investigator and assistant commissioner, in addition to serving as warden at the Lino Lakes, St. Cloud and Faribault facilities. Originally from Miami, Miles came to the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship. He said he entered the university with the idea that he eventually wanted to become a prison warden. Once, he attended a sociology night class where an employee at the Lino Lakes prison substituted for the usual professor. She asked all the students what they wanted to become, and when he responded that he wanted to be a prison warden, she said, “I know someone you would like to meet.” She introduced Miles to the Lino Lakes warden at the time, and in college he began working at the Lino Lakes correctional facility as an unofficial intern, helping out with activities throughout his academic career. When he graduated, he began working full time as an officer at Lino Lakes. He said he was fi rst struck with the idea of becoming a warden when he visited a prison on a high school field trip, and some kind of situation broke out while they were there. “I remember them walking us around this facility and they had to rush us into this room, and they closed the door and all these guys came out and dealt with the situation,” Miles said. “I remember everyone else was scared, and I was not. I remember seeing the warden, a big old guy with a hat, and I was just impressed by him. Everybody listened to the warden. It's like the mayor of the town, almost.” Miles said it started out as sort of a running joke that he wanted to be a prison warden, but stuck with it long enough that eventually, that's exactly what he did. “Once I actually met some people at the facility, you see that it's a nice place and prisons aren't what some people think it is. (Prisons are) just nowhere near as dangerous as they are on TV; prison employees are not as criminal as they are on TV. One of the reasons I like to do interviews or go out into the community to speak is to dispel the myth about us as prison employees. We're just normal people like everyone else. For whatever reason, people seem to think that someone else is coming into the room when they find out that I'm just a next door neighbor like they are. This is a really good profession to work in. It is a really good career — there are many opportunities for people who want to do different things. Most of us who come don't leave. If we can keep you for a few years in the beginning, we've
probably captured you for a lifetime. A lot of us come in and want to be something else, and stay forever.” Minnesota prisons tend to have a reputation as being safer facilities to work in, Miles said. “We're smaller and we're significantly safer, in my opinion,” Miles said. “A lot of us will tell you, a lot of us won't work in other states, due to the fact that it's just not as safe, although we do have our issues in Minnesota.” But for the most part, Miles said it's nowhere near the issues experienced in bigger states. The smaller size of the prison helps, but most important are the detailed policies and procedures in effect in Minnesota prisons. “We have some good systems in place. We're not a good correctional facility by accident — there are a lot of things that we do very well. We have a policy for everything,” he said. One of the biggest challenges, he said, is the repetitive lifestyle of both employees and inmates, which can breed complacency. “Most of our duties are repetitive, everyday jobs,” he said. “You constantly are fighting complacency from your staff as well as your offenders, and it's something that you constantly have to work against. My number one job is fighting complacency every day. I'm sort of a robot to this stuff — I have the personality to be consistent every day, so my staff has to get used to that. But I think that's what's needed — someone to be paying attention every day, making sure the i's and t's are dotted and crossed.” Miles said that for about the fi rst nine months, his focus will be on “basics and budgets” while he adjusts to the new environment, as well as making sure daily operations at the prison run smoothly. “My primary function is to create an environment that's safe for the staff to work as well as for the offenders to be able to work on whatever they need to do to go out and be successful. Create an environment of accountability — for all of us: offenders as well as the staff. I believe the majority of us want it to be a safe community — you know there's a few knuckleheads here and there — but the majority of us want to have a safe community, and my philosophy is to communicate that transparently through as many people as possible. “I believe we can be a very positive facility that does some really wonderful things. We provide services for offenders to really change their lives if they choose to, but we have to create an environment to where they feel comfortable enough to do that, even in prisons. It's a big task, but I think we can do it. We have some really good staff here who do a really good job of taking care of one another. So we're just going to build off of that.” Being warden is a 24-hour job, Miles said. He carries his cell phone with him everywhere he goes, and he said sometimes he does get calls late in the night. Despite this, he has led an active family life, raising five kids, who think his job is “cool.” In the past, he has been a coach for their basketball and football teams, and continues to be actively involved in their athletic pursuits. “Twenty-five years later, if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the same,” Miles said. “I'm excited to be back in Washington County. The people were very nice last time I was here. I'm excited to continue having Stillwater be a good neighbor in the community.” Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@ presspubs.com.
JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Stillwater Correctional Facility – Stillwater.
JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Warden Eddie Miles.
Anoka County Historical Society
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Are you tired of turkey yet? How about some beef? This 1938 photograph depicts William Houle of the Centerville 4-H Club showing his purebred Shorthorn Baby Beef, which won fourth in its class at the Junior Livestock Show.
DECEMBER 6, 2016
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Veteran speaks to students at Lino Lakes STEM
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Retired Air Force officer Bob Rieckenberg shows his military medals to a class of ďŹ fth-graders at Lino Lakes Elementary STEM School. For more photos and story see page 24.
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Fifth-grader Olivia tries on a gas mask that Rieckenberg brought to show the class.
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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS
DECEMBER 6, 2016 www.presspubs.com
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Sixth grader Tommy stands in front of the class while his grandpa speaks to the class.
LINO LAKES — Fifth-grade teacher Amy Greenfield invited a very special veteran to speak to her class at Lino Lakes Elementary STEM School on Friday, Nov. 11. This special veteran, Bob Rieckenberg, is Greenfield's dad and a retired Air Force police officer. Rieckenberg was a member of the Air Force for four years, including service during the Vietnam War. For more than 10 years of the 18 years
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Greenfield has been a teacher, her dad has spoken to her students. He teaches the kids why it is important to stand for the flag, how to properly salute the flag and what people currently do to acknowledge the flag. He brought his medals in, as well as different pieces of his military gear (gas masks, helmets, etc.) Rieckenberg also teaches the students how to greet soldiers and vets (shake their hand, look them in the eye, and say “Thank you for
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Fifth graders Lilly and Maddie hold the flag up while discussing flag etiquette.
your service, and welcome home”). Rieckenberg gives each student a green light bulb that represents support for our veterans. Greenfield said, “The kids love the green light bulb for veterans. I just want the students to understand what being a veteran means and the importance of it.” Former student Elizabeth Ely said, “I
remember when he came and he gave Amy his dog tags and she cried. I will never forget that.” First-grade teacher Brenda Ely noted that “Bob has really left an impression on past students that will be with them forever.” Submitted
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