Every summer, Taco Daze draws together the heart of the community in a jubilant celebration of local talent and tradition in Scandia. Sample the wares of local artisans, bakers and food trucks, check out classic cars at the car show, sip a beer while you cheer on your favorite firefighter in the water wars, learn about local heritage at the Gammelgården Museum and support the local Boy Scouts by devouring their delicious tacos. See the “Out & About” section for more information.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Mi Pueblo, a
Stillwater.
New
Mexican
restaurant opens in Stillwater
The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Mi Pueblo to its list of new businesses and establishments. The occasion featured a special ribbon cutting, featuring co-owner Jorge Gomez along with colleagues, family, friends, chamber ambassadors and staff.
The restaurant serves Mexican dishes crafted from traditional family recipes using time-honored techniques and ingredients that help capture the “rich, bold flavors of true Mexican cuisine.” Dishes include street tacos, chilaquiles and fajita fries.
Mi Pueblo is located at 1491 Stillwater Blvd.
The Lowdown Person of the Month
Name: Jeff Kroells Residency: Norwood Young America, Minnesota
Q: What brought you out to Stillwater?
A: It was our anniversary, and we always wanted to see Stillwater.
Q: What’s the best life advice?
A: Do it while you’re young.
Q: What are you looking forward to about fall?
Hunting
Mexican restaurant serving homemade authentic dishes, has officially opened in
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Twin Citizen turns struggles into soundtracks of survival and strength
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Every band member in Twin Citizen has been through something, and they are not afraid to write, sing or talk about it.
The Twin Cities-based indie rock band is composed of Joe Hartley on lead vocals/guitar, Adam Lifto on lead guitar, Laura Lunde on bass, Ryan Taylor on keys and Sam McKinney on drums.
The band has been around since June 2021, but in the past year, three of the five members are new. “Part of the turnover was just a difference in where people were at,” explained Lifto. “It was all around a desire for some of us to want to push this (band) further in terms of playing shows and trying to build who we are locally and regionally.”
41-year-old Lifto, a 2003 Mahtomedi High School graduate, has been a musician since age 15. When “Californication” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers was released, it inspired him to quit sports and dive into music.
“For whatever reason, it touched my soul in a way that was really spiritual and interesting,” Lifto recalled. “There was an interesting vibe about (John Frusciante’s) playing and the way he sounded. It just sounded like this person had been through something. That had an impact on me … I started learning how to sing and play guitar.”
He has many memories from high school choir class with teacher Rob Pontious. “He was really important in those formative years,” Lifto said.
After high school, Lifto headed for Los Angeles. “I went out there to become a star, which didn’t happen,” he said. After about a decade of struggling, Lifto entered a substance use and mental health inpatient treatment facility. While talking with his counselor there, who was also a musician, he dreamed up the idea for Twin Citizen.
After he got out of treatment, Lifto started searching the internet for other musicians in recovery. In a sixmonth span, he found several people who were all in their recovery’s infancy.
“We started with just playing and writing songs in a basement because no clubs were open, and it kind of started there,” he recalled. “And that's where, for me and for (Hartley), who's also in long-term recovery, started getting our feet wet with making music without use, doing it authentically, working through anxieties
Franconia Sculpture Park to host new puppet-centric play
On Sept. 17, Franconia Sculpture Park will host a new play, from the Fox & Beggar Theater, called “Tigre! Tigre!” The play is the eighth original production from the theater.
Described as an “original puppet-centric operetta,” the play will be performed on the park’s mobile, hand-built, double-decker theater stage. The plot, set at the dawn of the Scientific Revolution, focuses on humankind’s relationship to technological progress where two paper dolls build the first thing to exist in their next dimension: a human.
The production will feature a combination of puppetry, traditional clown theater and a live score influenced by various genres, including medieval court music and Gilbert and Sullivan. Admission is free with a recommended donation. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and dress for the weather.
The performance will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. Franconia Sculpture Park is located at 29836 St. Croix Trail, Franconia.
Science Museum, Historic Preservation to host presentation
Marine Village Hall will host a presentation on the history of the Lower St. Croix at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22. The presentation will be hosted by Ed Fleming, curator of anthropology at the Science Museum of Minnesota,
and the stress of being vulnerable around other people.”
He added, “All of the members, even the ones that aren't with us anymore, were able to stay sober, stay healthy, stay in a recovery through this experience with one another.”
Lifto is now a drug and alcohol counselor and peer recovery specialist at a men’s inpatient treatment center in Minneapolis.
Forest Lake resident Lunde, originally from Prescott, Wisconsin, is the band’s newest member. The 27-yearold joined a couple of months ago. Back in 2018, Lunde joined a band called Airship Caravan. The two bands would play together from time to time; fast forward to 2025, and Lunde saw Twin Citizen was searching for a bassist.
“I answered and auditioned and here we are,” she said.
At age 7, Lunde found herself interested in a broken Casio keyboard. She started watching YouTube to teach herself how to play. A few years later, she was given the choice between a tenor saxophone or a trombone, and she picked the trombone.
“I picked up all the instruments in the brass family: trombone, tuba, euphonium, French horn and trumpet,” she explained. “Along the way, my family realized quickly that I had a knack for it, so they would just pick up a random instrument and bring it home and say, ‘Here, Laura. See what you can do with this.’”
Lunde has her own recovery journey. While she was
and Cheyanne St. John, director of Dakota Tribal Historic Preservation.
Fleming will speak on the Science Museum of Minnesota’s research into the history and archaeology of the Lower St. Croix before European colonization. St. John will discuss the public’s understanding of the Indigenous history of the river and share the cultural significance of archaeological evidence and artifacts. Science Museum staff will display artifacts found at sites along the river’s banks.
A community potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Burris Park. Attendees are asked to bring a “feast bundle,” including a dish to share, blankets to sit on, plates and utensils.
Marine Village Hall is located at 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix. Burris Park is located at 220 Judd St.
Zephyr Theatre announces annual Haunted Trolley tour
The Zephyr Theatre has announced its eighth annual Haunted History Trolley Tour. Participants will learn about the city’s haunted past through a downtown trolley ride - and meet some ghoulish guests along the way. The ride will start at River Siren Brewery and feature festivities to enjoy between tours. In a VIP lounge upstairs, guests can watch old blackand-white horror movies while enjoying a complimentary beer, seltzer or soda. A scavenger hunt, open to the public, will offer a chance to win prizes, and an outdoor bonfire will be available for roasting marshmallows.
Tour dates are Oct. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 from 7 - 9 p.m. Purchase
attending college in River Falls, Wisconsin, for classical music, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. “It follows you throughout your life … It can lead to some pretty extreme emotional situations,” she said. Lunde decided to drop out of school and go through some intense dialectical behavior therapy.
While she was working at Guitar Center, a co-worker asked Lunde to join Airship Caravan. At that point, all her training was in the classical world. “I learned so much from those guys in that group, and they gave me this sense of community that helped me heal through some of the mental things I was going through.”
She has had the same experience with Twin Citizen. “Having this community is so important. I feel like I'm side by side with a bunch of guys who get what it's like to have this thing that people don't understand and that's hard to deal with.”
She said it has been cool to watch her bandmates “break down barriers” by being so open about their mental health.
The band practices once a week in Mahtomedi and has the goal of doing at least two shows a month. They have played locally at Dugout Bar, but most of their shows happen in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The band has never played a cover, but focuses on their music, which now includes a list of about 20 songs.
Lifto said Twin Citizen is hopeful to have an EP within the next year, with a full album out in the next three years or so.
“Every genre that everybody has studied over the years has all kind of come together to make the sound that is Twin Citizen. I have never heard anything like it,” Lunde said.
The band members are hopeful people will read about their story, be inspired by the music and reach out to have meaningful conversations with them.
“We want to break down some of these barriers to the conversation being had,” Lifto explained. “We want people to feel a part of something bigger. Hopefully, we can hear from some of those people, and they can enjoy some of the music we create.”
For more information about Twin Citizen, or to see a list of upcoming shows, visit https://twincitizenmnmusic.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
tickets online at stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org. Each ticket includes the hour-long theatrical tour, a complimentary drink, movies, a scavenger hunt, bonfires and prizes. For more information, contact the theatre at 651-300-4942 or boxoffice@stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.
River Siren Brewery is located at 225 Main St. N. in Stillwater.
Bayport Bash returns for food, music and family fun
Fun, food and festivities are around the corner as the Bayport Bash makes its annual return. Hosted at First State Bank and Trust’s Bayport location from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, the bank calls the event “a way to say thank you to the community for keeping the town special.”
Attendees can enjoy family-friendly activities, music and food from local food truck business Port Belly’s. Ice cream will be available from Mabel’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, with music provided by radio station WDGY. Rides will be available from Limitless Cycling, as will games and interactive entertainment for kids and adults alike.
First State Bank is located at 950 Highway 95 N.
Forest Lake Masons to hold Sunday Brunch drive-thru
The event will be held rain or shine at the Masons’ lodge at 119 SE 8th Ave. For more information, contact Public Relations Officer Tom Croce at victom1@hotmail.com or 651-395-0918.
Science Museum, Historic Preservation to host presentation
Marine Village Hall will host a presentation on the history of the Lower St. Croix at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22. The presentation will be hosted by Ed Fleming, curator of anthropology at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and Cheyanne St. John, director of Dakota Tribal Historic Preservation. Fleming will speak on the Science Museum of Minnesota’s research into the history and archaeology of the Lower St. Croix before European colonization. St. John will discuss the public’s understanding of the Indigenous history of the river and share the cultural significance of archaeological evidence and artifacts. Science Museum staff will display artifacts found at sites along the river’s banks. A community potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Burris Park. Attendees are asked to bring a “feast bundle,” including a dish to share, blankets to sit on, plates and utensils.
Marine Village Hall is located at 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix. Burris Park is located at 220 Judd St.
The Forest Lake Masons will host a Sunday brunch drive-thru from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Masons will serve European breakfast wraps, crepes, pancakes and sausage. They also will match funds donated to the Forest Lake Children’s Fund, which provides new coats, boots and snow pants to children in need within the city’s school district.
CONTRIBUTED
Twin Citizen members (from left) are: Sam McKinney (drums), Joe Hartley (guitar, singer), Adam Lifto (lead guitar), Ryan Taylor (keys) and Laura Lunde (Bass).
OUT & ABOUT
ONGOING EVENTS
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC
When: 1 - 4 p.m., every Sunday
Where: The Freight House, 305 Water St. S., Stillwater
Details: Enjoy live music on the Freight House patio.
Contact: 651-439-5718
TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS
When: 5 - 8 p.m., Second Tuesday of every month
Where: Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe, 5946 N. Good Ave., Oak Park Heights
Details: Ladies’ night at Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe. Each month will feature a different cigar and drink pairing. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, all designed to bring out notes in the cigar.
Contact: 651-342-0971
DATE NIGHT
When: 4 - 9 p.m., every Wednesday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S.
Details: Wednesdays are Date Night at Swirl. Two salads, one flatbread, two truffles and a bottle of wine. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@aftonhouseinn.com
BETTER BREATHERS CLUB
When: 1 - 3 p.m., 4th Wednesday of every month
Where: Lakeview Hospital, 927 Churchill St. W., Stillwater
Details: Better Breathers Club offers the opportunity to learn ways to cope with chronic lung disease with peer support. Register at www.healthpartners.com/about/classes-events/. Contact: 651-430-4786 or jenny.j.kratochvil@lakeview.org
WINE TASTINGS
When: 6 - 8 p.m., every Friday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S. Details: Free wine tasting. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@aftonhouseinn.com
WILD RIVER RUNNING
When: 6 p.m. every Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. every Friday
Where: 224 Chestnut St. E., Stillwater
Details: Group runs from Wild River Running. All paces and abilities welcome with distances typically ranging three to six miles. Tuesday evening will occasionally rotate locations. Contact: 651-342-2741 or info@wildriverrunning.com
MOVIES AT MATT’S
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday
Where: 413 Nelson St. E., Stillwater Details: Nostalgia movies shown at the lounge at Matt's Basement. Movies announced on social media the week prior. All tickets come with free popcorn with variety of seating options available. Contact: www.instagram.com/mattsbasement/
Details: Enjoy strolling accordion performances through the Gasthaus
COUNTY BRIEF
SCANDIA-MARINE LIONS CLUB | CONTRIBUTED TACO DAZE
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St.
Details: Presented by Scandia-Marine Lions Club. Sample wares from local artisans, bakers and unique food trucks. Car show and firefighter water wars will also be featured. Contact: scandiamarinelionsclub@gmail.com
dining rooms every weekend throughout the year. Contact: 651-439-7128
STORYTIME TROLLEY
When: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., every Saturday Where: Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Trolley ride around Stillwater for children featuring on-board storytime. Participants will be treated to a snack after the ride. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stillwatertrolley. com/storytime-trolley/. Contact: 651-430-0352 or stillwater.trolley@gmail.com
TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR
When: 5 - 6 p.m., 1st Wednesday of every month
Where: The Lowell Inn, 102 2nd St. N., Stillwater Details: Presented by Valley Bookseller. Chat with local favorite mystery authors. This month’s featured author is PJ Tracy of “The Deepest Cut.” Tickets can be purchased at www.tinyurl. com/36z2xc9z.
Contact: events.valleybookseller@gmail. com
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
When: 6 - 7:30 p.m., every other Wednesday Where: Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia Details: Open to players of all levels. Format will be singles, three players per game. Prizes awarded for first and second place. Players must bring their own board and a deck of cards. Contact: 651-433-3311 or info@rusticroots.wine
WYOMING FARMERS MARKET
When: 3 - 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25
Where: Grace Church, 26680 Faxton Ave Details:.Come get some local produce, homemade crafts and much more. Meet your neighbors and enjoy grilled pork chops and smoked pulled pork sandwiches.
Contact: kris@ivywoodfarms.com
CURRENT EVENTS
SEPTEMBER MEMBER MIXER
When: 4 - 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4
Where: LaBelle Real Estate Group, 85 Lake St. N., Forest Lake Details: Presented by Forest Lake Cham-
Board of Commissioners begins review of 2026 budget
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has begun reviewing the countywide recommended 2026 budget. This includes budgets for the Washington County Community Development Agency and the departments of Accounting and Finance, the Office of Administration, Human Resources and Information Technology.
The current countywide budget recommendation in-
ber of Commerce. Join fellow members to meet new business associates and old friends.
Contact: 651-464-3200
COMMUNITY DAY PICNIC
When: 4 - 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5
Where: Lake Elmo Bank, 11465 39th St. N.
Details: Come celebrate Lake Elmo’s 100th anniversary with a special celebratory picnic. Featuring roasted corn, grilled hot dogs, ice cream and bingo.
Contact: 651-747-3900
STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP
When: 1 - 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Hallberg Center for the Arts, 5521 E Viking Blvd, Wyoming
Details: Learn the fundamentals of stained glass art and create your own hanging ornament. All skill levels are welcome. Register online at www. tinyurl.com/rvzyf2c2. Contact: 651-272-5122 and/or 651-964-0189
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
When: 2 - 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Details: Annual Washington County Bluegrass Festival, featuring on-site food trucks and face painting. Attendees encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.
Contact: 651-430-8370 or Parks@co.washington.mn.us
BONUS TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR
When: 5 - 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10
Where: Grand Banquet Hall, 301 2nd St. S., Stillwater
Details: Presented by Valley Bookseller. Bonus Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour featuring William Kent Krueger, author of “Apostle’s Cove.” Tickets can be purchased at www.tinyurl.com/5j89fare. Contact: events.valleybookseller@gmail. com
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE
When: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12
Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley St. S., Stillwater
Details: Unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery. This month’s theme is “1920s Mafia Wedding.” Tickets can be purchased at www.tinyurl.com/y2tb45ma.
Contact: 651-430-3274 or events@stillwatereventcenter.com
cludes a 6.9% levy increase to $148.8 million. If adopted, the owner of a median-valued home with a median increase in value would see a $50 increase in the county portion of property taxes for 2026, a 5.1% increase from 2025.
The recommended 2026 budget also prioritizes the county’s public and employee-led obligations. The budget will not fund any new programs and will include a limited number of new employee positions. These positions will focus on addressing service backlogs, reducing waitlists for community members awaiting
COMMUNITY WATERSHED CELEBRATION/ BIRD FESTIVAL
When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: Brown’s Creek Park, 8312 Neal Ave. N., Stillwater
Details: Presented by the Brown’s Creek Watershed District and Bird City Stillwater. Featuring raptor show, bird costume contest, crafts and educational activities. Contact: info@sustainablestillwatermn. org
PLANT IDENTIFICATION CLASS
When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21
Where: Forest Lake Health Hub/Acuworks, 255 7th Ave. NW
Details: Presented by herbalist Heather Mashuga. Learn to identify local flowers and create your own herbal tincture. Register through Christine Trejo-Monson at acuworksmn@gmail.com. Contact: acuworksmn@gmail.com
IN APPRECIATION OF AUSTEN
When: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater
Details: Celebrate the works of Jane Austen through a harp concert performed by Stephanie Claussen. Regency dresses welcome but not required. Refreshments will be provided. Get tickets at www. tinyurl.com/2wvj7573.
Contact: 651-430-6000
BOOZY BOOK FAIR
When: 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21
Where: River Siren Brewing Company, 225 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Presented by Valley Bookseller. Join for the second annual Boozy Book Fair featuring local authors, books for purchase and giveaways. Contact: events.valleybookseller@gmail. com
TRAILS TOGETHER HIKING CLUB
When: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25
Where: 10000 Stillwater Lane N., Lake Elmo
Details: Join together to explore trails, enjoy nature and make new friends along the way. Attendees encouraged to bring a friend, water and hiking shoes. All ages welcome. Contact: tmworm@comcast.net
Details: An all-day celebration supporting the Invisible Wounds Project will include the KCBS Backyard BBQ Contest, Cruise for Heroes Car Show and an outdoor concert featuring headliner Clay Walker, along with special guests Cindy Jo with Dirt Road Dixie and Jake Nelson.
Details: Annual car and tractor show featuring 50 People’s Choice awards. Proceeds will go to Wishes & More and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation.
Contact: 651-439-6625
services and supporting county infrastructure and maintenance projects.
The budget will also include one-time funding for electric vehicle charging stations, elections administration and equipment, a Human Resources Information System migration, library extended access planning, the 2026 employee engagement survey and wayfinding signage updates at two county buildings. Other long-term capital investments for facilities
INBOX
VINTAGE VIEWFINDER
A threshing crew at work in Lake Elmo is featured in a photo dated 1900 and credited to Frederick Holcomb. Threshing machines were used during the harvest to separate grains, including wheat, from their stalks or husks. Up until the 1940s, when combines began to replace threshing machines, the process of threshing required families and even groups of farmers to work together to efficiently support the crew in a variety of ways.
Garden like Grandma
OGardener’s Grapevine
Crystal Crocker
n a recent trip to visit family in Iowa, my 90-year-old mother-in-law commented that she was the only living person left from her high school class of 1953. While it is amazing that she has lived to 90 years old, still vibrant and thriving, working her ten-acre property, mowing, gardening and even cutting branches with an electric chainsaw, she saw it differently. She thought there should be more of her classmates living and wondered why they hadn’t. I asked her what her theory was and this prompted a walk back through history. Ask any 90+ year old to tell the stories of their life from birth around the 1930s until now and you will hear about hardships, poverty, illness and wars but also learn about resourcefulness, community, generosity and triumph. The Great Depression, WWII, the Holocaust, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War and the Cold War are events that pressed on the human condition during that time, bringing out goodness and fortitude to endure it all. One of the consistent themes in the center of the chaos was a garden; responding to the need for food.
During WWII, President Roosevelt called for everyone to grow a Victory Garden, most families answered the call and were able to contribute. During this difficult time, farmers would keep an eye
on the city folks that needed food and supplies, helping them make ends meet while others shared from their garden surplus and kept the community going.
My mother-in-law was a country girl. She grew up on a farm at the edge of town in Morning Sun, Iowa, and describes her mother’s garden as a kitchen garden that was just outside the back door and was the size of half a football field. As a little girl, she remembers while her father was busy working the farm, her mother was in charge of planting and tending the kitchen garden. In the spring, her mother would take the horse and plow through the garden beds to break up the rich, loamy soil, fertilized the previous fall by a top layer of chicken manure ... and that was it. No chemicals, sprays or synthetic fertilizers. They used what was readily available on the farm, which was plenty of compost and manure, and the garden beds flourished, producing lots of cabbage, strawberries, asparagus, beans, corn, potatoes, tomatoes and more!
She shared that as a child, she wasn’t really interested in helping in the garden but later, when growing her own garden, she was glad she did. The garden instinct had been passed on to her and became second nature. For example, she knew what, when and how to plant the seeds, when to lay a protective layer of straw on the strawberries and how to check the asparagus to see if it was ready to harvest. These were all learned by observing her mother every day in the garden. Of course, preserving food was an important part of life as well. Many in the community gathered together to help each other
with the task of preparing, canning and fermenting and everyone knew how to do it. These activities were woven into the fabric of their life.
I thought her stories were fascinating; however, she still hadn’t presented her theory as to why she had outlived her fellow classmates of 1953. Then she handed me a photo of her with her mother, grandmother and her daughter; four generations of gardeners that continued the tradition of a kitchen garden. That said it all! In her family, it was important that each one pass on to the next generation a garden-to-table lifestyle; gardening and preserving food even when tough times had passed and better times brought in all the conveniences of fast food.
She felt her classmates had let that part of life go and along with it a purpose was lost through the generational connection of health and well-being through growing your own food. Her observations might be correct. It has been confirmed through a variety of studies that gardeners live longer, even well past 100, and are less stressed due to the benefits of working in nature and eating healthy organically grown food ... so let’s pass it on to the next generation!
This is precisely the knowledge and benefit I pass onto my clients: a garden-to-table lifestyle. To learn more, contact me at goodenergygarden@gmail.com or visit my website at www.goodenergygarden. com.
Crystal Crocker is a Stillwater resident and longtime gardener. If you have gardening questions, reach out to her at 952-240-4648 or GoodEnergyGarden@gmail.com.
Sorry, not sorry
Do we know what it means to apologize to anyone anymore? Some days, it seems like we don’t.
It isn’t just when we refuse to apologize when we don’t think we’ve done something wrong (even when we do!). It’s how we offer up carefully worded surface-level apologies that take as much guilt from us as possible. You’ve probably already heard it said before like this: “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Something I’ve noticed is that these pseudo-apologies can go beyond the phrase above. Have you ever had a friend or family member say they were only sorry because of how you reacted, and when you confront them, they get even angrier because you’re calling them out? I know I have.
One example is an ex-friend of mine, whom we’ll call him Marcus. Our friendship started pleasantly, but over time, we both did things that got on each other’s nerves. This boiled over to where we were going at each other’s throats pretty hard. This all happened when I was 21 and he was 20. We were too young and immature to “man up,” work out our differences and say we were sorry like level-headed men.
A few years later, I reached out to Marcus and sincerely apologized for the hurt I caused. Thankfully, he was gracious and accepted my words without any asininity. However, that was where things fell apart: as we attempted to sort out our issues, I brought up how, at the time, I felt hurt when he said certain things that had contributed to our bond collapsing. Cue huffiness:
“Well, I’m sorry you felt that way ... I feel like I’ve grown up a little bit since then and didn’t think apologizing was necessary.”
Oh, snap. You could feel the water in the pot of stubbornness start to boil.
After further cautious efforts to explain where I was coming from, the receiving end response went something like this:
“Erik, this happened so long ago! I’ve forgiven myself, and you should be more accepting. I have no interest in wanting to be friends with you ever again.”
No, Marcus. My point wasn’t to become friends with you again. It was to straighten things out and end things in peace. The way two grown adults should behave when they engage in conflict. So why do we try to skirt around being sorry? Tyler Okimoto, a professor at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, might know. In a recent Psychology Today article called “Why Apologizing Is So Difficult,” he cites two reasons. One is that apologizing feels like it diminishes your ego and forces you to admit you’re not perfect. The second is because it makes us give up the power you want to have over others.
“That self-uncertainty - moral vulnerability - is not a great feeling,” writes Okimoto. “This feeling is also amplified among those with a heightened self-focus, such as those high in narcissism and entitlement, who may be especially reluctant to apologize.”
To quote a book by Kurt Vonnegut, “So it goes.” As we age, we may not necessarily grow wise enough to regularly stop and think whether we’re always treating others well. But let’s put this into perspective: there are 24 hours in a day. That further translates to 1,440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. Somewhere in between is enough time to pause and reflect on our actions at least once. We just need to know when and how.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications.
•
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
ST. CROIX COLLECTION | CONTRIBUTED
County seeking members for climate advisory group
Washington County is seeking four community members to join its climate action plan community advisory group. The group will include local government partners, community organizations and residents. The goal is to provide a diverse range of perspectives while developing the climate action plan.
The group will be involved at key stages throughout the planning process and will help shape the plan’s priorities and recommendations. Members will take part in four two-hour meetings during the project, scheduled between September and June 2026.
To be eligible, participants must be at least 16 years old by Sept. 1, must have lived in the county from the date of their application and must remain residents through at least June 30, 2026. To apply, visit www.tinyurl.com/4h53877h. Applications are due by Aug. 6.
New exercise classes coming to Community Thread
Community Thread is expanding its accessible and affordable fitness classes for older adults. The expansion is possible through a collaboration with Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education and Live 2 B Healthy of St. Croix Valley.
Participants will enjoy popular mainstays along with new class offerings. These will include chair yoga, senior circuit, tai chi, small group senior boot camp and “Strength and Balance,” the latter designed to align with the Arthritis Foundation’s exercise program. All classes (excluding boot camp) are free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, Active & Fit, Renew Active, One Pass and Community Thread’s Thrive members. Self-pay options are also available.
“At Community Education, our goal is to create opportunities for lifelong learning and wellness,” said Jennifer Andress, adult and youth enrichment coordinator for Stillwater Community Education. “These classes are a great example of how we’re helping residents stay active and involved at every age.”
Those interested can fill out a registration form through Stillwater Community Education at www.stillwater.ce.eleyo.com, or call 651-351-8300. Classes will be held at Community Thread’s main location in Stillwater and its second location in Bayport.
Washington County announces new official slogan
Washington County has announced its new official slogan: “Rooted in connection, growing with direction.” According to Senior Communications Specialist Brian Kauffenberg, the new slogan is meant to reflect the county’s updated mission, vision and values, which have been adopted for its 2024-2029 strategic plan.
According to Kauffenberg, connection refers to the county’s aim to foster relationships among people, neighborhoods and communities, and to help everyone feel a sense of belonging. It also means connecting residents with services that improve their quality of life. Direction reflects the county’s mission to guide decisions and investments that serve the population while honoring the county’s history and natural resources.
“These words reflect our deep ties to the land and communities Washington County serves,” Kauffenberg said. “The county is rooted in values and committed to growing with intention, through thoughtful planning, expanding infrastructure and adapting to change.”
NEW BUSINESSES
St. Croix Cravings
What: Freeze-dried foods
Where: 14630 57th St N.
Contact: 651-233-6284 or stcroixcravings@gmail.com
About: Offers different freeze-dried fruits, vegetables and candy
Pop-Up Puppy Yoga
What: Yoga services
Where: 214 S Main St.
Contact: 651-775-5740 or
About: Features yoga for adults, followed by puppy playtime
will include the Central Yard Waste site and construction of the Park Grove Library. A total of $115.5 million will be allocated for the road and bridge program, including funding for the Highway 36 and County State Aid Highway 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) intersection project, planning and design for the Public Works South Shop and general
CHURCH BRIEF
pavement preservation and road reconstruction projects. The budget will also include $2.6 million in park investments for projects such as the Hardwood Creek Trail extension and minor park facility improvements. The board will hear recommended budget presentations from Community Corrections, Community Services
Elim Lutheran Church appoints interim choir director
Elim Lutheran Church named Brian Voss its interim choir and handbell choir director. Voss has served as the church’s organist since 2019 and has been playing live music in churches for more than 30 years. He also participates in the church’s livestream and media ministries and previously served as organist and choir director for a Methodist congregation in Rockford, Illinois.
Voss said he hopes to embrace the church’s traditional roots while introducing new music. “Most people think of music in traditional worship as using the same beloved, classic hymns over and over again — and that’s partially true,” he said. “The church’s song continues to evolve, so even in traditional worship, it is the church’s duty to musically speak to people in ways that better attune to today’s language and culture.”
Voss’ appointment follows his attendance at three summer clinics aimed at inspiring and enriching the church’s music programs.
“I already have several new ideas on how we can be a more effective music ministry - and I can’t wait to share the joy, excitement and perhaps a little bit of challenge as we embark on this new journey together. It’s going to be a ton of fun along the way, and I’d love for anyone who loves to sing to be a part of it.”
Elim Lutheran Church is located at 20971 Olinda Trail, Scandia.
and Public Health and Environment/ the University of Minnesota Extension on Aug. 12. Presentations on Property Records and Taxpayer Services and the Library and Law Library will be held on Aug. 19, and the Attorney’s and Sheriff’s offices on Aug. 26.
Following these presentations, the board will follow a budget process from
Forest Lake Police Department Detective passes away
The Forest Lake Police Department has announced the passing of Detective Josh Brown Brown died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 11, while off duty.
Brown has served the City of Forest Lake since October 2017. The department states he “served with dedication and tenacity as a patrol officer and detective during his career. Detective Brown will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the whole law enforcement community.”
September through early December. The preliminary levy will be set on Sept. 23, followed by a public meeting on the proposed budget and levy on Dec. 2. The budget, property tax levy and capital improvement plan for 2026 will be officially adopted on Dec. 16.
Sheriff Dan Starry receives D.A.R.E. Executive of the Year Award
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry is the recipient of this year’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education Executive of the Year Award. The award is presented annually by D.A.R.E. America to recognize individuals in law enforcement who hold executive positions such as chiefs, sheriffs or district attorneys for outstanding leadership and commitment to drug prevention and enforcement. Sheriff Starry is recognized for making a significant community impact through his leadership and dedication to the program. He has hosted D.A.R.E. officer training sessions at the county, resulting in the certification of numerous law enforcement officers to teach the D.A.R.E. program.
The Yoga Branch
With studios in both Forest Lake and North Branch, The Yoga Branch offers a welcoming space for all levels to experience the benefits of yoga. Owner Stacy VanOrnum, a Yoga Alliance–certified teacher with over 2,000 classes taught, blends traditional yoga values with a focus on holistic well-being. Offering affordable drop-in classes, specialty workshops, and a supportive community atmosphere, The Yoga Branch is dedicated to helping students build strength, increase flexibility, and find balance—both on and off the mat.
Find a class: theyogabranch.com
Blaine Brothers Truckaline
Located in Columbus, MN, Blaine Brothers TruckAline stands out with its expert technicians who deliver full-service truck and trailer alignments, suspension repairs, and frame work backed by decades of experience. Their offerings—ranging from brakes, tie rods, leaf springs, ball joints, and bushings to axle repair, line boring, and DOT inspections—are designed for everything from dump trucks and semis to RVs and municipal vehicles.
With a well-stocked inventory of trusted parts and extended service hours that accommodate busy schedules, TruckAline aims to get clients safely back on the road—efficiently and right the first time.
Learn more: blainebrothers.com/truckaline
ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH CONTRIBUTED
Brian Voss will be the interim choir and handbell choir director for Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia.
FOREST LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT | CONTRIBUTED
The Forest Lake Police Department has announced the passing of Detective Josh Brown.
WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | CONTRIBUTED Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry is the recipient of this year’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education Executive of the Year Award.
Erik Suchy
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
Conservation easements to be placed in
Valley Creek
Two conservation easements have been approved for separate property protection projects, both in partnership with the Belwin Conservancy, for land along Valley Creek in Afton.
The easements are part of the county’s Land and Water Legacy Program for the Thomas and Cremens projects. The Thomas project covers 5.24 acres along Valley Creek Trail South. It ranks “very high” for protection priority under Legacy Program criteria and “very high” for site habitat quality. The Cremens project spans 3.24 acres, also along Valley Creek Trail South. It includes more than 700 feet of Valley Creek streambank and ranks “high” for protection priority and “medium” for site habitat quality. The properties are owned by the Belwin Conservancy, which has long-term plans to restore the land and provide public access through guided tours.
The cost of the Thomas project easement is $395,000, and that of the Cremens project easement is $520,000. The county will be reimbursed for 50 percent of the conservation easement value through grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Lake Alice facing drawdown from mechanical issues
Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park is at a drawdown due to mechanical issues with its water control structure. Although park staff are working to resolve the problem, a timeline for restoring lake levels has yet to be established.
The issue comes after heavy precipitation in the past month caused water levels on the lake to increase slowly. The levels became high enough that water began flowing over the lake’s dike into the St. Croix River. Staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources opened the lake’s water control structure valve to release excess water. Upon attempting to close the valve over the weekend, however, staff discovered the control structure closure mechanism had failed and was stuck open.
While the lake is not usable, visitors can still fish, boat and paddle on the St. Croix River from the park. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for use on the river.
For updates regarding the lake’s status, check the William O’Brien State Park visitor alerts page at www.tinyurl.com/mvz9k9wv.
Forest Lake Good Samaritans gives helping hands to those in need
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Mike and Sonja Kaiser are always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. But nowhere do they find more ways to do so than with the group they lead: the Forest Lake Good Samaritans.
“I think there are 500 families on our email list,” Kaiser said of the group’s growth. “We’ve got about 1,500 people in the Facebook group who volunteer from time to time. It’s really hit a nerve with people in Forest Lake, and everybody’s been very supportive of it.”
Starting the group, according to Kaiser, began with a straightforward question: “Why couldn’t that happen more often?” It all began during a morning run after a 2017 summer storm, when Kaiser took note of the damage around his neighborhood.
“I saw a bunch of trees down along North Shore Trail, where I live, and I thought, ‘Man, it would be cool if people just showed up with chainsaws [and] trucks, and just came and hauled away for whoever the homeowner was, and said, ‘All right, there you go, pay it forward, this was all for free.’ I talked to my wife about wanting to form a group where you help people for free. My thoughts were to have one project a month and then try to recruit people who have a diverse set of skills so they could do anything.”
After the Kaisers posted on Nex-
tdoor, about 40 people volunteered to join. That number grew to 100 by the end of the week. After the Kaisers held multiple group meetings, and the team completed several yardwork projects, the group officially formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that December.
Today the group’s services are wide-ranging, from residential assistance such as yard maintenance and home repairs to relief efforts including moving help, fire and disaster relief, and food and nutrition needs. Fundraising efforts have supported the Ragnar Relay Running Series, the Twin Cities Marathon and various partnerships with the Forest Lake Rotary Club.
The Samaritans also host a “March Into Kindness” event during that month, challenging people to perform a new random act of kindness each day. “If you do that random act of kindness, you ask whoever received it to do three for three other people,” Kaiser said. “If that happens, and everybody keeps the chain going, 18 days later the whole world will have had two random acts of kindness done to them.” Those who complete the challenge win an award.
Since 2020, the Samaritans have hosted a “Cleanest City in America” event, inviting other cities — and later countries — to join by cleaning up trash in their respective areas for two hours in a fun, competition-style format.
“Anyone can take two hours out of their day to go do some good.
We’ve had as many as 62 people show up on a Saturday, and almost all of them leave with some kind of door prize. We make it fun; we have lunch afterward. It’s a really good way to meet your neighbors and do a little community bonding.” Kaiser said more communities have begun replicating the group’s efforts. “Chisago just started a Good Neighbors Club, and there was a snowmobile club that came to us and said, ‘Hey, we want to do what you guys are doing.’ Anoka County now has a Good Samaritan group. A friend of mine in Wisconsin said he wants to start one there. It’s starting to ripple, and that’s good.”
According to Kaiser, one of the most significant aspects of the Samaritans’ mission is expanding their efforts beyond Forest Lake. “Our vision is, at some point, to have a club in every state and then have a map on our website that shows them,” he said. “We want to try to fill the whole country up with clubs like ours. That’s our longterm plan.”
For more information on the Forest Lake Good Samaritans, including how to donate, get involved and see upcoming events, visit its website at www.goodsamaritansfla. com.
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
PHOTOS BY FOREST LAKE GOOD SAMARITANS | CONTRIBUTED
The Forest Lake Good Samaritans offer services and acts of kindness to help those in need of assistance.
The group’s services include yard maintenance, home repairs and fire and disaster relief.
“It’s really hit a nerve with people in Forest Lake,” said group co-founder Mike Kaiser. “Everybody’s been very supportive of it.” DNR BRIEF
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Silver Sobriety: A senior safe haven for curbing addiction
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
When Peter Oessterich and Win Miller founded Silver Sobriety, they created it out of one essential need: providing an affordable and accessible program for older adults struggling with addiction.
“All you have to do is follow the money,” said Oessterich, who previously served as treatment director at Senior Recovery Center in St. Paul. “Medicare doesn’t pay for treatment outside of hospital-based programs, and there are hardly any hospital-based programs. I had worked in the recovery industry with seniors, and that’s where I became acutely aware that seniors need to get help within a community of their peers.”
Based in Stillwater, Silver Sobriety has a mission to “address the unique addiction needs of adults age 50 and older.” The organization’s nonresidential services, which focus on education, provide support in a peer-group setting through a 12-step, six- to 12-month recovery program.
Groups meet three times a week for two hours, with sessions led by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or leader. Members receive age-specific reading materials and recovery tasks or exercises to complete. Upon request, they can also participate in a private one-hour session with a qualified professional. For those struggling with costs, Silver Sobriety provides scholarships that cover most of the program’s expenses.
“In recovery, it’s demonstrated that people are more successful getting sober with their peer group,” said Miller of the program’s structure. “We structured it that way because we felt it was a good way for people to share. We go around the circle, do a reading, and everybody comments and shares. We may go around a second time, or we may do another reading, and then we go around again. Everybody is given an opportunity to speak.”
Throughout the program, participants are awarded medallions and chips to commemorate specific milestones in their sobriety. If group participants relapse, Miller said, encouraging them to stay on track with their progress despite the setback is crucial to maintaining their success.
“We tell people up front, ‘We want you back. Don’t stay away and don’t be ashamed. We’ve all been there. You’re in a tough spot, but if you come to Silver Sobriety, you will be loved, accepted, and not shamed. We want you here with us, working on sobriety.’ We’ve had several clients who have lapses in their first few months, but then they stick with it and start putting together months of sobriety.”
Silver Sobriety also offers an aftercare program. Held twice a week, separate from the regular three-day schedule, it allows seniors who have completed the program to stay in touch with
peers for ongoing support and help maintaining their sobriety.
“There are people who simply get sober, and they move on with their lives,” said Oessterich, “and we don’t have an actual way of researching what’s happening with them as they go down the road.”
Executive Director Anna Hoover said the organization is surveying people who completed the program. “We will have results, but that’s contingent on people’s honesty. It’s the nature of the beast; people have to let us know truly how they’re doing.”
Despite that uncertainty, Hoover said she remains proud of the aftercare program, adding that it provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to deepen their connections. “There are people who have been here for 10 years, and they’re still coming because their connection has moved beyond recovery into friendship and family. When you don’t feel connected, it’s detrimental to your ego and your sense of self.”
Regarding the biggest insight learned about Silver Sobriety, Miller said it comes down to one word: connection.
“You don’t get it without days and weeks and months of sharing, and you don’t get it unless you have a common program or structure you’re following,” he said. “The 12 steps provide a common path for us to live - not just for a few months. It’s to live for the rest of our lives.”
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-4071229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com
SILVER SOBRIETY | CONTRIBUTED
Silver Sobriety, located in Stillwater, helps provide an accessible program for older adults struggling with addiction. From left to right are program directors Ben Bertsch and Linda Peterson and founders Peter Oessterich and Win Miller.
Lake Elmo Inn: Where tradition and great service meet
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
If you were to talk to Lake Elmo Inn owner/chef John Schlitz about where he stands in life, he’d probably tell you this: “I think it was the proper route for me. I’ve always been a hard worker. Hard work never scared me, and I proved to everyone that I can do it.”
Schlitz has owned the inn since 1983 and has seen it through remodeling, additions and renovations. But nothing has reduced the camaraderie among employees and the level of high-quality service he aims to offer guests.
“Keeping the place fresh, alive and making it look like we’re constantly working on our property, which we are, is a good philosophy to have in this business. I offer that and a decent way of life for those people to stay with me that long. I feel honored that I’m able to do that.”
After beginning at the inn (then called Ben’s Elmo Inn after owner Ben Gorka) as a dishwasher, Schlitz found himself falling in love with the restaurant business. He earned a culinary degree and worked as a line cook for Hyatt before finding the opportunity that would establish his reputation for decades: the new owner of the inn itself, sold to him by Gorka after a sale to Gorka’s sons fell through. Schlitz was 28.
Renovations have included a remodeling of the inn’s restaurant and entryway in 1999, a new event center in 2006, and a new glass roof - fashioned after the Louvre in France - over the inn’s outdoor patio in 2010. “John’s really good at wanting to keep things classic, but also reinvent things that need to be reinvented,” said General Manager Erik Forrest. “During my time being here, I watched every dining room in the restaurant be remodeled at some point in some fashion.”
Forrest noted that adding the event center helped alleviate pressure from the kitchen staff. “We had a lot of pharmaceutical and financial events that went on, and we found we were missing an opportunity to serve more customers. It happened that the VFW up the street became available, and John took the opportunity to renovate it and turn it into the event center. It’s turned into a great success and a good launching pad for them to have more flexibility to do what they want for onsite and off-site events.”
Come Christmastime, expect to see the inn lit up with festivity. In early December, staff hang thousands of ornaments. Patrons see 200 to 250 nutcrackers in the main room, with a 12-foot-high one on the veranda along with a similarly tall tree. Santa Claus statues dominate the inn’s Oak Room, while the Kohler Room features a whimsical, Dr. Seuss-inspired tree. “We make every space a unique experience in certain ways,” added Forrest.
The restaurant’s menu reveals delicacies not usually seen at a hotel eatery. Roast duckling, lobster ravioli, and wild rice and duck soup all grace the pages, in addition to standard fare such as French onion soup, filet mignon and baby back ribs. Schlitz said he is always looking to add diverse options.
“We’re going to continue to push the bar higher to get better food, [use] more imagination and give people a
taste of things. The quality of food has always been No. 1, service is No. 2 and ambiance is No. 3. I give customers a great product, try to be as fair as I can with the price, and give them something they won’t get anywhere else. That’s important to me.”
What is next for the inn? According to Forrest, it comes down not to expansion, but rather to increasing brand awareness.
“It’s finding a way to get our name out there. We know what we can offer to these people, and realize that we have such great value here that you’re not going to find anywhere else. That’s where we need to focus our attention.”
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com
CONTRIBUTED
At Christmas, the inn is decorated with thousands of ornaments, nutcrackers and trees.
CONTRIBUTED
Owner John Schlitz worked as a dishwasher at the inn before becoming its owner in 1983.
ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Lake Elmo Inn continues to stand the test of time as a powerhouse of great service and tradition.
