Forest Lake Times Progress by ECM Publishers

Two Thousand Eleven

A special Edition to the

Forest Lake Times

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Mobility, freedom the focus of new store Power Chair and Scooter Store comes to Schilling Plaza Clint Riese Staff Writer At this time last year, Joel Erickson and Steve Harris had no idea they would be running a business together. The local men had both previously done the entrepreneur thing and were looking to settle into a more relaxed lifestyle. Upon finding themselves working together at a medical supply company last fall, though, the duo quickly realized they were kindred spirits. Mere weeks after becoming coworkers, Erickson and Harris quit and began a new venture. “I just didn’t want to do it alone,” Erickson said. “I had worked for another company for a year-and-ahalf and I had entertained [the thought]. Everybody told me ‘Why don’t you go do this yourself?’ I just didn’t want to do it by myself. “Steve kind of brought the passion back to the business and said ‘Let’s go do this.’” On Jan. 3 they opened Power Chairs and Scooter Store Medical Supply in Schilling Plaza on Highway 97 in Forest Lake.

A Matter of Mobility

The business specializes in all aspects of mobility assistance. The first step for anyone wondering whether they need a wheelchair, scooter or any other mobility aid is to go through a consultation, which can be done in-home. If it is determined that a product is needed, Erickson and Harris will handle everything from the insurance claim submission to the delivery and set-up. They also are available for maintenance and repair work. The Power Chairs and Scooter Store team often encounters seniors who are shocked to learn that they are eligible for financial assistance through insurance or government programs. Many times the seniors have been putting off the help they need when it does not end up costing them a dime. “They don’t realize they have a lot of other things available to them,” said Erickson, a Forest Lake High School alum. “All of a sudden they can get out of their apartment again.” The latest lines of equipment make it easier than ever to do just that. Power chairs are ideal for getting around indoors, while scooters are easy to break down and take places. “You can go over and

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Vol. 108 No. 47 - $1.00

Rolseth Drug team carries on tradition of business founder Tom Rolseth bought downtown store in 1961

Cliff Buchan News Editor It’s been 50 years since Tom Rolseth first turned the key as owner of Rolseth Drug in downtown Forest Lake. Rolseth, a native of Forest Lake, had involvement in the drug store from 1961 through 1985. Rolseth died in 2003, but his name lives on with the store and so does the tradition that Tom Rolseth built in the business. Owner Jim Garrison and store manager Tom Haas wouldn’t have it any other way. Although Rolseth has been gone from the business for many years, his influence continues today, Garrison and Haas said. “He was a very good mentor,” Garrison said of Rolseth who hired him as a young pharmacist in 1972. “He always put the patient first.” As a young man not far removed from college, Garrison said he learned much from his boss and eventual business partner. It was not uncommon for Rolseth to make a pharmacy delivery in the middle of the night and even on Christmas, Garrison said. “These are very good lessons to learn,” Garrison said of how a business is run. Haas was fresh from high school graduation here in 1972 when he walked into the store one day looking for a summer job. “I started sweeping floors in 1972,” Haas said. Perhaps Rolseth had a keen eye Mobility see page 14A for young people interested in the profession, or perhaps he just had a soft heart, the two men agreed. “He [Rolseth] would do anything for anybody,” Haas said of Rolseth. “He didn’t have to give me a job. He didn’t really need anyone.” It was much the same for Garrison and his start in Forest Lake. A native of Edina, Garrison had graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and was working at Northway Drug in Circle Pines, but wanted something more permanent. “I needed a job,” Garrison recalled. “I drove through Forest Lake. Saw Rolseth Drug and walked in. A Photo by Clint Riese Steve Harris, Lori Orfei and Joel Erickson are ready week later I had a job.” Stayed for Good and willing to help customers with any type of mobiliIt was a fast transition for Garty need. The Schilling Plaza store opened in January.

Photo by Cliff Buchan

Pharmacists Tom Haas, left, and Jim Garrison have been together at Rolseth Drug since 1972. Garrison was a staff pharmacist that year when Haas started work at the store following high school graduation here. rison and Haas followed a similar path. Four years after starting with Rolseth, Garrison was given the chance to buy in. “I wanted to own a business,” he said, adding that he learned early in his employment that Rolseth would be a willing seller. Three years after adding Garrison as a partner, Rolseth beRolseth came a silent partner as Garrison made plans to open Wyoming Drug. “He [Rolseth] suggested we look at Wyoming as an expansion place,” Garrison said. After getting his feet wet in the summer of 1972 at the store, Haas became convinced that the profession was one he would like. Five years later he earned his degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Like Garrison before him, Haas found part-time work at the Circle Pines store and pulled some shifts at the Forest Lake store, as well. By 1981, with Garrison spending more time in Wyoming, Haas was brought on to run the Forest Lake store. “I never felt I had a home [until that point],” Haas said. “I always wanted to work where I lived.” Coming home also led to a busi-

ness ownership opportunity for Haas. From his early days at the store, Haas and Garrison had become friends. In 1995, he joined Garrison and Jim’s brother, Bill, in the purchase of Gordy’s Pharmacy in Center City. Haas continues to hold the lead role in Forest Lake. “He’s a great boss,” Haas says of Garrison. “He lets me run the show. We each do our own thing.” Garrison couldn’t be happier with the by chance drive through Forest Lake in 1972 and his meeting with Rolseth. He has continued to see growth in the business. Along with the Wyoming and Center City operations, Garrison in 1995 purchased a store in Lindstrom that today operates as Lindstrom Thrifty White. It has become a family business for the Garrisons. His wife, Karen, is manager at Wyoming where Garrison handles regular pharmacy duties. Their son and daughter have also joined the business. Matt Garrison followed his father through the University of Minnesota program and is the full-time pharmacist in Lindstrom. Roxanne Garrison Patterson is managing the Lindstrom store. Rolseth see page 14A

Former ‘regulars’ are new owners of The Nesting Grounds Jennifer Larson Staff Writer Ideas started brewing when Sue Larsen saw a sign at The Nesting Grounds that it was for sale. As a regular, she didn’t want to see the coffee shop, which offers so much more than a cup of Joe, close. “I was a customer since the place opened,” Larsen said. The doors were shut for a handful of weeks until she and co-owner, Scott Kohler, re-opened The Nesting Grounds, 26395 Forest Blvd., in October 2010. The couple have resided in Wyoming for nearly 11 years. Both had never operated a small business; Larsen was in the medical field and Kohler in telecommunications. She said managing the business is a lot of work but

very rewarding. Like her, Larsen noted the coffee shop has very loyal customers. “We have people who come in every day,” Kohler said. The Nesting Grounds has four employees. The business is open 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. One thing Larsen and Kohler have continued is having later hours when there’s entertainment. The Nesting Grounds is also a meeting place for some groups. “We’re also open to hosting other events,” Kohler said. He says that customers who don’t want to have guests in their home can gather in the shop’s comfortable, friendly environment. WiFi is available, too. For

convenience, there’s also a drive-thru. In addition to coffee, The Nesting Grounds sells specialty drinks. Any beverage can be made sugar and fat-free, Larsen said. As for their prices, Kohler said they used the highest product quality from the syrup to coffee beans. “If you buy a $5 latte it better taste good,” he joked. If you’re not in the mood for a drink, The Nesting Grounds also has soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and homemade baked goods. Photo by Jennifer Larson “We’ve expanded our Employees Ann, Allie, Barb and Sara are pictured with Nesting Ground owners menu,” Kohler said. Scott Kohler and Sue Larsen. “We’re making everything from scratch,” he have boutique items for jellies. the Wyoming business, noted. sale, including salsa and “We do have a little bit visit www.nestinggroundIt’s not all beverages honey made locally, as of retail,” Larsen said. scoffee.com or call 651and food at The Nestwell as coffee mugs and To learn more about 408-8505. ing Grounds. They also

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Inspiring Minds Child Care Center serving families in Wyoming area owned by Melanie Berneck, who owns the American Family Insurance Agency, located next door in the CU Recovery building (Wyoming Business Center). Becky LeMire is director of the facility. Lynn LaCasse serves as toddler teacher. Melissa Marr recently joined the staff as pre-school teacher. Inspiring Minds Child Care Center is operating in 3000 square feet of space and is licensed for 35 children. The center is serving

Berneck-owned center opened last fall Cliff Buchan News Editor A new child care facility is up and running in Wyoming. Inspiring Minds Child Care Center, 26263 Forest Blvd., opened on Sept. 13, 2010 in the CU Recovery Building. The center is

Mattson Funeral Home in FL wins national Pursuit of Excellence Award for 8th year Cliff Buchan News Editor For the eighth year in a row, Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Forest Lake has been recognized with a national award. Last October, the Forest Lake funeral home was named as a winner of the 2010 Pursuit of Excellence Award by the National Funeral Directors Association. The award was presented to owners Paul and Susan Hutchison during the International Convention & Expo in New Orleans, LA. Only 166 firms from around the world received this designation. The award places Mattson Funeral Home among an elite group of funeral service professionals. To achieve the Pursuit of Excellence Award, NFDAmember funeral homes must evaluate components of their business against

standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of the funeral service profession. Participants are required to fulfill criteria in six categories of achievement that demonstrate commitment by the business to the profession. “Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service’s voluntary participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program reflects a clear determination to exceed the expectations of those they serve,” said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper. NFDA is the world’s largest funeral service association, serving 18,500 individual members who represent more than 9900 funeral homes in the United States and internationally. The NFDA has its headquarters in Brookfield, WI.

youngsters ages six weeks to pre-kindergarten. The center’s pre-school program is designed for children ages 3-5. The program utilizes Spanish and American Sign Language as teaching components. The center is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. In opening the facility, Berneck said the strategic location in Wyoming is perfectly suited for the many area residents living north and east of Wyoming who

make the drive each day on their way to work. Offering a convenient location and a well-run child care facility have been big pluses for the center, now in its seventh month of operation. The new business celebrated its grand opening last fall. With her two business ventures in Wyoming, BerPhoto by Cliff Buchan neck is also active in the Melanie Berneck, right, and Becky LeMire are the community and is a leader central figures in the operation of Inspiring Minds in the Wyoming Area Busi- Child Care Center in the Wyoming Business Center. ness Association.

Professional honors for local attorneys Jim Balmer, Stephanie Balmer He earns ‘Super Lawyer’ honor; she is a ‘Rising Star’ Cliff Buchan News Editor Two lawyers with affiliations to a Forest Lake law firm have claimed top honors in their profession. Jim Balmer was named Super Lawyer and Stephanie Balmer was selected as a Rising Star by the Minnesota Journal of Law & Politics for 2011. Both father and daughter work at the law firm of Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer. The Forest Lake office is located in the downtown business district at Suite 301, Town Square Building, 20 N. Lake St.

The Super Lawyer designation is awarded to attorneys who stand out in their area of concentration. Rising Star is an honor given to lawyers who have been in practice for less than 10 years, or are under the age of 40, and deemed worthy of special recognition by the Minnesota Journal of Law & Politics. The latter is given to only 6 percent of attorneys who meet the criteria. Jim Balmer is certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Attorneys and the Minnesota State Bar Association. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been selected as a Minnesota Super Lawyer in the area of personal injury every year since

Jim Balmer

Stephanie Balmer

1998, and is also listed in Best Lawyers in America. For Stephanie Balmer, an associate attorney at the firm, this is the fifth year in a row that she has been honored as a Rising Star. She specializes in workers’ compensation, personal injury, employment, and social security law, and has been admit-

ted to the bar in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1975 Jim Balmer cofounded the law firm presently known as Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer. Today, the firm enjoys an extensive practice in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family and criminal law.

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Running Aces bets on racino chances Legislation would kick off massive expansion at Columbus park Clint Riese Staff Writer Minnesota lawmakers last week heard legislation that proposes to add video slot machines at Running Aces Harness Park and Canterbury Park. The so-called “racino” idea has been floated for nearly a decade as one way to bring extra money into the state’s coffers. The most common estimate has the state’s annual take in revenue at $100 million, but Running Aces board member John Derus thinks it could be closer to $200 million. Considering the state’s multi-billion-dollar deficit, officials at the Columbus track are crossing their fingers that the time for Minnesota racinos has finally arrived. “We’ve never had a better opportunity, and if we’re successful – and I think we will be – [we] will have another 500 people working out there and almost double the space,” Derus said. The park would act swiftly if the bill is passed. According to Running Aces general manager Bob Farinella, a significant ex-

pansion would commence to accommodate an estimated 2,000 machines. He figures traffic to the facility could triple, and that the staff would double to about 1,000. “There is a tremendous echo effect in the economy with this sort of thing,” said Derus, who heads up the park’s proracino campaign, Minnesota’s Budget Jackpot. “We have a lot of unemployment in our area and this is property tax relief, because when we’re paying more our citizens are paying less. It’s good in so many ways.”

Tough Track for Bill

Running Aces feels the racino push has the backing of the people, both locally and state-wide. According to Derus, five local groups have voted to lend their support: the city of Columbus, the North Metro Chamber, the Forest Lake Chamber, Anoka County United and the North Metro Mayors Association. Local legislators, however, remain cool on the idea. The main argument against racinos is twofold. First, the changed law would eliminate the exclusivity when it comes to slots at tribal casinos. Secondly, some see the move as an expansion of gambling which will lead to a host of social concerns for the nearby com-

Photos submitted

Running Aces Harness Park is preparing for its fourth season of horse racing. The season kicks off at the Columbus track on Memorial Day and runs through Aug. 27. Park administrators are going all in to support racino legislation. If approved, the facility would quickly follow with a significant building expansion and hire around 500 new employees. It already boasts a payroll of $17 million. munities. Running Aces feels that racinos would not take the existing business away from tribal casinos. As far as adding to the gaming options at the park here, Derus said, “That genie is out of the bottle. All we’re talking about here is adding a different game to the ones we already have. We have horse racing, we have parimutuel betting, we have simulcast betting and we have card betting. This would add machines. So we’re already there.” With one hand busy with those opposed to racinos, Running Aces is also reaching out its other to Canterbury Park. The Shakopee track had a hand in the bill being considered, while one Running Aces worked on has yet to be introduced. Running Aces has several

issues with the current proposal. Derus said it is unfair in that it calls for a distribution of pooled winnings where Canterbury horsemen would take home 90 percent. “There’s no reason in the world money should flow from Running Aces to Canterbury,” Derus said. “It doesn’t make any sense.” Running Aces also feels that the tracks should continue to be regulated solely by the racing commission and not also by the Minnesota State Lottery.

Continued Growth

Even without slots, the park had a profitable year in 2010, according to Farinella, who helped bring the nation’s first racino to

Iowa in 1995. “We have turned the corner on our ability to generate a profit,” he said. “We’re certainly not at our target goal yet that we anticipated when we opened in 2008 but we’re making very good progress and the ownership is very happy with the progress we’re making.” Coinciding with the installation of a giant digital sign on the edge of the park’s property facing I-35, Farinella said business increased in the card room, and revenues from food and beverage sales and private functions were up. The wagering handle from live horse races remained steady from 2009, which Farinella deemed a success given the econ-

omy. The park took a big step in the wagering department as it began simulcasting its races to other venues. There was once again far more stall applications received than the 300 or so spots the track offers at its stables and rents at local farms. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday will remain as race days for the park’s fourth season, which runs from May 31Aug. 27. The post time is 7 p.m. for each night. Admission is free. “We anticipate a good turnout of horses again this year and continued growth in the excitement of the race program,” Farinella said.

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Rapid Press Printing of FL expands to the north Jennifer Larson Staff Writer Rapid Press Printing and Copy Center, Inc. has been a fixture in Forest Lake for over 20 years. The business is growing by leaps and bounds. “Business has been very good in 2009 and 2010.” says owner Stev Stegner. “We have continued to grow in this economy.” Stegner says the growth is attributed to the company’s continual investment in technology and staff. As technology in the printing industry seems to leap forward every year, Rapid Press Printing has taken some risk by investing in the newer technology before their competitors. Having the newest technology allows Rapid Press to run printing jobs more efficiently and reduce costs which are passed along to its customers. Rapid Press Printing

and Copy Center opened an office in downtown North Branch in 2010 and opened in Pine City earlier this year. “We have found that going head to head with our competition has been a very effective marketing strategy,” Stegner commented. “We bought out one of our competitors in North Branch which helped us grow quickly.” The Pine City location was a natural progression as Rapid Press expands north, he said. All the locations have

Mr. Large $5 Pizza & Wings to offer more choices

Photo by Jennifer Larson

Since opening in January 2011, the recipe at Mr. Large $5 Pizza & Wings has repeat customers coming back to the Forest Lake eatery. “We have good pizzas for $5,” says Mike Tel, pictured with wife Buthayna, of a 1-topping. But for $8 get any large, specialty pizza with your choice of crust. And getting rave reviews is something Tel is pleased with, especially when their sauce is made from scratch. “There’s a lot of competition with pizza in Forest Lake,” he said. The menu at Mr. Large $5 Pizza & Wings, 1507 S. Lake St., also includes a Mediterranean flare with a gyro sandwich and Greek salad. And this month, Tel noted they will be adding 10 more unique pizzas which are top secret until then.

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the same core capabilities. It is important for our customers to get the same great service, prices and print quality at each of the Rapid Press Locations. All employees move between the three locations to keep their attitudes fresh and maintain production consistency. “The main advantage for our customers is our ability to negotiate prices with our vendors,” Stegner said. “We have reduced some of our expenses by as much as 25 percent because of our size and volume, and we gladly pass some of these savings on to our customers.” Claressa Gorman leads the North Branch team. She has 10 years at Rapid Press Printing and does all the marketing for the North Branch location. Angela Filler has rejoined the Rapid Press team and leads up the Pine City location. Rapid Press is still in a growth mode. They are still looking to fill two full time positions. “Many of our customers are telling us that business has really picked up in the past few months. It looks like the economy is turning around,” Stegner noted. Rapid Press partners with their customers to find the most cost effective print solutions. There is more to being a good printer than putting ink on paper. “If it was just hitting a button marked “PRINT” then I could hire a trained chimpanzee, we hire the most qualified staff and focus on customer service,” Stegner said. Being a good corporate citizen is important to the owner. Rapid Press prides itself in being environmentally friendly, they recycle 93 percent of all the waste by weight produced at the shop. Giving back to the community is important, Rapid Press donates to countless events and fund raisers in the communities they serve.

Photo by Jennifer Larson

Third grader Andrew Schumacher created this artwork – based in the style of Salvador Dali – in honor of the 50th anniversary of St. Peter’s Catholic School in Forest Lake. He is pictured with his mom, JoLynn who is a pre-K teacher at the school.

St. Peter’s Catholic School to celebrate a milestone this year school’s milestone. Cameron has been teaching at St. Peter’s since 1978 – the longest of any staff member. A product of the public education system, she has only instructed at one other private school. “I wanted to incorporate my faith with teaching,” Cameron said. Besides the physical changes to the building, as well as the addition of a playground, she noted there have been advances over the last half a century such as SMART Boards.

Alumni Garden will commemorate 50th anniversary Jennifer Larson Staff Writer After educating thousands of pupils, 2011 marks the 50th group of students to walk the halls of St. Peter’s Catholic School in Forest Lake. There is a lot of excitement as the time for an anniversary celebration, planned for Aug. 6-7, nears. “We’ve been trying to weave it into the school year,” said Principal Ann Laird. One such example is Paula Cameron’s third grade classroom. She asked her boys and girls to create a piece of artwork in the style of Salvador Dali to commemorate the Catholic

A Piece of History

To memorialize and commemorate the 50th anniversary of St. Peter’s, an Alumni Garden will be created this spring and summer. It will be located on both sides of the south school entrance. The garden will include a variety of plants

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Early Days

In September of 1961, the Sisters of Notre Dame and the St. Peter’s community began a joint venture to educate the area youth. Initially serving 162 children in Grades 2-6, the school now has 320 students in Grades pre-K through 6th. “It was definitely a community effort to build this school,” Laird said. To celebrate the milestone, she noted the school plans to build an old-fashioned float for Forest Lake’s annual Fourth of July parade.

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and flowers, in addition to a path lined with 4-inch by 8-inch engraved pavers which are available to all alumni, family and friends. During the celebration, there will be a blessing and presentation of the outdoor space. The pavers cost $40 each.

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Forest Lake tanning, spa center goes independent Radiant Tan is new name for business on TH-97 Cliff Buchan News Editor As a local couple with a business in Forest Lake, why stay connected to a national franchise? That’s what Liz and Lee DeBeau concluded last spring when they hung a new sign on their store front. They are the owners of Radiant Tan, Suite 4A in the Schilling Plaza, 255 Highway 97. In May of last year they ended their national franchise agreement with Planet Beach and went independent with a new name but much the same operation.

“It’s a better situation for us,” Liz DeBeau said. “We wanted independence and more freedom.” The name change is the only major change in the Radiant Tan operation, said Liz DeBeau who manages the business with her daughter, Paige DeBeau. “We still have the same great services and the same great staff,” Liz DeBeau added. As an independent tanning and spa salon, Radiant Tan is better positioned to offer more specials and product lines not previously available, the management team said. The move to independent status came in the fourth of year of business for the DeBeaus. The salon opened on July 1, 2006

and made the switch official on May 1, 2010. In addition to the DeBeaus, the spa and tanning salon is staffed by three other employees: Miranda Clemens, Cayla Oswald and Emma Haseman. Radiant Tan is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 to 7 on Friday, 9 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 6 on Sunday. Sunday is a big spa day as Radiant Ran has Spa SunPhoto by Cliff Buchan day which gives clients a Liz and Paige DeBeau, the mother-daughter team that manages Radiant Tan, triple treat of a 20 minute are pictured in front of the shop’s display of tanning products. The business aqua massage, a hydra- opened on July 6, 2006 under the Planet Beach franchise tag. tion system treatment and a tanning session. The Spa the spa area which in- tan, and the aqua massage ning beds, two of which Sunday one-hour package cludes the hydration sys- unit to provide a full body are stand-up units. The comes with a special Sun- tem offering a steam bath massage for fully clothed tanning beds offered by day rate, too. and aroma therapy, the guests. Radiant Tan provide a Radiant Tan continues stand-up Mystic Tan staThe salon also contin- wide range of tanning serto offer four stations in tion to provide spray-on ues to have eight UV tan- vices.

2 family therapists open FL practices in June of 2010 Stone Cellar Wine and Spirits Through Change. joined the family counsel- drawing from challenging finds new home at the Lake The two area women — ing profession after rais- life experiences as they Beth Marolt, Marolt is from Lino Lakes ing families and moving on deal with clients. Marolt Shoppes in Forest Lake Lori Anafarta and Anafarta is from For- to new career fields and and Anafarta decided to Cliff Buchan News Editor Two licensed family therapists have teamed to lease office space in Forest Lake for counseling practices. Lori Anafarta, a licensed associate marriage and family therapist, is in charge of Beyond Diagnosis Counseling. Beth Marolt, also a licensed associate marriage and family therapist, directs Healing

est Lake — opened their family practices in June of 2010 at 344 SW 1st Ave., directly south of US Bank. The Forest Lake office is the primary location for the two practices, but a satellite office is available in Woodbury/St. Paul. The two are seeing clients in Forest Lake on a regular 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekday schedule, but are available for evening family appointments. Anafarta and Marolt

interests in life. The two met during a graduate program at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where they were pursuing master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy. Both earned undergraduate degrees with backgrounds in business and psychology before putting careers aside for family raising. With their two respective practices, they are

Photo by Cliff Buchan Beth Marolt, right, and Lori Anafarta are the heads of Healing Through Change and Beyond Diagnosis Counseling that opened at 344 SW 1st Avenue last June.

open an office in Forest Lake as it is a growing community and they saw the need for expanded mental health services in the area. The two are excited about the growth of their Forest Lake location and are looking forward to expanding services to meet a variety of needs in the area. Beyond Diagnosis Counseling and Healing Through Change offer counseling for individuals, couples, children and families. Crisis counseling is another service available through both practices. While they are independent practices, the two professionals will share their skills. The two will lead group discussions on a variety of family therapy topics that are offered in the evening to accommodate individuals and families. After opening last summer, the two practices celebrated their opening with an open house this past October. More information can be found online at: www. BeyondDiagnosisCounseling.com and www.healingthroughchangecounseling.com.

Terry Sager the owner since 2009 Cliff Buchan News Editor A home well suited for his business. That’s how Terry Sager describes the new location for Stone Cellar Wine and Spirits. On March 31, Sager relocated the bottle shop to a 3300 square foot bay at 838 S. Lake St. in the Lake Shoppes, next door to Treasure Trove. The Sager-owned business was previously located a block north at 708 S. Lake St. After buying the liquor store in 2009, Sager said he concluded that the 5000 square feet of space in the leased facility was far more than he needed to operate the store under his business plan. “This will really help us

in that area,” he said of the inventory plan that he will have at the new location. “I’m excited about the new location.” Sager and his two employees began the move the last weekend of March and the store was ready for business on March 31. Sager has been in the food and liquor business since 1990. After some early work at the Tin Cup in St. Paul, Sager was involved in the ownership of Sager’s Liquors in Hugo and Centerville for a number of years. He owned and operated Kelly’s Bar in Centerville until 2009 when he purchased Stone Cellar Wine and Spirits. Photo by Cliff Buchan Micro brewery beer products remain a good seller at Stone Cellar Wine and Spirits in Forest Lake.

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Scandia Medical Clinic greeted with open arms Osceola Medical Center pleased with reception When the new Scandia Medical Clinic opened last fall in the Hawkinson Business Park, its leaders knew there was enthusiasm for it in the community. What wasn’t expected was just how great that reception wound end up being. Now they know. “We were really impressed with the enthusiasm we saw for this clinic when we talked to city and community leaders a couple of years ago,” according to Jeff Meyer, chief executive officer of the Photos Submitted Wisconsin-based Before and after views of the new office space in the Hawkinson Business Park Osceola Medical for the Scandia Medical Clinic which is part of the Osceola Medical Center, Center. Osceola, WI. Two doctors on staff now with a third coming in April. “Even now, the enthusiasm hasn’t let up.” After time spent planning and a delay during the initial economic downturn, the clinic opened to rave reviews last November. Its open house – falling on the coldest day of the fall at the time – still drew scores of well wishers, including representatives and rigs from Scandia Fire and Rescue and the Marine Ambulance Service. “Objectively,” said Rob Dybvig, MD, medical director at OMC, “the clinic has exceeded its projections, but in reality, we’ve been so well received that in six short months, we’ve already grown to the point of adding a third physician. “We are very happy to be here and are enjoying the chance of becoming part of the Scandia community,” Dybvig said.

About the Clinic

Thanksgiving with two physicians at 21150 Ozark Court N., offers complete family medicine, basic lab services and X-ray procedures. “Our intent is to provide high quality, home-town medical care and access to specialty services nearby such as orthopedics, cardiology, pulmonary and ophthalmology to the families in the Scandia and surrounding communities,” according to Linda Moore, director of clinic services at OMC. Drs. Greg Mattson and Bonnie Rohr started with the clinic last fall; Mattson, MD, is Scandia’s full-time physician and Rohr, MD, is at the Scandia location one day a week. (Rohr also has clinic hours in Osceola.) Both family medicine physicians will also see hospital patients at OMC. Coming on board in April is Kevin Nepsund, MD, a well-known family physician in the area who is returning to OMC to practice in Scandia. Scandia clinic is located behind the post office, next to Salon Belleza. It’s part of OMC, a Level IV trauma center in Osceola, WI. Just two years ago, the 79-year-old medical center itself moved into a new facility to meet growth needs from throughout the area. Now comes expansion west into Minnesota and Scandia “The Scandia Clinic is a natural fit into a community looking for the kinds of services we can provide,” Meyer said. “Our home-town approach to medical care and the warm reception we’ve received makes this a perfect fit.”

The clinic, which opened just before

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2010 was a big year for Walmart expansion in FL FL store expands by 53,000 sq. ft., adds 130 jobs Cliff Buchan News Editor More products. More services. More jobs. All have resulted from the expansion project at Walmart in Forest Lake that was completed last August. It took three years of planning and 14 months of construction, but when the store unveiled its new format last August, it had been expanded by 54,000 square feet. It was also an expansion that required 130 new employees, pushing the store’s total labor force to just under 450 associates. The expanded Walmart now covers more than 183,000 square feet of space. Walmart in Forest Lake now features a full line of groceries. The expanded store has a complete bakery and dairy, frozen foods, meat department, produce department and an in-house deli. An organic food line is also featured. The grocery is housed in new space constructed on the north end of the building at 200 SW 12th St.

2010 a Big Year

The expansion was finished last year as Walmart celebrated its 15th anniversary in Forest Lake. Along with the grocery expansion, the project last year included an in-

terior refurbishing and redesign that provide new space and remodeled store locations for the photo lab, electronics, pharmacy, health and beauty, optical, customer service center and the garden center. A new location for the in-store Subway shop was also provided. With more space available, inventory expansions also followed for the store’s merchandise lines. The store now features three major entrance points on the east side of the building with the main entry to the market area on the north end. Expanded parking with a redesigned driveway from SW 12th Street also followed with the 2010 project. Duane Nelson, the man who opened the store in 1995, continues as manager. He is one of 25 employees who have been with Walmart here since the store opened. The store celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 18, 2010. As part of the event, the Walmart Foundation presented $8500 in grants to charitable organizations in Forest Lake. That is in keeping with the Walmart commitment to the community, Nelson said. Through the Walmart Foundation, the store each year donates more than $30,000 to area charitable organizations that serve needs in the community.

Photo by Cliff Buchan

Wide shopping aisles in the grocery have been well received by shoppers who enjoy the products in the new Walmart market area.

Chuck & Don’s moves west of I-35 in FL Pet food store now next to Keys Cafe Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet—Minnesotabased pet food and supply retailer—has a new home in Forest Lake at 1960 W. Broadway Ave. in the Broadway West Retail Center. Even though the move was short, the new location enhances the Forest Lake Chuck & Don’s customer shopping experience, offering better visibility and access while providing the same exceptional customer experience Forest Lake residents have received in the past. “Forest Lake store manager Dianne Huntington and her knowledgeable staff are eager to serve both new and returning customers at the new

location,” says Chuck & Don’s founder Chuck Anderson. Chuck & Don’s advocates responsible pet ownership and commits to its mission of enriching the lives of pets by providing the best products, services and education for its customers. In 2010, Chuck & Don’s facilitated the donation of more than $160,000 to animalrelated causes, making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates—including the Forest Lake community where it hosts adoption events and provides fun and informative events on a regular basis.

Store Events

Upcoming Forest Lake events include: •Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Animal communicating session with nationally-known animal communicator Teri Ann Lapsey. Appointments required. •Saturday, April 16, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Pug meet and greet with the Midwest Pug Rescue where pet lovers can learn all about pugs and obtain adoption information. •Thursday, May 19 through Sunday, May 22, Chuck & Don’s will be hosting a four-day 21st anniversary celebration

Photo Submitted

A peek inside at the new Chuck & Don’s location next door to Keys Cafe west of I-35 in Forest Lake. and everyone is invited in for the festivities! Forest Lake Chuck & Don’s is at the forefront of pet supply retailers offering brand name, specialty, and hard-to-find pet foods and supplies for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures. A unique shopping experience awaits Forest Lake customers and leashed pets alike with knowledgeable staff, extensive offerings, exclusive lines, locally sponsored events and clinics, and a variety of ways to save at all locations. Forest Lake customers can sign up for a free “Friends of Chuck®” rewards program which includes the quarterly Barkin’ Mews® newsletter (packed full of coupons), a rebate on purchases from the past quarter and many additional benefits.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet was founded by Charles “Chuck” Anderson and Don Tauer who met through their involvement in owning, training and showing German shepherds, golden retrievers, schipperkes, border collies and mixed breeds. The first location opened in Eagan, in 1990 with the mission to be the local destination pet supply store with excellent customer service and a wide selection of products. There are now 15 locations in the metro and outlying areas of the Twin Cities in Minnesota and one location in Denver, CO with three more stores set to open before the end of the year. For more information about Chuck & Don’s visit http://chuckanddons. com/

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Page 8A – Thursday, April 7, 2011 – Forest Lake Times

www.forestla

DOWN THR

these area business 3,007+ year 123 Years

Faith Lutheran Church

109 Years

Landmark Insurance

106 Years

97 Years

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

First State Bank of Wyoming

ECM Publishers, Inc. 18 years in Forest Lake Publishing, Printing, Distributing

Forest Lake Times forestlaketimes.com

St. Croix Valley Peach 57 years Forest Lake

ECM Post Review

faithfl.org

886 North Shore Drive Forest Lake

108 Years

232 South Lake St. Forest Lake

136 years North Branch

stpeterfl.org

880 SW 15th St. Forest Lake

1250 South Shore Dr. Forest Lake

26741 Felton Ave. Wyoming

651-464-3323

651-464-3332

651-464-4601

651-982-2200

651-462-7611

66 Years

61 Years

57 Years

56 Years

55 Years

Carbone’s Pizza

(FLAAA) “Supporting Youth”

Olson’s Sewer Service & Olson Excavating Service 17638 Lyons St.

Lake Shoppes

75 SW 5th Ave.

Forest Lake VFW Post 4210 www.vfwpost4210.com

556 SW 12th St. Forest Lake

Forest Lake Area Athletic Association 5530 206th St. N. Forest Lake FLAAA.org

Forest Lake

(in franchise) 32 years Forest Lake

Forest Lake

Dan’s Towing

Forest Lake

651-464-6827

651-982-2857

651-464-2082

651-464-7570

651-464-5551

49 Years

48 Years

47 Years

46 Years

Gold Dusters Jewelry

Birchwood HealthCare Center, Inc.

Forest Lake Sanitation

Walker Plumbing Company, Inc.

Sunrise Fiberglass Corp. 5175 260th St. SW.

Wyoming

651-462-5313 37 Years

Thomco Carpet, Inc. www.ThomcoCarpet.com

968 South Lake St. Forest Lake

608 South Lake Street Forest Lake

birchwoodseniorliving.com 604 NE 1st St.

Forest Lake

24049 Irish Ave. Forest Lake

651-464-4442

651-464-5600

651-464-2321

37 Years

36 Years

Waldoch Crafts & Custom Center

Forest Lake Travel

Tired Iron Collision Center

Lakes Transmission Service

20 North Lake St. Town Square Forest Lake

21438 Forest Blvd. N. Forest Lake

43 SW 6th St. Forest Lake

13821 Lake Drive Forest Lake

651-462-5534 35 Years

23 years in Forest Lake

651-464-2405

651-464-3215

651-464-5092

651-464-4540

651-464-8285

32 Years

31 Years

Wyoming Drug

Waldoch Sports www.WaldochSports.com

26710 Forest Blvd. Wyoming

Lakes Dental Clinic Dr. Stensrud • Dr. Goodein Dr. Ruther • Dr. Pink lakesdentalclinic.com

13824 Lake Drive

956 West Broadway

Columbus

Forest Lake

(Across from Perkins)

651-462-2082

651-464-5776

651-464-7277

27 Years

26 Years

Perkins

19 years in Forest Lake

Abra Auto Body & Glass abraauto.com 238 19th St. S.W. Forest Lake

651-464-3979

Forest Lake Dental Lab, Inc. 255 Hwy. 97, Suite 8B Forest Lake

Wyoming Family Dental Dr. Scott Timmons Dr. Chad Rasmussen

5023 E., Viking Blvd. Wyoming

651-464-7207

651-462-5150

25 Years

24 Years

Wine & Roses Liquors, Inc.

Forest Lake Motor Sports

Affordable Muffler

I-35 & Hwy 97 Forest Lake

1031 South Lake St. Forest Lake

651-464-3135

651-464-1860

“Where Your Party Begins”

1155 West Broadway Forest Lake

651-464-3270

1107 South Lake St. Forest Lake

651-464-7130

Thursday, April 7, 2011 – Forest Lake Times – Page

aketimes.com

R0UGH THE YEARS

ses have provided you with rs of sales & service 97 Years

First Service Agency

96 Years

Tolzmann Painting Quality is a family tradition for three generations

92 Years

Security State Bank of Marine on St. Croix/Scandia Chisago Lakes Forest Lake

651-462-4712

651-462-2404

55 Years

52 Years

Holiday StationStores

Carousel Hair Care

Lakes Gas Co.

(Hwy. 61) Wyoming

5 Convenient Locations Forest Lake

Wyoming

We care enough to do our best

633 South Lake St. Forest Lake

Reub’s Tire Shop

84 Years

Forest Lake Chiropractic Clinic P.A. Dr. David J. Lewis

Member FDIC

651-433-2424 651-433-2265 651-257-4141 651-464-1033

26357 Forest Blvd

89 Years

308 North Lake St. Forest Lake

591 North Shore Dr. Forest Lake

651-464-2245

651-464-2133

50 Years

St. Peter’s Catholic Elementary School

Rolseth Drug

lakesgas.com 655 South Lake St.

1250 South Shore Dr.

107 North Lake St.

Forest Lake

651-464-2673

651-464-3331

651-464-3345

651-982-2215

651-464-2114

46 Years

40 Years

38 Years

37 Years

Chris Sauro Insurance Agency

Dr. Leo C. Sinna D.D.S. M.S.D.

Joe’s Refrigeration & Appliance Service

Anderson Masonry, Inc. 7349 North Shore Trail Forest Lake Carroll

651-464-7741 Andy

Stewie’s Submarine Sandwiches

Specialist in Orthodontics

Same Great Subs 804 South Lake St Forest Lake

5305 E. Viking Bldg. Wyoming

sinnagroup.com

1068 South Lake St. Forest Lake

55 N.W. 7th St. Forest Lake

651-466-0229

651-464-5889

651-462-1212

651-464-6988

651-464-6378

35 Years

33 Years

32 Years

Masquers Theater

South Shore Veterinary Hospital

Yellow Bus Children’s & Misses Shoppe

Shadow Creek Stables

PO Box 446 Forest Lake

380 W. Broadway Forest Lake

826 South Lake St. Forest Lake

shadowcreekstable.com

6150 202 St. N. Forest Lake

SRC Recycling Center 6320 E. Viking Blvd. Wyoming

651-464-5823

651-464-4210

651-464-2112

651-464-8270

651-462-1099

30 Years

29 Years

28 Years

27 Years

Music Connection

Abba Trophy

Forest Lake’s Nandool Kennels

Buys Chiropractic

connectwithmusic.com

Good Plumbing Hot Water Heating

77 8th Ave. S. W. Forest Lake

John L. Sullivan

6907 West Broadway Forest Lake

7661 Lake Drive Lino Lakes

(Musical Instruments & Sound Systems)

631 South Lake St. Forest Lake abbatrophy.com

Dr. Joel Buys

651-464-5252

651-464-5572

651-464-8094

651-464-7040

651-784-4423

24 Years

23 Years

22 Years

Rapid Press

22 Years

Petstyles

Cornerstone Pub & Prime

Old Log Cabin

Northwoods Optics 20 North Lake St

9726 Scandia Tr. Forest Lake

651-433-5646

608 South Lake St. Forest Lake

Town Square Building

rapidpressprinting.com

northwoodsoptics.com

651-464-6200 651-464-2645

Forest Lake

651-464-4824

(Fax)

Where your pet is one of the family!

petstylesmn.com

143 North Lake St. Forest Lake

651-464-6996

“Our Prime Rib has no equal”

In the Heart of Wyoming Hwy, 61

651-462-1211

Page �� 10A ��

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DOWN THR0UGH THE YEARS these area businesses have provided you with 3,007+ years of sales & service

18 Years

19 Years

15 years Patrick Growe

Montzka Legal Services

Edward Jones Investments

Attorneys at Law

5305 East Viking Blvd. Suite 201 Wyoming

13 Years

17 Years

Dr. Greg Koch, Dr. Greg Harvey, Dr. G. Rankin Patet, Dr. Deb Wynia

Village Inn Restaurant

Patrick Growe edwardjones.com 255 Hwy 97, Ste 7A Forest Lake

Dentists

1068 South Lake St. Suite 209 Forest Lake

4848 Viking Blvd. Wyoming

13 Years

Fairview Lakes Medical Center fairview.org 5200 Fairview Blvd. Wyoming

651-462-4200

651-464-0309

651-462-2669

651-464-2248

651-982-7000

11 Years

9 Years

Patriot Bank Minnesota

8 Years

Tasty Asia Take Out

pbminn.com 19810 Headwaters Blvd. N. Forest Lake

26685 Faxton Ave. Wyoming

Carley’s Jelly Jar Café & Catering

Serving area 35 years

Forestland Nurseries

CUB Foods

20001 Forest Blvd Forest Lake

2013 W. Broadway Ave. Forest Lake

651-464-7038

651-982-4511

4 Years

651-464-0168

651-462-1200

59 South Lake Street Forest Lake

651-464-0791

3 months

Serving area 15 years

Wilcox Motors

Forestland Landscaping Inc. Forest Lake

651-775-6203

If you would like to have your business included in

321 19th St. SW Forest Lake

Down Through the Years next year, please contact Carol or Steve at 651-464-4601

651-236-6377

We look forward to the the great changes 2011 will bring to our community and area businesses

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High-end salon opens its doors in Scandia

Photo by Jennifer Larson

With 20 years in the field, Amy Olmsted opened Änyo Salon, 14750 Oak Hill Rd. N., in Scandia last May.

Änyo is Swedish for ‘anew’ Jennifer Larson Staff Writer Amy Olmsted has owned a few hair salons over her 20 year career as a stylist with her latest solo shop located at 14750 Oak Hill Rd., N. in Scandia. She opened the doors to Änyo Salon – across the street from Elim Lutheran Church – last May. Nestled in a the small Scandinavian town, the salon takes its name from the Swedish word Änyo which means "anew." That term could refer to a new salon or look, Olmsted said of the play on words. “Clients get 1-on-1 attention because

Artisan bread made fresh everyday

it’s a one chair salon,” Olmsted said. Olmsted and her husband, James, have lived in Scandia for two years. After high school, she decided to make hair her chosen field and attended the Aveda Institute, formerly Horst. Olmsted worked at a Rocco Altobelli’s as a color tech and at Horst as a stylist for the first year. Wanting more intense education, she went to Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica, CA, to take an advance cutting course. Olmsted loved the experience and the upper hand the training gave her. Shortly after that she opened her first Aveda salon – ACO – in Mahtomedi. Olmsted owned that shop before selling it to an employee. She then started a new venture, JAPA, in Stillwater and was eventually bought out. Olmsted has very loyal clients who are traveling for her services. However, a new base is very pleased to have Olmsted, with her high-end salon, in Scandia. “They had been driving and are happy to not be anymore,” she said of the locals. Precision cutting is were Olmsted excels. She does not use hot tools – flat or curling irons – because Olmsted is of the philosophy that the cut should allow the client ease when restyling the hair after her shears have been through their locks. Services she offers is cuts and color. Olmsted does not do perms. The shop also carries Aveda products. Änyo Salon is exclusive in that it’s open Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday by appointment only; no walk-ins.

Photo by Jennifer Larson

The amount of products Minnesota Bread Company, 843 W. Broadway Ave., is rising as the Forest Lake business is under new ownership. “We’ve beefed up the retail,” said Shawn Dolan. He purchased the store in December 2010. Pictured with him are Mark St. Sauver and Bob Rodriguez. “We’re the new owners,” Dolan said. Their handmade artisan bread contains no trans fat, additives or preservatives, lard shortening, sugar, eggs or milk. That’s one reason the product freezes so well, he noted. “Everything is made fresh on site everyday,” Dolan said. Their breads are vegan-friendly and low in sodium. Minnesota Bread Company has a weekly schedule of when certain varieties are made. For more information and store hours, visit www.mnbreadco.com.

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No time like now at Anytime Fitness

Photo by Clint Riese

Anytime Fitness has a new look. Owner Brad Jackomino and employee Tracy Angelo stand in front of a mural which is part of a large interior re-design. The club also has all-new cardio and weight machines.

Clint Riese Staff Writer If any workout warriors have taken the winter off, they might not recognize Forest Lake’s Anytime Fitness when they walk in for their spring tune-up. The club in the Northland Mall got a quarter-million dollar facelift around the turn of the year, complete with new equipment. The interior features new paint and carpets, and each cardio machine is equipped with a television. Even the physical layout has been upgraded. A couple offices were knocked out to create more floor space for members, who are now welcomed by an inviting new entryway. “The reception for the remodeling has been fantastic,” said owner Brad Jackomino. “Pretty much universally, people really like the way it turned out. Another key addition is a computerized, private workout system available around the clock to all members. It offers several fitness classes which are projected on a big screen in the back classroom.

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“Of everything we’ve done, that Fitness on Request has been a home run,” said Jackomino. “People just absolutely love the flexibility of doing state-of-the-art classes whenever they want.” The 11,000-squarefoot facility has more upgrades on the way. A notoriously bumpy parking lot will be repaved this spring, and the gym will be the first tenant to get a brand new exterior planned eventually for the whole mall. Anytime Fitness is located at 1432 S. Lake St.

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Club gets extensive makeover

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New owners spice up Jelly Jar Diner to open for dinner Clint Riese Staff Writer Imagine the quintessential hometown diner: reasonable prices, breakfast classics served at lunch and a loyal crew of regulars meeting for a cup of joe at the crack of dawn. In Forest Lake, that role is played by the Jelly Jar Café. Walk in and you are bound to feel as welcomed as any spot in town. “Technically we open at 6:30, but all our regulars are here at quarter to six. We think they have their own key,” joked coowner Frank Montbriand. “They’re here and the coffee’s made and they’re playing cribbage before we get here.” Montbriand and Ross Tappe purchased the downtown eatery in November and plan to maintain its tradition. Their first move, in fact, represents the small-town charm customers appreciate. Renamed after Tappe’s new granddaughter, the restaurant is officially known as Carly’s Jelly Jar Café and Catering. (Carly’s picture adorns the cash register.) Customers can still get old favorites such as eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy at 59 S. Lake St., but the new owners are sprinkling in a few changes. The Jelly Jar will be open for dinner starting April

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26. It will stay open until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Accordingly, the menu will expand to include heartier entrees such as ribs and pork chops. Dessert options will be added, including a pie display. Tappe and Montbriand incorporated new lunch options in January. The changes centered around sandwiches and wraps and burgers. All the meat is prepared on site, from ham to roast and corned beef. “We’ve got the best reuPhoto by Clint Riese ben around,” Montbriand New owners Frank Montbriand (left) and Ross Tappe said. “If you like reubens, relax after a lunch shift with Tracie Janke, who has you’ll love ours.” been with the Jelly Jar since it opened in 2004. Montbriand is the head chef and has an extensive them affordable,” Tappe complaining and stuff, cooking background at said. but we really haven’t lost upscale venues in Minneanyone,” Tappe said. “And Boost from Spring apolis. Tappe and Montbriand a lot of our customers go “Frank makes every- had both left the food south for the winter, and thing from scratch,” Tappe business and were work- they’re starting to come said. “From the pancakes ing together at a 9-to-5 job back to, and that’s easier to the sauces to the gravy, in Maple Grove last year when you have all the everything’s made home- when they discovered a same employees back to made.” common interest in open- greet them.” The Jelly Jar will be ing a deli-type of restauWith the longer hours open on Easter for the rant. Tappe heard that the of operation ahead, the first time on April 24. Jelly Jar might be coming staff will expand by three An expansive buffet will up for sale through a for- to 15. Tappe and Montbrigreet holiday diners. The mer business associate and know that any restauthree-station spread will and they came to visit it rant venture has its risks, include four meats and last fall. The deal came to- but they feel business offer breakfast and lunch gether fast, and the Jelly can only improve as winchoices. It will cost under Jar stayed open continu- ter gives way to warmth $10, in keeping with the ously through the switch. and the downtown comes owners’ pricing philosoThe change went into alive. phy. The pair have a run- effect Nov. 28, and the “We got here in Novemning joke about offering a new owners kept the same ber and there was snow $4 foot-long sub and a six- staff in place at the 77-seat on the beach already,” hour energy drink. said Tappe. “We haven’t establishment. “We keep prices lower “At first when you have seen Forest Lake thawed than what they probably a change, there’s a little out.” should be but we keep

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Electronics store enjoys new shack Radio Shack moves west of freeway

Photo by CM Photographics

The staff at Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center are now providing services at a new location, 608 S. Lake St.

Timeless Elements doubles its size with new location on Lake St. Jennifer Larson Staff Writer Many clients of Timeless Elements come to the Med Spa & Laser Center to renew themselves, which is exactly what the Forest Lake business did when it moved in October 2010. The relaxing, yet inviting space continues at the new location, 608 S. Lake St. And it wasn’t just a change to the store front. Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center also doubled in size from 1,300-square feet at its previous site along US-61. According to owner Lesa Thompson-Stegner, it took three months to build out 2,800-square feet. In addition, the new location gave Timeless Elements more visibility, helping to increase the number of walk-ins the Med Spa & Laser Center sees. “We were just outgrowing our space,” Thompson-Stegner says of their former space which is now occupied by Forest Lake Embroidery.

With the new space came a chance to add four more treatment rooms for a total of seven, an opportunity to display the products they carry, and hiring a nail technician. Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center offers non-invasive, non-surgical skin and body treatments and anti-aging therapies. Services include: laser hair removal, Botox, chemical peels, derma fillers, microdermabrasion, photo facial rejuvenation, fractional resurfacing, and treatments for acne and scars, as well as age/brown spots. Others are massage therapy, waxing, customized facials, medical grade skincare products and makeup. Also offered are medical skin consultations, spa packages, and gift certificates are available. Spray tan is new to Timeless Elements. Thompson-Stegner said the service is a great alternative for people who want color without the sun damage. “It’s focusing on a healthy tan,” she said.

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The Med Spa & Laser Center is hosting an event on Friday, April 22 which includes a half-priced chemical peel that is medical, not salon, grade. “They’ll have more dramatic effects,” Thompson-Stegner said. She noted there are a limited number of appointments available the day of the event. Food and beverages will be served as well. Representatives from Skin Medica and Clarisonic Facial will be on hand to offer consultations and demonstrations to clients. Thompson-Stegner said it was standing room only when over 250 guests attended the grand opening of Timeless Elements at its new location in November 2010. Their old site wasn’t large enough to have that kind of turn out. “Now we can accommodate more people,” Thompson-Stegner said. To book an appointment at Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center, call 651-464-6444. Visit www.TEMedSpa.com for more information about their services.

Clint Riese Staff Writer A well-established Forest Lake business got a clean look and a new location in 2010. After a 30year run in the Northland Mall, Radio Shack can now be found in the MarketPlace Shopping Center on the west side of the freeway. “I think it’s definitely a really nice location, right between Starbucks and Jimmy Johns,” said store manager Kris Miller. “The parking lot’s always full, so people have to see us here.” “The Shack” opened at 2009 West Broadway, Suite 800 at the end of last March. The 2,500-squarefoot space used to be home to 2nd Wind Exercise.

Photo by Clint Riese

Radio Shack had a 30-year run at Northland Mall before moving to the MarketPlace Shopping Center in 2010.

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Though the new Radio Shack is about the same size as before, workers are excited to have a storefront out in the open rather than inside a mall. “Definitely for exposure purposes, it’s more open,” Miller said. “It’s a lot brighter. The name on the front of the store and having some windows here definitely draws attention.” Plus, a more efficient layout allows the store to carry deeper product lines. Video games and consoles are new to the business. It also has doubled its collection to carry the full line of small electrical components. Such components and specialized cables are among products that cannot be found anywhere else in town, Miller said. Radio Shack is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

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progress Rolseth Drug - team carries on -------

Mobility, freedom the focus of new store from page 1A pick up your grandma at her assisted living, take the scooter down in the elevator, you put her in the car, put that thing in the trunk in 30 seconds, go meet the family in the park for a picnic and she’s scooting around all day,” said Harris, a longtime Scandia resident. “It happens all the time.” Seeing such scenes play out is what led the pair to run their own business in the field. Erickson will always remember helping Howard, an elderly man who swore he did not need any assistance until he finally tried out a powerchair. Within minutes, he was playing with his dog outside for the first time in ages. “Every time I tell it I think to myself, ‘Hey, we just gave this guy his life back,’” Erickson said. “He was really stubborn about it, but realized just in that hour we spent with him that we changed his life.” The same scenario happens when the two go to assisted living homes and let the residents try out the equipment. Once one person breaks the ice, the rest feel comfortable seeking out assistance. “People feel stigmatized because they need a powerchair or wheelchair, but it’s just a mobility aid,” said Harris. “Unless you go to work barefoot, if you got shoes, you’ve got a mobility aid. Unless you walk to work, you’ve got a mobility aid.”

projected to join Medicare each day for the next 20 years. Such businesses will be in harder to find, Erickson and Harris added, as governmental restrictions continue to increase. “It’s complicated and with the cuts with the government and everything there are going to be less and less people that will be doing this, and we’ll be one of them,” Harris said. “We are determined, we’re committed, we’re going to be here for our customers.” Power Chairs and Scooter Store Medical Supply is located in Suite 7B of the Schilling Plaza, 225 Highway 97. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday.

from page 1A

Deep FL History

Haas and Garrison see no reason to change the format that has made the downtown store successful even with the arrival in the community of other national drug store firms and big box pharmacies. The store continues to build its stock on quality and personal service from its pharmacy and a variety store operation that includes quality gifts, greeting cards and general merchandise. As Rolseth Drug celebrates its 50th anniversary, Garrison and

Haas salute the store’s even longer history. Tom Rolseth joined what was Petersen Drug in 1951 after returning from World War II duty and earning his college degree. He bought out Richie Petersen 10 years later. The business actually dates to 1933. Petersen on Jan. 9, 1933 filled his first prescription written by Dr. G.M. Ruggles of Forest Lake. The store has existed in two locations. For the early years, the drug store was at 95 N. Lake Street. Garrison moved the business to 107 N. Lake St. in 1987 when the much larger building once used by Hart Drug opened.

stallation of the downtown roundabout that the city of Forest Lake was unable to settle without legal recourse. Lake Area’s strip was acquired through eminent domain which allows the city to legally “quick take” for public purposes. A petition was filed in Washington County District Court to begin the proceedings, and three commissioners who have no interest in the matter were appointed to hear both sides within one year from April 2010. Although Campbell has no direct involvement, he said the bank’s shareholders are in negotiations with the city. “I think we’re getting closer to some resolution,” Campbell said, noting it’s been a friendly process.

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Hitting Full Stride

Power Chairs and Scooter Store last month passed its certification from Medicare. That is the main hurdle for start-up businesses, as Medicare covers most of the sales in the field. With that certification in hand, the staff of four will expand as the store hits full stride. “It’s a big, big milestone in this business,” said Harris. “It’s all we focused on.” All, that is, besides getting their new venture off the ground. They transformed the former Family Pathways space into an elegant store complete with a wood floor and fireplace. The pair leaned on their strengths, as Harris took on the renovations while Erickson handled the paperwork required to start the business. Four months in, both are pleased they took the leap of faith. “We’ve had our dose of reality from being in business before and we saw the advantage of having a partner and it’s just worked out really well,” Harris said. With the certification process over, Power Chairs and Scooter Store appears to be in for the long haul. That is good for the community, the owners said, because 10,000 people are

Jennifer Larson Staff Writer No matter where it’s location will be in the years to come, Lake Area Bank has a long-term commitment to Forest Lake. “Either way, we’ll be on one side of the road or the other,” said Mark Campbell, president and chief operating officer. Plans to move from their existing location at 91 S. Lake St. remain on hold after last year’s reconstruction project. Around four years ago, the bank purchased a parcel on the southwest corner of Lake Street and Broadway Avenue with the intent to construct a new branch. The bank was the only property impacted by in-

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Supply Side in Demand

The other side of Power Chairs and Scooter Store focuses medical supplies. The business has access to nearly any product imaginable. “People are happy they don’t have to drive to the Cities to get their medical supplies because we have over 10,000 items we can get at our fingertips within the next day,” Harris said. Much of the store’s accessory products, such as bath safety equipment or a line of shoes designed specifically for diabetics, cater to the type of customers who need mobility assistance. The owners also report a number of younger customers who come in after injuries looking for wraps, shower boots or first aid gear. Erickson and Harris are bullish on the medical supply side of their business, as there is high demand for products that customers need on a monthly basis.

Lake Area Bank to stay in Forest Lake long-term

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progress Scandia bank will move to new home in Scandia Plaza

Photo by Cliff Buchan

Security State Bank of Marine CEO Jim Lindberg, center is flanked by the Scandia office team of, left to right, Tami Higgins, Mary Ablan, Sandy Addyman, Lynn Sandager and Joann Buse. They are gathered around an artist’s rendering which shows the new look of the Scandia Plaza complex.

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Dave Purdy try. They serve as trusted resources and counselors for their clients and their communities.” For more than 23 years, Purdy and Wealth Management Midwest have been providing clients with access to independent financial planning services, unbiased investment advice and asset management services. He has business offices downtown in the Town Square Building.

the bank and its sister operation, Security State Lindberg says Insurance Agency, will be move will help able to provide even betbank keep pace ter service to the public. The bank will have a with city larger drive-through banking center, a larger vault Cliff Buchan with more safe deposit News Editor boxes and an office design As a hometown guy that is better suited to the with a strong sense of needs of a community community pride, it didn’t bank, Lindberg adds. Tami Higgins will contake long for Jim Lindberg to conclude that a reloca- tinue as office manager for tion for the Scandia office Security State Bank of Maof Security State Bank of rine, Scandia, while Sandy Marine was a good thing. Addyman is the bank’s Come early June, the mortgage loan officer. public will serve the re- The bank and insurance sults as the bank moved agency staff numbers five to its space in the Scan- on a regular basis, but dia Plaza. The bank will other bank officers also move from its current work shifts in Scandia as 2000-square-foot office to needed. Lindberg says the goal a new 2500-square foot office that is being added on of the Security State Bank the east end of the build- of Marine is to be a strong ing, now owned by How- supporter of commerce in the communities that ard and Emily Stegner. It will be a move that it serves. He adds that speaks positively to Scan- the bank is pleased to be dia the community and operating in Marine on the bank as a growing St. Croix, Scandia, Forest business, added Lindberg, Lake and Lindstrom. “Our bank is really exthe bank’s chief executive cited about what is hapofficer who is based at the pening in the locations Scandia office. “I really like the idea of that we serve,” Lindberg this building location and said. Lindberg says the bank its new design,” Lindberg said. “I like the visibility.” has performed well durThe move will come as ing the past two years the bank approaches the of a tough economy. He 20th anniversary of open- looks at the expansion as ing the Scandia office. a smart move even as the That came in 1992 and economy continues to rethe bank has continued to cover. When times are slow, show positive growth pathe says, it is wise to think terns, Lindberg said. “Scandia has been good about the future and to us,” Lindberg said. “It’s make expansion moves as our commitment to the a way to prepare for the future. “We’ll be ready for area.” Acro1301497193.pdf 1 3/30/11 4:01 PM With the new and larg- it,” Lindberg says. er office, Lindberg says

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Page 16A – Thursday, April 7, 2011 – Forest Lake Times

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Maranatha’s ‘real church’ takes hold in Chisago City age Sunday attendance of 25. That was in August of 2009. Not yet two years as an official second campus, the Chisago Lakes Campus has made remarkable Cliff Buchan growth, Pastor Mike said. News Editor As spring 2011 unfolds, Pastor Mike Haselthe church has seen its avtine had a hunch “real erage Sunday attendance church” would take hold grow to 100 with Sunday in Chisago City. School classes seeing When Maranatha Asmany area children. sembly of God Church was And the positive note, asked to step in and help Pastor Mike says, is that a struggling congregation most of those coming to three years ago, Pastor worship at 10963 Lake Haseltine liked the idea. Blvd. (US-8) in Chisago City, are new church members. Only a couple of families have switched to the Chisago Lakes Campus from the Forest Lake Campus, 24799, Forest Blvd. (US-61), Wyoming. The church has been Pastor Mike Haseltine and built with the same phi- on US-8 in Chisago City. losophy and principles that have made the Forest for “real church.” Lake church successful, Many Benefits said Pastor Mike and PasThe church leaders tor Bill Hedley, the lead minister in Chisago City see many benefits from who spent seven years at having two locations. the Forest Lake Campus The churches operate on their own schedules, but as youth pastor. “That’s what makes draw on the strengths of the difference,” Pastor both. Both share in staff Mike says of the growth strengths and resources in Chisago City. “We try and members of both loto create the same atmo- cations intermix to work sphere here. The same on joint projects. For the April producphilosophy that built the tion of “Witness Messiah,” Forest Lake church.” Pastor Haseltine gives about a dozen members much of the credit to Pas- of the Chisago Lakes Camtor Bill, who like Pastor pus will be featured in the Mike, is a Forest Lake na- cast. The expansion is also Photos by Cliff Buchan tive who has found his giving staff members more calling with Maranatha. Pastor Bill Hedley at the pulpit of the Chisago Lakes opportunities. “Pastor Bill is the guy,” the growth Campus in Chisago City. Pastor Bill is one example senior pastor said. They agree that the as he is able to take on He had been a youth pas- worship facility in 2009, Faith Assembly, which area residents who are new responsibilities and a tor at what was Faith Aswas formed in the mid coming to worship in larger leadership role. sembly for just under two “It gives us the oppor1960s, was seeing aver- Chisago City are searching

2nd campus now in 3rd year, growing

years in the early 1980s and liked the community and the church. “We did this before in North Branch,” he said. Maranatha Assembly of God helped launch the Abundant Life Church in North Branch where Pastor Mike’s brother, Kevin Haseltine has moved as senior pastor for the now fully independent congregation. When Assembly of God district officials appproached Maranatha to take over the Chisago City

Pastor Bill Hedley are pictured outside the church

tunity for others to minister,” Pastor Mike says. “This is a wonderful proving ground.” Both locations offer Wednesday night services at 6:30 p.m. The Forest Lake Campus has Sunday services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. while the Chisago Lakes Campus has a 10 a.m. Sunday service. A second 8 a.m. service will be offered in Chisago City through Easter.

Many Changes

For Pastor Mike, the move to Chisago City is another growth step that has helped the congregation continue to expand its mission. And it is quite different from December of 1981 when Pastor Mike left his youth duties in Chisago City to join his father,

Doug Haseltine, to start Maranatha. There were 18 people in attendance when the church had its meeting worship service in Doug’s home in early 1982. Today, at its new and modern facility in Wyoming just north of the Forest Lake border, Sunday worship services welcome 900 people. The Forest Lake Campus has been expanded once to accommodate the growth and provide classroom space for a new church school. The school is now serving 100 students in pre-kindergarten classes through grade 4. The church will celebrate its 30th anniversary this December.

Dog groomers find their spot on Broadway Cliff Buchan News Editor After two years of working together as groom-

ers at Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet in Forest M.A. & P.A.W.S owned by Lake, Andrea Johnson and Marie Mottaz, Andrea Johnson Marie Mottaz felt they had something good going. When the pet food store announced last year they would move to the Keys Cafe complex west of I-35 here, it didn’t take long for Mottaz and Johnson to craft their own business plan. There wouldn’t be room in the new Chuck and Don’s location, so the two women struck out on their own. The result was M.A. & P.A.W.S., 955 W. Broadway Ave., two doors west of their former location. They opened their new salon last November in space that had once been leased by Enterprise. “We had built up a good cliental,” Mottaz said of the past two years and pet grooming. “We didn’t want to lose them.” In their two years of grooming in Forest Lake, Johnson and Mottaz said the Forest Lake public and pet owners have been Photo by Cliff Buchan great. “There is nothing Andrea Johnson, left, and Marie Mottaz, flank Ruby, the star of Pat Bettendorf’s like the Forest Lake clibook, “Ruby’s Tale.” Ruby will have her nails trimmed only at M.A. & P.A.W.S. dog ental — great dogs, great grooming salon in Forest Lake.

people,” Mottaz said. The co-owners have 16 years of combined dog grooming experience in their resumes, including 10 years by Mottaz. They are using that experience to build a business that puts animals first. “Our focus is on quality, not quantity,” Mottaz said. Johnson says the groomers work hard to build a relationship with the animals they groom and their owners. While it is important to keep the animal looking nice, the groomers are also animal advocates, always keeping an eye open for potential health risk or issues that the owners may have missed. In fact, Mottaz says, recently Johnson’s keen eye to potential health problems helped save two dogs that may otherwise have died. The two groomers are the two that owners and animals will see in most cases, One parttime groomer comes in as needed, but Johnson and Mottaz are the mainstays.

The shop is usually staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but regular hours are by appointment, meaning the groomers will work to help meet the needs of their clients. “If people need us at eight o’clock in the evening, we’re open,” Johnson says. And that is a pledge they keep seven days a week. The new location is working out well and the owners continue to look for ways to promote their business. A web site (www. maandpawspetgrooming. com) is under construction and should be in operation this spring. Online booking will become available at that point. The shop is offering a nail trimming special for dogs and cats the first Sunday of the month unless that Sunday falls on a holiday. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the shop offers a nail trimming special for just $5. For more information, call 651-464-9878.

Edina Realty finds home on Broadway in Forest Lake Move to new location came in early 2010 Cliff Buchan News Editor After 17 years of manning an office in downtown Forest Lake, the Edina Realty team has moved west, but only a short distance. In early 2010, Edina Realty relocated to 555 W. Broadway Ave. The company is leasing 1500 square feet of space in the building after operating in roughly 3000 square feet of space in the Towers, 107 N. Lake St.

“It was time for something new,” said Edina office manager Jacquie Krismer who has been at the helm of the company for 18 years in Forest Lake. “It’s been a positive move for us.” Krismer is in charge of the Forest Lake and North Branch offices for Edina Realty. The Forest Lake office has 12 sales agents this spring while 15 are working in the North Branch market. In the new office location in Forest Lake, Krismer believes the company is well prepared to provide service for clients and

agents. Many agents today are mobile, but still enjoy spending time in the office, she said. Krismer is also optimistic that down time for the real estate market is about to turn positive. She has statistics to prove it. Sales this January and February were up over 2010’s monthly totals, she said. For all of last year, sales grew 20 percent of 2009, she said. “2009 was a tough year,” Krismer said. She believes the real estate market will continue to improve. Once home value stabilizes and starts to increase, sales of traditional

homes will improve, she said. She is also seeing improvement in private short sales and agents continue to work with properties in foreclosure. Krismer says one of the strengths of the Forest Lake office is the professional team of agents that work this area. And she should know. Krismer has spent 31 years of work in the real estate market. Prior to joining Edina Realty 18 years ago, she worked 13 years for Photo by Cliff Buchan Century 21 Johnson & Edina Realty manager Jacquie Krismer, right, and office adAssociates and Broker ministrator Kathie Seiler in the new company office at 555 W. Corbett Johnson. Broadway Ave.

Thursday, April 7, 2011 – Forest Lake Times – Page

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Wilcox dealership finds solid market in Forest Lake area The Staff

Randy Wilcox purchased Chrysler property in 2010 Cliff Buchan News Editor It will be a joyous time this spring when Wilcox Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram in Forest Lake celebrates its grand opening. Veteran Twin Cities business owner Randy Wilcox acquired the dealership at 321 SW 19th St. last year and opened for business on Feb. 1 after an extensive remodeling and refurbishing effort. The dealership’s soft opening came in January. “The timing for this dealership couldn’t get better,” said Wilcox general manager Dan Dunn. The new Forest Lake dealership is providing jobs and needed vehicle sales and service to the area at a time when vastly improved cars and trucks are being made in America, Dunn said. After Wilcox acquired the property last October, he spent the fall and early winter getting the facility ready to spring back into life. The building had been vacant for more than two years. Today, the facility is as if brand new with all new office furnishings and new equipment in the service department. A fully automatic car wash is also in operation. During the early months of 2011, the Wilcox dealership has slowly built its inventory and is adding staff as needed. The inventory of new and used vehicles on the lot continues to grow and is now in excess of 150 units,

Photos by Cliff Buchan

Forest Lake’s newest vehicle option is at 321 SW 19th St. Randy Wilcox bought the facility last year and turned the empty lot into a gleaming home for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

Dunn said. Dunn predicts it will be a big year for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products. Many of the new vehicles have been redesigned inside and out with a fresh look. Detroit is back on the map as a major auto builder, Dunn said. Both the Dodge Journey and Dodge Durango,

along with the Jeep Cherokee, are three models that will catch a car buyer’s eye, Dunn said. For Dunn, 2011 marks his 19th year in the automobile business. He is a resident of Stillwater and is very familiar with the Forest Lake area and its potential business market.

As general manager in the Forest Lake store, Dunn will assist business owner Randy Wilcox and Wilcox’s son, Matthew, who is company vice-president. Both Matthew Wilcox and Dunn have duties in North Branch, as well, at the Wilcox-owned Central Motors which is growing and eyeing expansion in that Chisago County community. A new location for the North Branch dealership is being contemplated for later this year. At the Forest Lake operation, the management team is in place. Dunn said Cory Kyllonen is the service department manager. Joe Gingerelli is the new car manager with Dan Olson in charge of used car sales. Brian Stevens has been hired as parts manager. D.J. Bruce is the dealership’s business manager. Dunn said he is optimistic for a strong first year for the dealership which has sat idle for just over two years, but was at one time one of the leading Chrysler stores in Minnesota. “The market is here,” Dunn said this winter. “It’s [the Forest Lake area] a very strong market.” Wilcox Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram is open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 to 6 on Friday and Saturday. The Wilcox family has been a major force to the metro area business scene for many years. Randy Wilcox has owned Bix Produce for the past 30 years and continues to spend time with that business while working in the automobile dealerships.

Vannelli’s spices up downtown From the Green to the Lake, Italian restaurant remains popular Clint Riese Staff Writer A former Forest Lake restaurateur has returned to the business to restore one of the most visible locations in the heart of town. Ron Vannelli, along with his wife and son, opened Vannelli’s on the Lake just off the roundabout downtown last May. The building at 55 S. Lake St. has cycled through a handful of establishments in recent years that functioned primarily as bars and nightclubs. Most recently, it housed Average Joe’s Entertainment Center, which closed last January. Enter Vannelli. In 1990, he opened Vannelli’s on the Green next to Castlewood Golf Course. The restaurant served Italian specialties with an elegant touch, and he is following a similar pattern with the new venture, Vannelli’s by the Lake. “We had an idea for what we wanted to do that was different from what they were doing before, kind of what we did the first time around,” he said. “Segregating off some private dining, making it a little more upscale while still keeping the bar atmosphere. It’s kind of a combination.”

Back on the Scene

After nine years away from the local food scene, Vannelli’s son, Nick, convinced him to take on the challenge of restoring the luster to the massive building on the lake. Both

Photo by Clint Riese

Ron Vannelli’s second restaurant venture in Forest Lake has taken him downtown. Vannelli’s by the Lake offers Italian favorites in an upscale atmosphere. knew it would be a challenge, especially with the roundabout construction slated to take place right outside the front door last summer. “He wanted to try it,” Vannelli said. “It’s a tough business, especially in this economy. [But] this was kind of a unique situation. They were looking for someone to come into this facility, so it kind of worked out for both of us.” The family renovated much of the facility, including a complete make-over of the front reception area. They felt it was crucial to make use of the entire building, which includes a large banquet room, a small meeting room, a dining room which seats 120 and a bar which accommodates 110. There is also a basement with darts and bocce ball that is rented out for private parties. A new sound system and lighting are on display when Van-

nelli’s hosts bands a few times per month. The menu retains the Italian feel from Vannelli’s on the Green and boasts about 25 pasta and pizza offerings. It also features some American classics, including Vannelli’s renowned charbroiled prime rib. The walk-in lunch crowd is still a little sparse, but Vannelli has secured several weekly functions including the Forest Lake Rotary Club. At night, all-you-can-eat crab legs are served up on Wednesday, while a Mexican chef spices up Tuesday. The restaurant has started a Friday fish fry. Sundays bring a brunch in the morning and a pasta/ pizza buffet at night. Vannelli is expecting a stronger spring with construction over and the restaurant’s legs beneath it. “There were some question marks as to what we were doing [opening when we did]. But I think we’re

seeing some progress,” he said, noting an abundance of wedding banquets on the schedule. Warmer weather will allow for outdoor dining, which was a huge hit last summer. The staff will jump from around 50 to 70 in peak season.

Downtown Implications

Vannelli knows his location has been as upand-down as any in the Broadway-Lake corridor, but feels his restaurant is here to stay. He hopes it can be part of a downtown renaissance. “It’s about trying to get a new image for downtown Forest Lake,” he said. “Get people back downtown and hopefully some renovations will start to occur with other buildings up and down the street. “I think eventually it will happen, it’s just tough times. People get attracted, it’s amazing how they are just attracted to the lake and downtown.”

It’s about faith at Eighth Ave. complex Nature’s Image, From the Heart, WEHOP have common purpose Clint Riese Staff Writer A downtown commercial building took on an interesting format last fall. Nature’s Image has operated out of 95 SW 8th Ave. for 16 years. In October, two other businesses opened on either side of Nature’s Image to create a mini-mall type of feel. The three share more than just a roof, however. Nature’s Image, From the Heart Bible and Books and WEHOP–The Secret Place are owned by a group of friends who see the joint venture as an outlet for sharing their Christian faith. “They are ministries which happen to be in business, as opposed to businesses which happen to give to ministry,” said building owner Ron Hammes in an October interview. The businesses operate around a concept of shared space and customers. The owners hope to attract customers who can come to the building for more than one purpose. They also hope to befriend customers and spend time with them in fellowship. The neighbors are planning several community events for the spring and summer. Children’s activities may range from storytimes to arts/ crafts. They will host a premiere screening of a new VeggieTales movie, ’Twas the Night Before Easter, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 9. Admission to the community event is free.

Nature’s Image Owner Finds New Niche

The original resident of the building, Nature’s Image, continues to offer high-end custom framing. It also houses a gallery of wildlife and religious art. Owner Ben Oliver will put an interesting spin on the faith focus with the April 30 opening of Lakes Trading Company, a gun shop he will run out of a current back room adjacent to the frame shop. Hammes, the previous owner of Nature’s Image, ran a gun shop of his own at the facility for a few years. Oliver said it will provide needed revenue and attract more people to the complex. “There’s going to be a lot of traffic for that specifically,” he said. The shop will have a buy/sell/trade format and also conduct consignment sales. Oliver will offer conceal/carry and hunter’s safety

classes. “I’m an avid hunter, I love guns,” he said. “I have the time here, especially during the summer when it’s slower in the framing business...I get to have two businesses open at the same time, no extra rent.” The gun shop will be open in the afternoons, while Nature’s Image will keep its regular business hours. For more information, see www.naturesimagegallery.com.

Tis the Season for Bookstore

The west end of the building is where Barb Nowicki calls home for her bookstore. From the Heart made the move from Lake Street because of the opportunity for shared business, but she has also been pleased with a slightly bigger sales floor for her lines of Christian books, music, jewelry and gifts. “Spring is very busy with all of the special occasions: Easter and First Communion, Confirmation, Mother’s Day, graduation, Father’s Day. It all kind of comes together at once,” she said. “It’s very busy, and that’s why we want people to know that we didn’t close, we just moved.” For more information, see www.fromtheheartbible.com.

WEHOP a Place for Prayer

WEHOP, which stands for Worshipping, Equipping House of Prayer, took off last fall as an extension of a previous entity. The Secret Place began in 2008 as a prayer room in the same building. Owner Kerry Liebelt felt called to expand the place of prayer with a structured organization offering worship and faith-based classes. Regular attendees come from congregations throughout the area. Liebelt stresses that WEHOP is a supplement to attending church, not a replacement for it. Primarily, it is simply a place for people of faith to come together. The local pastors group has held several of their recent monthly meetings there. “Our heart is to see people of faith really begin to understand the importance of that time with the Lord, that time of prayer,” he said. “There’s the private prayer in their own little prayer closet, there’s the time of prayer in their own churches, then there’s also the reality of coming together as a community in the place of prayer. And that’s really what this place is for.” For more information, see www.thesecretplace.org.

Photo by Clint Riese

Ben Oliver, Barb Nowicki and Kerry Liebelt work in a spirit of sharing at 95 SW 8th St. They use their businesses – Nature’s Image, From the Heart and WEHOP-The Secret Place – as an outreach of their faith.

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Good time for a change Relocation brings upgrades for FL Embroidery

Photo by Clint Riese

Kali Anderson, a 2005 FLHS grad, pictures herself going places in town. The KJ Ande Photography owner recently opened her downtown studio.

Anderson comes home as young professional her own downtown studio, KJ Ande Photography, in October. Significant renovations turned the building at 169 Lake St. North into an elegant working space. The studio is a first for Anderson, but her business is not brand new. She began working from her home in 2007, operating as Clicks Photography. The goal was always to find a permanent, professional headquarters at which to showcase her work. “I worked very hard and saved a lot,” she said. “This is my life, this is where I want to be. I wanted to have a studio and I finally got it, so I feel pretty lucky.” Anderson has trouble picking what kind of photography she most prefers. She is inclined to say senior portraits, because she loves seeing teenagers come out of their shells. But then again, she really loves the beauty and freedom available to her at weddings. Then there is the joy of watching newborns get a little older each time they come to her studio. “I just love what I do,” Anderson said. “I love helping people.”

FL photographer opens studio Clint Riese Staff Writer Kali Anderson knew from early on just what she wanted to do in life. “In junior high I started really getting into photographing everything,” she said. “The camera never left my hand, and by my sophomore year I had talked my folks into building a dark room in my basement. Then I spent so much time there throughout high school.” Once it came time for Forest Lake High School’s Class of 2005 to have senior portraits taken, her resolve was cemented. “A lot of my friends couldn’t afford these picture packages...so I took their pictures,” she said. “I just thought it was something that everyone should have, so I became a photographer to help those people, mainly.” Fast forward a few more years, and the 23-year-old is one certainly one of the youngest, most enthusiastic business owners in town. Anderson opened

She has plenty of experience and training, no matter the setting or assignment. Anderson graduated from Central Lakes College in Staples after studying photography for two years. Then she completed internships with professional photographers in South Carolina and Illinois. She picked up business skills and tricks of the photography trade, but never strayed from her plan to come home. The former president of the Youth Advisory Board says she is committed to this community and hopes to take on leadership positions. “I love the Forest Lake area. I really do,” she said. “I want to give back to Forest Lake what Forest Lake’s given to me.” Now that she is up and running, Anderson is holding true to the values that inspired her to go into the profession. “I’m not going to be the photographer that’s going to charge $80 for a 5x7 print, I just don’t see the point in it,” she said. “I want people to enjoy my work and I want to capture their memories.” For more information, see www.kjande.com.

Clint Riese Staff Writer Forest Lake Embroidery has been in town since 1999, and a recent change of location has it set up to succeed for more years to come. Owner Lynda Baker now runs her shop at 368 Lake Street S., in the building which used to house Timeless Elements. “We’re starting to see new accounts with the new exposure,” Baker said. “People are finding us. A new location will do that for you.” Forest Lake Embroidery had been in the Park Place building since 2004, but business started to slip as access was limited during this summer’s road construction. Just in time, the new spot became available. About a month after closing down in Park Place, the business was up and running on Lake Street. “It just didn’t happen the way we had planned it, but we were lucky enough this opened up when it did so we were able to reopen,” said Baker, the owner since 2007.

Photo by Clint Riese

Lynda Baker shows off some of the updated equipment at Forest Lake Embroidery. The store moved to 368 Lake St. S. last fall. The new space is slightly smaller, but still has a showroom in front filled with Forest Lake Ranger gear of all sorts. “We don’t have a large retail floor anymore, but we never really needed it in the first place, since we do so much custom work,” Baker said, noting that over half of her orders come from small businesses. The new shop also has many advantages. The storefront has high visibility in a busy part of town. The move also necessitated some changes for the better. The previous equipment would not have fit in the back rooms, so Baker purchased newer, more compact embroidery machines. The upgrades turn out products

faster and can handle several projects at once. The business offers embroidery, screen printing and heat press imprinting. It handles apparel such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as jerseys and hats and even accessories such as equipment bags. Noncustomized items such as sports socks, belts and headbands are also available. Single-item to largescale orders are usually turned around within a week. A wide range of Ranger gear is available for immediate purchase. Forest Lake Embroidery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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