School Board Candidate Profiles The Courier asked candidates relevant questions Read their answers
General Election Information
Page 6
Page 15
October 2016 | Volume 24, Issue 2
Events for Fall
Junior Professional Golf Association players Page 27
www.the-courier.org | news@isd15.org
FREE
The Courier
Independent School District 15 Communications Department St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township
Dedicated staff work hard to support district operations Heidi Anderson
Staff Writer
At the Central Services Center, staff in three departments work hard year-round to support the operations of Independent School District 15 (ISD 15). The departments of Human Resources, Curriculum & Instruction and Business Services support the District’s mission each day by providing necessary services to the District. According to Director of Human Resources Brandon Nelson, “Human Resources is one function that impacts every employee at some point in their employment with ISD 15.” Nelson says that to support the District’s mission, ISD 15 needs high quality employees and the Human Resources department strives to recruit the best candidates possible. He also says that Human Resources employees help staff members of ISD 15 resolve employment and life issues. This helps relieve stress from employees so they can focus on their work of supporting the District’s mission. The Human Resources staff often takes extra time with employees to
help them through difficult or stressful situations, whether it is completing necessary paperwork to begin their employment with ISD 15 or resolving questions regarding their benefits. Even though Human Resources employees take extra time in conversations with employees, they are also consistently evaluating and accessing systems to become more efficient in their work, commented Nelson. Nelson says that he is appreciative of the hard work from his staff. “It makes me proud when an employee tells me how helpful and amazing the Human Resources staff members were when dealing with their question or concern,” Nelson said. In the Curriculum & Instruction Department, staff members work throughout the year to provide programming and preparation to address the spectrum of needs of students in ISD 15. The Curriculum & Instruction Department has been busy working on the development of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). PLCs provide staff with an opportunity to collaborate and continue
developing strategies to best help student learning. The District has used PLCs for the past couple of years, but this year, licensed staff will meet with the PLC groups during the morning of nine scheduled days and one full day during the 2016-17 school year. Curriculum & Instruction Department staff also collaborated with ISD 15 to hold a professional development day for licensed staff August 31. Mike Mattos, an expert on PLCs and Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies, held an all-day presentation for around 500 ISD 15 staff members on how to best collaborate during their PLC time and how to better understand RTI strategies. At the September 12 ISD 15 School Board meeting, Superintendent Troy Ferguson thanked the Curriculum & Instruction Department for their hard work in setting up the event and said
Continued On Page 14
School board election set for November 8 Ann Johnson
ISD 15 Election Official
An election for members to the Independent School District 15 School Board will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in conjunction with the national election. Candidates running for the 4-year term are (in alphabetical order): Suzanne Erkel, Meri Hass, Janet Hunt, Sarah Hunt, Alicia Johnson, Amy Kelly, Rob Schoenrock, Mike Starr, Sean M. Sullivan, Laura Waterworth. Running for the 2-year term are Jill Anderson, Peter Onstad, Scott Schwarz. Candidate profiles begin on page 6. A Meet the Candidates forum will be held Tuesday, October 11, 7:00 p.m. at the ISD 15 Central Services Center, 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW.
Despite the rain, it was a great first day of school throughout Independent School District 15 September 6. These St. Francis Middle School students were excited to reunite with their friends and begin the 2016-17 school year. The Courier photo
that feedback regarding the professional development day was positive. Staff of the Business Services Department supports the District in achieving its mission by accurately processing all financial transactions for ISD 15 in a timely and effective manner. This involves processing payroll for over 1,000 ISD 15 employees and tracking funds coming in and out of the District. The Business Services Department has won multiple Minnesota Department of Education School Finance awards for sound financial practices and compliance with state statues. Business Services staff members continue to monitor the budget throughout the year and develop creative cost-effective changes if an adjustment is necessary. They also create financial reports and answer community members’ questions
Voting locations The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Polling locations are where you would vote for city, state and federal elections.
Register to vote Before you can vote, you must register. In Minnesota, you may register on election day at your polling place with appropriate identification showing residency in the precinct. For more information, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at 651-296-2803 or go online to www.sos. state.mn.us or call the Anoka County Elections office at 763-323-5275. Your registration remains current until you move, change your name or do not vote for four consecutive years. You may update your registration information by completing another voter registration application.
Inside Schools in Action..................................... 2 School Board Highlights...................... 12 Community & Business........................ 16 Sports & Outdoors................................ 26 Community Education......................... 28 Meetings, Events & Benefits................. 31 Life........................................................... 32
2 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Schools in Action Superintendent’s Bulletin Troy Ferguson ISD 15 Superintendent
It’s exciting to see the school buses rolling again after what was hopefully a great summer for everyone. Our year is off to an amazing start as students and staff hit the ground running, eager to begin the school year. This month I want to highlight some big changes logistically and programmatically that have already occurred and some that are in the process of occurring. First logistically, perhaps the most noticeable to everyone, are the new roundabouts on Bridge Street in front of St. Francis High School. This Anoka County and
city of St. Francis project is almost complete. While the roundabouts are now open and functioning, we were told lighting and permanent signage should be complete sometime mid-October with final work on walkways and centers slated for some time yet this fall. So far it appears our public is adjusting to the roundabouts and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and caution navigating through the new system, both on Bridge Street and within the high school front parking lot. On a related note, I am happy to report the District has acquired 2.9
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
acres of land directly adjoining the parking lot for our upper athletic fields off Rum River Boulevard NW. Parking at those fields has been a problem since we first developed them over 10 years ago. Due to the generosity of Melvin (Benny) Larson, who sold us the land at a fraction of its assessed value (more to come in a future article), we will soon double our parking capacity at our upper fields. Bids are in for the excavation work and I will present our recommendation to the school board for approval on September 26. Once approved, the work will begin soon thereafter and should be completed within a week’s time. I would ask your assistance and support concerning one more possible road improvement. Last year
763-753-1900
At last… an exciting new look for your bathroom!
Dr. Kurt Huether DDS Dr. Amy Dahlgren DDS
Savings Plan
We believe that every person matters and has value. Independent School District 15 • St. Francis, MN
Providers for Delta Premier, Health Partners, Assurant and others. Call for details.
Ask about our
increased safety. I would urge us all to contact our city and county officials in support of this project. Lastly I would like to thank our students, families and staff for making the first of our 90-minute late starts a great success on September 19. This change in the calendar gives our staff the vital time necessary to work collegially while developing our Professional Learning Communities. It will pay big dividends in future student achievement allowing us to further our district’s mission, to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world. Core Value
www.stfrancisdentalcare.com 3715 Bridge Street St. Francis, MN 55070
I met with state and county officials and the city of St. Francis officials to take a closer look at the crossing at Highway 47 and Pederson Drive NW. Our goal is to create a safer pedestrian crossing at that intersection which now has blinking crossing lights for pedestrians. There have been concerns about that crossing for some time even with the fairly new blinking light system. A study is underway to look at the feasibility of constructing an underpass at that intersection. The cost of an underpass is roughly half that of an overpass and can be completed in a fraction of the time. Many communities in the state who already have such underpasses near schools have reported success, both in the numbers of users and in
Give us a call today 612.490.5425
The October 90-minute late start Professional Learning Communities (PLC) day will be on Wednesday, October 19.
St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce
Trick or Treat at area businesses! The St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce invites families to participate in the 8th Annual Business to Business Trick or Treat. It’s a fun and safe way to trick or treat and get to know area businesses and the services they offer. A list and map of participating businesses will be available on the Chamber website, www.stfrancischamber.org. If you are a Chamber member and would like to participate, call 763-438-5163 or email chamber@stfrancischamber.org.
Monday, October 31 • 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Only
9
Independent School District 15 School Board and St. Francis Mayoral and City Council
$ 99
Candidate Forum
Dates:
School Board—Tuesday, October 11 Mayor/City Council—Tuesday, October 18 Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: ISD 15 Central Services Center 4115 Ambassador Blvd., St. Francis Free and open to the public. Moderator will ask questions from the audience. Email questions to chamber@stfrancischamber.org
Loaded Potato Skins and Pretzels are back!
Remember to vote Tuesday, November 8! Co-sponsored by the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Francis Area Women of Today
23212 St. Francis Boulevard NW, Suite 1300 St. Francis 763-954-9340 NEW! Fall/Winter Hours 10:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org
October 2016
3
St. Francis Marching Saints complete successful 2016 season Chad Armbruster
SFHS music teacher
The St. Francis High School (SFHS) Marching Saints wrapped up another successful season at the East Bethel Booster Days Parade July 16. The 2016 performance season included 14 performances at festivals and celebrations throughout the state. Presenting the program, “Due North,” the Marching Saints entertained thousands of spectators throughout their summer tour. Led by drum major Gabe Tronson and a leadership team of veteran members, the Marching Saints continued
to build on the successes of past seasons. Competitive highlights included fourthplace finishes at parade competitions in Albertville, Foley and Isanti, third-place in Buffalo, second-place finishes in Sartell, Princeton, Rogers and Maple Grove and first
place awards in Fridley and St. Francis Pioneer Days parades. Individual students were recognized for their outstanding leadership at the awards banquet. Senior members Michelle Arnold, Austin Belford, Sam Novitsky
and Austin Griep were honored along with Carl Jenson, Dilan Miemietz, Becca Theis and Gabe Tronson. Joey VanRossum, Adam Marshall and Zach Mayer were recognized for school spirit they demonstrated throughout the season. The 2016 Marching Saints
would like to thank all of the volunteers, bus drivers, custodians and SFHS activities and administration staff for their support throughout the season. For a full awards recap and more information about the SFHS band program please visit www.stfrancisbands.com.
Dr. Paul Schaus, D.D.S. We provide high-quality, personalized care in a comfortable setting.
Local first year medical student receives white coat
Oak Grove Crossing 3154 Viking Boulevard NW Oak Grove Call Today! 763-753-5336 The St. Francis High School Marching Saints placed high in many of their performances, including a first place finish at the St. Francis Pioneer Days parade. Submitted Photo
VOTE
Get the
DENTS Out! 23615 Hwy. 47/ St. Francis Blvd. NW St. Francis
Tuesday, November 8 Suzanne Erkel Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or by appointment
Independent School District 15 School Board
Photo by Derek Montgomery Photography
Reba Copeland
University of Minnesota Foundation-Medical School Duluth
Nathan Lipinski of St. Francis received his white coat, marking the entering of medical school. In total, 60 first-year medical students received their white coats on August 20 at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus. The ceremony signified the responsibilities and obligations of the physicians who wear the white coat and the importance of embracing compassion and character along with knowledge of science and medicine.
Free loaner car
Prepared and paid for by Suzanne Erkel, 20788 Okinawa Street, East Bethel, MN 55011; 763-612-240-9495. This ad does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
Now through February is the best time to trim your Ash, Oak & Elm trees. Schedule your appointment today!
Mack Tree —incorporated— macktree@sherbtel.net RF-201517 & 20139548 Licensed #20104249
www.sfcollision.com
or rental cars available
Free estimates
No appointment necessary
No Time Goodrich for the Flu? Pharmacy 23122 St. Francis Boulevard NW St. Francis
763-753-0222
Hours: M-F 9 am-8 pm; Sat 9 am-3 pm
763-856-5432 www.macktreeinc.com
763-753-6116
We work with ALL insurance companies!
Support our Students
Nathan Lipinski
Always Welcoming New Patients!
EE FEsR timates!
The hometown tree care service you can trust. Tree Inspector • Insured • Bonded • EAB Compliant
Serving this area for over 20 years with 25+ years of experience. Specializing in pruning, removals, lot clearing, stump grinding, dangerous trees and more.
Andover...................... 763-434-1901 Anoka......................... 763-421-5540 Blaine......................... 763-717-0222 Elk River..................... 763-441-0764 Fridley ....................... 763-780-0222
We also offer Pneumonia, Shingles and Tetanus vaccinations. Ask a pharmacist for details. Visit our website
www.goodrichpharmacy.com Follow us on TWITTER Like us on Facebook
We offer Flu vaccinations to fit your schedule. Walk-in or make an appointment during most store hours. Flu shot is for ages 6 and up. We can bill Medicare and most major insurances.
4 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
East Bethel Community School welcomes new staff Jamie Studnicka
EBCS Community Relations Coordinator
East Bethel Community School (EBCS) welcomes five teachers to their teaching staff. Nate Brager has joined the third-grade team and is in his first year of teaching at EBCS. He is a former student, graduating from St. Francis High School (SFHS), Class of 2004. Brager went on to Bemidji State University (BSU), majoring in elementary education. He resides in Isanti with his wife Christy and their three-year-old son Judah. In addition to teaching, Brager enjoys reading and all Minnesota sports. Tanya Loso joins the kindergarten team as a longterm sub from St. Francis Middle School where she
worked as a special education educational assistant. Prior to that, she was a stay-at-home mom, home schooled her children and did home daycare. Loso spends her free time with her husband Scott, and their four children between the ages of nine and fifteen who attend school in Independent School District 15 (ISD 15). As a family they enjoy fishing, campfires, hunting and the outdoors. Loso loves to read and enjoys music. Amy Beck joins the special education team at EBCS. She has been teaching for nine years in ISD 15 including St. Francis Elementary School, Cedar Creek Community School (CCCS) and SFHS. Beck loves being a mom to her three wonderful boys, ages 15, 13 and 6. Beck is working on
Pictured (L-R) are new staff at East Bethel Community School: Amy Beck, Tanya Loso, Noelle Salmonson, Rianna Jurek and Nate Brager. Photo By Jamie Studnicka
her master’s degree at BSU and enjoys the outdoors and being active. Noelle Salmonson comes to EBCS teaching reading
intervention. She previously taught kindergarten and firstgrade intervention for two years at CCCS. Salmonson received her bachelor’s degree
in elementary education and a dance minor from Gustavus Adolphus College. This fall she plans to begin her master’s program in literacy education with K-12 reading licensure at St. Mary’s University. Salmonson and her fiancé, Kevin, reside in Cedar. Rianna Jurek returns to EBCS on the fourthgrade team. Jurek attended Minnesota State University/ Mankato majoring in elementary education. After graduation she was a longterm substitute at Northpoint Elementary in Blaine. Jurek came to ISD 15 as a long-term substitute last year, first at EBCS and then finished the year as a long-term substitute at CCCS. Outside of school, Jurek enjoys fishing with family and friends.
Lifetime Guarantee – 100% Customer Satisfaction!
Collision 2000
Fender Bender Specialists
The collision repair shop you can trust.
3345 Viking Blvd. Oak Grove 763-753-0002 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday by Appointment County Road 22 County Road 9
★
Free Loaner Car
while we do the work on yours • Free Estimates • Collision Repair
REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, CDPE, CIAS, SFR, e-PRO, BPOR
612-282-8233 Find out what your home is worth at agentsemler.com.
100 Off $ 50 Off
$
• Full service real estate broker • Seller and buyer representation • Free market analysis
Any repair over $1,000
Any repair over $500
• All Insurance Companies • Paintless Dent Removal • Computerized Color Matching • Customs/Restorations
Jason M. Semler
Time to move?
Coupon must be presented before repair is started. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Expires: 10/31/16. Collision 2000 Oak Grove 763-753-0002
Important: Minnesota State Insurance Law states that you have a right to have your vehicle repaired in the shop of your choice.
Buy Any Traeger Wood Pellet Grill Receive A
FREE
Grill Cover
• Free home buyer consultation • Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Considering new construction? Check out award-winning, local builder “Delivering the Quality You Expect and Deserve Semler Homes, Inc. Since 1981” www.semlerhomes.com BC#0003649 Free estimates given.
Buy any Simplicity Tractor or Zero-Turn Mower
Receive 2 services, pickup and delivery
FREE
10% Off any snow blowers in stock
Visit us at our new location!
Plow World
1815 Viking Boulevard NE East Bethel, MN 55011 763.434.6900 • www.plowworld.com
Expires 10/31/16. One coupon per customer, per purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Plow World • East Bethel, MN
Expires 10/31/16. One coupon per customer, per purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Plow World • East Bethel, MN
Expires 10/31/16. One coupon per customer, per purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Plow World • East Bethel, MN
5
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
St. Francis High School Counselor’s Corner Samantha Schmidt SFHS Counselor
St. Francis High School (SFHS) counselors would like to welcome everyone back to school and share one of the exciting new programs taking place during Saints Time called Ramp-Up to Readiness. Ramp-Up to Readiness was created by the University of Minnesota and focuses on postsecondary planning and success. As described on their website, “Ramp-Up to Readiness is a school-wide advisory program that features an engaging and interactive series of activities designed to help all students graduate from high school ready for postsecondary success. The Ramp-Up outcomes are focused on the five pillars of readiness: academic, admissions, career, financial and personal, and social readiness. Ramp-Up helps students advance toward meeting those standards as they progress through school.” Each week, students will be led in a variety of activities that are designed to engage students while providing them information about college and career readiness. This program also challenges students to think about their own engagement and decision-making regarding postsecondary plans. Whether a student plans to go to a four-year college or university, a two-year community or technical colleges or directly into the workforce, it is important they have a plan. SFHS staff do everything in their power to ensure the success of students after they graduate. Implementing Ramp-Up to Readiness during Saints Time will give students a wealth of information and encourage them to begin thinking about and creating that plan. Not sure who your counselor is? This is the student breakdown for our department: Ms. Samantha Schmidt - Students with last names A-E Ms. Jaymie Helle – Students with last names F-K Ms. Jill Salo – Students with last names L-R Ms. Tammy Sworsky – Students with last names S-Z
Correction—for October 2016 issue of The Courier
There is a correction to the byline for the article that appeared in the August/ September 2016 issue of The Courier, Professional Learning Communities support collaboration and high expectations. The complete article, written by Steve Fetzik, appeared in the December 2015/January 2016 issue of The Courier. Excerpts appeared in the August/September issue with the byline given to Trina Schultz; that was an error.
Dental
Round Lake
www.roundlakedentalmn.com 13841 Round Lake Blvd. NW • Andover
763-421-0141 VSP Provider
Evening Appointments Emergencies Cosmetic Dentistry Accept Most Insurances Payment Options
Warm Wishes & Good Cheer!
Mary Dresch Agency American Star Certified Agency Excellence in Customer Experience 3747 Bridge Street NW St. Francis, Minnesota 763-753-9268 mdresc1@amfam.com
May the season be filled with Dreams come true!
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 008897 – Rev. 3/15
Now Enrolling!
Dr. Thomas Swenson, DDS
763-427-0285
Amanda Stoltman O.D.
13855 Round Lake Boulevard Andover
Coming Soon!
The St. Francis Middle School Saints mascot greeted students and their families at open house August 31. Jessica Rowles, SFMS Community Relations Coordinator
Jeff Smith O.D.
Mon, Thurs, Fri
8:30-5:30 Tues, Wed 8:30-8:00
Have your home questions answered! Tune into my podcasts that will take a 360° look around real estate— from buying, selling, investing in and owning a home. I will connect with a variety of industry professionals to discover the secrets in successfully managing your home and the importance of growing your own team of trusted professionals. Eric Schmoll
www.realestateready360.com email: eschmollmhm@gmail.com
763-301-0530
Free Early Head Start & Head Start Preschool Programs For pregnant women and families with children birth to age five Highlights of our programs: n Ongoing registration n Free program, including meals n School Readiness n Developmental Screenings n Social Services n Medical and Dental Services n Services for children with special needs n Financial Literacy and more! For application, contact: ACCAP Anoka/Washington County Head Start/Early Head Start Program
763-783-4328 ACCAP.org
®
6 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Independent School District 15 School Board candidate profiles Editor’s note: The Courier publishes candidate profiles and photos during each school board election to inform the community about the candidates that will appear on the ballot November 8. Ten candidates are vying for four seats (4-year term) on the Independent School District
15 School Board and three candidates are running for one seat that was vacated this year (2-year term). Candidates running for the 4-year term are (in alphabetical order): Suzanne Erkel, Meri Hass, Janet Hunt, Sarah Hunt, Alicia Johnson, Amy Kelly, Rob Schoenrock, Mike Starr, Sean
Courier Contacts Main Phone ����������������������������763-753-7031 Advertising �����������������������������763-753-7032 Billing ������������������������������������������763-213-1588 Fax �������������������������������������������������763-753-4693 Email �������������������������������������news@isd15.org Website �������������������� www.the-courier.org Like us on Facebook Address 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW St. Francis, MN 55070-9368 Publisher Lisa Rahn �����������������������������������763-753-7048 lisa.rahn@isd15.org Editor Kathleen Miller ����������������������763-753-7042 kathleen.miller@isd15.org Production Heidi Anderson ���������������������763-753-7033 heidi.anderson@isd15.org Binie Bertils Pat Johnson �����������������������������763-753-7025 pat.johnson@isd15.org Advertising Representative Mollie Ziebart �������������������������763-753-7032 mollie.ziebart@isd15.org
Deadline Information Deadline for the November issue of The Courier is October 7. Delivery For delivery inquiries call 763-753-7031 Letter to the Editor For the complete Letter to the Editor policy, visit www.the-courier.org. Policies and Pricing Visit www.the-courier.org for policy and pricing information. News Submission Send news and photos/captions to news@isd15.org. Subscriptions The publication is delivered at no charge to all residents in Independent School District 15. The Courier can be mailed to any address for an annual (10 issues) subscription rate of $18. The Courier is a publication prepared and distributed by Independent School District 15 Community Education and paid for with revenues generated by advertising sales.
Billing Amy Lindfors ��������������������������763-213-1588 amy.lindfors@isd15.org
M. Sullivan, Laura Waterworth. Running for the 2-year term are Jill Anderson, Peter Onstad, Scott Schwarz. The profiles appear in alphabetical order. Each candidate was asked the following: Name Address Occupation 1. Write about your background and family, including how long you have lived in Independent School District 15. 2. Describe your involvement with ISD 15 schools in the past five years. What do you believe qualifies you to be a school board member? 3. What do you see as the school board’s roles and responsibilities and what makes a school board effective? 4. What is your vision for education in ISD 15 and how does that relate to the mission? 5. What three goals do you hope to accomplish if elected to the school board? 6. What are the biggest issues facing ISD 15 and how would you address them? ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
l a t n e R t n e m u r t s In Lesson Program Rent • Buy • New • Used Band, Orchestra, Guitars, Drums
Bring your instruments in and we’ll sell them. Repair Guitar Supplies Piano Books (In Stock or Order)
www.reynoldsmusicanoka.com
763-421-1062
108 Main Street • Anoka www.reynoldsmusicanoka.com
Consignment Center MUSIC &Educator Approved Instruments 1/15
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30-8; Friday 9:30-6; Saturday 9-4
Jill Anderson 20913 Rendova Street NE East Bethel, MN 55011 Project Management Assistant Chief 1. I have been a resident of the District for 19 years. My husband, Jason Anderson, son, Colton Teetzel (a junior at SFHS) and I live in East Bethel. I am employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs as an assistant chief in the Project Management Office. I have extensive experience overseeing budgets, developing strategic and financial plans and
overseeing human resources. I possess a master’s in public administration. 2. I believe giving back to your community is important and have continually done so throughout my life. I am a member of the District’s Special Education Advisory Council. Last fall, I began volunteering with the Grid Club. I have been an advocate for my son’s education and now I am ready to be an advocate for all of our children. I am committed to ensuring the community has a board member who is actively engaged with the educators, the public and students and represents their concerns. 3. School board members are charged with representing what is best for all of the students, even though it may conflict with what they want for their own children. They have an obligation to ensure all staff receives the support and tools they need to be successful. An effective board needs to have a shared vision for work and learning, build strategic partnerships and objectively seek answers to questions and challenges as they arise. 4. Our responsibility is to the students of ISD 15 and their education. We should be providing the students the opportunity to be more involved in their education and create choices over their programming to reach their goals. We should be including all of the stakeholders in decisions on programming from educators to students. My vision directly mirrors the District’s mission! 5. Invest in staff, students and activities! Investing in staff training is important and we also need to ensure the leadership in the District is also receiving training on how to grow and develop their staff. Having an open environment where continuous learning is encouraged will improve the education system. We also need to improve and/ or increase programming options for our students. Lastly, our District needs to actively support
extracurricular activities offered for our students. These activities offer our students the opportunity to hone the following skills: team building, timemanagement, prioritization, motivation, responsibility and leadership. All of these skills are important to their future success. 6. Space, resources and safety! Space is an ongoing issue as programming and student population is ever changing. Finding resources to locate and retain quality educators along with necessary resources for finances are challenging. It is a delicate balance to have a healthy fund balance and also have resources. It is important to our District to have both. Lastly, student and staff safety is important. Having educators trained and specialized in student conduct is extremely important to the well-being of our students and staff. To address these issues, we need to engage our stakeholders, staff and students to work toward solutions.
Suzanne Erkel 20788 Okinawa Street East Bethel, MN 55011 Substitute teacher, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant 1. We moved into the district in 1998 and have been married 29 years this month. We have two children that have graduated from this amazing district. 2. I am involved with the senior activities within the district. I have helped with fundraising and volunteered every chance I was available. Additionally, I attend as many events as the district puts on, including East Bethel Community School talent shows, spring Continued On Page 7
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Continued From Page 6
School Board candidate profiles carnivals, sports, St. Francis High School drama events and more. We truly have a multitude of talent in our district and I enjoy every moment I get to participate. 3. School board members have a multitude of responsibilities and duties. They are primarily responsible for setting the vision for the district that best serves the students, advising, evaluating and directing the superintendent on financial management, setting and updating policies and as a medium between the public and the administration. The school board must hold the administration accountable for everything, the good and the not so great. 4. My vision for the district is to see the fulfillment of the strategic plan, determine methods of increasing our test scores and see all of our students become successful, with the awareness that success is not defined by everyone the same. This ties directly into our mission relating to the empowerment of students to achieve their dreams by gaining knowledge and skills to do so. 5. If elected my goals are to interact more with staff, students and the community, to discover what they see needs improving upon and relay that information to the people that can do it. I would like to increase community awareness of all of the wonderful positive aspects that occur within the district and to maintain a higher general fund balance. I would like to see the final improvement of the facilities. Finally, I would like to help implement the procedures and policies that fulfill all aspects of the strategic plan. 6. The biggest issues facing our district are the public perceptions and satisfaction of many of the staff. These will take several steps to improve.
Meri Hass 7338 269th Avenue NW St. Francis, MN 55070 Dental Hygienist 1. Formerly Meri Neumann, I grew up here and went K-12 in ISD 15 schools. My mother served on our school board for 14½ years. She taught me the importance of a strong educational foundation. I graduated with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I married a St. Francis graduate and moved here 10 years ago when we decided to start our family. We now have two amazing daughters. 2. My daughters attended the Lifelong Learning Center and currently attend East Bethel Community School. I enjoy volunteering in their schools and meeting many fabulous students and staff. My family is involved in the Community Ed Rec Department and I have connected with many families there. I would be a great go-between for the community and board as I am an active listener, fair and objective. School board members should be involved in the community in which they serve. 3. The school board’s role is to adopt policies to make the district function to its highest potential, which ultimately results in student success. A key responsibility of the school board is managing the budget and making sure tax dollars are spent in the classroom. Communication and transparency make a school board effective and that is what I will strive for. 4. My vision is for a wellrounded education for all students in ISD 15 to allow them to achieve their full potential after high school, wherever that path may lead. Students need to be motivated and challenged to reach their goals in a safe, respectful environment
with the highest quality educators. 5. We need to work together and communicate with community members, staff and students to achieve student success. People need to feel their voices are being heard by the board. Secondly, increasing class sizes stand in the way of academic achievement. Our students deserve the best learning environment possible. Lastly, we need to be watchdogs so that our tax dollars are used for the classroom. ISD 15 needs equitable funding from the state of Minnesota. 6. I love St. Francis! However, I feel I am constantly defending our town’s reputation. We need to emphasize the positives while changing the negatives. I will work to promote academic achievement in a drug-free, respectful environment for all students. Our community has positively rallied recently and we need to keep this active involvement going to make St. Francis a place we are all proud to call home and produce successful students. Go Saints!
Committee and negotiations for various groups. I am an alternate for Oak Land Vocational Co-op (which is no longer) and Schools for Equity in Education. I have also been the liaison for Cedar Creek Community School and currently St. Francis Middle School. 3. The role of the school board is to work together on policies, budgets and superintendent evaluations. To attend meetings, serve on committees and negotiations. To be an effective school board we have to work together and support the decisions made as a group. Sometimes it is
to agree to disagree but still support the final decision made. 4. The vision I have for ISD 15 is always the kids. They need to graduate from our district with everything they need to succeed. 5. Goals I have is to make sure the district is in alignment with the Strategic Plan and laws/rules/policies are being followed, that the needs are being met for not only students but all staff and that the district is being fiscally responsible and transparent to our community. 6. One of the biggest issues we face is money. Our Continued On Page 8
Your Real Estate Expert in Home & Land Sales since 1995!
Larry D. Anderson, GRI Realtor® 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis, Minnesota 55070 Cell: 763-360-4551 Office: 763-323-8080 Fax: 763-753-0395 larry.anderson@results.net www.results.net/larry.anderson
Larry the Landman… Buy or Sell Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
Homes for Sale St. Francis, 4 BR rambler ������������������������������� $199,900 St. Francis, 2 BR townhome ������������������������� $139,900 Andover, 3 BR, 2+ acres �������������������������������� $309,900 Ham Lake, 5 BR, 2.5 acres ���������������������������� $519,000 Isanti County, 3 BR, 15 acres ���������������������� $220,000 Oak Grove, 3 BR on Rum River, 4 acres ����� $289,000 St. Francis, Office Building, 3,700 sq. ft. ����� $517,000
Land/Property for Sale St. Francis, 20 acres ����$200,000 St. Francis, 33 acres ����$299,000 St. Francis, 32 acres ����$199,000 Isanti County, 61 acres, irrigated ��������$341,000 Sell your home or land with Larry…call TODAY!
St. Francis High School presents… Janet Hunt 250 237th Avenue NE Bethel, MN 55005 State of Minnesota Department of Human Services 1. I am married with 4 children (one is a senior at SFHS), 4 stepchildren, 3 grandkids and 2 more on the way. I work for the State of MN DHS. I have lived in Bethel since June 2011. 2. This is my fifth year on the St. Francis school board. I have served on the Financial Planning Action Committee (FPAC), Communications Committee, Joint Standing Committee-Teacher Academy, Finance and Policy Committee, this year I am part of the Cabinet + 3
7
36
The Annual
th
Madrigal…
Evening Dinner Shows
November 17, 18, 19 • 7:00 p.m.
Matinee Dinner Show
November 20 • 4:00 p.m.
St. Francis High School Commons 3325 Bridge Street • St. Francis
Adults $22 & Students $17 Tickets will be available online beginning October 20 at seatyourself.biz/ stfrancishs For questions, call 763-213-1800 x1489.
8 October 2016 The Courier Continued From Page 7
School Board Candidate Profiles buildings/grounds need to be maintained and some of the buildings need some repairs and updates. Our staff also needs to receive a comparable wage. It is important to me that we employ the best and I want staff to stay in our district.
Sarah Hunt 23246 Kerry Street NW St. Francis, MN 55070 Educational Assistant Substitute for ISD 15 1. I am a mother of four children ranging in ages 24-12. My two oldest girls attend St. Francis High School, while my youngest boy attends St. Francis
Middle School. We have lived in St. Francis for five years. I attended St. Cloud State University where I studied psychology and social work. 2. For the last two years I have been an employee of ISD 15. My first year role was primarily as an educational assistant substitute and at times I would also fill in as a nutritional service member. During this time, I was able to work at every school in our district. This last year I worked as an educational assistant at Crossroads. The need for substitutes is so great in our district that when my contract was up with Crossroads, I decided to return to subbing. Being a parent that works for the district has provided me with a unique opportunity to already work with many members of ISD 15. 3. As a school board member, I believe that we are serving as a liaison of sorts between citizens, students and staff members. Speaking more literally about the position; our responsibilities are, but not limited to: approving and monitoring budget, hiring and evaluating the
Have you heard?
Speech Language Therapy, close to home. Speech sound disorders, language delay, social language, augmentative communication, auditory processing disorders and oral motor.
Family Speech & Therapy Services Andover • Edina • Otsego 763-755-4275 • FamilySpeech.com
superintendent and other administrative staff and working alongside educators to develop and adopt new curriculum. School boards are most effective when they are open to work with all members that make up a school district. They need to be vigilant and proactive, looking at items with defined goals and objectives. 4. My vision for ISD 15 is to continue to focus on keeping families and the community involved in our students education process. I go back to the old saying, that it takes a village to raise a child and I believe this. The more people supporting a student the more likely they are to reach their full potential as a responsible and successful citizen. 5. First as a school board member I would like to figure out with the rest of the board what we could do to assist with more transparency and open dialogue between the administration and other members of the ISD 15 team. Second, I want to reevaluate the budget so that our classes are never short staffed and make sure we are doing all that we can to make sure all our substitute “banks” are filled with plenty of qualified staff. Thirdly, work with our highly qualified educators to create a mandated curriculum that truly prepares our students for life outside of high school: career readiness, money management, how to handle credit, etc. 6. We need to find more effective ways of communicating with our parents and community; prioritizing their involvement is influential in our student’s success. While being budget conscious we need to make certain that our schools are never understaffed and that our classroom sizes are the most beneficial environment for learning. Alicia Johnson 980 227th Avenue NW Bethel, MN 55005 Candidate did not submit a candidate profile.
Amy Kelly 3350 181st Avenue NW Andover, MN 55304 Occupation: Cosmetologist 1. I was raised in a family of educators who taught me the value of education. I have four children and two son in-laws. All of them graduated from St. Francis High School. I am also a grandma (Mimi) to 5 beautiful grandchildren! I have lived in ISD 15 for almost 30 years and I love this community! 2. I was elected to the ISD 15 School Board in fall of 2003. In that time, I served on numerous committees including Schools for Equity in Education (SEE), the Oakland Board, the Finance and Policy Committee and a delegate for the Minnesota School Board Association. I believe education is the foundation and strength of our community and I would be honored to continue serving my community! 3. The hiring of a superintendent to run and manage the school district, approve spending and budgets, review and approve policy and set the vision for the district! An effective board will listen to the viewpoints of others, discuss options openly showing respect for others at all times. When a vote is taken, it is important to respect and support the will of the board. 4. My vision for ISD 15 is the continued support and retention of our staff! When we retain the best and the brightest employees they, in turn, will help our students gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential! 5. Goal number one: continue to support of the professional learning communities that have allowed staff to share and collaborate student data
| www.the-courier.org
while improving student learning. Goal number two: continue to approve balanced budgets knowing we are responsible to the community and taxpayers of ISD 15. Goal 3: invest in technology. 6. The biggest issue has always been funding. Minnesota’s education funding formulas are not fair and equitable. I will continue my work with Schools for Equity in Education (SEE), supporting legislation that provides adequate and equitable funding so our students can reach their full potential.
Peter Onstad 23260 University Ave. Ext. NW St. Francis, MN 55070 Director of Retail Banking/ Vice President 1. I grew up in Buffalo, Minn. and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1999. From there I went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead. I graduated in 2003 with a major in organizational communication and minors in business and coaching. I am currently working to achieve my graduate degree from the UW Madison Graduate School of Banking. I have spent the past 13 years in the banking industry and currently work for The Bank of Elk River. My wife Sarah and I have been blessed with two children, Lilly and Gunnar. Lilly is currently in first grade at East Bethel Community School and Gunnar will start preschool next fall. 2. You may know me as “The Voice of the Saints.” I am the PA announcer for varsity football and basketball games at St. Francis High School. One of my biggest passions is coaching and helping others achieve success. I have coached different Continued On Page 9
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Continued From Page 8
School Board Candidate Profiles Community Ed teams throughout ISD 15. Being a servant leader on the school board could greatly relate to my professional career where I coach and provide leadership to others. 3. The main role and responsibility for a School Board should be to work collaboratively with the community to help improve student achievement. In order for this to happen, the School Board needs to help provide the necessary tools and programs to make this possible. An effective School Board helps set the vision and goals for the school district. The school board should help create a vision by providing resources to teachers. 4. My vision for education and ISD 15 is “Putting Students First.” I want to make sure all students have the tools and resources to achieve academic success. The same is necessary for teachers and staff. I want to provide them with the necessary resources to ensure the students succeed in and out of the classroom. 5. One of my goals if elected would be to create a longterm vision for District 15 and how it will consistently look for ways to improve programming, student achievement and facilities. Another goal if elected would be that ISD 15 maintains financial integrity within the district while providing quality programs that meet and exceed the needs of the students. My third goal if elected would be to create a collaborative culture between ISD 15 and the community. 6. I believe ISD 15 is currently in great shape but also has some areas of development that could use additional focus. With my professional experience, I can help lead the district to make fiscally responsible choices that will help better the students and staff of ISD 15. The teachers, staff, administration and students within ISD 15 deserve clear communication from the
school board and I will help provide clarity between all departments. With my financial background and my professional experience, I will help lead ISD 15 to achieve success while being fiscally responsible by always “Putting Students First.”
Rob Schoenrock 360 Swan Lake Lane NW Oak Grove, MN 55011 Self Employed - Schoenrock Signs & Graphics 1. I was born and raised in Finlayson, Minn. by two awesome parents who instilled in me a solid work ethic. I grew up observing them participate on many different committees and boards within our community (Lions Club, School Board, Church…). I graduated from HinckleyFinlayson High School in 1993 and continued my education at Hibbing Community College then onto the University of Minnesota. I played basketball through college, which taught me the meaning of hard work, cooperation and working for the team goal. 2. I met my wonderful wife, Andrea, at the University of Minnesota and we’ve been married for 16 years. We’ve been blessed with four beautiful children: Caleb, Emily, Haley and Sophie. I run a sign company, which I started in 2001 in our basement. We bought land in the district 13 years ago and with the help of friends and family, we built our dream home. We love living in this community! 3. Being a parent of four children, preschool to fifth grade, allowed me to spend time at Lifelong Learning Center and Cedar Creek Community School. I’ve enjoyed coaching my kids’ basketball teams the past 5 years. Through volunteering, I’ve stepped up to be the
vice president of St. Francis Basketball Association. We’re a family committed to school and community involvement. You’ll find my wife Andrea, volunteering as vice president of the PTO at Cedar Creek Community School and our family often helping with school PTO events. Being a small business owner for the past 15 years, I’ve learned to listen to the client, make sound decisions and manage budgets. 4. The role of a school board member is to be part of a collaborative team that makes decisions in the best interest of our community, students and teachers. To make the school board effective you need to have open and honest communication between everyone involved. I welcome anyone to contact me with questions or concerns: Phone: 763-232-7902 Email: RobSchoenrock22@ gmail.com Facebook: @ RobSchoenrock4SchoolBoard 5. My vision for ISD 15 is to continue to build school and community pride. I’d like to encourage the support and participation of parents, teachers and community members so all children can succeed to their highest potential. By engaging and improving commitment of the entire community we can all take part in raising young children who will turn into productive citizens. Rebuild community support for the school. Optimize our budget dollars while still providing our students rich experiences Adding additional activities for our students 6. Challenges ahead of us include funding and the reputation others have of ISD 15. I plan to apply my budgeting skills in making responsible financial decisions to maintain and improve our district. I like to spotlight the positive things in the community. Through celebrating accomplishments of our students, staff and community we can change our reputation. GO SAINTS!
Scott Schwarz 22609 Zion Parkway Oak Grove, MN 55005 Walmart Assistant Manager 1. My family and I have lived in the Independent School District for 11 years. Our four children have all attended and graduated from St. Francis High School. 2. My involvement with the schools has been with my kids. Soccer, band, pit orchestra, college in the classroom, conferences, etc, trying to stay involved with their learning and the learning process as much as possible. Updating myself on what is going on in the district and within the state when it comes to education and funding education. What qualifies me is what may qualify a number of people, the experience of four kids going through District 15. They each have different learning habits, desires and plans for after high school. Working with
them and their teachers gave me an understanding of the different things that are offered for different kids, with the same result of graduating and being ready to move forward after graduation. 3. School board members have the responsibility to make sure the $10,000 plus we receive for each pupil in our district, is used to educate and work with the students to achieve the best education possible. These dollars need to be allocated to the people and the services that are working directly with our kids. 4. My vision is that each child can be educated to their full potential and be ready for the next step out of our district whether it is college, military, the trades, selfemployed, or working for others. 5. Three goals if elected: Confirm our budget for the next 3 years and confirm we will remain within our budget. Look for additional avenues that will help our students to the next step. For example: courses on learning a trade occupation. Assure the people in our district that the funds we receive are going to the staff and resources who directly effect our students’ learning and education. Continued On Page 10 22973 Rum River Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN
612-282-1062 Visit us on Facebook for store hours.
Use this coupon to receive
1.00 Off your combined shake & tea order
$
One coupon per customer per order. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 10/31/16.
1
$ 00
Off
NOW HIRING 3220 Bridge Street
St. Francis
Screen Printer and Embroiderer ezteezmn.com
Silk Screen & Embroidery 763-443-2243 T-SHIRTS
JACKETS
HATS
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
50% OFF SET-UP FEE NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS EXP: 1/31/17
PRESENT AD
9
10 October 2016 The Courier Continued From Page 9
School Board Candidate Profiles 6. Biggest issues: Rising costs of expenseshow does it affect the budget? State mandates-how do we achieve these mandates within our budget and not ask for property tax increases to achieve these mandates? Determining if the state’s change in the graduation testing, to the new testing system; how does it effect the learning of the students so they are prepared after graduation?
Mike Starr 3215 217th Avenue NW Oak Grove, MN 55303 1. My family moved to St. Francis in 1968 and I graduated from St. Francis High School in 1972; eight brothers and sisters graduated from ISD 15. After high school, U.S. Air Force 1972-77, attended Minot State University, graduated in 1981 with a
B.S. in Criminal Justice. North Dakota State Parole/ Probation Agent for five years. Full time (Active Guard Reserve) for the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1986, retired in 1998, moved home to Oak Grove. Married to my wife, Sue, for 31 years. We have three sons, two who graduated from SFHS. 2. Served on the ISD 15 school board 2001-2005. Did not run for another term because my new job as a contract trainer for Fred Pryor Seminars. As a trainer in many different parts of the nation, I have had to adapt to my class, make on-the-spot changes, adapt to the room to train in, respond and ask questions and to think on the spot. I bring these skills to the school board to do what has to be done and the most important skills are to communicate, verify information and respond to our parents, staff and students when they have questions or concerns. 3. School board members must earn trust and credibility with the superintendent, administrators, staff, parents and students. We plan 3-5 years out, we ask questions and we verify the information. I have had to make decisions and sometimes those decisions are hard to make, yet they need to be made. I will make the hard right decisions to make ISD 15 a magnet school, where parents and
Midwest Family Counseling, P.A.
students want to attend ISD 15. 4. As a school district we help students to be ready for the next higher level of education, or for the work force. If we do not have the tools, time and staff to do the job, the mission statement means nothing. Are we asking the students, what do you see we need to do, to help you get ready for life after high school? 5. My three goals are: A) Ask questions and verify all information from administrators to prevent another superintendent contract buy out and pay back to the state in the amount of over $855,000. B) To ensure all school buildings have the tools and staff needed to help our students meet or exceed the mission statement. I would like to see our welding, auto and wood shop classes have two hours of class time each day to work on their projects. C) Security and safety of all of our buildings, from secured doors, lockdowns, transportation of students and the training of staff to protect our students. 6. Funding has been and always will be the biggest issue facing a school district. Federal and state mandates with no funding or just a small part of the cost is a fiscal problem for school districts. Mandates without funding has to be communicated to our elected officials and we have to show them how it affects us.
Individual – Relationship – Adolescent – Adult – Child
763-753-9459
St. Francis Forest Lake Lighthouse Building Franklin Building 23038 Rum River Blvd. NW 69 North Lake Street BHP – Preferred One – UCare – MHCP
Bruce W. Barton, M.Div., M.A., LMFT, LP
Retirement Investments 23847 Johnson Street NE, Suite# 2 East Bethel, MN 55005
763-753-6614 www.highlandmoneymgmt.com
College Planning Life Insurance
David Johnson Serving the local community since 1999.
Highland Money Management is independent of Parkland Securities, LLC & SPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sigma Planning Corporation, a registered investment advisor. Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA & SIPC.
Sean Sullivan 20160 Quapaw Street NW Oak Grove, MN 55303 Business and Economic Development Professional 1. Anoka County resident since 1976, ISD 15 resident for 18 years. Happily married with two children and currently live in Oak Grove. Bachelor of science degree in business administration
from Metropolitan State University (2005). Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) Certification (2011), Volunteer Baseball Coach, Oak Grove Acorn Day Committee Member – Kids Games and Marketing (2012-2016) Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) Board of Directors, GPS 45:93 Board of Directors. 2. I have two children that are enrolled in ISD 15 and believe they are getting a quality education. I have attended many ISD 15 athletic events (football, baseball, soccer, etc.) and value the impact that athletics has on the development of children through conditioning, teamwork, competition and the friendships it builds. My community involvement, education, experience as an Oak Grove City Council member prepared me to be an effective school board member. 3. The Board should be a watchdog for the taxpayer dollar. As a city council member for the city of Oak Grove, I voted to adopt a 2016 budget that resulted in the lowest local tax rate for any city in Anoka County while providing a high level of service. Board members need to make sure that every tax dollar is spent wisely to improve the education and learning environment for all of our students. My voting record supports maximizing available tax revenue and keeping taxes low. 4. My vision for ISD 15 is to provide strong leadership and good decision-making that leads to a balanced budget and provides teachers and students the tools and skills they need to succeed in the classroom and life. Ongoing collaboration between the Board, community, teachers, students and administrative staff will lead to improvements to the educational system. We want our St. Francis graduates to be employable, teachable and good citizens. 5. Maximize every tax dollar the district receives to provide the best education for ISD 15 students and be a leader. Improve the conditions at St. Francis High School so that we can
| www.the-courier.org
attract quality teachers, students, businesses and families to our district. Implement changes to the required curriculum that allows students more flexibility to take more STEM or technical education classes to prepare them for employment and educational options after high school. 6. Gaining the trust of taxpayers, students, administrative staff and teachers that ISD 15 will not keep making mistakes that result in fines, financial settlements that ultimately take budget dollars away from the students and facilities. Making good decisions at the Board level improves all aspects of ISD 15 and the community. My experience on various boards of directors, as an elected official, attainment of a college degree and a parent involved in the community will enable me to do just that. Maintenance of facilities and keeping up with technology could be better. We need to proactively budget for the general maintenance of district facilities and updating of technology to prevent more costly repairs or expenses in the future due to neglect or oversight.
Laura Waterworth 2500 244th Avenue NW St. Francis, MN 55070 Aveda Global Education Project Manager for 10 years 1. I have two daughters, ages 6 and 7. I grew up in a rural farm community in northwest Minnesota, attended Concordia College where I earned business and communications degrees and have been a project manager for Aveda since 2005. I have lived in ISD 15 since 2009, but have been part of the community since 2003, when my husband began teaching here. Continued On Page 11
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
ISD 15 Maintenance Department follows guidelines for safe environment Heidi Anderson
Staff Writer
In order to provide a safe environment for all at Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) facilities, the District’s Maintenance Department continuously follows state guidelines, which includes water testing. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), schools should conduct tests for lead in water every five years. ISD 15 tested the water at all of their facilities in 2014 and 2015. In testing, the amount of lead in water is measured in parts per billion (ppb). MDH recommends that if the amount of lead found in water is over 20 ppb, maintenance employees should flush the water at least twice a day and begin looking into long-term solutions. In the 2014 test results, three in-classroom drinking fountains with results exceeding 20 ppb were shut off and removed. Five sink faucets were replaced as quickly as possible with new, lead-free faucets. Before they were replaced, maintenance employees recommended that staff not use those faucets and set up a routine for the faucets to be flushed for three minutes in the Continued From Page 10
School Board Candidate Profiles 2. My daughters attend East Bethel Community School and previously attended Lifelong Learning Center. I am an active classroom volunteer and participant in school-sponsored events. My girls enjoy community education activities and, as a family, we are avid supporter of Saints athletics, regularly attending games and events. 3. I am collaborative and understand the value of establishing productive working relationships. As a project manager, I am often required to unite people, despite challenges and constraints, in order to effectively complete a project. My work experience will translate positively to the demands of collaborating with fellow school board members, district leaders and the community. I am skilled at listening, pinpointing issues/problems and finding appropriate solutions; I am thoughtful in my decisionmaking and resourceful in my problem-solving. 4. A school board should strengthen the relationship between the district and the community it serves by listening and showing objectivity and open-
morning. A drinking fountain and three faucets had results approaching 20 ppb. According to ISD 15 Maintenance Department Supervisor Chris Wirz, the fixtures were not going to get better on their own, so maintenance staff took a proactive approach and treated these fixtures in the same way that they did to those fixtures exceeding 20 ppb. In 2015, testing was conducted using the same protocols as the 2014 testing. A classroom drinking fountain and two sink faucets tested over 20 ppb and were either removed or replaced, using the same procedure as in 2014. A sink faucet approaching 20 ppb was also replaced. Wirz said that in the wake of the issues in Flint, Michigan, testing water for lead is currently at the forefront of many citizens’ concerns, but ISD 15 has been testing water for many years prior and resolving issues as they developed. “This is not an issue we would take lightly, have taken lightly, nor will ever take lightly,” Wirz said.
mindedness; an effective school board is one that makes decisions based upon the best interests of the students. 5. One of my greatest joys as a parent is watching my children experience the world and knowing they can be anything they want to be. I believe that every child should have this same opportunity, which is why I am excited and honored to be running for a seat on the ISD 15 School Board. Their mission is to provide quality education that enables all students to realize their full potential and make a positive impact on the world and I want to join them by dedicating my time and talents to further the success of our students and schools. If elected, I will lead with integrity, listen well, strive for collaboration and work hard for every student, parent, teacher, administrator and resident. While I have no preconceived plan or agenda, I know there are areas of opportunity for ISD 15; my overall goal is to listen, learn and guide the district in a positive direction. Specifically, I would: Focus on building up our schools with adequate resources to move the community forward. Enforce the current strategic plan to build trust and
facilitate engagement with all ISD 15 stakeholders. Establish stronger connections among the district’s buildings and each building’s departments. 6. Predicting future challenges is difficult. Some research shows that issues like funding, poverty and technology will become common in many public schools. I see our local challenges being similar and potentially including outdated classrooms and other facilities, teacher and administration turnover and lack of community support.
ACT preparation Jill Salo
SFHS Counseling Office
All St. Francis High School (SFHS) sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on Thursday, October 6. Mobile devices will be removed from the classroom during the assessment. Students should get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast before school and make sure to arrive at SFHS with plenty of time to spare. The Pre-ACT will help students prepare for the ACT with a predictor score. Students will also take a brief career assessment before the test to help with post-secondary arrangements.
11
East Bethel Community School students keep active in Century Club Jamie Studnicka
EBCS Community Relations Coordinator
East Bethel Community School (EBCS) students earn prizes for being active in a program called the Century Club. Every month EBCS special subject teachers send home a newsletter highlighting events in their classes. On the back of the newsletter is a Century Club calendar. Students earn points each day they are active outside of the school day. Students earn two points for a vigorous activity, which is one that increases the heart rate, makes them sweat and out of breath. These activities can include riding a bike, running, gymnastics, soccer or more. If the student does a light activity, such as walking or household chores, they can earn one point. Students can earn a maximum of two points per day. At the end of the month, students can bring their calendar back to school and points are tracked in physical education class. When a student gets 100 points, they become part of the Century Club and get a certificate, blue Century Club wristband and a prize. Students earn a red wristband for 200 points, a green wristband for 300 points and a glow-in-the-dark wristband for 400 points. Last year, EBCS students earned over 55,000 points. The goal of the Century Club is to promote activity outside of school and help students learn to be lifelong movers. According to Minnesota State Standard Three, a physically literate student is one that regularly participates in physical activity. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education, American Heart Association and the Center for Disease Control all recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of activity daily. EBCS students will again participate in the Century Club during the 2016-17 school year.
Last year, East Bethel Community School student Gavin C. earned 480 points in Century Club. Photo by Jamie Studnicka
Halloween Party
Saturday, Prizes October 8 Starting at 5:30 p.m.
FREE Booya Hosted by Herb and Chum
with DJ Troy Saturday, October 29 Starting at 9:00 p.m.
Costume contest prizes awarded for first, second, third place at Midnight.
The Tiki bar is open! Come and check it out.
Patriot Lanes Bar and Grill Check us out at patriotlanesbarandgrill.com
3085 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4011 • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
12 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
School Board Highlights Director Amy Kelly absent Tribute to School Board Director David Roberts Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) Chairwoman Marsha Van Denburgh, Superintendent Troy Ferguson, School Board members and others gave tribute to ISD 15 School Board Director David Roberts. Roberts lost his life in an accident July 20. St. Francis High School Weighted Grades St. Francis High School (SFHS) Principal Doug Austin, SFHS Site Management Council (SMC) parent representative Joette Hennen, SFHS student council vice president Jill Cherney and SFHS SMC chair Julie Cuscaden presented a report on implementing weighted grades at SFHS. Weighted grades allow students to take more rigorous courses without concern that earning a lower grade will greatly affect their grade point average. Surveys were given to parents, students and faculty on weighted grades and feedback was gathered from SMC discussions, SFHS student council members, peer leaders and district administration. The result was met with support and a weighted grade system will be implemented this school year for Advanced Placement and
College in the School courses and will be retroactive for courses that current SFHS students have taken. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Ferguson said that due to the sudden death of ISD 15 School Board Director Roberts, ISD 15 must hold a special election to fill the open seat, which will be a two-year term that expires January 2019. The special election will run at the same time as the general election November 8. ISD 15 will also need to appoint a temporary replacement. Ferguson met with the District’s core Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) trainers to discuss preparations for public forums. In approving the School Board meeting dates for the next year, Ferguson recommended that the School Board meeting scheduled for Monday, November 28, 2016 be moved to Tuesday, November 29 to accommodate a three-day Thanksgiving break and grading day. Ferguson thanked several staff members for their work toward ISD’s mission statement. Action Items The ISD 15 School Board unanimously approved the following items: Policy 101 - Legal Status of the School District, Policy 102 - Legal Status of the School Board, Policy 401 - School Weapons, Policy 402 - Search
School Board Members
School Board Meeting Schedule
Marsha Van Denburgh Chairwoman 763-753-6653
School board meetings are held in the Community Room at Central Services Center, located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis.
School Board Highlights July 25, 2016 Heidi Anderson
Staff writer
Janet Hunt Vice Chairwoman
763-221-5341
Barbara Jahnke Clerk 763-753-6846 Amy Kelly Treasurer 763-744-8458 Suzanne Erkel Director
763-413-1195
David Roberts Director Scott Schwarz Director 763-898-6985 Email: schoolboard@isd15.org
Monday, October 10 & 24 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Live streaming and video archives of school board meetings are available at www.isd15.org/sbvideo
of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Student’s Person, Policy 577 - Compensation for Part-Time and Temporary Employees, a Level III Grievance, Memorandum of Understanding - Educational Assistant Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse - Unaffiliated, a Lease Agreement for the Oak Land East Site in Cambridge and all Annual Resolutions.
School Board Highlights August 8, 2016 Heidi Anderson Staff writer
All Board Members present Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 School Board Report Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) School Board Director Suzanne Erkel reported on the Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 School Board. The Capitol View Center school was renamed to Quora Education Center. There will be no increase in membership fees for member school districts this year. ISD 15 became a member district in late 2015. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Troy Ferguson said that due to the death of ISD 15 School Board Director David Roberts, ISD 15 needs to be in the process of appointing a replacement. The Board decided to post a notice through the District’s website and social media pages for interested candidates to contact the District by August 19. All interested candidates must be interviewed before the Board appoints a replacement. After a candidate has been selected, a 30-day waiting period is required. If five percent of the
voting public from the previous election disputes the School Board’s choice with a petition, the process must start over. After a replacement for the two-year term is elected in the special election on November 8, the elected candidate will be sworn in at the next meeting in November. Susan Hintz of Transformation Systems met with ISD 15 teacher leaders and the District Leadership Team to ensure staff better understands their role in demonstrating the District’s mission and how it relates to the Strategic Plan. St. Francis High School (SFHS) chemical health therapist Eve Kaldahl will support SFHS and Saints Academy students during the 2016-17 school year. Ferguson, along with ISD 15 School Board Chairperson Marsha Van Denburgh and District administration, met with officials from the Anoka County Highway Department regarding progress on the roundabout project. Ferguson attended the last Oak Land board meeting August 3. Staff from ISD 15, Princeton and CambridgeIsanti school districts have removed items from the site. An appraiser will assess the building and then it will be put up for sale. Ferguson, Business Services Director Scott Nelson and SFHS Activities Director Jeff Fink presented information about upgrades to the stadium press box. The current press box no longer meets safety codes and must be fixed. Action Items The Board unanimously approved the following items: Memorandum of Understanding - Educational Assistant and Office
Call today and we’ll make your party one to remember. Cherise Foley 763-753-9696 22001 Lake George Blvd. Anoka
Professional Behavior Intervention Substitute and Awarding the Sale and Delivery of General Obligation Facilities Bond Series 2016A.
School Board Highlights August 22, 2016 Heidi Anderson
Staff writer
School Board Chair Marsha Van Denburgh and Director Scott Schwarz absent Anoka County Highway Department Update Harry Grams, Anoka County construction engineering supervisor, provided an update on the roundabout construction project. Weather slightly delayed progress on the project, but all road closures would be lifted by the beginning of the school year. Work on other projects, such as signage and lighting, will continue into September, but no construction work will be done during school start and end times. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Troy Ferguson, members of cabinet and Maintenance Supervisor Chris Wirz are scheduled to meet with staff from KrausAnderson and ICS Consulting regarding details about a possible bond referendum project. Ferguson said that this is a preliminary meeting and is in no way a commitment to any firm or even the project. Ferguson met with community leaders to discuss Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) protocol. Ferguson said he met with Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) principals, St. Francis Police Department interim Chief Schweiger, Officer Bulera and Officer Black regarding police liaison needs for this school year. ISD 15 is in the process of purchasing nearly three acres of land by the soccer and football fields located north of St. Francis High School. The land will be used to support additional parking. Ferguson said that there has been limited parking space available and Continued On Page 13
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
13
St. Francis High School drama department presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Glenn Morehouse-Olson
SFHS drama department
This fall, students at St. Francis High School will perform The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten land of Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. Performances will be held November 3, 4, 5 and 6. Watch for ticket information at www.isd15.org closer to the event. Continued From Page 12
School Board Highlights that visitors were struggling to find a space to park without getting ticketed by parking on the street. The property owner offered to sell the land to the district at a low cost and the city of St. Francis has already approved the district’s plan to expand the parking lot. Action Items The ISD 15 School Board unanimously approved the following action items: Approval of Teachers Memo of Understanding and Approval of Nutrition Services Fees for the 2016-17 school year.
School Board Highlights September 12, 2016 Heidi Anderson Staff writer
Director Scott Schwarz absent Response to Intervention evaluation Kim Gibbons of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota presented an overview of her evaluation of Response to Intervention (RTI) practices in Independent School District 15 (ISD 15). Gibbons said that after talking with ISD 15 staff, she found that staff wanted to learn more about RTI strategies, receive help identifying the best way to handle intervention techniques with students and see more consistency with RTI across the district. Gibbons also presented
testing data from ISD 15; results in ISD 15 are at the state average, but progress has been flat for the past few years. Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) protocol update Crossroads School & Vocational Center Principal Jay Powell and St. Francis Middle School Principal Dr. Bobbi Anderson Hume presented an update on the implementation of Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) protocol in the district in the unlikely event of an active shooter on ISD 15 property. ALICE committee members met with community leaders and parents in August to provide more information and answer questions. Drills using the ALICE protocol will be conducted throughout the school year at all ISD 15 schools.
Camp Learn A Lot was a great adventure at Cedar Creek Community School this summer. Pam Edblad and Mary Kay Tonsager’s fifth-grade students spent three weeks learning and reviewing skills needed to help them feel more confident and successful as they start their fifth-grade year. Edblad and Tonsager wanted to design activities that were both fun and academically oriented. The last day of Camp Learn A Lot involved community building games and eating picnic snacks while wearing their student-made T-shirts. Submitted by Mary Kay Tonsager and Pam Edblad, CCCS fifth-grade teachers
Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Troy Ferguson said that all licensed staff attended a daylong presentation of professional development from Mike Mattos, an expert on Professional Learning Communities and RTI. There was a late surge in kindergarten enrollment and two additional kindergarten teachers were hired to accommodate the higher number of students. A student who attends high school through an out-ofdistrict online school has asked if they can participate in school drama activities. Ferguson said that the ISD 15 School Board has not allowed students enrolled in an online school outside of ISD 15 to participate
in district activities. He asked Board members if they would like to continue with this policy; the Board unanimously agreed to continue with current protocol. Ferguson asked for board members’ opinions on how to move forward with selecting a partnering company for a possible bond referendum in the spring. He suggested that he and cabinet members narrow down the list to the one they think would be the best fit and then present the findings to the Board toward the end of the year. The Board would then decide whether or not a referendum would take place in the spring. The Board agreed
with Ferguson’s suggestion. School Board Member Replacement School Board members interviewed Jerry Etesse and Jill Anderson to select a temporary replacement to the ISD 15 School Board. The Board voted 3-2 to select Etesse as the replacement. There will now be a 30-day waiting period. If five percent of the voting public from the previous election petitions the Board’s selection, the replacement process will start over. A permanent replacement for the two-year term will be voted on in the November 8 election and will be sworn in at the November 14 Board meeting.
Breakfast with the Captain
New Fall Menu
Breakfast menu now available Saturday and Sundays 8:00 a.m. until Noon Breakfast Buffet available Sundays 10:00 a.m. until Noon or choose something off the menu
Don’t forget Saturday and Sunday
5
$
breakfast
Mon-Th 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 27821 Bayshore Drive NW, Isanti, MN Sat 8 a.m.-1 a.m. 763-444-5897 Sun 8 a.m.-11 p.m. L A K E S I D E
3645 Bridge Street, St. Francis 763-753-1265 www.stfrancishardware.com
Buy your hunting license here.
G R I L L E
Check out our beautiful event center by the lake.
14 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Maintenance Department making a difference for students Nancy Wallace
ISD 15 Strategic Plan Implementation Team
“I wonder what’s going on at that school with all the cars and equipment in the parking lot. It’s the middle of summer!” This comment was overheard a few weeks ago at a local restaurant. The answer is that the ISD 15 Maintenance Department was hard at work ensuring that each district
facility was clean, healthy and safe for students and staff when they return to begin the school year. The ISD 15 maintenance and custodial staff see themselves as a service-oriented department according to Maintenance Supervisor Chris Wirz. “Those who work in the department want to make a difference for each learner in the district through the work they do to
love. Love God | Love Others LivingHopeEFC.org
Now enrolling preschool and school age, for before and after. Childcare Center 763-753-5010 www.kidscountrychildcare.com 23256 St. Francis Blvd. NW, St. Francis Proudly accepting Child Care Assistance
Trunk-N-Treat
Saturday, October 29 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Candy will be given out to children in a safe and fun environment. Some food and warm beverages will be available too!
Long Lake Lutheran Join us each Sunday for worship, fellowshipChurch and education.
Worship Service – 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. Education/Sunday School Hour – 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Evening Service – 7:17 p.m. • Education Hour – 6:00 p.m. 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN, about 5 miles north of St. Francis 763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org
keep buildings clean and safe. They see their role as providing support to teaching staff so they have the equipment and materials in good order when they need them.” Many of the larger projects that the department was involved in this summer could not begin until July 1 due to funding processes. That means that there were just six weeks to do a variety of repairs and improvements until staff and students returned to the buildings. In addition, there was the usual summer heavy cleaning, classroom moving, as well as the day-to-day upkeep. Even though it's summer, the buildings are still being used by a variety of district and community groups; the expectation is that district facilities are clean and safe all 12 months of the year. Some of the major projects this summer that involved staff from the Maintenance Department included a consolidation of learning space at Sandhill Center to provide for some long-needed climatecontrolled storage for district supplies and equipment as well as a curriculum materials repository. The Lifelong Learning Center was reorganized so that classrooms for the youngest learners under the age of three have exterior doors to meet safety guidelines. At Crossroads Schools & Vocational Center, access and office space was improved for the new Saints Academy that is located at the site. Several facilities had total or partial roof work completed, and Nutrition Services was moved to their new site in St. Francis. Perhaps the most intensive project was that of improving the center-based classroom space at East Bethel On September 8, AIMS Web testing began at Cedar Creek Community School. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students were tested in reading and math skills. The schoolwide testing gives teachers and parents baseline information to help measure progress of the students during the school year.
Sandra Benson CCCS Community Relations Coordinator
Community School. This was a seven-week project designed to enhance safety and the learning environment for students who are most successful in a center-based setting. The space transformed from a 1976 type classroom to a 21st century learning environment. Tim Finn, director of Special Services, is pleased with the new space. “Everything from paint color to lighting to temperature control to room division enhances student learning by reducing distractions and helps students regulate themselves better so they can learn. If a space looks good and feels good,
students feel and, thereby, learn better.” Elliott Christensen, assistant maintenance supervisor, echoed those ideas. Christensen added that with the new LED lighting, not only is it less distracting for students, but there are energy savings for the district as well. The ISD 15 maintenance and custodial staff has a strong emphasis on accountability and collaboration, which are two of the District’s core values Through the department’s dedication and commitment to high expectations, students are more able to learn without distractions in a healthy and safe school.
Continued From Page 1
day, each staff member has an important role in supporting the District’s mission “to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world.”
Dedicated staff regarding tax information. Though staff members of the Human Resources, Curriculum & Instruction and Business Services Department may not be in the classroom each
In collaboration with other District departments and staff, the Curriculum & Instruction Department organized a professional development day with guest speaker Mike Mattos. More than 500 Independent School District 15 staff attended the event.
The Courier Photo
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Career Center News Jill Salo
SFHS Counseling Office
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will be offered free of charge on Thursday, October 27 to 10th-12th grade St. Francis High School students. This test is required for students planning on enlisting in any branch of the military, but it is also a great, very extensive assessment used to give students an idea of career fields that might be a good fit for them. This assessment is confidential and scores, names or contact info, etc., are not given to the military.
North Dakota State College of Science Tour North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is offering a free college tour Thursday, November 17. NDSCS is a two-year technical college with a four-year atmosphere in Wahputon, North Dakota. Interested juniors and seniors should see stop in the SFHS Career Center. If you have any questions about career and college information, please contact Dawn Abraham at 763-213-1580 or email dawn. abraham@isd15.org
15
St. Francis High School Class of 1986 reunion
Announcing Financial Aid Night
Join your classmates on Saturday, October 15, 6:00 p.m. at Brookhall at Blainbrook Event Center. For more information, contact sfhs86reunion@gmail.com.
Jill Salo
SFHS Counseling Office
Financial aid night for all seniors at St. Francis High School or any surrounding school and their parents will be Monday, November 7 in the Performing Arts Center, 5:30 p.m. The presentation will be approximately an hour. There will be a webinar with an advisor from St. Cloud State University to help students and parents. A discussion will take place regarding the financial aid application process and the differences between grants, loans and scholarships.
Students at St. Francis Middle School enjoyed spending time with their friends during lunch on the first day of school September 6.
Jessica Rowles, SFMS Community Relations Coordinator
In Recognition of National Physical Therapy Month
St. Francis P hysical Therap y
In support of
3rd Annual All proceeds from the event and donations collected will go to Citizens Supporting Our Armed Forces.
Family Fun On September 12, students at St. Francis Elementary School in Beth Anderson and Julianne Polsfut’s kindergarten classes had a very special visitor. Private Samuel James Anderson of the United States Marine Corps arrived wearing his green Service Alpha uniform for “Green Day” in kindergarten. The students were dressed in green, learned how to spell and read the word green and completed several projects and activities centered around the color green. Private Anderson read Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham, indicating that Sam-I-Am is his favorite storybook character, not only because his name is Sam, but that like a U.S. Marine, he never gives up! He also explained what the many different uniforms worn by Marines are used for. The green Alpha Service uniform is used for special occasions, such as a visit to a kindergarten classroom.
Beth Anderson, SFES Community Relations Committee
Registration: $25 Online registration available at physicaltherapyptc.com/ 2016_PTC_5K.html or on the same day of the event. (Children 5 and younger are free)
5K Walk/Run
Saturday, October 15 10:00 a.m. Rum River North Country Park 23100 Rum River Blvd. NW, St. Francis (West of St. Francis High School)
es Costum ! ed Welcom
www.physicaltherapyptc.com
16 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Community & Business Oak Grove Lions Meet the Candidates forums Ham Lake area candidate forum hosting Meet for St. Francis and Independent to be held October 11 Shana Schmitz the ABC League of Women the Candidates School District 15 Voters. Candidates for the general The St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Francis forum election from the following Area Women of Today are co-sponsoring two Meet the The Ham Lake Area Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Candidate forums. The first forum, Tuesday, October 11, is for candidates running for Independent School District 15 School Board. The second forum, Tuesday, October 18, is for St. Francis Mayoral and City Council. Both candidate forums will be 7:00-9:00 p.m. at ISD 15 Central Services Center, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis. Forums are free and open to the public. A moderator will ask questions from the audience. Please email questions prior to the meetings to chamber@stfrancischamber.org Remember to vote Tuesday, November 8.
Cheryl Eldstrom
Oak Grove Lions secretary
The Oak Grove Lions Club will be hosting a Meet the Candidates forum at Oak Grove City Hall, 19900 Nightingale Street NW, at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. This is an opportunity to become familiar with the candidates for Oak Grove City Council and Anoka County Commissioner.
Weekly Events & Specials
Food and drink specials during the game.
Vikings Game Parties
Watch the game on our 16 foot screen.
L A K E S I D E
G R I L L E
27821 Bayshore Drive NW, Isanti, MN 763-444-5897 Mon-Th 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Book our beautiful
EVENT CENTER
Weddings • Bridal Parties Birthdays • Company Parties
Call Shari at 763-444-5897
Monday Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Taco Special; Texas Hold ’Em at 6:30 Tuesday p.m.; Trivia Challenge All-U-Can-Eat Pasta Bar, 5:00-9:00 Wednesday p.m.; Cribbage at 6:30 p.m.; Pool League All-U-Can-Eat Shrimp & Juicy Lucy Special starting at 5:00 p.m.; Bingo Thursday 6:30 p.m.; Bean Bag Tourney at 7:00 p.m.; Live Entertainment All-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry starting at 5:00 p.m.; Meat Raffle at 6:00 p.m.; Friday DJ and Dancing 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.; Live Entertainment $5 Breakfast 8:00-11:00 a.m.; All-U-Can-Eat BBQ Ribs starting at Saturday 5:00 p.m.; Meat Raffle 4:00 p.m.; DJ and Dancing 10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet, 10:00 a.m.-Noon; Sunday Breakfast Menu served 8:00 a.m.Noon; Tailgate and Football Parties
East Bethel Fire Department
Open House Thursday, October 6 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids (ABC) League of Women Voters and the East Bethel Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a Meet the Candidates forum October 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The forum will be held at the Majestic Oaks Golf Club, 701 Bunker Lake Blvd., Ham Lake. This event is free and open to the public. The Meet the Candidates forum is an opportunity for business and community leaders, residents and interested parties to meet the candidates and learn their views on a wide range of topics. Questions will be written by audience members and presented by moderators from
offices have been invited. There are two candidates for every open seat except city council. East Bethel has 5 candidates running for 2 open seats and Ham Lake has 3 candidates running for 2 open seats. ■ Congressional District 6 ■ Minnesota Senate District 31 ■ House of Representatives Districts 31A and 31B ■ County Commissioner District 2 ■ East Bethel Mayor ■ East Bethel City Council ■ Ham Lake City Council For questions about the Meet the Candidates forum, please contact Shana Schmitz, executive director, Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 763-434-3011 or shana@ hamlakecc.org.
City of St. Francis voting information Absentee voting will begin September 23 (September 26 at St. Francis City Hall) and run through November 7, 2016. St. Francis residents are able to vote absentee by coming to City Hall during regular business hours, Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m.5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. If you have any questions, contact City Clerk Barb Held at 763-235-2302. November 8, 2016 General Election Mayor, Two-year term Candidates: Steven Feldman, Jerry Tveit City Council Members (2), Four-year term Candidates: Robert Bauer, Tim Brown, Joseph Muehlbauer, Richard Orpen To find your precinct, visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
Station #1 2751 Viking Boulevard NE
• Demonstrations and activities for everyone! • Learn what it takes to become a firefighter! • Come and explore our fire station! • Learn what it takes to join our youth fire exploring program! • Bring a non-perishable food item to support the local foodshelf! • Lions Club vs. Fire Department Chili Contest. You can be the judge!
Call Michelle 763-586-0038
Michelle Anderson Michelle.Anderson@Results.net
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Have a private well? Have your water tested Martha Weaver
Anoka County Public Information Officer
The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services (CHES) Department, in cooperation with 13 municipalities, is encouraging residents to check the safety of their private well water. Learn how to test your well at KnowTheFlow.us or call the Anoka County Environmental Services Unit at 763-422-7063. County residents may pick up a well water test kit at participating city and township offices (listed below) or in the Environmental Services Unit, Suite 360 of the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Avenue in Anoka. Water samples can be submitted to the county’s Environmental Services Unit for analysis every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon. The well water testing kit includes details about water collection and submission. A laboratory fee of $30 will be charged for coliform bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen analysis. Residents are encouraged to perform an annual sanitary analysis to determine the concentration of nitratenitrogen and the presence of coliform bacteria in their drinking water supply. Unlike public water utilities, private well water is not treated with chlorine to prevent bacteria growth. Simply looking at the appearance of drinking water is not a reliable indicator of
whether it is safe to drink. An annual coliform bacteria test is a good way to ensure that your drinking water continues to be free of bacteria. Nitrate-nitrogen occurs naturally in groundwater and wells at concentrations below one milligram per liter (mg/L). Nitrogen can seep into private wells from a variety of sources including septic systems, nitrogen fertilizers, animal feedlots and landfills. The Minnesota Department of Health has established a Health Risk Limit (HRL) for nitratenitrogen at 10 mg/L. Levels above that point may pose an immediate risk to infants and pregnant women. The testing of private wells used for drinking water is the responsibility of individual owners. There are an estimated 25,000 private wells in service throughout Anoka County. Only a small percentage of them are tested annually. In addition to testing for nitrate-nitrogen and the presence of coliform bacteria, the CHES Department also can provide analyses for arsenic, lead, fluoride, iron, chloride and total hardness. For more information about well water testing, call the Environmental Services Unit at 763-422-7063. Participating communities and agencies in our area: City of Andover Andover City Hall 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW City of Bethel Bethel City Hall 23820 Dewey Street
City of East Bethel East Bethel City Hall 2241 221st Avenue NE City of Ham Lake Ham Lake City Hall 15544 Central Avenue NE Linwood Township Linwood Township Hall 22817 Typo Creek Drive NE City of Nowthen Nowthen City Hall 8188 199th Ave. NW City of Oak Grove Oak Grove City Hall 19900 Nightingale St. NW City of Ramsey Ramsey City Hall 7550 Sunwood Drive NW City of St. Francis St. Francis City Hall 23340 Cree St. NW Anoka Conservation District 1318 McKay Drive NW Suite 300 Ham Lake
Business Profile
Heidi Anderson Staff Writer
St. Francis Dental Care has been treating people’s oral health concerns since 1978. Located at 3715 Bridge Street in St. Francis, Dr. Kurt Huether and his ten employees pride themselves on treating their patients from around the St. Francis region in a positive and non-pushy manner. Their practice offers an in-house insurance plan for their cash patients; if interested, call the office at 763-753-1900 for more information. They also offer teeth whitening services for $200. According to Dr. Huether, if common sense dentistry is what you’re looking for, their practice is second to none in knowledge and service. They welcome all new patients. Dr. Kurt Huether The courier Photo
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR Amsterdam to Budapest 2017 RIVER CRUISES th
20 Anniversary Sale $1,000 off/couple
763-413-3575 Call
today! Dana Blankenship travel.experts@outlook.com
VOTED ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST HOSPITALS W E L L A N D BE YO N D Personalized care that is well and beyond expectations
As we celebrate our 100th Anniversary we invite you to celebrate with us. Award winning care – close to home + One of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics by Women’s Choice Award
On Friday, October 21 the first 50 customers at our East Bethel location will receive a pumpkin! Also register for a chance to win the weekly $100 cash prize giveaway. Cash prize weekly drawings held now through the end of the year. Your weekly entry makes you eligible to win the grand prize—a Honda UTV! Grand prize drawing will be held on Monday, November 28.
21420 Aberdeen St. NE | East Bethel | 763-434-4462 |
+ Top 100 Great Community Hospital by Becker’s Hospital Review + One of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics + Outstanding Patient Experience Award by Healthgrades
Find out what sets Fairview Northland Medical Center apart at fairview.org/northland
Member FDIC
17
18 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Lake George Improvement District holds annual meeting Juanita Reed-Boniface
Lake George Improvement District vice-chair
The eighth annual meeting of the Lake George Improvement District (LGID) was held August 16 at Oak Grove City Hall. LGID Board Chair Larry Backlund called the meeting to order and presented his chairman’s report for 2016. The overall health of Lake George is good and has benefited from an extensive and early treatment of both Eurasian Water Milfoil and Curly Leaf Pondweed to an extent that no matting was observed through most of the summer season. Almost 120
acres were treated at a cost of over $30,000. Grants from the city of Oak Grove and Anoka County helped to offset costs to LGID. LGID continues to work with the DNR and the Anoka Conservation District to monitor and survey the lake. Currently LGID is a partner with the Anoka Conservation District in a three year study of Lake George, concentrating on all the lake inputs, both water and atmospheric. LGID is also working with Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look, other Anoka County officials, the DNR and the city of Oak Grove on an
Sarah Hunt
for Independent School District 15 School Board Member • Promoting our students’ success through parent, school and community involvement. • I’m a parent and substitute Tuesday, employee for the district. November 8
The foregoing is a prepared and paid for by Robert Bauer, 23246 Kerry Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070. It does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
Members of the Lake George Improvement District held their annual meeting August 16. Recognition awards were also given to those who have done remarkable work for the District. Pictured, front row (L-R): award recipients Alex Stitt, Dan Burke, John Vilandre; back row: board members Dick Werner, Robyn Erickson, Larry Backlund, Don Nast and Juanita Reed-Boniface. Submitted Photo
upgrade to County Ditch 19 dam. Other business included the budget report and approval of the 2017 budget. Assessment fees will continue at $200. Chairman Backlund presented recognition awards to Alex Stitt for historical input and acting as recording secretary to LGID, John Vilandre for communicating LGID business to the District
and overseeing annual elections and Dan Burke for this long record of service as Aquatic Species Coordinator for LGID. Following the annual meeting, the LGID board met to reorganize for the coming year. Backlund was re-elected chair. Other officers re-elected were Juanita Reed-Boniface as vice-chair, Don Nast as second vice-chair, Robyn Erickson as
secretary and Dick Werner as treasurer. Voting members of LGID are property owners within the boundaries of the LGID and in the city of Oak Grove and are listed on the Anoka County tax rolls. Each individual owner of property as listed on the Anoka County tax records is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting.
VOTE!
H
Tuesday, November 8
Dedicated to Making The City of St. Francis Fiscally Responsible and Transparent
H
• Balanced Budget Approach • Lower Taxpayer Burdens • 12 Year Military Veteran • 5 Deployments • 7+ Years active member of the St. Francis Fire Department • Endorsed by local residents and businesses The foregoing is a prepared and paid for by Robert Bauer, 23246 Kerry Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070. It does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
COMPLETE CARE FOR HIPS, KNEES, SHOULDERS AND FEET Our orthopedic medicine and surgery professionals provide a variety of treatments to reduce or eliminate pain and get you back to the activities you love. + Physical therapy + Non-surgical treatments + Orthopedic surgery – in nearby Princeton Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care Located in Princeton just off Highway 169 Complete care. Completely convenient.
Roofing Siding Windows Painting Storm Damage
New Construction Services, LLC. MN Lic# BC631894
Your home Exterior Experts serving the community for over 20 Years
Call us at 763-389-7790 or visit fairview.org/ortho_northland
612-298-7501 St. Francis, MN
Now accepting major credit cards.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Hispanic Heritage Month Carline Sargent
ISD 15 Multicultural Diversity Liaison
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating and recognizing contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning September 15 and ending October 15. On August 17, 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in the United States. This September 16 marked Mexico’s 206th Independence Day. On September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest, sparked Mexico’s war of independence. His Grito de Dolores or Cry of Delores, called for the end of 300 years of Spanish rule in Mexico. Around midnight on September 15 celebrations occur in cities across over Mexico to commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day with El Grito, the traditional cry of Viva Mexico! Traditionally, bells are rung followed by shouts of patriotism and remembrance of the Mexican independence heroes and the threefold shouts of Viva Mexico! (Long Live Mexico!). After the shouts the bell is rung again. Then, the Mexican flag is raised while singing, Himno Nacional Mexicano Mexico’s national anthem. September 16 is Independence Day in Mexico and considered a patriotic holiday, or fiesta patria (Patriot Festival or Civic Festival). Festivities include parades, patriotic programs, drum and bugle and marching band competitions and special programs on national and local media outlets. To learn more about Hispanic and Latino rich culture and heritage the Minnesota History Center’s annual Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead will be held on October 23. For more information visit www. minnesotahistorycenter.org.
More educational resources can be found on the Multicultural/ Diversity department page at www.isd15.org. When a parent enrolls their child/children into school they are asked to voluntarily share racial/ethnic information about their child/children (for federal and civil rights and statistical reports/data), by checking boxes that indicate how they identify themselves. If parents do not check racial/ethnicity boxes provided the system automatically defaults to identifying the child/ children as white for their racial/ ethnicity code. Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) has approximately 140
Hispanic/Latino(self identified) students enrolled. According to 2015-16 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) tests kindergarten through grade 12 testing: Statewide Hispanic students were 37.8% proficient in MCA math. ISD 15 Hispanic students were 50.78% proficient in math. Statewide Hispanic students were 38.8% proficient in MCA reading. ISD 15 Hispanic students were 53.9% proficient in reading. Statewide Hispanic students were 31.6% proficient in MCA science. ISD 15 Hispanic students were 50.0% proficient in science.
Do you have Toenail Fungus? Participants will be compensated for their time and travel. All study related evaluations will be done by a board certified Dermatologist.
19
New book club to begin in October Julie Maurer
Community member
Interested in being part of a community book club? Consider joining a new club. The first meeting is Tuesday, October 4, 6:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1450 237th Avenue NE in East Bethel (the little gray church at Cooper’s Corner). There will be no membership dues or enrollment fee. However, we may ask for donations to help offset the cost of utilities at the church. The
following meetings will be held the first Tuesday of the month. Books will be chosen by members through a selection process. The next two books that have been chosen are: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs for October 4 and Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng for the November 1 meeting. For more information, please contact Julie at 763-434-9143 or June at 763-434-3132.
The Minnesota Clinical Study Center needs volunteers for a clinical research study of an investigational topical solution for people with toenail fungus. To qualify you should: Be 12 to 70 years of age Have at least one big toenail affected with fungus Be willing to attend 7 clinic visits over 56 weeks Parental (or legal guardian) consent is required for all participants under the age of 18.
Steven Kempers, M.D. For more information, please call
763-502-2941 Minnesota Clinical Study Center 7205 University Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55432
20 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Anoka County Farm Bureau celebrates 100th anniversary Juanita Reed-Boniface
Anoka County Farm Bureau Vice-President
Anoka County Farm Bureau celebrated the 100th anniversary of the organization at their annual meeting at Majestic Oaks Golf Course. Chartered in 1915, the County Farm Bureau was originally organized to sponsor county extension agent work. Two years later, Lewis O. Jacob was employed as the first County Agricultural Agent in Anoka County. Today the county organization has over 400 members who support agriculture literacy programs and food public policy issues. Even though the formal relationship with extension ended by legislative action in 1953, the Anoka County Farm Bureau has continued to cooperate and provide mutual support to county extension programs. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap was the guest speaker and highlighted
accomplishments of the Farm Bureau through the years. Paula Mohr, member of the Anoka Farm Bureau board, presented a brief history of the Anoka County Farm Bureau. Commerative mugs were presented to all in attendance.
An annual meeting highlight is the recognition of the Anoka County Farm Family of the Year. The 2016 Farm Family is Bruce and Sharon Johnson of Minnesota Fresh Farm in East Bethel. The Johnsons farm the land that was farmed by Bruce’s
The Anoka County 2016 Farm Family Award was presented to Bruce and Sharon Johnson. Pictured (L-R) Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap, Anoka County Farm Bureau President Doug Lawrence, Bruce and Sharon Johnson, Alice Bartush, Juanita ReedBoniface, Anoka County Farm Bureau vice-president.
Submitted Photo
Elect — Ricky Englund Senate District 31 Northern Andover, Athens, Bethel, Bradford, Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Linwood, Livonia, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Spencer Brook, St. Francis, Stanford, Zimmerman
• Veterans • Term Limits • Education • Lower Taxes • Healthcare • Jobs/Labor Second Amendment Rights Prepared and paid for by Ricky’s Run for the Senate 7081 Brian Drive, Centerville, MN 55038. Rebecca Englund, Treasurer. This ad does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
father and grandfather. Bruce’s grandfather raised potatoes and a variety of other crops on the land where his parents raised sod. Today the Johnsons, along with their son Luke and his wife Liz, have 72 acres in production of which 15 acres are in vegetables, 25 acres rented for sod and the rest are wooded. Sustainable production is a priority on their farm. They raise most crops without pesticides and only a light application of nitrogen fertilizer. One of their passions is educating youth about farming. They work closely with Opportunity Service Agency in Anoka allowing special needs youth and adults to experience the land and with a Twin Cities based charter school to help students better understand sustainability grown crops and pollinators. They are active in local organizations including the East Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota. The Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes was recognized as a Century Farm. The theme of their celebration is “100 years and growing.” The farm was first purchased in 1916 by William and Anna Waldoch where they harvested hay and raised chickens to sell at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market. They expanded into raising vegetables that were sold at a roadside stand. In 1947, their son Dan and his wife Lucille continued to work the farm, and in the 1960s, Dan’s children became the third generation to work the
vegetable farm and sell produce at the Farmers’ Market. Third generation sisters, Mary Joyer and Kathy Rivard, have kept the tradition going with an expanded greenhouse business featuring vegetables, flowers and shrubs. Today fourth generation Joyer sons, Doug and Andrew, are farm managers and have expanded into numerous agritourism events and opportunities. Elected officials were introduced and each gave a brief statement. Legislators in attendance were State House Representative Peggy Scott, State Senators Michelle Benson and Jim Abeler, State House candidate Calvin Bahr and Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look. President Doug Lawrence presided over the business meeting. Dick Boniface gave the invocation. Juanita Reed-Boniface gave the annual activity report. District Director Fran Miron and District Promotion and Education chair Julie Marquardt brought greetings. Area Program Leader Dennis Sabel commended the organization for its strong leadership and size and scope of programs completed. “Even though the county membership is small, Anoka County is one of the most active counties in my area,” Sabel said. “They maximize their resources and talents.” A unanimous ballot was cast to re-elect present officers and board members for another year: Doug Lawrence, President; Juanita ReedBoniface, Vice-President; Board members: Dick Boniface, JoAnn Lawrence, Paula Mohr and Charles Padula.
Marsha Van Denburgh For Anoka County Commissioner - District 1 ote Van Denburgh
• ISD 15 School Board Member • Anoka County Resident for 34 years • Small business owner • Anoka County Foster Parent for 16 years • Mother of 9 children: 6 adopted from foster care • Follow Me! Twitter: @MDenburgh, Facebook, Instagram: MarshaVandenburgh www.votevandenburgh.com “I listen. I get results. I’ll work for you.” Respected • Persistent • Fiscally Responsible The foregoing is a prepared and paid for by Paid for by Volunteers for Van Denburgh 24443 Verdin Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070. It does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
21
Anoka County’s Laura Wyatt Selected as a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Jacquie Lonning
4-H Citizenship & Leadership State Program Director
Laura Wyatt and 27 other outstanding Minnesota 4-H youth have been selected as Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors for 2016-17. Elected through a meticulous selection process by 4-H
adults and youth, this year’s group of state ambassadors will serve as spokespeople for the youth development organization, representing more than 65,000 of their 4-H peers throughout Minnesota. The state ambassadors will begin the year with a three-day orientation at the
4-H STEM Youth Activity: Drone Discovery Jy Xiong
University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County
National 4-H Week, October 3-7, is right around the corner! All youth in grades 4 and up are invited to join Anoka County 4-H as we kick off the week with the National Youth Science Day Kits: Drone Discovery! Drone Discovery Saturday, October 1 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bunker Hills Activities Center 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW Andover The 2016 National Science Challenge, Drone Discovery, explores the engineering design
and flight principles of drones. The activities demonstrate how drones and remote sensing can be used to solve realworld problems. Join us for this challenging yet exciting discovery of drones. There is no cost to participate in this event. All participants must RSVP by emailing Kim at fergu029@umn.edu or by calling 763-755-1280. For youth 4th grade and up. Bring your friends! Questions contact Jy Xiong at xion0264@umn.edu or call 763-755-1280. For more information, check us out on the Anoka County 4-H website at www3.extension.umn.edu/ county/anoka.
University of Minnesota to learn about roles and responsibilities, media/public communications, leadership core skills, program priority areas and identify some of their personal strengths as a leader. Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Wyatt is the child of Bruce and Heidi Wyatt and lives in Bethel. She is going into her first year of college and will be attending
the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in the fall to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. She has been a member of 4-H for 13 years in Anoka County where her leadership abilities first came to the community’s attention. This is Wyatt’s second year as a State Ambassador and this year she will be one of the three ambassadors selected to lead the team in their work.
Do you have PROBLEM WATER? Call David Ziebart 612-239-5712 for a FREE Water Analysis
Throughout her first year as an ambassador, her favorite activities were leading the Building Leadership and Understanding and Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Out loud, because she was able to showcase what she learned as an ambassador to younger 4-H participants. She is looking forward to the year ahead with the State Ambassadors. Receive up to
$300 OFF
the purchase of a Culligan HE System Limited time offer. Dealer participation varies. Not valid with other offers. See dealer for details. Expires 10/31/2016.
Get soft water today for just
$9.95
a month for the first 3 months
Limited time offer. Dealer participation varies. Not valid with other offers. See dealer for details.
David.Ziebart@culliganwater.com
ad size: 6.1875” x 2”
Final Clearance
50% Off All Potted Plants
Vendors & Crafters Wanted! Saturday, November 12 • 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Isanti Community Center
Visit north65chamber.com or call 763-689-2505
Includes potted trees, shrubs and perennials
Sale starts October 1
Nowthen Nursery 763-274-2678
County Road 22 in Nowthen
www.gnlandscapes.com
22 October 2016 The Courier
Tracking wildlife at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Caitlin Potter
| www.the-courier.org
Anoka to Host First-Day-of-Issue and Jack-o’-lantern Forever® Stamp Unveiled Pam Bowman
Communications Coordinator City of Anoka
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve’s (CCESR) newest citizen science project, the Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey, got off to a great start this summer with a rainy day of training and a gorgeous sunny day of tracking. Citizen scientists from the community, summer volunteers from a local national wildlife refuge, wildlife trackers from the Twin Cities and CCESR staff worked as a team to survey about seven miles of sand road for animal track and sign. After just a few hours of work, participants documented the presence of 13 different animal species and reconstructed some fascinating stories about animal movement, decision-making and behavior. It was an amazing and empowering experience to be able to apply the training from a few weeks prior and use it to tell the difference between red and gray squirrel tracks, turkey and sandhill crane tracks and even to identify and understand the signs of a mole crossing the road above ground. Many thanks to Jon, Donnie, Kirsten and Rob from the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project for the expert instruction on July 23, as well as teaching and sharing during the survey day. There will be another training opportunity at Fort Snelling State Park, hosted by the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project, October 15 and 16. Please contact Caitlin Potter (caitlin@umn.edu) or Jon Poppele (poppele@umn.edu) for more information. We’d love to have you join the team!
A group of trackers found many animal tracks at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve August 7. Submitted Photo
Kraig Domogalla
“Your Real Estate Specialist” 612-366-3925 Email: kraigdomogalla@aol.com
Results
Each office Independently Owned and Operated
In March of this year, the City of Anoka was selected by the U.S. Postal Service to be the official host city for the First-Day-of-Issue (FDOI) Dedication Ceremony, which will unveil the four 2016 Jack-o’-lantern Forever® stamps. Anoka is honored to have been chosen to host this event which will kick off many Halloween festivities that will occur in October, in the “Halloween Capital of the World.” The First-Day-of-Issue Dedication Ceremony (FDOI), open to the public, will take place on Thursday, September 29 at Anoka City Hall River Plaza, 2015 First Avenue N. The plaza will open at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. by Master of Ceremonies Emily Engberg, Field Reporter from the television show Twin Cities Live. Joseph Corbett, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, of the United States (U.S.) Postal Service will conduct the Official Stamp Dedication— revealing the commemorative postage stamps. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the postage stamps, FDOI cancellation envelopes and other merchandise. In the spirit of Halloween, the U.S. Postal Service issues these delightfully eerie stamps featuring photographs of four different Jack-o’-lanterns. These are the first Halloween-themed stamps issued by the Postal Service. Paul Montanari designed and carved the pumpkins. Sally Andersen-Bruce photographed the lit Jack-o’-lanterns used on the stamps. Anoka’s partners have planned additional activities following the ceremony; Plaque Commemoration: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the historic “Old Post Office” located at 300 E. Main St. At 2:00 p.m. the commemoration of the plaque, donated by Anoka’s Heritage Preservation Commission, will be held at the former Post Office building. The Anoka County
Eagle Garage Door Co.
Home Improvement & Service Guide
St. Francis Family Owned & Operated Serving the area since 1989
We service ALL BRANDS of garage doors and openers. Get your door Fixed right ready for winter. e! the first tim
763-753-2032
New Construction • Remodel Commercial • Residential Service
Dave Feders
centralheatcool@gmail.com
All Major Brands FREE ESTIMATES
612.369.7906
www.CentralHVACmn.com
One of the set of four 2016 U.S. Postal Service Jack-o’-lantern Forever® stamps to be officially unveiled in Anoka on Thursday, September 29. Submitted Photo
Historical Society will be hosting a fundraiser event Society Signed, Sealed, & Dinnered at Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center at 5:30 p.m. For details and tickets, visit www. anokacountyhistory.org. Each October the Halloween Capital of the World hosts numerous events and activities. For more information about the city of Anoka and Anoka Halloween, please visit www.ci.anoka. mn.us and www.anokahalloween.com.
New staff welcomed at Physical Therapy Consultants, Inc. Jessica Vogland
Human Resource/Payroll Specialist, Physical Therapy Consultants
Physical Therapy Consultants, Inc. is proud to introduce three new physical therapists to its practice: Rebecca Varoga PT, DPT, Laura Nelson PT, DPT and Lydia Veeder PT, DPT. Rebecca Varoga received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from The College of St. Scholastica. Varoga likes to use a variety of manual therapy techniques and exercise to help patients reach their maximum potential. Varoga is working in our Isanti location. Laura Nelson received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. Her professional interests are evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions; manual therapy, exercise and functional movement. Nelson is working in our Zimmerman location. Lydia Veeder received her doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Veeder enjoys working with patients to find individualized approaches that help them take control of their own rehabilitation. Veeder is working in our North Branch location.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Andover Fire Department Fire Prevention open house
Anoka County Library calls on teens to read for the fun of it
Robbie Bartholomew
Anoka County Library will celebrate Teen Read Week (October 9-15) with special events and programs spotlighting the many great resources and activities available at the library and encouraging teens from around the area to read for their enjoyment. Thousands of libraries, schools and bookstores across the country will hold similar events centered on this year’s theme, “Read for the fun of it!” “Teen Read Week is a time to celebrate reading for fun while encouraging teens to take advantage of reading in all its forms—books, magazines, eBooks, audiobooks and more,” said Anoka County Library Board President Dan Greensweig. “Teen Read Week represents how Anoka County Library is strengthening
Andover Fire Marshal
Join the Andover Fire Department Saturday, October 8, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at both Fire Station 1 and Station 3 for their Fire Prevention open house. At Station 1: LifeLink will stop by with their helicopter, Connexus will demonstrate their High Voltage Electrical Safety trailer, demonstration on cutting a vehicle apart and fun things for kids, such as coloring, temporary tattoos and crawling through a tube (stay low). At Station 3: demonstrations on cutting a vehicle apart, fire extinguishers, spraying water for kids at a one sided house to knock down fake flames, fun things for kids, coloring, temporary tattoos and crawling through a tube (stay low).
Anoka County Parks and Recreation October events Martha Weaver
Anoka County Public Information Officer
Voyageur Fall Rum Run October 1, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Rum River South County Park, 3000 Ferry St. N, Anoka Ages 5+. Participants will experience the majestic Rum River in all its fall beauty while paddling a Voyageur Canoe. Space is limited to 15 people. Pre-registration is required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost: $10/adult, $5/child 15 and under (+tax) Discover Land Art October 2, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Wargo Nature Center All ages. Join us as we learn about the history of land art to find our inspiration, then head out onto the landscape to gather our own materials and create works of art! After we finish our natural gallery, the artwork will be left to naturally degrade in the wind and weather. Pre-registration required. Cost: $5/person (+tax) Lunch with a Naturalist October 5 (Fall Colors), 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Wargo Nature Center Ages 50+. Bring your lunch and join a naturalist for our Lunch with a Naturalist series. These monthly presentations will include local natural history information and possibly a relaxing stroll on the trails at Wargo. Pre-registration is not required. FREE! Nordic Walking October 6, 4:00-5:15 pm Wargo Nature Center Ages 15+. Anyone can do it!
It takes a simple walk and turns it into a full body workout and it doesn’t feel like you are working any harder. Increase your heart rate, burn more calories, strengthen your upper body and create resistance to build better bone density. Preregistration is required. Cost: $10/person (+tax) Vermicomposting – Composting with Worms October 8, 1:00-3:00 pm Wargo Nature Center Ages 8+. Vermicomposting is an easy and inexpensive way to reduce the amount of food you throw away as well as make some of the very best compost available for your plants and gardens. Best of all, it can be done year-round and indoors with no bad smell, no escaping worms and only a tiny amount of space. Come see an established bin and learn the tips and tricks for creating a successful worm compost bin using red wiggler worms. We’ll cover building the bins, obtaining and keeping worms, preventing odors and harvesting the compost. Participants will make their own vermicomposting bin they can take home! Worms not provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration is required. Cost: $12/person, $5/ additional family member (+tax). Includes one bin per registered family. $12/ additional bin (optional). Birding and Nature Walk October 8, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Wargo Nature Center All ages. Join a naturalist for a guided bird walk around Islands of Peace County Continued On Page 24
the culture of reading among secondary school students.” Teen Read Week kicks off with a BookFace challenge, 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9 at the St. Francis Library, followed with Miss Peregrine’s School of Peculiar Birds + Photography program at 6:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Library in Fridley. Programs at other locations run throughout the week, with a bonus program, Celebrating Teen Reading, at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19 at the Northtown Library in Blaine. “Studies show reading for pleasure during the teenage years has a direct impact on future success, but getting teens to pick up a book is easier said than done at times,” said Mike Gamache, Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board Liaison. “Teen Read Week is designed to make that process a little easier and worth checking out for the results in the long run.” Teen Read Week is a national adolescent literacy initiative created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association. It is held annually in October, the same week as Columbus Day. For more information, visit www.ala.org/teenread.
Patrick Jones
Anoka County Library
Why Starr for ISD 15 School Board? n Starr will ask questions and for verification to prevent another $855,000 superintendant contract buyout and pay back to the state. n 2001-05 ISD 15 School Board member. Starr brings experience, leadership, credibility, customer service, accountability and responsibility back to the school board. n Starr wants to make ISD 15 a magnet school where parents and students want to attend school in our district.
for Starr asks ort “your supp e b and vote to ard l bo your schoo ive.” t representa
n Starr has been a substitute teacher in the district for the past 8 years. n Starr, 8 brothers and sisters, 2 sons, 2 nephews and 2 nieces all graduated from St. Francis High School. n Starr looks for and will ask for input from everyone so the hard right decisions can be made to support and improve ISD 15. n Retired military service member and small business owner of Blue Star Kettle Corn.
23
ISD 15 SCHOOL BOARD Paid for by Mike Starr, 3215 217th Ave NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011, 763-300-9110. This ad does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.
24 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
I Hate When That Happens
Randy Gerdin ASE certified technician, Gerdin Auto & Tire Owner
Big tickets As with many things in life, it seems like things come in clusters. We have recently done a number of major repairs on vehicles. A lot of it happens to be that vehicles are lasting so much longer. In addition, the cost of a new or used vehicle is substantial. We have had a number of mid-2000 vehicles needing engine, transmission and major drive components repaired. A number also needed complete brake system repairs due to rusted parts. In the past I may have questioned whether it was better to fix or replace a vehicle. After looking at new and used car prices, it is a better financial advantage to fix the existing vehicle. These vehicles are most often paid for and the driver knows what has been done in the past and the general condition of the vehicle. In many cases it is an easy decision to make the repair. Other reasons to hang onto your vehicle are reduced annual license tabs, less expensive insurance and, of course, no payment. The rule I usually ask is, could you take the money for the repair, even if it is thousands of dollars, and replace the vehicle with a similar vehicle with the new part or system that you had to replace? The answer is generally no. Of course there are cases when it is time to pull the plug and we do recommend that when we see it. Nowadays, we
are replacing engines on 10-15 year old vehicles with 130,000-170,000 miles on them. They still are very nice vehicles and one can expect three to five additional years of use. My general rule is to not buy new when used will do. I got a fair deal on a very nice sedan for my wife. It had about 100,000 miles on it and was about seven years old. Shortly after we got it the transmission failed. The seller had no idea that this major item would fail and neither did we. We worked out an arrangement where we split the cost and now we have a great vehicle with a new transmission. Yes, it was unexpected and not cheap, but it was a used car and all in all, we still paid way less than purchasing a new vehicle. It now has close to 200,000 miles on it and it's still a great car. We actually have taken a couple of pretty long road trips with it out west. I do consistently make sure all of the maintenance is up to par. We use synthetic oil and change it every 6,000 miles. I can’t tell you it will last forever because it won’t, but for now, we are very happy to drive it any place we need to go. I am tempted periodically by the zero percent interest offered by many manufacturers, but I still have concluded that I can’t afford the savings. New cars are nice; we see them come in every day and they are beautiful. Perhaps I am just one of those people that doesn’t need a new car because I see vehicles as transportation and not much more.
Buy with confidence. Sell with success!
Cassie Clem Realtor®
612-213-9403 clemhomes@gmail.com www.cassandraclemhomes.com 23624 St. Francis Blvd. NW, Suite 5 St. Francis, MN 55070
Lynn Karasch, MBA, CPA
Specializing in Individual & Small Business Returns By appointment • Accounting & Bookkeeping Phone 763-413-3090 Services Fax 763-434-4739 • Consulting
www.ldkaccounting.com
Open year round for all of your accounting needs.
A 55+ rental housing community offering comfort and convenience at an affordable rate!
• Payroll Services • Business Startup Services
Less than 5 minutes from St. Francis and 15 minutes to Riverdale in Coon Rapids. Call
763-753-8385 for more information
21202 Old Lake George Boulevard Oak Grove, MN 55303
Each person is different of course. I know some folks may need to drive a new vehicle for business purposes. I was talking to a guy the other day that has a friend that drove a new Tesla, which costs around $100,000. He said he drove it for status, because he has a big time job and feels he needs to drive a certain car. I also have read stories of people like Warren Buffet that drive cars more than ten years old. They certainly can afford it, but it is not high on their priority list. What really bothers me is when I see someone buy a brand new car and I know they cannot afford it. This only
puts them farther in the hole financially. This column is supposed to be about auto repair not a financial advice column, but I guess it is all related. Another good tip is if you do need to buy a used vehicle, have it inspected before you buy it. We do comprehensive inspections regularly. Sometimes we find that the vehicle is in great shape. Sometimes we find that the car is a disaster. In some cases it is too late because they have already purchased it. I hate when that happens. Enjoy the new roundabouts in St. Francis!
Mollie’s Meanderings
Mollie Ziebart The Courier Advertising Representative
This is my very first column since I began working in the Communications Department (home of The Courier) in March of this year. I can’t believe I’m writing a column! It really is interesting and fun to see where life takes you. Being relatively new to the area (five years), my job is to sell advertising for The Courier. While I’ve been out and about, I’m finding neat places, interesting people and great businesses. When I get back to the office and tell my teammates about my discoveries, the idea to write a column surfaced, so here I go. This community has a lot of fun and interesting nooks and crannies, and in my position, I’m fortunate to meet people and learn about their businesses. One of District 15’s core values is all about lifelong learning, which I am happy to support and model. In August, I attended the East Bethel Chamber of Commerce meeting, which was held at a Minnesota Fresh Farm. I have seen the sign many times while driving on Highway 65 and was curious about it. At the meeting, Sharon Johnson and her husband, Bruce, were named the Anoka County Farm Family. Bruce’s family has been working this land for three generations. They started with potatoes, moved to sod and now they have a sustainable farm growing fruits and vegetables. Sustainable farming means using techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities and animal welfare. The farm is located at 20241 Highway 65 in East Bethel and their phone number is 612-735-5459. The Johnsons offer Pick of the Week, which is similar to a Community
Supported Agriculture program (CSA), where people buy shares of the farm’s crop, but with less restrictions. The customer gets a tote ($5 deposit) full of the crops that are harvested that week. Sharon sends an email every Sunday, telling customers what will be in the box. The customer has to reply by Tuesday and pick-up is Thursday through Saturday. The cost is $20 and is valued at over $25. Customers can swap items and purchase additional produce, too. If customers are on vacation or want to pass on a week, no problem— customers only pay for what was ordered that week; very flexible. Check out the website for more details at www. minnesotafresh.com. I tried the Pick of the Week and bought some things I normally wouldn’t buy. I’m going to try some of the recipes on the website, which the people in line with me went on and on about, getting me excited to try. In my first box, I got Juliet tomatoes, garlic, basil, golden beets, green beans, orange carrots, fingerling potatoes, cucumber and curly kale. I also bought some ground cherries and they were delish! I had seen them at the grocery store in the past and had no idea what they were. They are small, pale orange fruits wrapped in a crinkly, paper-like husk. Their flavor is mild, yet quite sweet and unique. I also got some kale and beets, which have gotten mixed reviews from the family, but we all tried something new and that is a good thing. Next month—well, I haven’t decided what to write about yet. You will have to read the November issue of The Courier to find out. Please send me any ideas of places to go, things to do to mollie. ziebart@isd15.org.
We offer FRIENDLY customer service and HONEST auto repairs at AFFORDABLE prices. Give us the opportunity to earn your business! 21388 Johnson Street NE, one block west of Highway 65 & Sims Road in East Bethel CedarCreekAuto.com
763-413-3445
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Anoka-Ramsey Community College earns another ‘top’ recognition Fia Prpic
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College was recently named ninth in the Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges of 2016 by ValueColleges. This adds to Anoka-Ramsey’s previous recognition as one of the Top 150 Community Colleges in 2016 in the United States by the Aspen Institute earlier this year. To earn Top 50 Best Value recognition, Anoka-Ramsey was initially included among 1,717 community colleges across the U.S. offering twoyear associate degrees. To advance, Anoka-Ramsey also met the following criteria: average to high graduation rates (more than 45 percent), low-to-average cost (less than $10k per year), more than 1,000 enrolled students and American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) membership. This data was mined from College Measures, a Gates Foundation-supported database. The initial Top 50 Best Value list included 614 institutions. To earn its ninth place ranking, Anoka-Ramsey was also among the highest scoring community colleges based on: Continued From Page 23
■ Graduation/transfer rate (source: IPEDS database, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds) ■ Mid-level salary for graduates (source: payscale.com) ■ Actual tuition (source: IPEDS database, http://nces.ed.gov/ ipeds) “We are very pleased to be recognized for our commitment to provide our students with the best possible education at the lowest cost in Minnesota,” said AnokaRamsey’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, Deidra Peaslee, Ph.D. “The word ‘value’ holds special meaning to those struggling to balance the rising cost of a college education against the growing need for a college education to enter a career that will afford economic and social mobility.” Several other Minnesota State systems community colleges were also recognized the value list: Normandale Community College, Lake Superior College, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College. For more information about the recognitions and awards received by Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit AnokaRamsey.edu.
Parks and Rec Park. We will cover the basics of bird identification and binocular use before hitting the trail. Binoculars and bird identification guides will be available for use. Preregistration is required. Cost: $5/person (+tax) Fresh Cheese Making October 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Wargo Nature Center Ages 15+. Learn how to make fresh mozzarella and ricotta! It is easier than you think and you’ll come away with some tasty fresh cheese. We’ll take you through the whole cheese-making process introducing you to the ingredients and skills that you need to start making fresh cheese at home. Preregistration required. Cost: $20/person (+tax) Wargo Nature Center is located at 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes. For more information visit www.anokacounty.us.
Financial Focus
Blake Cheeley Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Are you on track to meet your financial goals? October is Financial Planning Month. And now that you know it’s Financial Planning Month (just in case you didn’t know before), why not take the opportunity to determine if you’re on the right path toward meeting your financial goals? Consider taking the following steps. Identify your goals. To know if you’re making progress toward your goals, you first have to identify them. Of course, you’ll have a variety of goals in life, such as helping pay for your children’s college educations. More than likely, though, your most important long-term financial goal is to build enough resources to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. But we all have different ideas for how we want to spend our retirement years. Some of us may want to stay close to home, volunteering and pursuing our hobbies, while others want to visit the vineyards of Bordeaux or explore the pyramids of Egypt. So name your goals and, as much as possible, put a price tag on them. Once you know about how much your retirement is going to cost, you can create an investment strategy that may ultimately provide you with the income you will need.
Don’t underestimate your cost of living. Even after you’ve identified some of your retirement goals and estimated their costs, you still haven’t developed a complete picture of your future cost of living. You also need to take into account other potential major expenses, such as health care. Once you’re 65, you’ll get Medicare, but that won’t cover all your medical costs – and it might cover only a tiny portion of those expenses connected with longterm care, such as a nursing home stay or services provided by a home health aide. A financial professional can help you explore specific methods of dealing with these types of long-term care costs. Locate “gaps”—and work to fill them. After you’ve had your investment strategy in place for a while, you may see that some “gaps” exist. Is your portfolio not growing as fast as it should to help you reach your goals? If not, you may need to review your asset allocation to make sure it is aligned with your risk tolerance and portfolio objective. Do you find that you own too many of the same types of investments? This
Saving for your ideal retirement is certainly a worthy goal, but you have other ones – such as providing for your family in case you aren’t around, or if you become ill or incapacitated and can’t work for a while. That’s why you will need adequate life insurance and possibly disability insurance, too. Your employer may offer you both these types of coverage as an employee benefit, but it might not be enough—so you may want to explore private coverage as well. Financial Planning Month will come and go. But by following the above suggestions, you can create some strategies that will bring you a lifetime of benefits. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Blake A Cheeley, CRPC®, AAMS® Financial Advisor
Certified Public Accountants
Specializing in accounting and taxes for closely-held and family-owned businesses since 1974. Office hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by appointment
overconcentration could be harmful to you if a downturn affects one particular asset class and you own too much of that asset. To help prevent this from happening, be sure to diversify your dollars across a range of investment vehicles. Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against all losses. Protect yourself—and your family.
You talk. We listen. In person.
Sannerud, Savarese & Associates, p.a.
763-434-5929
23306 Cree Street NW Suite 102 St. Francis, MN 55070 763-753-2988 Member SIPC
www.edwardjones.com
• www.sannerudsavarese.com
1207 Constance Boulevard NE • Ham Lake, MN 55304
1/12
Child Care Center Now Taking Enrollment Both Locations, All Ages
25
East Bethel
763-434-1980 Isanti
763-444-3774
Drop-ins welcome. We offer great before & after school program rates. Call for Employment Opportunities
St. Francis Auto Parts Local one stop auto parts store with over 100,000 in stock parts and nationwide parts locating.
Paying 50 for most junkers! $
00
Bonus for caerrs! ’06 or new
Open 5 Days A Week - Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CLOSED ON SATURDAYS 763-753-4698 • Family Run Business 4140 St. Francis Blvd., just south of town on Hwy 47
26 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Sports & Outdoors Hoglund signs to play softball at College of Saint Mary Carolyn Todd Bray
College of Saint Mary Sports Information Director and head softball coach
The sixth-grade red football team honored the memory of Jacob Wetterling before their game September 10 by wearing the number 11 on their helmets. The Community Education Youth Tackle football players made a commitment to live by the following eleven traits: be fair, be kind, be understanding, be honest, be thankful, be a good sport, be a good friend, be joyful, be generous, be gentle with others and be positive. Players include: Felix Yang, Jonah Stoffel, Wes Johnson, Matthew Bothun, Jacob Tupper, Max DeBuhr, Ben Grebowski, Owen Dubois, Aaron Block, Joe Waldock, Brady Peltier, Nick Taff, Braden Sullivan, Bo Flagstad, Jaxon Skogquist, Brayden Erickson, Dylan Hejny, Kyle Halstensen and Mason Pohl. Coaches are: Jeremy Skogquist, Wade Johnson and Jordan Flagstad. Not pictured: Lamar Hinson. Submitted by Lynda Skogquist, parent; Picture: Amy Tupper, parent
Upcoming events at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Caitlin Potter
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
Celebrate Fall at Cedar Creek! October 1 Throughout the day, naturalists and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR) staff will be on hand to lead nature hikes to Cedar Bog Lake, do fall-themed activities, talk about on-going research and more. Come enjoy the fall colors in the forest and the
swamp! Free; families welcome! Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey training October 15-16 at Fort Snelling State Park Learn how to track wildlife in this two-day tracking intensive offered by the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project. Training qualifies you to join the Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey citizen science project. RSVP required. Free; ages 8+ with parent. 3220 Bridge Street, Suite 107 in the St. Francis Mall
Call
763-753-1277 for an Appointment
Free Estimates!
Kendall W. Goodian, D.C.
763-444-9234
Chiropractic Orthopedist
Specializing in Sports, Industrial and Auto Accident Injuries
6/12
Have a safe and successful hunting season! Call me about insuring your ATV, sideby-side, boat, recreational vehicle or trailer.
Insurance for Auto • Home • Business • Risk • Recreation Call Gary today for a free policy review and quote!
St. Francis Insurance Agency Gary Zimmerman • 763-753-3595 Across from St. Francis High School
Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey Day October 22 Join trained and novice wildlife trackers to collect data for our new citizen science project (attendance at training event mandatory unless otherwise approved). Build Your Own Environmental Sensor November 12 Under the expert guidance of Tommy Rodengen, build your own temperature and humidity sensor to take home! $30 workshop fee covers materials to build one sensor—could be built individually or in a team of two. Limit 20; please RSVP. ($30; ages 8+ with parent chaperone)
Gabby Hoglund of Bethel signed her letter of intent to continue her education and play softball at the College of Saint Mary (CSM) in Omaha, Nebraska. Hoglund will join the Flames for the 2016-17 school year. Hoglund is a 5-4 third baseman, catcher and first baseman from St. Francis High School. She is the daughter of Tony and Ruth Hoglund. “Gabby will be a great addition to our team,” CSM Softball Coach Carolyn Todd Bray said. “I’ve watched Gabby play over the years and she just continues to get better, both offensively and defensively. She’s got a lot of power at the plate and will help add a strong bat to our lineup. “Perhaps what I like about Gabby even more is that she is a true team player and always stays positive. She comes from a great family and is exactly the type of student-athlete that
Coach (Bob) Cannon and I are looking to add to our team.” Hoglund played softball at St. Francis High School before joining the Minnesota Smoke for her senior year. She was named team MVP with her squad this past spring. She has also played for the SnoCatz program. She says her greatest sports moment to date was a time when she was playing third base during her junior year. A batter dropped down a bunt and she made a diving catch, rolled through her dive and then threw out the runner who was at first base to complete the double play. Besides softball, Hoglund enjoys hanging out with family and friends. She plans to study occupational therapy at CSM. “After visiting, I felt that CSM offered me the best opportunity to succeed in occupational therapy,” Hoglund said. “I know that CSM will push me academically, but also offers me the small environment where I feel I will be the most comfortable.”
H E A T
M I Z E R
s “Give U ” A Break
Heat Mizer Glass, Inc. HOME & BUSINESS
New Construction • Remodeling and Repair • Commercial Residential Windows & Doors Glass of All Types • Plastics Shower Doors • Mirrors
AUTO Glass
Auto Glass Repaired & Replaced Boat • RV Tractor & Heavy Equipment Insurance Specialists
30678 Hwy 47 NW MN Glass Isanti, MN Association
Gabby Hoglund, Bethel, signed her intent to play softball for the College of Saint Mary (CSM) in Omaha, Nebraska with CSM Caoch Carolyn Todd Bray looking on. Hoglund is a 2016 graduate of St. Francis High School. Submitted Photo
Oakridge Auto Body Inc.
23428 Hwy. 65 NE 2 Blks. S of CR 24 on Hwy. 65
763-434-4772 763-434-7373 Collision Specialists
Recommended by insurance companies Ask about a free loaner car • Owners John and Lori Buchta Friendly and dependable service
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
27
Herding and Arzdorf named Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Players’ Tour Players of the Year Chris Rocheford
Minnesota PGA
Abby Herding of Storden and Brady Arzdorf of East Bethel were named the 2016 Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Players’ Tour Players of the Year in the Girls’ and Boys’ divisions, respectively. Player of the Year honors are awarded to the girl and boy who accumulate the most points throughout the season during the Minnesota Junior PGA’s five Players’ Tour Series Events, Match Play Championship and final Tournament of Champions. The awards are given out to each player following the
Brady Arzdorf of East Bethel was named the Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Players’ Tour Player of the Year in Boys’ division. Submitted Photo
conclusion of the Tournament of Champions. Herding, a Class of 2016 graduate from WestbrookWalnut Grove High School, had an impressive summer winning two of the five Players’ Tour Series events and finished tied for second in the Tournament of Champions to end the season. “The highlight of my season was definitely winning this award,” Herding said. “It is very reassuring to know you played well at several summer tournaments instead of just a couple events and I enjoy getting to compete against the top girl golfers in the state of Minnesota that I wouldn’t normally get to play against during the high school season.” She finished the year with a total of 760 points to win this year’s award, good enough to edge Ashlyn Guggisberg of Glenwood who finished with 715 points. “This award gives me both confidence and a sense of accomplishment within my golf game,” she emphasized. “I am extremely happy to come out on top as the Player of the Year.” Arzdorf, similar to Herding, was most deserving of Player of the Year honors after a stellar summer with a victory in one of the Players’ Tour Series events and no finish worse than tied for twelfth. He also finished tied for second in the Tournament of Champions. “The thing I believe helped me improve the most this year was that hardly any college coach wanted to recruit me because I had a higher scoring average to start the season,” said Arzdorf, who will attend Augustana University in Sioux
Students & Staff
Drop your car off for service at our convenient facility across from St. Francis High School while you are at school.
Falls, South Dakota this fall. “I then used that feeling of rejection as motivation to try to improve my game. I’m grateful to coach Danny Sinksen at Augustana University for believing in me.” Finishing the season with 693.33 points, Arzdorf beat out Brady Madsen of Raymond,
MN by less than 40 points to claim this year’s honors. This was very important to him and his confidence, “winning this award means a lot to me because there are a lot of other great golfers in the Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association that made it a competitive season,” he said.
“It also showed me that it’s never too late to change paths and that you may struggle at first, but with hard work and determination you can be successful in it.” Congratulations to Abby and Brady on their accomplishments this season.
Join St. Francis Youth Hockey If your child is interested in playing hockey… now is the chance! We are looking for boys and girls age 4 and up.
! w o N e n i l n O r e t s Regi www.sfyha.com Learn to Skate Clinics for All Ages
763-753-4993 • www.gerdinauto.com 3128 Bridge Street, St. Francis Serving this community since 1977
24-Hour Towing & Recovery 763-434-1686
The St. Francis Youth Hockey Association will hold Learn to Skate Clinics in November, December, January. Go to www.sfyha.com and click on “Learn to Skate” for more information.
28 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Community Education Remember to vote this November Melody Panek
Adult Basic Education Coordinator
The November presidential election is almost here. Many students in the Adult Basic Education class are excited and some are apprehensive about the election this year. Whether or not they are eligible to vote, many students have an interest in the outcome and how it may affect their future. Please take time to vote this year. Voting is a wonderful right granted to those who are citizens, but sometimes it’s taken for granted.
The 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore was a memorable one. According to Encyclopedia Britannica’s website, it was one of the closest presidential elections ever and ended up being effectively decided by the United States Supreme Court. After that election, it no longer made sense to think a person’s vote doesn’t make a difference; it does! Abraham Lincoln said that the government is “of the
people, by the people, for the people.” For many, these words mean that the government is composed of the citizens of this country. That means us—you, me, family, friends and neighbors. Voting is absolutely one of the best ways that many of us can participate in our democracy. No matter who you are, how much money you have, your vote is equal with everyone else’s vote. Even Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton’s vote is no more important than anyone else’s.
Several students who attend Adult Basic Education class are from countries in which voting is not an option. Some of these students would love to become American citizens so they could exercise this right. Being able to choose the person who represents the United States is a truly special and extraordinary privilege. Give the candidates and their platforms serious thought and go to the polls on November 8.
Community Education Directory Community Education Director............................................................... 763-753-7048 Adult Basic Education (GED)...................................................................... 763-753-7190 Adult Enrichement & Rec............................................................................. 763-213-1640 Communications/The Courier.................................................................. 763-753-7031 Youth Enrichment • Grades K-5................................................................ 763-213-1616 Districtwide Youth • Grades 7-12............................................................. 763-213-1640 Driver Education/Behind the Wheel..................................................... 763-213-1640 Early Childhood Family Education.......................................................... 763-753-7170 Early Childhood Screening.......................................................................... 763-753-7187 Facility Scheduling............................................................................................ 763-213-1589 Kids Connection/Just 4 Kids Program Supervisor..................................................................................... 763-213-1616 Cedar Creek Community School Site............................................... 763-753-7160 East Bethel Community School Site.................................................. 763-213-8921 Lifelong Learning Center Site................................................................ 763-753-7199 St. Francis Elementary School Site..................................................... 763-213-8674 Preschool Place 15/School Readiness.................................................. 763-753-7170 Rec Department................................................................................................. 763-213-1823 www.isd15.org • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.com
Summer Kids Connection students visited the St. Francis Police Department July 19. They brought along a sign they created, thanking police officers for their hard work serving the community.
Lori Roberts, St. Francis Police Department Administrative Assistant
Fitness for all! Only $2 per visit & no membership fees
e
Relaxed atmospher
– senior citizens are d! encouraged to atten
l Trainers +Treadmills + Elliptica + Stationary Bikes hine + Nautilus Weight Mac
Contact ISD 15 Adult on at Community Educati
763-213-1640
n. for more informatio
ABE
Adult Basic Education Start your future now!
Independent School District 15 Community Education
Fitness 15 Sandhill Center • 23820 Dewey Street • Bethel
Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m. Friday Closed
English classes on all levels Classes are for foreign born adults who want to read, write and speak English. Our ESL classes are designed to fit students’ needs and help with everyday living. Our teachers and volunteers work with students one-onone to help them learn a new language.
Free One-On-One
Instruction for Adults
Prepare for the GED Adults who have a degree earn more money and are prepared for college. Prepare for Tests ParaPro: for potential educational assistants Accuplacer: college entrance exam Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) naturalization test Class days and times: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 5:008:00 p.m.
www.communityed15.com/abe For more information or to register, call 763-753-7190.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Now Available at
Convenient
Lifelong Learning Center
Before and after school childcare Program Sites Cedar Creek Community School East Bethel Community School St. Francis Elementary School Lifelong Learning Center Kids Connection is a comprehensive childcare program for children in kindergarten through grade 5 that provides a safe, fun experience and offers families a variety of childcare options. The program is open 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours include before and after school programs and full day programs on non-school days. Questions? Call Chris at 763-213-1616 or Lori at 763-213-1641 communityed15.com/kc
Just 4 Kids is a childcare option for children who are 3 years of age by September 1, 2016 to kindergarten entrance. Children participate in various activities in a safe, well-supervised environment. Extended childcare options are available at: • Cedar Creek Community School, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will be bused to the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at no fee. • St. Francis Elementary School, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will remain at St. Francis Elementary School. If preschoolers are attending Preschool Place 15, they will be bused to LLC at no cost. Customize your childcare arrangements! Before and after preschool, daily and weekly rates are available for Just 4 Kids. Call 763-213-1641 for more information.
Classes & Events 23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005
Enjoy top entertainment by popular artists at the monthly Lunch Bunch. Make your reservations early as most shows sell out. Seating is done on a first come first served basis. NEW! Dessert Shows for selected dates. Lunch Bunch is available through the efforts of the ISD 15 Senior Advisory Council. Doors open: 10:30 a.m. Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. Showtime: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Cost: $20.00 (price includes sales tax) For reservations, call 763-213-1640.
Larry & Bev Rose Tuesday, October 11 #LB102 Lunch Show
Larry and Bev Rose have made music together for over fifty years, entertaining throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin as well as Branson, Missouri. They have performed with many of the Grand Ole Opry artists as well as many members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bev sings and plays guitar and piano; Larry plays guitar, pedal steel, bass, lead guitar and sometimes a five-string banjo.
29
Driver Education
instruction at St. Francis High School Classroom Education
Registration for classroom driver education is being accepted for the 2016-17 school year. Classroom driver education information available on the website.
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Instruction Six hours of required behind-the-wheel instruction Flexible scheduling State of Minnesota certified instructors Fee $260
Applications available at www.communityed15.com or call 763-213-1640 for more information. Sponsored by ISD 15 Community Education
Strength
SilverSneakers Yoga
In class you will use dumbbells/hand weights and resistance bands to strengthen muscles, improve bone density and increase your metabolism. Class is for seniors or active older adults. Days: Mondays Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Fee: $2 per class No registration required
SilverSneakers Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Fee: Free to SilverSneakers and Silver and Fit members; $2 per class for non-members No registration required
Line Dancing Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. This is an excellent class for those just beginning line dance as well as those more experienced line dancers. No registration necessary, come when you want. Day: Thursdays Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m. Fee: $2 per class NEW CLASS!
Interval Training This class will incorporate short periods of easy, low impact exercises done at YOUR maximum level of effort followed by a period of less intense “cool down” movements. Get stronger, increase endurance and improve overall health in less time. Day: Tuesdays Time: 8:45-9:30 a.m. Fee: $2 per class or purchase a punch card for $20 This class is NOT benefit eligible for Silver & Fit or SilverSneakers. No Class: October 11, November 8, 15, December 13, January 10, February 7, March 14, April 11, May 9
SilverSneakers Classic Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Days: Wednesdays, Fridays Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Fee: Free to SilverSneakers and Silver and Fit members; $2 per class for non-members No registration required
Sandhill is a Silver & Fit qualified center. For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program or the Sandhill Center, please call 763-213-1640. To see if you qualify as a Silver & Fit member or a SilverSneakers member, please contact your insurance company.
30 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Bright Beginnings in ISD 15 Early Childhood 763-753-7170
Call ECFE at for more information or to register for any of the opportunities on this page. Lifelong Learning Center • 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove • Online at www.isd15.org/ecfe Follow ISD 15 Early Childhood on Facebook to stay in the know and connect with other parents.
What is Early Family Childhood Education (ECFE)? A place for babies A place for toddlers A place for preschoolers A place for all dads, moms and other relatives in a parenting role ECFE is a place where parents and young children learn and play together and can meet other families with young children. We are one of nearly 350 in the state of Minnesota offered through school districts. We believe all families deserve support, information and opportunities to be involved in their children’s learning. We recognize that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. ECFE provides information on getting ready for school, discipline, child development, communication and growing together as a family.
Looking for special events & field trips? to Check out the Place to Go, Things in ving Do brochure that will be arri chure your mailbox this month! This bro ops ksh wor features special events, parent . ilies and field trips for fam
What happens at weekly ECFE parent/child sessions?
Upcoming ECFE Events:
Time together: Parents and children explore a variety of activities planned by a licensed early childhood teacher.
Jump into the fall spirit. Bring the family to enjoy a fun-filled morning. Bounce house, petting zoo, painting , Book Brook and a snack. Don’t forget your camera to capture these memorable moments! Course: EC 7702 Date: Saturday, October 15 Time: 9:30-12:30 a.m. Fee: $3 per child; max $7 per family plus a non-perishable food item Deadline: October 11
Time for play: Children practice and discover their own capabilities by experimenting with materials, playing with other children and trying out toys appropriate for their age. Time for parents: While the children are busy playing, you have an opportunity to meet with other parents and gain support. A licensed parent educator will lead the group and share information about parenting issues, child development and resources. Most baby and young toddler classes have discussion in the early childhood classroom; older classes separate to a nearby room when appropriate for the group.
Do you have a new baby in your house? Enjoy songs and games together and meet others who are experiencing the joys and challenges of raising a baby. Babies and Parents Class Dates: Thursdays, October 6-November 17 Time: 9:30-11:30 am Fee: FREE but you must pre-register. Sibling Care also available at a low cost.
Looking for a Preschool? Limited number of spots are still available!
Classes are also available for two-year-olds and very young three-year-olds
The purpose of Preschool Place 15 is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success and their parents can be partners in learning.
Preschool Place 15 For more information on classes and to register visit www.isd15.org or call 763-753-7170
Independent School District 15 Early Childhood Family Education is offering Preschool Place 15 at the Lifelong Learning Center in Oak Grove. Highlights of the program are: } Programming takes place September through May } Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available } One, two, three or four times per week } Two hour to Two-and-a-half hour sessions } Most classes are age specific } Sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income } Busing available for ALL full-year morning and afternoon classes The curriculum of Preschool Place 15 focuses on social skills and early literacy development. Mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts and physical development are also part of the curriculum. Environments are designed to enhance and expand children’s understanding of the world as they direct their own play. Teachers facilitate the child’s learning; they guide and encourage independent learning in each child.
Fall Fun Fest
Paint and Play Play with your child in the gym and paint a ceramic mug that is sure to become a family treasure. Paints, stamps and materials for special effects will be available for use. Mug will be fired by Lily Pad Ceramics and be returned to LLC for pick up by November 15, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. One mug per child. No make-up if absent on day of event. Most appropriate for children ages 3 and up. Course: EC 7704 Date: Wednesday, November 2 Time: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Fee: $12 per child Deadline: October 26
Pumpkin Power Here’s a chance to celebrate Halloween with your family in a safe, fun and festive environment especially designed for young children. You and your child may dress in a costume if you wish. Have some fun at the most “unscary” Halloween party in town! Course: EC 7703 Date: Wednesday, October 26 Time: 9:30-11:15 a.m. Fee: $5 per child; max $15 (limit of 4 children/adult) Deadline: October 24
Have a concern about your child?
Are you concerned about your child’s development, speech or behavior? If your child is under three years of age, call 763-753-7172 to reach Independent School District 15 Help Me Grow services. If your child is at least three years of age and not yet in kindergarten, ISD 15 Early Childhood Screening is the first step in confirming any concerns you have. Call for an appointment at 763-753-7187.
Early Childhood Screening
Do you have a child who is three or four years old? Have they been through Early Childhood Screening? Early Childhood Screening should be done soon after the child’s third birthday. Screening is a free, simple check of a young child’s health and development; it does not determine kindergarten readiness. Screening includes a development assessment, vision and hearing checks, immunization and health review. Call 763-753-7187 if Safety you currently have a 3 or 4-year-old child who has not been screened.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
31
Meetings, Benefits & Events ISD 15 School Board
Lioness
Seniors
City & Township Meetings
ISD 15 SCHOOL Board Meetings: October 10 & 24 —Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.
CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB Meets the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Maxx’s Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 65. For membership information call Yvonne Johnson, 763-434-6985. We Serve!
East Bethel Seniors Dances are held 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $6, lunch included. The next one is Friday, October 7 with old time music played by Mike Elsenpeter. There is a Halloween dance on Friday, October 28 with Wes Miller. Entertainment for November 4 will be Dick Szyplinski. Pancake Breakfast all are welcome on Sunday, October 9, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Serving pancakes, French toast, sausage, juice, coffee and choice of egg, 50¢ per egg. Cost for breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 10. Seniors meet the third Thursday of each month for a business meeting and catered noon lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; second Wednesday of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon with potluck at noon; fourth Wednesday is crafts only, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Cribbage once a month, call Barb for date/time at 763-434-6179. We also go on tours, etc. The East Bethel Senior Center is available for rent, call Dennis at 763-434-9244. Are you 55 or older? Bring your spouse and come and enjoy some companionship. All are welcome. Join East Bethel Seniors for $10 a year and receive a monthly newsletter. The East Bethel Senior Center is located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.
Andover City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover 763-755-5100
SFHS Class Reunion St. Francis High School Class of 1976 will hold their 40th reunion on Saturday, October 1, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at The Ponds Golf Course in St. Francis. For more information, contact Cindy Porter Tilbury at cindy.tilbury@att.net. St. Francis High School Class of 1986 —Join your classmates on Saturday, October 15, 6:00 p.m. at Brookhall at Blainbrook Event Center. For more information, contact sfhs86reunion@gmail. com.
Business Edward Jones Coffee Club meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at Bridge Street Coffee, 3122 Viking Blvd., Oak Grove.
Chamber of Commerce St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce The next breakfast networking meeting is Wednesday, October 12, 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Room, 23340 Cree Street. The Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Community Room. Meetings are open to all. Visit stfrancischamber.org for more information or call 763-438-5163. North 65 Chamber of Commerce Member Recognition meeting is Wednesday, October 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Buffet catered by LeFebvre catering at Spirit River Community Center, 1321 Heritage Blvd., Isanti. Visit website for more information at www.north65chamber.com. East Bethel Chamber of Commerce Monthly membership meeting at Route 65 Pub & Grub on Thursday, October 13, 8:00-9:00 a.m. For more details, visit www.eastbethelchamber.com. Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Networking meeting is Wednesday, October 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Ham Lake Lanes and Lounge, 16465 Hwy. 65. The business meeting is Wednesday, October 19, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at 21st Century Bank, 17636 Central Ave. Visit www.hamlakecc.org for more information.
Service Group St. Francis Area Women of Today Meets the first Thursday of the month at the Anoka Hennepin Credit Union, 23280 St. Francis Blvd. NW in St. Francis. Social time is 6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Women of Today, visit us at www.sfawt.org.
St. Francis Lioness Club Meets monthly. First Wednesday, administrative board and third Wednesday, general membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall, 23340 Cree Street. For more information, call Mary Madden at 763-444-5020 or Cheryl Eldstrom at 763-753-4602 or email bluesage51@ gmail.com.
Lions Oak Grove Lions club Meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Oak Grove City Hall, 7:00 p.m., adjourning at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call Lion Mark Silvernagel at 763-753-2215. NOWTHEN LIONS CLUB Are you looking to serve in your community of Nowthen? Meet new friends? Have a lot of fun? Come join the Nowthen Lions Club! The Nowthen Lions meet at Nowthen City Hall on the first Thursday of the month for the board meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the membership meeting. Please email nowthenlions@yahoo.com. CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB Meets bimonthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at Hunters Inn. Call Judy Ricke at 763-226-4893. St. Francis Lions Club Meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. First Wednesday board meeting; second Wednesday regular business meeting; fourth Wednesday social and program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Kevin Schuldt for more information at 763-7531205 or visit www.stfrancismn.lionwap.org.
Seniors Oak Grove Seniors Meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Oak Grove City Hall at noon for a potluck and short business meeting. Bingo follows each business meeting. For information about the club and events, call Marion Schulz at 763-444-5652. St. Francis Seniors Life is good when you can make new friends, get out and enjoy the multitude of activities that our community has to offer. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month at the St. Francis Legion. Social time and lunch begins at noon, with the meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. and games until 3:00 p.m. We play cards, bingo, scrabble, cribbage, go on trips, lunch outings, have picnics and stay active as we get older. Come and see what we are about. Call President Ray Steinke at 763-753-1871.
AA/NA AA Meets at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. AA/NA Meeting at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel. NA on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., AA on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., NA on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
American Legion American Legion Auxiliary Unit 622 – St. Francis General membership meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the auxiliary are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. American Legion Post 622 – St. Francis General membership meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234.
Health & Fitness Tops Chapter MN #1774 Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Check out a meeting or visit www.tops.org. Long Lake Lutheran Church Invites you to join us for GriefShare Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Free. We are located five miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47. For more information please contact Sharon Sudeith at 763-444-4483 or visit www. longlakeluth.org. For general information on the GriefShare program, visit www. griefshare.org.
Bethel City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m. 23820 Dewey Street, Bethel, 763-434-4366 Nowthen City Council Meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. 19800 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Nowthen 763-441-1347 East Bethel City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. 2241 221st Avenue NE, East Bethel 763-367-7840 Oak Grove City Council Meets 2nd & last Monday 7:00 p.m. 19900 Nightingale Street NW, Oak Grove 763-404-7000 St. Francis City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Monday, 6:00 p.m. ISD 15 Central Services Center, St. Francis 763-753-2630 Stanford Township Board Meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m. 5050 261st Avenue NW, Isanti, 763-444-6370
Alexandra House’s free workshops and support groups Tina Bronson
Alexandra House Communications Marketing Director
Alexandra House offers several educational workshops and support groups to help survivors cope with the confusion, anger and fear often experienced after episodes of sexual assault and domestic violence. These workshops and groups enable survivors to share their experiences, feelings and provide them with support to overcome their fears and feelings of isolation. Learn more at alexandrahouse.org and call 763-656-1366 to register.
Contact The Courier Online
www.the-courier.org Like us on Facebook, ISD 15 The Courier
By Phone
763-753-7031 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
In Person
4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
By Mail
The Courier 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070
32 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
Life Travel Tips
CAtherine Bank, Legacy Travel
Cruises vs. all-inclusive resorts: which one is the best deal? While planning your next vacation, this tricky question is likely to come up: what’s better? An all-inclusive resort or a cruise? After examining both vacation choices, the conclusion is that it all depends on the type of vacation you’re envisioning. Do you want a whirlwind of excursions, nice dinners and multiple islands? Or would you rather sunbathe at the pool and sleep in a luxurious hotel room? There are perks and drawbacks to both all-inclusive resorts and cruise lines. Once you look at the pros and cons of each vacation option, hopefully you’ll be able to make the correct decision to fit your traveling style. A few days on a cruise line can allow you to experience multiple locations. The best part is you can sleep the night away while you’re traveling to the next destination, leaving you refreshed to embark on a new adventure. Cruise ship entertainment is always free. It is available both day and night and is generally more engaging than the entertainment that is offered at an all-inclusive resort. Cruise lines include meals
Ask Fido:
and snacks in their price and these meals can be fancier than most of the meals at all-inclusive resorts. However, cruise passengers have reported a drop in the quality of cruise ship meals. Staff on a cruise ship is highly trained and experienced. Members of the staff, such as the waiter, busboy and cabin steward, are polite, service-oriented and
What makes Fido’s your favorite home away from home?
“Easy. Four free walks a day, every day I’m here!”
More personal care boarding perks:
10% Off for new Grooming Customers!
• $18 per day plus a multi dog discount • Pick-up/drop-off 365 days a year • 24 hour on-site care • Maintaining Fido’s routine of pottying outside—we’re not in the business of starting bad habits • Free medication administration
Fido’s Barber Shop 19847 Orchid St. NW, Oak Grove
All Breed Professional Dog Grooming and Personal Care Boarding Day and Evening Appointments
763-213-8143 www.fidosbarber.com
attentive. Another advantage to choosing a cruise line is the unique experience of sailing from island to island. The view from a private balcony on a cruise ship is enough to make anyone feel like a world traveler. There are also disadvantages to a cruise vacation. Most cruise lines offer alcohol packages that you can purchase for about $52 per person. Each cruise line has different accommodations that are included in the overall price of the cruise, but it generally just includes meals and snacks, beverages at mealtimes, facilities such as the pool, activities and entertainment and transportation between the port of calls. The extras that you’ll end up paying out of
pocket include soft drinks, alcohol, gratuity, spa treatments, island excursions and any airfare or airport transfers. These extra charges are made to your credit card and will commonly show up on your statement after you’ve returned home. Don’t think you’ve escaped an expensive vacation until you’ve checked File Photo your credit card bill for charges you’ve made while on the ship. Cruise lines have realized the best way for them to earn more is to pile lots of people onto each ship. This can make your cruise feel crowded and crammed, even on a large cruise ship. While you’ll be able to see more islands traveling by cruise ship, keep in mind you’ll usually only have one day, or a total of eight hours, to explore these destinations. One last disadvantage to traveling by cruise ship is that more than likely, you will have a small cabin that provides only simple necessities and none of the luxuries you might find at allinclusive resorts. All-inclusive resorts give you a single price that generally includes airfare, hotel room, food, drinks and taxes. These
ut Ask us abo ne li our new on pet med pharmacy! “We treat your pets like our own”
St. Francis Veterinary Clinic 763-444-9359
Two miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47 Visit us on the web at www.sfvetclinic.com
drinks not only include soft drinks but also alcoholic beverages, so you won’t be tacking that on to the total expense. This price also includes nightly entertainment, use of the facilities (which are generally larger and nicer than a cruise ship’s facilities) and gratuity. Some resorts even allow you to use their water-sport equipment, such as snorkeling gear and surfboards. At an all-inclusive resort, you are free to do whatever you like. Resorts are much bigger than a cruise ship, so you can wander about without feeling claustrophobic. Since you have a few days at the same destination, you’ll be able to truly explore your surroundings and get a more in-depth discovery. Allinclusive resorts also provide hotel rooms, which are often more accommodating and larger in size than anything found on a cruise ship. One disadvantage to choosing an all-inclusive resort is that you will only see one destination. You won’t get the experience of traveling to multiple islands. The entertainment at an allinclusive resort is also usually less diverse than a cruise ship. You’re generally left to find your own activities during the day. Both cruise lines and allinclusive resorts have benefits and drawbacks. In your exploration of vacation choices, you will find that more resorts are becoming all-inclusive, giving you a larger selection. However, most all-inclusive resorts are confined to the Caribbean and Mexico. If you were set on another vacation destination, you may want to try a different option. Cruise lines are enticing customers by offering extremely low prices. Keep in mind that many cruises are including fewer accommodations in their prices, making them even less inclusive. Both vacation options offer you excursions to explore the destinations for a fee and both offer great meals.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Spaghetti dinner Lillian Reetz
Long Lake Lutheran Church
Come to Long Lake Lutheran Church for food, fun and fellowship on Friday, October 14, 4:00-7:00 p.m. for our spaghetti dinner. Cost for adults $6, children (6-12 years) $3 and 6 years and under are free. Everyone is welcome. Proceeds to benefit Alvin and Deb Arens. Long Lake Lutheran Church is located 6 miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47.
Births
Our Saviour’s
ELCA
Jameon Jay Peterson was born on July 24, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Jessy and Jeff Peterson of Bethel. Jameon is welcomed by siblings Kenny and Jayla. Octavia Rose Teel was born on August 5, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20¼ inches long. Proud parents are Tommy and Carrisa Teel of Isanti. Octavia is welcomed by big sister Gracie. Cora Rae Logan was born on August 21, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20½ inches long. Proud parents are Lindsay and Calvin Logan of Isanti. Cora is welcomed by big brother Tanner.
Lutheran Church & Preschool Reaching Out With A Voice of Hope. Sunday Worship Schedule 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Ignite Service at 6:30 p.m. — dinner at 5:00 p.m. 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel West County Road 22 south and Jackson Street
For information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at www.oursaviourslc.org email to: oslc@oursaviourslc.org
Pastor Daniel Nordin Pastor Maria Pederson Associate in Ministry Glenndy Ose
2016 Goal 701
Tons
61 Tons
Recycled in August St. Francis has recycled 449 tons in 2016 so far. Recycling is now easier with simple sort recycling. You no longer need to sort items. Just place them all in the large roll-off container provided by your hauler. If you have any questions about what is acceptable or would like to start a new service, call your hauler: Ace Solid Waste 763-427-3110 Allied Waste 763-784-2104 East Central Sanitation 763-689-2171 LePage & Sons 763-757-7100
33
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus to host daylong mental wellness event Fia Prpic
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus is hosting a daylong Mental Wellness event, Tuesday, October 4, featuring four presenters as well as representatives and service providers from various community agencies. This event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. TXT4Life Speaker 11:30 a.m.-Noon TXT4Life, a non-profit organization operated by Canvas Health, has trained counselors available to respond to texts from people of all ages about a wide range of topics and crisis situations. Mental Wellness Journeys 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monica and Erik Akre discuss their journey
before, during and after their bipolar diagnoses. Mental Health Resource Fair 5:00-6:00 p.m. Community agencies, providers and representatives will be discuss mental wellness resources in the region. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presents In Our Own Voice A community conversation about living with mental illness. 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sue Abderholden, the Executive Director of NAMI, will discuss attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about mental illness by describing the reality of living with mental illness, followed by a question and answer session. There is limited transportation available. Contact Isanti County Family Services for more information at 763-689-1711 or nicole.roddy@ co.isanti.mn.us
34 October 2016 The Courier
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program accepting applications Lynne Hagen
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Anoka County
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension Master Gardener Program in Anoka County is accepting applications for their 2017 volunteer training program. Extension Master Gardeners are a group of eager volunteers who receive professional training in consumer horticulture by Extension Educators and University faculty in exchange for their volunteer time by helping answer consumer horticulture questions, teaching community education classes, working with schools and youth or assisting in research. Master Gardener candidates should have an active interest in gardening, be willing to learn more about horticulture and be able to pass on that knowledge through various
Master Gardener programs. To become a Certified Master Gardener, applicants are accepted into the program after an application and interview process, must attend the Master Gardener Core Course, which includes 48 hours of online or classroom instruction that includes topics such as trees and shrubs, entomology, fruits, flowers, lawns, vegetables and plant pathology. In addition, completing an internship of 50 hours of volunteer service the first year in the program, under the guidance of experienced Master Gardeners, is required to become certified. To continue as a Master Gardener, volunteers must perform a minimum of 25 hours of service each year and attend a minimum of 5 hours of continuing education, which is made available through many local opportunities. The process to apply to become a UMN Extension Master Gardener includes
| www.the-courier.org
Pet Corner
Dr. Amy Morgan
Oak Grove Animal Hospital, Owner
contacting the Anoka County Master Gardener office, completing an application, being selected for an interview and submitting and passing a background screening. If accepted, one then registers and pays $320 for the Core Course. (Includes $290 for course materials the student retains and a $30 background screening fee). For the first time, the Anoka County Master Gardener program will offer a $50 rebate for all new volunteers accepted for the 2017 program, which will be remitted upon completion of the first year internship. Specific information about the Extension Master Gardener Program in Anoka County and an application is available at www.anokamastergardeners. org. General information about the Extension Master Gardener Program is available on the State Master Gardener website at www.mg.umn.edu.
Although great fun for humans, Halloween can be frightful and hazardous to pets. Dogs often like to shred paper, including candy wrappers, and in the process may consume Halloween candy. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that acts like File Photo a stimulant, causing an elevated heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea and worse, depending on how much is consumed. If a dog consumes a lot of candy wrappers, they can even plug the intestines, requiring surgery. Even if no chocolate is consumed, eating a lot of sugar can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Make sure to keep Halloween candy away from your pets. Also, the frequent door opening and noisy trick-or-treaters can be too much stimulation for pets, causing them to be afraid, bolt out the door or occasionally become aggressive toward the costumed visitors. If you have any question about how your pets will handle the busy Halloween night, it’s safer to confine them to a quiet room with the door closed or a crate if they’re accustomed to being crated. Place the crate in a quiet place away from the front door to minimize upsetting the pet until the trick-or-treaters have all gone home. Turning on a radio or television for the pet or using a calming spray like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs can provide a good distraction as well.
2017 Minnesota Gardening Calendar now available Julie Blomquist
Dungarvin!
Dungarvin!
Is Hiring DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS SOCIAL SERVICES Come join our company in fulfilling the mission of respecting and responding to the choices of those in need of support. We have FT/PT openings and sleep overnight openings in Forest Lake!
Responsibilities: Direct care. Administer medication, community activities and providing transportation.
Requirements: Basic computer and communication skills, a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, are able to pass a criminal background check and are 18 years of age plus.
Dungarvin Offers: Paid training, paid time off, benefits, 401(K) and internal growth opportunities!
Apply online at www.dungarvin.com Requisition #: 16-0089
University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County
AA/EOE
Now Hiring Mental Health Specialist in North Branch Starting at $17 per hour! Open shifts include: Full-Time Day Evening Awake/Asleep Overnight Weekend Opportunities Challenging and rewarding opportunity working with youth and young adults with Mental Health diagnosis, cognitive impairments and challenging behaviors Come be a part of a team that can make a difference in someone’s life. Security guards, correctional and police officers looking to supplement your incomes are encouraged to apply. Requirements: Two years experience working with Mental Health Diagnosis is preferred. Benefits | Paid Training |PTO |401(k)
Apply online at www.dungarvin.com Mental Health Specialist Requisition #: 16-0270
AA/EOE
Or send your resume directly to mgreen@dungarvin.com 651-699-6050 x5710
The University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum have released Minnesota Gardening 2017, a calendar developed for home gardening and landscape enthusiasts across the state. The Minnesota Gardening 2017 is the only calendar designed and written exclusively for Minnesota. It is the perfect complement to any gardener’s collection. Each month, in addition to the full-page color photo, the calendar features timely tips for lawn, garden and houseplant care; maps of average frost-free dates; Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants Information; and USDA Plant Hardiness Zones for Minnesota. The calendar is spiral bound and measures 13 x 9.5 inches. There is room to write in day blocks and it includes monthly tips. Minnesota Gardening 2017 is available at the Anoka County Extension office. The price is $15 per calendar (extra charge for mailing the calendar). Individuals interested in purchasing the calendar can stop by the Extension office at 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW Andover or call the office at 763-755-1280. Office hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Courier | www.the-courier.org October 2016
Faith Listings
Master Gardener
Carol bray Isanti county master gardener
Gardeners’ vocabulary Anyone who has taken on a hobby has likely increased their vocabulary with new words or terms that mean something unique. Fellow gardener, Jonathon Erickson, recently introduced me to a new word. Petrichor is a noun meaning the smell of earth after it rains. Stratification is a word that means something unique to gardeners. To gardeners, stratification is the process of treating seeds, typically by softening or nicking the seed, before sowing to simulate natural winter conditions so the seed will germinate. This is important for seeds, because they go through an embryonic dormancy phase. The seed will not germinate until dormancy is broken by stratification. A term I wasn’t familiar with until I started gardening
was cole crop. Cole crops are basically plants that belong to the Brassica (mustard) family and are all descendants of wild cabbage. Generally, these plants grow best in cool weather. Cole is a variation of the word cold. Some of the most common cole crops are: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, broccoli, turnip, kohlrabi, kale and watercress. A root vegetable is a term that is easy to figure out. Root vegetables are vegetables that are best stored in root cellars. What vegetables are root vegetables? Root vegetables are plant roots used as vegetables. Here, root means any underground part of a plant. Just to complicate things, there are more than 50 types of storage roots: tap, bulb, rhizome, etc. Storage roots are very common all over the
A strawberry sundae hydrangea.
Photo by Carol Bray
world. An example of taproot would be carrots, Daucus carota subsp. sativus and a sweet potato, Ipomoea batas, is a tuberous root. Some spices are derived from rhizome root such as turmeric, Curuma longa, while yams, Dioscorea spp., are categorized as a tuber root. There are vegetables that are defined as cool weather vegetables. It’s obvious these vegetables grow best in cool weather. Cool weather vegetables include salad greens, peas and root vegetables. Of course, soil temperature for cool weather vegetables still needs to be warm enough for germination. It is important to plant cool vegetable transplants or seeds so they’ll reach maturity before daytime highs hit around 60 degrees. Because of this, you may need to start seeds indoors or use some type of insulation around the plants to keep the temperature of the soil raised slightly. Because it’s always fun to learn, I suggest you get the book The Reason for Flowers by Stephen Buchmann as a gift for yourself or anyone that loves gardening. For more information, visit Isanti County Master Gardeners’ website at isanticountymastergardeners. com, the University of Minnesota Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu or call the Isanti County Master Gardeners at 763-6898254. You can also find us on Facebook at Isanti County Master Gardeners.
Deer ticks don’t go away until the snow flies—keep up with tick protection. Remember to keep candy away from your pets on Halloween.
Abundant Life Alliance Church 3840 197th Avenue NW Oak Grove • 763-753-0284 www.AbundantLife4U.org Bethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW Bethel • 763-434-9834 www.bethelschurch.org Cedar United Methodist Church 17541 Jefferson Street NE Ham Lake • 763-434-7463 www.cedarumc.org Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net Elim Baptist Church 114 Dahlin Street SE Isanti • 763-444-9221 www.elimistani.org Immanuel Church 15036 Round Lake Boulevard NW Andover • 763-210-5846 www.immanuelchurchopc.org Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org
19035 Lake George Boulevard NW Oak Grove, MN 55303
763-753-6336 www.oakgrovevet.net
Ask about dog and cat grooming!
Lisa Johnson, D.V.M. Alyssa Ziche, D.V.M. Katie Neshek, D.V.M.
New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.org St. Andrew Lutheran Church 1450 237th Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-7146 www.standreweb.org St. Francis United Methodist Church 3914 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-2273 www.stfrancis-umc.com St. Patrick Catholic Church 19921 Nightingale Street NW Oak Grove • 763-753-2011 www.st-patricks.org Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Latchkey/ Childcare 3812 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-1234 www.trinitysf.org West Bethel United Methodist Church 1233 221st Avenue NE Cedar • 763-434-6451
Fall Harvest, Festivities & Decorations Farm Fresh Produce
• Potatoes • Squash October Family Fun at • Apples our 2016 “Great Outdoors” • Onions • Rutabagas Indoor Straw Maze • Beets & Corn Kernel Pit. • Carrots Visit our website for more • Honey, Syrup, information. Wild Rice, Dry Beans Jams, Jellies, Popcorn
Trees & Shrubs for Fall planting
Amy Morgan, D.V.M. Kaija Youngner, D.V.M. Dawn Price, D.V.M
35
Bird Seed & Feeders Grass Seed & Fertilizer
Tons of Pumpkins Gourds • Ornamental Corn Corn Stalks • Rye Bundles Straw Bales Fall Decorations • Bulbs
Green Barn Garden Center
& Farm Market
3 miles south of Isanti on Hwy. 65 & 265th OPEN 7 Days A Week Call for current hours
763-444-5725 www.greenbarngardencenter.com
36 October 2016 The Courier
| www.the-courier.org
St. Francis Dairy Queen/Orange Julius receives PRIDE Award Dean Peters
Dairy Queen
Expires 10/31/15 X1001 Expires 10/31/15 X1001
The Dairy Queen/Orange Julius located at St. Francis City Center recently received a PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence) Award from the Dairy Queen® system for achieving a high level of cleanliness and food safety. “We feel honored to have received such a prestigious award,” said Chad Johnson, owner of the St. Francis location. “We work hard to keep our restaurant at a high level of cleanliness to ensure
that we provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our customers.” The award is given to those stores that demonstrate PRIDE by maintaining the Dairy Queen system’s standard of cleanliness and food safety. This is the seventh year for the PRIDE award and every restaurant that meets these standards will receive the award. The award is delivered shortly after the time of the PRIDE assessment visit, which can occur anytime throughout the year. The St. Francis location received recognition for their
hard work in the form of a framed certificate with a picture of the crew working at the time of the assessment. The certificate states that their location achieved an outstanding cleanliness and food safety PRIDE check by setting up for success, giving the customer a reason to return and maintaining PRIDE. St. Francis Dairy Queen/Orange Julius staff (L-R) Monica HauptJohnson, Chad Johnson and Amy Supper celebrate receiving the PRIDE award for delivering excellence to their customers. Submitted Photo
5 Off Express Gasolines ¢
Per Gallon All Grades of Gas Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 10/31/16 Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.
5 Off Express Gasolines ¢
Per Gallon All Grades of Gas Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 10/31/16 Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.
www.kingscountymarket.com
23122 St. Francis Boulevard NW St. Francis 763-753-3334 Open Seven Days A Week Monday-Saturday 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fire Prevention Week Fire extinguisher know-how Fire extinguishers are an important safety component in any home or building. They can mean the difference between a devastating fire or a minor incident. Although a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life- and property-saving tool, many people are not properly skilled in the use of fire extinguishers. A large portion of the public has not received training on fire extinguisher use and when to use them. Sometimes the use of the wrong extinguisher can exacerbate a fire, as there are different fire extinguishers for different types of fires. Learning when and where to use an extinguisher can be a matter of life and death.
Type of Extinguisher Not all fires are alike and fires started from different materials require the use of different extinguishing agents to safely and quickly put the fire out. There are five different types of extinguishers and generally each will feature a symbol to show the applicable fire on which they can be used. Class A: These are used on ordinary substances, like cloth, wood, paper and plastics. Class B: These extinguishers are used on fires that feature flammable liquids, such as oil-based paints or gasoline. Class C: These extinguishers are used on electrical equipment, such as tools or appliances that are plugged in. Class D: Commonly found in specific factories, these extinguishers
4. You can escape safely if necessary. 5. The fire is not between you and the escape route. 6. You are physically able to carry its weight and exert the necessary pressure to operate it. Fire extinguishers should be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure they will be effective. Some need to be shaken to keep the dry chemicals from settling. Others need When to Use a Fire Extinguisher to have the pressure at the correct Small fires may be smothered with level. An extinguisher may need an extinguisher. If the fire has spread to be recharged or replaced if it is or is already large in size, it’s likely damaged. only a trained firefighter can handle the blaze. Only use a fire extinguisher Individuals can talk with firefighters about possible training courses in the in these circumstances. use of fire extinguishers. This will 1. The fire is small and contained. help a person know the correct way 2. You have already called the fire to handle and activate an extinguisher department. should it need to be used. 3. There is little chance of being consumed by toxic smoke. are used on flammable metals. Class K: Combustible cooking materials, like animal oils and fats, can be extinguished with this agent. They are commonly found in commercial kitchens, but are now in residential markets as well. Multipurpose: Some extinguishers combine different agents so they are applicable for a range of fires.
Tips brought to you by: Andover Fire Department 763-755-9825
City of Nowthen 763-441-1347
City of Oak Grove 763-404-7000
City of St. Francis 763-753-2630 Northland Screw Products, Inc. 763-753-3628