Veterans Day Tribute
The Courier
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School board election set for November 5 Collier, Barbara Jahnke, Juanita Reed-Boniface, David Roberts, Marsha Van Denburgh and Malcolm T. Vinger II. Running for a two-year term are Betsy Roed and Scott Schwarz. A Meet the Candidates forum was held October 22, visit www.isd15.org to view the video of the event. In this issue read the candidate profiles submitted by Education Minnesota St. Francis Local 1977 beginning on page 27.
Ann Johnson ISD 15 Election Official
a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education | St. Francis, Minnesota
November 2013 | Volume 21, Issue 4
PAGE 20
FREE
An election for members to the Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) School Board will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Candidates running for a four-year term are Shannon
Voting locations
The polls for the school district election will open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election. An unregistered individual may register to vote at the polling place on election day. The combined polling places for this election and the precincts served by those polling places will be as follows: Precinct 1 ISD 15 Central Services Center 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis Precinct 1 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of Bethel, the City of St. Francis and City of Nowthen, Anoka County, Minnesota and Stanford Township, Athens Township and Spencerbrook Township, Third grade students in Candi Blosberg and Karen Holsten’s St. Francis Elementary School classes enjoyed an integrated thematic unit on bridges. Students began the unit by reading a historical fiction selection from their reading curriculum, Pop’s Bridge, about two young boys who follow the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in the early 1930s. The teachers guided their classes through an internet study of various types of bridges. Students, such as Faith, Cheyenne and Lily (above), integrated science into their study by observing and analyzing the structures of the bridges. As a culminating activity, Blosberg and Holsten took their classes on a field trip to view the Bridge Street bridge in St. Francis. Students used math to measure the distance across the bridge, technology to photograph the bridge using iPads and writing to record their observations. Read student essays on the bridge on page 7. Submitted Photo
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Isanti County, Minnesota. Precinct 2 Lifelong Learning Center 18900 Cedar Drive Oak Grove Precinct 2 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of Andover and in the City of Oak Grove, Anoka County, Minnesota. Precinct 3 East Bethel Senior Center 2241 – 221st Avenue NE East Bethel Precinct 3 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of East Bethel and Linwood Township, Anoka County, Minnesota.
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. You may also call the Anoka County Elections office at 763-323-5275 for voting information and for absentee ballot information. 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.
Have news or photos to share with us? Email to
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November What’s Inside Schools in Action..........................................2 School Board Highlights.........................12 Community Education............................14 Community & Business...........................17 School Board Candidate Profiles..........27 Sports & Outdoors....................................35 Life..................................................................37 Classified.......................................................40
Schools in Action Superintendent’s Corner Edward Saxton
Tuesday, November 5 is Election Day. Our district residents will select four school board members to serve our community. One of the positions will be a two-year term, while the other three positions will be four years in length. Please mark that date
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on your calendar and plan a trip to the polls. Gathering information to vote for the candidates of your choice is important. Here are some avenues to help you prepare to make the best vote you can: Check out printed materials. Lawn signs are in and around our district and could give you a start when doing your research. Frequently, candidates will have cards or perhaps a handout to make some of their beliefs available to citizens. Reviewing written information is always a good idea. Check out publications. Both the October and the November issues of The Courier have information about each candidate.
23212 St. Francis Boulevard NW Suite 1300 in St. Francis 763-954-9340 WINTER HOURS: 10:30 am-9:00 pm
DQ gift cards make great stocking stuffers!
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Beginning Black Friday—Buy $15 or more in DQ gift cards and be entered in the drawing to win free Blizzards® for a year.*
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Please bring nonperishable food items for local foodshelf. No strollers please. Take the Heartland Express free shuttle that goes between both schools.
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Gift Certificates
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PAGE 13
of St. Francis and City of Nowthen, Anoka County, Minnesota and Stanford Township, Athens Township and Spencerbrook Township, Isanti County, Minnesota. Precinct 2 Lifelong Learning Center 18900 Cedar Drive Oak Grove Precinct 2 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of Andover and in the City of Oak Grove, Anoka County, Minnesota. Precinct 3 East Bethel Senior Center 2241 – 221st Avenue NE East Bethel Precinct 3 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of East Bethel and Linwood Township, Anoka County, Minnesota. The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. As you observe the campaign season moving toward Election Day, please exercise your right to vote for the school board members you support. It is important to vote for the people you believe will do a great job in office. It is important to vote for people you trust. It is important to vote for people you support. Most of all, it is important to vote. See you at the polls on Tuesday, November 5. The students who attend our schools are depending on your participation. For complete election information, scan the code below.
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most comfortable using. Many people like to supplement information gathering with a personal conversation. These can take place anytime, anywhere. In and around our community in informal settings, candidates share their philosophies and ideas to make ISD 15 an even better school system. Seek them out; get your questions answered. Whether you send a text message, an email, a tweet, share a post, make a phone call, review literature or read a publication, you will create the opportunity to make an informed choice. One of the most important responsibilities we have as citizens is to exercise the right to vote. There is still time to do additional information gathering. The election is November 5. Our voting locations are: Precinct 1 ISD 15 Central Services Center 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis Precinct 1 encompasses all territory in ISD 15 located in the City of Bethel, the City
Consider taking some time to review the profiles of the eight citizens willing to serve in the capacity of school board member. Check out opportunities to hear the candidates. On October 22, some of our community members attended a candidate forum, hosted by the St. Francis Chamber of Commerce and the St. Francis Women of Today. The gathering featured the eight candidates interested in serving our school system as school board members. Questions were posed by members in attendance, and each potential board member weighed in on a variety of topics. If you were unable to attend this meeting but are interested in researching the people running for office, please visit the district website, www. isd15.org/election to view the video of the forum. Our candidates may have reached out electronically. Facebook, Twitter, or perhaps a web page are all forms of communication, and voters generally gather information from the sources they are
PAGE 12
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The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Local teacher participates in national town hall meeting Edited by Alicia Loehlein Staff Writer
St. Francis High School teacher Glenn Morehouse
Olson recently appeared on national television during the fourth annual Teacher Town Continued, Page 4
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On October 6, (L-R) NBC Education Correspondent Rehema Ellis, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, St. Francis High School teacher Glenn Morehouse Olson and Jeff Duncan-Andrade, director of Educational Equity from iSeed in Oakland, California participated in MSNBC’s Teacher Town Hall. The meeting was held at the New York Public Library. “Every year, our goal for the Teacher Town Hall is to create conversation by, for and about teachers,” said Williams. Photo Rob Kim, NBC
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763-753-9696 The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
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From Page 3
Town Hall Hall on MSNBC October 6, part of the 2013 Education Nation Summit. To coincide with the overall theme of this year’s summit, “What It Takes,” the discussion focused on what it takes for teachers to be successful in today’s school
system. This conversation explored the most important challenges and opportunities teachers face in the classroom and provided them a forum to examine how to ensure they receive the resources they need to guide students in their academic careers. Morehouse Olson was recommended to NBC by Ellen Sherratt, an educational
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researcher and author of the book Everyone at the Table. Morehouse Olson presented a workshop with Sherratt this past summer at the Learning Forward conference in Minneapolis. Morehouse Olson is known for her work with VIVA teachers and her involvement on writing recommendations to the Governor for Principal Evaluation in Minnesota. “It was a whirlwind trip and I didn’t get to say everything I would have liked,” Morehouse Olson said. “But I spoke about how teachers collaborate in this district and how important and creative our teacher academy has been in getting teachers
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Student Update Sarah Madsen, daughter of Mitch and Lisa Madsen, Oak Grove, participated in the White Coat Ceremony at North Dakota State University on September 21. She is a student in NDSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program and who is minoring in chemistry. Madsen is among the NDSU pharmacy students who took the oath of a pharmacist during the ceremony. Each student will receive a white coat symbolizing his or her duty to patients and colleagues as they enter the pharmacy profession. The White Coat Ceremony is an opportunity to officially welcome students into the profession of pharmacy and instill an attitude of professionalism, honesty and integrity. Madsen is vice president of operations of Kappa Delta sorority.
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connected.” Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, was joined by NBC News’ Chief Education Correspondent Rehema Ellis in leading this national conversation with America’s teachers. While hundreds of teachers gathered in person at he New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman building, other teachers from across the country joined the live conversation virtually during the broadcast. Video of Morehouse Olson’s discussion can be viewed on the ISD 15 website, www.isd15.org.
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763•753•1900 Ask about our $150 Bleach special. The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
An awards night celebration fit for a king – the 33rd Annual Madrigal Dinner Karen Olson SFHS Madrigal Publicity Chairwoman
You are cordially invited to attend the 33rd Annual Madrigal Dinner at St. Francis High School! Join King William and Queen Kate as they host the first ever “Renny Awards,” a red carpet event that will feature spectacular music, fine dining and family friendly fun! While the King and Queen expect the awards ceremony to go off without a hitch, chaos breaks out when Grandmaster Bieber starts winning awards that he wasn’t even nominated for! After the guards find a masked menace lurking about the castle walls, will the Renny Awards be a monumental success or a chaotic catastrophe? This year’s student written production is directed by Lukas Warren, St. Francis High School choir director, and features many of the contemporary celebrities that you love and love to loathe! The head table is made up of 32 fantastic juniors and seniors who not only perform the show, but also wrote this story. Decked out in their traditional Renaissance garb, we invite you all to come enjoy their performance along with the help of students from the entire St. Francis High School Choral Program. This is an annual tradition that is not to be missed! Performance dates are November 14, 15, and 16 at 7:00 p.m. and November 17 at 4:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for students (age 18 and under). For reservations, please visit www.isd15.org and click on the SFHS Madrigal Dinner coming in November link to download a ticket order form. No reservations will be taken by phone, but additional information is available by calling the Madrigal Dinner Hotline at 763-213-1800 (ext. 1489). Please join us for a fun-filled and unique outing for the entire family. The entire SFHS Choral Music Department would be most honored by your presence at this event!
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Multicultural/Diversity Program Events Carline Sargent, ISD 15 Multicultural/Diversity Program Liaison
American Indian Education Parent Committee meeting The American Indian Education Parent Committee meets once a month on the first Tuesday. The next meeting is November 5 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 215 at St. Francis High School. If you are a parent, guardian or foster parent of an American Indian student in Independent School District 15 and would like to be part of the American Indian Education Parent Committee, you are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Book Club The second book selected for the 2013-14 school year Multicultural Book Club is The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Minnesota author Kao Kalia Yang. In search of a place to call home, thousands of Hmong families made the journey from the war-torn jungles of Laos to the overcrowded refugee camps of
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Thailand and onward to America. But lacking a written language of their own, the Hmong experience has been primarily recorded by others. Driven to tell her family’s story after her grandmother’s death, The Latehomecomer is Yang’s tribute to the remarkable woman whose spirit held them together. The club will meet in December; exact dates will be posted on the district website www.isd15.org, 4:006:00 p.m. in Room 215 at St. Francis High School. An invitation has been made to Yang to come and discuss her book. Plans are also being made to view The Place Where We Were Born, a film documenting the experiences of Hmong American Continued, Page 8
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The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
To find an ABE site close to you, call
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Cedar Creek Community School
CCCS reading class, led by Lori DeCourcy, is using the latest in technology with a document camera connected to a 60" plasma touchscreen TV. The document camera displays a student’s work as an image on the TV so everyone in the room can see. This can also display Courier Contacts lessons the class is working on and allows students to easily follow Telephone �������������������������������763-753-7031 along. This TV supports wireless connectivity as a standalone unit Fax �������������������������������������������������763-753-4693 as well as connecting with Apple TV, iPads and computer systems. Advertising �����������������������������763-753-7032 Pictured (L-R) around the table are Marah Dolney, Kaitlyn Vangsness, Billing ������������������������������������������763-753-7031 Tene’ Hansen, Carter Hoffman, Roland Williams, Sydney Lienemann, Website �������������������� www.the-courier.org Terra Lindberg, Michael Beaudry, Allison Kishish and Decourcy. Meldon Eliason and Tracey Peterson, Deadline Information Technology Support at CCCS and EBCS. Deadline for the December issue of The Courier is November 8. (Right) The American Indian Education Program held its annual KickNews Off on October 6. There was a great turnout with everyone enjoying Send news and photos to news@isd15.org. the good food and conversation. There was an opportunity to take part in an Ojibwe Bandolier (shoulder) bag activity. Bandolier bags Address originated around the 1840s, most commonly made by American 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW Indians of the Prairies and Upper Great Lakes. Traditional Bandolier St. Francis, MN 55070-9368 bags are hand beaded, taking months or years to complete and Publisher Troy Ferguson ������������������������763-753-7041 are highly valued works of art. A bandolier is a belt with a diagonal shoulder strap. When European Americans first saw these American troy.ferguson@isd15.org Indian bags, they thought they resembled bandoliers worn by Editor soldiers and the name stuck. For more information about the Kathleen Miller ����������������������763-753-7042 American Indian Education Program and upcoming events, please kathleen.miller@isd15.org visit www.isd15.org, Resources, American Indian Education. Advertising Sales Carline Sargent, ISD 15 Multicultural/Diversity Program Liaison Janice Audette ����������������������763-753-7032 janice.audette@isd15.org Graphic Designers Pat Johnson �����������������������������763-753-7025 pat.johnson@isd15.org Alicia Loehlein �����������������������763-753-7033 alicia.loehlein@isd15.org Billing Alicia Loehlein �����������������������763-753-7033 alicia.loehlein@isd15.org Amy Lindfors ��������������������������763-213-1588 amy.lindfors@isd15.org Production Binie Bertils 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 (12 issues) subscription rate of $18. Delivery For delivery inquires ����������763-753-7031 The Courier is a monthly publication distributed by Independent School District 15 Community Education and paid for with revenues generated by advertising. Policies and Pricing Visit www.the-courier.org for policy and pricing information. 6
After completing a unit studying and comparing Native American cultures, CCCS second graders enjoyed a culminating activity. The students read a story about a Navajo weaver and each student was given the opportunity to create their own weaving patterns. First, they removed threads from burlap, and then wove brightly colored contrasting yarn through the spaces left behind. Students were excited and proud to show their finished designs! Gwen Ackerson, CCCS Second Grade Teacher
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The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
St. Francis Elementary School
Fourth graders at St. Francis Elementary School–North investigated the properties of liquids and learned how to safely observe unknown substances with a variety of tools as they conducted a mystery liquids investigation. Andrea Klinsing, SFES 4th grade teacher
As part of Fire Prevention Week, first grade students at St. Francis Elementary School such as Rameer Mosley and Christian Marshall took their annual field trip to the St. Francis Fire Station. All five first grade classes made the short trek to the station on a beautiful fall day and were treated to a tour of the facility and fire trucks. Children got to try out the hoses, sit in a fire truck and try on authentic firefighter turnout gear. (Below) Sparky the Fire Dog made a cameo appearance to greet the students and pose for pictures with Lucas St. George, Sofia Fiebranz, Karson Whitcomb, Sparky, Hailey Sturzl and Alicen Berg. Kathy Tagg, & Joan Copa SFES 1st grade teachers
Students at St. Francis Elementary School showed their school spirit by participating in dress-up days throughout Homecoming week. Pictured are Viking fans (L-R) Jessi Bjergo, Maizy Reagan, Mila Klein, Abby Mueller and Mason Dehn from Kathy Tagg’s first grade classroom showing their purple pride on team spirit day. Kathy Tagg, SFES 1st grade teacher
Third graders study bridges
The best field trip ever
It was six days ago, and we were reading in our reading books. Our story was Pop’s Bridge. It was about building the Golden Gate Bridge. We went online and compared bridges. There are beam bridges, arch bridges, trusses mostly used for trains to cross over, and suspension, cantilever, and cable stay bridges. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge. On Wednesday we went to the Saint Francis Beam Bridge over the Rum River. We measured how many feet it is and it is 386.5 feet. Nicholas McClure, SFES student
Our bridge field trip
October 9 we went to the Rum River for a field trip. We took pictures with iPads, drew, and we went on the bridge to measure it with a trundle wheel. It was 377.5 feet long. Also, we read the article about the Rum River Bridge. When I first saw it, I knew the bridge
was a beam bridge. In Pop’s Bridge they built the Golden Gate Bridge. It was famous. They call it the Golden Gate Bridge because it’s golden at night. Alan DeBenetti, SFES Student
The St. Francis bridge
We went on a field trip, and then we looked at the bridge. It was a beam bridge. It was 386.5 feet long. Then we went under the bridge to look at the bottom of it. There are a lot of trees there and when I was under the bridge there were cars on the bridge. The people were walking on the bridge, too. Then we took pictures of the bridge with iPads. Elaine Mei, SFES Student
The St. Francis beam bridge
When I was in class, we were reading Pop’s Bridge. Pop’s Bridge was about the Golden Gate Bridge. The characters are Charlie, Charlie’s dad, Robert, and Robert’s dad. Robert’s dad is a skywalker. Charlie’s dad is a painter. When they were building the bridge, 12 men fell off the bridge and only 2 survived. After this, Robert knew that painters and skywalkers both had dangerous jobs. We planned to go to the
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Rum River Bridge in St. Francis. We took pictures, measured how long the bridge was, and read the history of the bridge. The bridge was 387.2 feet long. It is a beam bridge and is made of concrete and metal. Jake Hennen, SFES Students
Bridge trip
On Wednesday, October 9 we took a field trip. It was very fun. We learned a lot about bridges this week. It was fun learning about bridges and what they are. I hope we do more about bridges. My favorite part was probably all of it. We looked at a lot of bridges. We measured the bridge with a trundle wheel! It started because we learned a lot about bridges. So we took a field trip. It was very fun. I hope we go on more field trips. We also took a lot of pictures with iPads. They were beautiful. We read a book and it is called Pop’s Bridge. It is about bridges and the Golden Gate Bridge. We went to the Rum River Bridge. We were in groups and we looked at what held it up and other stuff. We took turns rolling the trundle wheel across the bridge. THE END Brenna Fredrickson, SFES Student
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Third grade students in Candi Blosberg and Karen Holsten’s classes recently completed a study of bridges using math, writing and technology to complete their assignments. The following are a few student observations on bridges.
SF High School
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763-753-4656 7
St. Francis Middle School
“A Day Made Better” OfficeMax Program honors Jac Davis
Teacher Spotlight Jessica Rowles SFMS Community Relations Coordinator
Jessica Rowles
Nathan Beich is a new hire at St. Francis Middle School working in our TAIP department for math support. This will be Beich’s sixth year in the teaching profession. Beich comes to us from Marshall, Minnesota where he Nathan Beich Submitted Photo taught at Canby High School, Marshall Middle School and RTR High School as well as coached wrestling and track. Beich was born and raised in Rochester and attended Century High School. His wife teaches preschool in North Branch. His hobbies include playing many instruments, writing and recording music on his computer software and memorizing sports trivia. Beich is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University where he earned a secondary mathematics major and a business administration minor. Beich states, “I am looking forward to everything at St. Francis Middle School! It is fun and exciting to be in a new place and able to meet new students and staff. Everybody has been so welcoming and I’m looking forward to getting involved in this community and making it home.” The middle school is pleased to add him to our staff. He fits in very well to our community.
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SFMS Community Relations Coordinator
October 1 marked OfficeMax’s seventh annual “A Day Made Better” program surprising 1,000 teachers with $1,000 worth in classroom supplies. Jac Davis, a sixth grade Language Arts teacher at St. Francis Middle School, was one of those teachers selected based on nominations from their area. OfficeMax’s goal is to try and relieve the financial burden of teachers who spend money for their classroom out of their own pockets. Since 2007, “A Day Made Better” and other OfficeMax Goodworks affiliated programs have contributed over $25 million in grants and supplies to over 31,000 teachers across the nation. According to an affiliate of OfficeMax, Adoptaclassroom. org, teachers spend over $1,000 on classroom supplies out of their own pockets each school year. Davis was surprised by the Cambridge OfficeMax staff on October 1 during third hour. Principal Dale Johnson and Assistant Principal Bobbi Hume, along with office staff and OfficeMax representatives, celebrated Davis with flowers, a plaque, an office chair, a camera and classroom
Pictured with Jac Davis (seated) are Cambridge OfficeMax Assistant Store Manager Ryan Landborg, Sales Specialist Tim Korinke and Impress Supervisor Nikki Mac Donald. Submitted photo supplies. A surprised and grateful Davis remarked, “I want to spread the love by donating the camera to my student council as well as the other classroom supplies to
my sixth grade staff to be used for students throughout the year.” An additional box of office supplies was given to the middle school office staff from OfficeMax.
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St. Francis Middle School staff and students showed their district pride the first week of October during Homecoming dress up days. Themes included Saints apparel, dress alike, mismatched and class color day. Jessica Rowles, SFMS Community Relations Coordinator From Page 5
Multicultural refugees. Please bring the book to the first meeting. The book is available at local libraries or can be checked out from the school district. There are 30 books and one audio recording available. Contact Carline for more information.
Multicultural/Diversity Community Committee If you would like to be part of the Independent School
District 15 Multicultural/ Diversity Committee, all community members are invited to attend. The committee meets the second Tuesday of every month, St. Francis High School, Room 215 at 5:00 p.m. The next meeting is November 12. If you have questions or would like to learn more about any of the Multicultural/ Diversity offerings, please contact Carline Sargent at 763-213-1575 or email Carline. Sargent@isd15.org. Also visit the district website www.isd15. org.
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
East Bethel Community School
Open field designs voted on Cassie Schmoll EBCS Community Relations Coordinator
East Bethel Community School has started the school year JAM’in. JAM (Just A Minute) is a one minute warm up activity designed to start the school day. Fifth grade students lead the lower classes in activities that are done at the students’ desk, require no equipment and can be done by all grade levels. JAM gets the students ready to learn, gives them more energy and helps them stay focused. These activities can be done throughout the day as brain breaks. JAM is also a great opportunity to develop leadership in our 5th grade classes. The students have loved the activities and our 5th graders have thrived with the opportunity. Jamie Studnicka, EBCS Physical Education Teacher
Over 150 people enjoyed the first EBCS Book Walk for the 2013-14 school year. Students and their families danced, hopped, jiggled and jogged around the school to music, while they met old and new friends and won books to take home. A great time was had by all and lots of smiling faces brought home new books to enjoy. A special thank you to Baylee May, Aaron Boelter, Nick Carrigan, Igor Gunchak and Kyle Carrigan from National Honor Society members of St. Francis High School. Your help was greatly appreciated.
While working with scale and models, Cassie Schmoll’s fifth grade class decided it was about time someone looked into doing something creative with the open field on the northwest side of the playground area. Twenty-eight blueprints were drawn-up and 28 models were created. Deciding which plan to choose became the next hurdle to overcome. The situation was at East Bethel Community School (EBCS) and if it were to be taken seriously, there was only one body of leaders who could make a decision like that; bring in the ISD 15 School Board! After voting on their six top designs, Schmoll’s class invited school board members to weigh in on the decision. School Board members Harry Grams and Dave Roberts came to EBCS and took an active role in the decision process of presentations, deliberations and voting. In the end, Jaymin M’s football field design received the most
votes boasting a legal size field where kids in grades K-5 could play football the way it should be played with rules, yard lines, uprights and friendly
competition! A big thank you to Grams and Roberts for taking time out of their day to take part in our mock school board meeting!
Cassie Schmoll’s fifth grade class decided that the open field next to East Bethel Community School should be utilized somehow. The students drew up blueprints and created models for the project and narrowed the choices to six. Students extended invitations to school board members to see the plans. School board members Harry Grams (above) and David Roberts visited the classroom and spoke to the students about their designs. Cassie Schmoll
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Leslee Yseth, EBCS Kindergarten Teacher
November 5 Juanita Reed-Boniface Independent School District 15 School Board
A voice for – • Lifelong learning opportunities for all • Achieving highest standards of academic excellence
Kindergarten students at EBCS enjoyed a special lesson on seeds and plants presented to them by Pam Beecham, a former ISD 15 teacher. Beecham has come into our classroom and taken us to the school forest on many different occasions to help us learn about the wonderful world around us. We have learned about bear, deer, leaves, trees and more. Thank you Pam! Leslee Yseth, EBCS Kindergarten Teacher The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Pam Beecham, retired teacher and science specialist, taught kindergartners a lesson on where seeds come from using zinnias from her garden and apples from the trees in front of EBCS. Students enjoyed taking apart the flower petals in search of seeds. The seeds are being stored in a dry, dark place for planting in the spring. Kathy Priebe, EBCS Kindergarten Teacher
• Building cooperation, respect, cohesion and continuity within the board • Maximizing effective use of all resources both human and capital • Enhancing transparent, open communication throughout the district Prepared and paid for by Juanita Reed-Boniface, 2462 Lake George Drive NW, Cedar, MN 55011; 763-753-4636. 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.
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November is National Native American Heritage Month Carline Sargent ISD 15 Multicultural/Diversity Liaison
The month of November is designated by Congress and the president as a time to reflect on the rich traditions and accomplishments, as well as the suffering and injustices, that mark the history of American Indians and Alaska Natives. National American Indian Heritage Month was designated under a joint congressional resolution approved by President George H.W. Bush. Each year, the sitting president designates November as National Native American Heritage Month.
As of the 2010 census, the nation’s population of American Indians and Alaska Natives was 5.2 million, including those of more than one race. They made up 1.7 percent of the total population. Of this total, 2.9 million were American Indian and Alaska Native only, and 2.3 million
Driver’s Education
were American Indian and Alaska Native in combination with one or more other races. Currently, there are 565 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and more than 100 staterecognized tribes across the United States. American Indians have participated with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years. Their courage, determination, survival skills, fighting spirit, and unique combat abilities frustrated opponents for generations. American Indian combat strategies were recognized by American military leaders as early as the 18th century. In World War I, 12,000 American Indians joined the ranks of the armed forces—
even though it wasn’t until 1924 (June 2, 1924, Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act—also known as the Snyder Act of 1924) that Congress granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other
@ St. Francis High School
Classroom Education Registration for classroom driver’s education is being accepted for the 2013-14 school year. If you are 15 years of age or approaching 15, you may register to participate in a 30-hour classroom driver’s education course offered during the school day. Fee $110.
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Instruction Six hours of required behind-the-wheel instruction Flexible scheduling State of Minnesota certified instructors Fee $250 Applications available at www.communityed15.com or call 763-213-1640 for more information. Sponsored by ISD 15 Community Education
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ethnic groups. The reasons behind this disproportionate contribution are complex and deeply rooted in traditional American Indian culture. In many respects, Native Americans are no different from others who volunteer for military service. They do, however, have distinctive cultural values that drive them to serve their country. The Alamo Scouts were a top secret reconnaissance unit that operated in the Pacific during World War II. They performed 108 missions without losing a single man, including conducting two prisoner-of-war camp raids. They are recognized by the Army as a forerunner of the modern special forces. Onequarter of the graduates from the first Alamo Scouts training class were American Indian. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, there were 5,000 Native Americans enlisted in military service. By January 1942, the DOD reports, 99 percent of all eligible Native American men had registered for the draft. More than 44,000 American Indians, out of a population of less than 350,000, served with distinction in both the European and Pacific wars between 1941 and 1945. During World War II, American Indians invested more than $50 million in war bonds, and contributed generously to the Red Cross and the Army and Navy Relief societies. More than 42,000 American Indians, 90 percent of them volunteers, fought in Vietnam. President Barack Obama signed the Native American Apology Resolution into law on December 19, 2009. The Apology Resolution states that the United States “apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples by citizens of the United States.” All the facts stated in this article are from: Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Directorate Of Research Development And Strategic Initiatives - Dr. Richard Oliver Hope Human Relations Research Center, Directed by Dr. Daniel P. McDonald, Executive Director.
St. Francis High School
Cullen Hahn and Maddyson Belden, two members of St. Francis High School’s debate team, finished 5th out of 37 teams at the recently held Chanhassen High School Debate Tournament. Belden also received an award for being one of the tournament’s top speakers.
Steve Fetzik, SFHS Debate Team Advisor
Jacob Clater and Austin Fields smile after the conclusion of the twoday Northern Lights Student Congress that was held at DilworthGlyndon-Felton High School on October 4 and 5. Both Clater and Fields are first-year participants on the high school’s debate team. Steve Fetzik, SFHS Debate Team Advisor
Haley Dorumsgaard and Rebekah Hall recently finished among the top speakers at the Northern Lights Student Congress at DilworthGlyndon-Felton High School. Dorumsgaard placed 5th in the House of Representatives and Hall was voted the Presiding Officer in her division. Steve Fetzik, SFHS Debate Team Advisor The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Recognizing the signs of dyslexia
St. Francis High School
Logan Green (grade 12) works to complete a polar fleece pillow in Janel Simmon’s St. Francis High School sewing class. The class is currently working on a variety of projects, including clothing, accessories and even gun cases.
Steve Fetzik, ISD 15 Community Relations Chairperson
Amber Aho, Terra Salitros and Sam Scardigli show their junior class pride during St. Francis High School’s Homecoming Week festivities. The students were in Beth Widell’s Family & Consumer Science classroom. Steve Fetzik, ISD 15 Community Relations Chairperson
Linda Polis, Educational Assistant at St. Francis High School, rolls back to the ‘70s during this year’s Homecoming “Throwback Day.”
Steve Fetzik, ISD 15 Community Relations Chairperson
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Children begin learning to read early in their education. Very often some children seem to excel at reading and writing, while others may struggle. The obstacles kids struggle with may disappear as they age and grow more accustomed to reading, but no such relief comes for kids struggling with dyslexia. The Mayo Clinic defines dyslexia as a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading. It is a common condition and does not mean a child has subpar vision or intelligence. Dyslexia often goes undiagnosed, and many kids reach adulthood before realizing they are dyslexic. According to Dyslexia Health, 70 to 80 percent of people with poor reading skills are likely to be dyslexic, and dyslexia is the most common cause of difficulties with reading, spelling and writing. Dyslexia affects people in various ways. While some may experience only minor symptoms, others may have greater difficulties, including problems with grammar, recognizing left from right and trouble with complex language skills. Without help, children with dyslexia can easily grow discouraged with their studies. However, with therapy, many kids can learn to work around their dyslexia. Causes of dyslexia Dyslexia has been linked to improper genetic development in the brain. It tends to run in families and affects the parts of the brain responsible for language development. There are no surefire ways to predict if a person will have dyslexia. However, in families with high rates of the condition, there is a greater risk. Symptoms Very often it is difficult to recognize dyslexia before a child enters school. There may be some early clues, but these are not always definitive. Potential clues include learning to talk late, having difficulty learning new words and exhibiting difficulty rhyming words. School-aged children may have trouble with sequences, following commands in order, reading at the recommended level, processing and understanding, and/or seeing or writing letters or words in reverse. As children with dyslexia
age, they may have difficulty summarizing stories, managing time or learning a foreign language. Treatment There are no medications to correct the underlying brain abnormality that doctors feel causes dyslexia, but there are various treatment methods. Practice and repetition are some of the hallmarks of dyslexia therapy. Rather than standard lessons, individuals with dyslexia may need multisensory lessons that combine sight, touch and sounds when introducing new concepts. Screen readers and audio books can also help children
learn how to read more effectively. In the classroom, children may need more time to complete assignments. Teachers should be made aware of a dyslexia diagnosis so they can work with students and parents to develop a learning system that works. Practicing reading different types of texts also can help. Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects many children and adults. But therapy and emotional support can help people with dyslexia overcome their disabilities. Source: Metro Creative Graphics Editorial.
Vote Barbara Jahnke For Independent School District 15
The Essential Voice of Experience. Retired from a 30 year career in education, I will provide leadership to create educational opportunities for all students and citizens through open communication and informed decisions. The foregoing is a paid political advertisement by Barbara Jahnke, PO Box 190, 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.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The St. Francis High School Music Department Presents:
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Call 763-213-1800 x1489 or www.isd15.org 11
School Board Highlights School Board Perspective David Roberts
It was eight short months ago that I was appointed to the Independent School District 15 School Board. I came into this job simply with the intention of being part of the solution. There have been a lot of long hours and many tough decisions. I have to say that it has been an honor to be able
School Board Highlights September 23, 2013 Kathleen Miller Staff writer
All board members present Site Report Rebecca Fuller, director of Oak Land Cooperative Center, presented an overview of the center. The cooperative was developed in the 1970s and the focus at that time was on careers and technical programming. In 1988,
to serve my community in this capacity. A few months back I was given the opportunity to speak to students at Crossroads School & Vocational Center about my profession. Perhaps it was because I felt a connection to the students on a personal level or maybe I was just rambling, but during my talk I drifted to the topic of choices. I spoke to them of not letting the choices that we make define who we are, because even in the wrong choice, if we learn from it, then there is hope. I share this because it popped into my head as I was thinking about election choices. While it is not the same thing, in many ways it is.
Being fairly new to the district, I come into these elections with a different viewpoint than perhaps someone who has lived in the district for many years. For those of you who have seen the district change over the years, it may be easy to remember when times have been great, and also when there have been struggles. This is where our choices come into play. I wholeheartedly believe in being part of the solution. This is a value that I try to firmly implant in my children. With that, comes the task of being informed. In a democratic society voting is of the utmost importance. Everybody has their view on how things should be done
or what they would like to see changed. This is how you make it happen. There is a large field of candidates to choose from in this coming school board election. You have the option to vote for up to four different candidates. Three seats are for four years and one is for two years. This is where your experience will guide you. It will guide you, that is, only if you get to know your candidates. No matter what happens at the polls, the face of our school board will change. This will be the final term for Mr. Anderson and Mr. Grams. I have to say, watching how these gentlemen serve their district has been impressive, to say the least. It has been a pleasure to serve
with them. As we head into the polls, I encourage you to gather as much information on the candidates as you can. Talk to friends and neighbors. Having discussions with others will not only offer another perspective, but it can strengthen us as a community as well. When I accepted the position of director on the ISD 15 school board, a wise man said to me, “Gather as much information as you can, vote your conscience and leave it at that. That’s all you can do.” Now I ask you to do the same. November 5 will be here before we know it. That is the day we make our choice. I hope to see you all at the polls.
the Area Learning Center (ALC) was established with a governing board that was made up of members from each of the participating school districts – St. Francis, Cambridge and Princeton. The ALC includes high school programs where students earn credits toward graduation, middle school programs and Targeted Services program intervention for K-8 students. School board members Amy Kelly and Dave Anderson serve on the board, representing Independent
School District 15 (ISD 15). Happenings Around the District St. Francis High School Principal Richard Toso reported that 1637 students started the school year at the high school. With a freshman class of 436 freshmen, senior class members provided great leadership at the open house/ orientation. Last school year, a survey was conducted and about 95 percent of the senior class felt that SFHS had prepared them for college or the work place. Senior Aimee Cottrell addressed the board to talk about student life at the high school. She reflected that this year’s senior class loves to help others and make good choices. The school year is off to a good start with the senior sunrise and homecoming week activities. Students On The Go The board approved several resolutions involving students traveling. Students will be representing St. Francis High school and ISD 15 in the following places: the World Language department plans for students to go on a summer immersion program to Guatemala in June 2014, student newspaper and broadcasting students (The Crier/SFHS Today) will attend a conference in Boston in November. The Debate team with travel to DilworthGlyndon-Felton High School for the Northern Lights Fall Congressional Debate October 4-5. Boys hockey players are traveling to Roseau late November and to Virginia, Grand Rapids and Hibbing in
late December and students in DECA will attend the Fall Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, October 27-28. Election Judges A resolution to appoint election judges for the General Election to be held November 5 was approved, 7-0. Voters in ISD 15 will be asked to elect four board members. Three seats are for 4-year terms and one seat is for a 2-year term. There are eight candidates running for ISD 15 School Board.
in the top 15 percent of Title I school in the Multiple Measures Rating (MMR). Theses schools represent the highest-performing schools on the four measurements and are identified annually according to achievement gap reduction as measured by the state MMR score. Scott Kruger, dean of students, presented the Positive Rewards program that was adopted for the 2013-14 school year. Positive Rewards is a campaign to promote Saints Pride with the following expectations: We WALK in the hallways; We are QUIET in the hallways; We are good LISTENERS; We keep our schools CLEAN; We keep our HANDS and FEET to self; We are KIND and RESPECTFUL; We are RESPONSIBLE; We always do our BEST. Fifteen SFES students presented the expectations along with the school motto, “At SFE, We Support Everyone’s Learning, Safety and Feelings,” to board members and administrators. Consideration of Visitors Community member and parent Michelle Anderson was the spokesperson for a newly formed group of parents that want to bring awareness and promote prevention of drug abuse. This problem is not unique to the St. Francis community, but these parents want to take action now. The group is reaching out to the Anoka County Sheriff’s office, the St. Francis Police Department, the school district and other groups to address this issue. An awareness Continued, Page 13
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School Board Highlights October 14, 2013 Kathleen Miller Staff writer
All board members present All Day Every Day Kindergarten Kathy Priebe, a kindergarten teacher at East Bethel Community School introduced two students, Madison and Emma, who read for the school board. Priebe thanked the board for supporting the district’s decision to provide all day every day kindergarten to all students at no charge. Students are excelling in their reading skills. Site report – St. Francis Elementary School Principal Kathleen Kohnen reviewed testing results with the board. St. Francis Elementary School has been identified as a Reward School for the second year in a row. Reward Schools are those
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
New GED standards for 2014 Mel Panek ISD 15 Adult Basic Education Coordinator
A huge part of the student population that we work with on a daily basis at Independent School District 15 Adult Basic Education are students interested in passing the General Education Development (GED) test. This is a diploma equivalency test that a student can take if they did not graduate from high school. By passing this test, a person can prove to potential employers, the military, colleges and universities, that they are willing and able to compete against other individuals who have graduated from a traditional high school. As high school graduation standards are occasionally updated to reflect what is really important for a high school student to know as they venture into the world, it is equally important that the GED test remain equally relevant and justifiable as a diploma equivalency test. Therefore, the GED Testing Service is currently updating the 2014 GED test to make sure that it also reflects what is important for a GED graduate to know as they pursue a career. Just as high schools standards are changing to show college and career readiness, so will the 2014 GED test. Beginning January 2, 2014, the new GED test will feature a computer based testing system with online registration and scheduling 24/7 around the clock. It will also incorporate instant unofficial score reports as well as official enhanced score reports that provide specific information about a student’s academic strengths and weaknesses to help improve their performance in the future. It will also provide the framework to determine a student’s readiness for employment, workforce training or postsecondary education. The current GED consists of five tests including reading, writing, social studies, math and science. The 2014 test will only have four parts: math, science, social studies and language arts. Rather than a separate writing test, the new GED will contain writing within the scope of the four other parts. Since the test will be online, there will be several types of questions for the student to answer. Questions will be compromised of multiple choice, drag and drop, hot spot, fill-in-the-blank, drop down selections, short answer and extended responses. There will be other changes to the GED and we will learn more about them as 2014 draws closer. Please either call us with any questions you may have about the new test or refer to the GED testing service website at GEDtestingservice.com. ISD 15’s ABE program is working very hard to ensure that even before the GED changes take place in January, we are preparing our students to achieve their goals. Regardless of whether a student takes the old GED test now or takes the new 2014 GED test in January, we will do everything we can to help him or her succeed. Our classroom’s mission is to assist students to academically thrive, to help them overcome any obstacles and to support them to move ahead with their dreams for the future. Becky, Ker and I really take this mission seriously and we are very willing and able to help students progress with whatever academic goals they are very willing and able to reach for!
School Board Meeting Schedule
School Board Members
School board meetings are held at the Community Room in the Central Services Center located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis.
Amy Kelly, Chairwoman 763-744-8458
Monday, November 11 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.
David Anderson, Clerk 763-434-9457
Monday, November 25 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 9 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
Janet Glover, Vice Chairwoman 763-221-5341
Harry Grams, Treasurer 763-856-4350 Suzanne Erkel, Director 763-413-1195 David Roberts, Director 763-843-0013 Marsha Van Denburgh, Director 763-753-6653 Email: schoolboard@isd15.org
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Fifteen students from St. Francis Elementary School (SFES) attended an Independent School District 15 School Board meeting in October. Dean of Students Scott Kruger addressed the board, outlining the Positive Rewards program that is in place this school year at SFES. Students and staff can see positive expectations posted throughout the building along with posters stating the school’s motto, “At SFE, we support everyone’s learning, safety and feelings.” The intent of the campaign is to promote Saints Pride and reward positive behavior. Students brought some of the posters and banners from their school to show school board members and district administrators. The Courier From Page 12
School Board forum will be held November 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at St. Francis High School. The group has taken the name, St. Francis Community for Drug Awareness (SFCDA). Update on a new Student Information System The approval of a contract with Infinite Campus, a student information system, was taken off the agenda by Superintendent Ed Saxton to be revisited at a later date. Infinite Campus remains the top candidate, but the superintendent was concerned about the selection process and wants to ensure that due diligence was used in making the selection. St. Francis Middle School Sign The superintendent provided more information with input from School Board Director Dave Roberts. Options for a new sign will be coming to the board as soon as possible. The current sign is missing letters, reflecting one of the many incidents of vandalism. The board would like the sign to be replaced with a new sign that will reflect the excellence of ISD 15 and be less prone to vandalism. Student Assessments Interim Director of Curriculum and Assessments
Paul Neubauer provided the board with the American College Testing (ACT) suite of assessments, which includes college and career readiness indicators. ACT is widely known as the national nonprofit organization responsible for the college admissions and placement test taken by high school juniors and seniors every year. Neubauer introduced several new components:
ACT Plan, Explore, Compass and Work Keys. Each component is targeted to a specific grade and addresses 4-year colleges, 2-year colleges, technical programs and employability in the work place. By administering the tests as early as grade 8, students, parents and educators will have the information needed to measure and improve student performance.
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Community Education
School Board Candidate Profiles
PAGE 27
True dedication to ISD 15 Early Childhood Jenny Dupre Early Childhood Teacher
On the morning of October 2, there was a flurry of people walking into the Lifelong Learning Center to enjoy an early morning breakfast together. But that was not the primary reason they were there. They were really there to celebrate Nancy Wallace and the 25 years of dedication she has given to the early childhood programs of Independent School District 15. She spoke words of inspiration to staff members in August before the start of the school year. Simple words, but
words that mean so much—I am important—let us, as staff members, know that we do a wonderful job of making kids and families feel important and valued as they walk into our building. But really it all begins with Wallace. Over the past 25 years she has made each and every one of us feel important. She has a way of investing in each of us that shows she cares and values us as individuals as well as educators. It is because of the way she treats her staff, making them feel important, that the children and families also feel this love and acceptance from our staff.
Kids Connection Before and after school childcare
KC info line 763-213-1641 Registration forms are available online www.communityed15.com
The driving force in the “I am important” statement comes from the supervisor to the staff and then to the children and families. Wallace strives every day to build an excellent early childhood program to help support children and their families in our school district. She gives it her all and is always working to better the program with the latest research and curriculum in mind. Because of this we can say that this program is fourstar rated. This might be a “state” label because of boxes we check and criteria we meet, but anyone who walks into
Kids Connection provides a safe, structured, nurturing and fun atmosphere for Independent School District 15 students in kindergarten through 5th grade. This quality before and after school childcare program is offered at two sites in ISD 15. Students can exercise individual responsibility and engage in social interaction and free choice to promote a healthy self image to enhance the quality of their lives. Learning activities offered include:
Locations
NEW
Location
Cedar Creek Community School
for East Bethel Community School and Cedar Creek Community School students St. Francis Elementary School Student care is available September 3, 2013 through June 2, 2014.
Before School Care Begins at 6:30 a.m. until school starts ���������� $9/day After School Care Begins at the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. ���������� $9/day Non-School Care 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ������ $30/day Other fees Registration fee ���������� $25/child $45/family (2 or more children)
All children must be preregistered. Registration fee must be paid to be registered. Kids Connection is a division of ISD 15 Community Education
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■ art ■ drama ■ reading ■ iPad ■ science discovery ■ crafts ■ sports ■ games ■ outdoor play ■ small and large group action 2013-14 School Year
the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) knows it doesn’t stop at that. As an employee, parent, child or community member, you can see and experience early childhood at its best right here at the LLC. We couldn’t have the program we do without her hoisting the sail and leading the ship in the right direction. Thank you, Nancy, for
making this program what it is today. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to children and their families. Thank you for pushing our early childhood program to the next level and for never giving up on a passion that you work for each and every day. Thank you for 25 years. We appreciate you each and every day!
From the Rec Department
Gymnastics
Basketball
Learn gymnastics from expert instructors trained by John Tobler, former three-time national gymnastics champion and threetime All-American gymnast. Watch the district website (www. isd15.org) for upcoming dates Ages: 3 to 12 years old Location: St. Francis Middle School will be the NEW location for winter sessions Instructor: John Tobler
Grades: K–1 Co-Ed Days: M/W Start Date: December 9 Grade: 2–3 Girls/Boys Days: Tues/Thurs/Sat Start Date: November 19 Grade: 4–5 Girls/Boys Days: Tues/Thurs/Sat Start Date: November 19
Register Online communityed15.com
Contact Diane Guinn, Rec Department Manager for more info 763-213-1823 The Rec Department a division of ISD 15 Community Education
Community Education Contacts Troy Ferguson, Director................................................................................. 763-753-7041 Adult Basic Education (GED)...................................................................... 763-753-7190 Melody Panek, Coordinator/Teacher Adult Education & Services......................................................................... 763-213-1640 Driver’s Education/Behind the Wheel Nancy Messerschmidt, Program Supervisor Communications & District Website Kathleen Miller, Program Supervisor................................................. 763-753-7042 The Courier Newspaper................................................................................ 763-753-7031 Kathleen Miller, Editor................................................................................ 763-753-7042 Pat Johnson, Graphics................................................................................ 763-753-7025 Alicia Loehlein, Staff Writer, Billing...................................................... 763-753-7033 Janice Audette, Advertising.................................................................... 763-753-7032 Facility Scheduling Nancy Messerschmidt, Program Supervisor................................ 763-213-1589 Family Education & Services....................................................................... 763-753-7170 Nancy Wallace, Program Supervisor Kids Connection Christine Spindler-Schlottman, Program Supervisor.............. 763-213-1616 Kids Connection Cedar Creek Community School Site........ 763-753-7160 Kids Connection St. Francis Elementary School Site.............. 763-213-8674 Preschool Place 15............................................................................................ 763-753-7170 Nancy Wallace, Program Supervisor Rec Department Diane Guinn, Program Supervisor...................................................... 763-213-1823 Amy Lindfors, Rec Assistant.................................................................... 763-213-1588 Sandhill Center Christine Spindler-Schlottman, Program Supervisor.............. 763-213-1616 www.isd15.org • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.com The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
The fastest growing sport may surprise you Ken Sonnenfeld, SFHS Trap Club Head Coach Troy Ferguson, ISD 15 Community Education Director If you were asked, “What’s the fastest growing sport in the state of Minnesota?” how would you respond? Many may answer with traditional sports such as football, soccer, basketball or hockey, but that would be incorrect. The fastest growing sport in the state is sport shooting. Last year over 3,400 students from across the state participated in the spring league sport shooting and 1,868 of them entered in the state shoot. At the state shoot, there were 115 teams representing 215 schools. At that meet, both the varsity and the junior varsity teams from the St. Francis High School Trap Club placed 6th—an outstanding showing for our school and community indeed! The SFHS Trap Club is an extra curricular activity offered by Independent School District 15’s Community Education Department. The coed program began in 2009 for students in grades 9-12, which was also the first year a state shoot was
held. About 100 students representing 13 teams participated that year. The SFHS Trap Club had 7 members then and has grown to 35 members. Trap Club has a fall and spring season. The number of trap houses available at the Minnetonka Game and Fish Club, where the team shoots, limits the number of participants. There are plans to add two more trap houses. In trapshooting, targets are launched from a single house or machine, away from the shooter. Athletes are required to wear proper eye and ear protection while on the shooting range. All team members must have a Firearms Safety Certification. The coaches are proud of the fact that the sport stresses safe gun use and responsibility. Statewide, there have been no reported injuries or violations of school district gun policies.
Members of the St. Francis High School Trap Club wait their turn to shoot. Trap Club, an activity offered by Independent School District 15 Community Education, has seen a steady increase in participation since it began in 2009. The fall league has 35 members and practices at the Minnetonka Game and Fish Club in St. Francis. The Courier
Independent School District 15 Community Education Director Troy Ferguson and School Board Director Suzanne Erkel try out a fun math game on iPads that are part of the new Acceleration Lab. The lab is a pilot program that was added to the Kids Connection center this school year at Cedar Creek Community School. Kids Connection is a before and after school child care program run by Community Ed. The Acceleration Lab includes a computer lab, iPads, an educational gaming system and many handson building and discovery toys and games. The lab is available for students during the school day, also, as another resource for teachers. Students, parents and teachers have The Courier shared positive feedback regarding this pilot program.
The Sandhill Center is operated under the auspices of Independent School District 15 Community Education. Its purpose is to provide arts and recreation opportunities for the residents served by the school district.
Sandhill Center 23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005
SilverSneakers® Classic
SilverSneakers® Yoga
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: Tuesdays, Thursdays Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Fee: Free to SilverSneakers® members; $2 per class for non-members.
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® members; $2 per class for non-members.
For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program or the Sandhill Center, please call 763-213-1616. The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Parents are responsible for transporting students and guns to the club for practices and meets. In addition, Head Coach Ken Sonnenfeld is proud of the fact that his team gives back to the community by volunteering each year to work with young kids at the Pheasants Forever Youth Day and numerous other events. The coaches all volunteer their time and expertise as well as modeling civic responsibility for their team. Prior to the popularity of school age students participating in sport shooting, the average age of gun club members was around 65. Today, young shooters are outnumbering the veteran shooters.
Join the Lunch Bunch at the Sandhill Center in the Bethel Cabaret for our monthly catered luncheon featuring top entertainment by popular artists. Make your reservations early as most of our shows sell out ahead of time. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Doors open: 10:40 a.m. Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. Showtime: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $13 For reservations, call 763-213-1641. Reservations can also be made on the website at www.communityed15.com.
Jerry & Shirley Spanhanks Tuesday, November 12 A Sandhill Favorite! The husband/wife duo of Jerry and Shirley Spanhanks entertain you with banjo, dobro, fiddle, guitar and accordion. Jerry and Shirley put on a lively show not to be missed. They sing original songs and old favorites from artists such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Elvis Presley, to name just a few. The fast paced bluegrass and gospel music make you want to clap and sing along. Come and listen to their original song about both being raised near the Red River (one from the Minnesota/North Dakota border and the other from the Red River between Texas and Arkansas). 15
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
Looking for special events and field trips?
Children Only Event
Upcoming ECFE Events
Little Scientists
Check out the Places to Go, Things to Do brochure featuring special events and field trips for families
Paint and Play
Play with your child in the gym and paint a ceramic plate that is sure to become a family treasure. Paints, stamps, and materials for special effects will be available for use. Plate will be fired by Lily Pad Ceramics and be returned to LLC for pick up on December 4 or 5, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. One plate per child. No make-up if absent on day of event. Most appropriate for children ages 3 and up. Date: Friday, November 15 Time: 10:30 a.m.-Noon Location: Lifelong Learning Center Fee: $11 per child Deadline: November 6
Minneapolis Adventure @ Macy’s
Hop on the bus for a fun-filled day in the city! We will visit Macy’s holiday display on the 8th floor. Then you can sit, see, shop and browse on your own. We will provide handouts to help you plan your time. Date: Friday, December 13 Time: Bus leaves Lifelong Learning Center at 9:15 a.m. and will return by 2:00 p.m. Fee: $5 per person Deadline: December 6
Make Way for Learning
For children three to five years of age at the time of the event. Reinforce early learning skills in fun, interactive two-time classes. Lots of moving and creative fun for your preschooler. Children must be toileting themselves. Let your budding scientist explore the wonders of the world and make discoveries. Dates: Tuesdays, November 12 & 19 Time: 12:45-2:45 p.m. Fee: $8 per child per two-week class Location: Lifelong Learning Center
Come join us at ECFE Classes going on NOW!
Daytime and evening classes offered. Check out the Learn & Thrive brochure for ECFE parent/child classes for the 2013-14 school year Call 763-753-7170 or visit a division of ISD 15 Community Education us online at www.isd15.org to register.
What is ECFE? Early Family Childhood Education (ECFE) is: A place for babies A place for toddlers A place for preschoolers A place for all dads, moms and others relatives in a parenting role
Tot Shop
Children aged birth to kindergarten can purchase gifts from moms and dads and siblings, plus have them wrapped. Gifts are reasonably priced. Date: Friday, December 6 Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m. Location: Lifelong Learning Center
Be counted! Get on the school census
It’s very important that all residents of Independent School District 15 be included on the school census… even the youngest babies. Call the ISD 15 Central Services Cente r at 763-753-7040 and let them know when you have an addition to the family or if you move. This will ensure that you will get Early Childhood and school information, and help the district with planning for the future. Let your neighbors know thi s, too!
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Have a concern ? about your childchild’s
d about your Are you concerne your ch or behavior? If development, spee ntact e years of age, co child is under thre isd15. : kristine.vogtlin@ Kristine Vogtlin at org or to reach ISD 15 72 71 3763-75 rvices. Help Me Grow se age least three years of If your child is at rly Ea 15 ergarten, ISD and not yet in kind in p ste ing is the first Childhood Screen ncerns you have. co confirming any tment at Call for an appoin erns. mention your conc 763-753-7187 and
Calli Sigfrinius, school nurse at the Lifelong Learning Center, spent time in this preschool classroom talking about handwashing. She and health assistant Sara Mitzuk visited each of the Preschool Place 15 classes. While in the classes they read a book about germs, demonstrated how to properly wash hands and discussed how easily germs spread.
Submitted Photo
Looking for preschool for your child?
Preschool Place 15 is the place to be! Classes offered at Lifelong Learning Center in Oak Grove • Programming takes place September through May • Morning, afternoon and evening sessions available • One, two, three or four times per week • Two hour, two hour-fifteen minute, two-and-a-half hour and two hour-forty-five minute sessions • Most classes are age specific • Classes also available for two year-olds and very young three year-olds • Sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income • Busing available for all full-year morning and afternoon classes The mission 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.
For more information on classes and to register visit www.isd15.org/ecfe or call 763-753-7170.
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 you currently have a 3- or 4-year-old child who has not been screened. The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Community & Business Oak Grove Fire Department hosts annual breakfast Jeaninne Engler Oak Grove Fire Auxiliary
The residents of Oak Grove were recently invited to attend the yearly pancake breakfast that was held at Oak Grove Fire Station #1. The firefighters and auxiliary members have been putting on this event for over 13 years now. “Community outreach is an important part of our mission; we want the community to get involved. It’s important for the residents to feel comfortable approaching us and asking questions,” said Chief Curt Hallermann. The pancake breakfast was held October 6 and despite the rain and road construction, the fire department had a very successful event. More than 560 people from around the community were served according to Todd Torson and Blair Ecklund, members of the Oak Grove Pancake Committee.
In addition to enjoying pancakes, sausages, juice, milk and coffee, attendees were able to learn about fire prevention which included coloring books and hats, educational packets and safety material, pictures and videos from last year’s pancake breakfast and of course touring the fire trucks. The firefighters and auxiliary members wish to extend their appreciation to all those who attended the breakfast and made it a huge success. They would also like to thank and recognize the people and organizations that so generously donated to this event: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Captains on Long Lake, St. Patrick Catholic Church, County Market, Cub Foods, Excalibur Driving School, Express Signs, General Mills, Darrel Hanson, Hidden Haven Golf Club, Kinlo Automotive Inc, Robert and
St. Francis American Legion Auxiliary
New & Unique Crafters!
Members of the Oak Grove Fire Department cooked pancakes for the department’s annual breakfast held October 6. Submitted photo Verle Ktytor, Oak Grove Animal Hospital, Oak Grove City Hall, Oak Grove Public Works, Oak Grove Seniors , Jerry and Jean Pearson, Pizza Hut, PTL Tires, Rum River Tree Farm, St.
Francis Foods, Standing Room Only (SRO) and Subway. Your support of the Oak Grove firefighters and this community is greatly appreciated.
Cross of Hope Annual
Craft Boutique Saturday, November 9 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 9 • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. St. Francis American Legion Post 622 • 3073 Bridge Street, St. Francis Looking for crafters, call 763 753 8247 for more information. Table rental will be $15 for an 8 foot table.
Church Bazaar Saturday, November 2 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Crafts, Bake Sale & a Great Lunch
Roast Beef Sandwiches and Soup
Crafters • Raffles Bake Sale • Face Painting Grandma’s Kitchen homemade soups and breads
Kids–make a craft at Santa’s
Workshop. Visit and take a photo with Santa!
Join us as we Worship On Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sermon series ‘The Story’ Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. 6th grade – adult Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. 5th grade and under Wednesday’s at 7:00 p.m. Adult small groups continues to study ‘The Story.’ There will a movie and activities for the children.
All are welcome to our 3rd Annual
Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Thursday, November 28 • 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Call Wade Little at 763-434-4287 or email to weewillyboy@hotmail.com for a ride to the church or to have your meal delivered.
St. Francis United Methodist Church A Community Dedicated to Seeking Christ and Serving Others
Pastor Kevin Coder • 3914-229th Avenue • St. Francis www.stfrancis-umc.com • 763-753-2273 The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Letters to the editor Policy
5730 179th Lane NW (Highway 47 and County Road 27) Ramsey, MN
763-753-2057 • www.crossofhope.net
The Courier reserves the right to reject any letter submitted and edit letters for clarity, length and grammar. Be timely—visit www.thecourier.org for deadline information. Include contact information— include your full name, title (optional), city and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters or those submitted without a phone number will not be considered. Be clear & concise—make one main point in 200 words or less. Be accurate—letters that are factually inaccurate will not be printed. Be considerate—only one letter per author every 60 days. Regular contributors should submit letters on varied subjects. Letters by the same author that reiterate opinions previously expressed may not be published. Writers must either live within District 15 or be writing about an issue specific to The Courier coverage area. Submissions—letters can be sent by email to news@isd15.org, by U.S. mail to The Courier, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis, MN 55070, or by fax to 763-753-4693. Other—thank-you letters that relate to a public event, organization or official are not considered letters to the editor. Contact the editor regarding submitting that information. Viewpoints expressed in a letter to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Independent School District 15 or Courier staff.
Letter to the Editor No letters were received this month.
Water Color Floral and Unique Dining Experiences present…
Seasons of Color Bridal Fair Sunday, November 3, Noon–4:00 p.m.
Courtyards of Andover Event Center, 13545 Martin Street NW, Andover www.CourtyardsofAndover.com/Events • Sample delicious food. • Experience all four seasons of bridal fashion. Jewelry • Travel • Flowers • Beauty • Enjoy fabulous, colorful floral arrangements. Discounts and More! • Shop many local vendors and Only $5 per person at the door! wedding professionals. www.watercolorweddingsfloralandbridal.com
Prize Drawings For
Please email: lthompsen@aol.com for more information or to make a reservation 17
Fundraisers, Benefits, Events Thursday, November 21 A parent and community group has been formed to bring awareness to drug abuse issues in the area. St. Francis Community for Drug Awareness will hold an awareness forum, 7:009:00 p.m. at the St. Francis High School Performing Arts Center. Speakers will include professionals from the chemical health field, law enforcement officials and parents of those who lives have been touched by drugs and the disease of addiction. Community members and parents of high school and middle school students are encouraged to attend. Friday, November 22 & Saturday, November 23 Minnesota Sinfonia presents Seasonal Favorites featuring Emera Gurath, violin and Mark Prihodko, cello in a free concert November 22, 7:00 p.m. at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church, 1115 Greenbrier Street in St. Paul and November 23, 2:00 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 North 17th Street in Minneapolis. The program will include a variety of seasonal favorites, great Broadway show tunes and music from the movies. Call 612-8711701 for more information or visit www.mnsinfonia.org. Admission is free and children are always welcome to attend. Audience members should arrive early—all concerts are first come, first seated.
Classmate shares memories of Rod Grams Carol Hass Bray Contributing Writer
Editor’s Note: Senator Rod Grams, 65, of Crown, passed away October 8. He was a 1966 graduate of St. Francis High School and went on to become a news anchor for KMSP, then represented Minnesota in the U.S. House and Senate. The Courier contributor, Carol Bray, was a classmate of Grams at Crown Christian School and St. Francis High School. Rod and I were two of the seven classmates for grades 1–8 at Crown Christian School. Doug Lemke, Doug Whittlef, Val Jean Grams, Dawn Williamsen Sebeck and Oriet Stoeckel Diamond were our classmates. In the fall of 1962, all seven of us went to St. Francis High School. Rod was actually quite a lowprofile student at SFHS. He got along with everyone and got good grades, but he did not take schoolwork all that seriously. During his high school years, Rod wanted to (and did) follow the footsteps of his older brother Gary and worked in radio. I believe Rod is the only SFHS graduate that went on to become a United States representative or senator. The class of 1966 gets bragging rights that we had a U.S. senator in our midst. When Rod, Oriet and I moved back to Crown and rejoined Zion as members, we would once again be
St. Francis United Methodist Church proudly presents…
Remembering The King Saturday, December 14
Christmas Cookie sale will be held before show and during intermission.
featuring Tommy and Steve Marcio. Visit www.aelvisexperience.com for more information.
Celebrate the season with a Christmas and Gospel Show! Showtime is 2:00-4:00 p.m. At St. Francis United Methodist Church 3914 229th Ave NW • St. Francis General admission $15 • Limited preferred seating $20 For tickets and info call the church at 763-753-2273 or Marilyn at 763-753-0045.
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Crown Christian School classmates pictured in 5th grade, May 15, 1960, front row, (L-R): Doug Lemke, Rod Grams, Doug Whittlef; back row: Dawn Williamsen Sebeck, Oriet Stoeckel Diamond, Carol Hass Bray and Val Jean Grams. Carol Bray other visitors when I had my last visit with Rod. I truly treasure that visit with Rod, Chris and myself. Rod and I loved talking about the old days. We talked about eating squirrel and a lot of fish and venison when we were young because it was very affordable. Rod said he kind of liked squirrel and I thought he was joking; he wasn’t. He told me he so appreciated being able to say “goodbye” to his loved ones and people he cared about. He squeezed my hand when I left. We both knew we probably wouldn’t see each other again. We didn’t. So many of Rod’s dreams
came true: a loving wife, children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Rod enjoyed his work. Rod, with his wife Chris, bought their own radio station and they built their dream home on the site of Rod’s childhood home. Most importantly, Rod died knowing he was going to heaven. For Rod, it doesn’t get any better than that. He will be missed.
Thank you…
from the St. Francis Fire Department
Refreshments served during intermission.
Remembering The King
in Bible study together, just like when we were in the same Bible history, catechism and confirmation classes from ages 6 to 14 at Crown Christian School. If anyone ever asks, “Who do you know who knows the Bible the best?” I would and will continue to say, “Rod Grams.” Rod was a very sentimental person. Rod and his wife Chris were married by Pastor Lyle Rusert, the same pastor that confirmed us April 15, 1962. Rod was sworn in to his U.S. senatorial office on the Bible that he received from his godparents, Doug and Sylvia Grams. Rod (along with three other Crown classmates) moved back to Crown when he became an empty nester. Rod announced his candidacy to the U.S. Senate in the gymnasium at Zion Lutheran Church of Crown. Rod requested memorials go to Crown Christian School. When I reflect about Rod, I agree with everyone that said he was a very private person. He didn’t share his troubles or brag about his accomplishments. Rod, as most of us baby boomers, had a very humble childhood. Rod was proud of his background, family and community. He was also one of those people who could remember every joke he ever heard. Oddly, there weren’t any
Thank you to the exhibitors that took time out of their weekends to volunteer at our 8th Annual French Toast Breakfast & Blood Drive: Connexus Energy, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, CenterPoint Energy, Memorial Blood Centers, Allina Health, Scensty Flameless Candles, Goodrich Pharmacy, 4-Wheeler Safety Club and Boy Scouts Pack 511.
Rod Grams in 1956-57
We also received monetary donations from Ace Solid Waste, Casey’s General Store, County Market, North Anoka Plumbing, Northland Screw Inc., Patriot Lanes Bar & Grill, St. Francis American Legion, St. Francis Subway, St. Francis Dairy Queen, Temperature Specialist Inc., Village Bank, St. Francis Dental, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union and Dr. Jonak’s Orthodontics. Sponsored by the St. Francis and Oak Grove Lions and Lioness. *Businesses in bold donated over $50.
Carol (Hass) Bray in 1956-57 The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
I hate when that happens Randy Gerdin ASE certified technician
It is just a headlight We had one of our great customers stop in a couple weeks ago asking if we could please replace a headlight in her car. Not a problem, we do it while people wait all the time. It was an upscale model vehicle with High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs in it. Those are the really, really bright ones that you may have noticed. We found we did not have the bulb in stock and it was not available locally, so we gave her a ride home. When the bulb arrived we put it in and still no light. Well, now we had to start to dig into it to find the cause. We phoned the customer to let her know what is going on and she was fine to wait as she had another vehicle to use. We pulled the wiring diagram and ran a few circuit tests. We found that the bulb is controlled by a HID headlamp module. This module is attached to the bottom of the headlamp assembly. In order to access this module we had to remove the entire bumper cover assembly—not a five minute job. We got the customer’s authorization to continue. We removed the bumper assembly and then could remove the headlamp unit and gain access to this module and the wiring going to it. We found the module was controlled by part of the body computer to send a signal to illuminate the bulb. We tested and found that the body controller was doing its job, but the HID module
was not sending power to the headlamp bulb. Just a note to those of you that may understand this kind of stuff—the HID module does not send out the traditional 12 volts to the bulb, but actually sends out 240 volts to get the bulb to initially start. We found an improper output from the module. Now we knew we needed to replace the HID module. We checked with a few local suppliers and found that this module is only available at the car dealership. We found one and priced it out. It wasn’t cheap but it was available. We then phoned the customer and got authorization to replace the module. The module arrived the next day and we installed it and we now had the proper signal to the bulb, but the bulb
still would not work. So we installed a new bulb and now everything was working. We left it on for an hour or so, just to make sure we were good to go before reinstalling everything else. Everything worked so we put it back together. We called the customer and picked her up. One might think that replacing a headlight is no big thing. But in this case it was a very big thing. Expensive parts and quite a lot of labor time, just to get a low beam headlamp to work. I guess this is just another example of technology and the advantage of a great lighting system, but also the greatly increased expense that can be involved in these high tech systems. It is also another example of how complex a formerly
simple system has become. Some of these systems have become so complex that most folks are now unable to do some tasks that used to be simple. Not only that, but in large bold print on the module it said “Danger-High Voltage. May Cause Injury or Death.” I wonder sometimes about what will happen in a few years when this vehicle is older and maybe on the used
Holiday Open House November 8-9-10 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
23rd Annual Home For the Holidays
Isanti Open House
Beautiful holiday decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Sunday, November 10 Noon-4:00 p.m. Discounts Free gift while supply lasts Refreshments
See our new Tartan Chic design ideas in the store!
Elaine’s Flowers & Gifts II
Don’t forget Fall Harvest of Fresh Vegetables
763-444-5725 www.greenbarngardencenter.com Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm Sunday 10 am-4 pm
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 10 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Isanti Community Center 1st Avenue between County Road 5 and Main Street
Start your holiday shopping early with one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans.
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Call in orders anytime for a QUICK & EASY pickup! Full and assisted year-round catering. Call today and let us help you plan and budget that special meal!
November 9 & November 16, details in store and online.
& Farm Market
Open 7 days a week
Saturday, November 9
Holiday Workshops…
3 miles south of Isanti on Hwy. 65 & 265th Open Year Round
www.elainesflowersandgifts.net 763.444.4022
30 West Main Street Downtown Isanti 763-444-5767
Sign up now for
Green Barn Garden Center
303 Credit Union Drive in Isanti
hosted by the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce
car market for a few thousand dollars. Perhaps someone may purchase this vehicle for their son or daughter to go off to college. Now a headlamp goes out and this problem occurs for a college student on a very limited budget. The student and parents will be blown away at the cost of getting a headlamp to work. That is the price of advancement I guess. I hate when that happens.
EBT Approved
SAVE 5%-15% on Meat Order Specials
Variety of packages to choose from: Steak Lovers, Pork, Variety, Camper starting at
$65.99
Gift cards are always available!
Venison/Wild Game Processing Isanti Retail Meats • Grinding • Smoking • Sausage • Jerky • Sticks • Wild game processing (trim only) all year-round! • Over 30 years experience in sausage making! • Specialty sausages available. • Large selection of seasonings & casings. • All smoking & sausage-making done on site. Will guarantee your own meat back! 30 West Main Street, Isanti • 763-444-5767
Isanti Custom Meats • Wild game processing year-round. • Deer processing • Open extended hours in November to accept deer. • All smoked sausage vacuum-packed! • All smoking & sausage making done on site. Will guarantee your own meat back! 19 West Main Street, Isanti • 763-444-9502
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Veterans Tribute Local Air Force veteran to speak at Veterans Day breakfast Mike Starr St. Francis Lions Club
The St. Francis Lions Club will hold its third annual free breakfast for veterans Monday, November 11, 8:00 -10:30 a.m. at St. Francis American Legion Post #622. All military veterans eat free and nonveterans will pay $5 each for a buffet breakfast by the American Legion. All military veterans are welcomed and encouraged to our free breakfast. St. Francis High School will provide the music this year from a select group of choir and band members. Guest speaker will be Lt. Col. Walt Hiller, United States Air Force (Ret.) will address the crowd beginning at 10:00 a.m. Hiller graduated from St. Francis High School in 1951. He served in the Air Force for 20 years and retired in 1974, then he moved back home to St. Francis. He served in South Vietnam and flew C-141, C-130 and C-123 transports in and out of Vietnam in 1961 through 1969. Hiller was stationed in South Vietnam in 1967 and flew 285 missions.
Hiller was the first Hall of Fame inductee for St. Francis High School for his outstanding contributions in football, basketball, baseball and the community. Hiller held the Minnesota State High School record for kicking the longest field goal of 62 yards—broken just a couple of years ago. To quote the late Sen. Rod Grams, Walt says he’s “just a Crown farm boy.” For more information, call Major Mike Starr, United States Army (Ret.) at 763-300-9110 or contact any St. Francis Lions Club member or the St. Francis American Legion Post #622.
Lt. Col. Walt Hiller, United States Air Force (Ret.) flew the C-141 Starlifter while stationed in South Vietnam. The plane carried troops and cargo.
Submitted
Lt. Col. Walt Hiller, United States Air Force (Ret.) will be the guest speaker at the St. Francis Lions Veterans Day breakfast November 11. Hiller is pictured at Norton Air Force Base in California. Submitted
We Salute Those Who Served Allstate Insurance
Just Ask Paul Computer Repair
Jolynn Erikson 763-434-5079
763-323-7285
American Legion Post 622, St. Francis
Northland Screw Products, Inc.
Ascension Fitness Training
Northway Sports
763-753-4234
763-753-3628 763-413-8988
763-267-2198
Printing Unlimited
City of East Bethel
763-753-2721
763-367-7840
Sara Sauer, C.P.A., LLC
City of Oak Grove 763-404-7000
City of St. Francis 763-753-2630
DL Johnson Heating & Air Conditioning 763-434-1248
Fox Ridge Auto Service 763-753-9344
Gold Star Kennels & Suites 763-753-5450
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763-413-3390
O
n Veterans Day, we salute the American veterans and activeduty military whose courage and dedication have protected our freedom and our way of life for generations. We recognize their service and their sacrifice, their selflessness and bravery, their hard work and their faith. Please join us in celebrating the men and women of our military, past and present, this Veterans Day. Proudly fly your flag, thank a veteran and show your support for those who continue to serve today.
Thanks, Veterans!
St. Francis True Value Hardware 763-753-1265
Temperature Specialists, Inc. 763-753-2974
The Courier
763-753-7031
Village Bank 763-753-3007
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
St. Francis resident Ray Steinke is compiling a history picture book of St. Francis. He is seeking pictures of old buildings in St. Francis (village and township and city only) and pictures of the early citizens of the same area. Pictures of buildings that are now gone and what took their place are also sought. Pictured here are two examples of what Steinke is seeking. The building is the old roller rink that was next to the old Methodist parsonage, now the current west end of the Subway strip mall. The car is from about 1910 of George Steinke and a teacher and his younger sister Hattie in Dr. Vrooman’s 1908 Reo (the second car in St. Francis.) Contact Steinke, 763-753-1871, or The Courier, 763-753-7031, to make arrangements for scanning photos. submitted
St. Francis American Legion Tuesdays 5:00 p.m
. til gone
3073 Bridge Street St. Francis 763-753-4234 Sponsored by the St. Francis American Legion Auxiliary Unit 622
Visit our store in Baxter!
763-753-9700 www.restyle111.com Like us on Facebook at Restyle, be in a drawing for purse/wallet combo.
Are you interested in finding out? For more information, contact Fire Chief Mark DuCharme at 763-367-7885 or mark.ducharme@ci.east-bethel.mn.us
Holiday Shopping at Restyle… clothing, purses and more
23168 St. Francis Boulevard Suite 100 • St. Francis Next to County Market
Do you have what it takes to become a firefighter?
Or visit the City of East Bethel website at www.ci.east-bethel.mn.us
Only Name Brand consignments
Appointments only on Saturday Stop by or call for details We now have alterations and clothing repair by Demorie Alterations, in-house on Saturdays.
TC
TC Net-Works, Inc. Professional IT Service Catered to Your Business!
Computer Repair Center
St. Francis American Legion
Post 622 3073 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4234 Monday-Friday Daily Lunch Specials 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday
New Lunch Cook!
11•11•13
Bucket/Pizza Night Specials Join us for a Tuesday ���������������������������5 p.m. until gone Veteran’s Day Breakfast Monday, November 11 • 8:00 a.m.-noon Broasted Chicken Basket
Wednesday
Craft & Bake Sale
Mexican Night ���������������������������������������5-8 p.m. Meat Give-Away ���������������������������������������6 p.m. Saturday, November 9 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Buy first drink - get a ticket! Hosted by St. Francis American Legion Auxiliary Thursday Wing Night by ALR Comedy Show with Friday Meat Raffle ������������������������������������������Back Now Mike Fink & Guests Karaoke with Music Box Saturday, November 16 • 7:30 p.m. Call for details Saturday Surprise Giveaways.....................6-8:30 p.m. Karaoke with Music Box BINGO �������������������������� Back on Sundays NEW Pull Tabs Weekly Giving back to the 4th Annual community Charitable Gambling License #A-01520-003 Saturday, November 23 Reception Hall Rental No cost to nonprofit organizations 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Turkey Bowling
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Monday Kids Eat FREE 4-8 pm, (12 & under) with adult purchase
Happy Thanksgiving!
Veterans Day
Monday, November 11 Veterans eat FREE! Thank you for your service. New Menu Items Pulled Pork, Prime Rib Sandwich, Fried Pickle Chips Chili Bar during half-time of Join us for Bingo every Thursday Vikings Games starting at 6:30 p.m.
We will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
Tuesday All-You-Can-Eat Boneless Wings $12.99 Traditional Wings $13.99 Wednesday Burger Basket $5.99 Trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Jumbo wings, Angus Beef burgers, seafood and much more. Full Bar • Game Room • Party Room
Where game time meets family time
FREE
23212 St. Francis Blvd. NW, Suite 700 St. Francis, MN 55070 Hwy. 47 by County Market Call 763-753-8000 to reserve the party room or for a takeout order.
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Public meeting on roundabouts scheduled for November 6 Alicia Loehlein Staff Writer
Coupon valid through 11/30/13.
Anoka County will host a public information session Wednesday, November 6, at the St. Francis High School commons regarding proposed roundabouts on Bridge Street. Residents and business owners are invited to hear a presentation on the project, learn more about roundabouts and provide input that can be used to shape the final form of the project. An informal open house will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and a formal project presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Anoka County applied for and received federal funding in 2011 for the construction of two roundabouts on Bridge Street at Poppy Street/CR 72
and County Road 9. According to Anoka County, the proposed project will significantly reduce access along the corridor and provide school busses, parents, teachers, students, business owners and business patrons with a safer way to get in and out of their buildings. The roadway will be modified from a rural section to an urban section. The reconstruction project, scheduled to begin in 2015, would include a center median and walking trail on the north side of Bridge Street. Business owners are also invited to attend the November 13 St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, 8:00 a.m. at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in St. Francis, where county representatives will address concerns about
Proposed layout of roundabouts on Bridge Street south of St. Francis High School. the roundabout project. For more information about the project visit ww2.anokacounty.us/
v3_highway/CSAH24/ BridgeStreetRoundabouts.aspx or contact Curt Kobilarcsik, Anoka County engineering
1 OFF
$ 00
project manager, Curt. Kobilarcsik@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-862-4223.
Kraig Domogalla “Your Real Estate Specialist”
Any medium or large
763-767-1231
McCafé Drink
Results
Each office Independently Owned and Operated Offer valid at the St. Francis, Minnesota McDonald’s®. Please present coupon before ordering. Not valid in combination with any other offers or discount coupons. Limit one coupon per person pre visit. Limit one offer per coupon. Coupon may not be transferred, copied or duplicated in any way or transmitted via electronic media. Expires 11/30/13.
Call us for all your roofing, siding, window, gutter and interior needs today!
McRib is Back!
• Storm damage and insurance claim experts • Locally owned
for a Limited time
23100 St. Francis Blvd. NW • St. Francis, MN 763-753-4713 • www.mcminnesota.com/27424
• Licensed, bonded and insured Lic # BC637881
Phone 763-434-1500 • www.myproexteriors.com
You can dream big with our...
1%
You can dream big with our 1% Cash Back event. Whether you dream of getting away from it all with a trip to Fiji, hitting the trail on a brand new Arctic Cat ZR9000, or driving in luxury through the snow in a BMW X6, we have a loan for you! Hurry! The 1% Cash Back event is available for only a limited number of new loans. For more information or to apply, call us at 763.422.0290, apply online at www.ahcu.coop, or stop by any of our six conveniently-located branches. 22
Anoka County
CA$H BACK
Anoka Hennepin Credit Union Your “SERVICE FIRST” Financial Cooperative “Helping People Discover and Achieve Their Dreams”
*Eligible on all recreational, auto, Signature, and fixed-rate home equity loans. Excludes 1st mortgages, home equity lines of credit, Rapid Advance lines of credit, and Signature lines of credit. Available only for new money borrowed from AHCU. The use of other discounts or rate matching is not allowed in conjunction with this offer. Maximum amount of cash back is $500 per member. Member will not receive the 1% cash back if loan is paid off before six months or if loan is more than seven days delinquent during the initial six month period. Qualifications apply. AHCU is an Equal Housing Lender.
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner All are welcome!
Thursday, November 28 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The Governor’s Sesquicentennial Task Force and the Anoka County Historical Society honored Lieutenant Albert Woodbury of St. Francis with a memorial in Woodbury Park September 29. Also taking part were the color guard from the St. Francis American Legion and the reenactor team of the Second Minnesota Battery of Light Artillery who both fired salutes to the local men who fought in the Civil War. It was the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga during which the 27-year-old Woodbury was struck by a musketball above the left elbow which led to his death a month later. Woodbury recruited 35 men from Anoka County to serve on the battery. Among those who listed St. Francis as home were Abner S. Cole, Charles Ford, Frederick A. Leathers, Sidney G. Norris, Jessie B. Smith, and George Townsend.
Rob HELD
Enroll NOW, you will be THANKFUL you did!
Call Wade Little at 763-434-4287 or email to weewillyboy@hotmail.com for a ride to and from the church or to have your meal delivered. Meal to be served: Turkey • Dressing • Cranberries Mashed Potatoes and Gravy • Rolls Green Bean Casserole •Sweet Potatoes Pies • Beverages
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
St. Francis United Methodist Church A Community Dedicated to Seeking Christ and Serving Others Pastor Kevin Coder • 3914-229th Avenue • St. Francis www.stfrancis-umc.com • 763-753-2273
School not in session!
Independent School District 15 will not be in session for students on November 27, 28 & 29. Classes will resume on December 2. Coupon Expires 11/30/13
Kids Country Childcare Center
5 Pound Bag
23256 St. Francis Blvd. NW • St. Francis
763-753-5010 • www.kidscountrychildcare.com
Russet Potatoes
79
Proudly accepting Child Care Assistance
¢
Independent School District 15
American Indian Education
Thanksgiving Feast Saturday, November 23 3:00–5:00 p.m. St. Francis High School
St. Francis Foods
Everyone in the community is welcome.
Limit one item per coupon. With a $15 additional purchase. Coupon good only at St. Francis Foods. Expires 11/30/13.
St. Francis Foods
There will be performances by the Four Wind Dancers and Venture Crew 276. Wild rice, turkey, Indian fry bread and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. If you have any questions, please contact Carline Sargent email to Carline.Sargent@isd15.org or call 763-213-1575. The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Shop 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 7 Days a Week 763-753-2610 St. Francis Mall, Bridge Street in St. Francis
Thank you to all of our customers. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future.
Old fashioned service… we bag & carry out your grocery order Deli eat-in/Take-Out MEAT COUNTER • FRESH PRODUCE
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Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility hours to change Martha Weaver Anoka County Public Information Manager
The Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility schedule
will change to winter hours of operation beginning November 1 and running through March 31, 2014. The household hazardous waste facility will be open Wednesday, 2:00-8:00 p.m.
How Much is Your Home Worth? Contact me today to schedule a FREE Market Analysis of your home! Now is a great time to make that move!
Cindy Dorfner 763-234-4661
Keller Williams “Classic Realty” Cindy@CDorfnerHomes.com www.CDorfnerHomes.com
and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The facility will be closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The facility is located at 3230 101st Avenue NE in Blaine, off Radisson Road. Household hazardous wastes that are accepted include acids, aerosol cans with product remaining, drain cleaner, driveway sealer, fluorescent bulbs, liquid paint, liquid mercury, mercury thermometers, motor oil, oven cleaner, paint stripper, paint thinner, pesticides, pool chemicals, stains, varnishes, and wood preservatives. Residents dropping materials
David
Roberts
Get a strong team to pull for you We are proud to be a part of the community and invite you to discover how we may assist you with your mortgage needs.
for School Board
Tina N Faur Eric Schmoll 763-645-9005 612-667-6145 NMLSR ID 973817 NMLSR ID 803271
Julie Jeppson
Rev 2/13
Committed to:
Our Students
Our Staff Our Community
Committed to Excellence! Want to get those home improvement projects done before the snow flies? Peoples Bank is now offering a fixed rate, no closing cost home loan. www.e-peoplesbank.com East Bethel 763-434-4462 East Cambridge 763-691-1341 Princeton 763-389-4350 Edina 952-831-8253 Cambridge 763-689-1212 St. Paul 651-291-5777 24
Homeless shelter celebrates anniversary Stepping Stone Development Director
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 100715 - 09/13
off at the site must provide proof of county residency, such as a driver’s license. The facility accepts household hazardous waste from residents of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties. Businesses, organizations and schools may not bring hazardous waste to the facility. Wastes that are not accepted include ammunition, appliances, batteries, dried paint, electronics, empty containers, medical wastes, radioactive wastes, railroad ties, and tires. For disposal options for unacceptable wastes, call Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730 or email recycle@co.anoka.mn.us. For more information or directions to the facility, call Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730 or visit the Integrated Waste Management web page at AnokaCounty.us/recycle.
Member FDIC
VOTE NOVEMBER 5 The foregoing is a paid political advertisement by David Roberts, 20865 Wintergreen Street NW, Oak Grove MN 55011. 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.
Stepping Stone Emergency Housing (SSEH), Anoka County’s shelter for homeless adults, celebrates one year of occupying and thriving in its new home. September 21 marked the official day that SSEH moved into its new home: the Cronin Building on the old state hospital grounds. With the change of the location, many aspects of the shelter as a whole changed as well. These changes have allowed SSEH to provide more effective and efficient help to those who are affected by homelessness. Moving into the next year and beyond, SSEH has big plans for helping the homeless men and women it serves. However, taking it step-by-step, SSEH’s next focus is to refurbish a large meeting room in the lower level of the building into a Teaching Kitchen. This will bring numerous advantages, some of which include: teaching and training shelter guests to learn a trade, offering an opportunity for volunteer groups to come in and cook, serve and enjoy a meal with our guests, and providing a sense of community and “family” that many of the shelter guests do not already have. For more information about SSEH visit steppingstoneeh.org or call 763-323-7006.
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.
• Payroll Services • Business Startup Services
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Oak Grove business celebrates 20th anniversary Cherise Foley Cedar Creek Baking, Co., Inc.
As Cedar Creek Baking Company celebrates its 20th year of business, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for all your patronage. Owning Cedar Creek Baking Company has given me the things in life that matter the most to me; time with my five children, a closer relationship with people in my community, and the chance to use my God given talents to make an honest living. Cedar Creek Baking Company came about as a result of my desire as a single parent to be home to raise my five children and also financially support them. I started to decorate cakes as a hobby when I was in high school for family, friends and co-workers and it seemed to be very profitable. I worked at two different bakeries in the past as a cake decorator where I learned many techniques and skills. The last bakery that I worked at wanted to sell their business and all their equipment, so I purchased it. I had the building on my property at that time being used as a garage, so I thought I would turn it into a cake shop. The building needed a lot of work. The city of Oak Grove (Planning and Zoning Committee) provided me with regulations to run a home based business and the department of health gave
me guidelines to get a food service license. With those in hand, we started renovating the building. Water, sewer, heating and air conditioning had to be installed in addition to updating the electrical work. I hired a handy man to put up walls, cut in doors and windows, along with other odd jobs. Along with my parents and close friends helping with all the renovations, the cake shop came together and in November of 1993 we opened as Cedar Creek Baking Company. Not much has changed since that day, we still offer custom designed wedding cakes, all occasion cakes, cookies and bars. Like never before in history, today’s weddings are personal expressions of the bride and groom’s personality, style and dreams. From elaborate themes to simple pleasures, the wedding cake can be a personal reflection of them. We offer other wedding novelties like cake tops and wedding invitations from the Carlson Craft collection. Our special occasion cakes can be decorated to fit your party theme from special flavors, designs, shapes and colors. We will design your cake the way you want it. We offer cookies and bars also, from traditional ones like chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin etc. to more exquisite detailed sugar cutouts. We offer a full
St. Francis High School Drama Presents…
The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens A murder mystery/comedy with audience interaction, great storm effects, spiffy costumes and lots of other good stuff. e in By Billy St. John Directed by Glenn Morehouse Olson
Com (school costume please) te appropria 31 and be er on Octob to win a entered . prize
October 31, November 1, 2 at 7:00 p.m. November 3 at 2:00 p.m.
line of Christmas cookies starting in November and running through January. We hope to participate this spring in a farmers market as well. As we approach the upcoming holiday season, Cedar Creek Baking Company will introduce a new line of fresh baked pies like the old time favorites, pumpkin, pecan, apple, blueberry, cherry and French silk. Other holiday goodies include roasted candied pecans, fudge, and toffee. Please come to our open house Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate our 20th year in business. Stop by and sample our new line of pies, and thank you again for using Cedar Creek Baking Co for all your special events. If you have any comments or questions give us a call at 763-753-9696. We look forward to serving you soon. See ad on page 3.
Cedar Creek Baking in Oak Grove, owned by Cherise Foley, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an open house November 16.
The COURIER
LivingHopeEFC.org
Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 763.753.1718
IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR
WRESTLING Why wrestle?
Team competition is available Beginner practices (new this year) Advanced practices (new this year) Competition is optional • All kids participate No tryouts • Low cost • Fun Wrestling begins Mid-November Pizza & Info Night: Monday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. St. Francis High School Commons First Practice: Tuesday, November 12 other dates posted on website Practice Times: 6:00–7:15 p.m. (Pre-K– Grade 2) 7:15–8:45 p.m. (Grades 3–6) Where: St. Francis High School Wrestling Room Fee: $91 (includes MNUSA card)
For more information or to register online, please visit:
www.stfrancis.wrestlingsystems.com Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StFrancisGladiatorWrestling
St. Francis High School Performing Arts Center 3325 Bridge Street, St. Francis, MN
$8 Adults; $6 Senior Citizens/Students/Children For more information, call 763-213-1527 Produced with permission from Samuel French, Inc., 45 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
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Hockey • Baseball • Softball • Lacrosse • Soccer Team Apparel • Screen Printing • Embroidering Trophies • Awards • Skate Sharpening • Lacrosse Stringing Here at Taho Sports we specialize in team apparel, ranging from laced-up hoodies, to custom jersey and warm ups. We do it in screen printing, embroidery or tackle twill! We also carry a great selection of protective equipment, skates, sticks and accessories.
New Address!
(Corner of HWY 65 and Constance Blvd)
16230 Aberdeen St N.E. Ham Lake, MN 55304 (763) 862-3311 Tahosportswear.com
We have a highly experienced staff in skate sharpening and skate repair as well as custom lacrosse stringing. Customer service is our number one priority!
Did you know? Contrary to popular belief, acne is not the result of eating greasy foods. It is generally caused by hormones that stimulate glands in the skin to produce an excess of an oily secretion known as sebum, which helps shed old skin cells and keep the skin soft. When too much oil
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is produced, the pores in the skin can become blocked and dirt, bacteria and cells may build up. This blockage forms a pimple. Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by hormonal changes or stress. Research does not indicate that chocolate, nuts and greasy foods contribute to acne.
Vote! Marsha
Van Denburgh
The Courier staff celebrated 20 years with an open house in October. Area businesses, community members and school staff were invited to stop in to share past memories and enjoy some delicious cake made by Cherise Foley of Cedar Creek Baking, a long-time local advertiser. Every issue of The Courier was on display at the open house, starting with October 1993. Several guests commented how much the look of the publication had changed over the years, but remarked that many front page headlines are as timely today as they were back then. The staff thanks all those that were able to attend and appreciates the readers, contributors and advertisers that have added to the success of The Courier. Pictured are staff members Alicia Loehlein, Kathleen Miller, Janice Audette and Pat Johnson.
The Courier
Sannerud, Savarese & Associates, p.a. 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
763-434-5929
1207 Constance Blvd. NE • Ham Lake, MN 55304 www.sannerudsavarese.com
1/12
ISD 15 School Board 4 Year Term www.votevandenburgh.com Proven Results Voted for STEM and All Day Kindergarten: February 13, 2012 Voted with Ms Erkel, against a 3% tax increase: September 23, 2013 Voted with Ms Erkel, against Saxton’s 3 yr contract renewal: June 24, 2013 The foregoing is a paid political advertisement by Marsha Van Denburgh, 3270 206th Avenue NW, Oak Grove, MN 55303. 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.
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presented by the St. Francis Lioness/Lions Club
Saturday, December 7
9:00-11:30 a.m. St. Francis American Legion Hall County Road 24 (Bridge Street) & County Road 9
Tickets sold at the door: $3.00 for age 10 and under; $4.00 adults Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa.
Fun, Food and Door Prizes
Proceeds for community projects.
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Education Minnesota St. Francis #1977 School Board Election Candidate Profiles Ryan Fiereck EBCS/CCCS Teacher, Education Minnesota St. Francis Vice President
On Tuesday, November 5, community members will be electing three school board members to four year terms and one school board member to a term of two years. In an effort to make an informed decision, Local 1977 has solicited questions to the candidates. A candidate forum was held on October 22, video of this event can be seen at the district website www.isd15. org, Election Information. This event was sponsored by the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Francis Area Women of Today. The responses contained here have had every effort not to be modified and are printed in the order they were received. The candidate responses were copy and pasted into this document in an effort to make sure that all transparency is kept. Education Minnesota St. Francis will not endorse any candidate but would like you to use these responses for informational purposes. Responses are listed in the order of position running (four year first, then two year next), followed by the order of which they were received. You may find your sample ballot by going to: http:// myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/ Default.aspx to prepare for the election. Thank you.
David Roberts
Running for 4 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? My reason for joining the school board was primarily the reputation of the district. As a father who intends for my young children to go
K-12 in ISD 15, I wanted to be informed as to what was happening in the schools. I have heard about St. Francis for years, growing up in the north metro. I have also heard the stories about what goes on in the district, bad, never good. I am somebody who strives to be a part of the solution. Entering my children into the school system brought me into contact with a lot of people in the district and in the schools. Again, I heard stories. I am not one to sit by quietly. So that all brought me in to seek the appointment for the school board position. Once I was appointed, my eyes were opened to many different aspects of what goes into the public school system. I am seeking election for the 4 year term on the school board because I see the potential for this district. I have watched as we have moved through some difficult issues such as the board approved levy, the read well curriculum change and even the administration changes of late. What I see is that with the right guidance, the right people in place, things can get done in a way that is not all about my way or your way. Making this district into a positive place that everyone can be proud of will only enhance the experience that we will give to our students. Some of the strengths I bring to the table... I am not afraid to put in the time to see the task through. I have been known to seek my own information on topics to gather as much information as I feel is necessary to feel comfortable with a vote. I am all for transparency. I believe if there are no barriers between staff and administration, the sky is the limit to what we can achieve. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? My view of a school board member’s role is to be part of a team. A high performing school board is one that can have an effective dialogue, constructive conversation and compromise when necessary. I do not believe it is the school board member’s job to solve every problem for every parent, but if asked for assistance, I believe we have the responsibility to point the parent in the direction of somebody who can help. The
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
school board members also need to be aware of what’s going on in the world, so that we can be certain that our policies accurately reflect what our districts viewpoints are, and how to manage the business of ISD 15 most effectively. I also believe that the board members need to be approachable. Perhaps this should be at the top of my list. As a board member, my perspective is the perspective of one. But being immersed in the community, I gather the perspectives of many more people, and I feel that is critical in making decisions and policies that best suit the residents of ISD 15. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? As a current school board member, I have been present at every school board meeting, work session, closed session and special meeting since my appointment in March. Far too many to count. I have been on hiring committees and been on teacher academy interview committees. I am on the Athletic Advisory committee, Teacher Academy governing board, Student Wellness committee and the Advisory Committee at LLC. In addition to these committees I have completed all 3 of the MN School Board Association phase trainings and attended numerous MNSBA training sessions. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) With the recent board approved levy, my first priority is to restore the fund balance. I think that moving forward being proactive, rather than reactive when it comes to funding is the best course of action. With open enrollment and smaller student classes across the board, student retention is a top priority. This year’s graduation class is about 100 students larger than this year’s kindergarten class. I’m not a fan of personnel cuts. We’re running pretty lean as it is. I think all cuts should be as far from the classroom as possible, but there are times when there may be no other solution than to shift
personnel, or make cuts. But like I said, being proactive, I feel that we should also be pursuing grants aggressively. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) It’s hard for me to “commit” to a class size. In a perfect world, 20-24 for K-5, 22-28 for middle school, and 28-32 for senior high. I have trouble committing to these numbers because there are so many factors that can change this. Curriculum, student make up, special needs students, EA’s in the room and so many other things. Also, take into consideration if it is a budget reduction year, adjusting class sizes may be the best way to not have to reduce the workforce. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? I am always a proponent of seeking challenging curriculum. I would also like to see the continuation of the STEM program and the expansion of the technological development that we’ve been using in our classrooms. Additionally the development of arts and foreign languages in our schools must be considered, as this has been a common citing among families open enrolling out of our district. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? I will take this question as it is worded at the risk of being way off from the question’s intent. I believe that we need to restore the fund balance to an acceptable level by
modern business practices, as it has depleted over the last few years. I do not think we need to increase it beyond that point. It is necessary to be able to pay the bills of the district, should the class sizes drop dramatically, or an expense outside the budget arise. That being said, having an acceptable fund balance, I do not believe we need to stockpile money. We need to offer a healthy balance of curriculum and extracurricular activities for our students. Having a broad base of classes will help to stem the flow of students out of the district and thus have a direct impact on the financial health of the district. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? I think this district does many things well. One area that I would like to focus on is the mid level. I believe the middle school age is a critical stage for adolescents. It is where the parental supervision loosens its grip, and students seek independence. I think that we need to find outlets for creativity and exploration of this delicate age where the students can be encouraged to make decisions for themselves in a setting that will help them to make good choices. Broadening our offerings in terms of curriculum and extracurricular activities will enhance the experience of this age group. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) For curriculum, I think the information should be shared Continued, Page 28
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Candidates among a committee that is a mixture of teachers and administrators. I think that if it is a major shift in delivery style, such as the Read Well by 3rd Grade shift, I do feel that it is important to have an information session, and also an opportunity for the teachers who will be practicing the delivery model to weigh in with an opinion. Our assessment model is very good. I do not see this as something that has to be revamped. I think the Joint standing committee and OTL work well to see that we are doing the assessments in an efficient and effective manner. Staffing is an altogether complicated and sometimes unpleasant matter. I think this needs to be as transparent as possible. I do not see this as a matter for the school board to weigh in on unless it is absolutely necessary. This should be a collaborative effort involving the SMCs, HR and perhaps the Superintendent. I see school management as the job of the SMC. The teachers should direct feedback and input to them. The SMC would then in turn
report to the district level. This question asks to provide a high level of definition to some very complicated procedures. I think the bottom line is that in all of them there needs to be very clear avenues for communication to occur. I do not see top down management as always being the best option for every situation. However, I do feel that the collective efforts of all of our separate buildings need to be guided towards the same course. This is another area that captures my attention. I cannot stress enough how important communication and transparency is in these circumstances. Change can be extremely difficult, but I think if all parties are afforded a means to express their viewpoints, we stand a far better chance of finding an acceptable solution in every one of these areas. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? I believe that educators have a voice that needs to be heard. I think that they see first hand what is effective and what is not. I think it is fair to say that they are
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our eyes. There are many decisions where I feel that we should have more input from our teachers. That being said, I do also realize that there are many reasons for each action. Considerations of budget and finance often play a role in decisions as well. These are points where I see transparency as being paramount. The balance needs to be found where we can be sure that there is someone to advocate for all points of view. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? The biggest challenge I see for our state is how to stay competitive and engaging in the face of inflation, funding levels and a decline in student numbers. There will always be a need for more funding, so that’s not the main concern for me. The challenge is to do more with less. We need to find more creative and possibly collaborative ways to use our funds to maximize what we can offer to our students. In our district, I believe the challenge will be finding a balance of maximizing the potential from the funding that we do have as well as finding creative ways to enhance our student’s experience in ISD 15. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? Thank you for taking the time to put this survey together. You offered some very tough and thought provoking questions. This will be a very important election for ISD 15. It has been an honor to work with such fine teachers, administrators, and the staff that makes everything run smoothly. We’ll see you at the polls.
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Marsha Van Denburgh Running for 4 year term
1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? I am in the process of completing my first term of
office. It took the first 6-12 months to really understand much of what is required of a school board member. I now understand much more of what needs to be done to move this district forward. Many members of our staff have reported to me an incredibly low morale, and this is a huge concern. I want our teachers and support staff to be happy to come to work every day, so that our students receive the best education. The current administration needs to change to become more supportive and less demanding and confrontational. Also, there needs to more information sharing with the school board before big decisions are made rather than asking for rubber stamps. I believe I can help lead this district to make it a stronger school district, because I listen and speak up as needed. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? Our main roles involve managing the district via policy and budget. Without school board approval, no funds can be spent, no one can be officially hired, and contracts cannot be approved. School boards are responsible for negotiating contracts and maintaining facilities. Most of what we do is oversee the delegation of these activities. We work closely with the superintendent, who is a defacto member of the board and cannot vote. Beyond these official parameters, we are a sounding board for both staff, families, and community. We need to know the pulse of the district to discern what our community finds important. I make myself available to everyone via phone, email, and in person to discuss whatever is on someone’s mind. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? I was elected to serve in 2009, so I have attended almost all meetings while in office. I have missed a couple of meetings, once due to a death in the family. Without counting, I do not think I have missed five meetings. I also attend other meetings and functions as often as possible. Prior to being elected to the school board, my most dedicated involvement revolved around establishing the American Indian Education Parent Committee. I am pleased that we finally have a dedicated staff as a
multicultural liaison in our district. This is something I have worked for tirelessly. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) I have several ideas I would like to explore, and although numbered, are not really in any particular order. First, I believe we need to sell some of our current land holdings. Second, I think we need to look at consolidating our buildings and potentially selling some of that property as well. Third, I would like to bid out our transportation services. A few years ago, our business affairs director said, in a private conversation, we could save over one million dollars a year by subcontracting our bus service. I would like to explore this option. Fourth, I have confidence that our staff has untapped knowledge in ways we could save money. I would like to offer an appropriate bonus for suggestions that help the district curtail costs. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) This is a hard question. Each classroom has such a different group of learners that is unique. I think our current goal of 20-22 in kindergarten is an excellent goal. Gr 1-2-should not exceed 25 Gr 3-5 should not exceed 28-30 per class. Gr 6-8 should be held to 32-34 Gr 9-12 should be held at 33-35 Now, that said, I do believe there is flexibility with some of those guidelines. Choir, for instance, needs a larger class size to flourish. But overall, I can commit to the above class sizes. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? I have pushed for more emphasis in science and math while on the board and before that too. I would like to see computer programming or coding be an integral part of all grades. The job market requires this knowledge in many areas, not just as programmers. We teach NO classes on any level. I would be excited to have a magnet school type of approach, where for instance, Continued, Page 29
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
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Candidates one elementary is devoted to STEM, one elementary is devoted to the arts and one is a more traditional K-5 school. Perhaps we have an IB program in the high school, as well as a dedicated magnet STEM school that continue throughout middle and high school. I believe it would be possible to house these in our current facilities. I’m unhappy about this recent change to pull out all of our elementary students into leveled math and reading groups for 90-120 minutes a day. I was unable to obtain any concrete studies from administration giving information that this is a way to teach that is grounded in research. I think we purchased an excellent curriculum that levels within the classroom for elementary teachers a couple years ago, and I fear with this new approach the curriculum will not be used. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? Currently, district policy says we need to maintain a fund balance of 5%. I believe that we need to follow policy. There is certainly the possibility of changing policy. I would support changing policy to lower the desired fund balance amount. We are having to borrow money to pay our bills due to the shift at the state level. There are so many demands on the money the district has. I really believe in balancing the amount of programming added with changing our policy to lower our mandatory fund balance. Fund balance is a delicate balancing act, because when it goes to a certain percentage, the state has been known to take that money and never return it. So unlike home finances, saving for a rainy day is not always in the best interest. As I have said in other questions, I would like to expand our offerings to have magnet schools focused on certain areas of teaching and increasing the rigor of our STEM schools. So.....I think increasing programming will lead to higher attendance which will enable to us to increase our fund balance; 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? There needs to be planning
and implementation of those plans rather than our current system of making a change and then having the school board approve that change with little information. For instance, the TAIP grant. Few to no teachers were involved in the writing of this current grant cycle which changed the way we deliver math and reading at the elementary level to all children - not just those in need of remedial services. Our teachers and principals were almost exclusively left out of this dramatic change. I believe in a comprehensive, although evolving, plan that will direct the education of our students. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) We have committees set up to streamline much of these processes already that select school board members serve on. I do wish there were more committee reports that could be accessed by school board members to keep on file for reference, as well as for the initial information sharing. I wish there were longer timelines for many decisions we are forced to vote upon with too little information. I believe strongly in Site Management Council’s have budget decision power. I think the collaborative approach is the best one in our schools. Going back to this approach will increase morale and use our staff’s expertise in a genuine way. Teachers can serve on the site management councils and appropriate committees where they fit best. Finally, our school board is given ample information with lots of lead time to approve the decisions made by SMCs, etc. By using sufficient time frames, everyone benefits our students reap the quality education they deserve. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? I wish educators could have much more flexibility than our current system allows. We have some really great teachers with a lot of knowledge in many areas that are not allowed to teach with passion. The many layers of teaching to state mandated tests do not allow the flexibility our teachers need to educate our students to their best abilities. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges
facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? I believe we are at a crossroads with the mandated testing. Is the federal government going to demand a national curriculum? It is appearing more and more that local autonomy is diminishing and federal guidelines are prevailing. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? I think I have written plenty. Please ask any follow up questions if you want more information.
Shannon Collier
Running for 4 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? I have a child w/ special needs and I’m an advocate for him and would like to be an advocate for other families as well. It also frustrates me when other communities talk negative about our school district. I would like to share with them more about how wonderful our school district is. I am a very positive and outgoing person. I now have time to dedicate myself to our children’s education. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? Part of the school board’s role is to listen to concerns and ideas from parents, students and school staff and to help channel their concerns to the appropriate people and follow up w/ them to make sure they got the answers they needed. Members should also research what would be the best options for our school district and make sure the district is responsible with the budget we have. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? I attended school board meetings recently. I thought it was very informative. I wish
more parents would attend the meetings. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) I would recommend that we do a lot of research to see what would be best for our district. Most likely I would recommend a levy since I believe our school staff already works really hard and would hate to put more stress on them by cutting staff. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) Under thirty. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? I have young children (oldest in third grade) and feel I’m not informed enough to have an opinion. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? We should fund the successful programs already in place and if there is a need for additional programs we should research what programs would be the most successful and beneficial. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? More communication between families, school staff and school board. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) The teachers and site council should have primary role in the decisions regarding curriculum, assessment,staffing and management. The school board should make sure that the decisions made from them stay with in the budget. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local
schools? They should participate and inform us what works best for them and their students at their school. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? I believe the greatest challenges will be funding all of the programs that we have and keeping up with technology. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? I think I would fit in well with the school board members. I would be a great resource for families especially since I have four young children who will be in this school district until they graduate. My youngest will graduate in 2026. Thank you.
Barbara Jahnke
Running for 4 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? My recent retirement from ISD 15, with 20 years of experience as a school counselor at St. Francis Middle School, has placed me in a unique position to make a contribution to the district as a school board member. I’ve had an opportunity to work with students and parents from their enrollment through their exit from SFMS. I’ve heard their concerns and compliments. During the last few years, I’ve witnessed substantial changes in the decision making process for School District Continued, Page 30
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Candidates 15. It seems to have become exclusive, with more decisions being made at the top levels of school administration, bypassing building principals and staff. I’m seeking a school board position to help assure that we are appropriately utilizing our resources and opening the democratic channels of communication again. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? School board members represent all within the district. They are elected to assure that policies are created and fulfilled which meet the needs of all. A school board must monitor a democratic decision making process. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? As a School Counselor, Peer Leader and Site Chair, I’ve been able to attend dozens of district-wide meetings and have a wide-lens view of the district. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) When a district is lacking funds, a school board member must investigate why that is the case and inform the citizens. I believe that cuts to programming, direct service staff and the classroom should be the last thing we consider. The budget needs to be examined in its entirety. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) I am dedicated to the importance of keeping class sizes down. At this time, I don’t have enough
information to make specific recommendations. In addition to class size, I think we need to consider the total number of students a teacher works with during the day. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? It is important to consider the needs of the whole child as we look at curriculum. It seems that due to budget constrictions, we are offering a more limited selection at SFMS, which may hinder some students. I don’t currently have enough information about other schools to comment. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? Programming is critical, in my opinion. Effective programming will increase funding. Parents will seek to enroll their students and funding will follow. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? I believe we currently have a critical public and frustrated, fearful staff. Their concerns seem similar, a decision making process gone astray. Both are asking to have their voices heard during the decision making process. I think we can more effectively manage our resources if we again offer an avenue for diverse voices to be respectfully expressed and heard. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) It looks like I answered that in the previous question. We need to be inclusive. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local
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schools? Educators play a vital role. They are on the front lines and work with students daily. The advice of educators must be sought and utilized through preplanned, safe channels. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? Public education faces huge competition for funding from other educational sources: other schools with a better funding base and larger curriculum; other schools which don’t need to meet the same state standards as public schools; home schooling; and online learning. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? I believe the essential voices of many on the front lines of education, those working directly with students, have been diminished to a whisper. If one has an opinion contrary to the agenda of top district level administrators, that one is likely to be discounted. This type of environment squelches an informed, creative, and energetic decision making process.
Malcom T. Vinger II
Running for 4 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? It is our civic duty to be involved in our children’s education. From talking with folks and attending school board meetings it seems we have issues with increasing budgets and declining enrollments, and the proper roles of the parents, school board, administration, teachers and staff. I am qualified to contribute to the school as a school board member because I have spent my entire life as a problem solver and a critical thinker. My career as an engineer has involved determining the ultimate goal, prioritizing
the objectives and issues, and formulating, planning and implementing the solution. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? The role of a school board members is a tricky one. We are to represent the owners/ investors of the school (parents/taxpayers) and the customers (students and parents) to the school and its employees. This is tricky when some of the owners and the customers are one and the same and many of the owners/ taxpayers are paying for the products of the business but do not see themselves as customers. Just as in any business, it is paramount that we hire the best employees, allow them to do what we hired them to do, pay them commensurate with their talents and abilities, and yet, at the same time, make sure the customers come first and receive the best product for their dollars. In short, we must not micro-manage, but transparently keep the district on track. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? I will be the first to admit that as a parent and an engineer, I have not been as active in the school district as I would like. Over the last couple of years I have attended several school board meetings. I have also been involved with other community organizations and councils and attended many of those meetings as well. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) As an engineer who has worked for several companies over my 20 year career, I know these issues are not always easily answered. However, as a citizen, a taxpayer, a homeowner, a family-man who lives on a fixed salary that has gone down over the last several years, I can also say that I have had to make some tough decisions and help others make some tough decisions. We are all in this together and when the times are good, we all benefit, but when the times are bad, we may all need to sacrifice. In general, we cannot just jump to an immediate levy increase as a solution, nor can we just jump to an immediate
cut as a solution. We need to keep all of our people in mind when formulating a solution with as much information as we can obtain. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) As per my answer to the previous question, I cannot make this kind of decision without the facts of the situation. From my 44 years on this earth, I know for sure that there are no guarantees. I would like to see class sizes no greater than 35, but that is just a feeling based judgement. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? I do not have all of the details, but one of the meetings I was called to attend gave some information about how the teachers had just gotten the STEM program working well for them and the students and the administration had been awarded a grant that would require this curriculum/ scheduling to change. I believe we need to have a long conversation with the teachers and be sure we are implementing the curriculum per their expertise with only our guidance and not focusing on chasing funding that does not fit with our educational goals. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? I would have to say there must be a balance that weighs the needs of the students and the needs of the district to remain solvent. The last thing we want is to put something into practice that is removed for lack of money down the road. Also, we need to be sure we are focusing on those programs that benefit the student the most and not put in place programs that may not fit with the students’ educational/career goals. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? If by we, you mean Local 1977, we would need to get together and have a cordial chat. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) Continued, Page 31
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
From Page 30
Candidates Number one, we all need to be working together. We cannot have willy-nilly, spur of the moment changes in staff and/or curriculum without consensus of the entire crew. It is the role of the teachers to be the experts in educating and they need to be open with the school board and administration with their goals and ideas. It is the role of the administration to provide the infrastructure for the school and its staff to operate while working closely with the school board. It is the role of the school board to oversee, in a transparent way, the operations of the entire school and the interactions between its entities. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? The educators are the frontline. They need to be leading the way in the decisionmaking process. They should be free to discover new ways to educate and improve and share this with the school board so we may all participate in advancing our schools. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? The largest challenge is the economy. Many people are suffering from the young who cannot find a job, to the middle who are losing their ability to provide, to the old who have had savings decimated and cannot afford a suitable lifestyle in their retirement years. We cannot count on raising taxes to take care of all of our problems - people are just getting tapped out. Declining enrollment is also going to be a major factor. We will need to think out of the box to resolve these problems for our schools. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? I look forward to hearing the thoughts of the parents, students, staff and other school board members of where we have been, where we are, where we want to go, and how we will get there. Thank you for allowing me to participate in your valuable questionnaire. If you have anything further you need of me, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Juanita Reed-Boniface Running for 4 year term
1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? I am running for school board not on “issues” but my own personal mission statement, the influence of my family, and the conviction that public education is essential for democracy. Serving as a public servant is energizing, renewing and rewarding for me. I am considered a community elder, hopefully with wisdom. Based on current census figures there are about 3500 residents over the age of 65 in the school district. I believe there is value having a member of the board who brings their voice and perspective to the table. Qualifications/Biography I am president and educational consultant JRB Associates, Oak Grove, I was educated in public schools in Nebraska and hold a BA degree from the University of Nebraska, and a MA degree from the University of Minnesota . I have over 35 years experience in education including teaching, instructional design and delivery, administration and public relations. My long-time career was with University of Minnesota Extension Service as Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development responsible for a number of statewide programs. I am a 39 year resident of Oak Grove where I am an active community volunteer: serving as a member of Oak Grove City Council for 9 years, currently Vice -Chair Lake George Improvement District Board of Directors, and Chair Anoka County Extension Committee. I am a leader in state and national professional organizations and the recipient of numerous honors. My involvement in the school district is through the Multicultural/Diversity
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Team, a guest reader in the pre-schools and elementary schools a member of the Sandhill Center of the Arts Senior Advisory Committee and a donor. My two adult children are St. Francis High School alumni. My husband, Dick Boniface, is a University of Wisconsin alumnus. Strengths • Long time resident and current involvement in the district • Commitment to public education as demonstrated in my academic training and career. • Understanding of and experience in the educational process • Experience as a public official/public servant and educator • Thoughtful, ethical decision making and problem solving including the ability to research and study the facts, analyze long and short term consequences for students and staff • Listening skills • Dependable • Sincere caring for students, teachers, staff and citizens • Philosophy of working together, democratic leadership style • Accountable • Dedication and commitment 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? The role of the school
board is to serve as the local governing body for the school district. As such they work with the school administration to set policies, manage human and capital resources, advise on curriculum priorities and programs to maximize quality education for citizens in the school district. A school board is effective when members foster open communication, trust and respect among school officials and school board members, are willing to compromise, and to study all aspects of an issue before making a decision. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? I have attended 6 board meetings in person. I regularly read the summary of the minutes in The Courier following meetings. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) I would first revisit school programs in relation to the budget. What are the “must keeps”, what are programs that need to be kept, but perhaps could be carried out or funded in a different way, what are the “nice to haves” but need to be postponed or dropped? Students need
to be first priority. A quality, balanced educational program is essential—this means traditional academics as well as the arts and athletic programs. It would be important to me to have input from stakeholders within the district, especially school personnel and families who would be impacted by program reduction or elimination. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) I believe there are many factors that impact class size— grade level, subject matter, teaching methods, student abilities, availability of support staff for teachers. Therefore making a commitment to an exact number is difficult. Personally when I do school programs in elementary schools, I like a class size of about 15-20. For upper grades this might be increased to 2530 if primarily a lecture style class, but for a more hands-on science laboratory, or industrial technology this would be too large and the 15-20-class size would be more appropriate 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? School choice has placed Continued, Page 32
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Candidates public schools in a competitive environment. As a result attention must be given to quality curriculum that meets the needs of students today. National and state standards are a key part of curriculum design and delivery, and classroom teachers need to be creative and intentional to meeting those standards while utilizing teaching methods that best meet the learning styles of their students. It is important to be vigilant that curriculum content is based on sound science, honors culture diversity, reflects academic vigor and is age appropriate. Are we maximizing PSEO opportunities and college in the school programs? Are there ways to offer foreign language classes in elementary and middle school? Can we strengthen our arts/music programs?
7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? For me this is not an either/ or question but one that depends on several variables. The bottom line is providing quality education and appropriate services for students working with educators who are experts in educational delivery and who are rewarded for their education and expertise. Funds need to be balanced, no institution can operate with a high debt load, and at the same time programs must be of highest quality. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? There is much to be proud of in ISD 15—reading The Courier each month confirms the many good things happening in classrooms and in extra curricular activities daily. One of the weak
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links has been the divisive relationships and attitudes within the school board. We all need to be on the “same page” focused on quality learning opportunities for all. Making decisions based on the vision and mission statements of the district should be a goal of all persons in roles of leadership. All of us involved in the district—administration, educators, supporting staff, volunteers—need to model integrity, positive attitudes toward our schools and build a respectful environment for all. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) These are decisions that should be made by professional educators with input from appropriate stakeholders (might include the school board if these decisions impact school policy). I would hope that administrators in particular would involve stakeholders as appropriate. The site management system has been in place in ISD 15 for several years and in most cases has been good for schools with a way for structured and meaningful input by parents and others. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? Local school educators are hired because of their academic training, life and
teaching experiences. They are “in the trenches”, “on the front line”working with students every day. They see, sense, observe, instruct and evaluate content, methods, and working relationships, on a daily basis. Consequently, their input is invaluable and needed in local school decision-making. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? In Minnesota • Balancing the many demands in education today—“well rounded” academic programs— science, technology, math, engineering, arts, athletics, social sciences with human development, relationships and community engagement. All this within limited resources. • Finding the balance and interplay between humans and technology—the hi-tech /hi touch concept of futurist John Naisbitt in his book Megatrends. • Preparing the future work force not only with technical skills but work ethics, responsibility and dependability. • Closing the achievement gaps. In our district • Making wise decisions in a divisive political climate and economic uncertainties. • Student enrollment—are we offering the “best choice” in the educational marketplace to attract and keep students? • Maintaining manageable
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class sizes that foster optimal student/teacher ratios • Financing for programs and people. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? Thank you for this opportunity to work with Education Minnesota, St. Francis Local 1977. You have posed some very thoughtful questions that reflect interests and concerns of educators today. It is my honor to be a candidate for ISD 15 School Board. You are right it does take a bit of courage, but I have a strong passion for education and public service which I hope is reflected in my responses. I invite your support.
Scott Schwarz
Running for 2 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? We have four children who have all attended and graduated from St. Francis High School, there are a number of programs and student enrichment areas I would like to see be continued. In addition, as costs increase, we need to confirm we are working within the budget and resources are being spent on the students.. What qualifies me is what may qualify a number of people, Continued, Page 33
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From Page 32
Candidates the experience of 4 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. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? We as school board member, we have the responsibility to make sure the funds we receive are 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. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? A couple of school board meetings.
4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) If this happens, all areas must be reviewed and considered. Not one area can be responsible for the lack of financial resources and it is the responsibility of the school board to review all spending areas if that happens. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) I would like it to be around 25 for K-5, 30 for 6-8 and 30 for 9-12. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? We need to review what languages are important for our students for their future? College in the classroom-is this growing or shrinking? Other areas that need students to prepare for life after high school. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or
increasing programming? Why? There is a balance of the two areas, and many other variables. We need to review and confirm what is important for the overall students education. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? Need to confirm what type of education will get our students ready for the next step: college, trade school, military, working, etc. Are they learning to their potential, what else can be provided to help them get there. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) Some items are mandated by the state, so we are all limited to our roles. Site Council should outline curriculum-Teachers should have input, and School Board should approve. With staffing, assessment and school management. Input can be provided by the Teachers and
Site Council, but final decisions for additional staff, assessment, and school management by the School Board. Of course the school superintendent should have an active role in school management. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? Input on students performance on basic subjects (reading/math/writing) and areas of concern with the students learning capabilities. Input on the curriculum and
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Harvest season offers lessons to investors It’s harvest time again. Of course, harvest season may not mean that much to you if you don’t work in agriculture. Nonetheless, you can learn a lot from those who do — especially in your role as an investor. Here are a few of these lessons to consider: } “Feed” your portfolio. Through the proper combination of fertilizers and irrigation, farmers seek to maximize the growth of their crops. And if you want to give your portfolio the opportunity to grow, you need to “feed” it with the right mix of investments. This generally means you’ll need to own a reasonable percentage of growthoriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based securities. Keep in mind, though, that the value of these types of investments will fluctuate, sometimes sharply — and there’s no guarantee you won’t lose some or all of your principal. } Be patient. Crops don’t grow overnight. Farmers know that they will put in countless hours of work
before they see the fruits of their labors. And they know that, along the way, they will likely experience setbacks caused by a variety of issues: too much rain, too little rain, insect infestations — the list goes on and on. When you invest, you shouldn’t expect to “get rich quick” — and you can expect to experience obstacles in the form of bear markets, economic downturns, changes in legislation and so forth. Continuing to invest for the long term and focusing more on long-term results than short-term success can help you as you work toward your objectives. } Respond to your investment “climate.” Farmers can’t control the weather, but they can respond to it. So, for example, when it’s been dry for a long time, they can boost their irrigation. As an investor, you can’t control the economic “climate,” but you can make adjustments. To illustrate: If all signs point to rising long-term interest rates, which typically have a negative effect on longterm bond prices, you may
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
issues that effect the students performance. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? The enrollment in public education in the state of MN seems to be declining, what does that do to our budget for the state and the district? Are our kids ready to compete in the global marketplace with the funding and curriculum we have in place? Answering these questions will be some of Continued, Page 34
www.edwardjones.com need to consider reducing your exposure, at least for a while, to these bonds. } Diversify. Farmers face a variety of risks, including bad weather and fluctuating prices. They can help combat both threats through diversification. For instance, they can plant some crops that are more droughtresistant than others, so they won’t face complete ruin when the rains don’t fall. As an investor, you should also diversify; if you only owned one type of financial asset, and that asset class took a big hit, you could sustain large losses. But spreading your dollars among an array of investments — such as stocks, bonds, cash and other vehicles — may help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. (Be aware, though, that diversification by itself can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.) Relatively few of us toil in the fields to make our living. But by understanding the challenges of those who farm the land, we can learn some techniques that may help us to nurture our investments.
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From Page 33
Candidates our greatest challenges. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? Thank you for the survey and for asking.
Betsy Roed
Running for 2 year term 1. What issues caused you to run for the school board and what are your strengths or qualifications? There have been several reasons behind my decision to run for the School Board. My main purpose was to attempt to stop the negativity that tends to surround the St. Francis name. I attended the St. Francis schools from K-12, and my husband and I have chosen to purchase a home within the boundaries in order for our children to go to school here. There is a LOT of good that happens here. People either aren’t aware of it, or they choose to listen to the misinformed. I’m hoping to make all the good things that happen here, public knowledge. I also hope to try to steer people in the right direction, in order for them to get the proper information. Negativity spreads like wildfire, and it needs to stop. 2. How do you perceive the role of school board members? One of the School Board’s roles is to support our staff
and students. The board must continuously strive to make our schools the best working and learning environments for everyone, all while staying on budget. They must know how to think independently, have an open mind, and be willing to go the extra mile to make decisions that they feel are in the best interest of the staff, students, and taxpayers. 3. How many school board meetings and district-wide committee meetings have you attended? What has been your involvement in district committees? I have been to a few school board meetings over the past year. For 3 years, I had been an active member on the Early Childhood Advisory Council. I helped coordinate and execute several events that are held at the Early Childhood level. One of my goals as a School Board Member is to encourage more parents and community members to attend meetings, and to get involved. There really is something for everybody. 4. In the event the district is lacking financial resources, what would you recommend? (Levy referendum? Cuts in staff, programs?) Although none of them are ideal, sometimes you need to pick the best of the worst, because there isn’t another option. Some years it makes more sense to do a levy, and ask the taxpayers to fill the gap. Some years it makes sense to cut programs or staff. This question has so many variables, to be able to give a black and white answer to. 5. As a member of the school board, what class size would you be committed to maintain for children in grades (K-5, 6-8, 9-12) K-5 = low 20s. Our daughter attended Kindergarten last year, with a class size of less than 20. CCCS has now added a 6th section of grades
1-3, making her class size stay small. Our son has gone from 26 in a 2nd grade classroom to low 20s this year. I can tell you first hand how much of a tremendous difference it’s made for him. In today’s busy world, less distractions in the classroom at this young age is key. 6-8 = 25-30. Given that the nature of some classes may, or may not, allow for a constant class size, I feel that mid to high 20s is fine. Middle School kids are learning a lot of independence at this stage in their lives. A low 20s class size may be nice - due to the fact that they suddenly have a lot more on their plate with several classes - however, they are preparing themselves for High School and need to learn to adapt to a larger class. 9-12 = 30. High School classes contain so much college prep, 30 students in a classroom is really a drop in a bucket compared to what’s ahead of them. By this age, they need to have study skills and independence to get the job done. A large class size should not matter as much anymore. Obviously you run the risk of running out of space if the class size is much more than that. With that being said, if space allows, I’d cap the classes at 30. 6. Are there any areas in the curriculum that you feel need to be changed or improved? If so, what are they? At this point, I’d say no. As a parent of two Cedar Creek students, Flex Grouping is new to us. I really like the idea behind this. I like the idea of a child being able to learn at their own pace. I also like that they have the flexibility to move to a different level, if their abilities meet the requirements. Obviously, this is new to our school, as well as to SFE, and some adjustments may need to be made over time to keep this program
successful. 7. Which do you think is more important to a school district, increasing fund balance or increasing programming? Why? While I see both as tremendously important to have, increasing the fund balance should be a priority to us right now. I would love to bring some of the things back that we’ve had to cut over the past handful of years. My main idea with this - middle school sports and activities. If a child isn’t in the top small percentage of their grade for a sport, they get cut. At this point, there’s nothing more for them to do. They’re too young to drive, or to go get a job. I feel that many of them lose focus at this point since they’re not part of a group/team, etc. Middle School is such an influential time in a child’s life. I hope that by keeping them involved in something at this age, it will increase their desire to want to be involved in things later in life. I also feel that this could help our open enrollment problem, and could help keep our students from jumping the border to another school that has options for a child at this age. 8. How do you feel we could improve the public education system in our district? Like with anything, nothing is perfect. There is always room for improvement. I don’t have a specific area that I can pinpoint. We must constantly strive to better ourselves and our community, whether it is at home, or at school. We have to try to get all of our students to attend schools within our boundaries. We need to improve the morale and the community’s perception of our district. We can work together to stay on top of technology trends. We must find a way to keep class sizes down in our elementary levels. We can find ways to keep our middle
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school kids involved and engaged. We will make sure that our high school graduates are ready to head out to the world on their own. If we all put our heads together, we can do this. 9. How do you think decisions should be made that affect curriculum, assessment, staffing and school management? (Role of Educators, Role of Site Council, Role of School Board) I think that all parties listed above need to have their ideas, thoughts, and concerns heard. They all hold such an important piece of the puzzle. I don’t feel that one party can solely make decisions without the input and help from the others. They all must be open minded, and work together, to effectively come up with answers that best suits the situation. 10. What role do you think educators should play in the decisions made at the local schools? I think that the educators need to play a very important role in many decisions that are made. They are the ones that have to work with all the programming and curriculum in their classrooms. They are the ones that can see, firsthand, how things work - or do not work. I feel that their opinion is extremely valuable, and should be heard and considered. 11. In the next five years, what are the greatest challenges facing public education in Minnesota? In our district? One of the greatest challenges I see right now, is technology. It is so important, because it’s the way of the future. It is however, quite costly, and hard to obtain current and proper equipment for some schools. Another challenge I see is Special Education. With more and more students on an IEP nowadays, it’s hard to properly place students within the schools, while in the meantime getting them the education they deserve. Special Education has such a broad range of students with such a variable of needs. It’s difficult to adapt year to year with staffing and space, when enrollment and needs are constantly changing. I feel that both of those challenges aren’t just for our district, but are statewide. 12. Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us? (No Answer Submitted)
Call for Employment Opportunities The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Sports & Outdoors Hunters urged to review trespass law, ask landowners first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
With Minnesota’s small game, waterfowl, and archery deer seasons underway, and the firearm deer season set to begin November 9, conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind hunters that there is one sure way to avoid landowner concerns associated with trespassing: “Always Ask First.” “Trespassing is the biggest problem landowners have with hunters,” said Col. Ken Soring, DNR enforcement director. “It is critical for hunters to have good relationships with
landowners, especially when you consider that in some parts of the state such as southwestern Minnesota, about 95 percent of the land is privately owned.” “If hunters and other outdoor recreationists would just make it a standard practice to always ask for permission before entering any private land, those relationships would improve a lot.” Soring encourages all hunters and landowners to obtain a copy of the 2013 Hunting and Trapping booklet which can be obtained at http://files.dnr.state. mn.us/rlp/regulations/ hunting/2013/full_regs. pdf and review the trespass
information beginning on page 6. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to be very familiar with the trespass law.” Trespass penalties range from a $50 civil fine to a criminal penalty of several thousand dollars, confiscation of vehicles and hunting equipment, and revocation of hunting privileges for two years. Unlike urban law enforcement agencies, conservation officer response times to trespass calls may be longer, especially during the firearms deer season. Callers are urged to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093 to report any alleged wildlife
violation, including hunter trespass. Cell phone users can dial #TIP. Information must include precise time and location
along with a full description including a license plate number of any vehicle believed to be involved.
Community service is part of the St. Francis High School volleyball program lettering requirements. This season the team took part in community service endeavors. One was their third annual Feed My Starving Children food packing. Sixty five athletes, coaches and parents spent an hour and a half packing food at the Coon Rapids location. At the end of the shift, they had packed 104 cases which is 22,464 meals. This will feed 62 children for a year!
The St. Francis High School volleyball program’s second community service project was to offer free volleyball skills clinics to approximately 40 middle schoolers. The clinics coincided with ISD 15 Community Education volleyball program. The 16 varsity volleyball
athletes offered 2 one-hour sessions that helped the girls with the following skills: serving, passing, setting and hitting. Middle school athletes always seem to have a good time when high school players are there and it is fun to see the varsity players on the coaching end of
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Injury prevention tips for school-aged athletes As valuable and exciting as participating in team sports can be, they can just as easily prove dangerous for athletes who aren’t prepared for the
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in the weeks leading up to tryouts or the start of the season. Parents, coaches and physicians should help you develop a conditioning program that gets the right muscle groups ready for the rigors of your sport. } Stretch, stretch, stretch. Always stretch your muscles before any strenuous activity. Stretching significantly reduces risk of injury and can improve performance on the field. } Get geared up. The right gear is essential for young athletes looking to avoid injury. Athletic shoes specific to your sport are made to provide the support you will need as you train and compete. The same goes for the clothing you should wear when getting ready for the season.
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2013 Elk River News Readers Choice Award for Best Boarding & Best Grooming at Gold Star Kennels she has sixteen years of experience
Not valid during holiday periods. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 • Expires 11/30/13
½ Price Rescue Dog Groom at Gold Star Kennels
Must show adoption papers. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 • Expires 11/30/13
$75 Off training of a new puppy or rescue dog at Gold Star Kennels
Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 • Expires 11/30/13
Courier 11/13
at Gold Star Kennels
Bath and nails, for puppy up to 4 months. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 • Expires 11/30/13
Courier 11/13
$15 New Puppy Groom
Courier 11/13
Not valid during holiday periods. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 • Expires 11/30/13
6560 Norris Lake Road Elk River, MN 55330 (Nowthen) www.goldstarkennelsofmn.com Open 7 days a week By appointment only
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HOME & BUSINESS
Questions?
$5 Off Grooming
Nearly 1,000 people packed Mansetti’s Pizza & Pasta in St. Francis October 3 for meet and greet with McCrae Olson, Amanda Zuckerman and Judd Daugherty (below) all of whom appeared on the TV show Big Brother 15. Olson of Oak Grove, is a former Mansetti’s delivery driver and a 2007 graduate of St. Francis High School. Olson finished fourth on the reality show that aired over the summer on CBS.
New Construction • Remodeling and Repair • Commercial Residential Windows & Doors Glass of All Types • Plastics Shower Doors • Mirrors
Contact digitvolleyball@hotmail.com or visit www.digitvolleyball.blogspot.com
We welcome Tiffany Peacock to our Grooming Staff
s “Give U ” k A Brea
a chance their classmates and teammates may be developing more quickly than they are. } Take a break. Take at least one day off per week to allow your body to recover and recharge. Your body needs that recovery time to reduce its risk of injury.
Heat Mizer Glass, Inc.
must attend both nights 5th-11th grade girls, cost is $250
763-753-5450
M I Z E R
} Weight train in the presence of your coaches or parents who can explain the equipment while ensuring you don’t overdo it in the weight room. } Don’t try to match your fellow athletes. The human body develops differently for everyone. Young athletes must recognize that there’s
Andrea Klinsing’s 4th grade class at St. Francis Elementary School is pictured accepting a $200 check presented by Juanita and Dick Boniface on behalf of Anoka County Farm Bureau. The grant will be used to help defray transportation expenses for the class to attend the 4-H natural resources field trip at the Bunker Hills Activity Center. During the day-long program, students will become detectives to solve the “Mystery of the Dying Fish.” This field trip supports core standards in the STEM (Science, Technology, Submitted photo Engineering and Math) curriculum. The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Life
Classified & Meetings
Being aware about breast cancer 2014 Minnesota Gardening
Calendars now available
Brianna Robinson, LPTA Physical Therapist Assistant, Ham Lake Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is a specialized field that strives to help others whether that means recovering from a sports-related injury or even as drastic as a surgical procedure. Being aware of how therapy can benefit each individual patient is what our main goal is in each given plan of care. What people are not often aware of is how therapy can help with the recovery process after a mastectomy procedure. These individuals are limited in regard to functional activities that can be affected by range of motion and strength limitations as well as increased pain after recovering from surgery. One of the main issues in today’s discussion is that people are not aware that they need therapy services and will often live with moderate to severe limitations. With therapy services the therapists can help improve motion limitations by performing passive range of motion to help increase overall shoulder mobility in all planes of movement to minimize functional limitations. Another benefit of therapy services is using manual therapy techniques such as massage to help reduce tissue restrictions and tightness that occurs after healing from a surgical procedure. Pain continues to be the most limiting factor with all of the above therapy techniques to help manage pain, as well as using ice to help relieve soreness. The next time you think about breast cancer survivors keep in mind that therapy can be an additional benefit to help in the recovery process to lead to overall success and well being of these strong and courageous individuals.
Free Dollars Into Sense Class Rosemary K. Heins
Julie Blomquist Administrative Secretary, University of Minnesota Extension
The University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station have released Minnesota Gardening 2014, a calendar developed for home gardening and landscape enthusiasts across the state. The Minnesota Gardening 2014 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, and USDA Plant Hardiness Zones for Minnesota. The calendar is spiral bound and measures 13 x 9½ inches. There is more room to write in day blocks; tips are shorter and include name/link for online publications; and include a special section on growing native prairie plants and a vegetable garden planting guide. This year, the calendar also includes a Using Native Grasses in the Landscape poster and a Plants for Minnesota Bees fact sheet. Minnesota Gardening 2014 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. until 4:30 p.m.
PAGE 40
East Bethel Senior Events Senior Dance Have fun dancing with us! Dances are 1:00-4:00 p.m. Old time music will be played by Jim Armstrong on Friday, November 1 to celebrate our Halloween Dance. Entertainment for the December 6 dance is Frank Gust. The cost is $5 and includes lunch. Pancake Breakfast All are welcome to the East Bethel Seniors Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 10, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Serving pancakes, French toast, sausage, juice, coffee, and scrambled eggs, additional 50¢ per egg. Cost for breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 10. Events are held at the East Bethel Senior Center located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.
Extension Educator University of Minnesota Extension
Anoka County Extension Staff and Dollar Works Volunteers will present a free Dollars into Sense class on Tuesday, November 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bunker Hills Activities Center (550 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover) and again at 7:00 p.m. at the Anoka County Human Services Center (1201 89th Ave., Blaine). To register, call University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County, at 763-7551280 at least three days prior to the class you wish to attend. Classes will cover budgeting and address credit issues, tracking expenses, making a spending plan, goal setting and how to get additional help.
Dr. Francis S. Ryan, Dentist Main Street at First Avenue kitty-corner from The Creamery Isanti, Minnesota 55040
Se Habla Español Aqui – Poco.
Telephone
763-444-4063 3220 Bridge Street, Suite 107 in the St. Francis Mall
Call
763-753-1277 for an Appointment
Kendall W. Goodian, D.C. Chiropractic Orthopedist
Specializing in Sports, Industrial and Auto Accident Injuries The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Community Grief Seminar “Making it Through the Holidays” Tuesday, November 26 6:30-7:30 p.m. Strike Funeral Home - Cambridge Chapel 720 1st Avenue E Cambridge
Paul Johnson Speaker
Facing the holidays as a grieving individual can be overwhelming to deal with. We would like to invite all families to share in an evening program designed to give practical suggestions on how to cope with the additional stresses of the holiday season. The seminar will be held by Paul Johnson, nationally known speaker on grief issues and former faculty member of Bethel University. A special Christmas tree ornament in memory of your loved one will also be available for those who preregister. We will provide one remembrance ornament in memory of each loved one whose family we have served over the past year and to other families who preregister by November 12. An ornament is available in memory of each loved one, even if your family was not served by our funeral home. Ornaments will also be ordered in December. To preregister for this 19th annual seminar and order the Christmas tree ornament in memory of your loved one, call the Isanti Chapel at 763-444-5212 or the Cambridge Chapel at 763-689-2070. Hugo & Brian Strike, Directors & Owners Isanti Chapel, 409 East Broadway Isanti, MN 55040 763-444-5212 Cambridge Chapel, 720 1st Avenue E Cambridge, MN 55008 763-689-2070 www.strikefuneral.com
6/12
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Movie scheduled for next PrimeTime Ministry Helen Peterson Nowthen Alliance Church
Nowthen Alliance Church PrimeTime Ministry will host a movie afternoon in the Youth area on Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m., complete with popcorn and beverages. Perfect Stranger 2 is a drama about a professional young women invited to a special dinner in an upscale restaurant by an anonymous suitor. Find out who she meets when the maître d’ escorts her to the table reserved for her dinner invitation. For more information call the church office at 763-441-1600 or Helen at 763 753-1267.
The Bridge celebrated its Grand Opening September 29 with a worship service, ribbon cutting, lunch, inflatables and much more. The church moved from holding services at St. Francis Elementary School to the former Land of Lakes Choirboys building, 6443 Norris Lake Road, Nowthen. The Courier Photo
Renee Hancock PT, DPT Doctorate of Physical Therapy, St. Francis Physical Therapy
Six Appeal at Northtown Library
“Fall back” to sleep
Anoka County Library
Spinal column
Jill Smith
Fall is officially upon us—so Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. “Fall back an hour” means an extra hour of sleep coming up in a few weeks. I know that I am looking forward to that extra hour! Sleep provides us with a number of well-documented benefits for the mind and body. Benefits of a healthy sleeping pattern include increased immune function; improved memory; increased alertness/energy levels; and even improved weight control. The main problem is that in our busy lives, sleep is one of the first things to get eliminated in order to gain some time in our day for other activities. Here are a few tips for improving your healthy sleep patterns: } Try to set a regular bedtime (it worked when we were kids, let’s try it as adults) } Limit exposure to stimulating lights/sounds for at least an hour prior to going to sleep (turn off the Kindle an hour before bed) } Avoid stimulating chemicals before bedtime (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) } Try eating small quantities of sleep-inducing foods about one hour before bedtime (a banana, granola with yogurt or low fat milk, a small turkey sandwich, or other low fat/low sugar food) } Try some soothing music, relaxing bath, or a stretching routine before bed } Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercises or activity during the day Start with making just a few small adjustments to improve your sleeping habits, and you will likely start to improve your overall wellness. Exercise during your daytime routine helps to improve your sleep and feeling of well-being. Start by implementing a 20 minute walk at your lunchtime or just after dinner and see how much that improves your sleeping at night. So, with the extra hour of sleep coming up, let’s try to make it a good time to improve our overall sleep habits and not just get one extra hour of sleep for the year!
A 55+ rental housing community offering comfort and convenience at We are a an affordable ee smoke fr . y it il rate! fac
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763-753-8385 for more information
21202 Old Lake George Boulevard Oak Grove, MN 55303
Complete Family Dentistry
ound R Lake
Dental
Dr. Thomas Swenson
763-427-0285 • www.roundlakedental.com 13841 Round Lake Blvd. NW • Andover 2 minutes north of Highway 10 on Round Lake Boulevard 38
Live at the Library presents Six Appeal at Northtown Library, Saturday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. This program is free and open to the public, but seating may be limited. Is Six Appeal a comedy group, a vocal ensemble, or a rock band? Swearing off instruments, Six Appeal uses a cappella singing to span decades of classic oldies, current chart toppers, and catchy original tunes. Featuring vocal dexterity and adventurous song selection, the group explores all genres with a far-reaching repertoire that will surprise and captivate you. Six Appeal will split your sides, feed your musical sweet tooth and leave you wondering how in the world they pulled it off just with voices. “A cappella singing is truly the Superbowl of vocal athleticism,” said Anoka County Commissioner Carol LeDoux. “Anyone who appreciates music will enjoy this Photo property of G.L. Berg Entertainment Performing demonstration of Artists & Speakers vocal dexterity!” “Take a break from fall chores to enjoy this free concert,” said Library Board President Bob Thistle. “You will be amazed by the variety of sounds this a cappella group can make.” Six Appeal is presented by G.L. Berg in partnership with MELSA and the program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Northtown Library is located at 711 County Road 10 in Blaine. For more information call 763-717-3267 or visit anokacountylibrary.org.
Open Evenings Nitrous Oxide Available Cosmetic Dentistry
763-421-0141
13855 Round Lake Boulevard VSP Provider Andover
Amanda Stoltman O.D.
Jeff Smith O.D.
Mon, Thurs, Fri
8:30-5:30 Tues, Wed 8:30-8:00
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Read, learn and play during International Games Day @ your library
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church annual bazaar Kate Hansen Holy Trinity Church Women’s Group
The Annual Holiday Bazaar held by Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will be on Saturday, November 9, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at 1326 4th Street in Elk River. Holiday gifts of all types will be available. The famous Bake Shoppe will offer homemade holiday cookies, candies, breads, jams, jellies, pies, cakes and tasty snack items! Chili and chicken noodle soup lunches will be available for $5 and includes a muffin, beverage and dessert. Take home a pint for $5 or a quart for $8. The silent auction of 50 plus gift baskets has been a highlight year after year. You can buy a basket outright or bid on any one that draws your interest. Results of the silent auction will be presented at 2:00 p.m. You need not be present to win. On-site raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each. Several drawings include a $100 gas gift card, a $100 Target gift card and a $100 grocery gift card. Winners need not be present to win. For more information call 763-441-5482.
Fitness Matters
Melissa Enzler St. Francis Anytime Fitness, Owner
Question I would do almost anything to get a nice 6-pack. Can you give me some tips and hints? Answer Absolutely! Not everyone has this particular goal, but the ones that do seem to be very passionate about it. First of all, you have to do some serious core work, focusing on the abdominals, obliques and low back area. In doing this, most people make one of two mistakes. The first mistake is working these muscles too many days of the week. Some think you need to do abs almost every day, but you wouldn’t do this for chest, back, and legs, so why would you do it for your abdominals? The other common problem is that people don’t push themselves when doing core work. I’ve seen plenty of people stop their set right when they start to feel the “burn.” Others may only use their bodyweight, never thinking that weights might actually challenge them even more. Depending on the exercise, body weight is plenty—like when doing planks or TRX. When adding weight, be careful not to do too much. Abdominals are a muscle, if you don’t want them big, don’t use heavy weight. You want enough weight for resistance and to provide a challenge. Remember, the harder you work your abdominals, the less you’ll have to do them—and you’ll get better results. Aside from strength training, the other key components to getting a firm, lean mid-section include cardiovascular exercise and, of course, proper diet. You should try to do cardio five to six days per week, especially if you have some extra flab to lose, and try to follow a well-balanced, calorie-controlled diet. Everyone has abs, they just need to get rid of the layers of fat on top of them to see that 6-pack. The training and diet mentioned will get you there. If you have more specific questions, be sure to schedule a meeting with a trainer at your local fitness center. ELCA
Our Saviour’s
Lutheran Church & Preschool
Hope Found Here! You Will Be Welcomed! Worship With Us
Sunday Services at 8:00, 9:15 &10:45 a.m. Wednesday Power Up Services at 6:30 p.m. – Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. Pie Social following 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel West County Road 22 south on Jackson Street For information call 763-434-6117, visit www.oursaviourslc.org or email to oslc@oursaviourslc.org The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Anoka County Library joins thousands in celebrating the popularity of board and video games Maggie Snow Anoka County Library
Anoka County Libraries will join hundreds of libraries throughout the country on Saturday, November 16, for the sixth annual celebration of gaming in libraries – International Games Day @ your library. Like so many other libraries across the country and around the world, Anoka County Library will offer special gaming programs
and events suitable for the whole family. “Libraries are becoming family destinations and are continuously offering new formats and innovative programs and services that educate, entertain and expand interaction with their users,” said Bob Thistle, library board president. “Gaming is yet another example of how libraries are becoming more than just educational resources for the communities that they serve. They are also places where users of all ages are welcome to have fun together.” Activities will take place at three branch libraries: } Rum River Library 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
} Crooked Lake Library 1:00-4:00 p.m. } North Central Library 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. “Open the door to a library and open a window to the word,” said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board Liaison Julie Braastad. “As this program demonstrates, there is truly something for everyone at your Anoka County Library!” International Games Day @ your library is a national initiative supported by the American Library Association. For more information on International Game Day, please visit http://ilovelibraries.org/ gaming.
Faith Listings Bethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW Bethel • 763-434-9834 Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net
Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Music & Message, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27
19653 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Anoka, MN 55303 Intersection of CR 5 & 22 in Nowthen For more information call 763-441-1600
www.nowthenalliance.org
Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 27
Worship at 7:17 p.m.
Pie Social & Silent Auction to follow 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Proceeds to benefit LLL Youth and their 2014 mission trips
Join us each Sunday for worship, fellowship and education 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. – Worship Service 9:30 a.m. – Education/Sunday School Hour Wednesday Evenings at 7:17 p.m. led by our Gospel Group
18th Annual Live Nativity
Saturday, December 7 • 4:00-7:00 p.m. Chili and Soup Supper
Long Lake Lutheran Church ELCA
3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN, 763-444-5315, www.longlakeluth.org
First Baptist Church & Christian School K–12 22940 St. Francis Boulevard St. Francis • 763-753-1230 www.fbcsaintfrancis.com Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 23038 Rum River Boulevard St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org Nowthen Alliance Church 19653 Nowthen Boulevard Nowthen • 763-441-1600 www.nowthenalliance.org Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.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 The Bridge 6443 Norris Lake Road Nowthen • 763-516-5995 www.sfbridge.org West Bethel United Methodist Church 1233 221st Avenue NE Cedar • 763-434-6451
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Classified Childcare Nowthen Home Childcare. Fun and loving environment, FT/ PT, 6 weeks to 11 years. St. Francis Elementary, nutritious meals, references, licensed, call Melissa 763213-1021 or tinytotchildcare2006@ gmail.com. Oak Grove Licensed Daycare 22 years experience, has immediate openings. Call Sue at 763-753-5134 or email suejulkowski@q.com. St. Francis Licensed Daycare has openings, reasonable rates, Christina 763-258-7282. Little Angels Childcare licensed daycare in St. Francis. Call Angie 763-753-4363. Kids Country Childcare Center in St. Francis now enrolling. Call 763-753-5010 for more information.
Employment Tow truck driver Wanted – Apply in person at Gerdin Auto & Tire, 3158 Bridge Street, St. Francis. MUST live within 10 minutes of the shop. No experience needed, will train. Must pass background check, have excellent driving record. No special license needed. Start your own business today. Total Look Salon & Spa station rental now available. $150/ wk. Call Shirley, 763-427-0550.
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Fitness Kettlebell, yoga-fit, RIPPED, personal fitness training and nutrition. Call 763-267-2198 or visit our website at www.ascensionft.com.
For Sale 20% of Silpada Jewelry sales donated to North Anoka County Foodshelf, www.mysilpada.com/ kristin.genser, 763-441-9197.
Services Trustworthy, thorough, detailed person desiring to clean your home or do odd jobs. Call Michelle 763-571-4454. Handyman Services—call Butch at 763-300-9869 for plumbing, electrical, masonry and remodeling. Overby Painting—experienced, insured, interior, exterior, decks. Call Shawn 612-363-5108. Insurance—Get a free insurance quote today, 612-849-5028, www. rumriverinsurance.net. PIANO LESSONS—Casual, fun, licensed/experienced, competitive rates! Carmel 612-220-0235.
Wanted The St. Francis High School drama department could use donations of wooden suit hangers, costumes, lumber, latex paint and other building materials and plastic storage bins. Call Glenn at 763-213-1633 or email to: glenn.morehouseolson@isd15. org
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Have an engagement, wedding or birth announcement or an article you would like published in The Courier? Engagement, wedding and birth announcements can be placed in The Courier free of charge. Send an email with who, what, when and where to news@isd15.org. Questions? Call 763-753-7031 for more information.
763-753-7031
In Person
By Mail
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070
4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW
The Courier
Area Meetings & Events ISD 15 SCHOOL Board Meeting: November 11 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.; November 25 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. St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with the Chamber is Wednesday, November 13 at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in St. Francis, 8:00-9:00 a.m., $3 for breakfast. The next Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street. Meetings are open to all. Visit stfrancischamber.org for more info or call 763-438-5163. Tops Chapter MN #1774 meets every Wed. morning at 9:30 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 us out on Wed. mornings or visit www.tops.org. St. Francis Area Women of Today meet the first Tuesday 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 or call Dana at 763-753-5010. AA Meets at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. American Legion Post 622 – St. Francis General membership meets monthly the second Thurs. at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 622 – St. Francis General membership meets monthly on the third Thurs. 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.
EAST BETHEL SENIORS meet third Thurs. of the month at 2241 221st Avenue NE in East Bethel for business meeting and noon lunch; second Wed. of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon w/ potluck at noon; fourth Wed. is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon; Pancake Breakfast is held second Sun. of each month, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Dance the first Fri. of every month, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; each Thurs. is 500 Cards, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Cribbage held once a month; call for date/time 763-434-6179. The East Bethel Senior Center is available for rent, call Dennis 763-434-9244. All seniors are welcome to join for only $7 per year. Oak Grove Seniors meet the second and fourth Wed. of the month at noon for potluck and a 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 If you are 55 or older, come enjoy some companionship. We play cards and bingo, go on trips, have picnics and potlucks. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month at the St. Francis Legion. Social time at noon, meeting at 1:00 p.m., games until 3:00. Some play Scrabble in the afternoon on the third Friday and cribbage on the fourth Friday. Come check us out or call President Ray Steinke at 763-753-1871. Lioness Club — St. Francis meets monthly. First Wed., administrative board, and third Wed., general membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall, 23340 Cree Street. For more information, call Jean Schuldt at 763-7531205 or Illa Torgerson at 763753-2002. 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 on the first Thursday of the month for the Board Meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the Membership Meeting. Please call Patty Wirz at 763-241-1341 or email at nowthenlions@yahoo.com.
Lions Club—St. Francis meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. First Wed. board meeting; second Wed. regular business meeting; fourth Wed. 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 763-753-1205 or visit www. stfrancismn.lionwap.org Oak Grove Lions meet every second and fourth Tues. of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Lion Tim Newell at 763-753-4492 after 6:30 p.m. CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB meets bimonthly, first and third Tues., 7:00 p.m., at the Hunters Inn. Call Ruth Larson at 763434-9423. CEDAR/ EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB meets the first Thursday of the month at the 6:00 p.m. Ham Lake VFW. For membership information call Marilyn Kappelhoff, 763-434-6599. We Serve!
Council & Township Meetings Andover City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW Andover, MN • 763-755-5100 Bethel City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m. 23820 Dewey Street • P.O. Box 64 Bethel, MN • 763-434-4366 Nowthen City Council Meets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. 19800 Nowthen Blvd. NW Anoka, MN • 763-441-1347 East Bethel City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday 7:30 p.m. 2241 • 221st Ave. NE East Bethel, MN • 763-367-7840 Oak Grove City Council Meets 2nd Monday 7:00 p.m. & last Monday 7:00 p.m. 19900 Nightingale St. NW Oak Grove, MN • 763-404-7000 St. Francis City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Monday 6:00 p.m. ISD 15 Central Services Center St. Francis, MN • 763-753-2630 Stanford Town Board Meets 1st Monday 7:00 p.m. Co. Rd. 8 (261st Ave NW) Isanti, MN • 763-444-6370
The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Anoka County Library offers Express Yourself Series Maggie Snow Anoka County Library
How do you express yourself? This fall explore dance, needlecraft and acting at Anoka County Library! “Today’s Anoka County Library truly offers something for everyone and all ages! There’s bound to be a book, class or demonstration that’s right for you,” said Anoka County Commissioner Carol LeDoux. Flamenco Dance Hear the story Lola’s Fandango, then try the same flamenco dance movements Lola is learning in the book including rhythmic clapping, footwork, and hand and arm movements. This lively program is for children up to age 10 and their families. Registration required.
Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 p.m., Centennial Library, Circle Pines Monster Wrangler Design and sew your own stuffed monster, creature or make-believe animal. Whether he has snaggly teeth and striped horns or she looks sweet and wacky, we will have a menagerie of unique beasts by the time the workshop is over. For kids ages 6-8. Registration required. Saturday, November 9, 1:00 p.m., Mississippi Library, Fridley Saturday, December 7, 10:30 a.m., North Central Library, Ham Lake The Devil’s Brood: A Live Action Role Playing Game Christmas 1183: King Henry of England, the most powerful king in Christendom, has
Civil War Lecture Series The Gettysburg Address and the lasting impacts of the battle Elaine Koehn Volunteer Coordinator Anoka County Historical Society
Join the Anoka County Historical Society as we present our third program in the Civil War Lecture Series. The Gettysburg Address and the Lasting Impacts of the Battle will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Anoka County History Center. These lectures are free and open to the community. The Gettysburg Address and the lasting impacts of the battle features the speech given by President Abraham Lincoln in November of 1863, as the cemetery at Gettysburg was dedicated and is probably one of the most memorized speeches ever given. Former certified Gettysburg Battlefield Guide, John Cox, will share stories and background about the speech and one of the most ironic battles of the entire Civil This series will continue in 2014. Watch for future dates and times. The History Center is located at 2135 Third Avenue North in downtown Anoka. Please call for additional information at 763-421-0600 or visit the website at www.ac-hs.org.
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summoned his family together at Chinon to celebrate. The King of France will be in attendance, and the Queen has been released from prison for the occasion. But behind the celebration, Henry’s empire is in crisis. The death of his eldest son has placed the succession in doubt, the Queen has been imprisoned for the last decade, his children war incessantly among themselves, and France waits greedily to regain what it has lost. For ages 15+. Registration required. Saturday, November 16, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Northtown Library, Blaine “Express Yourself offers something for all ages to explore and create,” said Library Board President Bob Thistle. These free programs are sponsored by the Anoka County Library and funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Please register online. Anoka County Library… your connection to ideas, information, and inspiration. For more information about these and other library programs visit anokacountylibrary.org.
Doctors on staff Dr. Tracey Thomas Dr. Jill Hergenrader Dr. Kelly Pawlenty Dr. Nicole Perreault
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St. Francis has recycled 395 tons in 2013 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
• Small animal medicine, surgery and dentistry • Free initial puppy and kitten exams • Early morning drop off available by appointment • Evening appointments • Heartworm and Lyme testing • Microchip pet ID
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Andy Sturdevant to visit Rum River Library Jill Smith Anoka County Library
Andy Sturdevant will appear on Monday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rum River Library as part of the Club Book program. “If you’re looking for someone who is always on the cutting edge of the Twin Cities art scene, Andy Sturdevant is your man,” according to Minnesota Public Radio.
Sturdevant has written about art, history and culture for a variety of Twin Cities-based publications and websites, including mnartists.org, Rain Taxi, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, and heavytable.com. He has been the host of Salon-Saloon and also writes a weekly column on arts and visual culture for MinnPost. He will present his first book, Potluck Supper with Meeting to Follow, which was published by Coffee
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House Press in October 2013 to coincide with his solo show at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This genre-bending collection reveals the essayist as pied piper and artist, whose canvas is the city. “If you’re interested in Keillor-esque observations and a multi-dimensional perspective of the Twin Cities art scene, Andy is the guy,” said Anoka County Commissioner Jim Kordiak. “Just like a potluck, his new book includes a wide variety of essays,” said Library Board Vice President Melanie Keister, “Join us to talk about the ways community art touches our everyday lives.” This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Seating is first come, first seated. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This Club Book event is hosted by Anoka County Library and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. More information about Club
Now providing OB-GYN services in St. Francis! > Obstetrics and gynecology care are available close to your home at Fairview Clinics – St. Francis. Richard Mayerchak, MD, and Robin Fischer, MD, specialize in routine and advanced obstetrics, including high-risk pregnancies. Both have training in pediatric care and family medicine. Fairview Clinics – St. Francis is located at 23671 St. Francis Blvd. NW.
Book events can be found by visiting www.clubbook.org. For more information about this or other library programs, call 763-576-4695 or visit the Anoka County Library website at anokacountylibrary.org. Rum River Library is located at 4201 6th Avenue in Anoka.
Births
Submitted Photo
Macie Mae Ruth Fiereck was born August 1, 2013 at 11:03 a.m. at Unity Hospital. Macie weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20¼ inches long. Welcomed by proud parents Ryan and Kristen and big sister Sydney of Bethel. Joshua James Bernardi was born September 19, 2013, at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud parents are Anthony and Michelle Bernardi of St. Francis. Joshua is welcomed by siblings Katarina, 6 and Andrew, 4. Kylie Louise Woods was born September 20, 2013, at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.
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Proud parents are Kristin and Royce Woods of Zimmerman. Kylie is welcomed by siblings Aubriella, 3 and Evelynn, 1. Ayden Christopher Podvin was born October 3, 2013, at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Stephanie Broehl and Christopher Podvin of Mora. Margaret “Maggie” Pamela Linkert was born October 16, 2013, at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud parents are Phillip and Danielle Linkert of Mora. Margaret is welcomed by sibling Cecelia. Wyatt Jordan Hand was born October 13, 2013, at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20¼ inches long. Proud parents are Justin and Teri Hand of Braham. Grandparents include DuWayne Hand and Sherri of St. Francis, Tom and Sandy Pagel of Isanti and Mark and JoAnn Welcome of Isanti. Great-grandparents include Richard and Irene Hand of St. Francis and Joyce Theis of Isanti.
Macie Mae Ruth Fiereck
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Club Book, a program of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) and coordinated by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, is bringing best-selling and award-winning national and regional authors to library communities across the sevencounty metropolitan region.
Contact us today at 763-434-8893 www.heatcoolsolut.com The Courier | November 2013 | www.the-courier.org
Master Gardener
Carol bray Isanti county master gardener
Fall color? Maybe next year. The goal for every floral gardener I know is to have color for all seasons in their gardens. Autumn and winter can be our biggest challenge to obtain this goal. Let’s focus on autumn. Hydrangeas are becoming my multi-season favorite plant—simply because they provide color and/or interest for three seasons: summer, autumn and winter. There are different sizes and shapes of hydrangeas to choose from such as Pink Diamond, Fireside, Twist ‘n Shout,
Annabelle and Pinky Winky. If I had to choose one of these hydrangeas, I would go with Twist ‘n Shout which was still producing new flowers in my garden on October 7. It has different shades of blue and pink. It’s quite lovely. Of course, you must save room in your gardens for ornamental grasses, heucheras, sedums, asters and hardy mums. The old sedum workhorse, Autumn Joy, is just gorgeous and the bees love it. The trick to having perennial mums is to plant
Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Archer and Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Hemsworth wish a “Happy First Anniversary” to Douglas and Michelle Hemsworth. The happy couple exchanged vows in a garden setting October 6, 2012. Both graduated from St. Francis High School. Douglas Hemsworth in 2009, and Michelle Archer in 2010. They now reside in a beautiful home in Isanti. We offer the very best wishes for a great future together. Submitted Photo
Dr. Paul Schaus, D.D.S. Keep your smile healthy and beautiful with regular visits to the dentist. We provide comprehensive dental care for the whole family.
hardy (Zone 3) mums in the spring or early summer—if you want them to come back year-after-year. Mums do need several months to get their roots established if they are to survive a Minnesota winter. It is hard to find nurseries that carry hardy mums for planting in the spring. You may have to start the hardy mums from seed to acquire perennial mums for your garden. Your one season of effort for starting mums from seed will be worth it when you can enjoy them for many autumns. Shrubs—such as Purple Leaf Sandcherry, conifers, sumac (Tiger Eye) and euonymus (burning bush) and wigelas with purple foliage are good choices for anchor plants. A word of caution regarding burning bush. I would recommend buying this shrub in the autumn when you can see for yourself the color of the foliage. I did buy one in the spring and it was a dud. It never turned red. Yes, some (very few) plants can be duds. I also had a Blue Muffin viburnum that never flowered. The experts could not come up with a reason why it never flowered. “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile,” quote by William Cullen Bryant. For more gardening information, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website at www. extension.umn.edu or call the Isanti County Master Gardeners at 763-689-1810. Visit us on Facebook at Isanti County Master Gardeners.
Hardy mums can give a fall garden a beautiful splash of color.
Carol Bray
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Enjoy your holiday meal, but don’t give the scraps to your pet!
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Amy Morgan, D.V.M. Lisa Johnson, D.V.M. Kaija Youngner, D.V.M. Dawn Price, D.V.M.
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Making Magic, Defying Gravity Glenn Morehouse Olson
Conover, vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment, both board members of EdTA and joined by working professionals Justin Brill, Sarah Schenkkan and Justin Mendoza from the Wicked company in an evening of Broadway music and industry insight. Julie Woffington, executive director for EdTA also participated. This unique event showcased not only some of Broadway’s and Minneapolis’s top student talent, but also provide understanding and perspective on theatre education and careers in the business. Since its inception in 2012, Making Magic, Defying Gravity has traveled to over 14 cities across America as an advocacy outreach benefit. EdTA is a national nonprofit organization with approximately 90,000 student and professional members. EdTA’s mission is shaping lives through theatre education by honoring student achievement in theatre and enriching their theatre education
SFHS Teacher
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) presented Making Magic, Defying Gravity, an evening of “behind the curtain” conversation and music with working professionals from the national touring company of the Broadway blockbuster, Wicked. On September 28, area high school students joined working professionals onstage for an evening of entertainment and conversation in celebration and support of theatre education. Representing area high schools were Sophie Geerdes and Sharon Houchins (Blaine), Mitchell Greene, Max Mauch-Morff and Abilene Olson (St. Francis), Erin Hartford (Centennial), Zach Hays (Holy Angels), Coletrane Johnson (Washburn), Corinne Nugent (Shakopee), Naomi Ridley (East Ridge) and Isabel Rousmaniere (Minneapolis South). These students joined J. Jason Daunter, production stage manager of the national tour of Wicked, Matt
Eleven area students were chosen to attend the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) presentation Making Magic, Defying Gravity, an evening of “behind the curtain.” Students are shown working with musical director Justin Mendoza (seated) and on the far right is Justin Brill from the national tour of Wicked. Three St. Francis High School students participated in the event. Second from the left, Abilene Olson (senior), Max Mauch-Morff (junior) in the yellow/green stripes and Mitchell Greene (senior) next to Submitted Photo him on the right in the black T-shirt. experience; supporting teachers by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources
and recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills.
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