The Courier - May 2018 by St. Francis Area Schools

Community Education Summer Camps and Activities Pages 10-13

Oak Grove and St. Francis 2017 Drinking Water Reports Page 23-26

Page 34

SUNDAY, MAY 13

WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG | NEWS@ISD15.ORG

MAY 2018 | VOLUME 25, ISSUE 9

The Courier

A Tribute to Our Military

St. Francis Area Schools Communications Department St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township

Workforce development: real projects, real customers as students run Saints Manufacturing business MELISSA DEBILZAN

MINNESOTA PRECISION MANUFACTURING JOURNAL

Shortly after the class bell rings, 17-year-old Steven Vanheel grabs his welding helmet and gloves and places a large metal pyramid on an empty workbench. A senior at St. Francis High School (SFHS), he’s eager to gain as much experience as possible before graduating. Gripping the TIG torch, he guides the arc across open joints, careful to keep the angle of his torch in check. A few minutes later, he inspects his work: a hopper for a fire pit—one of several products machined and fabricated through the class’ student-run business, Saints Manufacturing. At a time when many schools are cutting back or closing their industrial technology programs, St. Francis High School is overhauling its curriculum, investing in new equipment and creating a self-sustaining business model with support from several Minnesota manufacturers. The

goal of Saints Manufacturing is to go beyond teaching machining, welding and fabrication. “Our focus is on employability,” said Erik Trost, SFHS Technical Education teacher. “In addition to learning how to make a part, students are learning what it takes to design, market and sell a part or product for profit. I try to stay as hands-off as possible, so they can work as a team to brainstorm and solve problems.” In the beginning of the year, for example, students used an entire sheet of metal to cut just one panel for the fire pit hopper. When they realized how much time and materials were being wasted, they created a CAD program to cut six panels out of a single sheet. So far, students have sold about 20 fire pits at around $200 each. They’ve even customized some with company logos or family names machined out of the metal. Soon students will do a cost analysis by weighing the

time and materials necessary to complete each job. They’re hoping to increase profit margins. Not everyone in class is working on fire pits. At the other end of the shop, senior James Ptacek fills an order from a local company for dozens of 20-inch concrete form spreaders to be sold at $3.50 each. The CAD program he developed will produce 44 spreaders out of a single sheet of metal. Next, he will try cutting two sheets at a time. Meanwhile, Connor Rekdahl, a junior, is busy making parts for a snowmobile hitch at the request of a community member. “I want to go into metal fabrication some day and chose this class to get real-world experience,” he said. “This program is nothing short of an actual business, just on a smaller scale, so hopefully once I get into the industry, I’ll be a few steps ahead.” Senior Colton Zetterval agrees. “You can make up equations all day, but there’s only so much you can do

Zach Gust, St. Francis High School student, carves out a design with a plasma cutter. Students in Saints Manufacturing get hands-on, real-world experiences. PHOTO BY KATRINNA DODGE

to apply them,” he said. “I took this class because I like metalworking and want to go to college for either mechanical engineering or product design.” Generating a good return St. Francis Area Schools launched Saints Manufacturing at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. It’s modeled after a similar high school program in Wisconsin called Cardinal Manufacturing that generates tens of thousands of dollars in revenue each year—money that goes back to the high school program as well as the students in the form of profit sharing. “Eventually, we hope to get to the point where every student gets a paycheck,” Trost said, noting that students’ pay could be docked for tardiness, safety violations or poor behavior. He also expects the program to become self-sufficient over the next few years and cover most of its overhead and costs. Currently, there are 13 students participating in Saints Manufacturing, which is a year-long elective. Over the next few years, Trost hopes to grow that number to at least 25 students and expand various departments in the shop such as welding, machining, fabrication, CAD design, marketing and management. “The neat thing is that students are learning about the manufacturing process from start to finish,” Trost said. “They’re held accountable for everything from quoting to delivery. This is where real learning takes place.” Trost’s father, Jon Trost, a retired technical education teacher and two-star general, floats around the school shop on most days, volunteering his time to help students. He believes Saints Manufacturing has the potential to help build the labor force, especially if

replicated in other areas of the state. “We just can’t focus on funding programs at technical colleges,” Jon Trost said. “In order to raise interest in manufacturing careers and higher education, we have to dangle a carrot in front of high school students.” Meeting industry needs The idea for Saints Manufacturing came from someone in the industry. Like many companies, MMD Medical based in Brooklyn Park is concerned about an aging workforce and widening skills gaps. When Vice President Darren Bjork heard about the success of Cardinal Manufacturing, he reached out to St. Francis High School and urged the staff to learn more about it. “I knew they had a strong technical education program with supportive administrators,” he said. “And I know we’re passionate about promoting manufacturing careers. So, we decided to explore the concept of a student-run business.” In early 2017, Bjork and others from the school drove to Wisconsin to see the program in action. By fall, Saints Manufacturing had been launched with widespread support from the community, the principal, the superintendent and school board. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Inside Schools in Action......................... 2 Community Education............... 9 Community & Business............ 18 Meetings, Events & Benefits..... 27 School Board Highlights.......... 28 Sports & Outdoors.................... 30 Life............................................... 32

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Schools in Action Superintendent’s Bulletin TROY FERGUSON ISD 15 SUPERINTENDENT

St. Francis Area Schools is a destination public school district. Over the years, the work of our dedicated staff has made continuous improvements districtwide that align with the mission. This year alone, we have seen the success of Saints Manufacturing, St. Francis High School robotics, Future Farmers of America and Crossroads School & Vocational Center Victory Garden. We have also seen growth in established programs including elementary technology, special education

Ees! E FEsR t a tim

and Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems in our elementary schools. Our support of alternative learning programs, vocational technology classes and advanced courses through our pathways programs has supported different futures our students can aspire to. Our extracurricular programs are competitive on a state and national level—putting St. Francis Area Schools on the map. I thank our coaches, teachers, parents and volunteers for their effort and support of our students.

Anoka County Is Under Quarantine because of Emerald Ash Borer (May 1 though October 1) DO NOT prune Oaks and Elms

Mack Tree —incorporated— 763-856-5432

www.macktreeinc.com macktree@sherbtel.net

We have hands-on teachers, administration and support staff that genuinely care about each student that comes through our doors, whether that be at our traditional K-12 schools, alternative learning center, early childhood programs and our senior lifelong learners. Our partnerships with local business owners, cities and surrounding chamber of commerces has contributed to our success. This past year, St. Francis Area Schools’ community partners have bettered the community by donating tens of thousands of dollars of equipment and material. More importantly, countless hours volunteering time and talents toward the betterment of our students is highly valued. We plan to continue our outreach to our community. Hopefully, we will see a stoplight on Highway 47 soon. Soon our students will be

Get the

wrapping-up this school year and for our seniors, graduating to their next stage in life. Summer welcomes families in our district to take part in Community Education program, eat fair food at local city celebrations and enjoy the local lakes and rivers. For the 2018-19 school year, St. Francis Area Schools stakeholders can look forward to our continued success as a community—every single one of us. The mission of St. Francis Area Schools is to equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world. I encourage parents and community members to become active members in our schools, as you, too, will become empowered by the energy, pride and fortitude of our students and staff.

DENTS Out!

NOW HIRING! Experienced

RF-201517 & 20139548 Licensed #20104249

Auto Body Tech

The hometown tree care service you can trust. Tree Inspector • Insured • Bonded • EAB Compliant

Serving this area for over 20 years with 25+ years of experience. Specializing in pruning, removals, lot clearing, stump grinding, dangerous trees and more.

FAMILY & GENERAL DENTISTRY www.stfrancisdentalcare.com 3715 Bridge Street St. Francis, MN 55070

763-753-1900

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

23615 Hwy. 47/St. Francis Blvd. NW, St. Francis 763-753-6116 • www.sfcollision.com

FREE LOANER CAR

FREE ESTIMATES

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Bring your kitchen remodel ideas to life!

Dr. Kurt Huether DDS Dr. Amy Dahlgren DDS Providers for Delta Premier, Health Partners, Assurant and others. Call for details.

Ask about our

Savings Plan

612.490.5425 • www.LJLevel.com

KATHLEEN MILLER, STAFF WRITER

Nonpublic school participant announcement KATRINNA DODGE

STAFF WRITER

WE WORK WITH ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES! OR RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE

After 35 years of service to St. Francis Area Schools, St. Francis High School (SFHS) Activities Director Jeff Fink retired from his position April 9. SFHS Principal Doug Austin has announced that Ron Broberg (above) will serve as interim activities director for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year. Broberg retired as activities director from Irondale High School October 2017 after serving in that position for nine years. “I am excited to be a part of the St. Francis Area Schools community and am looking forward to all of the upcoming spring activities,” stated Broberg.

Give us a call today!

Nonpublic school participant families should contact Kimberly Springer, administrative assistant to the superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools, at 763-753-7022 or kimberly.springer@isd15. org. Springer is the nonpublic liaison and can assist with any questions.

St. Francis Area Schools will not be in session on Monday, May 28. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Jump Rope for Heart ANGIE LEROHL

SFES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

In March, 257 St. Francis Elementary School (SFES) students registered online to participate in Jump Rope for Heart, a fundraising program that promotes healthy lifestyle choices for students while raising money toward heart disease research. This year, SFES students were (L-R) Taylor Hatton, Jackson Debuhr and Mason Manselle jumping rope at St. offered daily Francis Elementary School during Jump Rope for Heart. challenges through PHOTO BY STACEY NELSON the program. There of March. Five students, who 10 years, SFES has raised over were 90 students who chose raised over $50 each, earned $85,000 for Jump Rope for to exercise 60 minutes per day a lunch with Superintendent Heart. and 96 students who chose the Troy Ferguson, Ryan Johnson, challenge of drinking water SFES principal, and Scott instead of drinks containing Public sugar. Additionally, 70 students Kruger, SFES dean of students, chose a daily challenge of fruits or their classroom teacher. meeting on The top class to raise over and vegetables at every meal. American Overall, SFES students raised $1,000 was Andrea Klinsing’s fourth-grade class. In the past $15,578.63 during the month Indian

WE HAVE

763-753-2660

23307 St. Francis Boulevard corner of Hwy. 47 & 233 Avenue Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

FOR ALL YOUR ENTERTAINING NEEDS: graduation parties, weddings, reunions or special occasions.

On April 7 the Cedar Creek Community School Parent Teacher Organization hosted the annual school carnival. Students, friends and families had a blast playing games, bidding in the silent auction, navigating an obstacle course and exploring an Oak Grove fire truck despite the cold day. Kids were able to shop the Old Fashion Candy Shoppe, sip on a root beer float or enjoy a glass of lemonade. This fun event raises funds to help put on events such as a school dance, STEM events, provide books to students and much more.

ROB SCHOENROCK, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS

Education

St. Francis Area Schools American Indian Education Program will hold a public meeting to share information about the Indian Education Title VI Grant.

Tuesday, May 8 5:00-6:00 p.m. St. Francis High School Room C-204

This meeting is open to the public and provides an opportunity for anyone to offer recommendations. Everyone is invited to stay for the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee meeting afterwards. Please contact Carline Sargent at 763-213-1575 or carline.sargent@isd15.org for more information.

LIFETIME GUARANTEE – 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!

COLLISION 2000 The collision

Fender Bender Specialists

repair shop you can trust.

3345 Viking Blvd. Oak Grove 763-753-0002 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday by Appointment County Road 22 County Road 9

★

FREE LOANER CAR

while we do the work on yours

• FREE ESTIMATES • Collision Repair • All Insurance Companies • Paintless Dent Removal • Computerized Color Matching • Customs/Restorations

100 Off $ 50 Off

Any repair over $1,000

Any repair over $500

Coupon must be presented before repair is started. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Expires: 5/31/18. Collision 2000 Oak Grove 763-753-0002

IMPORTANT: Minnesota State Insurance Law states that you have a right to have your vehicle repaired in the shop of your choice.

A CAPPELLA

Wednesday, May 30 • 7:00 p.m. St. Francis High School Performing Arts Center 3325 Bridge Street NW • St. Francis, MN Tickets $17 Adult or $12 Student/Senior available at seatyourself.biz/stfrancishs or 763-213-1657

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

We have published authors in our school district! Paige Mayer’s second-grade class at Cedar Creek Community School wrote and illustrated The Adventures of Sammy the Sea Turtle. Each student had the opportunity to tell their own story of a day in the life of Sammy the sea turtle. Sammy went on adventures down to the bottom, made some new friends and even learned a few life lessons along the way. On March 26 students celebrated their success with a publishing party and enjoyed reading their published book. The Adventures of Sammy the Sea Turtle was published through Student Treasures. Each student in Mayer’s class received a hard copy.

PAIGE MAYER, CCCS TEACHER

Opening May 14th!

St. Francis High School students tour colleges JILL SALO

SFHS COUNSELOR

St. Francis High School sophomores toured college campuses on April 10. Over 250 students toured 17 colleges, including Anoka Technical College, Anoka Ramsey Community College, St. Cloud University, College of Saint Benedict and University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

(L-R) Grant Johnston, Corey Wilmer, Hunter Dustman, Reed Pastwa, Zach Graf, Derek Kelley, Brandon Johnson, Jake Bergman, Kayla Jensen, Emma Kopet, Alexis and Sydney Goldeman visited the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. PHOTO BY TERESA ORPEN

Our Saviour’s

A Healthy Smoothie Bar! 3220 Bridge Street NW St. Francis, MN 55070 Across from St. Francis High School

Now Hiring Contact Heather for more information 952-484-3648

Offering 2, 3 & 4 extended day and kindergarten readiness class options.

Preschool

Top rated Christian preschool!

For registration information, please contact Michelle Bauer, Preschool Director mbauer@oursaviourslc.org, by phone 763-434-6117 ext. 123 or visit www.oursaviourslc.org under Preschool.

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church • 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel

First Mortgages are New Beginnings Begin your home owning journey with a first mortgage from Anoka Hennepin Credit Union. NMLS # 794427

To start your mortgage application, call, stop by one of our 6 convenient branch locations, or visit us online. Federally insured by NCUA

We can help you make your dreams of a new home come true.

763.422.0290

•

ahcu.coop

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Students in Jessica Rowles’ honors English language arts class on February 28 read to firstgrade students at St. Francis Elementary School in honor of I Love to Read Month. It was a great opportunity to instill a love for reading from excellent role models to younger generations. Pictured is Caleb Schoenrock (middle) reading to elementary students.

JESSICA ROWLES, SFMS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Students take advantage of new PAES lab MATTHEW ANDERSON

CSVC COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

A new learning tool for students in Transition 15 and at Crossroads School & Vocational Center (CSVC) is in place this school year. Students with on-the-job training/work experience requirements on their individualized education plans have access to using the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) lab at St. Francis High School. Students work on simulated curriculum in five different areas: business and marketing, consumer and service, construction and industrial, processing and production, computer and technology. “The PAES lab has been a unique experience for students as they get to experience different jobs instead of reading or hearing about them,” commented Glenda Kimpling, CSVC special education teacher. “Some [students] are very excited to try different types of jobs every day, but there are others that don’t like doing certain career clusters. They are required to try them all.” Staff are excited at how the PAES lab has been beneficial. Students are active, engaged and really feel accomplished working and developing their skills. “Students get hands-on learning experience in the PAES lab without having to leave school,” stated Lezly Pounder, St. Francis High School special education teacher. “They learn how to use tools, sewing machines, and so many things in between.” Pounder emphasized how student learn Call 763-753-9268 today to see how practical skills by working independently I can help protect what matters most. through a guided program. For more information on PAES labs and curriculum, visit www.talentassessment.com/ Mary Dresch Agency American Star Certified Agency paes.

YOUR DREAMS EVOLVE, YOUR COVERAGE SHOULD TOO.

Excellence in Customer Experience 3747 Bridge Street NW St. Francis, Minnesota 763-753-9268 mdresc1@amfam.com

Jump Rope for Heart at Cedar Creek Community School MARTY DEKANICK

CCCS TEACHER

For the seventh consecutive year, Cedar Creek Community School (CCCS) students participated in the American Heart Association’s annual fundraiser known as Jump Rope for Heart. Students volunteered to raise money that will help people with heart ailments and/or research projects to minimize these ailments. This year’s theme was the Scare Squad. The Scare Squad is seven monsters that each took a separate roll in scaring away heart disease. Physical education students at CCCS focused on Rocky the Monster’s message. Rocky encourages everyone to get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. This is what the American Heart Association and the Center for Disease Control recommend to live a healthy life. Every student at CCCS participates in the Jump Rope for Heart during physical education class. Students participate in jump roping activities over a three-week unit. Activities that make you sweat, increase your breathing and increase your heart rate provide good

exercise for your heart. Students did a great job of participating in the jump rope activities and collecting donations to benefit this great cause. Emma Lindstrom alone raised $1,085. This fundraiser was dear to her heart. She was born with a heart defect. Her family and friends made generous donations because of her own condition. She said, “I wanted to raise a lot of money for kids with bad hearts to

make them feel better.” Thanks to Lindstrom’s contribution our school raised over $8,300. A special thanks to all the participating students and their families. Great job everybody!

763-421-0141 VSP Provider

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Amanda Stoltman O.D.

13855 Round Lake Boulevard ANDOVER

A 55+ rental housing community

Emma Lindstrom

offering comfort and convenience at an affordable rate!

Jeff Smith O.D.

on, Thurs, Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M Tues, Wed 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Less than 5 minutes from St. Francis and 15 minutes to Riverdale in Coon Rapids.

Call

763-753-8385 for more information

21202 Old Lake George Boulevard Oak Grove, MN 55303

We offer FRIENDLY customer service and HONEST auto repairs at AFFORDABLE prices. Give us the opportunity to earn your business! Each office Independently Owned and Operated

Kraig Domogalla “Your Real Estate Specialist”

612-366-3925

Email: kraigdomogalla@aol.com

21388 Johnson Street NE, one block west of Highway 65 & Sims Road in East Bethel CedarCreekAuto.com

763-413-3445

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Going for the Olympic Gold BECKY AISH

CO-CHAIRPERSON, SFES ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS & TEACHERS

Students and families from St. Francis Elementary School (SFES) competed for prizes during the Olympic-themed carnival event in March. Children participated in games at booths such as the Olympic Ring Toss, Curling for Prizes, Minnow Luge, Lucky Skeleton Key, Hockey Duck Pond and a Photo Finish Booth. Approximately, 600 people from the school’s community

joined in the festivities. Younger siblings were delighted in seeing Chase from

Paw Patrol. Other kids dressed up with face paint, tattoos and crazy sprayed hair. SFES families sold over 9,000 raffle tickets with prizes of vacation stays, a television, cash, various ticketed events and gift cards with a combined value of over $7,000. A huge thank you goes out to the 20 plus local company sponsored event games, 120 donations were delivered from various companies and the 140 plus volunteers made up of parents, faculty, and community members that helped make the day a successful one.

Courier Contacts Main Phone ��763-753-7031 Advertising ��763-753-7032 Billing ��763-213-1588 Fax ��763-753-4693 Email ��news@isd15.org Website �� www.the-courier.org Like us on Facebook Address 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW St. Francis, MN 55070-9368 Publisher Lisa Rahn ��763-753-7048 lisa.rahn@isd15.org Editor Kathleen Miller ��763-753-7042 kathleen.miller@isd15.org

Siblings Bruce and Blake pose with Chase from Paw Patrol. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Celebrating?

SWEET! Remember Mom on May 13. Cherise Foley • 763-753-9696 22001 Lake George Blvd., Anoka

Wedding, Bridal Shower, Birthday, Baptism cakes, bars & much more!

Production Binie Bertils

MIDWEST FAMILY COUNSELING, P. A.

Katrinna Dodge ��763-753-7033 katrinna.dodge@isd15.org Pat Johnson ��763-753-7025 pat.johnson@isd15.org Advertising Representative Sarah Yannarelly ��763-753-7032 ads@isd15.org Billing Amy Lindfors ��763-213-1588 amy.lindfors@isd15.org Deadline Information Deadline for the June issue of The Courier is May 11.

Bruce W. Barton, M.Div., M.A., LMFT, LP BHP – Preferred One – UCare – MHCP

If your pets could talk, they would insist on…

763-753-5450

News Submission Send news and photos/captions to news@isd15.org. Subscriptions The publication is delivered at no charge to all St. Francis Area Schools residents. The Courier can be mailed to any address for an annual (11 issues) subscription rate of $18. The Courier is a publication prepared and distributed by St. Francis Area Schools Community Education and paid for with revenues generated by advertising sales.

HEIDI WOLD, CCCS TEACHER

Attention Class of 2008! Celebrate our 10-year class reunion! SAVANNAH ENERSON

SFHS ALUMNUS

The reunion will be held at the Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley on Friday, June 8. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held indoors. Your ticket includes: a buffet dinner, dessert, one drink ticket, entertainment and a class gift. You must purchase a ticket for entry. All guests will also need a ticket. Purchase tickets online at https://ticketbud.com/ events/155bfa2e-39a7-11e8-8766-778c6d1306b1.

St. Patrick Catholic Church

6560 Norris Lake Road Elk River, MN 55330 (Nowthen) www.goldstarkennelsofmn.com

Reserve your holiday booking now! Vacancies are filling up doggone fast!

2 OFF

PER NIGHT at Gold Star Kennels

Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts. In case of multiple dogs, the coupon goes towards the first which is the higher price. 763-753-5450 • Expires 5/31/18

Lunch & Bake Good Will Offering

Donations accepted in good shape

Thursday, May 17 • 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. May 7-16, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, May 18 • 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. May 12 & 13 before Masses Saturday, May 19 • 8:00-10:00 a.m. CANNOT ACCEPT: cribs, car seats, highchairs, TVs, microwaves, (Items left are FREE)

COURIER 5/16

Policies and Pricing Visit www.the-courier.org for policy and pricing information.

ST. FRANCIS Lighthouse Building 23038 Rum River Blvd. NW FOREST LAKE Franklin Building 69 North Lake Street

AWARD WINNING BOARDING – GROOMING

Delivery For delivery inquiries, call 763-753-7031. Letter to the Editor For the complete Letter to the Editor policy, visit www.the-courier.org.

763-753-9459

INDIVIDUAL | RELATIONSHIP ADOLESCENT | ADULT | CHILD

Students in Heidi Wold’s fourth-grade class used their STEM skills to create Jellybean Catapults. Using methods of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), they were able to launch their jellybeans to extreme distances. Students collected data, shared results and improved their design. (L-R) Juelle Hetland, Anna Pauly and Maggie Grutkoski display their Jellybean Catapults.

As always, the 13th day is…

19921 Nightingale Street, Oak Grove 763-753-2011

air conditioners, exercise equipment, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers or construction materials.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Building Our Future Together Update for May 2018 KATHLEEN MILLER

BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

high school spring sports, so completing those activities may possibly impact that start date of construction for the stadium. The plan is for project completion by the time fall sports begin for the 2018-19 school year. As a result of this schedule, St. Francis High School graduation this June will be held indoors. Subscribe to receive news alerts via email regarding St. Francis Area Schools bond projects by visiting www.isd15.org/bond.

The Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) continues to meet bi-weekly to review progress and provide direction to the consultants and architects on the scope of projects related to the passing of the bond referendum last fall. The timeline for completion of the projects across St. Francis Area Schools extends to 2021. The design flow has district-focused teams setting standards on a broad scale. Building design teams work on standards within each building and recommendations are more specific. User groups design individual spaces with more attention to detail. All information goes to the BOC for final review and is then presented to the School Board for final approval. Soon, concept diagrams will be created and shared as projects take shape. Project bundles emerge as a way to coordinate plans, align budgets and streamline work flow in the most efficient manner possible. In 2016, the Minnesota State legislature passed the Longterm Facilities Maintenance Revenue (LTFMR) for public school districts to address deferred capital expenditure and maintenance necessary to prevent further erosion of facilities. All participants in the LTFMR program must have a 10-year facilities plan and must be updated annually and approved by both the Rayelle Martin (left) and Grace Pommier (right) school’s governing board and Commissioner enjoying St. Francis Middle School’s Winter of Education. St. Francis Area Schools has a Activity Night. 10-year facilities plan and is part of the LTFMR JESSICA ROWLES, SFMS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR program. This took place prior to the passing of the bond referendum. From a budget perspective, aligning the facilities plan JAMIE STUDNICKA EBCS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR revenue with the bond revenue allows the school district On March 22, East Bethel Community School (EBCS) invited a unique opportunity to families to the school for a Spring Book Walk. The book walk is maximize the funds available, hosted by the EBCS student council and is also made possible called arbitrage. St. Francis through volunteering efforts of EBCS staff, St. Francis High School Area Schools’ Business Services National Honor Society and EBCS Parent Teacher Organization Department has established (PTO). Families follow a path around the school to music. When financial protocols for bond the music stops, if you are standing on one of the authors called out, funds and separate budget you win a free book. The EBCS PTO had hundreds of great books codes to track and account to choose from. EBCS also had games to play for a chance to win for all funds. By coordinating prizes, such as a free meal at Applebee’s or tickets to the Minnesota LTFMR projects with bond Science Museum. Over 100 students, families and friends came to projects, the school district participate. The evening ended with a movie in the gym. will ensure that each dollar spent is accounted for and released as needed. Funds can also be invested short term, maximizing the potential of each dollar spent. One example of aligning projects that are funded differently is the work being planned at the St. Francis High School football, soccer and track stadium. Resurfacing the track will use LTFMR funds, while upgrading the bleachers (replace the home side and retrofit visitor bleachers) will be paid for with bond funds. This project is planned to begin after the 2017-18 school year ends. Amy Beck (left), teacher at East Bethel Community School, helps The late arrival of spring this students choose a free book at the Spring Book Walk. year has had a major impact on PHOTO BY JAMIE STUDNICKA

Spring Book Walk

A Scholastic Book Fair was put on by the St. Francis Middle School’s parent-teacher organization the week of April 2 for students to preview and purchase independent reading books. Pictured are sixth grade students (L-R) Frank Slate and Chance Leibel with their books of choice. JESSICA ROWLES, SFMS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Your Real Estate Expert in Home & Land Sales since 1995!

Larry D. Anderson, GRI REALTOR® 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis, Minnesota 55070 Cell: 763-360-4551 Office: 763-323-8080 Fax: 763-753-0395 larry.anderson@results.net www.results.net/larry.anderson

Larry the Landman… Buy or Sell Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

HOMES/LAND/PROPERTY FOR SALE East Bethel, 5 acres, rambler on Viking Blvd. �� $285,000 East Bethel, 3 BDR, 3 BA, huge shed. �� $429,000 Green Lake, lot �� $149,000 Lake Milacs, 168 acres, cabin and pole barn �� $450,000 St. Francis, 32 acres �� $295,000 St. Francis, 20 acres, wooded with creek �� $195,000

Nowthen Threshing Show

SPRING TRACTOR PULL & BLACKSMITH EVENT Saturday, June 16

7415 Old Viking Boulevard in Nowthen

Tractor Pull

Registration at 10:00 a.m. Pull starts at Noon For pull information, contact Josh Wilhelm at 763-370-1321 jwilhelm@frontiernet.net

Food & Beverages Available on the Grounds

For more general information, contact Joe Lewerenz at 763-744-7290

FREE ADMISSION to spectators for this event Don’t miss the 48th Annual Nowthen Threshing Show

August 17, 18, 19, 2018

Featuring: Minneapolis Moline Not responsible for accidents. Children must not be left unattended near operating machinery. All attendees must stay behind barriers at all operating machinery demonstrations and be alert for other moving machinery. Children 12 and under not admitted without an adult present.

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Olson to be AP Reader this June

Odell and Fields place at state HOSA conference

“That’s what motivates me,” clarified Olson. “I’m proud of our community and I think On the weekend of March 20-22, St. Francis Joel Olson, St. Francis High we have a lot of good things High School HOSA-Future Health Professionals, School language arts teacher, happening. So often it is formerly known as Health Occupations Students is a lifelong learner. Besides overshadowed by salacious of America, attended the 2018 HOSA State teaching, he has continued out-of-the-ordinary things that Conference in St. Cloud. his own academic education happen.” HOSA students competed in medical and professional development Olson has been teaching competitions, attended workshops led by through completing graduate for 13 years and is in his third medical professionals and participated in courses and gaining more year of teaching AP Language leadership activities. This is a wonderful insight on the Advanced & Composition. He utilizes opportunity for St. Francis High School students Placement (AP) high school short essays, articles, books to connect with professionals in the medical electives, which are rigorous and Language of Composition, industry. They learned about pathways to take high school courses that Reading, Writing, Rhetoric to be successful in a medical career, as well as students may receive college (2013) to teach rhetorical establishing friendships with other medicallycredit upon completion analysis that prepares students driven students in the state. of a nationwide exam. His for the AP test in May. Other ■ Medical Spelling: first place, Hannah Odell motivation in instructing AP classes he teaches are College Hannah Odell (left) and Kaitlyn Fields (right) ■ Extemporaneous Medical Poster: first place, Language & Composition, Writing & Rhetoric, Grade 11 display their medals for placing at the 2018 Hannah Odell sophomore and junior level English and is the yearbook HOSA State Conference in March. Odell placed ■ Medical Terminology Exam: second place, class, comes from personal advisor. first in medical spelling and extemporaneous Kaitlyn Fields experience. medical poster. Fields placed second in medical He emphasized ■ Extemporaneous Medical Writing: second terminology exam and extemporaneous medical that AP courses place, Kaitlyn Fields writing. SUBMITTED PHOTO help diversify the classes students are offered and complements other English department classes. AP Language & Composition BECKY AISH continues cementing SFES ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS & concrete thoughts TEACHERS CO-CHAIRPERSON and words in a Fourth-grade classes of comprehensive way. St. Francis Elementary School Olson observed (SFES) received a warmgrowth in his students up from the cold during not only in their use of the school’s winter Box Top the English language, Collection Contest in January. but in mindset as well. The fourth-graders collected His students are able to Joel Olson PHOTO BY KATRINNA DODGE the largest number of Box Tops deconstruct complex to earn themselves a warm Hot concepts by applying Chocolate and Cookie Party. rhetorical tools, whether that “I’ve lived in this town most The combined class collected be for an assignment or real of my life. I went to high school Darin Bourasa’s fourth-grade class at St. Francis Elementary School 4,373 box tops out of the world happenings. here and went away and got a enjoying the hot cocoa reward. SUBMITTED PHOTO 16,351 collected schoolwide. Olson applied last year college education,” reflected Each box top collected with the College Board to Olson. “I’ve only been a teacher General Mill’s Box Top for snowballs. The fourth-graders transfers into 10 cents toward be an AP reader for the AP for 13 years, but I know when Education Program in the sum had the largest amount of school-based programs and Language & Composition of $1,635.10. snowballs on the billboard. The I left here I don’t think I was supplies purchased through test. On June 12-18, he will really well-prepared for a fourA billboard in the hallway teamwork the group showed the SFES Association of receive two days of training year college. That has always represented a fictional snowball helped them earn the party at Parents and Teachers (APT). before grading ten packets per been in the back of my mind. I fight where classes had the the end of the drive. For the winter collection, the day in Tampa, Florida. An AP didn’t want my students to have opportunity to earn paper APT received a check from reader is trained to grade the that experience.” essays students write for their respective tests. “Because this is a nationally JUNE 8 & 9 given test, the training allows me to see how other schools are delivering instruction, what level they are at and what they 763-753-4993 3128 Bridge Street NW | St. Francis are expecting their students to NO COVER CHARGE 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. with www.ptltireandauto.com do. It helps me gauge what I’m formerly Gerdin Tire & Auto Qualifying doing,” explained Olson. SUNDAY, JUNE 10 Same Great Staff ! Previous students reported Guaranteed Brake Parts how valuable receiving college $1,000 Purchase! Get ready to travel— credit upon earning acceptable payout d Claim a $50 Prepaid Visa Card we have trailer tires an 2:00 p.m. scores was for them. Olson has s! from NAPA Brakes with $250 service trailer bearing qualifying brake parts in a single been applying his knowledge purchase between now through PATRIOT LANES BAR AND GRILL in the classroom to give his May 31, 2018. Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com. Check us out at patriotlanesbarandgrill.com students the best opportunity Offer expires 5/31/18. P/T TOW TRUCK DRIVER 3085 Bridge Street, St. Francis • 763-753-4011 to succeed on their collegiate Ask for details! Hours 11:00 am-1:00 am Call Today! pathway. KATHY WEILAND

KATRINNA DODGE

SFHS MEDICAL CAREERS TEACHER AND HOSA ADVISOR

STAFF WRITER

Hot Cocoa Box Top contest

Pioneer Days

LIVE MUSIC BINGO

MY FAMOUS FRIENDS

Join us for all the fun!

NOW HIRING!

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Community Education Community Ed Spotlight: Kids Connection KATRINNA DODGE STAFF WRITER

“Kids Connection gives kids time to interact and have a social network outside of the classroom,” commented Amy Spindler, Kids Connection/ Youth Enrichment coordinator. Many children within St. Francis Area Schools live acres apart from their friends and classmates. Kids Connection provides a safe and fun environment for them and also provides a very important service to working parents. Kids Connection, a program of St. Francis Area Schools Community Education Department, offers before and after school childcare as well

as care during non-school days and throughout the summer. The program offers children outdoor play, gym time, educational video games, group games and free choice options that address language, science, math and art. Children are encouraged to pursue their interests and develop friendships. “It’s a good social network for them, [because] they are with their peers and interacting socially,” stated Spindler. “Extracurriculars are important,” continued Spindler. “Kids are hard at work all day in school and have limited

Vehicle Day Sponsored by the Early Childhood Advisory Council Young children and parents can explore vehicles of many types, shapes and sizes. Look at them, touch them and climb into them! Remember to dress for the weather as this event will be outdoors. Course: EC 9702 Date: Saturday, May 5 Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Location: Lifelong Learning Center, 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove Fee: FREE, please preregister and bring a non-perishable food item for the local foodshelf. For more information visit www.isd15.org or call 763-753-7170.

Fitness for all!

Only $2 per visit & no membership fees

social time. Kids Connection gives them options and time to socialize with their friends.” “Kids work a lot better with choices and options,” said Sherrie Spitzengel, Kids Connection coordinator. “Kids Connection programming provides smooth transitioning from one activity to another, with kids having input.” Both Spitzengel and Spindler highlighted that Kids Connection offers a variety of choices and structured physical play that helps children grow. Interactive stations are available where children experience art, science, math and more through hands-on learning. Kids Connection has academic electronic play options for students that compliment schoolwork, such as games that promote reading comprehension and practice on math skills. Throughout their time in Kids Connection, children have physical play on the playground or in the gym, which strengthens motor skills. “Kids Connection offers a lot of stability and growth with the

many different choices offered,” added Spitzengel. Summer Kids Connection offers a safe, nurturing atmosphere for children with flexible options for parents all summer long, Monday through Friday. Fun weekly field trips, recreational experiences and learning activities are offered

Community Education Directory Community Education Director............................................................... 763-753-7048 Adult Basic Education (GED)...................................................................... 763-753-7190 Adult Enrichment & Rec................................................................................ 763-213-1640 Communications/The Courier.................................................................. 763-753-7031 Youth Enrichment • Grades K-5................................................................ 763-213-1616 Districtwide Youth • Grades 7-12............................................................. 763-213-1640 Driver Education/Behind the Wheel..................................................... 763-213-1640 Early Childhood Family Education.......................................................... 763-753-7170 Early Childhood Screening.......................................................................... 763-753-7187 Facility Scheduling............................................................................................ 763-213-1589 Kids Connection/Just 4 Kids Program Supervisor..................................................................................... 763-213-1616 Cedar Creek Community School Site............................................... 763-753-7160 East Bethel Community School Site.................................................. 763-213-8921 Lifelong Learning Center Site................................................................ 763-753-7199 St. Francis Elementary School Site..................................................... 763-213-8674 Preschool Place 15/School Readiness.................................................. 763-753-7170 Rec Department................................................................................................. 763-213-1823 www.isd15.org • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.com

Saturday, May 19

Sandhill COMMUNITY FAIR 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Relaxed nior atmosphere – seur aged to citizens are enco attend!

l Trainers +Treadmills + Elliptica + Stationary Bikes hine + Nautilus Weight Mac

Contact ISD 15 Adult on at Community Educati

763-213-1640

for more informatio

Fitness 15 Sandhill Center • 23820 Dewey Street • Bethel

Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m. Friday Closed

for children ages 4-10 (or until entrance into sixth-grade). Register online for Summer Kids Connection by visiting www.isd15.org/kc or calling 763-213-1641. Review the Kids Connection Handbook and fill out the Summer 2018 registration and immunizations forms.

St. Francis Area Schools Community Education invites you to experience a sampling of community organizations, resources and services.  Early Childhood (FREE books)  9:00-11:00 a.m. Coffee with the Superintendent— Your chance to chat with Troy Ferguson, Superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools  Addie the Therapy Dog  Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge  Anoka County Library St. Francis Branch  Light Refreshments

 Community Education, St. Francis Area Schools  Bedding Plants from Crossroads School Plant Sale (FREE will donation)  Anoka County Master Gardeners (container gardening demo/raffle)  North Anoka County Foodshelf (donations welcome) AND MORE!

23820 Dewey Street NW Bethel, MN

For more information call 763-753-7048.

All ages welcome to this FREE event!

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

2018 Summer Community Education North Metro Track & Field League This league exposes elementary age students to track & field events along with giving them the opportunity to compete against a range of athletes. The league will cover the fundamentals of track & field through training and practicing of that week’s meet events. St. Francis High School varsity track & field coaches and athletes will be the instructors for this program. Course: 18SCTFI Grades: 2–6 (2017–18 school year) Fee: $45 (T–shirt included) Week 1 Practice Dates: Mon/Tues, June 11 & 12 Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m. Location: St. Francis Middle School Track Meet Date: Wednesday, June 13 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Cambridge High School Track Meet will include teams from Cambridge and St. Francis Week 2 Practice Dates: Mon/Tues, June 18 & 19 Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m. Location: St. Francis Middle School Track Meet Dates: Wednesday, June 20 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Cambridge High School Track Meet will include teams from Cambridge and St. Francis Week 3 Practice Dates: Mon/Tues, June 25 & 26 Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m. Location: St. Francis Middle School Track North Metro Championship Meet Date: Wednesday, June 27 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Princeton High School Track This meet will include five teams: Cambridge, Elk River, Princeton, St. Francis and Zimmerman

Dance Camp Come learn short dance routines, work on skills, technique, flexibility, strength and hang out with the St. Francis Dance Team! On June 14 at 10:00 a.m. there will be a short program to showcase what was learned! Course: 18SCD1 Age: Pre-K through Grade 6 Dates: June 11-14 Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location: St. Francis High School gym Cost: $60 (T–shirt included)

Tennis Camp

Strength & Conditioning

Girls Basketball Camp

This tennis camp is for boys and girls grades 2–12. Students are divided by skill level. Instructor reserves the right to move participants up/down levels based on skill and/or number in groups. No rain dates set. Participants must bring your own tennis racket.

Athletes will be participating in the following training methods; strength training, core strength exercises, plyometric, agility, speed development and conditioning. Athletes will be expected to follow a designed daily program to enhance their athleticism and physical well-being. The 105 minute session will include a dynamic warm up, 45 minutes of strength training in the weight room, 45 minutes of exercises and strength training outside the weight room and a static stretch/cool down to end the workout. No prior experience necessary, all athletes are welcomed and encouraged to participate! Location: St. Francis High School Weight Room Days: Monday–Thursday Dates: June 4–July 31 (No sessions July 2–5 ) Course: 18SCWT1 Athletes will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of lifting programs geared toward their specific needs. Grades: 9–12 Time: 6:15–8:00 a.m. Fee: $100 (T–shirt included) Middle and high school athletes will be instructed on and will practice safe lifting techniques along with various speed and agility exercises. Course: 18SCWT2 Grades: 7–12 Time: 8:00–9:30 a.m. Fee: $100 (T–shirt included)

Basketball camp will focus on necessary individual skills and team development concepts required to be a successful basketball player. Camp will focus on player development and players will learn the skills of shooting, passing, catching, ball–handling as well as individual and team defense.

Location: St. Francis High School Tennis Courts Days: Wednesday/Thursday Dates: June 13, 20, 21, 27, 28 July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Fee: $90 (T–shirt included) Course: 18SCTEN1 Group A: Beginners (usually grades 2–4) Time: 8:00–9:00 a.m. For students who are new to tennis or have very limited experience. Introduction to forehand, backhand, volley and serve instruction as well as scoring, rules and game play. Course: 18SCTEN2 Group B: Intermediate (usually grades 5–8) Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m. For students who are able to have some success with the basic strokes and are beyond the beginner stage. Scoring, rules and game play will be further explored. Course: 18SCTEN3 Group C: Advanced (usually Junior Varsity/ Varsity or ready to start at these levels) Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. For students who are ready to focus more on skills and strategies of singles and doubles play. Should be able to consistently execute the basic shots and maintain a several shot rally to participate at this level. Competitive drills and games will be used. Incorporating match play.

High School Small Group Tennis Camp Must be signed up for large group sessions in order to do Small Group. This will be additional session for high school players only. Must contact Coach Fredrickson prior to determine time and group. Warm-up up at court 15 minutes prior to the start of your session Course: 18SCTEN4 Day: Tuesday Dates: June 12, 19, 26, July 10,17, 24 Tentative Times—Depending on total number signed up, times will range from 8:00-11:00 a.m. Time will be assigned prior to start based on enrollment Cost: $50

Online registration will open on Monday, April 30 www.communityed15.com, click green register button

High School Football Team Camp This camp is for high school football players. It will focus on position–specific techniques and scheme implementation. T–shirts handed out in July. Equipment handout for ALL high school players grades 9-12 will take place on Monday, June 11 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the St. Francis High School Wrestling Room. Grades: 9–12 Location: St. Francis High School Time: 2:30–5:30 p.m. Fee: $40 each camp Course: 18SCFB1 Dates: June 11–14 Course: 18SCFB2 Dates: July 23–26

Youth Football Camp Camp is designed for getting ready to play football at the next level. Come prepared to work with varsity coaches on football fundamentals. Players will work on skills by age group. Course: 18SCFB3 Grades: K–8 Dates: July 23–25 Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. Location: St. Francis Middle School Fee: $40 (T–shirt included)

Location: St. Francis High School Dates: June 4–6 Fee: $50 Course: 18SCGBB1 Grades: 8–12 Time: 8:00–9:30 a.m. Course: 18SCGBB2 Grades: 3–7 Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Boys Basketball Camp This camp is designed for returning boy basketball players in grades 9th–12th planning to tryout next season. More program information pertaining to summer basketball camps and workouts will be sent out by the boys basketball program via email. Please contact sfboysbasketball@gmail.com if you have questions. Course: 18SCGBB2 Grades: 9–12 Dates/Times: June 4–7 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. June 26 & 28 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. July 9–12, 10:00 a.m.–Noon July 12 & 14, 17 & 19 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 24 & 26 10:00–11:30 a.m. Instructors: St. Francis Boys Basketball Coaching Staff Location: St. Francis High School, some sessions may be at St. Francis Middle School Fee: $150 (T-shirt included)

Co-Ed Basketball Competition Camp This is a competitive camp designed to help players develop the skills and abilities to succeed at the game of basketball. There will be a daily routine that consists of fundamental drill work involving dribbling, shooting, scoring, defense/rebounding and transition. The camp will also consist of competitive games and a variety of shooting contests, fast break transition and defensive games. The group will be separated by grades. Grades 3–5-making up the Big Ten group and grades 6–8 forming the NBA. Course: 18SCCEBB1 Grade: Co-Ed 3–8 Dates: June 18–21 Times: 8:00 a.m.–noon Instructors: Coach Norton, Coach Waterworth and SFHS varsity players Location: St. Francis High School Fee: $100 (T-shirt included)

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

2018 Summer Rec Camps & Leagues, Continued Girls Basketball Academy Intense basketball training with Trevor Schneeberger. Taking the opportunity to learn and focus in small groups on shooting, positioning, offensive skills, and fundamentals of the game. This camp is for all girls interested in becoming a better basketball player. Limited to 6–8 girls per session. Dates: June 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 Location: St Francis High School Cost: $80 Course: 18SCBA1 Grade: 8–12 Times: 9:00–10:00 a.m. Course: 18 SCBA2 Grades: 3–7 Times: 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Volleyball Team Camp Volleyball players in grades 7–12 will work on game skills. Athletes will focus on playing positional volleyball and running varying offenses. There will also be game–like scrimmages included in this camp. Course: 18SCVB1

Location: St. Francis High School Grades: 7–12 Days: Tuesday/Thursday Dates: June 5–29 Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m. Fee: $40

Volleyball Skills Camp This camp is to help players improve their skills and knowledge of the game. This camp is for players who wish to improve their overall level of play and to have fun. Dates: July 16–19 Location: St. Francis High School Fee: $50 (T–shirt included) Course: 18SCVB2 Grades: 4–8 Time: 8:00–9:30 a.m. Course: 18SCVB3 Grades: 9–12 Time: 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Important information for parents and participants of Rec Department camps The St. Francis Area Schools Community Education Rec Department has coordinated with St. Francis High School coaches and community members to offer activities for the summer. • No family rate or scholarships are available for summer camps. • Register online at www.communityed15.com, click the green register button. • All registrations are due in the Community Ed office (St. Francis High School, 3325 Bridge Street, St. Francis) on Thursday prior to the start of camp. • If individual sessions do not fill, they may be combined or cancelled.

Online registration will open on Monday, April 30 www.communityed15.com, click green register button

• The Rec Department will not call participants before camp starts; if you register, you are in. • Grades listed are the ones your child will enter in fall 2018. • Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Bring a water bottle and be ready to go at the start of the session! • Camps are held at St. Francis High School unless noted otherwise. • If not registered by the activity deadline, students may attend the activity but will not receive a T–shirt. Please register carefully. A $10 cancellation fee will be assessed.

Questions? Call 763–213–1588. To register, call Amy at 763–213–1588

2018 Summer Youth Activities

Summer Children’s Theatre — Mary Poppins JR. Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical! The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.” Course: 18DWSUM01 Grades:

2–12 (2018-19 school year)

Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 24

Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman Book by Julian Fellowes New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film

Director:

Glenn Morehouse Olson

Audition:

Monday, May 14, 6:00 p.m.

Full cast and parent meeting, Monday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.

Performances: June 22 & 23, 7:00 p.m.; June 24, 2:00 p.m.

Rehearsals:

Schedule will be available at auditions. Most rehearsals will be in the evening, although an occasional daytime rehearsal may be called. Dates are June 4–8, 11–15, 6:00–9:00 p.m. Dress rehearsals are scheduled for June 18–21, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Location:

St. Francis High School Performing Arts Center

Fee: $150 Notes:

Parents of students in fourthgrade and younger will be expected to help their child at rehearsals…with music, blocking and lines. Fee waivers are not available for summer children’s theater.

BLAST This course follows the American Academy of Pediatrics — Babysitter Lessons And Safety Training (BLAST). Students learn current practices for safety and injury prevention, first aid basics, feeding and caring for infants, how to handle behavior problems and how to manage their babysitting business. Students receive a reference book, recipe and game handouts, babysitting bag and first aid kit. Maximum 20 students. Please bring a bag lunch, beverage and snack. Ages: 11–13 Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Instructor: Emergency Outfitters Course: #SBLAST18S Day/Date: Tuesday, July 10 Location: St. Francis Elementary School Fee: $63 Course: #SBLAST18C Day/Date: Tuesday, August 14 Location: Cedar Creek Community School Fee: $63

Science Explorers Extreme Chemistry: Mystery Challenges Are you ready to get messy with some extreme chemistry experiments? Then step into the science lab to solve our mystery challenges. You will need to investigate polymers, rates of reaction, density, chemical indicators and more to help solve the mysteries. Our classes are hands–on…so be sure to dress for a mess! Course: #Chemistry 3 Sessions Grades: 1–5 Days: Tuesday–Thursday Dates: July 31, August 1, 2 Time: 9:30 a.m.–Noon Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Science Explorers Fee: $69

Science Explorers STEM Sampler 2018 Explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics with fun, engaging experiments and activities. We learn about chemical reactions versus physical changes with sloppy, slimy and foamy mixtures. Plus, use technology to investigate if the hand is really quicker than the eye. Finally, you and your team will imagine, build and then battle a simple motorized boat while using engineering and math skills. Each class is filled with projects that you will take home. Course: #Sampler 3 Sessions Grades: 2–6 Days: Tuesday–Thursday Dates: July 31, August 1, 2 Time: 1:00–3:30 p.m. Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Science Explorers Fee: $69

Multi-Player Minecraft: City Builder Minecraft is a sandbox building game; that’s been dominating the world of video gaming for the past few years. Collaborate with fellow students to construct a city! Students will take home their completed world file at the end of class. Beginners and experienced Minecrafters alike will love this action packed camp! Please bring a beverage and snack daily. Course: #Minecraft 2 Sessions Grades: 1–5 Days: Monday & Tuesday Dates: June 18–19 Time: 9:00 a.m.–Noon Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Computer Explorers Fee: $72 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

2018 Summer Youth Activities Extreme Robotics: EV3 Battlebots New class with new builds and challenges! Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system and the Mindstorms EV3(the most sophisticated microcomputer brick ever made by LEGO). Teams of students will construct models, experiment with programs and compete in robotic challenges. Final challenges will be centered around target hitting and a sumo battle. Please bring a beverage and snack daily. Course: #Battlebots 2 Sessions Grades: 3–8 Days/Dates: Monday & Tuesday, June 18–19 Time: 12:30–3:30 p.m. Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Computer Explorers Fee: $72

Game Coding: Platformer New class! Create an arcade-style side scrolling platformer! Students will learn to create a webbased platformer using Construct 2, a visual coding platform that teaches students the basics and structure of programming. Create custom enemies, obstacles and challenges in this exciting class. Bring a USB drive, snacks and beverage each day. Course: #GameCoding 2 Sessions Grades: 4–8 Days/Dates: Monday & Tuesday, July 30, 31 Time: 12:30–3:30 p.m. Location: St. Francis Elementary School Instructor: Computer Explorers Fee: $72

Robotics: Star Wars Droid Builder Bring Star Wars–inspired inventions to life with the Star Wars LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Developer kit. We will start with a simple droid mechanism and then move on to more ambitious droids that move and walk. This modular building system lets students build using subassemblies, making it easy to create and customize the robotic droids. All these great robotic inventions are powered by Micro Scout, the smallest LEGO microcomputer, equipped with light sensor and six robotic programs to control our droid creations. Please bring a beverage and snack daily. Course: #StarWars 2 Sessions Grades: 1–5 Days/Dates: Monday & Tuesday, July 30, 31 Time: 9:00 a.m.–Noon Location: St. Francis Elementary School Instructor: Computer Explorers Fee: $72

Computer Coding for Kids Learn how to code through playing games and having fun! We’ll learn the fundamentals of loops, if statements and variables as we learn the blockly and python computer languages! Please come knowing how to navigate the internet (basic typing and mouse control) and a passion to work hard and have fun! Course: #CompCode 4 Sessions Grades: 3–6 Days/Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 18–21 Time: 9:00 a.m.–Noon Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Abamath Fee: $108

Video Game Creation for Kids Make your very own video game! We’ll learn how to code and then put it to use to create your very own online game to share with friends and family! Please come knowing how to navigate the internet (basic typing and mouse control) and a passion to work hard and have fun! Course: #Video 4 Sessions Grades: 3–6 Days/Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 16–19 Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m. Location: St. Francis Elementary School, Computer Lab Instructor: Abamath Fee: $108

Website Creation for Kids Your favorite animal deserves a website, but who will make it? You! We’ll learn how to make websites of all shapes and sizes and learn the basics of HTML and CSS! Course: #Web 4 Sessions Grades: 3–6 Days/Dates: Monday–Thursday, August 6–9 Time: 9:00 a.m.–Noon Location: St. Francis Elementary School, Computer Lab Instructor: Abamath Fee: $108

Learn About Horses Day Camp Spend the day learning how to ride a horse, including balance and control in the saddle, leading and in-hand work. Braid a horse’s mane, groom, play horse tag and help feed, water and care for horses. Parent/guardian required to drop-off and pick-up at Boulder Pointe. DayCamp1 Tuesday, June 12 DayCamp2 Thursday, July 12 DayCamp3 Wednesday, August 1 Ages: 6–17 Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Instructor: Boulder Pointe Instructors Location: Boulder Pointe Equestrian Event Center Fee: $95

Horseback Riding Week Camp Enjoy the excitement of horseback riding camp! Learn how to work with horses including balance and control in the saddle, leading and in–hand work. Participate in fun crafts and activities, giving baths, horse tag and helping feed, water and care for horses. Enjoy more time in the saddle with your special horse for the week! Parent/guardian required to drop–off and pick–up at Boulder Pointe. WeekCamp1 Monday–Friday, June 18–22 WeekCamp2 Monday–Friday, July 16–20 WeekCamp3 Monday–Friday, August 6–10 Ages: 6–17 Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Instructor: Boulder Pointe Instructors Location: Boulder Pointe Equestrian Event Center Fee: $375 before June 1 $399 after June 1

Fourth of July Cupcakes

Gnome Home

Learn how to decorate festive Fourth of July cupcakes! Using candy, frosting and pudding, we will fill cupcakes and decorate using candy melts and frosting to create red, white and blue treats for the holiday. Class includes 6 cupcakes, frosting, filling tips, bags, sprinkles and container to take your treats home. All supplies used in class will be yours to keep to create more treats for your family and friends. Grades: 1–5 Date: Friday, June 22 Instructor: Meeghan Burnevik Fee: $25 per session Course: #July4C 1 Session Location: Cedar Creek Community School Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Course: #July4S 1 Session Location: St. Francis Elementary School Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Does your gnome need a home? Made of crispy treats and candy melts, we will decorate a home for your gnome. Learn the basics of covering your edible structure with fondant, assembling your home and creating doors, windows, flowers, walkways and accessories to make your gnome a tasty home. We will also craft a small gnome out of a fondant mold to complete our project. Maximum 10 students. Grades: 1–5 Date: Friday, August 17 Instructor: Meeghan Burnevik Fee: $25 per session Course: #GnomeC 1 Session Location: Cedar Creek Community School Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Course: #GnomeS 1 Session Location: St. Francis Elementary School Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Painted Cookies

Using fondant and icing dyes, we will paint cookies with a flower theme using stencils, cookie cutters, edible color dust and icing. Not a flower fan? You’ll be able to use your new skills to create any theme you like! Leave class with 6–8 completed cookies and supplies to bring home including decorator bags, tips, cookie cutters and box to transport your creations. Grades: 1–5 Date: Friday, July 13 Instructor: Meeghan Burnevik Fee: $25 per session Course: #CookieC 1 Session Location: Cedar Creek Community School Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Course: #CookieS 1 Session Location: St. Francis Elementary School Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Cupcakes, Cookies & A Gnome Home Enjoy all three courses: Fourth of July Cupcakes, Painted Cookies and Gnome Home. Course: #DecorateSC 3 Sessions Grades: 1–5 Dates: June 22, July 13, August 17 Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Location: Cedar Creek Community School Instructor: Meeghan Burnevik Fee: $57 Course: #DecorateSS 3 Sessions Grades: 1–5 Dates: June 22, July 13, August 17 Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m. Location: St. Francis Elementary School Instructor: Meeghan Burnevik Fee: $57

Important information for parents and participants of Youth Activities • Kids Connection may provide care for students before or after Youth Activities, if the program is at a Kids Connection site. Please call 763-213-1616 to make arrangements. Provide a lunch from home. • Register online at www.communityed15.com, click the green register button. • All registrations are due in the Community Ed office (Cedar Creek Community School, 21108 Polk Street, East Bethel) on the Thursday prior to the start of camp. • Grades listed are the ones your child will enter in fall 2018. • If sessions do not fill, they may be cancelled.

• Please provide a peanut-free snack and a beverage. • Youth Activities will not call participants before camp starts; if you register, you are in. An email will be sent if your student was placed on a “wait list.” Please check your online account a few days before class starts to see if the wait list was removed. If so, your child is then registered for the class. Please register carefully. A $10 cancellation fee will be assessed.

Questions? Call 763–213–1616

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

2018 Summer Preschool & ECFE Preschool Camps Camps for preschoolers emphasize a theme. All camps will include stories, music, art, literacy and math activities, and time for playing with others. Children should be toileting themselves. Sliding fee scale is available. Time: 9:00–11:30 a.m. Fee: $40 for each 3-meeting session Ages: children must be at least 3 years of age by 6/1/2018 and have not attended kindergarten

Math Masters

Numbers, sorting, shapes, patterns and more! Learn about math through stories, puzzles, games and art. Course: PP 1111 Dates: Tuesdays • July 10, 17, 24

Awesome Art

Lots of hand-on creative fun! Be prepared to get messy. Course: PP 1112 Dates: Wednesdays • July 11, 18, 25

Color My World

Explore the world of color through art, science, books and music. Course: PP 1113 Dates: Thursdays • July 12, 19, 26

Blast Off!

Be the astronaut you dreamed of. Explore the stars and planets through stories, creative play, art and more! Course: PP 1114 Dates: Thursdays • July 12, 19, 26

Going Fishing

Fun and learning through Minnesota’s favorite pastime. Drop a line for art, stories and science fun. Course: PP 1115 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday • July 10-12

Bookworms

Explore the wonderful places books can bring you. Focus on early literacy with lots of art, creativity and games. Course: PP 1116 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday • July 17-19

Creepy Crawlies

Discover what bug, caterpillars and other crawly creatures do through stories, art, and explorations. Course: PP 1117 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday • July 24-26

Classes take place at Lifelong Learning Center, 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011

Early Childhood Family Education Camp

Family Special!

Positive Parenting Tool Box What is in your parenting tool box this summer? Discover tools to help you be effective in guiding behavior and building a strong foundation. This group will not separate to a different room for parent education.

Register for any combination of two Preschool or ECFE Camps and take a third FREE! Offer does not apply to Celebrating Baby or Pop In and Play. Those registered in all three classes must reside at the same address.

Course: EC1701 Age: Birth–36 months Date: Wednesdays • July 11, 18, 25 Times: 9:15–11:15 a.m. Fee: $40 for 3-week session; sliding fee scale available*

Celebrating Baby

2018 Summer Preschool & ECFE

Your baby must be 12 months of age or younger when you attend this event.

Separate checks for Preschool and ECFE, please. If you charge your fees, the entire amount will be charged to your account when your child is registered.

Space is limited!

Parent’s Name ____________________________________________________________________

Enjoy songs and games together and meet others who are experiencing the joys and challenges of raining a baby. Course: EC0701 Date: Tuesday, July 24 Time: 9:15–11:15 a.m. Fee: FREE; please register

Phone (Primary) ________________________ Email______________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________ Zip____________________________ Preschool Camp

PP 1111 PP 1115

PP 1112 PP 1116

PP 1113 PP 1114 PP 1117 Total Preschool Fee:__________________

Child’s Name______________________________________ Date of Birth_____________________

Pop In and Play Tuesdays

ECFE

Come with your young child and participate in fun activities. The perfect place to relax with your child and meet other families with young children. No pre-registration necessary.

Child’s Name(s)____________________________________________________________________

Age: Time: Fee:

Birth to kindergarten and their parents 9:15–11:15 a.m. $4 per child; max $12 or 3 punches per family (limit of 4 children/adult)*

July 10: Farmyard Friends July 17: Bubbles, Rainbows and Sunshine July 24: Let’s Paint!

EC1701 $40 (sliding fee scale available)

EC 0701 No Fee

Date(s) of Birth____________________________________________________________________ Attending Parent:__________________________________________________________________ Payment

Check(s) enclosed

Charge:

Visa

MasterCard

Discover

Card number: _______________________________ Exp Date_________ Card Code_____________ Print Name:___________________________ Signature:___________________________________ Any special needs of you or your child we need to plan for?___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

*No child will be denied participation in ECFE parent/child classes due to the inability to pay. Sliding Fee Scale* Annual Income Preschool/ECFE 0-$50,000

$20.00

$50,000-$95,000

$30.00

$95,000+

$40.00

Register online at www.communityed15.com or mail your registration and payment to the Lifelong Learning Center, 18900 Cedar Drive NW Oak Grove, MN 55011. Registrations will be processed as they are received.

Registration for the 2018-19 Preschool Place 15 preschool year is going on now The curriculum of Preschool Place 15 focuses on social skills and early literacy development. Mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts and physical development are also part of the curriculum. Environments are designed to enhance and expand children’s understanding of the world as they direct their own play. Teachers facilitate the child’s learning; they guide and encourage independent learning in each child. } Classes offered at the 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 to two-and-a-half-hour sessions } Most classes are age specific } Classes are also available for twoyear-olds and very young threeyear-olds } Busing available for ALL full-year morning and afternoon classes } Sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income

You may qualify for FREE or reduced preschool tuition and fees based on family size and income.

For more information on classes and to register, visit www.isd15.org or call 763-753-7170.

Tuition reduction is available through Early Learning Pathway II Scholarships and/or School Readiness funds. If you meet income eligibility requirements or participate in one of the following programs: Minnesota Family Investment Program, Child Care Assistance Program, Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Food Support (SNAP) or Foster Care. Call Jenny at 763-753-7196 for more information.

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Early Childhood Family Education

Classes & Events 23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005 Enjoy top entertainment by popular local artists at the monthly Lunch Bunch shows. Make sure to register early, most shows will sell out! Lunch Bunch is located at Sandhill Center in Bethel. Doors open: 10:30 a.m. Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. Showtime: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Cost: $20 Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call

763-213-1640

or register online at www.communityed15.org.

GraceNotes Trio Tuesday, May 8 Course: #LB179 The GraceNotes Trio—Diane, Pat and Connie—love to sing old favorites from the 1930s and 40s. In addition to their Andrews Sisters–Big Band style programs, they have added some great songs from the 50s and 60s that appeal to all ages. They bring nostalgia, smiles and joy to their audiences. Come and join in the fun!

Strength In class you will use dumbbells/hand weights and resistance bands to strengthen muscles, improve bone density and increase metabolism. Class is for seniors or active older adults. Day: Monday Time: 8:00-8:45 am Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: $2 per class, no registration required (class is not eligible for insurance reimbursement)

Line Dancing Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. This is an excellent class for those just beginning in line dance as well as the more experienced line dancers! Day: Thursday Time: 10:00-11:00 am Instructor: Ginger Anderson Fee: $2 per class, no registration required (class is not eligible for insurance reimbursement)

SilverSneakers® Yoga

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: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Time: 9:00-10:00 am Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: Free to SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® members, $2 per class for non-members, no registration required

Spotlight Event

Down on the Farm

Welcome spring with this trip to experience farming today and what it was like 100 years ago. Visit the Oliver Kelley Farm Visitor Center. Discover first hand what farmers do, where food comes from and why animals live on the farm. Bring a picnic lunch to eat after the tour. Course: EC 9405 Date: Wednesday, May 30 Time: Bus leaves Lifelong Learning Center at 10:15 a.m.; returns by 2:30 p.m. Fee: $8 per person Deadline: Noon, May 15 Register online at www.communityed15.org and use your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card or call 763-753-7170. Visit our webpage www.isd15.org/ecfe for more events and classes.

CONVENIENT DRIVER EDUCATION INSTRUCTION AT ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

SilverSneakers® Classic

Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand–held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers® ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Days: Wednesday, Friday Time: 8:00-8:45 am Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: Free to SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® members, $2 per class for non-members, no registration required

Fitness 15 We offer plenty of ways for you to get in shape, so you’ll never be bored with working out. We have two treadmills, two elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes and a Nautilus four-station weight machine. Relaxed atmosphere—senior citizens are encouraged to attend! Days: Monday-Thursday Times: 8:30-11:30 am 1:00-4:00 pm Fee: $2 per visit, no registration required (no membership fees)

CLASSROOM EDUCATION Registration for classroom driver education is being accepted for the 2017-18 school year. Classroom driver education information available on the website.

BEHIND-THE-WHEEL DRIVING INSTRUCTION Six hours of required behind-the-wheel instruction Flexible scheduling State of Minnesota certified instructors—Fee $260

Applications available at www.communityed15.com or call 763-213-1640 for more information. Community Education, St. Francis Area Schools

Program Sites Cedar Creek Community School East Bethel Community School St. Francis Elementary School Lifelong Learning Center Kids Connection is a comprehensive childcare program for children in kindergarten through grade five that provides a safe, fun experience and offers families a variety of childcare options. The program is open 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours include before and after school programs and full day programs on non-school days.

Sandhill is a Silver & Fit qualified center. For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program or the Sandhill Center, please call 763-213-1640. To see if you qualify as a Silver & Fit member or a SilverSneakers member, please contact your insurance company.

Just 4 Kids is a childcare option for children who are three years of age by September 1, 2017, to kindergarten entrance. Children participate in various activities in a safe, well-supervised environment. Extended childcare options are available. Customize your childcare arrangements! Before and after preschool daily and weekly rates are available for Just 4 Kids.

Questions?

Call 763-213-1616 or 763-213-1641 or visit communityed15.com/kc

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Spring Lawn & Garden Fresh on the Farm

SHARON JOHNSON MINNESOTA FRESH FARM

Avoiding the blossom-end rot blues It seems the most common laments we hear at the farm when people are growing their own tomatoes, relate to blossom-end rot (BER). In our first few years of vegetable farming, it was the saddest thing to walk into the field and see tomato after tomato with black, sunken ends. Almost all sources will tell you that BER is caused by a lack of calcium, which is needed for plant cell growth and strong cell walls. When you are rapidly developing tomatoes deficient in calcium, cell tissue breaks down, leaving the dark and sunken areas that you may have seen in blossomend rot. The solution should be simple, right? Get your soil tested, and if you have a calcium deficiency, add calcium along with any other minerals that are recommended. Well, that’s a good start, but it’s actually a bit

more complicated than that. What is happening with BER is that calcium is not getting to the fruit—the tomato itself. Some people swear by planting tomato plants over eggshells to guarantee there is enough calcium. Unfortunately, even this doesn’t guarantee that calcium will get through the roots, up the stem and to the fruit. Research has shown that the conditions which cause BER, even with sufficient calcium in the soil, are fluctuations in soil moisture, heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer or other minerals, and injury to roots. Proper watering is the most important thing you can do to prevent BER. When you look at a tomato with BER, it looks like it has been overwatered. The opposite is usually true. BER often develops after a period of drought or underwatering. This happens because the water supply and the nutrients

it carries goes primarily to the leaves when the plant is moisture-stressed. Applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer contributes to BER by promoting rapid and luxuriant plant growth, again directing water and nutrients to the foliage instead of the fruit. Disturbing the soil within a foot of the base of the plant might also contribute to BER by damaging the roots and preventing the uptake of calcium. BER can be minimized by maintaining a uniform

PHOTO FROM WKIKMEDIA COMMONS

supply of moisture through regular watering and soil mulches, applying fertilizer according to the results of a soil test and avoiding root

injury. Pay attention to these things and you’ll increase your chances of growing the best-looking tomatoes in your neighborhood.

$300 Oﬀ X300/X500 or $500 Oﬀ X700 Series*

John Deere Riding Mower with Purchase of the NEW

MulchControl

Quickly turn mulching on and off with the flip of a lever. This all-in-one system eliminates the need for extra tools, saves time, and gives you a healthy, good-looking lawn!

Check out additional specials at MinnesotaEquipment.com

Up to

$350 Off*

Z500 Series ZTrak

SPRING 2018

Saints Academy and Saints Online students are…

helping your garden grow!

May 10-11 & May 16-17 2:30-6:00 p.m. flowers | vegetables | herbs

Student built products such as planter boxes and lawn dice will also be available for purchase.

SAINTS ACADEMY AND SAINTS ONLINE 4111 Ambassador Boulevard NW • St. Francis For more information, email to emily.trout@isd15.org All proceeds will go back into the Saints Academy and Saints Online programming for the following year.

Gravely ZT X 42 $2,899 (Model 915172) • 42” 10-gauge fabricated deck • 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin HD w/Smart Choke

Gravely ZT HD 52 $5,199 (Model 991164) • 52” 10-gauge fabricated deck • 23 HP Kawasaki engine • Commercial grade transmission * Offer valid May 1-July 5, 2018

John Deere Z535M ZTrak Starting at $4,199

• 25 HP v-twin cyclonic • 48” or 54” Accel Deep or 62“ Edge deck • 18” deluxe seat with arm rests • 9.0 mph mowing speed

ISANTI HAM LAKE ROGERS LONG LAKE SAVAGE

(763) 444-8873 (763) 755-2347 (763) 428-4107 (952) 473-5634 (952) 890-9242

This is a perfect time to schedule service. Call now and get our...

DELUXE SERVICE PLAN

• Engine Oil & Filter Change • Inspect Fuel System • Change Fuel Filter • Clean & Replace Air Filter • Inspect Exhaust System • Inspect Safety Switches • Inspect Steering & Brakes • Adjust Tire Pressure • Change Spark Plug(s)

Starting at $219* which Includes:

• Test Drive; Provide Inspection Report • Inspect, & Clean Battery & Cables • Inspect Transmission & Drive • Remove Mower Blades • Sharpen, Balance & Re-install Blades • Inspect & Clean Deck & Drive • Level Mower Deck • Grease Applicable Areas

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

How to banish mosquitoes from your yard Time spent in the backyard on spring and summer afternoons and evenings contributes heavily to the popularity of these times of year. Many homeowners go to great lengths to make their outdoor living spaces as luxurious as possible, only to be bothered by uninvited and bothersome guests: mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not just

pesky nuisances, but they’re also harmful. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, more than one million people across the globe die from mosquitoborne diseases every year. Such diseases include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. The AMCA notes that many of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes can be linked to

Profit from 40 years of experience.

Call Gary at 612-812-2698 glzSales@aol.com Gary Zimmerman Licensed since 1977

3296 Bridge Street NW St. Francis, MN 55070

travel to endemic areas. But mosquitoes in North America can still be harmful, and bites may result in severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Homeowners can employ several measures to prevent mosquitoes from invading their backyards this spring and summer. Remove standing water Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so homeowners must be diligent in their efforts to remove standing water around their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in bird baths, pets’ water bowls and empty plant pots that collect rain water. Routinely tipping these items and refilling them with fresh water can prevent mosquito infestations,

Welcome Spring! Let us help you grow! Annuals  Veggies  Herbs Hanging Baskets  Patio Pots Trees  Shrubs  Perennials Bulk Rock and Mulch Landscape Supplies Locally Handmade Items Unique Gifts  Birdhouses Natural Soaps  Soy Candles

protecting both humans and pets alike. Inspect property for hidden pockets of water While bird baths, pet bowls and kiddie pools are easy to find, homeowners may be unknowingly hosting mosquito breeding grounds elsewhere on their properties. For example, tarps used to cover pools, automobiles or grills that are not tightly secured can fold up, creating pockets where rain water can collect and give mosquitoes somewhere to breed. Mosquitoes also may use gutters to breed, so homeowners should routinely inspect and clean their gutters during spring and summer. Keep a well-manicured lawn Well-manicured lawns are less likely to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Because water plays such a crucial role in the mosquito breeding process, it’s necessary that all potential water sources in a yard be removed. Fallen

Stop by fo vegetable plar nts. Enjoy freshly harv este salad greens. d

Nowthen Nursery

and Great Northern Landscapes

SAVE 5 $

When you spend $25. Expires: 5/31/18. Not valid with any other offers. One coupon per customer, per time. Must present coupon at time of purchase. (CR)

19720 Iguana Street NW, Elk River www.gnlandscapes.com 763-274-2678

leaves that are not removed and pockets of soil beneath trees and plants can collect rain water or water from lawn sprinklers, which can be just enough for mosquitoes to breed. Use fans Consumer Reports tested the efficacy of oscillating pedestal fans to keep mosquitoes from invading decks and patios and found that such fans cut mosquito landings by 45 to 65 percent for those sitting closest to the fans. When hosting backyard barbecues, homeowners can set up several such fans on their decks and patios to keep mosquitoes at bay. Mosquitoes are unwelcome guests come spring and summer. But homeowners can take steps to increase the likelihood that their properties stay mosquito-free. Source MetroCreative Graphics Editorial

Minnesota Fresh Farm offers high quality, sustainably grown fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese and more. 20241 Hwy 65 NE, East Bethel • 612-735-5459 Visit www.minnesotafreshfarm.com for hours. Credit cards accepted.

Roofing Siding Windows Storm Damage

New Construction Services, LLC. MN Lic #BC631894

Your Home Exterior Experts serving the community for over 15 Years

Nowthen Nursery

and Great Northern Landscapes

763-274-2678

www.gnlandscapes.com 19720 Iguana Street NW • Elk River

612-298-7501 St. Francis, MN

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Preparing garden beds for spring and beyond Gardening enthusiasts may have been thinking about their landscape plans throughout the winter, eager to once again get their hands dirty with soil. Whether a home gardener is making preparations for edible crops or beautiful flowers, he or she must take time to make the soil amenable to planting. To establish hearty, durable plants, gardeners can focus on three main areas: addressing soil composition, cultivating and adding nutrients. Soil composition Many gardeners prefer growing a variety of plants in their gardens. Such an approach requires taking inventory of the type of soil in one’s garden and making the necessary modifications so that the types of vegetables, herbs, shrubs, or flowers that will be planted can grow in strongly. In fact, according to the plant company Proven Winners, the most important step to developing good roots is preparing the soil. Take a sample of the soil and examine it to see what is present. If the soil is too full of clay, too sandy, too dense, or too loose, that can lead to problems where plants cannot

grow in strong. Work with a garden center to add the right soil amendments to make a rich soil. This may include organic compost or manure, which will also add nutrients to the soil. Cultivation Cultivating the soil can involve different steps. Removal of weeds, errant rocks, roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Mother Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, garden soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it’s mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that likely occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure. Tilling also helps with drainage and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil — about the length of a shovel spade. However, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply

top-dressing with compost or manure can be enough preparation for planting. Gardeners can experiment with the methods that work best for their gardens. Nutrition Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, will give gardeners an idea of other soil additions that may be needed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting. Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Individual fertilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed.

Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve moisture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to disturb roots or dig

too deeply. Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season. Source: MetroCreative Graphics Editorial

www.pollinatorworks.weebly.com

Welcome Spring!

Everything for planting and decorating your outdoor space. • Annuals • Garden Design and Installation • Perennials • Customized • Native Plants Patio Planters and • Vegetables and Herbs Hanging Baskets • Insect Hotels Buy local–owned and operated by a SFHS graduate! 763-478-7462 pollinatorworks@gmail.com East Bethel, MN 55011

3-4 FOOT Evergreen Blowout SAVE!

Visit our greenhouse and garden center for all your yard and garden needs.

Great Gifts for Mother’s Day! Green Barn Grown Annual Flowers Vegetable Plants Hanging Baskets Herbs • Perennials Patio Planters

Nursery Stock

Fruit & Shade Trees Shrubs • Evergreens • Vines Blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb, raspberry plants

Yard & Garden Accessories

Gnomes • Chickens Frogs • Western Angels Cats & Dogs Fairy Garden Accessories

For the Birds

Feeders, bird seed, bird houses, poles and suet

Landscape rock, decorative bark, mulch, potting soil, manure and peat moss.

GREEN BARN GARDEN CENTER

& Farm Market

3 miles south of Isanti on Hwy. 65 & 265th Call or check website for current hours.

greenbarngardencenter.com 763-444-5725

3 Trees for

12500

5 Trees for

19500

Regularly $49.95 each Offer expires: May 31, 2018

Order ! W O N Installation and Delivery Available! 21050 Lake George Blvd. NW Anoka, MN 763-753-4595 www.rumrivertreefarm.com

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Community & Business East Bethel News

STEVEN VOSS MAYOR, CITY OF EAST BETHEL

After the endless winter, the arrival of spring is most welcome. Let’s hope for an extended summer. City Website It’s time for a reboot. The city is beginning the process of revamping the website to provide a fresh appearance, improve the functionality, increase resources available and improve user accessibility. The city council will be establishing a website committee in May to develop recommendations to the city council for changes to the website. This committee

We Buy Estates!

will include representatives from city staff, city council and commissioners. We also would like two or more citizens represented on this committee to provide the best user perspective to the process. The only qualification for this position is having a strong interest and be a past user of the city website. It is expected that the committee will meet three to fours times with a goal of reporting recommendation to the city council by the end of the year. Here’s your chance to be involved.

auctionmn.com

EVERY TUESDAY FLEA MARKET at 7:00 a.m. AUCTION at 9:00 a.m.

SELL YOUR STUFF BY AUCTION. LOW COMMISSIONS. NO FLEA MARKET VENDOR FEES.

Bag it. Box it. Bring it or Buy it at Mau’s Corner. See www.auctionmn.com for details. Located 3 miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47 Tony Elfelt, Lic. #02-180 – Nowthen, MN

last several years to enhance and support the growth of economic development, primarily through our Economic Development Authority (EDA). The EDA is comprised of seven members, two of which are appointed from the city council, and is supported by our community development director. The mission of the EDA is to identify the needs of our existing and future business community, develop policies and programs to address those needs and develop implementation action plans based on those policies. The EDA currently has a vacancy that we would like filled with a resident from the business community. If you have a desire to be an active part of East Bethel’s economic development planning, please send a letter of interest to Colleen Winter at East Bethel City Hall, 2241 221st Avenue NE, East Bethel, MN 55011. The EDA meets the third Monday of each month at city hall. Roads The long spring has done a

Booster Day Although our annual East Bethel Booster Day is several months away (Saturday, July 21), the Booster Day Committee is busy planning this celebration of our community. The Booster Day Committee is comprised of city staff, two city councilmembers and several resident volunteers. The committee is always looking for residents that are interested in contributing and assisting on the committee, which meets monthly. If you have any ideas for other activities, have a desire to assist the committee or just want to sit in on a meeting, the committee welcomes you. The next Booster Day Committee meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the City Hall Community Center. Economic Development Authority The city is experiencing a noticeable increase in residential and commercial development interest and construction, which is a good sign of economic improvement in our area. The city has made a concerted effort over the

number on our roads, as you have undoubtedly seen and felt. The city is busy addressing the winter damage. Please feel free to contact Public Works or City Hall to report potholes, washouts or other road issues. The Maintenance Department will investigate and repair the damage. We rely on public feedback regarding road damage it’s the best and quickest way to get your roads looked after. Spring also brings road construction and East Bethel will have a busy construction season. Our major project includes reconstruction of Central Avenue along Highway 65 in the southern portion of the city. The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s construction of the Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) at 187th Lane and Highway 65. Several city streets will receive chip sealing and crack repairs. Please slow down in the construction zones and keep a keen lookout for our construction crews. On behalf of the East Bethel City Council, please have a safe and wonderful spring.

OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE SAVINGS UP TO

50% OFF

10% OFF ALL DOUGHBOY

POOL PACKAGES PLUS

Prices Starting At

4 to 7 Ft. Depth Available

SELECT MODELS*

E AFFORDABL ! FAMILY FUN

3,895

POOLS ON DISPLAY Family Size Pool Packages

From www.poolstoreinc.com

1,69500

2 LOCATIONS

West St. Paul • 433 E. Mendota Road • 651-451-7778 Blaine • 10100 Hwy 65 NE • 763-786-9563 Small down payment will ensure early spring installation • 38+ years of experience in the metro area • Professional installation • Bank financing to qualified purshasers, O.A.C. • *Off regular priced items.

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Work-based learning partnered with Thrivent KATRINNA DODGE

STAFF WRITER

In February, Julie Gloege, Crossroads School & Vocational Center work experience teacher, and students in the work-based learning program visited Thrivent Financial at the conclusion of a 12-week mentor program through BestPrep. Gloege brought in speakers representing a variety of careers, such as bricklayers and CNC machinists, to address students in her class. Partnering with BestPrep offers students one-on-one mentorship opportunities that allow a better comprehension of workplace responsibilities and exposure to many career pathways. It took a year for BestPrep to match Thrivent Financial with Crossroads School & Vocational Center (CSVC). “When partnered with Thrivent Financial in Minneapolis, I kinda laughed,” chuckled Gloege. “Many of our students think of Minneapolis as on the other side of the world; some never go downtown.” Gloege commented on how part of the challenge was breaking down stereotypes and preconceived notions about Minneapolis. Doing so meant giving students time to realize that there are many job opportunities outside Anoka County and the city is not such a scary place. CSVC’s mentorship with Thrivent broke through some of those stigmas and allowed students to imagine possibly working at a larger company. After touring Thrivent, Gloege affirmed that some of her students expanded their career pathways. BestPrep connected Gloege’s students with employees from different Thrivent departments. BestPrep is a free, Minnesota-based nonprofit that connects schools and businesses to inspire students to think beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences and mentorship. Gloege spoke about how this was a unique challenge for BestPrep to match a company with an alternative learning center, such as Crossroads School & Vocational Center (CSVC). BestPrep, Gloege, Thrivent eMentors and the 16 CSVC

students worked together to make this a beneficial learning experience. Part of the success of the mentorship is the curriculum focus on how to pursue a career, providing Google Classroom templates for students and student weekly correspondence with eMentor. CSVC students were given a prompt each week to ask their eMentor about job related items, such resumes and more. BestPrep’s mentorship program and other work experience projects go toward preparing students for MAAP STARS (Minnesota Association of Alternative

Programs Success, Teamwork, Achievement, Recognition and Self-esteem) state competition, which was held in April. The competition focused on career and college readiness. “It all has to do with expanding students’ education outside the classroom,” stated Gloege. “If students only listen and learn about opportunities, that can be isolating. If they can visualize and have experiences outside of the classroom, in the workforce, students will be motivated to focus on skills they need and have a stronger purpose in the classroom.”

The following are the results from the recent MAAP STARS State Competition held in Bloomington on April 11-12. State champions of Lifesmarts: Saints Academy Team (L-R) Alex Bush, Ryan Luukkonen, Tanner Pegors, Josh Asher. Lifesmarts is a jeopardystyle game with general knowledge questions in the categories of safety, financial literacy, health and science and citizenship. Saints Academy competed with 27 teams from all over Minnesota.

JULIE GLOEGE, WORK BASED LEARNING COORDINATOR/SAINTS ONLINE TEACHER

Oakridge Auto Body Inc.

763-434-4772

763-434-7373

COLLISION SPECIALISTS

Recommended by insurance companies • Friendly and dependable service Ask about a free loaner car • Owners John and Lori Buchta

23428 Hwy. 65 NE • 2 Blks. S of CR 24 on Hwy. 65

Every Friday 2:00-6:00 p.m. May 25 through September 28!

East Bethel Royalty attended this year’s Ham Lake Lions Empty Bowl event. The East Bethel Scholarship Program promotes young women volunteering and getting involved in their communities. Want more information on being a part of the East Bethel Scholarship Program? Email us at EBSPCandidacy@gmail.com. Pictured are East Bethel Princess Alexis Flaten, Miss East Bethel Savannah Fairfield and our two East Bethel Little Misses, Lucy Thell and Kayla Dorn. SUBMITTED BY TORI LARSON, BOARD MEMBER, EAST BETHEL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Saturday, May 19 9:00 a.m.-NOON Held in the

Nowthen Fire Department

400 WEST DUAL BOULEVARD

Looking north side of the Isanti Liquor Store for more vendors to Contact Katie Everett • 763-444-5512 join our isantiparks@cityofisanti.us isantifamilyfarmersmarket.org market!

FREE

ESTIMATES

(next to recycle center)

The City of Nowthen in partnership with Dr. Stanley Fagerness, DVM will be holding its annual pet clinic. Fees: Rabies: $15.00 Dog License: (Nowthen residents): $3.00 (1) one year; $5.00 (2) two year; $8.00 (3) three year Other vaccinations available at additional cost. Call 763-441-1347 for further information needed. All Community Residents Welcome

• New Construction • Remodel • Commercial • Residential • Service

612-369-7906

Dave Feders centralheatcool@gmail.com

All Major Brands

www.CentralHVACmn.com

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Nonprofit Spotlight — Andover YMCA KATRINNA DODGE STAFF WRITER

With the recent April snowfalls, it is hard to think summer is just around the corner. It is really only a few weeks before school is out, the sun is shining and the weather breaks 80 degrees. This summer is the perfect time to expand your child’s learning by enrolling in a summer class or camp at the Andover YMCA. “Camp gives kids the opportunity to build confidence in their own interests and abilities,” stated Katie O’Toole, Andover YMCA day camp and outreach programs director. “It continues to further their interest in wonder.” “We get kids that come for a week at a time and you can see changes in that time,” continued O’Toole. “We have kids that attend almost the whole summer and to see the changes from the beginning to the end of the summer is incredible. One of my favorite things at camp is to see kids hit their first bullseye after practicing all day and how proud they are of themselves.” “It can be arts and crafts; a kid made something really awesome and they are so proud of it,” elaborated O’Toole. “To see them get that confidence in what they’ve done and what they can do fuels them to try more things.” O’Toole indicated the community that the YMCA cultivates allows participants to feel comfortable and

explore possibilities across all programs. “The YMCA brings people together. I get kids in my after school program that do a sport and you can see that reflected—you are a baseball kid or a hockey kid,” observed O’Toole. She continued that the youth programs at the YMCA brings those kids together

and forces them to learn about different opportunities in their own community and breaking down preconceived notions. The Andover YMCA offers a plethora of classes and camps for youth, including horseback riding, archery, theater and boating. Their 2018 Youth

YMCA staff member helps campers launch their kayaks on Lake George in Oak Grove. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Summer Programs serve youth of all ages and include YMCA Day Camp Guy Robinson, Summer Power and Summer Uproar. Camp Guy Robinson is a day camp offered June 11-August 31 at Lake George Regional Park. It offers three different categories: day camp, speciality camps and teen quest. The day camps are more traditional and include hiking, canoeing, archery and more for ages 4-11. Speciality camps focus on certain areas of interest, such as water exploration, teens and leaders, and arts and imagination. Teen Quest is a week-long camp for grades 7-8 that has the group plan some of their camp activities. Youth have a chance to go climbing, boating, mountain biking and much more. Andover YMCA has expanded its bus stop locations this summer, including Twins Lake Elementary in Elk River, Star of the North Academy in East Bethel and Horizons Church in Ham Lake. Visit daycampguyrobinson.org for more details on bus stops and before/ after care. Visit daycampguyrobinson. org to register. Summer Power is a flexible full-day enrichment program June 11-August 31 for grades 1-5 focused on quality CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Full repairs on ATV, UTV, boats, jet skis and all makes and models of lawn and garden equipment! Have your snowmobiles and snowblowers serviced so they are ready for next winter.

POWER EQUIPMENT

Stop in and see our line of Louisiana Pellet Grills.

Serving the Community for 15 Years

1815 Viking Boulevard NE East Bethel, MN 55011

Make your spring clean-up a snap with our full line of Simplicity and Ferris Commercial mowers and attachments.

Mon-Thurs 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Stop in for our Spring Trade show Special Pricing for the month of May. Select items up to

POWER EQUIPMENT

40% OFF

1815 Viking Boulevard NE • East Bethel, MN 763-434-6900 • www.PlowWorld.com

Smoke, grill and bake in your own backyard.

0% for 48 Months

See dealer for

FINANCING AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT more information.

763-434-6900 • www.PlowWorld.com New & Used Equipment • Parts • Service

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Lions Roar

MOLLIE ZIEBART ST. FRANCIS LIONS

Hi. I’m Lion Mollie and I’m writing to let you know what the St. Francis Lions have been up to lately. I have been a member for a little over a year now and have really enjoyed my experience so far and look forward to many more. This group of Lions is a hard-working, fun loving group of community members. Our St. Francis chapter is about 30 strong. We believe that we all benefit when our community is strengthened. We believe we all can do something to make that happen. Historically we have raised money to support agencies that help others such as diabetes research, programs that support individuals, disaster relief, youth programs, Cando Canines, as well as programs that help with vision and hearing issues worldwide. We have partnerships with the Boy Scouts, St. Francis Little Ambassadors, NACE and more. We have had a busy few months with our Easter Bingo event. We had a record number of participants (165); thanks to all those who attended. Our Easter Egg Hunt brought over 300 kids and we helped with the NACE Empty Bowls event. We are gearing up for St. Francis Pioneer Days (June 8-10) and will be organizing the softball tourney. The grand prize is $500, so sign your team up early to guarantee a spot. We also partner with others on the 5K and kids runs, and much more. Keep your eyes peeled for information, which will be posted in the June issue of The Courier. Information regarding Pioneer Days will also be available at www. stfrancischamber.org and on the St. Francis Lions Facebook page. If you haven’t attended these events, I really encourage you to do so. They CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Andover YMCA small group, age-appropriate activities and group games. Youth participate in educational and healthy living activities each theme week that tackles a new subject area, such as swim lessons, arts and crafts, nature, music and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Summer Uproar is a full-day experienced-based enrichment program June 11-August 31 that encourages youth grades 6-8 to explore, increase understanding and build independence while having fun. Youth spend their Mondays-Fridays in fun group activities, going on field trips and visiting amusement and water parks. Enroll your child today by visiting ymcamn.org/andoversummer or by visiting Andover YMCA Community Center’s front desk and picking up the summer brochure. Enrollment for YMCA summer programs is available for members and non-members.

are fun events that help strengthen our community. I especially like the benefits we do for community members. It is an amazing thing to witness so many people coming together to show their love, support and faith in assisting a friend. These events usually have baskets to bid on and a meal that we prepare. It is hard to put into words what I have seen at these events, but I always walk out of there proud at what we have helped accomplish with the event. It is important for the family and the individual going through their struggle to know they aren’t alone and that they are loved. For me it has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience to be a St. Francis Lion. Some things you might not know is that the Lions raised the money to build the pavilion and fencing at Lions Park. We gave money for the sidewalk in front of McDonald’s. We started the Community Garden. We funded a fancy drinking fountain at the middle school, and the Dictionary Project for third grade students, to name a few. We are always looking for new members. We meet three Wednesdays a month for an hour or so. You don’t have to be a member to help with events—

just contact us if you’re interested in helping out. Our traditional events that we do that I haven’t mentioned would be things such as Night to Unite, Breakfast with Santa and the Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show with the Lioness, Thanksgiving Bingo, the community party, scholarships for St. Francis High School graduates, helping the St. Francis Community For

Drug Awareness with the warrior run and mock car crash, holiday baskets to seniors, the Veterans program and breakfast, various pancake fundraisers, fire prevention event with the St. Francis Fire Department as well as the events already listed and more! For more information call St. Francis True Value Hardware at 763-753-1265 or follow St. Francis Lions on Facebook.

Buy with confidence. Sell with success!

Cassie Clem Realtor®

612-213-9403 clemhomes@gmail.com www.cassandraclemhomes.com 23624 St. Francis Blvd. NW, Suite 5 St. Francis, MN 55070

LDK

Tax and Accounting

Lynn Karasch, MBA, CPA

Specializing in Individual & Small Business Returns By appointment Fax 763-434-4739 Phone 763-413-3090 www.ldkaccounting.com

Open year round for all of your accounting needs. • Accounting and Bookkeeping Services • Consulting • Payroll Services • Business Startup Services

Tax Preparation

urier 2018 to receive

Mention this ad with Promo Co

er m m u S e n O F F O 5 istration!

CampialRclasesgfor new students. FREE Tr

Available at two convenient locations—

Cedar Creek Community School and St. Francis Elementary School Summer Kids Connection childcare offers a safe, nurturing atmosphere for children that brings summer fun to a whole new level. Flexible options for parents. Grades: Age 4 through completion of grade 5 Hours: 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Dates: June 5–August 28 (closed July 4) Care provided at St. Francis Elementary for all children on August 27 & 28. Summer Kids Connection provides a variety of learning activities and recreational experiences to fill each day. Fun weekly field trips and summer activities. Registration forms available online at www.isd15.org/kc or call

763-213-1641 or 763-213-1616.

Call, email or visit our website for information about… Gymnastics  Dance  Cheer  Academic Preschool Ninja Zone  Birthday Parties  Open Gym Preschool Events  Skill Clinics Movie Nights  Nerf Kidz Nights  Theater

Inspiring Kids to Become LIFE CHAMPIONS! Visit our new 43,000 sq ft building

at 1460 133rd Lane NE in Ham Lake.

763-413-0647 www.jamhops.com

customerservice@jamhops.com

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Financial Focus

BLAKE CHEELEY EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Make sure you choose the right financial professional What kind of lifestyle do you hope to have in retirement? Do you have a strategy to get there? If you don’t have confidence in your plan, it may be time to engage a financial professional. But how do you choose the one who’s right for you? These days, you have more options than ever, including so-called robo-advisors. Robo-advisors typically use algorithms to assemble investment portfolios, with little to no human supervision, after customers answer questions online. Generally, robo-advisors are fairly cheap, and their recommendations are usually based on sound investment principles such as

diversification. When considering a roboadvisor, you should determine if an algorithm can address your needs as well as a human being, someone who actually becomes familiar with your life and all aspects of your financial situation. A robo-advisor can’t really handle the new wrinkles that will inevitably pop up, such as when you change jobs and you’d like to know what to do with your 401(k) from your previous employer—leave the money in that employer’s plan, transfer the account to the new employer’s plan or roll it over to an IRA. You probably couldn’t receive a personalized evaluation of your options, based on your individual goals

and circumstances, from a robo-advisor. If you decide to work with an individual financial professional, what should you look for from this person? Here are a few questions you might want to ask: Who is your typical client? By asking this question, you may get a sense of whether a particular financial advisor has experience working with people in your financial situation and with goals similar to yours. What’s important to you? The quality of your relationship with your financial advisor is important; after all, you may be working with this person for decades and he or

St. Francis Pioneer Days June 8th-10th

she likely will be involved with many of your most personal decisions. Consequently, you’ll want to work with someone you connect with on an individual level as well as a professional one. If an advisor seems to share your values and appears to have good rapport with you, it could be a positive sign for the future. How will we communicate and how often? If you’re interviewing candidates, ask them how often they will meet with you in person. At a minimum, an advisor should see you once a year to review your progress and suggest changes. Will they also call or e-mail you with suggestions throughout the year? Are you free to contact them whenever you like? Will you get a real, live person every time you call? Will they send out newsletters or other

You talk. We listen. In person. Blake A Cheeley, CRPC®, AAMS®

Live Music

Financial Advisor

Community Park Tent

Friday

Univers of Minnesota University Raptor Center Show

Saturday

*****

The Fish Tone Rockers

Sunday

Gravel Roads

Buttons & Coupon Books Available Soon at Local Businesses

ntrants E e d a Par Wanted

Ages 4-11 sit on a pedal tractor and drag a weighted sled as far as they can go

Friday

SFHS Robotics Club Demo

Saturday

Volunteer Opportunities stfrancischamber.org 763.438.5163

www.edwardjones.com

Bethel Fire & Rescue

Spaghetti Dinner FUNDRAISER

Grand Parade Raptor Center Show Pony Rides & Petting Zoo

Saturday, May 5

Fireworks

Sponsored by and held at

Sunday

Presented by the

Member SIPC

7th Annual

Saturday, 10 minutes after dusk St. Francis High School Vendors & C r a ft I n th e P a r k e r s Pony Rides & Petting Zoo W a n te d Kids Pedal Tractor Pull St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce

23306 Cree Street NW Suite 102 St. Francis, MN 55070 763-753-2988

Pony Rides & Petting Zoo

Party Patrol DJ The Wonderful World of Woody

communications to update you on changes in the investment world? If so, can you see some samples of the communication vehicles they send to clients? How do you get compensated? Some financial advisors work on a fee basis, some on commissions, and some use a combination of both. Find out how your advisor will be compensated, when you’ll need to make payments and how much you’ll be expected to pay. By asking the right questions, you should get a good sense of whether a particular advisor is right for you. And since this likely will be one of the most important professional relationships you have, you’ll want a good feeling about it, right from the beginning. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Carnival All 3 Days Located in Community Park

4:00-8:00 p.m.

Bethel Community Church

23850 Dewey Street NW • Bethel

Numerous Raffles • Bake Sale • Door Prizes

Join us at the After Party!

At the Dugout Bar & Grill 158 Main Street in Bethel $

Bingo starts at 8:30 p.m.

1,000 COVER-ALL

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

St. Francis 2017 Drinking Water Report SUBMITTED BY CITY OF ST. FRANCIS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Making Safe Drinking Water Your drinking water comes from a groundwater source: three wells ranging from 229 to 417 feet deep. They draw water from the Mt. Simon and Quaternary Buried Artesian aquifers. St. Francis works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking water and how to protect our precious water resources. If you have questions about St. Francis’ drinking water, contact St. Francis Public Works at 763-233-5200. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the amount of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for most people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the amount of certain contaminants in bottled water. Bottled water must provide the same public health protection as public tap water. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

St. Francis Monitoring Results This report contains our monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2017. We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100 contaminants. It is not unusual to detect contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may be harmful to their health. Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage Basics of Monitoring and Testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota (http://www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/ sampling.html). How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables The tables below show the contaminants we found last year or the most recent time we sampled for that contaminant. They also show the levels of those contaminants and the Environmental Protection Agency’s limits. Substances that we tested for but did not find are not included in the tables. We sample for some contaminants less

than once a year because their levels in water are not expected to change from year to year. If we found any of these contaminants the last time we sampled for them, we included them in the tables below with the detection date. We may have done additional monitoring for contaminants that are not included in the Safe Drinking Water Act. To request a copy of these results, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Definitions  AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.  EPA: Environmental Protection Agency  MCL (Maximum contaminant level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

 MCLG (Maximum contaminant level goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.  Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.  Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.  MRDL (Maximum residual disinfectant level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. • MRDLG (Maximum residual disinfectant level goal): The level of

a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.  NA (Not applicable): Does not apply.  NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): A measure of the cloudiness of the water (turbidity).  pCi/l (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.  ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion in water is like one drop in one billion drops of water, or about one drop in a swimming pool. ppb is the same as micrograms per liter (μg/l).  ppm (parts per million): One part per million is like one drop in one million drops of water, or about one cup in a swimming pool. ppm is the same as milligrams per liter (mg/l).  PWSID: Public water system identification.  TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

St. Francis Monitoring Results LEAD AND COPPER – Tested at customer taps Number of EPA’s EPA’s 90% of Results Homes with (Date, if sampled in Ideal Goal previous year) Action Level (MCLG) Were Less Than High Levels Violation Copper 90% of homes less 0 ppm 0.56 ppm 0 out of 20 NO (07/20/17) than 1.3 ppm Lead 90% of homes less 0 ppb 0.81 ppb 1 out of 20 NO (07/20/17) than 15 ppb INORGANIC & ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS – Tested in drinking water Highest Average or Range of EPA’s Contaminant Highest Single Detected (Date, if sampled in EPA’s Limit Ideal Goal previous year) (MCL) (MCLG) Test Result Test Results Violation Contaminant

Nitrate

10.4 ppm

10 ppm

0.71 ppm

N/A

Typical Sources Corrosion of household plumbing. Corrosion of household plumbing.

Typical Sources Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

Combined 5.4 pCi/l 0 pCi/l 1.3 pCi/l N/A NO Erosion of natural deposits. Radium CONTAMINANTS RELATED TO DISINFECTION – Tested in drinking water Highest EPA’s Average or Range of Substance Ideal Goal Highest Single Detected (Date, if sampled in EPA’s Limit (MCLG or previous year) (MCL or MRDL) MRDLG) Test Result Test Results Violation Typical Sources Total Haloacetic By-product of drinking 60 ppb N/A 6.2 ppb N/A NO Acids (HAA) water disinfection. 0.23 - 0.68 Water additive used to Total Chlorine 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.62 ppm NO ppm control microbes. Total By-product of drinking Trihalomethanes 80 ppb N/A 20.6 ppb N/A NO water disinfection. (TTHMs) OTHER SUBSTANCES – Tested in drinking water Highest Average or Range of EPA’s Substance Highest Single Detected (Date, if sampled in EPA’s Limit Ideal Goal previous year) (MCL) (MCLG) Test Result Test Results Violation Typical Sources Erosion of natural deposits; 0.60 - 0.70 Fluoride 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.67 ppm NO Water additive to promote ppm strong teeth.

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

St. Francis Drinking Water  Variances and Exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions. Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable) Fluoride: Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peerreviewed, scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in children and adults, even when there is availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses. Since studies show that optimal fluoride levels in drinking water benefit public health, municipal community water systems adjust the level of fluoride in the water to a concentration between 0.5 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm), with an optimal fluoridation goal between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm to protect your teeth. Fluoride levels below 2.0 ppm are not expected to increase the risk of a cosmetic condition known as enamel fluorosis.

Some People Are More Vulnerable to Contaminants in Drinking Water Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. The developing fetus and therefore pregnant women may also be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water. These people or their caregivers should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Rustic inspired shabby Chic Gift & boutique store

612.615.8125

22973 Rum River Boulevard NW across from Woodbury Park St. Francis

W O H S R A C St. Francis Friday Nite Rally

14th seas

Weather Permitting

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 5:00 P.M.-DUSK ST. FRANCIS CITY CENTRE Hwy 47 & Pederson Dr. NW St. Francis, Minnesota

FREE

For Everyone!

FOR RALLY INFORMATION, CALL DICK HENZ AT

763-753-1092

Sponsored by St. Francis Collision/Joe’s Hot Rod Shop, King’s County Market, St. Francis McDonald’s and other area merchants.

Surface water is the water in lakes, rivers, and streams above the surface of the land. Surface water supplies 25 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water. Contaminants can get in drinking water sources from the natural environment and from people’s daily activities. There are five main types of contaminants in drinking water sources.  Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources include sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, pets, and wildlife.  Inorganic contaminants include salts and metals from natural sources (e.g. rock and soil), oil and gas production, mining and farming operations, urban stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges.  Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to reduce or kill unwanted plants and pests. Sources include agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and commercial and residential properties.  Organic chemical contaminants include synthetic and volatile organic compounds. Sources include industrial processes and petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.  Radioactive contaminants such as radium, thorium, and uranium isotopes come from natural sources (e.g. radon gas from soils and rock), mining operations, and oil and gas production. The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your drinking water source(s) in a source water assessment, including:  How St. Francis is protecting your drinking water source(s);

 Nearby threats to your drinking water sources;  How easily water and pollution can move from the surface of the land into drinking water sources, based on natural geology and the way wells are constructed. Find your source water assessment at Source Water Assessments (www.health.state. mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa/) or call 651-201-4700 or 1-800818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lead in Drinking Water You may be in contact with lead through paint, water, dust, soil, food, hobbies, or your job. Coming in contact with lead can cause serious health problems for everyone. There is no safe level of lead. Babies, children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk. Lead is rarely in a drinking water source, but it can get in your drinking water as it passes through lead service lines and your household plumbing system. St. Francis provides high quality drinking water, but it cannot control the plumbing materials used in private buildings. Read below to learn how you can protect yourself from lead in drinking water. 1. Let the water run for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking if the water has not been turned on in over six hours. If you have a lead service line, you may need to let the water run longer. A service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the main water pipe under the street to your home.  You can find out if you have a lead service line by contacting your public water

20th Annual Anoka

REIMAGINE, REPURPOSE, RESTORE Bringing New Life to Old Things

JUNE 2 & 3, 2018 Admission is $5

($4 with this ad coupon)

Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Anoka County Fairgrounds Anoka, MN

Dealer Space

Available!

½ mile North of Hwy 10 on Ferry Street

Metro Promotions, Inc. • Ham Lake, MN 55304 • 763-434-6664 www.metropromos.com • Email: kwel16421@aol.com

system, or you can check by following the steps at: Are your pipes made of lead? Here’s a quick way to find out (https://www.mprnews. org/story/2016/06/24/nprfind-lead-pipes-in-yourhome).  The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure. 2. Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. Hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold water. 3. Test your water. In most cases, letting the water run and using cold water for drinking and cooking should keep lead levels low in your drinking water. If you are still concerned about lead, arrange with a laboratory to test your tap water. Testing your water is important if young children or pregnant women drink your tap water.  Contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to get a sample container and instructions on how to submit a sample: Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (https://apps.health. state.mn.us/eldo/public/ accreditedlabs/labsearch. seam) The Minnesota Department of Health can help you understand your test results. 4. Treat your water if a test shows your water has high levels of lead after you let the water run.  Read about water treatment units: Point-of-Use Water Treatment Units for Lead Reduction (http://www. health.state.mn.us/divs/ eh/water/factsheet/com/ poulead.html) Learn More  Visit Lead in Drinking Water (http://www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/ water/contaminants/lead. html#Protect)  Visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (http://www.epa.gov/ safewater/lead)  Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-4264791. To learn about how to reduce your contact with lead from sources other than your drinking water, visit Lead Poisoning Prevention: Common Sources (http:// www.health.state.mn.us/divs/ eh/lead/sources.html).

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Oak Grove 2017 Drinking Water Report SUBMITTED BY CITY OF OAK GROVE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Making Safe Drinking Water Your drinking water comes from the following groundwater sources: Oak Grove - Ponds System purchases water from St. Francis and your system has a 251-foot-deep well that draws water from the Wonewoc Sandstone aquifer. Oak Grove - Ponds System works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking water and how to protect our precious water resources. Contact Matt Anderson, Assistant Public Works Director, at 763-404-7000 or manderson@ci.oak-grove.mn.us if you have questions about Oak Grove - Ponds System’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for most people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the amount of certain contaminants in bottled water. Bottled water must provide the same public health protection as public tap water. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Oak Grove - Ponds System Monitoring Results This report contains our monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2017. We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100 contaminants. It is not unusual to detect contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may be harmful to their health. Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage Basics of Monitoring and Testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota (http://www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/factsheet/com/ sampling.html). How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables The tables below show the contaminants we found last year or the most recent time we sampled for that contaminant. They also show the

levels of those contaminants and the Environmental Protection Agency’s limits. Substances that we tested for but did not find are not included in the tables. We sample for some contaminants less than once a year because their levels in water are not expected to change from year to year. If we found any of these contaminants the last time we sampled for them, we included them in the tables below with the detection date. We may have done additional monitoring for contaminants that are not included in the Safe Drinking Water Act. To request a copy of these results, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Definitions  AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.  EPA: Environmental Protection Agency  MCL (Maximum contaminant level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.  MCLG (Maximum contaminant level goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is

no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.  Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.  Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.  MRDL (Maximum residual disinfectant level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. • MRDLG (Maximum residual disinfectant level goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.  NA (Not applicable): Does not apply.  NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units): A measure of the cloudiness of the water (turbidity).  pCi/l (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.

 ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion in water is like one drop in one billion drops of water, or about one drop in a swimming pool. ppb is the same as micrograms per liter (μg/l).  ppm (parts per million): One part per million is like one drop in one million drops of water, or about one cup in a swimming pool. ppm is the same as milligrams per liter (mg/l).  PWSID: Public water system identification.  TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.  Variances and Exemptions: State or EPA permission not to meet an MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions.

Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable) Some People Are More Vulnerable to Contaminants in Drinking Water Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Oak Grove Monitoring Results LEAD AND COPPER – Tested at customer taps Number of EPA’s EPA’s Ideal Goal 90% of Results Homes with Action Level (MCLG) Were Less Than High Levels Violation Copper 90% of homes less 0 ppm 0.88 ppm 1 out of 10 NO (07/29/15) than 1.3 ppm Lead 90% of homes less 0 ppb 0.5 ppb 0 out of 10 NO (07/29/15) than 15 ppb INORGANIC & ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS – Tested in drinking water Highest Average or Range of EPA’s Contaminant Detected (Date, if sampled in EPA’s Limit Ideal Goal Highest Single previous year) (MCL) (MCLG) Test Result Test Results Violation Contaminant

(Date, if sampled in previous year)

Arsenic (01/06/14)

10.4 ppb

0 ppb

0.72 ppb

N/A

Barium (12/28/16)

2 ppm

0.09 ppm

N/A

CONTAMINANTS RELATED TO DISINFECTION – Tested in drinking water Highest EPA’s Average or Range of Substance Ideal Goal Highest Single Detected (Date, if sampled in EPA’s Limit (MCLG or previous year) (MCL or MRDL) MRDLG) Test Result Test Results Violation Total Trihalomethanes 80 ppb N/A 14.4 ppb N/A NO (TTHMs) Total Haloacetic 60 ppb N/A 3.5 ppb N/A NO Acids (HAA) 0.23 - 0.50 Total Chlorine 4.0 ppm 4.0 ppm 0.43 ppm NO ppm

Typical Sources Corrosion of household plumbing. Corrosion of household plumbing.

Typical Sources Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production. Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposit.

Typical Sources By-product of drinking water disinfection. By-product of drinking water disinfection. Water additive used to control microbes.

MAY 2018

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Oak Grove Drinking Water developing fetus and therefore pregnant women may also be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water. These people or their caregivers should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800426-4791.

Learn More about Your Drinking Water Drinking Water Sources Minnesota’s primary drinking water sources are groundwater and surface water. Groundwater is the water found in aquifers beneath the surface of the land. Groundwater supplies 75 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water. Surface water is the water in lakes, rivers, and streams above the surface of the land. Surface water supplies 25 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water. Contaminants can get in drinking water sources from the natural environment and from people’s daily activities. There are five main types of contaminants in drinking water sources.  Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources include sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, pets, and wildlife.  Inorganic contaminants include salts and metals from natural sources (e.g. rock and soil), oil and gas production, mining and farming operations, urban stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges.  Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to reduce or kill unwanted plants and pests. Sources include agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and commercial and residential properties.  Organic chemical contaminants include synthetic and volatile organic compounds. Sources include industrial processes and petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.  Radioactive contaminants such as radium, thorium, and uranium isotopes come from natural sources (e.g. radon gas from soils and rock), mining operations, and oil and gas production. The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your drinking water source(s) in a source water assessment, including:  How Oak Grove - Ponds System is protecting your drinking water source(s);  Nearby threats to your drinking water sources;  How easily water and pollution can move from the surface of the land into drinking water sources, based on natural geology and the way wells are constructed.

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Find your source water assessment at Source Water Assessments (www.health. state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa/) or call 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lead in Drinking Water You may be in contact with lead through paint, water, dust, soil, food, hobbies, or your job. Coming in contact with lead can cause serious health problems for everyone. There is no safe level of lead. Babies, children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk. Lead is rarely in a drinking water source, but it can get in your drinking water as it passes through lead service lines and your household plumbing system. Oak Grove - Ponds System provides high quality drinking water, but it cannot control the plumbing materials used in private buildings. Read below to learn how you can protect yourself from lead in drinking water. 1. Let the water run for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking if the water has not been turned on in over six hours. If you have a lead service line, you may need to let the water run longer. A service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the main water pipe under the street to your home.  You can find out if you have a lead service line by contacting your public water system, or you can check by following the steps at: Are your pipes made of lead? Here’s a quick way to find out (www.mprnews.org/ story/2016/06/24/npr-find-leadpipes-in-your-home).  The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure. 2. Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. Hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold water. 3. Test your water. In most cases, letting the water run and using cold water for drinking and cooking should keep lead levels low in your drinking water. If you are still concerned about lead, arrange with a laboratory to test your tap water. Testing your water is important if young children or pregnant women drink your tap water.  Contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to get a sample container and instructions on how to submit a sample: Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (https:// apps.health.state.mn.us/eldo/public/ accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam) The Minnesota Department of Health can help you understand your test results. 4. Treat your water if a test shows your water has high levels of lead after you let the water run.  Read about water treatment units: Point-of-Use Water Treatment Units

for Lead Reduction (http://www. health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/ factsheet/com/poulead.html) Learn More  Visit Lead in Drinking Water (http:// www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/ contaminants/lead.html#Protect)  Visit Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (http://www.epa.gov/ safewater/lead)  Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. To learn about how to reduce your contact with lead from sources other than your drinking water, visit Lead Poisoning Prevention: Common Sources (www. health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/ sources.html).

Help Protect Our Most Precious Resource – Water Conservation Conservation is essential, even in the land of 10,000 lakes. For example, in parts of the metropolitan area, groundwater is being used faster than it can be replaced. Some agricultural regions in Minnesota are vulnerable to drought, which can affect crop yields and municipal water

supplies. We must use our water wisely. Below are some tips to help you and your family conserve and save money in the process.  Fix running toilets—they can waste hundreds of gallons of water.  Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.  Shower instead of bathe. Bathing uses more water than showering, on average.  Only run full loads of laundry, and set the washing machine to the correct water level.  Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.  Use water-efficient appliances (look for the WaterSense label).  Use water-friendly landscaping, such as native plants.  When you do water your yard, water slowly, deeply, and less frequently. Water early in the morning and close to the ground.  Learn more  Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Conserving Water webpage (www.pca.state.mn.us/living-green/ conserving-water)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage (www.epa.gov/watersense)

FIAL at East Central Regional Library Outreach GERALD GOLDEN

FRIENDS OF THE ISANTI AREA LIBRARY

The Friends of the Isanti Area Library invite you to visit our East Central Regional Library Outreach site in the Isanti City Hall at 200 First Avenue NW. It’s open from 12:00-4:00 p.m. each Wednesday, and offers a helpful librarian, Tim, and a computer for public use, provided by the Friends of Isanti Area Library (FIAL). There is even a volunteer on hand from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to assist you with the computer and printer. We are collecting donated books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks for our book sales. Also, when Amazon orders are placed at smile.amazon.com a percentage is donated by Amazon to Friends at no cost to you. Simply log in to smile.amazon.com and specify Friends of the Isanti Area Library as the charity you wish to support. Community members are welcome to join the FIAL at their fun planning meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Isanti. For more information or to be included on our mailing list, contact Susi@ IsantiLibrary.org or 763-444-4585.

Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility Hours to Change MAGGIE YAUK

ANOKA COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION, PLANNING AND POLICY SPECIALIST

The Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility schedule changed to warm weather hours of operation. Warm weather hours started April 1 and will run through October 2018. The facility will be open Wednesdays from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The facility will be closed Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, the facility will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28; Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4; and Labor Day, Monday, September 3. The facility is located at 3230 101st Avenue NE in Blaine, off Radisson Road. Household hazardous wastes 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 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. The use of this facility is for residents only; businesses, organizations and schools may not bring hazardous waste to the facility. Waste materials 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, more information, or directions to the facility, call Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400 or visit AnokaCounty.us/recycle.

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Meetings, Benefits & Events

St. Francis Area Schools

Community Service

Business

Seniors

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: May 14 Dialogue with the School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. and May 29 Retiree Recognition 6:00 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.

NORTH ANOKA COUNTY FOODSHELF (NACE) Provides food and clothing for people in need through the generosity of our community. Hours of operation are: Monday 9:00 a.m.-Noon, Tuesday 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00-4:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00-11:00 a.m. NACE is located at 18511 Hwy. 65 NE, Suites 100, 200 in East Bethel. For more information, to donate or volunteer, please call 763-434-7685 or visit www.nacefoodshelf.org.

EDWARD JONES COFFEE CLUB Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at Bridge Street Coffee, 3122 Viking Blvd., Oak Grove.

OAK GROVE SENIORS Meet at noon the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, Oak Grove City Hall for a potluck and short business meeting, bingo follows. For information about the club and events, call Sandy Dabrowski at 763-689-1705.

City & Township Meetings ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover 763-755-5100 BETHEL CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m. 23820 Dewey Street, Bethel, 763-434-4366 NOWTHEN CITY COUNCIL Meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. 19800 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Nowthen 763-441-1347 EAST BETHEL CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. 2241 221st Avenue NE, East Bethel 763-367-7840 OAK GROVE CITY COUNCIL Meets 2nd & last Monday, 7:00 p.m. 19900 Nightingale Street NW, Oak Grove 763-404-7000 ST. FRANCIS CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Monday, 6:00 p.m. St. Francis Area Schools Central Services Center, St. Francis 763-753-2630 STANFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m. 5050 261st Avenue NW, Isanti, 763-444-6370

Health & Fitness NEW EAST BETHEL TOPS Weight loss support group meeting. Meeting held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1450 237th Avenue NE, East Bethel, Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to their first meeting free of charge with no obligation. TOPS CHAPTER MN #1774 Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Check out a meeting or visit www.tops.org.

American Legion AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 622 – ST. FRANCIS General membership meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the auxiliary are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. AMERICAN LEGION POST 622 – ST. FRANCIS General membership meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234.

LONG LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH Invites you to join us for GriefShare Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Free. We are located five miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47. For more information please contact Sharon Sudeith at 763-444-4483 or visit www. longlakeluth.org. For general information on the GriefShare program, visit www. griefshare.org. GRIEFSHARE Grief recovery support group: Meets at First Baptist Church in St. Francis each Wednesday beginning April 4-June 27, 7:00-8:30 pm. Child care is provided. The church is located 22940 St. Francis Blvd NW. GriefShare is a 14 week program to provide help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. For more information, call Mike or Sharon at 763-4420401 or visit GriefShare.org

AA/NA AA/NA Meeting at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel. NA on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., AA on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., NA on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. AA Meets at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Area Chambers of Commerce ST. FRANCIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board meeting is the third Wednesday (May 16) of each month, 11:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street, St. Francis. Meetings are open to the public. Visit our www. stfrancischamber.org or call 763-438-5163 for more details. NORTH 65 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For more information about the North 65 Chamber visit www.north65chamber.com. EAST BETHEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board meeting is May 22, 8:00-9:00 a.m. at Aggressive Hydraulics, 18800 Ulysses Street NE, Cedar. Visit www.eastbethelchamber. com for more info. HAM LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board of Directors meeting is May 16, 9:00 a.m., location to be determined. Visit www.hamlakechamber for location and more information.

Lions/Lioness CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB Meets bimonthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at Maxx’s Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 65. Call Judy Ricke at 763-226-4893. OAK GROVE LIONS CLUB Meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Oak Grove City Hall, 7:00 p.m., adjourning at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call Lion Mark Silvernagel at 763-753-2215. NOWTHEN LIONS CLUB Are you looking to serve in your community of Nowthen? Meet new friends? Have a lot of fun? Come join the Nowthen Lions Club! The Nowthen Lions meet at Nowthen City Hall on the first Thursday of the month for the board meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the membership meeting. Please email nowthenlions@yahoo.com. ST. FRANCIS LIONESS CLUB Meets monthly. First Wednesday, administrative board and third Wednesday, general membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall, 23340 Cree Street. For more information, call Mary Madden at 763-444-5020 or Cheryl Eldstrom at 763-753-4602 or email bluesage51@ gmail.com. ST. FRANCIS LIONS CLUB Meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. First Wednesday board meeting; second Wednesday regular business meeting; fourth Wednesday social and program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Kevin Schuldt for more information at 763-7531205 or visit www.stfrancismn.lionwap.org. CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB Meets the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Maxx’s Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 65. For membership information call Yvonne Johnson, 763-434-6985. We Serve!

Jobs! St. Francis Area Schools is looking for the following: Custodians, Educational Assistants, Nutrition Services, Bus Drivers and Substitutes. Please visit www.isd15.org and click on employment. Find your next job with MinnesotaJobs.com! We’ve been helping connect employers and job seekers for over 20 years. Visit our site to find your next job. We have employers with immediate openings for Direct Support Professionals, CDL Drivers, Machinists/ Tool Designers and much, much more. No registration necessary! Simply search and apply. Go to minnesotajobs.com to get started today!

ST. FRANCIS SENIORS Life is good when you can make new friends, get out and enjoy the multitude of activities that our community has to offer. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month, social time and lunch begins at noon, with the meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. and games until 3:00 p.m. FREE Coffee for Veterans, first Thursday of each month 8:30-10:30 a.m. We play cards, bingo, scrabble, cribbage, go on trips, lunch outings, have picnics and stay active as we get older. All meetings are at St. Francis City Hall Meeting Room, 23340 Cree Street NW, St. Francis. Come and see what we are about. Call Rollie Spier at 612501-0916 or Ray Steinke at 763-464-0100 for more info. EAST BETHEL SENIORS Dances are held 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $6, lunch included. The dance on Friday, May 4 will have old time music played by Michael Elsenpeter. Entertainment for June 1 will be by Jim Armstrong. Are you 55 or older? Come and enjoy some companionship. All are welcome. Seniors meet the third Thursday of each month for a business meeting and catered noon lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; second Wednesday of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon; fourth Wednesday is crafts only, 9:00 a.m.-noon. We also go on tours, etc. Rent the Senior Center, call Dennis at 763-434-9244. Join East Bethel Seniors for $10 a year and receive a monthly newsletter. The East Bethel Senior Center is located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.

Have an engagement, wedding or birth announcement or an article you would like published in The Courier? Use the convenient online submission form at www.the-courier.org/submissions. Questions? Call 763-753-7031 for more info.

CONTACT The Courier ONLINE

www.the-courier.org

Like us on Facebook, St. Francis Area Schools, The Courier Check out our Instagram

BY PHONE

763-753-7031

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

IN PERSON

4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

BY MAIL

The Courier 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

School Board Highlights School Board Highlights KATRINNA DODGE

STAFF WRITER

March 26, 2018 All school board members present. Cedar Creek Community School Site Report Kara Lofgren, dean of students, Jessica Marsolek, school social worker, teacher Heidi Wold and Shirley Meyers, presented Cedar Creek Community School’s site report to the school board of St. Francis Area Schools. They covered the success of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) initiative that have been successful in the 2017-18 school year. PBIS is a framework that assists staff with developing evidencebased behavioral interventions through organizational support that enhance academic and social behavior outcomes. Cedar Creek Community School (CCCS) was awarded $2,000 from the Minnesota Department of Education and received $15,000 from their parent-teacher organization toward PBIS. These funds contributed to purchasing Saints Pride t-shirts, printing Saints Pride tickets that reward positive behavior, training staff and creating a calming space in the counseling office to be used for special and general education students. Within the first year, PBIS has been correlated with the decrease in bus, class and playground referrals and

interventions by consistent expectations of behavior, providing center-based and structured play and through partnerships with other departments districtwide. Goals for the 2018-19 school year include continuing advocating for a positive school environment, defining classroom expectations and more decreases of below-theline behaviors. Crossroads School & Vocational Center Victory Garden Dave Berger, Crossroads School & Vocational Center teacher, Lynn Hagen, Mark Sorteberg and Gayle Bosewald, master gardeners, presented to the school board of St. Francis Area Schools on recent recognitions from their success with CSVC victory garden. They have been successful by engaging students in providing hands-on learning experiences to apply academic content and connecting socially with mentors. The produce grown and harvested from the garden is utilized by Nutrition Services to prepare school meals. Within the first curriculum year, CSVC Victory Garden has received local and national recognition in the fall 2017 issue of Source, a magazine published by University of Minnesota Extension, and in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture newsletter, a division of United States Department of Agriculture. Berger and Master Gardener volunteers also spoke about their program success at the 2018 Schoolyard Gardens Conference held at

School Board Members

School Board Meeting Schedule

Mike Starr Chairman

763-300-9110

Jill Anderson Vice-Chairwoman

612-270-0415

School board meetings are held in the Community Room at Central Services Center, located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis.

Sean Sullivan Clerk 763-807-0010 Rob Schoenrock Treasurer 763-232-7902 Barbara Jahnke Director 763-753-6846 Amy Kelly Director 763-744-8458 Marsha Van Denburgh Director 763-753-6653 Email: schoolboard@isd15.org

the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. St. Francis High School graduation to be held indoors The school board of St. Francis Area Schools had a heated discussion during the Superintendent Communication’s report surrounding the location of graduation. For the 2018 graduating class, commencement ceremonies will be held indoors due to the construction planned on the football field to adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Scheduled completion is prior to the beginning of the fall sport season. Updating school and sport facilities to be ADA compliant was an important initiative of the 2017 bond referendum that passed last November. School board members debated the importance of keeping graduation outdoors in future years due to districtwide right sizing and the $17,000 price tag for the 2017 St. Francis High School outdoors ceremony last year. Members in favor of making a practice to have graduation outdoors cited the importance of having more seating for the community and family members to celebrate this achievement with their students. A decision was made to review last year’s school board minutes and audio tapes to determine if a practice was agreed upon by the school board to make a concerted attempt to hold graduation outside annually.

School Board Highlights KATRINNA DODGE

STAFF WRITER

April 9, 2018 All school board members present. Oak Grove district property update Superintendent Troy Ferguson informed the school board of St. Francis Area Schools of three bids received to complete the 40-acres property appraisal in Oak Grove. Administration received quotes from Certified Appraisal Service for $500, Infinity Appraisal Service for $1,000 and Insight Realty for $2,000. The district purchased these 40-acres before the 2008 recession in hopes of future expansion. After the international financial crisis, the school district has been monitoring property values. With the current emphasis on right-sizing districtwide, the school board moved forward to appraise the Oak Grove property. Aligning semester schedules During the Superintendent Communication’s report, school board members of St. Francis Area Schools discussed changing the trimester schedule and graduation requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. This discussion was prompted by St. Francis High School peer leaders in response

to the school board’s inquiry of reducing physical education credits. Peer leaders felt uncomfortable re-examining the inquiry as they feel it pits departments against each other. Instead, peer leaders recommended considering the benefits and counteractive curriculum and human resource measures between trimester and semester schedules. The school board directed administration to gather information to present at a future meeting. Revisiting graduation practices Superintendent Troy Ferguson followed-up with school board members of St. Francis Area Schools regarding a practice to have future St. Francis High School commencement ceremonies outdoors. Ferguson reported that a consensus to host 2017 graduation outdoors was made, but determined there was no resolution to create a practice for future ceremonies. Ferguson did admit that he could see how the discussion from last spring could be confusing as to whether there was a consensus or not concerning outdoor graduation. It was determined that a resolution needed to be passed to establish a practice of keeping graduation outdoors to accommodate larger crowds in the future. No motion was made at this school board meeting.

Monday, May 14 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 29 Retiree Recognition Program 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Mondays, June 11 & 25 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.

Darrin Hahn, Cedar Creek Community School principal, celebrated Saints Pride blue ticket winners with an end of the trimester grade-level pizza party. Students earned these tickets by being safe, being responsible and being respectful, an initiative of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports). Congratulations to some of our fourth-grade Saints Pride ticket winners: (L-R) Zoey Karaschin, Aubree Roeller, Ashton Rolf, Freya Altman, Vitaliy Zubkov, Quinn Klukas, Hunter Sanders and Kyle Schander.

PHOTO BY HEIDI WOLD, CCCS TEACHER

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Crossroads School & Vocational Center Site Report taking a tour. They were able to see the stadium where the Super Bowl was played in just one month earlier. Transition 15 program The staff at Transition 15 have been very busy this school year. We are focusing on three areas: 1. Life Skills—Independent Living Skills: money management, cooking, household responsibilities,

JAY POWELL

CSVC PRINCIPAL

Happy spring from the students and staff of Crossroads School & Vocational Center (CSVC) and Transition 15. We have all been working very hard this year— and this year has been a year of change. The biggest change has been the upcoming move of the CSVC programs to Bar None Residential Treatment Center. We have spent many months and will be spending many more months preparing for our 2018-19 new beginning. Our first step was to create one classroom at Bar None. With cooperation from Bar None and St. Francis Area Schools, we were able to start using this classroom this trimester. It has been going amazingly well. Crossroads School & Vocational Center What have we been doing at CSVC in the 2017-18 school year? The answer is many things. Here are just some of the fun things we have been doing. In language arts and reading classes, students have been working on the Martin Luther King essay contest. We have continued our DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day. In the wood shop, students have been making bird houses, step stools and wooden cooler holders on wheels.

and technology. 2. Biz World & Work Experiences 3. Community Participation: students have gone to other schools to make deliveries, tours, comparison shopping, recreation and leisure outings. Finally, look for many new exciting Biz World products!

St. Francis Area Schools receives 2018 School Finance Award Life Skills classroom in the Transition 15 program focuses on supplying students with money management, cooking, household responsibilities and technology. Pictured are: Rachel Hawkins, special education teacher, Judy Carlson, special education EA and students, Va Lor, RaeLynn Arens, Maxwell Luck and Joshua Thomsen. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Our resident artists have been painting, stippling, weaving and working with paper maché. Our science class and world famous Victory Garden have been busy with getting ready for planting season. This year, our garden has been featured in a national publication, presented at a national conference and featured in a video by University of Minnesota Extension. Another great aspect of the garden is the utilization of the vegetables. We have been using them in our

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Workforce “The program is still in its infancy,” Bjork said. “But seeing these kids operate machines, communicate with businesses and learn soft skills is incredibly exciting.” Relying on industry support “Administrative and community support can only go so far,” said St. Francis High School Principal Doug Austin. “It’s tough to find the funding for a program like this. We absolutely depend on industry help, especially as we get the program off the ground and are grateful for their generosity.” MMD Medical provided funding for a new vertical mill and 20-inch press. Bell Manufacturing in Northeast Minneapolis donated a hydraulic shear and many thousands of dollars of steel sheet and tubing. Ryerson Steel in Minneapolis donated thousands of pounds of steel for welding practice. C&C Machine Tool in Blaine discounted six new manual lathes and three new manual mills with digital read outs. Northland Screw Products, Inc. in St. Francis donated bar stock and also offered machining expertise to the program. These and other companies continue to support Saints Manufacturing by donating time, materials and money.

cooking class. We have also sent vegetables to St. Francis High School and CSVC’s cafeterias. In our work experience class, they have been going to our new PAES lab at the high school. Our special education staff have made great improvements for students. We have added sensory rooms, a calming room and movement room. Staff have been preparing for MCA testing. A highlight for our students was the Merit Log students going on a field trip to US Bank Stadium and

“There aren’t a lot of programs that teach fabrication,” said Judy Bell, vice president of Bell Manufacturing. “We’ve got to do our part to get more people interested and in the mix.” Brent Connolly, co-founder of C&C Machine Tool, believes getting kids interested starts in high school. “Ensuring strong programs at the high school level is beneficial for technical colleges and manufacturers alike,” said Connolly, who is also chair of the advisory committee at Hennepin Technical College. Rob Martinson, president of Northland Screw Products, Inc., is optimistic that Saints Manufacturing could be a stepping stone to future employment at his 40-person job shop. “Recruitment is a challenge across the board,” he said. “I’m hoping the program raises some enthusiasm for our industry and maybe steers a few students my way.” Indeed, Saints Manufacturing is capable of producing far more than parts or profits. The student-run shop has the capacity to produce the next generation of skilled workers in manufacturing and engineering—the product of collaboration between education and industry. This article is reprinted with permission from the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA), www.mpma.com.

KATRINNA DODGE

STAFF WRITER

St. Francis Area Schools is one of 469 reporting entities to meet the qualifying criteria for the 2018 School Finance Award from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). There is no application process for this annual award. MDE recognizes schools for meeting statutory deadlines for submission of audited fiscal financial data and reporting criteria. The criteria for the 2018 School Finance Award includes three parts: timely submission of financial data and compliance with Minnesota statutes; presence of select indicators of fiscal health; and accuracy in financial reporting.

Fast affordable

PRINTING including FREE DELIVERY to the St. Francis Area

612-588-8885 skylinegra@aol.com

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

• www.sannerudsavarese.com

1207 Constance Boulevard NE • Ham Lake, MN 55304

1/12

Call Michelle 763-586-0038

Michelle Anderson Michelle.Anderson@Results.net

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Sports & Outdoors SFHS gymnastics finishes strong in a challenging season ROB MEHREGAN

SFHS GYMNASTICS BOOSTER CLUB

The St. Francis High School gymnastics team wrapped-up a challenging season (3-6) in which more than half of the team were newcomers. Despite the challenges that come with a young and less seasoned team, the varsity Saints stayed competitive, finishing the season 26th overall out of the 59 section AA schools with gymnastics programs. And with varsity all-around scores flirting with 140, they have much to be proud of. Last season the team had three seniors who graduated and two more experienced gymnasts who did not return. For an already small team of only ten gymnasts, this was a big loss of talent. However, they started recruiting and spreading the word early last summer and were able to add eight new seventh-grade girls. This brought the team total up to 13 this season. Some of these girls came with years of Xcel and club competitive experience while others were

The 2017-18 St. Francis High School Gymnastics Team. First row (L-R): Gracie Huff, Felicia Bartell, Jessica Harklau, Kaisa Heckenlaible, Lia Mehregan, Taylor Wilson, Emma Oman, Savanna Lanz; second row (L-R): assistant coach Mickaela O’Malley, manager Kirsten Artz, Summer Helland, captain Jessi Mehregan, captain Allie Frank, Riley Lawin, Amelia Holm, coach Candi Johnson. PHOTO BY ROB MEHREGAN

relatively new to the sport. “With such a young group of girls on the team this year, some challenges presented early in the season,” commented coach Candi Johnson. “Over half of the team either needed new routines or skills added into their existing routines from Xcel/club. This took some time to put things 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

6/12

together but by mid-December, we were well on our way. We gradually progressed with each meet and peaked at the right time, the Section meet where we posted our highest score of the season—139.925.” The team had only one senior this year, captain Jessi Mehregan, who just wrapped up her fourth and personal best season with the Saints. When asked what she will miss the most, she said, “I will miss my friends. They were so supportive and I will miss being with them and being able to help them.” Team closeness is a major contributing factor to their

success. “If a teammate didn’t do as well as they hoped, the girls were there to give that person a hug and pick her up for the rest of the meet,” said assistant coach Mickaela O’Malley. This year, the older gymnasts led a weekly study table in which they offered focused time to help others on their team with the school work. The team also actively participates in community service by

volunteering at the St. Francis Elementary School Carnival, Pioneer Days, St. Francis High School Homecoming and conducting monthly roadside clean up. Looking ahead to next season, the future looks bright. Coach Johnson is “sure that 140.00 will be well within our reach.” One of the advantages of a young and growing team is there is a lot of potential.

Free Estimates!

763-444-9234

heatmizerglass@hotmail.com

ST. FRANCIS

AUTO PARTS Local one stop auto parts store with over 100,000 in stock parts and nationwide parts locating. FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Open 5 Days A Week — Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 763-753-4698 4140 St. Francis Blvd., just south of town on Hwy 47

H E A T

M I Z E R

“Give Uks” A Brea

Heat Mizer Glass, Inc. HOME & BUSINESS

New Construction • Commercial Remodeling and Repair Residential Windows & Doors Glass of All Types • Plastics Shower Doors • Mirrors

AUTO GLASS

Auto Glass Repaired & Replaced • RV Boat • Tractor & Heavy Equipment Insurance Specialists

30678 Hwy 47 NW MN Glass Cambridge, MN Association

Two St. Francis High School Saints gymnasts qualified for the state meet this year: Felicia Bartell (left) on vault and uneven bars and Summer Helland (right) on balance beam. Bartell placed sixth on vault with a score of 9.5875 and 14th on bars with a 9.3125. Helland placed 13th on beam with a 9.325. The state tournament took place February 23-25 at the University of Minnesota Maturi Pavilion.

ROB MEHREGAN, SFHS GYMNASTICS BOOSTER CLUB COMMUNICATIONS

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve upcoming events CAITLIN POTTER

CEDAR CREEK ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE RESERVE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Conservation on the Northern Plains Friday, May 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m. nature walk Free, adults recommended Conservation on the Northern Plains is a lecture and discussion cosponsored by the Cedar Creek Ecology Book Club. Here’s a unique opportunity to learn about plains and prairie conservation from a trio of local authors and scientists! Conservation on the Northern Plains: New Perspectives is a compilation of essays that examines the ecology, land use and conservation of one of North America’s largest biomes. Raymond Lindeman, an early Cedar Creek scientist, features prominently in one of the opening chapters. Join us for a short walk at 5:45 p.m., followed by a lecture and discussion at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to participate in a dissection of the book in advance of this event, please join the Ecology Book Club on April 25. 4-H Environmental Fun Fair at Springbrook Nature Center (OFFSITE) Saturday, May 5, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Free, family friendly Look for the Cedar Creek table at the 2nd annual 4-H Environmental Fun Fair at Springbrook Nature Center! We’re excited to participate in this youth-led event for the second year in a row. Arts and crafts, live animals, youth projects, interpretive hikes, and more. Native Trees and Shrubs—Spring Hike Friday, May 11, 4:45-7:00 p.m. $20, adults recommended, space is limited Spring is a great time to learn to distinguish woody plant species: some are in a rush to spread pollen or unfurl their leaf-buds, others are less hasty. Tender parts often have distinctive colors before fully matured. Expert botanist and longtime Cedar Creeker Barb Delaney will lead this leisurely hike to Cedar Bog Lake and around the forest edges near the Lindeman Center. We leave promptly at 4:45 p.m. and there is social time from 6:45-7:15 p.m. Ordinary outdoor footwear unless there’s been lots of rain. Open to all; register on the MN Master Naturalist website in the Advanced Training section. Update on Silvicultural Practices and the Logging Sector in Minnesota Tuesday, May 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Free, adults recommended Join your neighbors at Cedar Creek for a live broadcast of this month’s Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative webinar, part a monthly seminar series put on by the U of M Extension and the U of M Department of Forest Resources. The webinar will be shown live in the Lindeman Research and Discovery Center conference room. May’s speakers are Marcella Windmuller-Campione and Charline Blinn from the Department of Forest Resources! Bring your lunch. More details will be available on the Facebook page and at z.umn.edu/18web leading up to the event. Bison Project Q+A Saturday, May 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Free, family friendly Join Cedar Creek scientists for a question and

answer session about our new project using bison to restore oak savannas. Learn about the research, the bison, the ecosystem, and upcoming opportunities to visit the experiment in person! The program will start indoors at the Lindeman Research and Discovery Center, but may move out-doors to the bison enclosure partway through. Please note: the bison will not be onsite yet, so you will not get to view the animals at this time. Ecology Book Club at Cedar Creek Wednesday, May 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Free, adults recommended Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Cedar Creek. Our May book is The Rambunctious Garden by Emma Marris. Join us for a provocative discussion! No need to have finished the book to join in and no science background necessary. Questions? Email cedarcreekbookclub@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page. Wetland Swales in the New Bison Range Hike Friday, May 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m. $20, adults recommended, space limited and registration required This hike is geared for native plant enthusiasts. Expert naturalist Barb Delaney describe plant micro-habitats within the bison enclosure area before the beasts arrive! Barb’s research in Cedar Creek’s wetland swales has shown that water level fluctuations from year to year are to be a key disturbance that allow many species to live together in a small zone. Bison will add another kind of disturbance. How will plant populations respond? Hike will run rain or shine: come prepared for damp ground and sandy roads. Please meet at Fish Lake Nature Trail parking lot. Open to all; register on the MN Master Naturalist website. AVID Citizen Science Training Friday, June 8, 1:00-5:00 p.m.: $35, adults only, space is limited and registration required Are you interested in deer? Come learn more about the impacts of deer in Minnesota and help University of Minnesota researchers monitor their impacts on vegetation. In this session, you will get the training you need to become a citizen scientists volunteer for the AVID (Assessing Vegetative Impacts by Deer) program. You will learn how to recognize signs of deer impacts, how to identify the vegetation deer like to eat, and how to measure tree seedlings and submit your data. Open to all; register on the MN Master Naturalist website. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is located at 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE in East Bethel. Upcoming Events was originally published in Field Notes, Spring 2018, Cedar Creek’s Education and Community Engagement Newsletter. Visit cedarcreek.umn.edu/ed to learn more.

Adventures at Fish Lake RYAN HUMPHREY

CEDAR CREEK ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE RESERVE

On March 21, I visited Fish Lake Nature Trails for a second time in less than a week and it was my second time looking for Sandhill Cranes. Up until this week I had never seen one. I’m very new to the cranes! I just bought a DSLR and a zoom lens and have started to look for wildlife in Minnesota. Being the time of year it is, I’m currently looking to find the migrating birds Minnesota gets back in spring. After reading some articles about Sandhill Cranes I came across a Facebook comment about the noise coming from Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and decided to make the trip. My first visit was exactly as I expected: loud. I found it was quite easy to find the location of the cranes by their loud calls, but also discovered how aware they are of your presence. I didn’t get very close, the sound of the snow under my boots kept the cranes at a steady pace in my opposite direction. I was patient for the second visit. After getting close to the calls coming from the west side of the Fish Lake, I timed taking my steps to when they would call, reducing the possibility of being heard. As soon as I sighted the first one, I sat in the tall brush along side of the trail and waited. Within minutes there were 1015 grazing, calling, and jumping, all within 50 yards of me. I was able to sit and watch them for 15-20 minutes. It was really cool to see how they stick in pairs and call to each other from across the field. A few times a couple would take flight, only to land 50 yards away next to another couple. Very cool birds! I will definitely be back again, mainly to attempt a close-up of the cranes, but also because of the kingfisher and other birds I heard along the trail. Adventures at Fish Lake, Part 1 was originally published in Field Notes, Spring 2018, Cedar Creek’s Education and Community Engagement Newsletter. Visit cedarcreek.umn.edu/ed to learn more.

Sandhill Cranes

PHOTO BY RYAN HUMPHREY, LIGHTWRITE PHOTOGRAPHY

SAVE $$$ Auto • Home • Recreation Business • Risk

Call Gary today for a FREE policy review and quote!

St. Francis Insurance Agency Gary Zimmerman • 763-753-3595 Across from St. Francis High School

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Life Faith Listings Abundant Life Alliance Church 3840 197th Avenue NW Oak Grove • 763-753-0284 www.AbundantLife4U.org Bethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW Bethel • 763-434-9834 www.bethelschurch.org Cedar United Methodist Church 17541 Jefferson Street NE Ham Lake • 763-434-7463 www.cedarumc.org Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net Immanuel Church (OPC) 15036 Round Lake Boulevard NW Andover • 763-210-5846 www.immanuelchurchopc.org Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org

Anoka County Library celebrates its 60th anniversary KARLY HALL

ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

This year, Anoka County Library (ACL) is celebrating its 60th anniversary. What began as a small organization with a few libraries has transformed into a system with eight branches and two affiliate libraries. In honor of the occasion, ACL will be offering a variety of services and programs related to the anniversary throughout the year. “It’s an exciting time—our diamond jubilee,” said Library Director Maggie Snow. “We want to celebrate with our patrons all year long.” ACL just released a series of limited edition historical library cards. Cards are now available at all library locations

or by applying online at anokacounty.us/2694/LibraryCards. Replacement cards are $2. “The library has evolved over the years to reflect the changing needs of patrons,” said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board Liaison Mike Gamache. “So it’s only fitting to celebrate the many contributions the library has made—and will continue to make in the years ahead.” ACL also invites the public to share their favorite memories of the library. The public can share via phone at 612-5677832. The voicemail box is available 24 hours. Please leave a message and be sure to leave your name or the public can submit a story online at

https://tinyurl.com/y7gar2h8. Submitting a story online also allows patrons to include photos, video, or audio clips. All submissions may be used in promotional materials and/or shared online. “We recognize our patrons and staff have helped create and shape our story,” said Snow. “It’s important that we preserve those stories to share in the next 60 years.” Traveling history displays Take a peek into the history

of ACL with two different collection displays, which will be rotating through each branch from now until November. Come view library artifacts and photographs from our past. For more information on upcoming events and other information related to the library’s 60th anniversary, please visit www. anokacountylibrary.org/ acl60years. #ACL60Years.

New Life Church - Oak Grove 18975 Lake George Boulevard NW Oak Grove • 763-753-5717 www.newlifeoakgrove.org New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.org Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 207 Whiskey Road NW Isanti • 763-444-4035 www.stelizabeth-isanti.org St. Andrew Lutheran Church 1450 237th Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-7146 www.standreweb.org The Bridge Church 6443 Norris Lake Road Nowthen • 763-753-2134 www.sfbridge.org Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Childcare 3812 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-1234 www.trinitysf.org West Bethel United Methodist Church 1233 221st Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-6451

The Twin Cities #1 Senior Photographer

Central Studio

Anoka Studio

763-571-2265 1290 Osborne Road Fridley, MN 55432

763-421-4553 1916 2nd Avenue S Anoka, MN 55303

www.davidbankstudio.com

Ask Fido:

Fido, what is professional grooming?

The Anoka County Library sign was erected on August 7, 1968 at the library headquarters at 707 Highway 10 in Blaine.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Long Lake Lutheran Church

Answer:

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Join us each Sunday and Wednesday for worship, fellowship and education.

From precision show to quality pet cuts, come to Fido’s for the winning groom.

ing Groom ’s o by Fid

Fido’s Barber Shop 19847 Orchid Street NW, Oak Grove

All Breed Professional Dog Grooming and Personal Care Boarding Day and Evening Appointments

763-213-8143 www.fidosbarber.com

8:00 & 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Worship Service Education/Sunday School Hour Wednesday Education Wednesday Worship Service

3921 277th Avenue NW, Isanti • 763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org

ut Ask us abo our online pet med pharmacy!

BRING IN THIS AD FOR

1000 OFF ANY

EXAM

Offer expires 5/31/18. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offers.

“We treat your pets like our own”

St. Francis Veterinary Clinic 763-444-9359

Two miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47 Visit us on the web at www.sfvetclinic.com

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

St. Francis High School show choirs finish another strong season CHARLENE PROVOST

SFHS SHOW CHOIR BOOSTER

The St. Francis High School (SFHS) show choirs, Bridge Street Singers and Prima Voce, have had another successful year as they build their program under the new leadership of

to the theme, Journey, with stunning vocals and a mid-show costume surprise. Their show begins with the imagery of a river… starting off on a path ever-changing, twisting and turning and look to the bend in the river for what comes next.

Pictured are Bridge Street Singers Simon Luckow, Treyton Charfauros, Hope Erlandson, Brianna Diaz-Garcia, Austin Adler, Ryan Linson and Ellie Tibodeau-Lissick. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A bit of background In simplest terms, show choir is a group of auditioned singers who combine choral singing with choreographed dance moves, often within the context of a specific theme or story. All members of a show choir group have an advanced competitive understanding of music skills, vocal tones and dance techniques. Most have theater and stage performance experience as dramatic expressions and movements are part of every performance. A selection of musical numbers are choreographed to live music, collectively high energy singing and dancing in a show that lasts about 25 minutes.

OUR SAVIOUR’S

ELCA

Josiah Telschow, SFHS choir teacher. The choirs brought home numerous awards this year. On February 3, the Bridge Street Singers were awarded second runner-up, third place, in the Eau Claire Memorial Winterfest. Again, they brought home third place at the Hastings Swingin’ on the River competition and were awarded Best Closer for their final song. Later in February, they brought home two more third runner-up placements at the Waconia Star Power on February 17 and Bishop Heelan Crusader Classic on February 24. They finished the season strong bringing home a secondplace trophy at Show Choir Classic in Mitchell, South Dakota on March 17. This year, Bridge Street Singers is comprised of 50 performers, 20 band members and 10 crew members. They are performing select music related

LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL “Reaching Out With A Voice Of Hope”

Pastors Dan Nordin, Maria Pederson, Deacon Glenndy Ose

Sunday Worship Schedule 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Ignite Service 6:30 p.m., Meal at 5:00 p.m.

19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel West County Road 22, south on Jackson Street For information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at www.oursaviourslc.org or email to: oslc@oursaviourslc.org

Join Us!

Under the direction of Telschow, this transforming performance group continues to stun audiences and impress the judges for their vocal talent and energetic performances. In his first year at SFHS, Telschow is using his prior teaching experience to continue our tradition for an award-winning show choir program. Prima Voce is in its fourth year as a junior varsity show choir and competes as an allwomen’s group consisting of 38 talented performers and nine band members. Under the direction of Ben Beaupre and Amelia Tesdahl, they brought home two awards during this competition season including second place at Bishop Heelan’s Crusader Classic and third place at Hastings Swingin’ on the River. The future is bright for our local show choirs as our St. Francis Middle School has also established a strong show choir program. Vocalocity travels to local competitions doing exhibition performances, under the direction of Sandra Manglos. Vocalocity received a Grand Champion recognition at the Mitchell Show Choir Classic on March

17. This middle school program is strong and provides an excellent feeder program to the many high school choir programs available to them. Each year SFHS show choirs engage over 100 students (singers, band and crew members) who practice two or three times a week, nine months out of the year to make this program successful. As the season closes, all three St. Francis show choirs came together for a night of celebration and collaboration at the 2018 Post-Season show choir Showcase on March 24. It was a special night of celebration with featured soloists, student groups and final performances of our 2018 show choirs. The sell-out audiences for two performances was a heartwarming embrace from the community as the choirs wrap up their season. SFHS choirs have a website to highlight their programs and provide information about upcoming events, volunteerism and fundraising opportunities. Look for more information at stfrancischoirs.org.

Births JoAnna Mae Rajkowski was born on March 10, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids to Jordan and Amanda Rajkowski of Bethel. She weighed nine pounds and was 21 inches long. JoAnna is welcomed by siblings Emmet and Levi. Isabella Rosemary Winfield was born on April 13, 2018 at Cambridge Medical Center, part of Allina JoAnna Mae Rajkowski SUBMITTED PHOTO Health. She weighed eight pounds, three ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud parent is Atira Dionne Winfield of Isanti. Isabella is welcomed by siblings, Jessica and Cami.

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Pet Corner

DR. AMY MORGAN OAK GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, OWNER

Question What kind of things should I watch out for if I have a cat who goes outside? Answer There are some medical problems that are seen much more often in outside cats. Bodily injury from vehicles or predators top the list and include broken bones and

bite wounds. Occasionally cats will injure a limb falling from a high place and break a bone or tear a tendon or ligament. Fighting with other cats can happen as well and often results in scratches or bite wounds that can abscess. Parasites are also seen more commonly in outside cats and include ticks, fleas, and

intestinal worms. Although common in Minnesota, ticks don’t seem to be able to hang onto slippery cat fur as easily. Check around your cat’s eyelids and ears regularly; if they do get ticks, they’re often found on the head and face. Although fleas aren’t restricted to outside animals, outside cats are at much greater

risk of acquiring them since fleas survive outside overnight very easily in the summer, waiting for their next victim to walk by. Cats and dogs share the same fleas, but they won’t become infected with other species of fleas, such as those harbored by wildlife. There are great topical products available that kill ticks and fleas, check

A Tribute

to Our

Military On Memorial Day, we pay special tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect the lives and freedoms of Americans. We celebrate their courage, honor their memories and thank them for all they gave. Their legacy lives on and we will never forget them. We also recognize current military members and the many sacrifices these brave Americans and their families make to keep us safe and defend our freedom. It is our privilege to serve those who serve.

Home of th e Free Beca , u of thse Brav e e.

Advanced Automotive Care, Inc.

Anytime Fitness

Blake A Cheeley, CRPC®, AAMS®

Blue Star Kettle Corn

St. Francis • 763-753-8282

St. Francis • 763-753-3399

St. Francis • 763-753-2988

Oak Grove • 763-300-9110

Central Heating & Cooling, LLC

City of Andover

City of East Bethel

King’s County Market

Isanti • 612-369-7906

763-755-5100

763-367-7840

St. Francis • 763-753-2630

McDonald’s

Norgren’s Napa Auto Care

North Anoka Plumbing, Inc.

Northland Screw Products, Inc.

Nowthen • 763-753-9227

St. Francis • 763-753-3373

St. Francis • 763-753-3628

St. Francis Area Schools

Temperature Specialists, Inc.

True Value Hardware

St. Francis • 763-753-7040

St. Francis • 763-753-2974

St. Francis • 763-753-1265

St. Francis • 763-753-3007

St. Francis • 763-753-4713

with your veterinarian. The most common intestinal parasites found in outside cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Roundworms are passed from mother to babies either during pregnancy or during nursing, but they also can be harbored in prey that cats like to eat, such as mice. The cat eats the mouse and becomes infected with roundworms. More commonly, cats that eat mice and other small mammals can become infected with tapeworms. These are visible under the tail and look like flattened pieces of rice. Both roundworms and tapeworms are treatable with dewormer, but dewormers don’t prevent reinfection if the cat continues to hunt. If a human contracts roundworms, it can cause significant health problems. Have your veterinarian check your cat’s stool sample at least annually to check for roundworm eggs. Your veterinarian can also dispense tapeworm dewormer if you see tapeworm segments under your cat’s tail.

Village Bank

PEXELS PHOTO

Lastly, outside cats are at much higher risk of contracting viral infections such as feline leukemia virus, upper respiratory viruses, feline distemper, and even rabies. Although rabies has not been frequently identified in Anoka County, it’s worthwhile to protect your cat by vaccinating. There are also vaccines that offer great protection from feline leukemia, upper respiratory infections, and feline distemper. See your veterinarian to update your cat’s protection.

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

MAY 2018

Vocalocity grand champions at Mitchell competition (L-R) Mara Turner, Jordan Knight, Catherine Dufeck, Kayla Nagel, Zoe Graf, Ryan Loons, Joey Dropps, Luke Andrews, DaQuan Carlson, Sierra Sandness, Lexi Neumann, Kaia Olson, Kaitlyn Thompson, Shaniessa Plyes; Ben Grebowski, Kameron Thompson, Shyannamae Wheeler, Valerie Vue, Alison Daniels, Thomas Taylor, Mckayla Harris, Amelia Begin, Christine Hollenbeck, Lyle Pundt, Kyle Halstensen; Kayla Taylor, Kyla Hyovalti, Jeanna Semler, Charlotte Loso, Tyler Loe, Tyler Edwards, Caden Reiter-Putnam, Joseph Jacobson, Lola Roith, Hailey Heffner, Kayla Wallace, Anna Gehrke; Natalie Campbell, Christina Woehnker, Kari Plumley, Evan Dahl, Jacob Renfro, JP Krage, Jacob Tately, Vincent Yang, Karliee Cloutier, Karlyssa Anderson, Elana Solis; Emily Bode, Jacob Nielson, Jade Webber, Elijah Jones and Emily Wines

PHOTO BY DAVID BANK STUDIOS

250 OFF any project 2,500 or more — or — 18 months interest free financing!*

$ $

– Roofing

LIC #BC637881

student, because they want to rise to the high standards set before them,” she continued. “In every critique these students had, they were told that they do not perform like a middle school group but more like a high school group. Their professionalism and talent on stage impressed their judges.” Vocalocity would like to thank their parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, Vocalocity assistants and the community for all their support.

JESSICA ROWLES

SFMS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Sandra Manglos, director of St. Francis Middle School’s show choir, Vocalocity, stated, “Vocalocity won grand champion at their competition March 16-17 in Mitchell, South Dakota. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication these students put forth into their show. “Being their director this year has taught me a lot about never underestimating a middle school

Now is the time to do your remodeling project! Phone 763-434-1500 www.myproexteriors.com

* Non-insurance projects only. Call for details.

JULIE BLOMQUIST

4-H Tech Wizards Youth After School Program at the Columbia Heights library is sending a call for amateur filmmakers to submit a short film to their showcase and film festival event to have films viewed by the community! The 4-H Tech Wizards Film Festival will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Columbia Heights

Library, 3939 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights. Submit an amateur film by May 15 to be considered. All films should be appropriate to be viewed by all ages in a public setting and may not be longer than 15 minutes. Submit films by emailing xion0264@ umn.edu or dropping off your film at the Columbia Heights Library, Attention: Bri Belanger, Children’s Librarian. Accepted formats: DVD, VCD, AVI, MP4, and WMV.

4-H Tech Wizards is a FREE program for area youth in fifth through eighth-grade, engaging them in small group mentoring that uses access to technology and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts to teach young people life skills. For more information about Tech Wizards visit: http://z. umn.edu/anokatechwizards or contact: Jy Xiong xion0264@ umn.edu or call 763-324-3495.

– Soffits & Fascia – Fire & Flood Restorations – Interior Remodeling – Commercial – Bathrooms – Kitchens

2018 Goal 751

Tons

25 Tons

Calling amateur filmmakers: 4-H film drive UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

– Siding – Gutters – Windows & Doors – Residential – Garage Doors – Decks

Recycled in March St. Francis has recycled 158 tons in 2018 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.

Spring Recycling Day Saturday, April 28 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Police and Public Works Facility

4020 St. Francis Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070

real estate

Jason M. Semler, Realtor®

612.282.8233

Full ser vice real estate broker Seller & buyer representation Free market analysis Free home buyer consultation Licensed in MN & WI

w w w.semlerhomes.com Building a home is more affordable than you might think! Free es at E s t i me n ! Giv

Award Winning Custom Home Builder Since 1981!

Have a new puppy or kitten? We’ll help you keep them healthy!

TOO MUCH DOG AND CAT HAIR FLOATING AROUND? ASK ABOUT OUR GROOMING SERVICES.

763-753-6336 • www.oakgrovevet.net 19035 Lake George Boulevard NW, Oak Grove, MN 55303

w w w.semlerhomes.com

LIC#BC0003649

Amy Morgan, D.V.M. Lisa Johnson, D.V.M.

Kaija Youngner, D.V.M. Dawn Price, D.V.M.

Melissa Powers, D.V.M. Kathy Strupp, D.V.M.

MAY 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Mechanical Masterminds are looking for sponsors after celebrating success their first year CHAR PROVOST PARENT SARAH PROVOST STUDENT

MECHANICAL MASTERMINDS

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is making a positive impact at St. Francis High School. The school’s team, Mechanical Masterminds (M2), recently enjoyed exceptional success and received the prestigious Rookie All-Star award at the Medtronic Foundational Regional Robotics Competition at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota on March 30-31. This award celebrates the rookie team exemplifying a strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST by inspiring students to learn more about science and technology. The team’s robot, named Patricia (PAT), was well-respected by judges and spectators for the remarkable performance against 60 teams on the playing field. FIRST Robotics

is about much more than building a robot. To be successful in FIRST Robotics competitions, the Mechanical Masterminds demonstrated their community outreach, leadership and team spirit. In addition, they provided their vision for strengthening the value of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, extending the message that technology is fun, challenging and provides fantastic career opportunities. What’s next The perseverance of this young team is amazing. Upon receiving the Rookie All-Star award, Mechanical Masterminds learned of their advancement to the 2018 FIRST Robotics World Competition in Detroit, Michigan, April 25-28. Along with this honor, the team quickly realized the associated expenses for registration and travel for this unique opportunity. Within the first week, the Mechanical Masterminds received donations to

cover half the expenses needed from industry sponsors who were impressed with their performance. In the coming weeks, these young students are hopeful more community and business partners will sponsor this team and support the vision to sustain more STEM opportunities within St. Francis Area Schools. In turn, sponsors gain community reputation and visibility. Together this partnership creates a pipeline for future employees, provides employee volunteer opportunities, renews inspiration for company engineers and provides leadership development opportunities. Many thanks to these sponsors of the Mechanical Masterminds: St. Francis Area Schools, Medtronic, Delta Modtech, Donatelle Medical, MSD Engineering, St. Francis Area Chamber

of Commerce, Mechatronic Solutions, Northland Screw Products, Bepex, The Courier and Minuteman Press of Ham Lake. Learn More Visit https://sites.google.com/ isd15.org/roboticssfhs to learn more. Follw and like their Facebook page @SFHS7065Robotics. Watch for community information events and a special performance with the robot during June 2018 Pioneer Days. The St. Francis High School FIRST robotics team, Mechanical Masterminds, competed in their first competition March 29-31. They took home the Rookie All Star award, which is the highest award a rookie team can receive, and qualified for finals competition being held in Detroit at the end of April. CLARISSA DOBSON, ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

Mechanical Masterminds competed at the Medtronic Foundational Regional Robotics Competition at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota on March 30- 31. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Introducing

www.kingscountymarket.com

23122 St. Francis Boulevard NW • St. Francis 763-753-3334 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Monday-Saturday 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Expires 5/31/18

Quick & Easy Meals are chef-inspired and can be ready to eat in 15 minutes or less.

Meals have three levels of food preparation: } Fully prepared, ready-to-eat } Completely assembled, heat-and-eat } Fresh meal kit options with preselected ingredients already chopped, sliced and measured

X1001

Expires 5/31/18

X1001

EXPRESS GASOLINES

Valid on cash transactions only, must pay inside St. Francis County Market. Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Save 5¢ Per Gallon All Grades of Gas. Expires 5/31/18