The Courier – June 2016 by St. Francis Area Schools

The Courier June 2016 | Volume 23, Issue 9

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a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education | St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township

www.the-courier.org | news@isd15.org

Open exchanges of ideas—a strategic plan focus Nancy Wallace

Community Education Coordinator

One of the core values for the Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) Strategic Plan is, “Open exchanges of ideas and communicated planning are integral for continuous improvement.” The annual review of progress on the implementation of the Strategic Plan provided the opportunity for reflection, evaluation and direction focused on improvement. The core planning team met April 29 for a full day to review results of the current year’s work related to the Strategic Plan. This team is the group that developed the Strategic Plan, which was presented

to the School Board for approval in May 2015. The thirty members of the group include representatives associated with the district, parents, community members, students and members of the faith community. The three work groups organized for the current year reported on their work to the core planning team and offered recommendation for next steps. The first work group, focusing on “Every employee understands the Strategic Plan,“did much of their work this past summer. ISD 15 staff were welcomed to the start of the school year with presentations, posters, informational flyers and a

Preschool Place 15 students at the Lifelong Learning Center spent time this spring learning about the life cycle of butterflies. They concluded their study by releasing butterflies that they had observed from the caterpillar stage to butterflies. Jenny Dupre, ISD 15 Early Childhood Family Education Manager

video helping them become familiar with the Strategic Plan. In addition, there has been a focus on a core value each month through staff meetings, the district calendar and articles in The Courier. Work has also begun to integrate understanding of the Strategic Plan into new employee orientation, staff handbooks and interview questions. The core planning team recommended that this work group continue for the 2016-17 school year. A second work group focused on “ISD 15 has a recognizable and consistent brand.” The core planning team also recommended that this group continue its work into the next school year. Images were collected of ISD 15 schools and buildings, departments, signs, clothing, vehicles and so on. The plan is for the committee to review this data to determine commonalities which will help define or refine the ISD 15 brand. Part of this process will involve community input in the form of a survey and communication to all stakeholders. Final decisions for things such as logos, colors, names, etc., will be determined by a team comprised of the superintendent, a cabinet member, a school board member, the communications manager and the activities directors from St. Francis High School and St. Francis Middle School. A third work group was charged with working on “ISD 15 uses established protocols to support transparent communication to foster trust among all ISD 15 stakeholders.” This group developed a survey with the goal of gathering input from employees, parents and community members on a variety of questions related to communication, trust and safety. A little over 800 people responded to the survey during a sixweek period this spring. Many of those taking the survey not only completed the rating section, but also commented on several of the questions, offering feedback and suggestions. Survey results will be used to identify current perceptions of communication, trust and safety and provide input for creating districtwide plans to enhance communication processes. ISD 15 is working with Transformation Systems Limited (TSL) in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan. Susan Hintz, from TSL, met with the core planning team April 29 to review the work done so far, identify trends, opportunities and threats to successfully achieve the mission and mission outcomes and recommend

priority areas for the next year. In addition to continuing the work already underway, other desired results statements chosen for consideration included: } ISD 15 employees understand their role, purpose and value in achieving the mission and mission outcomes } ISD 15 employees conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the strategic plan } ISD 15 utilizes diverse perspectives to develop team processes to make decisions relative to the mission } A framework is adopted by ISD 15 to support continuous improvement toward aligning all programs and services with the mission } Students, parents and community understand the mission and mission outcomes Superintendent Troy Ferguson will bring forth recommendations regarding the priority results statements at the June 13 School Board meeting. Purposeful planning is underway to provide ISD 15 administrative and teacher leaders with training and information related to the mission this summer. Each school and department will have a role in accomplishing our mission over the next four years—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.

2016 ISD 15 School Board Election Information Four of seven seats for the ISD 15 School Board will be decided in the 2016 general election; there will be no primary election. Candidate filing for the ISD 15 School Board is open August 2-16 at ISD 15 Central Services Center. The deadline to file is August 16 at 5:00 p.m. The general election will be November 8.

What’s Inside Schools in Action.............................................. 2 Community Education................................11 Community & Business...............................13 St. Francis Pioneer Days..............................15 Sports & Outdoors.........................................24 School Board Highlights............................26 Meetings, Events & Benefits.....................27 Life...........................................................................28

Schools in Action

Community Education School Board Highlights

PAGE 11 PAGE 26

Superintendent’s Bulletin

Troy Ferguson ISD 15 Superintendent

It’s hard to believe another school year is quickly coming to an end. Students are excited for summer to begin and families will soon begin their annual transition to having their children home and will enjoy extensive family time for the next three months. Our students accomplished much this year as our staff committed time, talent and energy into providing our students with a top quality educational experience as we all work to fulfill our mission, “To equip all students with the knowledge and skills to empower them to achieve their dreams and full potential while becoming responsible citizens in a dynamic world.” This year, each edition of The Courier has focused on the eight core values of our strategic plan in an effort to promote understanding and

support from stakeholders. Each month a different core value was highlighted. This month’s focused core value is, “We believe that open exchanges of ideas and communicated planning are integral for continuous improvement.” A couple examples how we pattern that core value occurred in April and May. On April 29, Susan Hintz, our consultant from Transformation Systems Limited who helped us develop our strategic plan, returned for a full day to meet with our core planning team to review progress the District has made on the three results statements from our Strategic Plan. While the team identified progress, they supported that I recommend to the School Board that we continue working on those results plus five additional this year. I met

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with district leadership in May to examine the core planning team’s recommendations and will bring forth a formal recommendation to the School Board on June 13. In May we sent a survey to our staff, parents and community members seeking feedback on how we are progressing toward meeting our mission. The response was overwhelming and nearly 800 of you took the time to fill out the survey and add your comments. There are pages and pages of comments and data to disseminate and we are working with our consultant from TeamWorks International to identify strands that will help us better understand the opinions and concerns of our district stakeholders as we move forward with planning for next year. Lastly, I am excited to report that St. Francis High School will graduate 363 students this year. I’d like to personally extend my congratulations to all of our graduates who are no doubt eager (and maybe

Fourth-graders at St. Francis Elementary School learned how to play math strategy games from around the world. Pictured here are students from Andrea Klinsing’s class teaching a partner from Lynda Skogquist’s class to play Mastermind. Submitted Photo a little nervous) to begin the next phase in their lives. The graduation ceremony is a special event and I must admit, it has always been one of my favorite events to attend. To see the pride and sheer joy of our students and their families as we all honor this important milestone is always a moving experience. The St. Francis High School (SFHS) commencement is Friday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. The

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ceremony, which is the 102nd commencement for SFHS, will be streamed live in high definition. The web address for the live stream is http:// live.isd15.org and will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. CST. Should you or a family member require any special accessibility needs, call Health Services at 763-213-1670 by June 1 to make arrangements to fulfill your needs.

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John Lorenzen retires from St. Francis Middle School Jessica Rowles

SFMS Community Relations Coordinator

St. Francis Middle School (SFMS) teacher John Lorenzen first came to Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) in 1975. He had previously taught in southern Minnesota for two years. Lorenzen taught at St. Francis High School in the social studies department early in his career with, as Lorenzen states, “A wonderful group of teachers; all unique and everyone a character.” Lorenzen started teaching a class called “Social Problems” to seniors and juniors. Later, he would teach sociology, geography, American history, ancient world history, Russian history and civics. Lorenzen later transferred to SFMS where he taught American history and geography. “The transfer to the middle school was a breathe of fresh air for my teaching career,” Lorenzen said. “I was welcomed and have enjoyed it immensely.” Lorenzen has many memories in his career with ISD 15. “I did quite a bit of coaching in my career with a bunch of dedicated, wonderful people,” Lorenzen said. “One night we were playing Chisago Lakes in football and we needed a place to get line splits and formation alignments, so the head coach asked me to climb up the light pole and sit at the top with headphones on to get that information. It was cold and scary climbing down. The

greatest memories are working with the many wonderful students that have come through our district. I have always lived in the community, so I get to see students and former students all the time in many different ways.” Lorenzen plans to coach wrestling for one more year and will be involved in other youth programs after he retires. “I have a wife that likes to make lists, so I have some things to get done. My kids are graduating this year and heading off to school. My favorite season is the fall so I will have many things to do that I could not do when I was teaching. I will stay busy,” Lorenzen commented. When asked about what teaching has taught him over the years, Lorenzen replied, “Teaching has taught me that life is a journey and it cannot be evaluated on a daily basis.

Some days are good and others are better. I get to work with great professionals and students in our community. Thank you to everyone at the middle school. Without a doubt, I will miss the people.” Lorenzen will be missed throughout the district and his legacy will live on at the middle school. SFMS staff thanks him for his contribution to so many students’ lives.

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Electronic cleanse promotes connecting face-to-face Jessica Rowles

teacher permits them during class for educational purposes. Devices St. Francis Middle School are allowed in the students did an electronic lunchroom after cleanse the week of April 11 students have to encourage more face-toeaten their meal, face interaction with their but are expected to be powered off when students are dismissed from lunch. Students are not allowed to take pictures of other students during school for any reason and , D.D.S. texting is never permitted. We provide high-quality, personalized Throughout care in a comfortable setting. the cleanse week, Sixth-grader Bailey Clark plays gaga ball with peers outside April 15 at the end of students watched an electronic cleanse week at St. Francis Middle School. Submitted Photo Oak Grove Crossing Always short, educational 3154 Viking Boulevard NW videos about thinking before Welcoming device-free at school. Kinsey bullying. they post on social media, Oak Grove New Wolfe noted, “My friends and Principal Dr. Bobbi making smart decisions using Patients! I became closer this week.” Anderson Hume noticed an Call Today! 763-753-5336 devices and stopping cyberEmma Dubois noticed, “It increase of approximately was good at lunch because 50 lunches each day being people weren’t on their phones purchased from all three lunch shifts. She speculates that more and they were talking.” Riley GlutenLawin said, “I saw more kids students were not buying Free Crust talking in school.” Angie lunch to have more electronic Available! A special acknowledgment Michaels said, “I think the time prior to the electronic to our graduates: cleanse this week was good for cleanse. Additionally, staff Tanner Carlson We deliver Hwy 47 & Pederson Drive, St. Francis, MN the school because people were reported that students were Chris Gerlach talking more to their friends. more alert and engaged. Kyla Ingberg • Maki Koep Everyone needs to take a break Some sixth-grade students Skyler Long • Noah Tradewell Place your order online at from their phones.” were asked what was positive Riley Troswick www.mansettis.com Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • Mon-Th 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. about their experience being Robbie Whitney straight to you! Fri 11:00 a.m.-10-30 p.m. • Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. SFMS Community Relations Coordinator

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The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Redesign of ISD 15’s official New start times announced for 2016-17 school year website features responsive design and fresh look Heidi Anderson

Staff Writer

At the January 25 Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) School Board meeting, the board unanimously approved the school calendar for the 2016-17 school year. The schedule includes an adjustment in some start and end times for ISD 15 schools. Times when school is in session are: } Cedar Creek Community School 9:20 a.m.-3:40 p.m. } Crossroads School & Vocational Center 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m. } Early Childhood Family Education 9:15-11:45 a.m.; 12:45-3:15 p.m. } East Bethel Community School; 9:20 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

Heidi Anderson

Staff Writer

In the last few weeks, visitors to Independent School District 15’s (ISD 15) official website have noticed a fresh, new look. A redesign of the website (www.isd15. org) was launched April 4. The ISD 15 Communications Department planned a “soft launch” first in order to make adjustments prior to an official announcement. The redesign was presented to the ISD 15 School Board at the April 25 meeting. The redesign offers a clean look and content is organized so that parents, staff, students and community members can quickly find information they need. A slideshow featuring eight photos, each with a reference to one of ISD 15’s core values, is located on the homepage. Throughout the website, users will find a top banner with four main categories: District, School, Departments and School Board. Along the left side of almost every webpage, buttons for parents, students, community members and staff will take users to a list of links that are useful and popular with each of these four groups. Another new feature is the addition of a responsive web design, which means the site is fully optimized for viewing and use on any electronic device, from desktops to mobile devices. Statistics show that an increasing amount of traffic to the ISD 15 website is coming from mobile devices and tablets and a responsive design will allow users to have a universally positive experience finding information, no matter what device is being used. Feedback regarding links, content and more is always appreciated. Please contact Communications Manager Kathleen Miller at kathleen.miller@isd15.org or Communications Coordinator Heidi Anderson at heidi. anderson@isd15.org with questions or comments.

The Independent School District 15 American Indian Education Program sponsored a field trip for students in grades K-5 to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum April 12. Students toured the Four Season’s Room, a life-sized diorama depicting Ojibwe life and activities. They learned about making maple sugar, harvesting bark, processing wild rice and the hunting and fishing that sustain the Ojibwe people. Students also learned about a variety of American Indian communication methods, including pictographs, petroglyphs, sign language and some Ojibwe words and phrases. Carline Sargent, ISD 15 Indian Education Liaison

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} Saints Academy: 7:45 a.m.-2:20 p.m. } St. Francis Elementary School - North 9:15 a.m.-3:35 p.m. } St. Francis Elementary School: 9:20 a.m.-3:40 p.m. } St. Francis High School: 7:45 a.m.-2:25 p.m. } St. Francis Middle School: 7:45 a.m.-2:12 p.m. } Transition 15: 7:40 a.m.-1:40 p.m. There will also be a 90-minute late start for all ISD 15 schools on the third instructional Wednesday of every month. These dates include: September 21, October 19, November 16, December 21, January 18, February 15, March 22, April 19 and May 17. A one-page calendar for the 2016-17 school year is available at www.isd15.org under Forms & Publications.

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Student Council organizes fun events for students, family and staff entire school during the day, building up to the evening performance. EBCS staff loves to see the growth in confidence and performance from tryouts to the evening show. On May 5, East Bethel Community School Student Council hosted its third Fun and Family Night of the school year. Families were welcome to come and enjoy events facilitated by the Student Council. Activities included fast-paced events such as ga-ga ball and an obstacle course. A very silly and popular activity was Kick the Chicken. Students and adults showed off their leg strength by seeing how far they could kick rubber chickens. The scavenger hunt had ten different selfie challenges for families to complete. Once the families completed every challenge, they showed their selfies to student council members and collected a prize. Students, friends and family also had an opportunity to have fun on the playground. The hard work of the EBCS

Jamie Studnicka

EBCS Community Relations Coordinator

East Bethel Community School (EBCS) held the fifth annual talent show April 22. Over 300 parents, grandparents, friends and family watched 75 students showcase their talent in 52 unique acts. There was a wide range of skills on display including singing, dancing, gymnastics, comedy, rollerblading, jump rope, martial arts and hula-hoop. EBCS Student Council members and advisers worked very hard to make the night successful. They greeted people at the door, passed out programs, helped with the lineup, introduced the acts, worked the spotlight, monitored the cookies and coffee table and cleaned up after the show. Performers started their journey with tryouts. After tryouts all performers gathered for an evening of rehearsals and coaching. The talent show was performed for the

Student Council is not done. The group is already making plans for next year’s events.

East Bethel Community School (EBCS) students pose during the grand finale of the EBCS talent show. Photo by Christina Boone, EBCS Nutrition Services staff

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East Bethel Community School students play a game of ga-ga ball at Fun and Family Night May 5. Gaga (literally ‘touch-touch’ in Hebrew) is a variant of dodgeball that is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Photo by Jamie Studnika,

The 102nd commencement for St. Francis High School commencement is Friday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m.

EBCS Community Relations Coordinator

Courier Contacts

Classroom Education

Registration for classroom driver’s education is being accepted for the 2015-16 school year. If you are 15 years of age or approaching 15, you may register to participate in a 30-hour classroom driver’s education course offered during the school day. The fee is $110.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Instruction Six hours of required behind-the-wheel instruction Flexible scheduling State of Minnesota certified instructors Fee $250

Applications available at www.communityed15.com or call 763-213-1640 for more information. Sponsored by ISD 15 Community Education 6

Telephone ��763-753-7031 Fax ��763-753-4693 Advertising ��763-753-7032 Billing ��763-213-1588 Website �� www.the-courier.org Like us on Facebook

Advertising Mollie Ziebart ��763-753-7032 mollie.ziebart@isd15.org

Publisher Troy Ferguson ��763-753-7041 troy.ferguson@isd15.org

Address 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070-9368

Editor Kathleen Miller ��763-753-7042 kathleen.miller@isd15.org Production Pat Johnson ��763-753-7025 pat.johnson@isd15.org Heidi Anderson ��763-753-7033 heidi.anderson@isd15.org Binie Bertils

Billing Amy Lindfors ��763-213-1588 amy.lindfors@isd15.org

Deadline Information Deadline for the July issue of The Courier is June 10. News Send news and photos to news@isd15.org. Letter to the Editor For the complete Letter to the Editor policy, visit www.the-courier.org.

Delivery For delivery inquiries call 763-753-7031 or email news@isd15.org Policies and Pricing Visit www.the-courier.org for policy and pricing information. Subscriptions The publication is delivered at no charge to all residents in Independent School District 15. The Courier can be mailed to any address for an annual (10 issues) subscription rate of $18. The Courier is a publication prepared and distributed by Independent School District 15 Community Education and paid for with revenues generated by advertising sales.

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

First-graders decorate County Market bags for Earth Day Angie Hylen

SFES first-grade teacher

First-grade students at St. Francis Elementary School put their artistic skills to work decorating grocery bags for County Market with earth-friendly pictures and messages. St. Francis County Market donated a bundle of brown paper bags, which students happily designed for Earth Day. The bags were returned to the store and handed out to customers on April 22. If you did some local shopping on Earth Day, you may have been fortunate enough to receive a one-of-a-kind bag!

Submitted Photo

First-graders learn about simple machines at Dairy Queen Janine Johnson

SFES first-grade teacher

As an introduction to learning about simple machines in science and mapping skills in social studies, all St. Francis Elementary School first-grade students took a tour of Dairy Queen in St. Francis. They discovered firsthand how treats are made with the use of simple machinery. Students also mapped their travels on the short bus ride to Dairy Queen using skills learned over several weeks. Dairy Queen owner Chad Johnson and his staff were very patient and accommodating and helped reinforce the concepts students studied. (See photo top right)

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre visited Crossroads School & Vocational Center April 22. Actors performed a piece about a young man on the autism spectrum and how he learns to navigate life. During the question and answer time at the end, it was presented that someday, autism will likely no longer be classified as a mental health disorder, but rather just another form of diversity.

Cedar Creek Community School held the fifth-grade science fair May 11. Students displayed their science projects and answered questions on interesting subjects such as which garbage bags are strongest, paranormal behavior, popcorn popping and how many licks does it take to make a Tootsie Pop disappear. The Courier Photo

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HOSA students have success at State Leadership Conference Kathleen Weiland

HOSA advisor

Sixteen St. Francis High School (SFHS) students

Submitted Photo

competed at the HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference in Plymouth April 17-18. The

Submitted Photo The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

following SFHS students will compete at the national leadership conference this summer in Nashville, Tennessee. Pathophysiology Test: 1st Place - Kendra Krebsbach Medical Reading: 1st Place - Kendra Krebsbach Healthy Lifestyle: 1st Place - Natalie St. Marie Medical Photography: 2nd Place - Kiersten Strate Research Persuasive Speaking: 2nd Place Gabby Calametti Veterinary Science: 3rd Place - Mandy Vang Medical Law and Ethics: 3rd Place - Kendra Krebsbach Medical Spelling: 3rd Place - Natalie St. Marie

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Kohl’s Cares for Kids program helps East Bethel Community School Angela Rothrum

EBCS teacher

Arlene Gillett (left) and Diann Halverson of the League of Women Voters were at St. Francis High School (SFHS) May 12 to help students register to vote in the upcoming election. Students who are currently 18 or who will turn 18 by Election Day were able to fill out a registration form. According to Gillett, a lot of students stopped by their table to register. Pictured here is SFHS student Mason Abraham learning more about voter registration from Gillett and Halverson. The Courier Photo Senior Tyler Kaiser relaxes during the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Francis High School. The school’s National Honor Society (NHS) sponsored the event May 4. Kaiser and 108 other students and staff donated blood during the event. According to Dianna Hazelton, NHS adviser, “Each pint of blood has the potential to save three lives.”

Kohl’s Department Store in Blaine has once again made it’s mark at East Bethel Community School (EBCS) through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids Program. Kohl’s staff have graciously volunteered many hours over the past nine years. The program has also donated time assisting in a variety of activities such as Arbor Day, school book walks, the Volunteers with the Kohl’s Care for Kids program helped at a variety of book fair, beach blanket events at East Bethel Community School. Submitted Photo bingo night, fifthgrade party, classroom school. It is great that Kohl’s cares for students activities and more. Through their volunteering, at EBCS. Thank you, Kohl’s. EBCS receives a grant to help enhance the

St. Francis Middle School Super Band Britta Bauer

SFMS Targeted Services and Band Teacher

A new Targeted Services Program is underway at St. Francis Middle School (SFMS) for students who are excited about playing an

instrument and are looking for a space to create music with friends. Super Band was established for students to gain experience in composition, improvisation and learning music by ear. Students have learned riffs

Steven Fetzik, SFHS Community Relations Coordinator

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St. Francis Middle School (SFMS) students Maisy Bjornrud and Lexie Karst practice their skills on the xylophone during Super Band, a new Targeted Services Program at SFMS. Submitted Photo

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from the rock ‘n’ roll genre, such as Crazy Train and Eye of the Tiger, composed their own short melodies, worked in small groups to create original compositions, honed rhythmic and melodic improvisational skills and performed for each other. The main goal of Super Band is for students to gain comprehensive knowledge of all the ways music is created and performed. “When I was an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota (U of M), I participated in a teaching and learning cooperative between music education at the U of M and band students attending Folwell Performing Arts Magnet School,” said SFMS band teacher Britta Bauer. “This cooperative was called the Beginning Band Project. The goal was to give students an opportunity to improvise, compose and learn music by ear. One of my professors, Dr. Laura Sindberg, called it getting away from the ‘tyranny of the page.’ We are often beholden to what sheet music tells us to do, but the beauty of music is being able to create our own original works of art.” Now that she is a teacher herself, Bauer is excited to offer a similar program to SFMS students. “I thought it would be valuable to offer students a space to increase their creative capacity and individual agency in the music-making process,” Bauer added. Super Band meets Mondays after school, 2:15-4:15 p.m.

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Parents’ Right to Know: Teacher Qualifications ESEA Section 1111(h) (6) (A)

Crossroads School & Vocational Center (CSVC) held its annual plant sale May 12. A variety of vegetables, flowers and accent plants were available for purchase. All funds raised from the sale go toward the vocational education/work program at CSVC. The Courier Photo

Carol Saba retires after 24 years of teaching Jessica Rowles

SFMS Community Relations Coordinator

Carol Saba, an eighth-grade math teacher at St. Francis Middle School, has taught in Independent School District 15 for 24 years. Previous to those years, she was a substitute teacher for five years and a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. Saba has been a wonderful addition to the middle school for many years. She has given valuable time to her career and students and in turn, has been rewarded with lots of memories and lessons from her students. “All of my fondest memories have to do with students. I love making connections with kids. On a daily basis, they give me a reason to smile, laugh and chuckle to myself. I enjoy their sense of humor, their need to be acknowledged and their willingness to try to do what I am teaching,” Saba said. Saba has also learned many lessons from her students over the years. “As I think about the years I have spent teaching, I feel that I have learned so much more from my students than they would ever realize,” Saba said. “I have learned that how things appear is usually not how they really are. If I take someone at face value, especially a student and their attitude, I will probably miss an underlying cause for that attitude and miss an opportunity to connect with them on a more meaningful level.” When asked about her middle school experiences she replied, “One of the things

Carol Saba

Submitted Photo

about the middle school that has been the most effective for me as a teacher has been the fact that we work in cores. Being in cores gives teachers a great support system. As a result we develop lifelong friendships. But again, I will really miss the kids.” Saba has some exciting plans for her future.

“My ‘graduation,’ as my sister calls my retirement, consists of two trips planned so far to Seattle and Chicago,” Saba said. “One of my daughters and I are going to a formal event in Chicago, which is kind of a big deal. I expect to have lots of time with my children and grandchildren and will plan lunches with friends. I have plenty of craft ideas to keep me busy; I bought myself a retirement present—an embroidery sewing machine. Plus, I want to teach myself how to digitize pictures so that I can create my own embroidery designs.” St. Francis Middle School staff wishes Saba well and thanks her for her contribution to making this school and its students successful and prepared for what lies ahead.

Midwest Family Counseling, P.A.

School districts are required to notify parents of all children in all Title I schools in the beginning of each year, that parents have the right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers. This requirement applies to all parents of the children in the school—whether or not the students receive Title I services—and all Title I schools. Independent School District 15 Title I schools include East Bethel Community School, St. Francis Elementary School and St. Francis Middle School. When the parent requests information on their child’s classroom teacher’s professional qualifications, districts must respond in a timely manner to the requested information and, at a minimum, report the following: a. Whether or not the teacher has met Minnesota’s licensing requirements for the grade level(s) and core academic subject(s) they teach. b. Whether or not the teacher is teaching under a variance status. c. The education level and subject area of the teacher’s college degree major and any graduate degree or certificate held. d. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and if so, their qualifications. Schools that receive Title I funds shall provide to each parent: } Information on the level of achievement of the parent’s child on the state academic assessments. } Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks, by a teacher who is not highly qualified. } This information provided to parents shall be in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, provided in a language that the parents can understand. To receive this information, parents should submit requests to Jan Gilpin, Central Services Center, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard, NW, St. Francis, MN 55070 or call 763-753-7016. Please include your child’s name, the school your child attends, the information you are requesting and the names of the teachers or paraprofessionals for whom you would like this information. 22973 Rum River Blvd. St. Francis, MN

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The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

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East Bethel Community School fifth-graders participate in unit on government Cassondra Schmoll

EBCS fifth-grade teacher

Over the past month, Cassondra Schmoll’s fifthgrade students at East Bethel Community School have been studying the three branches of government. They started with analyzing the first article of the Constitution. Students then got a taste of what life is like for a state senator in Washington D.C. by watching Mr. Smith goes to Washington. Students then took on the role of a state lawmaker. They chose a topic that they were passionate about and created their own bills, making sure

their bill did not violate any amendments. Students then presented their bills in mock

Congress sessions to be passed into law. Their experience was culminated with a visit from

Steven Fetzik

Sophomore students at St. Francis High School toured area colleges and universities in the annual College Tour, sponsored by the school’s

and Minnesota Senator Michelle Benson for a question and answer session. It is safe to say we are in good hands with our future leaders learning and growing in our schools.

Cedar Creek Community School staff celebrates Team Rylan Day Robyn Smith

CCCS Due Process Facilitator

Local elected officials visited East Bethel Community School fifthgraders for a question and answer session during the class’ unit on government. Submitted Photo

St. Francis High School sophomores visit state colleges SFHS Community Relations Coordinator

Independent School District 15 School Board Director David Roberts, East Bethel Mayor Steven Voss, East Bethel City Council Member Brian Mundle, Anoka County Commissioner Julie Braastad

Career Center April 27. The event was organized by College and Career Planning Advisor Dawn Abraham. Students could select to go on one of eight tours, with each tour going to two different schools.

St. Francis High School sophomore students pose with a statue of Goldy Gopher during their tour of the University of Minnesota April 27. Photo by Elizabeth Lamb, SFHS teacher.

“It is never too early for students to start thinking about postsecondary options,” Abraham said. “It gets them thinking about options, college, admissions, etc.” “Every year it so fun for me to see the change in the students on the days after the tours,” Abraham continued. “Their eyes have been opened and they have new knowledge about their futures.” Guidance counselor Jill Salo echoed the same thoughts. “It’s been really fun to speak with the sophomores on my case load when they return. They have a renewed energy when it comes to being motivated to meet their postsecondary goal.”

Cedar Creek Community School (CCCS) staff celebrated Team Rylan Day April 21 as a part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Staff wore Team Rylan T-shirts to school and then went to Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Coon Rapids, where 15 percent of orders were donated to help prevent child abuse. Rylan is a second-grade student at CCCS who was physically abused at the age of seven-months, which left him with permanent physical and psychological difficulties. What Rylan lacks physically or mentally is made up for by his awesome personality. He is the friendliest student at CCCS and knows the entire staff despite only being in second-grade. Staff is blessed to know this brave young man.

Cedar Creek Community School staff celebrated Team Rylan Day April 21. Submitted photo

Students read 59,989 minutes and earned almost $5,000 in new books Sandra Benson

CCCS Community Relations Coordinator

FITNESS for all! 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! Socialize after your workout in our conference room. Only $2 per visit and no membership fees. Contact ISD 15 Adult Community Education at 763-213-1640 for more information. Fitness 15 • Sandhill Center 23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005

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

Cedar Creek Community School (CCCS) students recently participated in a reading incentive program called Reach for the Stars, sponsored by the CCCS Parent Teacher Organization. The program encouraged students to get in the habit of reading thirty minutes per day over the course of 14 days. Forty-three students read a total of 59,989 minutes. One hundred students collected pledges from their family and friends who wanted to support them in their reading efforts. This resulted in almost $5,000 in new books for home and school, as 100 percent of pledge money is returned in this exciting program. Sandra Benson, CCCS kindergarten teacher, was

Students at Cedar Creek Community School read 59,989 minutes over the course of two weeks. Usborne Books & More provided the students with free books as a reward. Submitted Photo thrilled and stated, “I really appreciated the program as it helps children and parents focus on reading and it rewards everyone with new books.” Many CCCS teachers were enthusiastic about the program and hope it will become a yearly incentive for students.

If your group, organization or school is interested in learning more about Reach for the Stars, a motivating and rewarding program, contact Barb Karel, independent consultant, Usborne Books & More at 651-497-5525 or usbornebybarb@gmail.com.

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Community Education Oak Grove fire truck stops by Lifelong Learning Center

Classes & Events

Jeaninne Engler

Oak Grove Fire Auxiliary

The Oak Grove Fire Department made several appearances at the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) during April and May. On May 14, the Oak Grove Fire Department participated in Vehicle Day. This annual event, organized by the Early Childhood Advisory Council, offers free admission with a non-perishable food item. Some of the vehicles included: a sheriff’s car, fire truck, ambulance, construction vehicles, race cars, school bus, garbage truck, tractor and many more. The Oak Grove Fire Department visited preschool classes at LLC April 27 and 28. Students learned about fire prevention, safety and equipment. They also watched a firefighter put on his uniform to help familiarize students with firefighters and their gear. “This interaction is extremely important,” said Oak Grove Fire Department firefighter Dale Sorensen. “When fires occur, children often hide from the intimidating looking firefighter sent to rescue them. If a child can see a firefighter dressed in his fire gear and equipment in a safe setting, he or she will be more likely to go to a rescuing firefighter in a real situation.”

23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005

Strength In class you will use dumbbells/ hand weights and resistance bands to strengthen muscles, improve bone density and increase your metabolism. Class is for seniors or active older adults. Days: Mondays Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Fee: $2 per class No registration required

SilverSneakers Yoga

Educating children is a strong first step in fire prevention. The next step is to educate parents on how to keep their families safe at home. Schools are often the best avenue for this as well. Both fire departments and schools usually have informative pamphlets that can be sent home. Topics can include home fire drills, escape plans, smoke detectors, causes of fires and steps to prevent them. With these efforts, lives will be saved. Resource: National Fire Protection Assoc.

Oak Grove Fire Department firefighters pictured (L-R) Dale Sorensen, James Stafki and Wayne McNally recently visited the Lifelong Learning Center to talk to students about fire prevention and safety. Submitted Photo

Community Education Directory Community Education Coordinator ��763-753-7171 Adult Basic Education (GED) ��763-753-7190 Adult Education & Services ��763-213-1640 Communications/The Courier ��763-753-7031 Districtwide Youth Activities • K-8 ��763-213-1616 Districtwide Youth Activities • 9-12 ��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 Program Supervisor ��763-213-1616 Cedar Creek Community School Site ��763-753-7160 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

Before and after school childcare

Questions? Call Chris at 763-213-1616 or visit www.communityed15.com/kc Billing questions: 762-213-1641 Program Sites Cedar Creek Community School 763-753-7160 for East Bethel Community School and Cedar Creek Community School students St. Francis Elementary School 763-213-8674 Kids Connection is a comprehensive childcare program for children in kindergarten through grade 5 that provides a safe, fun experience and offers families a variety of childcare options. The program is open 6:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours include before and after school programs and full day programs on non-school days. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

School year care is available now through June 3, 2016. Before School Care Begins at 6:00 a.m. until school starts ��$9.25/day After School Care Begins at end of school day until 6:00 p.m. ��$9.25/day Non-School Day Care 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ��$32/day Other fees Registration fee ��$35/child each additional child is $10

SilverSneakers Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Fee: Free to SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit members; $2 per class for nonmembers No registration required

SilverSneakers Classic

Now 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 6–August 30 (closed July 4) Summer Kids Connection provides a variety of learning activities and recreational experiences to fill each day. Fun weekly field trips and summer activities are offered. Registration forms available online at www.isd15.org/kc or call 763-213-1641.

Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Days: Wednesdays, Fridays Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Fee: Free to SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit members; $2 per class for nonmembers No registration required No classes July 4, 7, 9 or September 5 Sandhill is a Silver & Fit qualified center. For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program or the Sandhill Center, please call 763-2131640. To see if you qualify as a Silver & Fit member or a SilverSneakers member, please contact your insurance company.

Bright Beginnings in ISD 15 Early Childhood 763-753-7170

Call ECFE at for more information or to register for any of the opportunities on this page. Lifelong Learning Center • 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove • Online at www.isd15.org/ecfe Follow ISD 15 Early Childhood on Facebook to stay in the know and connect with other parents.

Expanding to

Register NOW for 2016-17 Preschool Place 15 Independent School District 15 Early Childhood Family Education is offering Preschool Place 15 at the Lifelong Learning Center in Oak Grove. Highlights of the program are: } Programming takes place September through May } Morning, afternoon and evening sessions available } One, two, three times per week } Two-hour to two-and-ahalf-hour sessions } Most classes are age specific } Classes also available for two-year-olds and very young three-year-olds } Busing available for

full-year morning and afternoon classes } Free or reduced tuition and fees based on family size and income 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

Lifelong Learning Center for the 2016-17 school year

independent learning in each child.

For more information on classes and to register visit www. isd15.org or call 763753-7170.

Just 4 Kids is a childcare option for children who are 3 years of age by September 1, 2016 to kindergarten entrance. Children participate in various activities in a safe, well-supervised environment.

Need full day childcare for your preschooler? Check out Just 4 Kids— an ISD 15 childcare option expanding this fall to the Lifelong Learning Center to coordinate with Preschool Place 15. See ad on this page.

2016 Summer Preschool & ECFE Preschool Camps

Ready, Set, Paint

Camps for preschoolers are centered on a theme. All camps will include stories, music, art, literacy and math activities and time for playing with others. 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 6/1/2016 and not attending kindergarten

Extended childcare options are available at: • Cedar Creek Community School from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will be bused to the Lifelong Learning Center from 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. at no fee. • St. Francis Elementary School from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will remain at St. Francis Elementary School. If preschoolers are attending Preschool Place 15 they will be bused to LLC at no cost. Customize your childcare arrangements! Before and after preschool, daily and weekly rates are available for Just 4 Kids. Call 763-213-1641 for more info.

Come and explore a variety of different ways to paint. Different materials to paint on, paint with and type of paint will make this camp a fun and colorful adventure. Course: PP1111 Dates: Tuesdays, July 12, 19 & 26

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

What types of bugs may you see this summer? What do they eat? Where do they live? Come observe, create, read and sing about bugs.

All classes take place at the Lifelong Learning Center 18900 Cedar Drive, NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011 Course: PP1112 Dates: Wednesdays, July 13, 20 & 27

One, Two, Three, Count With Me

Count the kids, paint a pattern, sort the blocks. It all adds up to learning math through fun activities, stories and songs. In this camp we will see how fun learning can be with math! Course: PP1114 Dates: Wednesdays, July 13, 20 & 27

Down on the Farm

Parent’s Name ___________________________________________________________________

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the farm through songs, books and activities in the classroom. What part of the farm will be your favorite? Come and find out. Course: PP1113 Dates: Thursdays, July 14, 21 & 28

Phone (day) __________________________ Phone (evening)____________________________

Summer Slice of Kindergarten

2016 Summer Preschool & ECFE

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!

Address _________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________ Zip____________________________ PP1112 PP1113 PP1114 Preschool Camp PP1111 Slice of Kindergarten PP1115 PP1116 PP1117 Total Preschool Fee:_____________ Child’s Name_____________________________________ Date of Birth____________________ ECFE

EC5701

EC0701

Total ECFE Fee:_______________________________

Child’s Name(s)___________________________________________________________________ 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?______________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail your registration and payment to the Lifelong Learning Center, 18900 Cedar Drive, Oak Grove, MN 55011. Registrations will be processed as they are received.

Let your kindergarten-bound child explore the environment where they will be attending kindergarten in the fall. Classes will be held in a kindergarten classroom and students will be able to explore their new school while having time to play with others, participate in learning activities and games and enjoy stories and music. For children entering kindergarten fall 2016. Sliding fee scale is available. Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Fee: $40 for a 3 day session Ages: Children must be entering kindergarten September 2016 Course: PP1115 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, July 12-14 Location: St. Francis Elementary School Course: PP1116 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, July 19-21 Location: Cedar Creek Community School Course: PP1117 Dates: Tuesday-Thursday, July 26-28 Location: East Bethel Community School

Early Childhood Family Education Me and My Baby

Come and enjoy time with your little one while participating in songs, games and activities in an early childhood classroom. Also connect with other parents who are experiencing the joys and challenges of raising a baby. Course: EC0701 Ages: 0-12 months Dates: Wednesday, July 13, 20 & 27 Time: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Fee: FREE

Pop In and Play

Come with your young child and participate in fun activities related to a weekly theme. This is the perfect place to relax with your child and meet other families with young children. No pre-registration necessary. Ages: Birth to kindergarten and their parents Time: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Fee: $4 per child; max $12 or 3 punches per family (limit of 4 children/adult) July 12: Summer Fun July 19: The Colors of the Rainbow July 26: Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Sliding Fee Scale Annual Income Preschool 0-$40,000 $20.00 $40,00-$90,000

$30.00

$90,000+

$40.00

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Community & Business Remembering Eugene Yanke Eugene (Gene) Yanke was born December 20, 1930 in Fargo, North Dakota and passed away March 19, 2016. He graduated from Sandstone, Minnesota in 1948. Yanke served in the United States Air Force from 1948 until 1952 as a part of the occupation forces in Tokyo, Japan. He received his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in December 1952. Yanke enrolled at St. Cloud State University in the spring of 1955 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and history. He taught physical education at St. Cloud State during the 1958-59 school year and received his master’s degree in 1960 from the same university. Coach Yanke started teaching at St. Francis High School (SFHS) in 1959 and retired in 1988. During his career, he taught geography, civics, history, health, social studies and current affairs. Yanke also taught some community education classes in the district. As a high school coach, Yanke was involved in football, baseball, tennis and most

notably her served, as the first wrestling coach at SFHS. As a coach, Yanke’s skill as an educator really shone. He could explain and demonstrate the skills and techniques required to create a great wrestler. He helped develop a wrestling program in the school district in the early 1960s, which continues to bear fruits today from his early efforts. Yanke was inducted into the St. Francis High School Hall of Fame in its inaugural year of 2009. Yanke developed good individual and team athletes, but more than that, he built the foundation for a legacy that is still going strong in this community.

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The St. Francis Health & Wellness Fair, sponsored by the St. Francis American Legion Post 622 and Women’s Auxiliary, was held April 30. Ez Teez provided volunteers with bright T-shirts for the event. Some businesses presented information about health and fitness, including Andover YMCA, Anytime Fitness, Goodrich Pharmacy, Opp Family Chiropractic, St. Francis Physical Therapy and more. Erica Burman from Goodrich Pharmacy brought miniature horses to the event. Allina Health, Independent School District 15 Early Childhood and Sage provided screenings and healthcare information. Subway and Village Bank provided sandwiches and water for volunteers and attendees. Many other organizations and businesses were on hand to provide health and wellness information. Pictured are Park Nicollet Health Services registered dietician (L-R): Brenda Demarco, volunteer Martha Ahlschlager and graduate student Ashley Grearly, who volunteered at the event. Annie Ross, Methodist Hospital nurse and St. Francis resident

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Rum River, lakes management planning underway Jamie Schurbon

Anoka Conservation District

The Rum River, Lake George and Seelye Brook are a few of the water bodies receiving new management plans in the coming months. Residents interested in water quality, aquatic invasive species, flooding and environmental health are invited to contribute to the process. Both local and regional plans are taking shape. At the local level, the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO) is updating its ten-year management plan. The URRWMO was jointly formed by the cities of Bethel, East Bethel, Nowthen, St. Francis, Oak Grove and Ham Lake to manage water issues,

including those that tend to flow across city boundaries. It sets consistent minimum regulatory standards across cities, monitors water quality and may coordinate projects to address problems. The URRWMO will be considering its role relative to cities, as well as its participation in regional management. At the regional level, the state is funding a Rum River Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan (WRAPP), which encompasses the watershed from Lake Mille Lacs to Anoka. Lakes and streams draining to the river are included. Each county’s soil and water conservation district is serving as a key point of contact in this planning effort. The plan will include how to maintain good

The state of Minnesota is funding a plan to ensure bodies of water in the Upper Rum River Watershed, such as the Rum River maintain their water quality. Submitted Photo water quality and address Lake George and the problems. Rum River are likely to get Inaugural DAV Anoka Chapter 39

Golf Tournament

St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s

Thursday, July 14 • 12:30 p.m. Start

14th Annual

“All You Can Eat”

The Refuge Golf Club 21250 Yellow Pine Street • Oak Grove

Grilled to Perfection

Steak Dinner With all the trimmings!

Sunday, June 26 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

All Are Welcome!

Adults $10 Children $6 • Preschool FREE (Hamburgers and hot dogs available for children)

Attend our grilled steak dinner with all the trimmings, including an awesome dessert table. Dine ‘inside’ in air conditioning or ‘outside’ in midday sunshine.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church Hwy. 65 & 237th Avenue NE East Bethel (Cooper’s Corner)

763-434-7146

Foursome/Hole Sponsor Bundle $630—Includes a Foursome and a Hole Sponsorship SAVE $50 18-Hole Foursome $480—Cart, Dinner, Networking and program listing 18-Hole Single $120—Cart, Dinner, Networking and program listing

Sign up today, online at https://squareup.com/store/dav-golf-tournament Questions? Call Leo Luskey or Erin McLean at Tyrone Transportation 763-767-9710 or email to freight@tyronetransportation.com The Disabled American Veterans Anoka Chapter 39 is a non-profit organization, 501(C)(4) EIN 31-1429959

Free Dollars Into Sense classes offered

Tournament Opportunities

Support Your Local Disabled American Veterans

substantial attention locally. Lake George is a regional attraction with good, but declining water quality. Addressing that decline is likely to be a priority. The Rum River has good water quality and is a state scenic and recreational river, which many want to protect. The URRWMO is planning an open house Wednesday, June 29, 7:00 p.m. at Oak Grove City Hall. Residents are invited to share their input on priorities for the next ten years. More information is at www. URRWMO.org. The regional Rum River WRAPP will be holding several opportunities for input between now and the end of the year. Notices of these meetings and draft documents for public review will be posted at www.AnokaSWCD. org under the projects tab, or contact Jamie Schurbon at 763-434-2030 ext. 12 or jamie. schurbon@anokaswcd.org.

Julie Blomquist

University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County

The University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County will present a free Dollars into Sense class on Thursdays, June 9, July 14 and Wednesday, August 10, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Anoka County Human Services Center, 1201 89th Avenue in Blaine. Class will cover tracking expenses, putting together a spending plan, goal setting, credit and where to get additional help and resources. To register, call University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County at 763-755-1280 at least three days prior to the class.

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce presents…

June 3-5, 2016

St. Francis Pioneer Days Schedule of Events

Medallion Hunt ´ Medallion Hunt begins Monday, May 30 with Daily Clues posted on our website, Facebook and Twitter. For rules and more information, visit www.stfrancischamber.org. Sponsored by the St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce

13th Annual Amateur Photo Contest ´ Photos (no larger than 4 x 6) can be dropped off at County Market no LATER than Saturday, May 28, 6:00 p.m. (at the Service Counter). For a complete list of rules for the contest, visit www.stfrancischamber.org and click on the Pioneer Days tab. Sponsored by King’s County Market

Business Expo in the Park ´ Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 3-5, in Community Park ´ Businesses, crafters, food vendors, nonprofits will have exposure to thousands of people attending St. Francis Pioneer Days! ´ New improved park layout. LIVE entertainment all three days!

PARADE ´ Enter your business or group to march in the Pioneer Days Parade on Saturday, June 4!

Get Involved ´ Personal and business donations are being accepted to make this St. Francis Pioneer Days the best ever. If you would like to make a monetary donation, scan the QR Code that will take you to PayPal. Or find the link at www.stfrancischamber.org under the Pioneer Days tab. ´ Cleanup is needed all weekend—it’s a great way to fulfill service hours or give back to your community.

Schedule subject to change. Please find complete schedule with updates and all other Pioneer Days information at www.stfrancischamber.org Updates are also posted on our Facebook and Twitter accounts so make sure to like and follow us.

Pioneer Days buttons are on sale at local merchants

Carnival–Friday, Saturday, Sunday in Community Park

Friday, June 3 Garage Logic with Joe Soucheray, broadcasting 1:00–3:00 pm live at St. Francis True Value Hardware. Sponsored by St. Francis Lions Free Root Beer Floats at Village Bank. 1:00–4:00 pm Sponsored by Village Bank 5:00 pm Carnival Rides in Community Park 5:00-8:00 pm Exhibitor Booths in Community Park St. Francis Lions & Northlake Brewing 5:00–8:00 pm Beverage Garden in Community Park. Sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Francis Friday Nite Rally – Street Rods, 5:00–9:00 pm Customs, Classics, Trucks and Motorcycles at St. Francis City Centre Mall parking lot Super Stu Band in the tent at Community 5:00–9:00 pm Park, free admission Live Music by Slippery Steve and Scary Gary 7:00–11:00 pm at St. Francis American Legion 8:00 pm– Live Music by Uncle Chuck at Patriot Lanes Midnight Bar and Grill (21+) cover charge Movies in Community Park, showing Goonies. 9:00 pm Bring blankets and chairs. Sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 511

Saturday, June 4 All Day St. Francis Lions Club and Northlake 8:00 am Brewing Softball Tournament in Community Park. Concessions by St. Francis Lioness Life Fitness 5K Color Run/Walk, starts at St. Francis High School west parking lot, 8:00 am registration begins at 7:00 am. Presented by St. Francis Lions; sponsored by Life Fitness 9:00 am– Exhibitor Booths in Community Park 6:00 pm St. Francis Lions & Northlake Brewing 9:00 am– Beverage Garden in Community Park. 8:00 pm Sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 9:30 am– Wellness Van at ISD 15 Bus Garage. 12:30 pm Sponsored by St. Francis Lions Carnival rides, craft and food booths in 10:00 am Community Park Petting Zoo and Pony Rides by Tommy’s Zoo 10:00 am and Stables in Community Park Brats and Beverages at St. Francis Fire Station. 10:00 am Sponsored by St. Francis Fire Department Turtle Race, bring your own turtle (no blanding turtles), registration begins at 10:00 am. in 10:30 am Community Park by grandstands. Sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 511 Bed Races, in front of St. Francis True Value 11:30 am Hardware Store. Sponsored by Patriot Lanes St. Francis Dairy Queen and Killebrew Rootbeer Kids Color Walk. FREE for all kids 12 Noon and under, registration at 11:00 am. Free Killebrew Root Beer FREE ice cream given out in front of St. Francis 12:15 pm Dental. Sponsored by St. Francis Dental GRAND PARADE – Emcees Joe Haag, Community Pride Bank and Heather Buzzell; 1:00 pm Grand Marshal: Retired St. Francis Police Chief Jeff Harapat

1:00 pm After Parade

After Parade After Parade– 4:00 pm 2:30 and 3:30 pm

3:00–5:00 pm

5:00–9:00 pm 6:00-10:00 pm

6:00 pm 8:00 pm– Midnight 10 Minutes after Dusk

Home Run Derby at ball field in Community Park. Sponsored by Boulder Lodge Bingo, Brats and Beverages at St. Francis Fire Station. Sponsored by St. Francis Fire Department Horseshoe Tournament at St. Francis American Legion, bring your own partner. Sponsored by St. Francis American Legion SFHS Alumni All Class Reunion in Woodbury Park The Wonderful World of Woody—music, singing, juggling and magic in the tent at Community Park 2016-17 Miss St. Francis Ambassador Coronation at St. Francis Middle School Gymnasium. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5-17, under 5 are free. David Bedford & Boom, Boom, Boom Band in the tent at Community Park, free admission Live Music by Two Bit Three at St. Francis American Legion Free hot dogs, games and entertainment for the whole family before the fireworks at Living Hope’s Ministry Center across from St. Francis High School. Inflatables open 6:00–8:00 pm. Live Music by Jonah and the Whales at Patriot Lanes Bar and Grill (21+) cover charge FIREWORKS at St. Francis High School football field. All school rules will be enforced—no tobacco or alcohol on school grounds. Sponsored by St. Francis Bottle Shop

Sunday, June 5 Free Breakfast served at the 7:00–9:30 am St. Francis United Methodist Church located at 3914 229th Avenue NW All Day St. Francis Lions Club and Killebrew 8:00 am Root Beer Softball Tournament in Community Park. Concessions by St. Francis Lioness Community Worship Service in Community 10:00 am Park hosted by United Methodist Church. 10:00 am– Exhibitor Booths in Community Park 4:00 pm St. Francis Lions & Northlake Brewing 10:00 am– Beverage Garden in Community Park. 4:00 pm Sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Carnival rides, craft and food booths in 11:00 am Community Park Petting Zoo and Pony Rides by Tommy’s Zoo 11:00 am and Stables in Community Park 1:00 pm Kid’s Power Pedal Pull in Community Park Garden Tractor Pull at St. Francis American Legion. Registration begins at 10:00 am. 1:00 pm Concessions by St. Francis American Legion Auxiliary Gravel Roads Band in the tent at 1:00–4:00 pm Community Park, free admission Bingo at Patriot Lanes, 15 games of 75% 2:00 pm payout up to $99, last game coverall guaranteed $1,000

For more information and how to get involved, visit www.stfrancischamber.org or 763-438-5163 The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor Policy

Thanks for the photo of the Saint’s Varsity Baseball captain George Bertels [May 2016 issue of The Courier]. As a parent of a player, I need to clarify some points of the accompanying article. The author quotes a junior stating, “We need younger guys to step up and fill important roles,” and the author infers this is because “the Saints lost nine seniors to graduation last year.” I want all readers of this to be aware that NINE players (juniors last year) returned and therefore there would not be a need for “younger players to step up” if these seniors were given the opportunities to fill important roles on the team. Unfortunately, most of these returning seniors, who had to sit much of last year “waiting their turns” had to sit most of this year, too, but their turns will never come. Most of them weren’t given the opportunity to be leaders, other than being cheerleaders from the bench. It is unfortunate that they had to end their last season of Saints baseball being underutilized and overlooked. I wish all these seniors all the best in their futures! I’ve enjoyed watching each of you play whenever you had the opportunity. Janet Grothe, Community Member

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

The Courier reserves the right to reject any letter submitted and edit letters for clarity, length and grammar. Be timely—visit www.the-courier.org for deadline information. Include contact information—include your full name, title (optional), city and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters or those submitted without a phone number will not be considered. Be clear & concise—make one main point in 200 words or less. Be accurate—letters that are factually inaccurate will not be printed. Be considerate—only one letter per author every 60 days. Regular contributors should submit letters on varied subjects. Letters by the same author that reiterate

opinions previously expressed will not be published. Writers must either live within District 15 or be writing about an issue specific to The Courier coverage area. Submissions—letters can be sent by email to news@isd15.org, by U.S. mail to The Courier, 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis, MN 55070, or by fax to 763-753-4693. Other—thank-you letters that relate to a public event, organization or official are not considered letters to the editor. Contact the editor regarding submitting that information. Viewpoints expressed in a letter to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Independent School District 15 or The Courier staff.

Good Luck to Little Miss St. Francis Ambassador candidate Audrina Glass

Good Luck to Miss St. Francis Ambassador candidate Ariel Orr

Good Luck to Little Miss St. Francis Ambassador candidate Lilliana Montez

Sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Francis

Sponsored by St. Francis Collision & Glass

Sponsored by Saanen Dairy Goats 763-444-9416

www.stfrancisdentalcare.com 3715 Bridge Street St. Francis, MN 55070

763-753-1900 Join us before the St. Francis Pioneer Days Parade for ice cream treats on Saturday, June 4 starting at 12:15 p.m. until gone.

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!

Your Hometown Team Supporters

St. Francis Lions present fun-filled events during Pioneer Days ´ Softball Tournaments

All day Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 at Lions Community Park

´ Life Fitness 5K Color Walk/Run

7:00 a.m. registration, St. Francis High School west parking lot

´ Bed Races

Begins at 11:30 a.m., St. Francis True Value Hardware

´ Dairy Queen/ Killebrew Root Beer Kids Color Walk

Begins at Noon, St. Francis True Value Hardware

Liavdce ast

Bro . 1:00-3:00 p.m

Friday, June 3 1:00-3:00 p.m.

St. Francis True Value Hardware Cylinder Index Contest Local treats It’s all about common sense.

Contact Tim or Kristin at 763-753-1265 for more information. 16

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Impact Services offer food choices with Meals on Wheels Steve Griffiths

Impact Services Executive Director

When you walk into the kitchen thinking, “What do I want to eat?” you know you will have the opportunity to decide what you are going to enjoy for a meal. The ability to make a decision about what you eat is something we take for granted on a daily basis. It is one of the little aspects of independence that does not seem to be a big deal. However, as an adult that has someone else decide what you will eat, you remember being a child, facing that one meal you could not stand. You knew that night you were going to be hungry and hoped for a snack. For neighbors served by Impact Services’ Meals on Wheels, having the opportunity to choose your daily meal is now an option. Impact Services started offering Menu Choice at the beginning of April. Neighbors enrolled in Meals on Wheels feel empowered by this change. “Over the past year, Impact Services has been exploring

ways to make our Meals on Wheels service meet our mission of helping people live independently. Menu Choice was one of the numerous ideas discussed. It is also the one idea we knew would be welcomed by our neighbors,” stated Executive Director Steve Griffiths. Implementing this change has been an undertaking for Impact Services. One of the first steps in implementing Menu Choice was working with Mercy Hospital’s Food Service Department to make sure the hospital could handle this change. Mercy Hospital’s staff told Impact Services they were willing to do what needed to be done to help make Meals on Wheels more appealing to people receiving meals. “Having Mercy Hospital’s staff support in making this change has been wonderful. It has made this transition seamless,” Griffiths said. Impact Services’ staff worked hard to push this change forward at a very quick pace. The organization received a grant at the beginning of the year to implement Menu Choice.

Proudly Sponsoring the 2016

Pioneer Days Fireworks Saturday, June 4 St. Francis High School For all your entertaining needs— weddings, graduation parties, reunions or other special occasions. Plus friendly, efficient service makes us the place to go to. Check out our Pioneer Days Specials

All profits stay in the City of St. Francis.

Store revenues have been provided to fund all or a portion of the following city projects: • Defibrillators for all police squads • Gazebo in Woodbury Park • Decorative street lighting • Fire department pumper truck • Police squad cars • Fire department tanker truck • Fire station expansion • Police station expansion • Holiday decorations • Street light at Hwy. 47 and CR 81

Open Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

763-753-2660 23307 St. Francis Blvd., St. Francis

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

The original timeline for the grant was to implement the change starting in July, but program manager Sue Patchen decided to ramp up the timeline and worked diligently to meet a self-imposed April deadline. The first menus went out the last week in March. “Having the opportunity to decide between beef stroganoff and maple glazed pork is empowering for those we serve. Many people who are homebound see their opportunity to autonomy and independence shrink daily. We are empowering those we serve when they make the choice of the entrée they receive for lunch,” added Griffiths. Impact Services provides Meals on Wheels service to seventeen communities in Anoka and Hennepin

counties. They serve an average of 100 meals each day. Meals on Wheels is a service for people who are at nutritional risk—those that are unable to make a meal for themselves, are unable to grocery shop or are a danger to themselves or structure if they were to cook in the home. Meals on Wheels provides nutrition for senior citizens, people with disabilities, people on medical rehabilitation at home and people with mental health concerns. Meals on Wheels provides not only a nutritious meal, but also daily wellness checks for recipients. Anyone interested in Meals on Wheels can call 763-236-8718 for more information. For more information about Impact Services, please visit www.impactservicesmn.org.

Eagle Garage Door Co.

Home Improvement & Service Guide

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www.CentralHVACmn.com 17

St. Francis Ambassador Candidates St. Francis Ambassador Scholarship Program Jacquie Goedel

Miss St. Francis Ambassador Program Coordinator

The 2015-16 Miss St. Francis Ambassador Brittany Coop and Little Misses Haley Mau and Alyssa Kamman cordially invite you to our 2016-17 Coronation Saturday, June 4 in the St. Francis Middle School Gymnasium at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 17 and children under 5 are free. Come and say farewell to this group of young ladies and welcome new Miss St. Francis Ambassadors and Little Misses. This year’s ambassadors have represented the city of St. Francis with grace and honor. They traveled as far as North Hudson, Wisconsin, south to Northfield and throughout neighboring communities, along with many 2015-16 St. Francis Ambassadors (L-R) Little Misses Alyssa Kamman activities throughout the city and Haley Mau and Miss Brittany Coop. Thank you for all that you of St. Francis. As a board, we have done for the program this past year. Submitted Photo couldn’t be more proud of how they represented our community and fulfilled their duties as ambassadors. Congratulations on an amazing year!

In July, Brittany will represent St. Francis at the Minneapolis Aquatennial celebration where she will participate in a week full of activities, judging and the coronation Saturday, July 23 at Ted Mann Auditorium on the University of Minnesota Campus. Please help us Submitted Photo in wishing her good luck!

2016-17 Little Miss St. Francis Ambassador Candidates

Madison Bollin Sponsored by Ez teez

Audrina Glass Sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Madison Hall

Sponsored by Tasty Pizza St. Francis

Sponsored by Graceful Living Senior Care Oak Grove

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Sponsored by Fleetwood Collision Nowthen

612-730-3719 ezteezmn@gmail.com 3220 Bridge Street #101 St. Francis 19

Independent School District 15 teacher inducted into Livestock Hall of Fame Juanita Reed-Boniface

Community member

James “Jim” Ertl, Future Farmers of America (FFA) adviser at St. Francis High School from 1976 to 1978, was inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame during the annual

Girl Scout Troop 15227 at Cedar Creek Community School assisted the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) with the Little Free Library. They donated books and each girl took turns every week to ensure shelves were stocked and looked tidy. This was important, because the books left the shelves quickly and needed to be refilled every week. This project helped the girls accomplish their bronze award project goal. Elizabeth Pipp, Troop 15227 Leader

Jason M. Semler

Jim Ertl, former Future Farmers of America advisor at Independent School District 15, was among those inducted into the 2016 Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame. He is pictured with Dick Boniface and Juanita Reed-Boniface, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Submitted Photo

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meeting of the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association in St. Paul. When the Agriculture Education/FFA program was phased out in 1978, Ertl moved to Kasson-Mantorville where he taught agriculture education and was the FFA adviser. In 1981, he was named executive secretary of the Minnesota FFA Association and retired from this position in 2015. Hallmarks of his four-decade career are his positive impact on agriculture education and his commitment to assisting FFA chapter advisers, members and state officers. Ertl has a passion for the Minnesota State Fair and the role of FFA at the fair. From 1981 to 2000 he was the superintendent of the FFA Children’s Barnyard. He was later instrumental in advocating for the construction of the FFA Chapter House and Leadership Center and the development of the Cenex Harvest States (CHS) Miracle of Birth Center. These projects became a reality because Ertl felt FFA should have a prominent location at the fair and a role in educating consumers. He has been the superintendent of the CHS Miracle of Birth Center from 2001 to the present. In this role he supervises barn managers, FFA member attendants and veterinarians throughout the 12 days of the fair each year. Ertl has received the Honorary Minnesota and American FFA degrees, the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame award and the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education Outstanding Secretary Award. One hundred and seventyeight agriculture leaders have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1934, including local residents Dick and Juanita Boniface. Portraits of inductees are hung in Haecker Hall at the University of Minnesota, MN St. Paul campus.

3645 Bridge Street, St. Francis 763-753-1265 www.stfrancishardware.com

Summer Coupon

Propane Special

Exchange on 20 lb. Tank Offer expires 8/31/16. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per visit. Must present coupon.

St. Francis True Value Hardware is teaming up with

Locally Owned “We Are” your hometown team supporters 20

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Anoka County 4-H team to compete in agriculture challenge AnnElise Brostrom

Organics are a resource, not a waste— help us meet our goal Martha Weaver

Anoka County Public Information Manager

Anoka County 4-H Buckthorn Busters

The Buckthorn Busters of Anoka County 4-H are taking on the Science of Agriculture Response Challenge. This program offers youth an opportunity to form solutions to agricultural issues. The Buckthorn Busters wanted to address the invasive species of buckthorn. Instead of using harmful herbicides, their hypothesis included putting animal fat on tree stumps to kill buckthorn. They researched the species, met with an area farmer and natural resource technicians and presented their findings to a variety of organizations in the community. They will compete at a state competition June 21-23 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus.

Anoka Country 4-H Buckthorn Busters team members (L-R): Madison Arndt, Caleb Brostrom and AnnElise Brostrom presented their hypothesis on killing buckthorn with animal fat to various community organizations. Photo by Theresa Brostrom, Community Member

Kraig Domogalla

“Your Real Estate Specialist”

Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions is now offering a source separated organic (SSO) recycling program for residents. By participating in the organics recycling program, food scraps, non-recyclable paper products, coffee grounds and more will be recycled into compost—a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces erosion and decreases the need for fertilizers. Participants will be given an organics collection pail to collect food scraps and non-recyclable paper along with compostable bags to line the pail. Once the bags are full of organics, residents bring them to special organics recycling dumpsters located at the two county yard waste sites. Source separated organics is a collection method for food waste and non-recyclable paper waste to be collected separate from traditional recyclables and diverted to an industrial compost facility. From there, that material will break down into a

valuable soil amendment. Examples of these types of materials would be coffee grounds, eggs, dairy, meat, fruit and vegetable scraps, pizza boxes, facial tissue and paper napkins. Why is recycling organic waste important? The county has a statewide goal to recycle 75 percent of municipal solid waste by 2030. This goal includes recyclables and organics. Currently, Anoka County is at a 51 percent recycling rate; organics recycling is the next frontier to help us reach our goal. To get started to participate in the program, follow these easy steps. } Sign up at AnokaCounty.us/recycle } Collect organic waste in a compostable bag lined collection container. } Come to the yard waste site and place the bag in the container designated for organics recycling. } Ask the monitor for more BPI certified free bags. For more information about composting at home or at work, please visit AnokaCounty.us/recycle.

Jen’s Alterations Specializing in bridal gowns, bridesmaid and mother’s dresses and formal gowns, tailoring of men’s suits. All other alterations welcome.

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Preschool

Our Saviour’s

Now registering for the 2016-17 school year. Now offering 2, 3 & 4 extended day and kindergarten readiness class options. 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

Early Learning Scholarships available for eligible families for our preschool. Contact Michelle or visit Think Small’s website at www.thinksmall.org for more information. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

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763-413-3445 21

Financial Focus

Blake Cheeley Edward Jones Financial Advisor

A 529 plan can help with those college bills We’re at the end of another school year. If you have younger kids, you might be thinking about summer camps and other activities. But in the not-too-distant future, your children will be facing a bigger transition as they head off to college. Will you be financially prepared for that day? A college education is a good investment—college graduates earn, on average, $1 million more over their lifetimes than high school graduates, according to a study by Georgetown University—but a bachelor’s degree doesn’t come cheap. For the 2015–16 school year, the average expense— tuition, fees, room and board—was $19,548 at a public four-year school and $43,921 at a four-year private school, according to the College Board.

And by the time your children are ready for college, these costs may be considerably higher, because inflation is alive and well in the higher education arena. Your children may be eligible for some types of financial aid and scholarships. But even so, you may want to consider some college-savings vehicles—and one of the most popular is a 529 plan. A 529 plan offers a variety of benefits, including the following: High contribution limits A 529 plan won’t limit your contributions based on your income. In all likelihood, you can contribute as much as you want to a 529 plan, as many states have contribution limits of $300,000 and up. And you can give up to $14,000 ($28,000 for a married couple filing jointly) per year, per child, without incurring any gift taxes.

Sinfonia call for scores Jay Fishman

Minnesota Sinfonia Artistic Director

With generous support from the McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Sinfonia is pleased to announce a call for new and unpublished (chamber) orchestral scores. Five new works will premiere during the 2016-17 season, with composers receiving compensation up to $6,000. Visit www.mnsinfonia.org to see criteria for this year’s competition. Deadline for entries is September 1, 2016. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to a “young composer,” any composer who meets the guidelines and is under the age of 19 before January 1, 2017. Deadline for entry is June 10. Enquiries and submissions should be directed to Jay Fishman, Minnesota Sinfonia at mnsinfonia@aol.com or 612-871-1701.

Tax advantages Your earnings can accumulate tax free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (529 plan distributions not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax and a 10 percent IRS penalty on the earnings.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit if you participate in your own state’s plan. But 529 plans vary, so check with your tax advisor regarding deductibility. Freedom to invest in any state’s plan You can invest in a 529 plan from any state – but that doesn’t mean your child has to go to school there. You could live in one state, invest in a second state’s plan and send your student to school in a third state, if you choose. Money can be used for virtually any program Upon graduating high school, not all kids are interested in, or prepared for, a traditional four-year college. But you can use your 529 plan to help pay for qualified expenses at a variety of educational institutions, including two-year community colleges and trade schools. Of course, a 529 plan does have considerations you will need to think about before opening an account. For example, your 529 plan assets can affect your child’s needsbased financial aid, but it might not doom it. As long as the 529

assets are under your control, they typically will be assessed at a maximum rate of 5.64 percent in determining your family’s expected contribution under the federal financial aid formula, as opposed to the usual 20 percent rate for assets held in the student’s name.

Tim and Rich Holen have owned St. Francis True Value Hardware for forty years. The Courier Photo

Business Spotlight

Heidi Anderson Staff Writer

St. Francis True Value Hardware For forty-years, residents of the St. Francis area have counted on St. Francis True Value Hardware for a variety of needs. Located at 3645 Bridge Street Northwest in St. Francis, St. Francis True Value has a diverse and well-stocked inventory list, as well as lumber. St. Francis True Value also offers tool and equipment

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M I Z E R

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Heat Mizer Glass, Inc. HOME & BUSINESS

Friday, June 10 Saturday, June 11 Cross of Hope Church

rental, small engine sales and service, builder and contractor supplies, window and screen repair and insulated concrete forms. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are good you’ll find it at the store. Owners Rich and Tim Holen, along with ten employees, are dedicated to providing excellent service to area customers, contractors and industry professionals. During Pioneer Days festivities, St. Francis True Value Hardware will host a live broadcast of the popular radio show Garage Logic, which will be hosted by Joe Soucheray on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, Friday, June 3, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

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In any case, though, a 529 plan is worth considering. But don’t wait too long—as you well know, your kids seem to grow up in the blink of an eye. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Window falls are preventable

I Hate When That Happens

Randy Gerdin ASE certified technician, Gerdin Auto & Tire Owner

I jokingly say that if I knew that I was going to need to know how to use a computer when I was in high school, I would have been more attentive in keyboarding class. My mom sent my brother and I to summer school for typing; I think she just wanted us out of her hair. These days, almost everything we do in the carfixing world has a computer attached to it. As I look out my office window, I see one technician using a laptop to test and reconfigure a heating and air conditioning system. Another technician is using a different computer to reprogram a tire pressure monitoring sensor before installation. He will then need to reprogram the vehicle so the computer will recognize the new sensor and integrate it into the system. Last week, we had a pickup truck with a check engine light on. It had a fuel system code telling us that the system was running too rich, or too much gasoline. It turned out that the vehicle was a flex fuel vehicle that could run E85 fuel. The computer somehow got confused on the amount of alcohol in the fuel, so we needed to test the fuel for alcohol content and compare it to the reading on the vehicle scanner. We found that the fuel contained 5 percent alcohol but the vehicle thought there was 22 percent. Since there are more British Thermal Units in gas than in alcohol, the vehicle fuel calculation was wrong. The repair was to reset the system. If the system would not reset, the power train control module would need to be replaced and reprogrammed. Thankfully the system did reset and the problem was resolved. It seems that simple things that were just plug and play devices in the past now need some kind of programming or reconfiguration to function. This can be a big problem for do-it-yourself people as well. Last week, we had an import vehicle that had been

in a crash. The owner was working on repairing it and brought it in with the air bag light on. Remember, if this light is on, the air bag system is inoperative. The owner told us that he had replaced numerous parts related to the supplemental restraint system and the light was still on. We did our diagnostic work and found that in this particular model, the main air bag computer needs to be replaced after a crash. In this case, the vehicle would need to go back to the dealer and have information extracted from the old module so it could be reprogrammed into the new one. We also found that this was an extremely costly procedure, which is why many vehicles that are involved in an accident are totaled if air bags deploy. It becomes too costly to repair because the cost often exceeds the value of the vehicle. We often see vehicles come in where the customer has been working on it and has not resolved the problem. In many

cases, the average guy does not have the tools, techniques and software needed to fix the vehicle. Another problem we have encountered is when the owner installed a new aftermarket part and the problem still exists or will reoccur. One thing to remember is that not all parts are equal or the same. Manufacturers make parts to fit every buyer. To some people, price is the major determining factor on which part to buy. I understand this, but once again, you get what you pay for. In an effort to hold down the price of a repair, we have substituted an inferior part in the past. We have learned our lesson, as the cheaper, inferior item usually does not last or work properly. This is especially true with electronic parts. We have learned over the years what works and what usually does not; unfortunately, we, too, learn the hard way. I hate when that happens.

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This is the time of year where we enjoy opening up a window to let in a breeze. It’s important to remember open windows present an often forgotten hazard. According to Safekids.org, window falls account for about eight deaths and 3,300 injuries among children five and younger each year. Children are twice as likely to sustain a fall-related injury at home than at a childcare facility. Take some time to think about what you can do to avoid these needless tragedies. Screens covering windows are there to keep insects out, not kids in. Don’t place furniture under windows because children can climb and potentially fall. Consider investing in window guards or window stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission works year-round as a safety advocate to promote window safety awareness. We encourage you to practice window safety year-round, too.

Certified Public Accountants

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The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

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

St. Francis Auto Parts Local one stop auto parts store with over 100,000 in stock parts and nationwide parts locating.

Paying 50 for most junkers! $

Bonus for caerrs! ’06 or new

Open 5 Days A Week - Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Beginning May 28 we will be CLOSED ON SATURDAYS 763-753-4698 • Family Run Business 4140 St. Francis Blvd., just south of town on Hwy 47 23

Sports & Outdoors Saints boys golf teams have successful 2016 season Andy LaHoud

SFHS Head varsity boys golf coach

Independent School District 15’s young golfers came out in full force with 11 eighth-grade players making this year’s squad. Many of those younger players are pushing for varsity time and increasing competition within the team to play in matches. The future looks bright for the golf program at St. Francis High School (SFHS), as the junior varsity team has placed second at all conference meets. The SFHS varsity boys have steadily improved this season and

recently posted one of our team’s best performances with a score of 306 at Grand National Golf Club. The team score was made up of Brady Arzdorf’s 71, Tanner Engberg’s 76, Brady Dahlstrom’s 77 and Jeffrey Symen’s 82. The score of 306 was good for second place out of ten teams at the meet and was the top score among section opponents. The varsity team placed third at the mid-conference meet at The Links at Northfork by shooting a 314, only four shots behind second place Rogers. The team was highlighted by Arzdorf’s 74, Engberg’s 74 and Symen’s 77.

The St. Francis High School boys varsity and junior varsity golf teams have had a successful 2016 season, with both teams finishing in at least the top three at their meets. Submitted Photo

Got Fish?

Did your catch from Opening Fishing weekend earn you serious bragging rights? The Courier wants to see your pictures! Send fishing pictures along with your full name and any other information regarding your catch to news@isd15.org. The submission deadline is Friday, June 10. The St. Francis High School boys and girls golf teams hosted their annual banquet April 23 and had a great turnout. Thank you to all of the people and businesses that supported the teams and those that came out to celebrate golf in the community. If you were unable to make it this year, please consider attending next year’s festivities. Submitted Photo

North Metro Soccer Association

Player Identification for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Teams

Save the Dates!

Birth Years 2001-2008 Tryouts July 23-28

See NMSA website for age specific dates/times. Online registration opens Monday, June 20. A $60 non-refundable tryout fee is required at time of online registration. That fee will be applied to the Spring 2017 registration fee. There will be an $85 non-refundable tryout fee for onsite registration. Location: National Sports Center in Blaine

Please visit the NMSA website for more information,

www.northmetrosoccer.org

St. Francis High School Hall of Fame committee seeking nominations for 2016 Heidi Antinozzi

SFHS Activities & Athletics

The St. Francis High School (SFHS) Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominations for 2016. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of former SFHS athletes and activity participants who have also distinguished themselves as outstanding citizens, former coaches and activity advisers, as well as distinguished alumni and community members who have made great contributions to the St. Francis community. If you would like to nominate someone who fits this criteria, please fill out the nomination form available at gostfrancissaints.com by Friday, June 10. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Genuine Matthews breaks SFHS record from 1975 Brittney Moffat

SFHS Varsity Girls Track Head Coach

On April 29 the Saints sent four qualifying track athletes to the Hamline Elite meet and ninth and tenth-grade track athletes competed in Cambridge. St. Francis High School was wellrepresented at the Hamline Elite meet, as junior Genuine Matthews broke the school 400-meter dash record with a time of 48.75 seconds, not to mention placing first overall at the meet. The record was previously set by J. Seel in 1975 with a time of 49.9. Matthews also placed third in the 100 with a time of 11.08. In addition, junior Amanda Anderson took first place in discus with an impressive throw of 150 feet. Junior

Tommy Schwieger placed sixth in long jump with a distance of 21-05.00 and senior Levi Ross placed ninth in shot put with a throw of 50-06.00. Full results of the Hamline Elite Meet can be found at www.wayzataresults. com/event/show/276057587 Leading the Saints at the ninth and tenth-grade Cambridge-Isanti meet was Jenna Koch, who finished first in high jump with a height of 5.0 feet. Alexis Lusthoff placed second in the 100 with a time of 13.33 and Olivia Scott placed third with a time of 13.82. Grace Wunderlick placed third in the 3200 with a time of 13:52 and Grace Hanson placed third in triple jump with a distance of 30-06.00. The girls 4x200 meter relay placed second with a time of 1:57.69.

Genuine Matthews took first place and broke the long-standing St. Francis High School record in the 400-meter dash at the Hamline Elite meet. Photo by Al Angell

North Metro Soccer Association

Amanda Anderson placed first in discus at the Hamline Elite Meet. Photo by Al Angell

North Metro Soccer Association

Fall 2016 Competitive Soccer Registration Online Registration • July 26 through August 2 Go to northmetrosoccer.org click Registration. Birth Years 2003-2008 • Fall 2016 teams will be formed from player identification which will be held July 23-28. Registration information will be available on the NMSA website in July with instructions on how to register for Fall teams. • The competitive registration fee does not include the cost of the uniform. Players who do not currently have a Spring 2016 competitive uniform must purchase one. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Fall 2016 Recreational Soccer Registration

Online Registration starting June 20 Go to northmetrosoccer.org click Registration.

Grades: PreK-10th Cost: Early registration June 20 through July 16 = $90 July 17 through July 24 = $115 • Rec Playing Nights: PreK-Kindergarten (Co-ed) Tuesday Grades 1 & 2 Boys Monday/Girls Tuesday Rec Extra will include 6 Fridays Grades 3 & 4 Boys Monday/Girls Tuesday Grades 5-7 Boys Thursday/Girls Thursday Mini Metros (ages 3-4) will also be offered. Grades 8-10 (Co-ed) See website for details. Tuesday Games played on Saturdays for all ages. • Practices start the week of August 29 and games begin Saturday, September 10. Season ends Saturday, October 15 with the Fall Jamboree. Team T-shirt and socks are provided. • Volunteer for positive youth development through soccer by checking the volunteer box during registration. 25

School Board Highlights School Board Highlights

April 25, 2016

Heidi Anderson

Staff writer

Director Scott Schwarz absent New Community Education Director In the Consent Agenda, The Independent School District 15 (ISD 15) School Board approved the hire of new Community Education Director. St. Francis High School site report St. Francis High School (SFHS) Principal Doug Austin presented the SFHS site report. SFHS science teacher and Professional Learning Community committee member Tyler Schaff also presented an update on what high school teachers have been working on during PLC time. In the future, licensed staff will work on data analysis, timely response to intervention (RTI) participation and use of Mastery Connect. Austin said that he along with SFHS staff are working on additions to Post Secondary Enrollment Options and expanding technical school partnerships. Austin also presented a proposal for having May 31 and June 1 designated as Senior Exemption Days. This has been standard procedure in the past and seniors who are in good standing with their grades and behavior will be exempt from attending school May 31 and June 1. Commencement is Friday, June 3.

School Board Members Marsha Van Denburgh, Chairwoman 763-753-6653 Janet Hunt, Vice Chairwoman 763-221-5341 Barbara Jahnke, Clerk 763-753-6846 Amy Kelly, Treasurer 763-744-8458 Suzanne Erkel, Director 763-413-1195 David Roberts, Director 763-843-0013 Scott Schwarz, Director 763-898-6985 Email: schoolboard@isd15.org 26

ISD 15 Website Redesign Communications Manager Kathleen Miller and Communications Coordinator Heidi Anderson provided an update on the redesign of ISD 15’s website. The ISD 15 Communications Department planned a “soft launch” first in order to make adjustments prior to making a major announcement. According to Miller, the redesign offers a clean look and information is organized so that parents, staff, students and community members can quickly find what they need. The home page showcases eight photos, each with a reference to one of the district’s core values. The top banner has been changed to reflect four main categories: District, School, Departments and School Board. Anderson said the other major change with the redesign is that the website now has a responsive design, which means it is fully optimized for viewing and use on any electronic device, from desktops to mobile devices. As more traffic to the website comes from mobile phones and tablets, this is an important feature that will make the website easy to navigate on any device. Insurance Rates 2016-17 Human Resources Director Brandon Nelson presented the insurance rates effective July 1, 2016 for the 2016-17 fiscal year. PreferredOne, medical insurance available to employees not represented by Education Minnesota St. Francis Local 1977 (Local 1977), increased by 7.69 percent. The Public Employees Insurance

School Board Meeting Schedule School board meetings are held in the Community Room at Central Services Center, located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis. Monday, June 13 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 27 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 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

Program (PEIP), chosen by groups represented by Local 1977, increased 5.9 percent. Nelson also noted a plan change with PreferredOne. For the highest deductible, the maximum deductible amount was replaced and the prescription drug plan is now a co-pay. This change was made without increasing the cost of coverage. For dental insurance, there was no plan change but the average increase for coverage was 5.5 percent. There was no increase to life insurance, long-term disability or flex spending plans. Bus Purchase and Lease Agreement Business Services Director Scott Nelson presented a side-by-side cost comparison of leasing versus purchasing two gasoline buses. The cost of purchasing the new buses is $186,478, while entering a seven-year lease would cost $203,324. Funds from the sale of ten buses will be used. Nelson said that if the district buys the buses and later decides to not have gasoline buses, they can sell them. If they decide to lease the buses and are not happy with them, they must keep them for seven years. 2015-16 General Fund Budget Revision Business Services Director Scott Nelson presented revisions to the 2015-16 general fund budget. For revenue, there is a positive adjustment due to average daily membership numbers. There have also been adjustments to expenditures. Additions include administrative rights to an online service and the hiring of two kindergarten teachers. There is a savings of $230,000 as the district was projected to pay that amount into the healthcare savings plan. This savings is a one-time occurrence, as the district will once again contribute to it July 1. There is additional savings with the salary severance amount to former Superintendent Ed Saxton. The actual severance amount, originally projected to be $300,000, was $150,000. Nelson said that since there is no longer a self-insurance program, the District and its employees who are insured by the District are on an insurance premium holiday for ten pay

periods. This is a one-time savings of $980,000. With the proposed revisions, the total unreserved and undesignated 2015-16 general fund budget is $2.8 million. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Troy Ferguson said that although the district has resisted adding short call substitute teachers to the call list, there is now a need to do so. Short call substitutes must have a bachelor’s degree and are strongly discouraged from filling the same position for more than fifteen consecutive days.

Ferguson said that there are close to 800 responses on the ISD 15 communications survey. Since there is a large amount of data, Ferguson asked the board if they approved him bringing in a representative from TeamWorks International to analyze responses and provide data on the results. Action Items The ISD 15 School Board unanimously approved the following action items: bus purchase and lease agreement, 2015-16 general fund budget revision and SFHS senior exemption days.

School Board Highlights

May 9, 2016

Kathleen Miller Staff writer

All board members present Lifelong Learning Center site report Jennifer Dupre, early childhood program manager and Kandi Danielson, early childhood special education program supervisor, outlined highlights from the early childhood program at the Lifelong Learning Center. Focusing on the eight core values from the ISD 15 Strategic Plan, they shared how staff have incorporated these values into their work every day. Collaborating, building trust and communicating with parents has been key to the success of the program. One highlight shared was that over 315 early childhood screenings were completed this school year. Screening is a free, simple check of a young child’s health and development and is usually done soon after a child’s third birthday. All students entering kindergarten are required to be screened. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Troy Ferguson reported that a possible partnership with the District and the Lee Carlson Center is being discussed. Ferguson was looking for input and consent from the School Board to continue discussions. According to their website, the Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well Being provides exceptional and affordable mental health services for families, children, youth and adults in our community. The idea would be for the District to collaborate with this non-profit to provide mental health services. The School Board agreed to continue the discussions with the Lee Carlson Center. Strategic Plan update Superintendent Troy Ferguson reported on an event that took place April 29. The core planning team was reassembled for the day to assess progress made in year one of the ISD 15 Strategic Plan. Susan Hintz, from Transformation Systems, led the group. Most members of the team were involved in last year’s creation of the Strategic Plan, but new members were added to keep the team at thirty. Recommendations from Have news or photos the team were given to the to share with the superintendent, who will share community? the information with cabinet, Email to district leadership team and news@isd15.org formally with the School Board at the June 13 meeting. Get community and Saints Online update school news sooner! The School Board agreed Follow The Courier to expand the Saints Online on Facebook option to include grades 3-8, facebook.com/isd15courier making it a program for grades 3-12 in ISD 15. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Meetings, Benefits & Events Blood Drive

School District ISD 15 SCHOOL Board Meetings: June 13 and June 27—Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. and at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.

Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19921 Nightingale Street in Oak Grove on Tuesday, June 7, 1:30-7:15 p.m. To schedule an appointment, you may register online at www.redcrossblood. org, email Diane at dianegrise@yahoo. com or Shelley at smrasche@msn.com. Questions? Call Diane at 763-753-2857 or Shelley at 763-753-2295. Walk-ins are also welcome after 2:30 p.m.

SFHS Class Reunion St. Francis High School Class of 1976 will hold their 40th reunion on Saturday, October 1, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at The Ponds Golf Course in St. Francis. For more information, contact Cindy Porter Tilbury at cindy.tilbury@att.net. St. Francis High School Class of 1966 will hold their 50th reunion on Saturday, June 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Dinner at Hidden Haven Golf Course. For more information, please call Doug at 651-5002240 or Susie at 952-807-4803.

Benefit Disabled American Veterans—Anoka Chapter 39 Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday July 14, 12:30 p.m. start time at The Refuge Golf Club. Support your local Disabled American Veterans. For more information visit https://squareup. com/store/dav-golf-tournament or contact Leo Luskey or Erin McLean at 763-767-9710.

SFHS All Night Party 2016 St. Francis High School Senior All Night Party will be held after graduation on Friday, June 3. Any parent of a high school student and community members are encouraged to volunteer. Contact Melissa French, chairperson at 763-753-3937 for info. Final meeting is May 26, 6:00 p.m., Oak Roads Grille & Bar in Oak Grove.

Service Group St. Francis Area Women of Today meets the first Thursday of the month at the Anoka Hennepin Credit Union, 23280 St. Francis Blvd. NW in St. Francis. Social time is 6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Women of Today, visit us at www.sfawt.org.

Chamber of Commerce St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with the Chamber is June 8 at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in St. Francis, 8:00-9:00 a.m., $3 for breakfast. The next Board of Directors meeting is on June 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street. Meetings are open to all. Visit stfrancischamber.org for more info or call 763-438-5163. North 65 Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday, June 15, Noon-1:15 p.m. Chapala, 200 2nd Avenue SE, Cambridge $15; progressive, networking lunch. For more information, visit www.north65chamber. com. East Bethel Chamber of Commerce chamber meeting is June 9, 8:00-9:00 a.m. at East Bethel City Hall, 2241 221st Ave NE , East Bethel. The board meeting is scheduled for June 27. For more information, visit www.eastbethelchamber.com. Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce business meeting will be June 15, 11:00 a.m. at 21st Century Bank in Ham Lake. For more information, visit www.hamlakecc.org.

Lioness CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Ham Lake VFW. For membership information call Marilyn Kappelhoff, 763-434-6599. We Serve! 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.

American Legion American Legion Auxiliary Unit 622 – St. Francis General membership meets monthly 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.

Business Edward Jones Coffee Club meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the Bridge Street Coffee, 3122 Viking Blvd., Oak Grove.

Contact The Courier Online

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Lions

Seniors

Oak Grove Seniors meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Oak Grove City Hall at noon for a potluck and a short business meeting. Bingo follows each business meeting. For information about the club and events, call Marion Schulz at 763-444-5652. St. Francis Seniors If you are 55 or older, come enjoy some companionship. We play cards and bingo, go on trips, have picnics and potlucks. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month at the St. Francis Legion. Social time at noon, meeting at 1:00 p.m., games until 3:00 p.m. Some play Scrabble in the afternoon on the second Thursday and Cribbage on the fourth Friday. Come check us out or call President Ray Steinke at 763-753-1871. East Bethel Seniors Dances are held 1:00-4:00 p.m. The next is on Friday, June 3 with old time music played by Mike Elsenpeter. Entertainment for the July 1 dance will be performed by Dick Szyplinski. All are welcome to the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 12, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Serving pancakes, French toast, sausage, juice, coffee and choice of egg, 50¢ per egg. Cost for breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 10. Seniors meet the third Thursday of each month for a business meeting and catered noon lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; second Wednesday of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon with potluck at noon; fourth Wednesday is crafts only, 9:00 a.m.noon. Cribbage once a month, call Barb for date/time at 763-434-6179. We also go on tours, etc. The East Bethel Senior Center is available for rent, call Dennis at 763-434-9244. Are you 55 or older? Bring your spouse and come and enjoy some companionship. All are welcome. Join East Bethel Seniors for $10 a year and receive a monthly newsletter. The East Bethel Senior Center is located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.

Health & Fitness

Tops Chapter MN #1774 meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Check out a meeting or visit www.tops.org. Long Lake Lutheran Church invites you to join us for GriefShare Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Free. We are located five miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47. For more information please contact Sharon Sudeith at 763-444-4483 or visit www.longlakeluth.org. For general information on the GriefShare program, visit www.griefshare.org.

Oak Grove Lions meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 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 on the first Thursday of the month for the board meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the membership meeting. Please call Patty Wirz at 763-241-1341 or email nowthenlions@yahoo.com. CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB meets bimonthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at Hunters Inn. Call Judy Ricke at 763-226-4893. St. Francis Lions Club meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. First Wednesday board meeting; second Wednesday regular business meeting; fourth Wednesday social and program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Kevin Schuldt for more information at 763-753-1205 or visit www.stfrancismn.lionwap.org.

AA/NA AA Meets at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. AA/NA Meetings 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.

City & Township Meetings

Andover City Council Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m., 1685 Crosstown Blvd. 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 Blvd. 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 St. NW, Oak Grove, 763-404-7000 St. Francis City Council

Meets 1st & 3rd Monday 6:00 p.m., ISD 15 Central Services Center, St. Francis, 763-753-2630

Stanford Township Board

By Phone

763-753-7031

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

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

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

Meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m., 5050 261st Avenue NW, Isanti, 763-444-6370

Life Anoka County Library summer reading program starts June 1 Patrick Jones

Anoka County Library

Anoka County Library’s summer reading experience, Bookawocky, is a celebration of summer reading. Whether it’s an eBook, audiobook or paper copy, Anoka County Library has plenty of options for sharing stories this summer beginning June 1 through August 19. “Bookawocky is a great way that families can get inspired, explore ideas and find information at the library this summer,” said Anoka County Library Board President Dan Greensweig. “Kids have fun but also keep reading and learning which helps them when they return to school.” Anoka County Library has over 175 free programs for all ages and interests to inspire

reading and learning in the summer. Many programs are hands-on, creative and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun. Visit anokacountylibrary.org or pick up a schedule at your library. “Just because school is out doesn’t mean learning should stop,” said Rhonda Sivarajah, chair of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “Research shows kids can lose as much as two months of math and reading skills over summer break. Bookawocky can help kids maintain skills with these educational activities and more.” It is not just about reading in the summer, but all kinds of learning. Explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with cool hands-on activities using great gadgets. Teen volunteers run

Long Lake Lutheran Church Join us each Sunday for worship and fellowship 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. – Worship Service 5:30 p.m. 7:17 p.m. – Wednesday Service 3921 277th Avenue NW, Isanti 763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org

Ask Fido:

More personal care boarding perks: • $18 per day plus a multi dog discount • Pick-up/drop-off 365 days a year • 24 hour on-site care • Maintaining Fido’s routine of pottying outside—we’re not in the business of starting bad habits • Free medication administration

Fido’s Barber Shop 19847 Orchid St. NW, Oak Grove

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

763-213-8143 www.fidosbarber.com

these fun and informationfilled programs for younger children. For every book read over the summer, children and teens can enter the Best Book Ever contest for a chance to win a book and tickets to local events and attractions. The Read Down Your Fines program in June and July allows children and teens to reduce their fines by spending time reading in the library. Ask your librarian for more information. Children and teens can connect online through bookawocky.org to create a personal booklist, find ideas for more great books to read and earn virtual badges for reading, exploring and connecting to the community. Bookawocky is sponsored in part by the Friends of Anoka County Library. The Friends supports the library and connects the community to connection to ideas, information and inspiration though special events and programs, membership development and fundraising. For more information, please visit your local Anoka County Library or the library website at anokacountylibrary.org.

Kari Becker

STS Foundation

International high school exchange students are preparing to arrive in the United States for the 2016-17 school year. These students will stay with a local family and experience American culture as a high school student. They in turn, provide insight into their own culture. Student Travel Schools (STS) Foundation is looking for host families for two students. One girl is from Norway and enjoys school a lot. She likes to spend time with friends and fish with her dad. She also likes to read about history and participates in sports such as swimming, skiing, soccer and running. Another student is a boy from Switzerland who gets along with just about everyone. He enjoys meeting people and is open to new challenges and experiences. He likes to ski, player soccer, jog and mountain bike. He plays piano and is interested in chemistry, physics and math. STS Foundation, a nonprofit student exchange organization, is proud to help facilitate these relationships. They have been doing so for over 30 years 3220 Bridge Street, Suite 107 in the St. Francis Mall

What makes Fido’s your favorite home away from home?

“Easy. Four free walks a day, every day I’m here!”

10% Off for new Grooming Customers!

STS Foundation looking for host families

Call

763-753-1277 for an Appointment

Kendall W. Goodian, D.C. Chiropractic Orthopedist

Specializing in Sports, Industrial and Auto Accident Injuries

6/12

ut Ask us abo ne li our new on pet med pharmacy! “We treat your pets like our own”

St. Francis Veterinary Clinic 763-444-9359

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

and look forward to finding host families in Princeton and surrounding areas. Students will have their own spending money and health insurance. The host family provides a separate bed, meals and a loving and safe environment. If your family is interested in being a host family, please contact STS local coordinator Amy Walquist at 763-631-0353 or email amywalquists@gmail.com. For more information visit www.stsfoundation.org.

Births Chloe Laine Palm was born on April 29, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. Proud parents are Jennie and Tyler Palm of Isanti. She weighed 9 pounds and was 22 inches long. Soren Magnus Forliti was born on April 30, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and was 19½ inches long. Proud parents are Jesse and Breann Forliti of Oak Grove. Soren is welcomed by siblings Paul and Nora. Jasmine Lynne Teale was born on May 3, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. Proud parents are Paul and Autumn Teale of Cambridge. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. Jasmine is welcomed by siblings Violet and Joseph. Faith Charlotte Swalboski was born on May 6, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. Proud parents are Ryan and Kristen Swalboski. She weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces and was 22 inches long. Faith is welcomed by siblings Caleb, Henry and Adeline. Brayden Michael Helcl was born on May 9, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. Proud parents are Melissa Higby and Bransen Helcl. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. Brayden is welcomed by siblings Mason and Arianna. Arlo Torin Clark was born on May 14, 2016 at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21¼ inches long. Proud parents are Aaron and Amy Clark of Oak Grove. Arlo is welcomed by big sister Gwenn.

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Nowthen Alliance Church June PrimeTime Event

Spinal Column

Breanna Curtis, LPTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, Ham Lake Physical Therapy

Do you ever feel unable to truly enjoy a moment in your life because you are thinking of past regrets or worrying about the future? Do you ever feel like you cannot appreciate good things around you because you are worried they will not last? This is a common thought process each of us go through from time to time. Improving your ability to stay focused on the present and training your brain to avoid those awful thoughts is possible. Mindfulness meditation can help. Mindfulness meditation is the ability to stay unconditionally present in the current moment. We often apply judgements to people, places and events in our life that affect how we respond to situations, sometimes negatively. Mindfulness meditation allows us to accept what is without any biases. This changes the negative perception we cast on the world around us. Joy can be found. We can gain mindfulness through meditation. Throw away all thoughts and concerns on what you may know about meditation. Mindfulness meditation is not to get you to stop thinking. It’s geared toward improving your concentration on the present moment. How to practice mindfulness meditation: } Find a comfortable spot in your home. The less distracting it is, the better. You can sit on a couch, chair, cushion or on the floor as

long as you are comfortable. If sitting in a chair, be sure to have your feet on the ground or a stool to avoid uncomfortable dangling. } Eyes can be open or closed as long as you are not distracted by what is going on around you. Avoid being in front of the television. } Focus on breathing. There is no right or wrong way to breath. Try to let it be as natural as possible. Inhale and exhale. It may feel forced at first but again, just let it happen and try not to think too much about it. } Your mind will wander. That is okay. Again, you are not trying to get yourself to stop thinking. Just be aware of your thoughts. Let them flow past. Sometimes you will find you get too deep into thoughts and become distracted from focusing on breathing. It is okay. Just

Attention parents of children 3-years-old through 8th grade!

come back to your breaths. Be patient. } Frustration is normal. Try to let it go. You are practicing. Now that you have the basics, try practicing for five minutes each day. The more you practice, the easier it is to focus and increase your meditation time. Increase to 10, 20 or 30 minutes as you feel comfortable. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can decrease stress, depression and anxiety and improve concentration and focus in our daily activities. Physical pain can also decrease due to our better understanding and handling of the emotional aspect of pain. We all want to live a life unhindered. This is a simple practice that could benefit your mind, body and soul. Train your brain. What do you have to lose?

Our Saviour’s

Lutheran Church & Preschool Following Jesus, we Worship, Learn, Serve, Invite and Connect. Summer Worship Schedule Begins May 29 • 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Wednesday night at the Chapel in Ham Lake, 7:00 p.m.

19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel West County Road 22 south and Jackson Street For information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at www.oursaviourslc.org email to: oslc@oursaviourslc.org Pastor Daniel Nordin • Pastor Maria Pederson Associate in Ministry Glenndy Ose

Your children will not want to miss Trinity Lutheran Church and School’s Vacation Bible School. Suggested offering of $10 per child. Please pre-register at www.trinitysf.org.

Watch for our float in the Pioneer Days Parade June 4.

VBS June 13-17 9:00 a.m. until Noon

Trinity Lutheran Church and School

3812 229th Avenue NW • St. Francis, Minnesota 763-753-1234 • www.trinitysf.org Rev. Timothy Vaughan Rev. Keaton Christiansen The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

The community is invited to attend the Nowthen Alliance Church June PrimeTime event featuring The Songmasters, Jerry and Ginger Dallin on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. The Songmasters have been singing Southern Gospel throughout the Midwest for 57 years. A freewill offering and non-perishable food item will be taken. Nowthen Alliance Church is located at 19653 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Nowthen. Please enter through Door B; an elevator is available. For more information, call the church office at 763-441-1600 or Helen Peterson at 763-753-1267.

Join us for Vacation Bible School

Please register by Sunday, June 5 at the church. Registration forms can also be found online at www. longlakeluth. com.

Friday, June 24 ELCA

Mindfulness meditation

Helen Peterson

Nowthen Alliance Church

Dinner served 5:00 p.m. Program 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 25 Program 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Please bring a bag lunch

Sunday, June 26

Celebration during 9:30 a.m. worship service Family faith activities will follow worship.

Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN, about 5 miles north of St. Francis 763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org Email: youthdirector@longlakeluth.org

Worship • Sundays at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. • Wednesdays at 7:17 p.m.

Faith Listings Abundant Life Alliance Church 3840 197th Avenue NW Oak Grove • 763-753-0284 www.AbundantLife4U.org

New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org

Bethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW Bethel • 763-434-9834 www.bethelschurch.org

New Life Church - Oak Grove 18975 Lake George Boulevard NW Oak Grove • 763-753-5717 www.newlifeoakgrove.org

Cedar United Methodist Church 17541 Jefferson Street NE Ham Lake • 763-434-7463 www.cedarumc.org

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.org

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net

St. Andrew Lutheran Church 1450 237th Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-7146 www.standreweb.org

Elim Baptist Church 114 Dahlin Street SE Isanti • 763-444-9221 www.elimistani.org

St. Francis United Methodist Church 3914 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-2273 www.stfrancis-umc.com

Immanuel Church 15036 Round Lake Boulevard NW Andover • 763-210-5846 www.immanuelchurchopc.org Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org

St. Patrick Catholic Church 19921 Nightingale Street NW Oak Grove • 763-753-2011 www.st-patricks.org Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Latchkey/Childcare 3812 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-1234 www.trinitysf.org West Bethel United Methodist Church 1233 221st Avenue NE Cedar • 763-434-6451

Master Gardener

Carol bray Isanti county master gardener

National parks, interstate parks, state parks, regional parks, county parks… It’s the time of year when we start thinking about trips during the wonderful summer months. I suggest you take advantage of the numerous parks we have in the United States and its territories. This year is the one-hundredth anniversary of national parks and to learn more about the history, geography, politics, geology and botany of national parks, I recommend reading The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan. Some of the trivial information about United States National Parks is quite interesting. California has the most national parks with nine and Alaska has eight. Twentythree states have no national parks. One-half of the island of St. John is covered by Virgin

Islands National Park. The only park south of the equator is the National Park of Samoa. There are four national parks above the Arctic Circle and you will need a seaplane or boat to visit Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Standing 275 feet tall in Sequoia National Park, you won’t find the world’s tallest tree, but you will find the largest tree in volume. The trunk is measured at 52,500 cubic feet in volume. Legend has it that the tree was named General Sherman by naturalist James Wolverton, who had served under Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the U.S. Civil War. Sequoia National Park is also home to Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, measuring

in at 14,494 feet. The tallest mountain in North America is Mount Denali, which towers 20,310 feet above the landscape in Denali National Park and Preserve. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest point in North America is also located inside a National Park; Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park sits 283 feet below sea level. Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave lives up to its name. It is home to the world’s largest known cave system with more than 400 miles, about the distance between Chicago and Nashville, mapped so far. The deepest lake in the U.S. can be found at Crater Lake National Park. At its deepest point, the lake is 1,943 feet, which is the equivalent of six

Glacier National Park

Photo by Shan Lin (www.sharetheexperience.org); U.S. Department of the Interior

Statues of Liberty stacked on top of one another. You can hike down the equivalent of nearly 20 Statues of Liberty when you visit the Grand Canyon’s deepest point at 6,000 feet. The largest national park is the 13.2 million acres WrangellSt. Elias National Park and Preserve, which is so big, you could fit nearly six parks the size of Yellowstone inside of it. The smallest national park is Hot Springs National Park coming in at less than 6,000 acres. That’s more than 2,200 times smaller than Wrangell-St Elias National Park. I would definitely recommend placing Interstate State Park in Taylor Falls at the top of your list. The potholes are fascinating at this park. Potholes form when swirling water and sand cuts circular

holes in the rock. There are some free admission days for national or state parks and if you’re a senior (62 or older), you can get a lifetime National Park pass for $10. Admission to Minnesota state parks is free on Saturday, June 11 for National Get Outdoors Day. Lifetime membership fees are a bargain no matter what your age. For more information, visit Isanti County Master Gardeners’ website at isanticountymastergardeners. com, the University of Minnesota Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu or call the Isanti County Master Gardeners at 763-689-8254. You can also find us on Facebook at Isanti County Master Gardeners.

2016 Goal 701

Tons

54 Tons

Recycled in April St. Francis has recycled 206 tons in 2016 so far. Recycling is now easier with simple sort recycling. You no longer need to sort items. Just place them all in the large roll-off container provided by your hauler. If you have any questions about what is acceptable or would like to start a new service, call your hauler: Ace Solid Waste 763-427-3110 Allied Waste 763-784-2104 East Central Sanitation 763-689-2171 LePage & Sons 763-757-7100 30

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

Dr. Amy Morgan Oak Grove Animal Hospital, Owner

Question What kind of information should I bring when I take my dog or cat in for their annual physical exam? Answer When a veterinarian examines your pet, they are looking for variations from the normal. There are changes that might be apparent during the exam, but any observations you’ve made at home can be very helpful, especially in identifying problems early. Any behavior that is out of the ordinary should be reported to your veterinarian. Is your pet eating the same as always? Is there any unexplained weight loss? (Weight gain is less commonly connected with illness or disease but it’s still good to know.) What food are you giving your pet and how much at each feeding? Do you give your pet table food? How much, how often and what foods? Has your pet’s activity level changed? More often decreased energy is concerning, but sometimes increased energy indicates a medical problem, too. Does your pet have any difficulty exercising, getting up from the floor, jumping up on furniture or going up stairs? Any limping? Are they restless when trying to sleep or having difficulty getting into a comfortable position to rest? Has your dog or cat been spayed or neutered? How much time does your pet spend outside? Do they interact with other animals, wild or domestic? Do they hunt and do they ever eat prey? Do you ever take your pet away from home, such as camping, hunting, hiking, to the dog park, etc., where they may have increased exposure to parasites, viruses and bacteria, or possibly traumatic injuries? Have you gotten any vaccines done elsewhere? Do you have medical records from another veterinary office? Are there any other obvious changes such as vomiting or diarrhea? Are they having accidents in the house or outside of the litter box? Any change in how much they urinate? Is your dog waking you up during the night to be let outside? Are there any lumps or painful areas you’ve noticed on your pet? Do you have any concerns about your pet’s oral health? Do you brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth or do they chew on items that help keep their teeth clean? Does your pet have any itchiness with their ears, feet, belly, etc.? When was the last time your pet had a complete blood count and basic metabolic panel done? When was your dog’s last heartworm test and do you give them heartworm pills regularly? When was the last time your pet was dewormed for intestinal parasites? Do you use flea and tick preventative and when? This is a long list of possible problem areas. However, the more information you can provide to your veterinarian, the more likely they will be able to key in on a body system that may be giving subtle signals of change that need to be addressed. Your veterinarian’s goal is to help you keep your pet as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Did you know?

Solstices happen twice per year. The solstices mark the shortest and longest days of the year and when the sun is at its highest or lowest point in the noon sky. The solstices occur in both June and December and when you experience each solstice depends on which hemisphere you call home. People who reside in the northern hemisphere will experience the summer solstice in June, while those in the southern hemisphere will experience the winter solstice at this time.

er? h t e g o t t e g a g n Planni The Isanti County Fair has beautiful Isanti County grounds with a picturesque pond for outdoor gatherings and ceremonies! Fair Grounds Plus, banquet facilities (up to 500 people) & Event Center Community building (up to 200) Pavilion & Bandshell Full kitchen, stage and banquet seating Camping available • Lodging close by

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. The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org

763.689.2555

www.IsantiCountyFair.com isanticountyfair@gmail.com

ns Warm weather mea it’s time to have the dog groomed! 36 Call 763-753-63 today

19035 Lake George Boulevard NW Oak Grove, MN 55303 www.oakgrovevet.net Amy Morgan, D.V.M. Kaija Youngner, D.V.M. Lisa Johnson, D.V.M. Dawn Price, D.V.M Alyssa Ziche, D.V.M.

Class of 2016

www.kingscountymarket.com

Conveniently located on Hwy. 95 in Cambridge

Congratulations to all the area graduates and especially to our 2016 graduating employees…

St. Francis Sarah Albachten Carson Bettcher Brittany Hemsworth

Austin Kessler Bailey Moss Mitchell Reisetter

Brandon Rubner Luke Vogel John West

Andover Sydney Antonsen Jennifer Koskey Shelby Lejonvarn Josh Masterson

Madison Moore Paul Pulley Mariah Singer Derek Strandberg

Nathan Swanson Alex Watson

We can help plan your graduation party or any special event! Call for details 763-753-3334. Fresh Deli and Bakery Goods

5 OFF Express Gasolines ¢

Per Gallon All Grades of Gas Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 6/30/16 Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.

5 OFF Express Gasolines ¢

Per Gallon All Grades of Gas Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 6/30/16 Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.

Expires 6/30/16 X1001 Expires 6/30/16 X1001

Pet Corner

St. Francis High School holds mock car crash Heidi Anderson

Staff Writer

Juniors and seniors at St. Francis High School (SFHS) attended a mock car crash May 5 to see what could happen as a result of driving while under the influence. After opening remarks from SFHS Principal Doug Austin, two Independent School District 15 buses pulled away to reveal a staged car accident involving two vehicles. Emergency responders from the St. Francis Fire Department, St. Francis Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and Allina Health quickly responded to the scene and demonstrated what each department does when arriving to an accident. SFHS students played the roles of car crash victims and a drunk driver. In the scenario, one student was paralyzed and airlifted from the scene in a Life Link III Ambulance Services helicopter. Another student did not survive the accident and was placed in a hearse from Strike Funeral Home. After the simulation of the accident was complete, Minneapolis Police Sergeant Catherine Michal spoke about losing her daughter, Deanna, in a drunk driving accident. In 2006, a drunk driver killed Deanna as she was driving home from work on Interstate 494. “She [Deanna] died because one person decided to make a bad choice,” Michal said.

Michal has spoken to groups such as high school students on the dangers of drunk driving and that it is up to everyone to make the right decisions. “Each one of us here is capable of making good choices,” Michal said. According to SFHS chemical health therapist Eve Kaldahl, preparations for the mock car crash began at the beginning of the school year. Though it was originally planned to take place during chemical health week and right before prom in April, Kaldahl says that graduation parties and summer months are also opportunities for students to potentially drink and drive. “Our hope is to raise awareness and to get students to think and make good choices as they are going into party season and A helicopter from Life Link III Ambulance Services and a hearse from Strike summer months,” Kaldahl said. Funeral Home were at the scene of a mock car crash at St. Francis High SFHS students created a few School May 5. The Courier Photo videos as a part of the mock car crash. To view these videos, visit www.youtube.com space was limited in the SFHS parking lot. Kaldahl and search for SFHS Today Crier. said that the plan is to hold the mock car crash every Only juniors and seniors attended the event, as two years.

Schedule — Friday, July 15 Community Center East Bethel Fire Department Waterball Event...................................... 7:00 p.m. Booster Park West Concessions and pre-movie activities......... 8:00 p.m. Free movie Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens in the park courtesy of Chops, Inc................................... Dusk In case of inclement weather, this will be held at East Bethel Ice Arena.

July 15 -1 6 , 2 0 1 6

All Day Events — Saturday, July 16 East Bethel Seniors Craft & Bake Sale, Quilt Raffle, Silent Auction East Bethel Fire Department Auxiliary Blood Drive FOOD, FOOD, FOOD Inflatables Vendors with good stuff to sell

Friday & Saturday! Booster Park Family Fun Days East Bethel Community Center 2241 221st Avenue NE

One mile east of Hwy 65, corner of 221st and Palisade Street

The East Bethel Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in their

3rd Annual Golf Outing

at Viking Meadows Golf Club. The outing will be held on Friday, July 15, 11:00 a.m. Would you like to sponsor a hole? Please contact Tom Bennek at 763-434-4205. For further details on the golf outing, see the Golf Outing registration form on the city’s website. Interested in the Friday night movie or Saturday kiddie parade? Contact East Bethel City Hall – 763-367-7840

Interested in the parade? Email eastbethelparade@ hotmail.com

Anoka County Radio Control Club Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

More to come!

General information regarding Booster Day or to make a donation— Email ebboosterdays@gmail.com

Car/Trucks/Tractor Show Treasure Hunt for ages 4-10 courtesy of Peoples Bank Drawing for East Bethel Fire Department Birthday Party package (10 years and younger, for East Bethel children please)

HeartSafe AED/CPR Training Available

Schedule — Saturday, July 16 Community Center Pancake Breakfast............................................................................... 7:00-11:00 a.m. Flag Raising....................................................................................................8:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk..................................................................................................8:15 a.m. 1K for Kids......................................................................................................9:15 a.m. Car/Truck/Tractor Show...............................................................8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sheriff’s Fingerprinting..................................11:30 a.m. Bingo......................................................... 1:00-4:00 p.m. East Bethel Ice Arena East Bethel Royalty Pageant.............................2:00 p.m. Booster Park Kiddie Parade registration..............................10:00 a.m. Kiddie Parade..................................................11:00 a.m. GRAND PARADE............................................11:00 a.m. Anoka County Radio Control Club...................1:00 p.m. Tractor Pull........................................................1:30 p.m. 55th Annual Firefighters Dance......8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Live Music Good for Gary, Food/Beverages Fireworks..................................................................Dusk

RKS O W E FIR sk on

at duurday! Sat

Is your vintage vehicle your pride and joy? Enter it in the Classic Car, Truck and Tractor show! Interested in hosting this event? For information contact Dan Dobbs, 612-328-3926 or Duals1958@aol.com.

East Bethel Royalty Pageant If interested in becoming a candidate or for event information, contact Ken Orr at 763-218-0123

A BIG thank you to all our volunteers and committee members who work hard to create these special days!

Check the city’s website for all the up-to-date information under the Booster Day tab, www.ci.east-bethel.mn.us, or check us out on Facebook, East Bethel Booster Day. 32

The Courier | June 2016 | www.the-courier.org