SUN Thisweek Apple Valley and Rosemount by Sun Thisweek

Apple Valley | Rosemount

www.SunThisweek.com Opinion Redesigning MN comes to town

June 29, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 18

Finalists named for police chief position

Freedom Days: Time to celebrate

The Bush Foundation’s Redesigning MN initiative raises good questions for a group gathered in Apple Valley. Page 4A

by Andrew Miller

Art festival dazzles fans

Sun Thisweek

The Eagan Art Festival took visitors on a journey around the world through the various cultural works on display. Page 9A

sports

File photo by Rick Orndorf

Apple Valley’s annual Freedom Days festival returns this year with six days of fun June 29-July 4 at various sites throughout the city. Perennial favorites are back this year, including the Dancin’ & Cruisin’ classic car show, Cub Foods Family Fun Night, Music in the Park concert, and the Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. The full schedule is at www.avfreedomdays.com. Above: Members of the Minneapolisbased Top Chops Drumline were among the many marchers in last year’s Freedom Days parade.

Five finalists have been named for the police chief position in Apple Valley, and the City Council’s appointment of a new chief is expected later this summer. Apple Valley Retired police officials began the Chief Scott process to fill the Johnson position following the departure of Chief Scott Johnson, who retired in December of last year. Jon Rechtzigel, a captain with Apple Valley police at the time of Johnson’s retirement, was appointed acting chief in December as the council began soliciting applications for a permanent replacement. Rechtzigel is among the five finalists. The city received 39 applications for the police chief position, and the finalists were selected following a review proSee Chief, 5A

Relay raises tens of thousands for cancer Golfer has the drive to succeed Sammy Schmitz is second in the Minnesota Golf Association’s Men’s Player of the Year points with some of the biggest tournaments of the season still to come. Page 14A

thisweekend

Event exceeds its goal by $10,000 by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

The Rosemount Relay for Life exceeded its fundraising goal by over $10,000 as its $40,588 will help fund cancer research and support families who have been affected by the disease. The relay, which was held June 22 and 23 at Irish Stadium, included 358 registered participants, had 69 cancer survivors and numerous other community members who participated. “I thought the event was exciting, well received and a smashing success,” said Kathy Plumley, who was in charge of the silent auction. “My hat’s off to all who put this together, walked and supported the cause.” During the opening ceremony, Josh Payette, the son of Jeff Payette, spoke of his role as the

event’s Honorary Caregiver. Jeff Payette was to be the event’s Honorary Chairperson. The 50-year-old died June 10 in his sleep due to complications from esophageal cancer. When Jeff was asked to be the Honorary Chairperson he told his son all he wanted was to be able to walk around the track with him. He was unable to do that, but he was with his family and those participating in the event in spirit. Jeff was known for demonstrating a positive outlook throughout his cancer journey, which started when he was diagnosed three years ago. Josh said his dad never let the cancer define him. See relay, 19A

Pahl’s Market has grown where it was planted

Dew Days showers fun Dew Days offered a wide range of activities during the annual festival in the city of Farmington. Page 12A

Family-run market celebrates 30 years by Andrew Miller

Online

Sun Thisweek

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ sunthisweek. Tweet with us at twitter. com/sunthisweek. Find more stories and photos at sunthisweek. com.

Index Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Announcements . . . . . . . 6A Public Notices. . . . . . . . . 6A ThisWeekend. . . . . . . . . 12A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14A Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . 16A General Information 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Display Advertising 952-846-2011 Classified Advertising 952-846-2000

Photo by Tad Johnson

The family of Jeff Payette, who died from cancer on June 10, were honored during the Rosemount Relay for Life as Maria, Joshua, Alex and Miguel led the opening lap of the June 22 and 23 event at Irish Stadium. More photos are at www.SunThisweek.com.

Photo by John Gessner

Bonnie Korman holds her identical twin sons, Zack, left, and A.J. Both have fragile X syndrome and autism.

Mother and advocate Autistic twins inspire Burnsville woman’s training by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

When Bonnie Korman first heard about advocacy training for parents of developmentally disabled children, the Burnsville mother of identical twins didn’t see much use in it. “I thought, ‘I am an advocate, because I’m a mom. I must be,’ ” said Korman, whose 7-year-old sons have fragile X syndrome and autism. “But I came to realize how much I didn’t know I didn’t know.” Korman is a May graduate of Partners in Policymaking, an eight-month leadership training program developed in Minnesota and sponsored by the MinneSee korman, 5A

From humble beginnings, Pahl’s Market has taken root in Apple Valley to become a destination business for locally grown flowers and produce. The family-run market at Galaxie Avenue and County Road 46 along the city’s southern border is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Gary Pahl, who owns the operation with his wife, Jane, and his brother, Brian, remembers the early days of Pahl’s Market – sweet corn, watermelons and tomatoes being sold out of the back of a semitrailer with a hand-painted Pahl’s Market logo on its side. There wasn’t a lot of traffic passing by in the market’s early days in Apple Valley. “Everything around us

Photo submitted

Gary Pahl (right), who runs Pahl’s Market with his wife Jane (center) and his brother Brian (left), remembers the early days of the market in Apple Valley – sweet corn, watermelons and tomatoes being sold out of the back of a semitrailer with a hand-painted logo on its side. In the early 1980s, Gary recounted, “everything around us was cornfields and there wasn’t a house until you hit County Road 42.” was cornfields and there wasn’t a house until you hit County Road 42,” Gary Pahl recounted. “There was a time before they made this a main thoroughfare that very few cars drove by.” The Pahls started selling flowers at their Apple Val-

ley store in the late 1980s, and in the mid-1990s built their first greenhouse. Now, many families make trips to Pahl’s part of annual rituals such as the market’s spring opening, the See pahl’s, 9A

��

� ��

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

��

� ��

��

Search for missing Lakeville pilot ends Bratlie went missing June 8, search crews’ efforts unsuccessful by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

The search has been suspended for Lakeville pilot Michael Bratlie, 67, whose plane went missing June 8 north of Duluth after what was supposed to be a day trip from South St. Paul to Duluth and back. Crews from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois

searched for nearly two weeks, covering more than 2,000 miles in northeastern Minnesota without any success, according to the Civil Air Patrol. Bratlie, a former airline and Navy pilot, was testing out a new engine on his Piper PA-31 Navajo plane, according to various media reports.

Lt. Col. Paul Hertel of the patrol said that likely crash areas were searched multiple times. Patrol volunteers volunteered 641 “person-days” and flew about 62,000 miles over the region in search of Bratlie, he said. The patrol was able to isolate a general search area – from Silver Bay to the border with Ontario and from Lake Superior inland seven miles – based on data

from radar and cell phone signals, reports said. Up to as many as 10 planes and four ground teams were deployed in the area. There was no evidence Bratlie landed at any of the areas airports, nor was there a flight plan on file, according to the patrol. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

Apple Valley News Briefs City tree inspections City of Apple Valley tree inspectors will be out looking for trees infected with Dutch elm disease and oak wilt. Tree inspections will be ongoing until fall leaf color changes occur. Diseased trees will be identified with an orange paint ring and property owners with diseased trees will be notified by mail. City ordinance requires actively infected red oak and elm trees to be removed and disposed of to prevent disease spread. The city has an approved cost share program available to residents for financial assistance. Approximately 486 diseased red oaks and elms were identified and removed

from public and private properties in Apple Valley last year. Attention will also be given to ash trees with disease symptoms. Ash trees infected with emerald ash borer are subject to the same city ordinance requirements. To learn more regarding tree issues or the city’s cost share program, go to www.cityofapplevalley.org. For other questions or concerns, contact the Natural Resources Division at (952) 953-2460.

Of the total 155 donated bicycles, 97 were sold and the remaining 47 bikes were donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Association garage sale. Anderson has also kept 11 high-end bikes which he will look to sell and again donate the profits back to the program. Anderson said he is grateful for the assistance provided by Valley Bike and Ski, Famous Dave’s of Apple Valley and other volBike sale raises unteers. He plans on taking bike nearly $7,800 donations again in the fall. Apple Valley resident He can be reached at (952) Rick Anderson sold 97 re- 322-4729 or ricka@pcgaFamily fun at furbished bicycles during gencies.com. his fourth annual fundraiser Hayes Fields on May 26 and was able to Valley Athletic Asso- donate $7,789 to Kids ’n ciation Baseball will hold a Kinship, a local mentoring Family Fun Carnival from program. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Hayes Fields in Apple Valley. Event contests will include home run derby, fastest throw, fastest base running and potato sack races. Other activities will be a dunk tank, face painting and hair coloring. A raffle will be held for a Nintendo DSi, Xbox games, baseball bats and more. Food and beverages will be available.

��

�

��

�

��

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

Portraits of laureates

Gallery show features Knutson’s Nobel portfolio by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

It took little coaxing to make the Dalai Lama his usual beatific self before Doug Knutson’s mediumformat camera. “With the Dalai Lama, I did three frames,” said Knutson, who photographed His Holiness backstage at Northrup Auditorium during a Carlson Lecture Series appearance in 2001. “I snuck in a tiny bit closer and said, ‘Come on, you can give me a bigger smile than that.’ So he gives me this little grin. I took that, and I knew that was it.” The Tibetan spiritual leader is one of 21 Nobel Peace Prize laureates Knutson has portraitized in a sideline to his successful commercial photography career. Raised in Burnsville, Knutson is displaying his Nobel Peace Portraits collection through July 21 at the city’s Performing Arts Center gallery. An opening reception was held June 14. Knutson has gained access to the laureates mostly through the Carlson lectures and the Westminster Town Hall Forum in Minneapolis (he is the portrait photographer for both), and Nobel Peace Prize Forums, which have been hosted by five Lutheran Norwegian colleges in the Upper Midwest, including Knutson’s alma mater, Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. A 1979 graduate of Burnsville High School, Knutson is one of five children of Howard and Jerry Knutson of Burnsville.

Howard was an elder statesman here, serving as a state representative and senator from 1967 to 1990 and running a local law practice that once included his son, David. David followed in his father’s footsteps as a state senator from Burnsville before becoming a Dakota County district judge. Howard died in 2006 at age 77. “I think a lot of why I can deal with these people (Nobel laureates) the way I do is my upbringing,” said Doug, who lives in Minneapolis. “My first campaign I participated in, I was 5 years old. We were meeting congressmen and governors then. And my dad always emphasized, ‘You treat these people with respect, but you treat everybody else with the same level of respect.’ “I really think with this series of portraits I do, it’s a perfect combination between my philosophy degree, my photography and the political family I grew up in.” Knutson majored in philosophy at Luther, where he worked as a staff photographer for the newspaper and college publications. The shutter bug bit in his sopho-

Doug Knutson This is Doug Knutson’s portrait of the Dalai Lama. more year at BHS, when he took a photography class because the woodshop class he wanted was full. After college he marked time working at Mr. B’s convenience store in Burnsville while assisting established photographers in Minneapolis. A job assisting Milwaukee freelancer James Schnepf on a Money magazine cover shoot at a Hennepin County park proved to be a big break, Knutson said. More jobs with Schnepf followed. “One day he said to me, ‘When are you going to go to New York and show your portfolio?’ ” Knutson recalled. “I said, ‘Wow, I can do that?’ ” Knutson mailed out

samples and by 1990 was visiting the offices of New York photo editors. Magazine assignments followed, from Sports Illustrated and Newsweek to Business Week and Forbes. “Over the years I think I’ve worked for just about all of them,” said Knutson, who now finds most of his work in advertising. He launched his Nobel portfolio in 1991 at his alma mater, which was hosting the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. His first portrait was of laureate Betty Williams, a peace activist in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. “And five minutes after that, I shot Oscar Arias Sanchez from Costa Rica,” said Knutson, who shoots in black and white to give

the portraits a timeless quality. He shot about half his portraits at Nobel forums. His best, Knutson said, are of Elie Wiesel, the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, the anti-apartheid archbishop from South Africa. “With Desmond Tutu, I was all set up in one room and at the last minute the organizers of the lecture series made me move to a different room because they wanted to keep the flow easier and not have him walk through a bunch of people to get where I was set up,” Knutson said. “The room they made me switch to had these stained-glass windows behind him that made it look like angels’ wings. Them making me move re-

ally helped the picture.” Most of his Nobel Peace Portraits showings have been at the Nobel forums or at Carlson lectures. Knutson said he asked for the Burnsville showing after his mother told him the PAC was seeking gallery proposals from artists. The 20-by-24-inch portraits are limited editions available for purchase. “The only one that’s not there is F.W. de Klerk,” Knutson said. “I just photographed him in March.” John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Opinion

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Redesigning our lives for the new economy by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

One participant at a recent gathering of Dakota County residents said he had to quit school and his job because there wasn’t a reliable transit option from Rosemount to Mendota Heights after he couldn’t afford to keep his car. Another resident lamented the fact that the social fabric of her Burnsville neighborhoods seemed to be fraying. Yet another feared that a wave of people retiring would not only saddle the economy with unforeseen costs but drain the workforce of experienced leaders. The solution to all of these problems may rest in innovation spurred by the Bush Foundation’s Redesigning MN project. Earlier this month about 30 people gathered at the Apple Valley Hayes Community and Senior Center to talk about how the framework of Redesigning MN could work in their communities. Here’s the crux of it: Minnesota’s 1.3 million Baby Boomers started to retire in January 2008, a “silver tsunami” that will keep crashing on our shores for the next 20 years. From a government delivery perspective, the silver set will demand more expenses (medical assistance, long-term care), while generating a lot less tax revenue. With fewer people entering the workforce to feed tax revenues, government agencies will have to increase productivity to meet the new demands, according to state demographer Tom Gillaspy. Redesigning MN is a process through which government can innovate public services to become more efficient in such areas as transportation, housing, health programs and natural resource conservation

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Tad Johnson

with a focus on outcomes expected rather than how they are delivered. As the Apple Valley session proved, Redesigning MN is about so much more than government agencies adapting to the New Normal. It pertains to private businesses, nonprofits, families and, yes, each and every one of us. As a participant in the session, I was impressed with the open and free exchange of ideas and opinions – that were in many cases in direct opposition to each other. There was a diversity in the room that went beyond its typical racial definition. There were young and old, longtime residents and those new to the area, there were some political leaders, but they were far outnumbered by regular Jacks and Jills. The session, which will become part of a documentary to air this fall in an eight-part Twin Cities Public Television series, seemed to capture the attention of those involved. After viewing a short video that set the stage for the need to “redesign,” participants discussed what could inhibit and incite redesign. They were asked to talk about why it is important, what could be some results and how could its concepts spread. The session turned its attention to transportation for a portion of the evening, which included a panel discussion involv-

ing some of the leaders of the estimated 36 organizations in Dakota County that offer transportation services. (Look for more about this in a future edition.) As the conversation carried on, I was impressed with the responses to the questions. The body public is often scorned for its lack of community engagement, but that may be because they rarely are asked to share their opinions in such a forum. If Dakota County is going to meet the challenges of the future, it is going to need all the ideas it can get in all levels of government – county, city, school district, township and beyond. Businesses, which may be ahead of the curve on redesign, will be required to go even further to reassess how they can deliver their services. Nonprofits must innovate in the face of declining contributions. Families will be asked to continue to tighten their budgets. Even with all the negative overtones, I can’t help but see a tremendous opportunity in all of this. There will be millions of seniors leaving Minnesota jobs in the next 20 years. Their departure can set innovation in motion not unlike what happened in Dakota County government when it redesigned by attrition as a wave of retirees hit in recent years and many of those positions went unfilled. In such instances, people ask: How can we do things differently? Can duties be reassigned to others? Can one person do the work of two people through innovation, like putting technology to its highest and best use? Retirements mean in many cases these workers will need replacements in search of

In Brief Sun Thisweek would like to hear readers’ perspectives on Redesigning MN. To learn more about the project, go online to www. RedesigningMN.org. Send reactions to how you think government agencies in Dakota County can redesign its services to tad. johnson@ecm-inc.com or comment on this column at SunThisweek.com. If you would like to take part in a discussion group on the topic, send an email to the same address. greater responsibility and leadership roles. We need to identify areas in which there is a concentration of silver workers and train those currently working or the unemployed in those fields. We need to learn all that we can from these experienced workers now, so that knowledge can be applied in redesign efforts. We need to encourage them not to go to Florida or Arizona and to continue to use their talents in a volunteer capacity for Minnesota agencies that sorely need volunteers. Redesigning MN will not happen overnight or in one evening with a two-hour meeting of a few citizens. It will take a comprehensive approach that involves as much mobilization of ideas and energy as possible. So, what are your ideas? Tad Johnson, managing editor of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune, can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Poverty’s reach startling, but not unbeatable It’s hard to imagine that one out of every 10 Minnesotans is now living in poverty. For a family of four that’s annual income of about $23,000, or $442 per week. In the last 10 years poverty rates grew by 3 percent in Minnesota. What’s most surprising is that it’s no longer confined to the inner city. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, an estimated 11 percent of Minnesotans live in poverty. That’s roughly 587,000 people, or the combined population of Minneapolis, Rochester and Bloomington. Minneapolis and St. Paul still lead the way at more than 22 percent each, but suburban growth demonstrates it’s not just confined to the Twin Cities. In Burnsville, 8.1 percent of the population is living in poverty. In Bloomington, 7.3 percent live at or below the poverty level. In Chaska, on the western-most edge of the metro, 7.6 percent of the population is living at the poverty level. The proliferation shows up virtually everywhere: St. Louis Park, 8.2 percent; Spring Lake Park, 8.2 percent; Maplewood, 10.6 percent; Coon Rapids, 7.6 percent; Isanti, 9.9 percent; and Richfield, 11.8 percent. And it can be even tougher in Greater Minnesota. Morrison and Mille Lacs counties each have more than 12 percent of the population at or below the poverty level. Here’s where it gets really concerning. More than 16 percent of Minnesota’s children under the age of 6, our future lead-

ECM Editorial ers, are living in poverty. And a stunning 35 percent of African-Americans in Minnesota live in poverty. The poverty rate for all people of color is a staggering 26 percent. The first place this usually impacts a family is at the dinner table. From 2008 to 2010, food shelf visits by metro families in need jumped by 97 percent, according to Hunger Solutions. Without an adequate food source, everything else breaks down. Clearly, proper nutrition is critical to early development and the learning ability of children, especially in the first three years of life. Without it, more children struggle and fall behind in their development. The growth in food shelf use has put a tremendous strain on local food shelves, not only in keeping shelves stocked, but also in their ability to staff facilities. Part of the solution is to show genuine concern for fellow citizens. All Minnesotans can do something to make life better for those in need. It can start with volunteering at food shelves, homeless shelters or through church and civic organizations that seek ways to teach others to be more self-sufficient. In 2010 more than 1.5 million Minnesotans volunteered their time to help others. That equated to roughly 170 million hours of time. Almost 30 percent of that time was spent collecting and distributing food to those in need. Volunteerism is not only valuable in combating poverty,

it creates compassion and understanding among community members. It makes this a better place. Perhaps the greatest weapon in the arsenal, though, is education. Understanding the consuming nature of poverty is the first step in fixing the problem. If it’s not understood it cannot be fixed. Left unchecked, it will create more problems for everyone. With help from parents and families, the education of our children will be the best and most effective way to slow and reduce poverty in Minnesota. An educated population is one that is valuable to the workforce, has the ability to overcome obstacles and makes society stronger. Education offers the most direct path out of poverty. But it takes personal sacrifice, not just by students, but by parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and everyone who has an impact on children. Minnesota schools spend more than $11,000 per pupil each year, yet many high schools struggle to get students graduated in four years largely because of diverse populations. In fact, there are more than eight suburban districts that have a fouryear graduation rate below 80 percent. Other states have already discovered that higher per-pupil spending does not necessarily equate to a better result. The key is identifying at-risk students early and making sure effort is made to help them succeed with a variety of state and federal programs that keeps the focus on individuals and ultimately directs them on a path toward col-

lege. That’s important when considering that by 2018 Minnesota employers are expecting that 70 percent of the jobs here will require education beyond high school, according to a Georgetown University study. While a high school graduation may have translated into a good job in 20th century, a college-educated workforce will be necessary for Minnesota to be competitive from this point forward. We have some work to do, but it is achievable. Right now fewer than 19 percent of Brooklyn Center’s adults possess a bachelor’s degree. The same is true of adults in Isanti County, where 16 percent have a bachelor’s degree. And in Mille Lacs and Morrison counties, only 15 percent of adults have a bachelor’s degree. Education is the foundation upon which this state’s future will flourish or falter. People will ultimately make the real difference in this campaign. If we don’t care, who will? Through a renewed commitment to education that reinforces knowledge as a means for a better life, students who are living in poverty can discover that there is hope and that they have value. But it must be a shared vision, one that all Minnesotans recognize as critical to the continued success of the state. An editorial from the ECM Editorial Board. Sun Thisweek Newspapers and the Dakota County Tribune are part of ECM Publishers Inc.

Letters Kline is an ideal representative To the editor: Just what manner of man is this who sees himself as perfect in all things? I note that a person from Minneapolis, who is largely unknown, has filed to run in a primary against a very honorable congressman, John Kline. This is to occur despite Kline’s increasing

popularity and the unanimous endorsement that he received at the Republican Convention. Is it possible that someone believes that elected officials can please all of the people all of the time? The myth that someone can please everyone is quickly shattered when elected officials must vote on bills laden with riders that often contain oppos-

ing philosophies. Is this notion that an elected official can or should please all, not the dreams of the quixotic, the foolish, and the uninformed? This unelected challenger surely is all of the above? When Kline’s voting records are examined, we find that he is our ideal representative. Kline’s successful fight to remove pork from all legislative acts has made

Photo Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Orndorf Sports Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Shaughnessy Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Jetchick Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Reierson

15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-894-1111 fax: 952-846-2010 www.SunThisweek.com | Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday

him most respected by his peers as well as citizens. Likewise, his efforts at reducing worthless but onerous regulations as well as taxes have been invaluable at saving jobs and small businesses. These measures have succeeded despite the costly attempts of the opponents of good government to thwart his attempts. If a candidate thinks that he can please all of the people all of the time, he might first check his assumed popularity with his relatives and then re-examine reality. RICHARD IFFERT Eagan

Support voter ID question To the editor: There is a lot of misinformation about the voter ID question on the ballot in November. As a registered voter, however, I deserve to have confidence in the election process. Fair, transparent elections give confidence to all voters, regardless of their political affiliation. Voter fraud is only detected after the election is

over and it is very costly to the taxpayers. It is much better to prevent the fraud in the first place. A valid photo ID would help to do this. Most Minnesotans have a photo ID already if they drive a car, register for college, or apply for a bank account. Voting is indeed a right, but you have to meet eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years of age, a resident of Minnesota, and a resident in the precinct in which you will cast your vote. A photo ID will provide all of this information to an election judge. I hope that you want to protect your vote by supporting this vital law in Minnesota. PAM PICKETT Lakeville

Second thoughts on bumper stickers To the editor: I am a supporter of the marriage amendment on the ballot this November. A couple months ago I called the Twin Cities office for

this campaign. I suggested bumper stickers promoting the amendment. I was told due to a fear of violence and vandalism of the cars, they had decided against it. I was also told during the successful campaign for the marriage amendment in California, supporters of the amendment had bricks and concrete blocks thrown through their house windows, their cars vandalized and received death threats on the phone. This is the kind of hate opponents have for Christians, conservatives and for marriage. RALPH GILBERTSEN Burnsville

Letters to the editor policy Sun Thisweek welcomes letters to the editor. Submitted letters must be no more than 350 words. All letters must have the author’s phone number and address for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Letters reflect the opinion of the author only. Sun Thisweek reserves the right to edit all letters. Submission of a letter does not guarantee publication.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

Three middle school students plead guilty Inappropriate locker room photos, videos were part of a game by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Three of four students involved in taking inappropriate photos and video of students in a locker room at Century Middle School in Lakeville in May 2012 each pleaded guilty June 26 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with privacy, a gross misdemeanor, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office. Judge Michael Sovis handed down the followkorman, from 1A sota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The free training is for people with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. One of 40 Minnesotans selected for the most recent class, Korman spent two days a month learning about the history of disability in society, the self-advocacy movement and ways to influence public policy. Twenty-nine students graduated. Launched 25 years ago by the Minnesota governor’s council, Partners in Policymaking is now offered in almost every state and many foreign countries. Korman applied after she heard about it from a friend in Illinois. Her consciousness was raised as soon as she filled out the application, which asked applicants how well their communities “work” for the disabled and their families. “I had never thought chief, from 1A cess that progressively narrowed the list of candidates, according to City Administrator Tom Lawell. Along with Rechtzigel, the finalists are: • William Blair Anderson, chief deputy with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office;

ing: a stay of adjudication, which means if all conditions are complied with there will be no criminal conviction on their juvenile records; probation for 180 days; 30 hours of community work service; and each must attend a victim empathy class and write a letter of apology to the victims. The three students who took the pleas were a 14-year-old boy, a 13-yearold boy and a 14-year-old girl. The other 14-year-old

girl involved in the incident was charged with criminal defamation in addition to conspiracy to interfere with privacy, and was not part of this plea. The incident occurred May 21, when two girls allegedly took photos and video of two other girls undressing in the locker room. The three pleaded guilty to these allegations in the original criminal complaint: The first girl took four photos of one victim and a

video of another. The second girl took one photo of the same victims. The video and photos showed the backs of the victims partially undressed from the waist down, though none of them featured nudity. The first girl later shared the media content with one of the two boys charged. That boy then shared the data with two other boys. The second boy charged then forwarded the photos of one victim to four other

about that before,” Korman said. “I had never thought the community should be doing something for people with disabilities and families of people with disabilities. All the ‘working around’ had been done by me.” Sons A.J. and Zack are the objects of her inspiration and affection. Both have the genetic defect called fragile X syndrome – which their mother described as “autism with bells on” – as well as autism. “There isn’t a lot of time to sit around and feel bad,” she said, recalling when she and her husband, Mark, heard the diagnosis. “They were diagnosed when they were 14 months old.” A.J., who likes the TV show “Little Bear,” is friendly and outgoing for an autistic child, Korman said. “But with his intellectual delay, he doesn’t understand how to interact with kids, and they don’t know how to interact with him,” Korman said. More typical of a child

with autism, Zack is less social and nervous around others, she said. He loves jumping on the backyard trampoline. Both boys are into swimming and playing on the computer or iPad. Korman is home with the boys most days, working occasionally as a substitute cafeteria worker in School District 191. The Kormans’ 9-year-old daughter, Aliza, also helps with the boys. Korman said she’s writing a book about raising A.J. and Zack, and Partners in Policymaking provided extra inspiration. The boys, who are going into second grade, will return this fall to the autism program at District 191’s Rahn Elementary in Eagan. Korman said she’s been happy with the program, but her training has given her a new measure of assertiveness. “It’s easy to sit back and think, ‘I don’t want my kids to be a burden for the class and the teachers,’ ” she said. Korman learned about

disability law, met public officials, participated in a mock legislative hearing, familiarized herself with all her elected officials and heard sobering history lessons about how far people with disabilities have had to come since the days of institutionalization. “The first weekend really is a slap in the face,” Korman said. “It’s, ‘This is the way things are, and this is why we need you to be advocates.’ ” A new Partners in Policymaking class is being assembled. The two-day meetings are at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington. To learn more about the session, which runs from September to May, visit www.mngts. org/partnersinpolicymaking.

• Shaun LaDue, former Owatonna police chief who’s now director of government programs compliance investigations at United Healthcare; • Jeffrey McCormick, Cannon Falls police chief; and • Eric Werner, Burnsville police captain. Interviews of the five

finalists are scheduled for mid-July. Appointment of the new police chief is expected by late July or early August. Johnson, Apple Valley’s police chief since 2001, left the department on good terms, and was presented with the key to the city by Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland on the eve of his final

boys. The Dakota County Attorney’s office said earlier this month that it believes that as many as 40 students at Century saw the photos and video. The two boys charged had apparently created a game in which they took photos of the buttocks of girls in the hallway and forwarded these photos to other students. Each boy paid one of the girls $5 and one of the boys gave her a can of soda as

payment to take the photos in the locker room. The second girl charged is believed to have taken one inappropriate photo as a result of the urging of the first girl charged in the case. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

Rosemount Brief Robert Trail Library programs Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount, has planned the following programs. Call (651) 480-1200 for more information. • Mixed Nuts, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3. Physical comedy and audience participation. All ages. • Songs, Games and Instruments with Ross Sutter, 2 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. Sing and dance while Sutter entertains with children’s songs on guitar, accordion, dulcimer and Irish drums. • Baby Story Time, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 11. Stories, songs, bounces and playtime for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers. • Metal Work-Milagros-Symbols of Hope with ArtStart, ages 9 to 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12. Make your own design using gold, silver, and copper heavy foil and practice the art of metal tooling using the art of milagro. Supplies provided. Registration required.

John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

day in office. “The time is right,” Johnson said in December of his decision to retire. “The department is in good shape, and I’m 56 years old.” Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

��

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

��

Education College news Regen Steele of Apple Valley is the recipient of an Excellence Scholarship from Concordia College, Moorhead. Steele, a June 2012 graduate of Eastview High School, is the son of Dennis and Maria Steele. Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, spring 2012 graduate, Matthew Brunsvold of Apple Valley, B.A., elementary education, son of Mark and Linda Brunsvold. Minnesota State University, Mankato, spring 2012 dean’s list, from Rosemount – Amanda Anderson, An-

drew Burt, Kelsey Magnuson, Gabriel Mateo, Emily Nelson, Kiley Nuernberg, Jesse Osvold, Nicholas Pipho, Eric Pittelkow, Cassandra Wenzel, Kayla Wettstein, Alexandra Wyss; from Webster – Zachary Ambroz, Savanna Peterson. Normandale Community College, spring 2012 dean’s list, from Rosemount – Janeva Boker-Schulz, Deanna Gentili, Danielle Harjo, Kaela Kirchgatter, Joelle Krona, Kathryn Krueger, Jennifer Matz, David Officer, John Reynolds, Navita Singh, Mylani Tran, Stewart Udvig, Justin Wallace.

Game camp for children District 196 Community Education will offer “Game Camp: Capture the Flag and Kickball” for ages 6 to 12 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, July 2-6, at Scott Highlands Middle School, 14011 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley. Cost is $89. To register or for more information, call (651) 4237920 or visit www.district196. org/ce.

��

William Victor Gagnon William Victor Gagnon, age 48 passed away on June 13th after a short battle with colon cancer. Survived by wife, Leanne, two children, daughter Victoria and son Zachary, his parents Noel and Nancy Gagnon, sister Tami Gagnon, 4 nephews and his extended family. Memorial service was held on Tuesday June 19th, 2012 at Hope Church in Apple Valley.

��

Endersbe Johnston Tom and Lisa Endersbe of Eagan announce the engagement of their daughter Tori to Clint Johnston the son of Gary Johnston of Las Vegas, NV and Barbara Cohen of West Roxbury, Massachusetts. The bride to be is a 2005 Graduate of Eagan High School and has a degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. The future groom is a 2003 graduate from Wellesley High School in Massachusetts and has his degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas. The couple currently live in Minneapolis, MN and is planning an August 11th wedding in the groom’s home town of Chatham, MA.

Handtke Johnson Lindsay Handtke, daughter of Bruce and April Handtke of Onalaska WI, and Andrew Johnson, son of Bob and Lisa Johnson of Lakeville, MN, announce their engagement. Lindsay is a 2005 graduate of Holmen High School, in 2009 earned her B.S. degree in English/Spanish at the U of M Twin Cities. She will begin her new job teaching at Adelante College Prep Middle School in Mpls this fall. Andrew is a 2004 graduate of Lakeville High School, graduated in 2008 with an Electrical Engineering degree from the U of M Inst. of Technology Twin Cities. He is employed by Starkey Hearing Technologies in Eden Prairie. A July 21st wedding is planned at the Onalaska Church of Christ in Onalaska, WI.

Deanna Lynn Darling Age 51, of Lakeville passed away at her home surround by her family on June 23, 2012. She was a 1979 Graduate from Rosemount High School. Deanna worked 17+ years for Walgreens in the Pharmacy Department. She is preceded in death by her father, Carl G. Leidner. Survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Brent; children, Candice Borchert, Crystal Metzler, Brandon Darling and Nicholas Darling; grandchildren, Isaac, Faith, Grace, Olivia and Avalon; mother, Marlene Leidner; siblings, Don (Julie) Leidner, Dale (Ellen) Leidner, and Debra (Robert) Hilmoe; many nieces and nephews other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held, 1 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley with memorial visitation was Tuesday 4-8 PM (6/26) at the W h it e F u n er a l H o me, 20 1 34 Kenwood Tr. Lakeville (952 469 2723) and 1 hr. prior to service at church. Private Interment, Rosemount Cemetery, Rosemount, MN. Online condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com

��

McMahon Martin

Jeanna McMahon and Lucas (Luke) Martin, both of Eagan, announced their engagement. She is the daughter of Terry McMahon of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Jeanine McMahon of Kenosha, WI. He is the son of Roger and Melinda Martin of Apple Valley. Jeanna graduated in 2005 from Tremper High School, Kenosha, and Rasmussen College in Minneapolis, receiving an associate's degree in ISM Database Administration. She works for Dell, in Edina, as Software Development Senior Data Analyst. Luke graduated from Eagan High School in 1999 and the University of Minnesota in 2003, receiving a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He is employed at the Minnesota Department of Health. They plan to be married on October 5 in Eagan.

Klee - Destein David and Mary Klee of Eagan announce the engagement of their daughter, Telesha Klee, to Michael Destein, son of Richard and Billie Destein of Lakeland, FL. Telesha graduated from Visitation in 1996 and earned her BA from Drake University. Michael received his BS from UC Santa Cruz. Telesha and Michael reside in San Francisco and will be married September 29, 2012 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Sonoma. Telesha sells digital imaging equipment to hospitals for GE Healthcare and Michael is a Software Solutions Architect for Informatica.

��

PUBLIC NOTICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Educating our students to reach their full potential CALL FOR PROPOSALS Student Information System Notice is hereby given that PROPOSALS will be received to award a contract for purpose of purchasing a single Student Information System solution by Independent School District 196 at the District Office located at 3455 153rd St W, Rosemount, MN 55068 until 2:00 PM, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at which time and place Proposals will be publicly opened. Complete instructions on how to obtain Proposal Documents can be found at: http://www.district196.org/District/LegalNotices/ index.cfm The School Board of Independent School District 196 reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any informalities. Joel Albright, Board Clerk Independent School District 196 3059023 6/22-6/29/12

��

Lily May Larson

Dylan Daniel Klingelhut Dylan Daniel Klingelhut was born on May 14, 2012 to the proud parents of Ross and Jennifer Klingelhut of Lakeville. Dylan weighed 7lbs, 7oz, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Lily May Larson was born May 28th, 2012 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville to Jacqueline and Michael Larson of Webster. Lily weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches. Hunter is the proud big brother. Lily’s grandparents are Susan and Michael Challenger and Kathy and Eric Larson, all from Lakeville.

��

To submit an announcement Forms for birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary and obituaries announcements are available at our office and online at www. thisweeklive.com (click on “Announcements” and then “Send Announcement”). Completed forms may be e-mailed to class.thisweek@ ecm-inc.com or mailed to Sun Thisweek, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Sun Thisweek to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Sun Thisweek. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

Congratulations Lindianna J. Steffan Daughter of Wesley and Vicki Steffan, 2008 graduate of Lakeville South High School, recently was commissioned as an Officer and Ensign in the United States Navy. She has reported to flight school at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL to begin her training as a military pilot. Lindianna graduated from Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college in the United States of America, summa cum laude, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and as a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Burnsville camera company runs afoul of bureau The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota has issued an alert on Darn Toothy Sam, a Burnsville company that offers camera repair services and sells camera equipment on its website (www. darntoothysam.com). The company has an “F” rating with the BBB due to a pattern of customer complaints, the BBB said in a news release. Customers allege that after paying up front for merchandise or repairs, the business didn’t meet promised deadlines. Many complainants also state that Darn Toothy Sam was not responsive to follow-up inquiries. “We have a very clear pattern of a problem with this company,” said Dana Badgerow, president and pahl’s, from 1A delivery of the first sweet corn batch in July, picking out pumpkins in October and selecting a Christmas tree in December. Pahl’s Market is a business that diversified and grew as demand for its products increased. While many people are familiar with Pahl’s retail operation with pansies, petunias, begonias and much more under three acres of greenhouse glass, the vegetable business is larger than one might think. The farming operation – spanning five generations of the Pahl family – now includes about 1,100 acres of vegetables, with farm fields in Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Lakeville and throughout rural Dakota County. The farming operation supplies about 50 grocery store companies in 15 states, and clients include such supermarket heavyweights as Cub Foods, Target and Rainbow. Peppers grown on Pahl family farms are used

CEO of the BBB. “Consumers pay the company in advance for repairs or equipment, and then wait – and wait. From there, their calls and emails to the company are not returned and people are left with no guidance and few options.” In the last three years, Darn Toothy Sam has been the subject of more than 50 customer complaints. The company has responded to most complaints brought to its attention by the BBB, and has generally resolved issues by trying to explain the reason for delays, offering refunds or offering to return equipment – often in the same condition as when it was shipped to the company for repairs. Five complaints have been closed as unanswered and five more are currently pending.

Darn Toothy Sam was accredited by the BBB in 2009, but had its accreditation revoked in November of 2010 due to an increase in complaint volume and for failing to address the underlying cause of these complaints. In recent weeks, the BBB has received reports that the company is threatening to charge consumers who file complaints with the BBB a fee of $35, claiming that’s what the BBB charges them per complaint. The BBB handles complaints as a free service to the public and business community. Customers who have disputes with Darn Toothy Sam are welcome to file complaints with the BBB at bbb.org.

in burritos and other en- summer, is currently a stutrees at Chipotle restaurant. dent at the University of Minnesota’s School of HorGiving back ticulture. Through their business, Gary Pahl looks to son the Pahls have given back Jack as perhaps the next to the community in many generation of the Pahl famways. Gary has been in- ily to take the reins of the volved with the Minnesota business. Grown advisory commit- “Maybe that’ll be the tee. He’s been a coach with sixth generation,” he said. the Lakeville Hockey Asso- “We’ll see.” ciation, and has sat on the UMore Park advisory coun- Anniversary cil. Jane has served on the In celebration of its 30th board of the Lewis House anniversary, Pahl’s Margolf tournament fundraiser ket is holding a “Diamond and has been president of Drawing Giveaway.” One the Lakeville North Booster lucky customer who’s enClub. tered the promotion will be The business has 10 full- awarded a diamond pentime employees, though the dant at noon on Saturday, addition of seasonal help in June 30. the summer months bumps Pahl’s Market is open the employee roster up to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 about 125. Gary and Jane Pahl’s two a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, at adult children, Jamie and 6885 160th St. W. in Apple Jack, have lent a hand at the Valley. For more informamarket since they were kids. tion, go online at www. Jamie, a recent college pahls.com or call (952) 431graduate who’s planning 4345. to attend law school, has worked in the retail end Andrew Miller can be reached of the business. Jack, who at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com works at the market in the or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

10A

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Photo submitted

Dakota Electric employees volunteer as part of the cooperative’s 75th year anniversary.

Dakota Electric celebrates 75 years Company products, volunteers brighten county by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Dakota Electric, one of Farmington’s largest employers, has been bringing darkness to light for 75 years. One of Minnesota’s 44 electrical cooperatives, the company is marking its anniversary this year by ramping up its already strong community involvement, increasing volunteerism and including historic information on its website and in company newsletters. Steve Krech, a 34-year Dakota Electric employee with a penchant for history, sifted through old Dakota County Tribune newspapers and decades of Dakota Electric Board meeting minutes to assemble an impressive company history. His research, primarily conducted on his own time, assisted Dakota Electric Public Relations Director Joe Miller to create an informative video history of the company, on its website www.dakotaelectric.com. Krech also created four large scrapbooks of newspaper articles detailing the company’s history, which are on display at the Dakota County Historical Society. Started by farmers in 1936, the cooperative allowed rural areas of Dakota

County to receive electricity, a change that amounted to a revolution in people’s lives. Many cities were then “electrified,” but area farmers still did chores by kerosene lamp; housework was laborious and involved cooking on wood stoves, washing clothes by hand and pressing clothes with an iron heated on the stove. Ray Nicolai of Hampton said before electricity his family constantly was cutting wood for the fire and pumping water by hand. They canned fruit and vegetables because there was no refrigeration and worried about fire hazards working by kerosene lamp in hay-filled barns. On Feb. 21, 1938, the switch was thrown and in a historic moment when the lights came on for 356 co-op members. That access to power literally changed lives. Krech said in 1940, Dakota Electric hosted a national demonstration of electricity in rural areas, and the Dakota County Tribune was filled with ads for electric appliances. “It let the farmers know that this stuff can make your life so much easier, and it did,” Krech said. By 1986, Dakota Electric was the fastest growing coop-

erative in the nation. Miller said Dakota Electric serves about 102,000 accounts and delivers more than 1.9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. “I think Dakota Electric really helped to make the county grow,” Miller said. “With all the farms spread out throughout the county and no electricity, there was not going to be population growth.” Throughout the years, Dakota Electric has also promoted community involvement. Its increased effort this year has brought Dakota Electric volunteers to an expanded list of organizations, including Feed My Starving Children in Eagan and YMCA Camp Streefland in Lakeville. Miller said Dakota Electric’s past efforts to help the community grow and prosper will continue. “Dakota Electric is really, really committed to assisting in the community and helping to make this area a great place to live and work,” Miller said. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

Art festival dazzles

11A

Photo by Jessica Harper

The Eagan Art Festival Photo by Jessica Harper featured 98 artists who Despite occasional rain, art enthusiasts crowded the Eagan exhibited a wide variety Community Center Festival Grounds on June 23 for the of pieces include pottery, Eagan Art Festival. weaving and jewelry.

Photo by Jessica Harper

The Eagan Art Festival exhibited artists from across many media, including handmade dolls. The two-day event also displayed more traditional art forms such as photography, painting and sculpture.

Photo by Jessica Harper

Several booths at the Eagan Art Festival, which spanned from June 23 to 24, contained various forms of metal work, including lawn ornaments.

Religion Apple Valley

Community meals Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley will serve free community meals on Mondays, July 2, 16 and 23. Dining hall doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The meals are for senior citizens, single-parent families, families in transition and all others in the surrounding community seeking a healthy meal in a relaxed and fun environment. Although the meals are free, donations are accepted. Grace Lutheran Church is located at the intersection of Pennock Avenue and County Road 42. For more information, call the church at (952) 432-7273.

Farmington

Ice cream social, supperette The women of Highview Christiania Lutheran Church will serve a Supperette and Ice Cream Social at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. The menu will include sloppy joes, hot dogs, beans, potato salad, pie and ice cream. There will be a fish pond for children. The church is at 26690 Highview Ave. W., Eureka Township, rural Farmington. Call (952) 469-2722 for more information.

Dakota Electric awards scholarships Thirty-four area high school students and six Inver Hills Community College students received scholarships this spring for their continuing education from Dakota Electric Association. The donation totaled $50,000. Local recipients include:

• Apple Valley High School – Emilee Engler, Chia-Wei Lin, John Loftus, Tim Nguyen. • Eastview High School – Brandon Gezel, Lindsey Ryan. • Rosemount High School – Thana Hussein, Alexandria McLaughlin.

��

12A

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Thisweekend Dew Days showers visitors with fun

Photo by Laura Adelmann

Wearing Tiger orange colors, Farmington School District Superintendent Jay Haugen and Farmington School Board members ran hard against a blue team during the Dew Days bed race event last Friday.

Nine Miss Farmington Pageant princesses and 11 community members participated in the June 15 Dew Days pie-eating contest, sponsored by the Farmington Bakery. Several contests were held, and winners received gift certificates to the bakery.

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Farmington High School students provided plenty of pep during the Dew Days Parade last weekend in Farmington.

Photo by Laura Adelmann

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The Farmington Basketball Association handed out candy to eager children during the Dew Days Parade last weekend in Farmington.

��

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

theater and arts briefs

‘Cinderella’ Broadway hits Bortnick, tickets on sale at area parks Kidz Bop Kids The Dakota Valley Sum- concert for July dates mer Pops Orchestra and

family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com.

Friday, June 29 Open house by the Apple Valley MOMS Club-South (Moms Offering Moms Support) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lac Lavon Park in Burnsville. Information: momsclubofapplevalleysouth@ live.com. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Locavore: Local Diet, Healthy Planet,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 891-1212, ext. 221. Monday, July 2 Children’s author Patrick Mader will read from his farm book, “Oma Finds a Miracle,” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville. Register for the class 32 hours in advance in the store, at (952) 891-1212, ext. 221, or online at www.eventbee. com/v/valleynaturalfoods/boxoffice. Tuesday, July 3 Family Fun Tuesday – Raptors from Dodge Nature Center, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation is suggested. Information: (651)

454-9412 or www.caponiartpark. org.

Thursday, July 5 Children’s author Gordon Fredrickson will read from “If I Were a Farmer, Tommy’s Adventure” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville. Register for the class 32 hours in advance in the store, at (952) 891-1212, ext. 221, or online at www.eventbee.com/v/valleynaturalfoods/boxoffice. Friday, July 6 Forever Wild Family Friday: Dakota Wild Animals, 7 p.m., in the Discovery Room at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Meet a friendly collection of live animals. All ages. Free. Registration required at http://parks.co.dakota.mn.us/Activities/Activities.asp?SCheck=74 3696172&SDT=39002.7589004 63&sectionId=2. Course number 4088. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood. org to make an appointment or for more information. • June 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Culver’s, 3445 O’Leary Lane,

arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy.odden@ ecm-inc.com.

Books Atina Diffley, author of “Turn Here Sweet Corn,” will be at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 10 to discuss her family’s experience as organic farmers and sign copies of her book. Free, but registration required by July 9 due to space considerations. Call (952) 891-1212, ext. 221 to register. Comedy Benny Quash with special guest Todd Jay at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts John Prine with Willie Watson, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $67. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. David Gray with Yuna, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 1, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $67. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Ziggy Marley with The New Primitives, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $38. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Dark Star Orchestra, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $30. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. Music in Kelley Park featuring The Castaways from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 6, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. DeVotchKa with Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 6, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $31. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Melody and The Dramatics will perform at 7 p.m. on July 8 as part of Sunday Night Music in the Park at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Exhibits World Travel Photography exhibit by artist Becqi Sherman at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Festivals Apple Valley Freedom Days runs June 29-July 4. Information: www.avfreedomdays.com. Lakeville Pan-O-Prog runs July 1-8. Information: www.panoprog.org. Eagan July 4th Funfest runs July 3-4. Information: www.eaganfunfest.org. Workshops/classes Heartbeat Studios, Apple Val-

ley, will offer a six-week youth dance, singing and acting class summer session beginning July 9 in the amphitheater at Caponi Art Park in Eagan. This fairy tale production is open to ages 3 to middle school, and will be presented in mid-August. For class registration information, contact Heartbeat Studios, (952) 4327833, or heartbeat-studios.com. Mystery Art Night will be offered Fridays, July 20 through Aug. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Eagan Art House. All supplies will be included and light refreshments will be served. Cost per class is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Register at www.eaganarthouse.org. Call (651) 675-5521 for information. Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses.com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart.com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 7363644. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Fee is $3 and includes all supplies. Bring any old jewelry you would like to re-make. 3981 Lexington Ave. S., (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www.savageartstudios.com or (952) 8950375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Beginner country line dance classes on Wednesdays, 5:307:30 p.m., at the Lakeville VFW, 8790 Upper 208th St. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.-noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 9854640.

Eleven-year-old music sensation Ethan Bortnick will perform with special guests, The Kidz Bop Kids, at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $51 to $71 and can be purchased at the box office, ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 982-2787.

Salute to the Rat Pack

Michael Jackson tribute artist Tickets are on sale for the 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, performance of “Moonwalker: A Reflection of Michael” by tribute artist Michael Firestone at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600

13A

Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets range from $51 to $71 and can be purchased at the box office, ticketmaster. com or by phone at (800) 982-2787.

7:35 p.m.; Travis Tritt, 9 p.m. July 14 schedule: The Butanes Soul Revue, 5 p.m.; GB Leighton, 6:25 p.m.; Mitch Ryder, 7:50 p.m.; Creedence Clearwater Revisited, 9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 ($10.50 online) in advance and $15 at the gate. Visit Lakefrontmusicfest.com for informa Prior Lake’s Lakefront tion. Music Fest will be held July 13-14 at Lakefront Park, 5000 Kopp Parkway. July 13 schedule: Rocket Club, 6 p.m.; Rockie Lynne,

Lakefront Music Fest

Tickets to the 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, performance of Salute to the Rat Pack & the Legends of Las Vegas at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center will be on sale beginning Friday, June 29. Tickets range from $31 to $51 for adults, $22 for chil-

Eagan. • July 2, 2 to 7 p.m., Carmike 15 Cinemas, 15630 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • July 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LearningRx, 2874 Highway 55, Eagan. • July 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 16725 Highview Ave., Lakeville.

��

Chorus will present “Broadway, Baby!” at the following venues: • Tuesday, July 3, 7 p.m., Antler’s Park, Lakeville. • Sunday, July 8, 6:30 p.m., Caponi Art Park, Eagan. • Wednesday, July 11, 7 p.m., Civic Center Park, Burnsville. The performance will include songs from “Guys and Dolls,” “West Side Story,” “Oklahoma,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The orchestra will be accompanied by the Summer Pops Chorus for music from “Les Miserables” and popular tunes from Andrew Lloyd Webber. In case of rain, the July 8 concert will be moved to July 15.

��

Tickets for Eagan Summer Community Theatre’s production of “Cinderella” are now on sale. Performances will be in the Eagan High School auditorium, 4185 Braddock Trail, at 7:30 p.m. July 12 (free senior preview), 7:30 p.m. July 13-14, 18-21, 2528, and 2 p.m. July 15, 22 and 28. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 62-plus and children under 12. To purchase tickets, call (651) 683-6964 between 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase online at https://tix6.seatyourself.biz/ webstore/webstore.html.

dren under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 982-2787.

June 29, 2012

��

� ��

��

�

��

14A

Sports

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Schmitz playing his best golf, but career might not have peaked yet MGA Player of Year has strong start in 2012 by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

When asked how he’s been tearing it up on the Minnesota amateur golf circuit the last couple of years, Sammy Schmitz said simply, “I’m in a really good place in my life now.” And there’s a lot to be said for that settled feeling. With a wife who supports his golf ambitions, a career that allows him to play an extensive schedule and a swing coach who helped him improve his ball striking, Schmitz rose to the top of the Minnesota Golf Association’s Men’s Player of the Year points list in 2011. This year, he stands second in the points race with some of the biggest tournaments of the season still to come. The Apple Valley resident was a Division III All-American at St. John’s University and played as a touring professional for a year after college, but said he’s playing the best golf of his career now, at age 31. “Oh, there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “I starting working with a swing coach a couple of years ago. It’s done a lot to improve my swing. That was a breakthrough for me. It used to be that when I scored well, I got up and down from all

Photo by Mark Brettingen/Minnesota Golf Association

Farmington native and Apple Valley resident Sammy Schmitz hits a tee shot during the 2011 Minnesota Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship. He won that tournament and went on to win the MGA Player of the Year award. over the place.” Last year Schmitz won the MGA Mid-Amateur, a tournament open to amateur players 30 and older, finished fifth in the MGA Amateur, was second by two strokes in the Minnesota State Open and took second in the Minnesota Public Golf Association Publinks Championship. He also reached the match play stage at the U.S. Golf Association Mid-Amateur. He had almost twice as many points as the runnerup in the MGA Player of the Year standings. College-age players had won the MGA Player of

the Year award the previous five years. It’s presumed that college players have an advantage over amateurs who have careers outside of golf, but for last year at least, Schmitz helped turn that notion on its head. Winning the Player of the Year award “was a goal,” Schmitz said. “Last year when I put together my schedule, I wanted to play as many tournaments as possible that had Player of the Year points.” In May, Schmitz won the MPGA Mid-Amateur by seven strokes at the Jewel Golf Club near Lake City. Earlier this month he won

Notebook: Tyus Jones, U.S. pursue world title U17 basketball tourney starts Friday by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Apple Valley High School juniorto-be Tyus Jones is a key figure on the USA Basketball team that will compete in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U17 World Championship beginning Friday in Lithuania. Jones is expected to see a lot of playing time at point guard when the U.S. team begins its tournament against Australia. Other preliminary-round games for the U.S. are against the Czech Republic (Saturday), Egypt (Sunday), France (Tuesday) and China (Wednesday). Medal-round play begins July 6, with the finals July 8. The U.S. team warmed up for the world championships by winning both of its games at the Gran Canaria U17 International Invitational in the Canary Islands. Jones scored eight points and had a game-high five assists as the U.S. team defeated Australia 89-64 in the championship game Monday. Jones had 10 assists and five steals as the U.S. beat Latvia 108-72 in the first round. “In the second quarter and in the beginning of the third quarter our defensive pressure picked up a lot, and that’s kind of where our lead came from,” Jones told usabasketball.com after the victory over Latvia. The U.S. won the first world U17 men’s championships in 2010. The 12-player roster for this year’s tournament was chosen following a four-day training camp in Colorado Springs, Colo. Last summer Jones played for a USA Basketball team that won the FIBA Americas U16 Championship, thereby qualifying for this year’s U17 world tournament.

U.S. Olympic track trials Several athletes with local ties fell just short of earning places on the U.S. Olympic track and field team. Former Lakeville High School and University of Minnesota track and basketball standout Liz Podominick threw the discus 194 feet, 11 inches on Sunday to place fifth at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. That was about 2 1/2 feet short of the third-place throw; the top three individuals qualify for the Olympics. Heather (Dorniden) Kampf of Rosemount High School and the University of Minnesota reached the women’s 800-meter final and placed eighth in 2 minutes, 2.86 seconds.

David Pachuta, who starred in track at Eastview High School and the U of M, reached the semifinals in the men’s 800 but did not advance to the finals. Pachuta ran 1:46.83 in the faster of two semifinal heats. He actually had a faster time than one of the automatic finals qualifiers from the other semifinal heat.

All-star football Several local football players are dealing with the heat this week to take the field for one last high school game. Seven players from the Sun Thisweek coverage area will be in the Minnesota High School All-Star Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Cloud State University. Trey Heid of Lakeville North and Drew Bauer of Eagan will be quarterbacks for the South squad. Also playing for the South team are Lakeville North receiver Charlie Hayes, Lakeville South receiver Matt Heller, Eastview offensive lineman Zack Johnson and Eagan offensive lineman Connor Randall.

Eagan boys chosen for HDM Eagan’s boys hockey team will participate in the 2013 Hockey Day Minnesota on Jan. 19 at Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids. The Wildcats, who finished third in the 2012 state Class AA tournament, will play Hibbing in one of three high school games played outdoors on the lake. Defending Class AA boys champion Benilde-St. Margaret’s will face Grand Rapids, and Hibbing will take on Grand Rapids in a girls game. A University of Minnesota game against North Dakota and a Minnesota Wild game against Pittsburgh also will be part of the 2013 event, which will be the seventh Hockey Day Minnesota.

Irish lacrosse team wins Rosemount High School’s boys lacrosse prep team won the grade 9-10 division in the Minnesota Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association playoffs, completing an undefeated (16-0) season. Rosemount defeated Maple Grove 12-7 in the championship game June 9 in Orono. The team defeated Edina, Eden Prairie Black and Prior Lake Navy in earlier rounds of the playoffs. The Irish entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed. Eastview received the No. 1 seed but lost to Maple Grove 6-5 in the semifinals. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

the MGA Mid-Players Championship, a matchplay event at Dakotah Ridge Golf Club in Morton. He closed out all his matches on or before the 16th hole. Schmitz, playing out of Valleywood Golf Course, reached the round of 16 at the recent MGA Players Championship at Windsong Farm. Possibly the biggest week in local golf comes up in mid-July. The MGA Amateur takes place July 16-18 at Hastings Country Club, followed by the Minnesota State Open July 20-22 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids.

That week in 2011 was a good one for Schmitz, who finished in the top five in both tournaments, but it left him wanting more. “The state am, that was OK. Don Constable (last year’s champion) was so far ahead of me,” Schmitz said. “The state open was kind of a tough one. Troy (Johnson) and I were out there at the beginning of the round, not really thinking about winning it, but cheering each other on and having fun with it. Then we each make a few birdies and suddenly we’re in the lead.” The Minnesota State Open is open to professionals and amateurs alike, but it was two amateurs in the “mid” category – Schmitz and Johnson – who battled for the title. Johnson, paired with Schmitz, led by one stroke with one hole to play and closed the door with a birdie on the final hole at Rush Creek, Johnson’s home course. He shot 67 in the final round to Schmitz’s 68. Schmitz said he believes he has an opportunity to contend at this year’s state amateur and state open sites. “Hastings is really well suited for my game,” he said. “I’ve played out there a number of times with friends who are members there. It fits my eye well. Bunker does, too. We played the MIAC (Minnesota In-

tercollegiate Athletic Conference) tournament there when I was in college.” Considering his lineage, it might be surprising he found his way to golf. A Farmington native, he’s part of the Schmitz family that helped build hockey in the community. Louis Schmitz, who helped start youth hockey in Farmington, was the uncle of Sammy Schmitz’s father, Steve. Sammy Schmitz played hockey in Farmington, “although not as well as golf,” he said. “I still like to skate in the old-man leagues, though, and last winter I got into reffing for the first time.” He still wants to see how far he can go in amateur golf. He played briefly on the Hooters Tour, a Florida-based professional minitour, before giving that up and regaining his amateur status. By 2008 and 2009, the urge to compete had returned. One of his goals this year is to play his way onto the Minnesota team for the USGA state team competition in New Jersey in September. Fortunately for him, his wife, Natalie, understands. “She’s a competitive person, too,” Schmitz said. “I’m still trying to talk her into caddying for me.” Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Apple Valley seeks softball coach Christiansen steps down after 10 seasons

by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Apple Valley High School’s Carla Christiansen, the longest-tenured softball coach in the South Suburban Conference, resigned this week. “It’s pretty simple – I’m a mom,” said Christiansen, who has two daughters and a son. “I’m going to have one kid in middle school, one in elementary school and one in preschool. That was it. It was getting tougher and tougher to do the things in the offseason that the program needed.” She was only the second head softball coach in Apple Valley’s history. Christiansen was head coach for 10 seasons and was an assistant to Jim Smola for six years before that. Her 2012 team went 13-9 and reached the second round of the Section 3AAA playoffs. Christiansen will contin-

ue as a health and wellness teacher at Apple Valley High School and will become the school’s physical education department chair July 1. In the latter role, she will replace longtime AVHS teacher and coach Bill Demaray, who is retiring. AVHS athletic director Pete Buesgens will accept applications for the softball coaching position through July 27. Even though Christiansen said she feels certain that stepping down from coaching is the right decision, she admitted having some mixed emotions about it. Apple Valley could be a rising program in the South Suburban. “That’s the part I’m a little bummed about,” she said. “I started four ninth-graders this year and had several sophomores who were playing quite a bit.” Christiansen said all three of her children are getting involved in sports and liked that

she was a coach, but they’re also starting to understand what her decision means. Her oldest daughter asked her, “so, you’re going to be home? So, we can do this, do that? Does that mean I can have friends over after school?” she said. Christiansen said she could see herself returning to coaching when her children are older, noting that she has coached for her entire career in education. Before joining the Apple Valley program, she coached four years at West Delaware High School in Manchester, Iowa. Three of those years she taught in District 196 before moving to Iowa for the summer to coach softball. High school softball and baseball in Iowa is played in the summer. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

New NAHL hockey team coming to south metro to look for players

Lakeville resident helping run Johnstown Tomahawks by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

A new junior hockey team from Pennsylvania is coming to Minnesota to look for talent next week. The Johnstown Tomahawks will hold a tryout camp July 6-8 at the Dakotah! Sport and Fitness rink in Prior Lake. The camp is open to players ages 16-20. The team will play at the Tier II Junior A level in the North American Hockey League. Johnstown acquired the NAHL team known as the Alaska Avalanche in the spring and changed its name to the Tomahawks. Its new home will be the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, where hockey scenes from the movie “Slap Shot” were filmed. So why is a junior hockey team in Pennsylvania holding tryouts in Minnesota? One reason is the south metro is known for producing quality hockey players. The Alaska Avalanche goalie last

season, Bodhi Engum, graduated from Burnsville High School in 2011. “I know some (United States Hockey League) teams really look to Minnesota to get some players,” Tomahawks president Rick Bouchard said. “We should get some good talent from Minnesota.” Another reason is that Bouchard has lived in Lakeville for 15 years. His brother, Jim Bouchard, is the principal owner and asked Rick to help out after purchasing the team. “Our whole goal is to promote youth hockey and help kids move on to the next level and get a look from colleges,” Rick Bouchard said. Rick Bouchard commutes between Pennsylvania and Minnesota. He’s spending his time welcoming incoming players who chose to relocate from Alaska as well as holding player tryouts, running team operations, looking for sponsors and doing community outreach.

“Just me being in the area I’ll be able to find some talent here,” Rick Bouchard said. “The connection really fits.” Space in the camp is limited, so players are encouraged to register as early as possible. Tryout cost is $250. Players who impress the Tomahawks coaching staff during the camp will be invited to the Tomahawks’ main camp Aug. 3-7 at Planet Ice in Johnstown. The 24-team NAHL features several alumni currently playing in the NHL. The Tomahawks will play in the North Division against teams from the Midwest including the Janesville (Wis.) Jets. Other NAHL teams hail from places such as Onalaska Wis., and Austin, Minn. The league has five teams in Texas and still will have two in Alaska. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

Sports Mud run obstacle course coming to Buck Hill campTITAN will raise funds for LifeAbove charity by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

If crawling through mud, climbing up walls, lifting heavy objects and running up hills in the middle of summer sounds like your idea of fun, there’s good news. Registration is open for campTITAN, a 3-mile-plus obstacle mud run scheduled Aug. 4 at Buck Hill in Burnsville. The course is designed to test strength, speed and endurance as well as mental capacity. It’s similar to a Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash, but campTITAN plans to have a few twists. “Many of them have you stand around and wait to

do the obstacles,” said Devon Allen, associate director of LifeAbove, which is sponsoring the event. “This one you pretty much just push through the whole thing without stopping.” Jamie Bartlett, a personal trainer at Acceleration Sports Training Center in Arden Hills who helped design the course, said organizers wanted to arrange the obstacles so there would not be as many traffic jams. “For the elite recreational athlete, there’s no down-

time,” Bartlett said. “You can have a goal of finishing without stopping.” The course will go up and down Buck Hill about six times. “Just walking up Buck See obstacle, 20A

15A

16A

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

17A

18A

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount June 29, 2012

Fight against cancer runs through the night

��

Apple Valley Relay For Life will benefit American Cancer Society by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

The fight against cancer will last all night long at Quarry Point Park from July 20 to 21. The annual Apple Valley Relay For Life will see teams walking and running in the park at 15725 Pilot Knob Road as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Sixteen teams and about 110 people have already registered for this year’s relay, which gets under way with an opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and runs until the following morning. A fundraiser and a way to spread encouragement for those who’ve endured or are currently battling cancer, the relay raises money through team commitment fees and individual donation goals secured from family, friends and businesses. Relay For Life grew from an idea of Dr. Gordon Klatt, who in 1985 ran and walked 24 hours on a track in Tacoma, Wash., traveling 81 miles and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. From there, Relay For Life was born and is now held nationwide. The money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education and advocacy. During the Apple Valley relay, there will be music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while participants build camaraderie with fellow teammates. A “tent city” is created in the park where team members rest and regroup between walking and running sessions. “It’s a fun community-type atmosphere,” said Adam Johnson, chair of the Apple Valley

relay. “We gather together to celebrate the work we’ve done for the American Cancer Society, celebrate cancer survivors, and bring awareness and resources to the fight against cancer.” At the start of the relay, cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take a victory lap and be cheered on by fellow participants. A dinner for survivors, catered by Rascal’s Bar and Grill, will be held prior to the relay at 5 p.m. in Quarry Point Park. A candlelight ceremony at dusk will pay tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. Luminaria can be purchased in honor of those who have survived their battles with cancer, for those still fighting, and in memory of those who have lost their battles to the disease. The luminaria – white paper bags with sand and candles inside – will be laid out along the walking and running path.

Register, donate The Apple Valley Relay For Life is seeking donations of time, silent auction items and money from local individuals and businesses. To register a team or donate money, go to the website: www. relayforlife.org/applevalleymn. To donate an item for the silent auction, to volunteer, or to register for the “survivor dinner” prior to the relay, contact event chair Adam Johnson at (651) 398-0687 or relayforlifeavmn@gmail.com. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

19A

Photo by Tad Johnson

Jennifer Mike performed the national anthem prior to the start of the Rosemount Relay for Life on Friday, June 22, at Irish Stadium.

��

relay, from 1A “He would say: ‘Never give up on hope because it might show up at your door one day,’ ” Josh said. Jeff, a custodian at Scott Highlands Middle School, worked as much as his condition and treatment would allow him. As caregivers, Josh said each member of the family took on a different role. Since his father’s death, Josh said he’s in a new role. “I am the man of the house now,” he said. “I have to step it up. It’s a role most kids my age don’t have.” The other Honorary Caregiver was Dylan Johnson, the teenage son of Kim Johnson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. “The two young speakers this year were quite impressive,” said Traci Davis, a member of the Survivor Committee. Johnson spoke prior to the evening ceremony when luminaries decorated in honor of those who have battled cancer were illuminated around the track. “The highlight for me is always the luminaria ceremony,” Davis said. “It is so moving and the bagpiper did a great job.” There is still time to support the relay and its fundraising total. More information is at www.relayforlife. org/rosemountmn.

��

Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

��

EXPRESS LUBE

WELCOME FLEET CUSTOMERS ing �eets: We service the follow

• GE Capital • PH & H • ARI • Wheels/MAP • FASTENAL ies. • And many other �eet compan

Jeff Belzer’s

DETAILING $ OFF

With Coupon

Any detailing package of $40 or more Schedule Your Appointment Today

952-469-3731

Coupon expires 7-31-12

Express Lube Hours

Mon-Thurs 7am-7pm Fri 7am-5:30pm FREE Sat 8am-3pm Wi-Fi

JEFF BELZER’S

BODY DY SHOP Includes $500 Belzer trade bonus ’99 or newer. ^OAC lease based om 12K miles per year, payments based on all rebates to dealer and 2000 down at time of delivery.

PROFESSIONAL NAL COLLISION SERVICES ABLE ARE AVAILABLE LOCALLY. FREE Loaners available. See Kevin at our ur Collision Centerr 952-469-6841

20A

June 29, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley-Rosemount

Business Briefs Credit union to host blood drive in Burnsville US Federal Credit Union, 1400 Riverwood Drive, Burnsville, will host its biannual blood drive with Memorial Blood Centers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 13. For contact and registration information, visit https://allstarclub. mbc.org/mbc/mobilesch/ sc.php and enter sponsor code 9820.

Chamber holds food drive The Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce’s sixth annual Lakeville Business Food Drive began June 18 and will run through Aug. 10. Its goal is to raise a minimum of 7,500 pounds of food during the eightweek period. Food collected will go to 360 Communities and Lakeville Resource Center food shelves. Participating businesses include: Railworks Track Systems, Sprint by ASW, Frontier Communications of MN, Lakeville Woods, obstacle, from 15A Hill is a challenge,” Allen said. “In the midst of summer, it should be quite the challenge.” If there’s one thing to do to prepare for the event, it’s running hills. “Doing the obstacles is the fun part,” Bartlett said. “It’s the hills that can really burn up the legs.” On a scale of one to 10 in difficulty, Bartlett said the course would be between five and eight, depending on an individual’s athletic ability. “At the same time, we set it up for everyone,” Bartlett said. “If you’re not in shape, you’ll be able to get through it. “What’s great about these mud runs is it’s fun to do with friends and have someone there to help you and push you. It’s going to be more fun if you have someone to talk about it with afterwards. Some obstacles you might need assistance with, but everybody there will probably help you.” Several clubs, such as Acceleration Sports Training Center and Crossfit, have programs in place to prepare people for events such as mud runs. The programs emphasize improving strength, endurance and core stability. “Everybody is an athlete in my eyes,” Bartlett said. Another difference is the cost, with campTITAN at $40 compared to the Tough Mudder costing between $90 and $155. “It’s not like a Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash that travels around the country,” Bartlett said. “The training programs are here and the money stays here.” Allen said it’s a strictly Minnesota event with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charity. “It’s solely a fundraiser for us,” Allen said. “I invite people just to come out and have fun with us and help us raise funds for what we need to do for places like Haiti and Guatemala.” The profits will go to LifeAbove, a nonprofit Christian organization that provides humanitarian aid to areas affected by natural disasters. Allen, a pilot for Pinnacle Airlines, is going to Haiti from July 4-7 with his with wife Marte, a chiropractor and medical director for the Athletic Enhancement Clinic in Arden Hills, to help rehabilitate Haitians still affected by the 2010 earthquake. “It’s our heart and passion to help those who are disabled,” Allen said. “After a natural disaster event like the earthquake in Haiti, there was a lot of help at first, but that started to disappear. These people still need rehabilitation and therapy.” For more information about campTITAN, to sign up, or to find gyms in the Twin Cities offering training for the event, visit www. camptitan.com. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Advanced Wireless Communications, Coldwell Banker Burnet Lakeville, Cartridge World, Pizazz Salon & Boutique, ISD 194 Summer Adventures Eastview, ISD 194 Summer Adventures - Oak Hills, ISD 194 Summer Adventures - JFK, Lakeville Community Education, New Market Bank, Lakeville Tire & Auto, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Brunswick Zone XL, Citizens Bank, Park

Climate meeting set July 7 Nicollet Clinic, Lakeview Bank, Dick’s Lakeville Sanitation, Cedar View Electric, CGT Ltd, Cornerstone Copy Lakeville, Merchants Bank, MOM Brands - Malt-O-Meal, Anchor Bank, Ensemble Creative & Marketing, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, ProTech Automotive, Family Swim School, Hometown Auto Service, Rudy’s Redeye Grill.

Park Dental plans opening festivities Park Dental Farmington will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony/grand opening Tuesday, July 17. All Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce members are welcome to attend. Schedule: • 11:30 a.m. to noon, ribbon cutting and open house sponsored by the city of

Farmington and the Chamber of Commerce, 511 Elm St. • Noon to 2 p.m., luncheon at the Longbranch Supper Club & Saloon, 309 Third St. • 4 to 6 p.m., grand opening celebration on the front law, 511 Elm St. Attendees should RSVP by June 29 to Jan Tiffany at jtiffany@parkdental.com and identify which event(s) they will attend.

The Dakota County chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. University of WisconsinMadison professor Jonathan Patz will speak via conference call about the health impacts of climate change. For more information, contact Paul Hoffinger at (651) 882-0671.