The Lowdown

PAUL DOLS

MELISSA MCELIN

NOELLE OLSON

Exhibit showcases Washington County art

‘Through the Eyes of Others’

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

Visitors to the latest art exhibit at the Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater don’t need cash to get in — just a willingness to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

The showcase, titled “Through the Eyes of Others: Art in Washington County,” is on display in the first floor temporary exhibition spaces through Feb. 26, 2023. The exhibit features original art from people who live or work in the county.

“Given the support for the arts in the St. Croix Valley, it's really important for us to support local artists,” exhibit curator and Stillwater native Megan Arney Johnston said.

“I think being an artist today is a challenge, so I really wanted to support local artists.”

The exhibit title refers to the display’s overarching theme of empathy and considering the perspective of others.

The theme was inspired by a quote from 20th-century French author Marcel Proust: “The only real voyage consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes; in seeing the universe through the eyes of another, one hundred others — in seeing the hundred universes that each of them sees.”

More than 40 creators submitted about 100 pieces of artwork during the exhibit’s open call period. Arney Johnston juried the submissions and pared them down to 51 pieces for inclusion in the exhibit. Her goal was to be as inclusive as possible with respect to the types of artwork that made the final cut and the diversity of artists.

The artwork is divided into five categories: architecture, historic sites, parks and nature, people and submissions from artists younger than 18. The categories were meant to organize the submissions into creative themes that in turn underscore the exhibit’s main theme.

The exhibit includes various media, such as ceramics, drawings, paintings, photography, prints,

sculptures and one video.

“I like to say that everything that's man-made started in the eye of an artist. People, buildings, parks and how we've organized the parks — those are all creative acts, if you will, and so I think that all the different categories underscore life in Washington County,” Arney Johnston said.

She worked with ArtReach St. Croix to get the word out about the exhibit and encourage artists to submit their work. Applicants also could visit the courthouse or submit their work virtually for consideration. The open-ended nature of the submission process meant people could enter no matter their skill level.

“Not everyone is a ‘professional’ artist; some of them are less experienced,” she said. “It was really great to see that kind of breadth.”

Besides being accessible to a range of artists, the exhibit also is meant to be engaging to viewers — even those who may not know much about art. To that end, Arney Johnston trained the courthouse staff on an inquiry-based method of viewing art, or “visual thinking strategies.” Staff then can inform visitors about this approach.

VTS invites audience members to give artwork more than a casual glance while they walk around an exhibit. While doing so, they should ask themselves the following questions that could then lead to a deeper analysis of the art:

• What do I see in this picture?

• What do I see that makes me say that?

• What more can I find?

“It's about asking questions and not telling people what they are seeing. This really helps open up space for people to discuss artwork in a way that they don't feel intimidated, because every visitor is greeted right by a staff member,” Arney Johnston said.

Visitors can vote for their pick for “Best in Show” of all the exhibits. Other awards that will be given out include a sponsor’s award, a curator’s award that Arney Johnston will choose and an award for the under-18 pieces.

“I'm really excited about that,

because I think people will get to really think about what they like best and why?” Arney Johnston said. “It’s not a passive kind of viewing, hopefully.”

AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK

Megan Arney Johnston’s career as an independent curator, museum specialist and art educator has taken her on adventures spanning the globe.

The Stillwater native has curated museums and art galleries throughout Ireland and the United States, including the Walker Art Center and Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

She earned her doctorate degree in socially engaged curatorial practice at the School of Art, Design and the Built Environment at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Her doctoral thesis — as well as her professional work since — focuses on the idea of “slow curating.”

“It's really about connecting museums with local communities. Like the slow food movement is about buying local and organic, my slow curating is really about connecting with communities,” she said.

“That's another reason why I am so committed to working locally is that this idea of slow curating is really important to me.”

She’s brought that idea back to her hometown, which she returned to about five years ago.

“I decided I wanted my two sons to be Ponies, and I wanted to move back to Stillwater,” she said.

Arney Johnston works with ArtReach St. Croix on historical exhibits and teaches art history at Concordia University, St. Paul, and Century College in White Bear Lake.

IF YOU GO

What : “Through the Eyes of Others: Art in Washington County”

When: Ongoing through Feb. 26, 2023

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater

Details: The Washington County Historic Courthouse is hosting a range of artistic creations from people across the county. The artwork is divided into five categories — architecture, historic sites, parks and nature, people and submissions from artists younger than 18 — and revolves around the theme of “Through the Eyes of Others.” The exhibit is free to visit, though guests are encouraged to make donations to the Historic Courthouse.

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PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The ongoing exhibit, “Through the Eyes of Others: Art in Washington County,” features a range of artistic creations from people who live and work in the county. The exhibit, located in the first floor of the Historic Courthouse, is free to visit and will be open through Feb.

2023.

CONTRIBUTED

Megan Arney Johnston is the curator for the exhibit, “Through the Eyes of Others: Art in Washington County,” on the first floor of the Historic Courthouse. A Stillwater native, Arney Johnston returned to her hometown about five years ago after an extensive career in muse ums and art exhibits in Ireland and around the United States.

Shifting perceptions of reality

The question of why we don't digitally alter the content of the editorial photos printed in our newspapers was raised during a recent impromptu discussion concerning cover photo options for one of our publications here at the Press. While I was considering my answer, publisher Carter Johnson responded with “journalistic integrity.”

ality. It was also an example of the continuation of techniques and practices that have been evolving since the introduction of the photographic process more than a century ago.

Hi, I’m Randy

My body was sore when I went to bed, Tuesday, Nov. 1.I had just finished a long day of driving, carrying and unpacking boxes, organizing furniture and — well, you get the idea

After three years of living in northwest Iowa, I made the northward plunge to Minneapolis to live with my longtime girlfriend and become the newest staff writer at Press Publications in White Bear Lake.

I’m no stranger to Minnesota or journalism, but I am new to doing the latter in the former.

I’ve enjoyed writing ever since middle school, and my favorite classes always involved reading and writing. My first 18 years of life were spent in Grinnell, Iowa. At Grinnell High School, I was involved in debate, theatre and speech.

Paulson

Paulson’s Ponderings Randy

A creative writing class I took my sophomore year of high school is what first piqued my interest in pursuing writing as a profession.

Naturally then, I gravitated toward journalism when I began studying at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

I spent my first two years there writing for the college’s satirical publication, The Acorn, where I lampooned the official college newspaper, The Simpsonian, every chance I got. Despite that, the Simpson Student Media adviser still saw fit to let me become editor-in-chief of The Simpsonian my senior year. I guess my jokes about the “real” newspaper weren’t unforgivable.

My full-time journalism career started in May 2019 when I became a staff writer at The N’West Iowa REVIEW in Sheldon, Iowa.

Angle of View

Paul Dols

A current TV commercial for the latest Google Pixel phone illus trates the challenges of truthful documentation and preserving journalistic integrity in this rapidly evolving technological and moral landscape. In a scene shot at an oceanside beach, a camera feature that can remove unwanted elements from photos is demon strated. The unwanted elements happen to be all of the other people at the beach; so a busy beach scene is suddenly transformed into a deserted background for a selfie, perfectly capturing a moment that never was. I suspect the marketers view this feature as a positive selling point, but I find the flippant act of wiping those pesky people out of the photo with an algorithm unsettling at best and alarming at worst.

This is certainly not a new development in the history of photography, but now this type of manip ulation has never been easier or more accessible. I wrote about this subject back in 2013, following accusations that the World Press Photo of the Year for spot news was somehow faked. In a turnabout to what usually has occurred in past controver sies like this, the expert opinion revealed that the image, while showing signs of the post produc tion process, was not faked. The original raw file taken by the photographer was compared with the prize-winning jpeg and all of the pixels were found to be in the same place. The controversy surround ing a dramatic, prize winning photo helped raise awareness about our shifting perceptions concern ing the ongoing and varied digital depiction of re

A lot has changed over the past decade, but the history and fundamentals of photography are still valid. I was in school at the beginning of the dig ital revolution while film was still predominantly used in journalism. At this time the negative served as the original “file” source of visual infor mation. As the technology evolved into digital, I personally made the decision to follow Associated Press rules and not alter news or feature photos beyond lightening and darkening, color correction and removing dust spots; essentially processing and cleaning the images up for effective presenta tion. Without that experience or guidance, I can see how someone might not think twice about creating an enhanced view of reality — because the technology so easily enables them.

An image forensics expert was used to verify the authenticity of the World Press Photo of the Year. Now with evolving digital technology moving into the creation and manipulation of sound and video files, the experience and expertise of these experts is needed more than ever to help verify that a connection to reality is maintained in the images we're seeing online, broadcast and published in print.

One of the roles of journalism is to document and present the world as it is, not a curated pre sentation meant to impress your online friends or promote a false representation of oneself. No matter how sophisticated the technology becomes, I believe it still comes back to the fundamental act of telling the truth. Unfortunately, it appears to be getting increasingly difficult to figure out the difference between what's real and what's fiction in this ever changing world.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238 or photos@presspubs.com.

THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines

I wrote about all sorts of topics in The REVIEW’s four-county coverage area: general news, school news (we covered 17 school districts), multiple city council and county supervisors meetings, politics and the 2020 elections, agriculture, business, Friday-night sports and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic.

Although “N’West Iowa” — as we referred to our coverage area — only consisted of four counties, The REVIEW news team and I were constantly on the lookout for local connections to people and events located hundreds or thousands of miles away.

My favorite example is when I wrote a feature about an opera singer who was living in Cardiff, Wales, with his wife. He reached out to our paper since he grew up in one of The REVIEW’s counties and wanted the paper to cover a historical music preservation project he had just finished.

I jumped at the opportunity to chat with him and coordinated a time to speak with him on Skype (we just had to work around a five-hour time difference).

I live for that kind of localized coverage that connects readers at home with happenings that impact them or news about interesting activities that former residents are up to.

But in the meantime, I’m eager to immerse myself in the local goings-on in and around White Bear Lake and surrounding areas and getting to know the people here.

Here are a few other stray facts about me:

• I love listening to podcasts and music, especially on my commute and long road trips.

• I’m more of a cat person than a dog person but love both animals quite a bit.

I once helped catch a bird that somehow got loose in my previous newspaper office in Sheldon. It was a very weird Wednesday.

• I despise the cold with all my heart and can’t wait for warmer weather to arrive in the spring. But Minnesota winters aren’t too bad … right?

Randy Paulson is a Staff Writer at Press Publications.

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to lowdownnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Local business partners with Children's Hospital to give comfort this holiday season

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

Bare Home is teaming up with Children’s Hospital Minnesota to support mental health services.

Bare Home is a bedding company known for its products that are free of harmful chemicals and dyes. Founded in 2008, the company, based in Columbus, is a privately held online retailer of consumer home textiles.

According to Sarah Wilke, the bedding company’s public relations manager, Children's Hospital is the only health care system in the state that is 100% focused on kids from birth to young adulthood. During November, Bare Home is donating 10% of the proceeds from every blanket purchase to support mental health services at Children’s Minnesota.

“What we really wanted to do with this project is start a partnership and see where it leads,” Wilke said. “We are happy to help in any way.”

Owner Josh Pribyl said this is the first time Bare Home has done something like this.

“It's pretty unpredictable how it could turn out,” he said. “It adds to how much awareness we can bring to it and drive sales to donations.”

Just in time for the holidays, Bare Home has introduced the werewolf blanket. “It's like a super soft and comfortable oversized hoodie,” Wilke said.

Popular items sold at Bare Home are down alternative comforters, microfiber sheets, faux fur blankets and flannel sheets.

“Our jersey sheets are amazing, and we have the best flannel sheets you can find,” Pribyl said.

In the next few months, Bare Home will be launching bamboo sheets.

“It's typically called rayon from bamboo, and it's kind of a satin type of fabric where it's real smooth,” Pribyl said.

Bare Home is a family-run business. Pribyl said they remain true to their Minnesota roots by partnering with organizations in the community.

One of those partners is Save the Boundary Waters — a nonprofit organization that helps combat the destruction of pristine Minnesota wilderness.

“The Boundary Waters is perhaps the most beautiful area in Minnesota, and I think it's important to preserve that natural beauty,” Pribyl said.

Another nonprofit Bare Home partners with is Bridging.

“Bridging works with families in need in the area to help provide home furnishings,” Pribyl said.

Bare Home has donated approximately $1 million of highquality bedding to homeless shelters and underserved Minnesota communities.

Bare Home hopes to donate a lot of money to Children's Hospital Minnesota and continue to work with other nonprofits in Minnesota.

“I don't think we're going to raise a million dollars for this, but we're going to give it our best shot,” Pribyl said. “And we'll keep working towards it and hope to do more things like this in the future.”

To visit the website go to https:// barehome.com/.

COUNTY BRIEFS

Full moon hike set for Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Washington County Parks invites everyone to a full moon hike from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve at 1515 Keats Ave. N. in Lake Elmo. Join the group for a 3-mile hike under the full “cold” moon around Eagle Point Lake. Soak in the sounds of the night while viewing the natural world by the light of the moon. Meet at the Eagle Point Trailhead. The program is free with a parks vehicle permit, $7 daily, $30 annually. Call 651-430-8370 or email parks@co.washington.mn.us for more information. For more Washington County Parks programs and events, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks.

Guided bird hikes in county parks continue

A rotating schedule of bird hikes throughout Washington County Parks will continue with a hike from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Pine Point Regional Park. Hikers should park in the main parking lot and meet at the trailhead kiosk. Registration is required, as group size is limited, and may be made by calling 651-4308370 or on the county website atwww. co.washington.mn.us/parks.

Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. The surveys collected will assist the county’s natural resources team and related work in conjunction with the LessardSams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. The hike will traverse turf, gravel and paved trail depending on trail conditions. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and the weather. This program is free

with a parks vehicle permit ($7/ daily or $30/annually), and is open to people of all ages and abilities. ADA accommodations can be made as needed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email at parks@co.washington.mn.us.

For Washington County park locations, see www.co.washington. mn.us/parks. Under park locations, find a county map with park contact information; search “guided bird hikes” on the county website for more information.

Marine on St. Croix will receive funds for library

Marine on St. Croix made its annual request to Commissioners for funds from the Jordan bequest; this year’s request was $6,000. The money will be used for materials and services at the Marine Community Library. In 2001, Elizabeth Jordan made a bequest in her will to the Washington County Library to be used for the Marine Library branch. In 2012, an agreement was reached between the city of Marine and the county that, upon request of the city, the county would disburse funds from the bequest to support the Marine Community Library. Through a joint powers agreement between the city and the county, city residents have maintained access to the county library system and continue to pay the county library tax. A separate nonprofit organization, the Marine Library Association (MarLA), maintains a small community library, which includes privately purchased materials as well as materials and services provided by the county library.

Yvonne Klinnert, senior communications specialist, was honored by the Washington County Board of Commissioners Nov. 1, after receiving the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators Scott Pengelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Klinnert is with commissioners Gary Kriesel, District 3, Lisa Weik, District 5, and Wayne Johnson, District 4, Klinnert, Commissioner Fran Miron, District 1, Tina Elam, Communications Manager, and Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2.

ABOUT THE STORE

STILLWATER MAP LEARN

FOREST LAKE MAP LEARN ABOUT THE STORE

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YETZER HOME STORE

What: Furniture Where: 279 12th St. S.W., Forest Lake, MN 55025 Contact: (952) 442-4242 Website: www.yetzers.com/

STILLWATER BLVD

MICHAELS

What: Craft Store

Where: 125 12th St. S.W., Forest Lake, MN 55025 Contact: (651) 447-7449 Website: www.michaels.com

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TIMBER RIDGE NORTHCOMING SOON

What: Task Management

Where: 22500 Everton Ave. N., Forest Lake, MN 55025

Contact: (651) 216-4334 Website: www.timberridgemn. com/ Opens: Feb. 15, 2023

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HIGHWAY 61 APPLIANCE PART

What: Appliance replacement Parts Store

Where: 1910 Lake St. S., Forest Lake, MN 55025 Contact: (651) 395-7564 Website: www.highway61parts. com/

PIZZA PUB - COMING SOON

What: Pizza Pub

Where: 8241 N. Shore Trail, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Website: mypizzapub.com

ARTISTRY AESTHETICS (RECENTLY MOVED)

What: Skincare Where: 25 Lake St. N. Suite 140, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Contact: (763) 772-4468 Website: www. artistryaesthetics.com/

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BALANCED LIFE CHIROPRACTIC –RECENTLY MOVED

What: Chiropractor Office Where: 608 Lake St. S., Forest Lake, MN 55025 Contact: (651) 757-6196 Website: www. balancedlifechiropractic.org/

TWIN CITES TASKERS

1 Bright Spot Acupuncture Website: https://www.brightspotacu.com Where: 305 Greeley St. S. #302 Stillwater MN, 55082

2 Chopper Mill Website: https://choppermill.com Where: 109 Myrtle St. E. #101 Stillwater, MN 55082

3 Whatnot Boutique Website: https://whatnotboutique.com Where: 223 Main St. S. Stillwater, MN 55082

4 River Bank Gifts and Decor (New owners) Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100086002304659 Where: 102 Main St. N. Stillwater, MN 55082

5 Pancheros (Opening soon) Website: https://www.pancheros.com Where: 1820 Market Dr. B Stillwater, MN 55082

6 La Vie Est Belle Website: https://www.lavieestbelle.live Where: 4145 Lavender Ave. N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042

7 Details Barber Lounge Website: https://www.detailsbarberloungemn.com Where: 1421 Stillwater Blvd. N. Stillwater, MN 55082

8 MN Benefits Website: https://mn-benefits.com/ Where: 75 West 5th St. #310 St. Paul, MN 55102

1 About Us | Pizza Pub

Word of mouth spreads fast when you’ve got the best tasting pizza in town! Pizza Pub has always been focused on quality since day one in our very first store. We have always believed that you deserve our very best. By utilizing the freshest and highest quality ingredients and producing our own signature sauce and pizza dough in house, we are able to deliver that award winning pizza to your home or table every time.

2 About Us | Michaels Check out the huge selection of craft supplies. Everything you need for DIY projects ideas. Michaels offer a wide selection of art supplies, paper craft, scrapbook, knitting & crochet, kids and storage solutions.

3 About Us | Balanced Life Chiropractic – Recently Moved

Balanced Life Chiropractic practice started in November of 2019. Although the practice has not been open for very long, both Dr. Bree and Dr. Shaun have both been successful chiropractors with over 20 years of combined experience. The quality care and compassion they have for our patients is what sets Balanced Life Chiropractic apart from everyone else. Our passion for helping patients is real and doesn’t go unnoticed. Balanced Life chiropractic offers care for

children, expecting moms and everyone in-between.

4 About Us | Artistry Aesthetics (Recently moved)

Our skin tells the story of our lives. At Artistry Aesthetics they want to help you. Their palette of advanced skincare treatments enhance your beauty with stateof-the-art services, helping you age with grace. Services are injectable, lasers, cosmetic tattoo and overall skin health.

5 About Us | Highway 61 Appliance Part

Highway 61 Appliance parts offers quality replacement parts for bulk wholesale distributing and also to the general public. Offering parts from dryers, washers, dishwasher, range, refrigerator, HVAC and more.

6 About Us | Twin Cites Taskers

Twin Cities Taskers was founded in 2022 on the idea that life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Co-owners Angie & Nikki both experienced losing a loved one within the last few years. They decided they needed to help those with the anxiety & overwhelming feeling of trying to keep up with everyday life, especially when the unexpected happens. They decided to start their own business; a business that could provide help to those that wanted to spend their free time with those they loved, and

not on tasks that took up all of their precious time.

7 About Us | Timber Ridge North (Opening soon)

Now leasing for our new buildings. We are growingcome live at Timber Ridge. New construction building opening Feb. 15, 2023. This building will include studio to three bedroom options. Timber Ridge Luxury Apartments in Forest Lakes is a sister site to Arbor Ridge. Among other things, you will find high-end amenities: a fitness center, community room, inhome laundry, off-street parking, pet friendly environments and positive staff.

8 About Us | Yetzer Home Store

Since 1941, Yetzer has remained the Twin Cities trusted onestop shop for quality flooring and home furnishings. We care about our customers and treat everyone as part of the Yetzer family. While we offer an unparalleled selection of brand-name flooring and surface options, furniture, lighting, window fashions, accessories and more, we also take pride in providing tailored design services and opportunities to create custom-special orders. At Yetzer, custom-made does not mean expensive; it just means getting exactly what you want at the prices you can afford.

Hometown for the Holidays

‘HOLIDAY INN’

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1-24.

Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater

Details: Irving Berlin's classic musical on stage. Reserved seating; tickets $25-$45. Cash bar. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

AFTON VILLAGE HOLIDAY

When: Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.

Where: Downtown Afton.

Details: Old-fashioned Christmas event with horse & wagon rides, visit with Santa, community tree lighting, strolling carolers, holiday gift boutiques, free wine tastings,

food and drink specials, bonfires and more. Contact: exploreafton.com.

TWINKLE PARTY AND CITY TREE LIGHTING

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Celebrate the lighting of the tree with twinkle lights and visit with Santa, followed by music and fireworks. Free family event. Contact: DiscoverStillwater.com/ events

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

When: Saturday, Dec. 3.

Where: Forest Lake City Center and Lakeside Memorial Park. Details: Annual community event

with family-friendly activities and tree lighting.

Contact: ci.forest-lake.mn.us/283/ Hometown-Holiday.

LAPTOPS FOR BEGINNERS

When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake.

Details: Join us for a hands-on introduction to using a laptop computer. Together we will learn the basics, from turning on the computer to shutting it down. We will define common terms and learn about additional resources to practice computer skills. Laptops will be provided, though attendees are also invited to bring their own for more practice. Registration is not required. Contact: 651-275-7300.

FARE FOR ALL

When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater. Details: Purchase food at a deep discount. Free and open to the public through curbside delivery. No appointment needed. Contact: fareforall.org.

MELTED CRAYON JEWELRY FOR TEENS

When: 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd St.N.

Details: Teens 13-19 can make their choice of pendant with an assortment of crayon colors. Free; registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary.org.

TEEN HANG OUT

When: 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays , Dec. 6 & 13.

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake.

Details: Teens, come hang out at Hardwood Creek Library to make a craft, play games and do homework. For ages 11-18. Registration is not required. Contact: 651-275-7300.

TUESDAY NIGHT KNIT

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix. Details: Bring a knit, crochet, embroidery, spinning or weaving project to work on with other fiber-lovers. Drop-in. $5 donation encouraged.

Contact: 612-440-6295 or marinemillsfolkschool.org.

LIGHTING OF THE GREEN

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Where: Bayport Village Green. Details: Annual community event with tree lighting, Stillwater High School Vagabond Choir performance, and visit from Santa. Contact: bayportcommunityactionleague.com.

'THAT HOLIDAY FEELING'

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Details: Variety show featuring vocalists Gary LaRue, Colleen Raye, and Debbie O'Keefe and instrumentals of the 10-piece Blue Eyes Band. Songs include well-known holiday favorites and sing-a-longs. Tickets $35 general admission. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

FULL MOON HIKE

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Three-mile hike around Eagle Point Lake under the full “cold” moon. Meet at Eagle Point Trailhead. Free with parking permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us/parks.

BASKET WEAVING WITH GIL GRAGERT

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Where: ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater Details: Learn to make a simple basket to take home in a free class. Registration required. Contact: artreachstcroix.org.

HIKING INTO THE NIGHT

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

Where: Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton.

Details: Overview of winter night life at Belwin followed by a hike and refreshments around a fire. All ages 12+. Registration $25.

Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org.

SHARE YOUR STORY

When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 9 & 16.

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake.

Details : Do you have a story you’d like to record with a friend or loved one? Use the special recording equipment at Hardwood Creek Library to record your conversation and save to a flash drive for yourself and your family. Registration is required. Register in person, online at WashCoLib.org/Events, or call 651-2757300.

'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 & 16; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 & 17; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 & 18.

Where: Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), 19850 Fenway Ave. N., Forest Lake.

Details: Dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic performed by actors from Children's Performing Arts.

Contact: 651-336-8613 or childrensperformingartsmn.org.

SCANDIA-MARINE LIONS BREAKFAST WITH

SANTA

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N.

Details: Breakfast, pictures with Santa, holiday music and a bake sale. Donations of food items, eyeglasses and hearing aids collected.

Contact: scandiamarinelions.org.

GUIDED BIRD HIKE

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater.

Details: Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. Free with vehicle

permit; registration required.

Contact: 651-4308370 or co.washington. mn.us/parks.

HOLIDAY CRAFT AND GIFT SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11.

Where: Oak Glen Golf and Event Center, 1599 McKusick Rd., Stillwater.

Details: 50 unique crafters and vendors, cash bar.

Contact: 715-557-1785 or rsgdevelopment. com.

PUPPET SHOW: “THE GINGERBREAD MAN, A.K.A. SUPER-COOKIE!”

When: 10:30-11:05 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd St.N.

Details: A version of the classic story where the main character refuses to be eaten. Free; no registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary. org.

COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Where: Running Aces, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake.

Details: Michael Thorne headlines with Trevor Anderson and Trish Cook. Tickets $25 or $30 day of show; dinner options available. Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com.

MICK STERLING PRESENTS “A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS”

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Details: Mick Sterling and four other vocalists honor recordings by the pillars of Country and Rock and Roll, along with traditional Gospel and spiritual songs. Tickets $35 general admission. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

WOMEN WALKING

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Where: Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton.

Details: Easy, yogic centering exercises indoors followed by a walk in the woods and prairie and refreshments around a fire. Registration $20.

Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org.

“A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS” WITH THE RIVERSIDE SWING BAND

When: 5:30 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Details: Holiday hits and new arrangements featuring their horn section and band leader, Kyle Tennis. One night, two shows. Tickets $25 general admission. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

WINTER SOLSTICE BONFIRE

When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. Where: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Rd. N, Lakeland. Details: Roaring bonfire, guided night hikes with a naturalist and cookies and hot cider in a warming tent. The Mac and Cheese Band will play at 7 p.m. $10 per car.

Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org.

'A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS VOL. 2' WITH PHIL THOMPSON & FRIENDS

When : 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Details: New production with Christmas songs new and old reimagined with country arrangements. Tickets $35 general admission. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

ST. CROIX VALLEY OPERA'S HOLIDAY CABARET

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22. Where: Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson. Details : Holiday hits featuring Jennifer Eckes and friends. Tickets $20-$30/ adults; $15/youth. Contact: thephipps.org.

'A CHRISTMASTIDE HOMECOMING'

When : 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 & Friday, Dec. 23. Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix. Details: Holiday concert with Billy McLaughlin and SimpleGifts. Tickets $45/adult; $20/student general admission. $5 more at the door. Contact: simplegiftsmusic.net.

WHITE BEAR LAKE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Buy gifts rooted in purpose

The public is invited to a European Christmas Market at 21 Roots Farm on Saturday, Dec.10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. 21 Roots Farm is located at 10361 110th St. in Grant.

21 Roots Farm farm facilitates nature and agriculturebased programming that helps people with developmental disabilities - the “farmers” - cultivate a sense of purpose and community.

Programming provides hands-on learning experiences including sustainable farming practices in the gardens and with the animals, which include donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, cattle, alpaca, and bees. Farmers also participate in farm to table experiences including making honey, butter, soap and other items.

The Christmas Market at 21 Roots Farm will include gift items created on the land by the farmers, such as honey, soap, wreaths, popcorn, scrunchies, greeting cards and knitted and crochet items.

For more information about the event or 21 Roots Farm, visit 21rootsfarm.org.

Meet Tyson, a 5-year-old American bulador – a mix of a bulldog and Labrador.

Tyson’s humans are Matt Spohn and Samantha Wilson of Forest Lake. He likes to run and be around people. You might see Tyson riding shotgun in Wilson’s car while she runs errands in Forest Lake.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

LIAM MOREIRA MADDIE REED

Stillwater Boys Soccer Stillwater Girl’s Swimming

Liam Moreira led Stillwater’s state runner-up soccer team in scoring and was named Suburban East Conference player of the year. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior forward logged 24 goals and 19 assists, showing a knack for finding pockets in defenses and using the space to attack or set up teammates. “Liam is an extremely technical player, using his skills to beat players off the dribble and create goal scoring opportunities,” assessed coach Jake Smothers. “His off-ball movement and his vision on the ball make him a different kind of attacking player.”

KAYSIE BAKKE

Forest Lake Volleyball

Kaysie Bakke,

was

Forest Lake’s 21-8 volleyball team. Bakke, a co-captain, played all six rotations. She led the Rangers with 327 kills while ranking second with 240 digs. “Kaysie is a hard worker with determination. She continually works to improve,” said coach Sherri Alm. A threeyear starter for the Rangers, Bakke will continue her career at Northern Michigan in college.

Maddie Reed, Stillwater junior swimmer, grabbed three golds in the Section 4AA meet Nov. 11-12. She won the individual medley in 2:05.55 and breaststroke in 1:04.90, then anchored the 400 freestyle relay that won in 3:35.06. “Maddie has been a consistent, high-level performer her entire career with the Ponies,” said coach Brian Luke. “She has the ability to swim any event at a high level. She is a confident, but humble, athlete.” On varsity since seventh grade, her PR’s are 1:04.09 in breaststroke (school record) and 2:06.39 in the medley. Last year at state, Reed was fourth in both breaststroke and IM, and swam on third- and fifth-place relays. (The 2022 state meet was held after the deadline for this issue.)

MARK RENDL

Forest Lake Football

Mark Rendl was a defensive stalwart at middle linebacker for the much-improved Forest Lake football team, helping them post a 7-3 record, by far their most wins this century. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior made 80 tackles, including five for losses, plus two quarterback sacks. “Mark makes tackles all over the field with his aggressive and physical play,” coach Brad Beeskow said. “He impacts every game, and leads our fierce defensive attack.”

a 6-foot-3 senior outside hitter,

a formidable hitter and versatile leader for

chosen by Press staff

en ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Love Driving? Care about people?

Customer Service Full-time Position

Looking for an individual with good attention to details, that can work with our city Legals on a weekly basis. Also, to be able work on obits and help coordinate with family’s or funeral homes to place obits in our weekly papers. This position could have some back up in certain departments as well.

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRES EN TA TIVE

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping busin esse s grow, this may be the per fect opportunity for you. Press Publicatio ns seeks an or ganized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the bu siness commun ity through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candida te who shows the willingn ess to learn and gr ow in a fast-paced marketplace.

Send your resume to: Patty Steele at marketing@presspub s.com or call 651-407-1213

Fulfillment Rep FT/PT Competitive Wage. Automotive Refinish Tech. 651-784-1966

Open Positions: Fluid Handler (6p-6a) Operator (6p-6a) Packaging Relief (6p-6a) Forklift Operator (6p-6a) Maintenance Mechanic (6p-6a OR 6a-6p) Apply at saputo.com/careers

Age 55+ workers needed for part time light custodial work at the St. Croix Rest Area located on I94 near Hudson. Contact Green View at 651-639-1913

1-407-1200

willingness to learn.

Contact Patti at preber@newtrax.org or 651-846-9303

PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

White Bear Township, in Suburban Ramsey County, is accepting applications for a Full Time Public Works Maintenance Worker position. Re sponsibilities include, but are not limited to water, sewer, streets, parks, buildings, and equipment op eration and maintenance activities. Applicants must be able to obtain a Class B CDL driver’s license, with air brake and tanker endorsements, within 6 months of employment and have a good driving record. Starting wage is $27.48/hr plus benefits. The application and complete job description is available for pickup at the Township office located at 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Min nesota 55110, or by calling 651.747.2750, or on the Township’s website at www.whitebeartownship.org.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022.

uniforms provided.

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding commu nities. Our publications brings

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external cli ents, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effec tively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

ASTRO

Morning: None Evening: Mercury(dusk), Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

All Night: Mars Full Moon: Wed., Dec. 7 New Moon: Fri., Dec. 23 1 Jupiter above moon 22 Ursid Meteor Shower 6 Mars left of moon 24 Venus above moon 7 Mars and moon together 26 Saturn right of moon 14 Geminid Meteor Shower 28 Jupiter south @ 6PM

NOTES: WEATHER TIDBITS: Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Ok, everyone just calm down. Mid-November’s Arctic air invasion, where high temperatures plunged into the teens, sent people into a panic. The cold came on the heels of our first significant snow that stuck around. I totaled just over 4” on November 14th. A look at our climate history shows we also experienced teen highs in early November as recently as…2019. That month we finished 3º colder than normal. The good news is December was 3.5º warmer, January 5.0º warmer! And February about normal. So I’m telling you not to sell the farm yet. Snowfall for that November 2019 to February 2021 totaled just over 30 inches, pretty normal. I’m not saying we’ll rebound as well as we did back in 2019, but weather tends to average itself out. A little cold now could mean warmer later. Also, a change of seasons or a big change in the weather sometimes can break us out of weather patterns. In this case our drought. Let’s see how the rest of the winter goes. Winter Solstice: Wednesday, December 21 at 3:48pm.

Waiting Child

Ronald,13, is friendly, playful, and inquisitive. He enjoys telling jokes, making connections with others and asking questions to get to know them better. Ronald likes listening to music and some of his favorite artists are Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen. If a Michael Jackson or Prince song comes on, you will see likely see him dancing and singing along. Ronald likes playing basketball and video games, assembling LEGO sets, playing on the playground, and building things. When Ronald takes things apart, he really tries to understand why the thing works or is put together the way that it is. He is also interested in magic and spending time outdoors. Ronald would like to be a police officer when he gets older. His favorite colors are blue and green, and his favorite food is pizza. He also really likes McDonald’s and Culver’s. Following adoption, Ronald would need to maintain contact with his brother and other birth family members. Only Minnesota families are being considered at this time.

756759

Margaret (Meg)

Balfanz, 18, of Stillwater, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest advancement award the organization offers to a participant. A member of Troop 55541, sponsored by Christ Episcopal Church in Woodbury, Balfanz began her Girl Scout career as a Daisy at the age of 5 and continued with Girl Scouts through 12th grade. She previously earned the Bronze and Silver awards.

For her Gold Award, Balfanz organized and led an educational project for youth about Indigenous cultures in the Midwest. Balfanz is a freshman at Gustavus Adolphus College, where she is studying biology. She is the daughter of Sharon and Kevin Balfanz and granddaughter of Mildred and Gerald Balfanz, all of Stillwater.

OBITUARY

Mary E. Banta

Mary E. Banta, passed from this world on October 16, 2022 in Bristol, TN. Born on December 8, 1946. Grew up in Wyoming, MN, and graduated from Chisago Lakes High School. Worked for the State of Minnesota before retiring and moving to Tennessee.

Preceded in death by her parents, J. Edmond Banta, Mildred (Banta) Glockzin, Everett Glockzin, brothers James and Niel and sister Carolyn, nephew Bruce Banta, and great-nephew Garth Sangree.

Survived by sisters-in-law, Carolyne Banta and Barb Banta, nieces and nephews: Brenda (Daniel) Merrill, Joy (Bruce) Carlson, Lynda Banta, Mark (Lisa) Sangree, Sherine (Byron) Forrest, Jan (Pat) Flowers, and many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held in Tennessee and interment will be in the spring of 2023 in Wyoming, MN.

Scandia resident receives Good Neighbor award

Scandia resident Michelle McCarty received the Scandia Good Neighbor award for providing lifesaving measures to a fellow Scandia resident, Fred Eischens, who suffered a medical emergency and crashed his car into a tree in McCarty’s yard on Oakhill Road. Eischens was driving home from a job in Marine on St. Croix when he suffered cardiac arrest. McCarty, a trained nurse, checked Eischens’s condition. She found that he was unconscious, not breathing and did not have a pulse,. She knew immediately he needed CPR and began performing chest compressions. Washington County Deputy Sheriff Zach Boesel arrived and used an AED, which jump-started Eischens’ heart. The Scandia Fire Department, paramedic Jason VanTassel and emergency medical technician (EMT) Natalee Fadden from M Health assisted in saving Eischens’ life.

Submitted by MN Adopt, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.mnadopt.org.

Miracle at Big Rock brings families together for good old-fashioned holiday fun

“I worked every day last year at the event, and every time I went outside I got goose bumps and I was smiling instantly,” Teresa said.

Brad said many people have asked, “Why did you do something like this?”

“When people come out here to experience this, they experience the Old World flavor of a place like this that pours family out of it,” Brad said. “It's 100% about family.”

The sprawling property includes a historic barn, three family cabins, a clubhouse, a boathouse, caretaker’s house and large garage. It also boasts handcrafted trout ponds, a lake, deerfilled woods and 22 miles of trails.

The Hansens are entrepreneurs, having managed many businesses over the years including restaurants, bars and a gas station. They lived in Linwood, Minnesota, for years before moving to Big Rock. Teresa graduated from Forest Lake High School and so did the couple's children — Josh, Justin, Jeremy and Becky.

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

There's a hidden gem in St. Croix Falls that sits on 1,000 acres where families can celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. It's the Miracle at Big Rock.

The holiday event kicked off last year and brought in more than 40,000 people from Wisconsin to Minnesota. The event features a 1-mile-long light tour with 15 themes, heated indoor holiday vendors, food trucks, Santa photos, sledding, sleigh rides, s’mores, fireworks, crafted cocktails and popup guests.

The event runs seven days a week from Black Friday to Jan. 1.

“We call it a holiday experience,” said Teresa Hansen, who bought the property with her husband Brad in 2018. “When we came up with the idea, I said I wanted it to be a cross between a Hallmark Christmas movie and Disney World.”

Visitors are treated to 15 different themes throughout the property.

• Frozen land – Based on the movie “Frozen”

• Santa's workshop

• North Pole

• Enchanted Forest

• RGB Tunnel

• S'mores land – 35 fire pits for making s'mores

• Candy Cane Lane

• Woodland creatures – Displays of random animals on the property

• Whoville – Where the Grinch lives

• Barnyard animals

• Frosty's sledding hill – Free sleds

• Veterans and first responders area

• The barn

• Classic Christmas

• Nativity scene

IF YOU GO

• Big Rock is located at 1674 State Highway 87 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

• Drive-thru night hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, $12 per person

• Walk through night hours, 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays

• Pricing: Veterans and seniors $15; adults 13+ $20 online – $25 at the door; kids ages 4-12 $15; 3 and under free

• Free parking

Once the property was purchased, the family went to work, renovating the barn and cleaning out the buildings with the ultimate goal of hosting weddings and events.

After completing renovations on the barn, Big Rock Creek began hosting weddings and events in 2019.

The 19 current campsites are being expanded to 110. The three cabins also accommodate guests, along with the five yurts and geodesic dome being built to feature a glamping experience, set for completion in 2024.

Special nights

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•

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• Friday fireworks: Nov. 25, Dec. 2,9,16 & 23

•

Around the Lakes

Now, the Hansens are focusing on this year's Miracle at Big Rock holiday festival. Brad said they are expecting 80,000 visitors this year and can't wait to meet them.

“I had thousands of people coming up to me last year saying, 'Oh my God, it really is a miracle,'” Brad said. “It really is a miracle.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, go https://www. miracleatbigrock.com/.

CONTRIBUTED

Map of Miracle at Big Rock.

MIKE LUFHOLM | CONTRIBUTED Fireworks will light up the sky on select nights at Big Rock.

Stillwater Hometown for the Holidays features gingerbread building contest

Downtown Stillwater's independently owned boutiques, shops and restaurants welcome visitors to Hometown for the Holidays. Find joy in shopping and dining during the holiday season with many free family-friendly events happening each weekend, starting Dec. 2 until Dec. 17. Take a stroll through the streets of Stillwater and be taken to a picturesque "Christmas Village" in the birthplace of Minnesota.

Mainstreet Stillwater and the St. Croix Riverfront will be alive with holiday spirit, featuring seasonal lights, decorations and festive themed weekends. Experience the holidays of old while making new memories.

One of the highlighted events is the second annual gingerbread building contest, held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Water Street Inn. Community members are invited to pull out their rolling pins, grab a frosting bag and build gingerbread houses for submission in our gingerbread building contest. The contest is free and open to all ages and skill levels. Registration for entry in the contest can be found on the Greater Stillwater Chamber’s website at http://bit. ly/3tgnHIy.

Community members can view and vote the entries of homemade gingerbread houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Street Inn. Watch our local City Councils build their gingerbread houses on site —they are in it to win it!

Forest Lake Area

Chamber Spotlight

Scratch That Etch

Scratch That Etch is a personalized woodworking and engraving gift store that sells a large verity of different custom handcrafted gifts. It’s perfect for the next wedding, bridal shower, and birthday or charismas gift. Scratch that Etch uses

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• Most abstract

• Most hometown

• Most architecturally innovative

• Most creative

• People's choice

More details about each weekend’s offerings can be found at https://bit.ly/3G2lt71.

premier materials that makes their designs look elegant, durable and a set

above! These one of a kind pieces are truly a statement piece and unforgettable. Check out their website www.scratchthatech.com or follow them on Facebook Scratch That Etch. To see your next fun and creative gift idea!

Results. Relationships.

Hangar 97 is one of Minnesota’s most unique wedding and luxury event spaces. Featuring a spacious and open floor plan, a large mezzanine, and stunning bar area, as well as a gorgeous outdoor terrace. Hangar 97 provides the ultimate event space

Hangar 97

designed to let you create the wedding or event you’ve always dreamed of. Impress your guests with a grand entrance in a plane - and even a ride of their own!

I encourage you to check out their website and take a peek at their stunning space. www.airplanehangar97.com

Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

The annual gingerbread contest is a highlight of this year’s Home town for the Holidays.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED