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SANTA’S IN TOWN

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | 3

OUT & ABOUT

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES | 4

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December 2023 Vol. 11 No. 12

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About the cover

Santa will be at Breakfast With Santa hosted by the Scandia-Marine Lions on Dec. 9. More information on the event can be found on page 3.

CONTRIBUTORS

What was the best Christmas present you received as a kid? SHANNON GRANHOLM

Forest Lake Area

Managing Editor | quadnews@presspubs.com

Chamber Spotlight

My favorite present as a kid was Skateboard Shannon! It was this little remote control doll with pigtails that rode around on a skateboard. I can still remember the little jingle she sang as she was riding around.

WHERE BUSINESS AND SUCCESS MEET

MADELINE DOLBY Staff Writer | lowdownnews@presspubs.com

North Star Bank – Shane Herbert North Star Bank is widely known for being a responsive financing source for businesses of all sizes. With local loan decisions, North Star Bank can give their customers the timely answers you need to your projects rolling. Their

When I was about three or four, I got a massive stuffed horse that had a saddle and bridle stitched into it. I would ride it around the living room all day. We had it till I was about seven because I loved it so much.

Bank also has Personal Banking and offer checking and savings for all your banking needs. Contact Shane Herbert at 651-487-4433 or email at sherbert@ northstarbank.com.

Results. elationships. Resources. expert business lending team can assist you with many unique and flexible options for your business! In addition to Commercial lending needs North Star

LAURIE ERICSON Designer | art@presspubs.com When I was about 6, my sister and I received matching cowgirl outfits complete with a hat, fringed vest, skirt and boots. We thought we were so cool.

PAUL DOLS Photojournalist/Website Editor | photos@presspubs.com

When I was about six or seven years old, I remember getting a Batman Utility Belt for Christmas. Various crime-fighting gadgets came with the belt, including a Bat-A-Rang, a BatSignal Flash, Batt-Cuffs and a Bat-Gun Launcher. In 2021 this toy was sold at a collectables auction for $16,940. Holy moly. If only I had kept it in the original packaging.

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TOMMY CHANDLER Multimedia Consultant | lowdown@presspubs.com My mom got me a vinyl record player.

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Celebrate the holidays in Scandia with Santa BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Join the Scandia-Marine Lions for a morning full of holiday spirit, pictures with Santa, pancakes and a bake sale. The Breakfast with Santa and Bake Sale will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Scandia Community Center. The Breakfast with Santa and Bake Sale is only one of four breakfasts held by Lions members each year. They have a Vinterfest breakfast in January, a breakfast in October and a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event in April. The holiday-themed breakfast is mainly run by Lions members. Volunteers will show up at 5:30 a.m. to start making pancakes and eggs. The Lions have partnered with the Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) to help at the event. “The person who makes the pancakes has made the pancakes since it started,” said Tammy Peterson, the lead Lion organizing the breakfast. “They aren’t just heated up; they are made on a big griddle.” The breakfast will include pancakes, eggs, sausages, potato cakes, fruit cups and more. Santa will be there with treat bags for the kids. There will be an opportunity for the children to sit on Santa’s lap and have their photo taken. A LILA student will play the piano for part of the morning as well. “Last year, over 330 people attended,” said Peterson. “It just has been a longtime tradition in Scandia.” Along with the bake sale, attendees can make donations to multiple organizations that the Lions support. At the event, attendees can donate to the Scandia-Marine Food Shelf, the Lions Recycle for Sight Program, Lions Affordable Hearing Aids and pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House to help children with cancer. The Scandia Community Center is located at 14727 209th St. N. For more information about the Lions Club, visit scandiamarinelions.org or email scandiamarinelions@gmail.com.

Breakfast with Santa will be from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Scandia Community Center.

Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, fruit cups and more.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.

Children can take photos with Santa and receive treat bags.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

There will be a bake sale and multiple donation stations at the event.

Celebrate the holidays on the St. Croix Riverfront through December 1-3. On Friday, Dec. 1, stroll down Main Street and enjoy the shops and restaurants. Enjoy holiday lights, sights and the sounds of Victorian Carolers. On Saturday night, bring your family and join in the fun in North Lowell Park for the Twinkle Celebration, which begins at 4 p.m. Twinkle lights will be given out; wear your own string of Christmas lights to add to the fun. Celebrate the official lighting of Stillwater’s Christmas Tree in Lowell Park at 5 p.m.

Weekend two of the festivities includes sugar, spice and everything nice. Enjoy holiday lights, sweet decorations and Victorian Carolers from 6:308:30 p.m. Dec. 8. On Saturday, Dec. 9, community members are invited to pull out their rolling pins, grab some frosting and build a gingerbread house for submission to the Stillwater Gingerbread Building Contest. The contest is free and open to all ages. View and vote for your favorite gingerbread house

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from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Water Street Inn. There also will be an opportunity for families to take a photo with Santa and three of his reindeer from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, in Pedestrian Plaza at 126 Water St.N. The last and final weekend of the holiday celebrations will include a pet parade and costume contest at noon Dec. 16. All animal lovers are invited to dress up with their pets for the Pet Parade. From noon-2 p.m., there will be a

petting farm located at the gazebo in North Lowell Park. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and goodies afterward. More information about Hometown for the Holidays can be found at the Stillwater of Chamber website, greaterstillwaterchamber.com/ events/calendar. Details for the gingerbread contest and pet parade can be found online on the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce website under the “Home for the Holidays” tab.

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Celebrate the holiday season on Stillwater’s historic Main Street. During the first three weekends of December, Stillwater’s Main Street and the St. Croix riverfront will be alive with holiday spirit. There will be seasonal lights, decorations and festive-themed weekends. The Main Street boutiques welcome you to celebrate the holiday season during these three festive weekends: The first weekend will feature twinkle lights on Dec.

OUT & ABOUT

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DECEMBER 2023

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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

LIGHTS UP IN OSCEOLA

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Scandia Community Center 14727 209th St. Details: Scandia Marine Lions host breakfast, pictures

with Santa, and a bake sale. Donations, eyeglasses and hearing aid accepted. Contact: scandiamarinelions.org

GUIDED BIRD HIKE

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Learn to identify birds that call the St. Croix

Valley home and complete bird count surveys with a guide. Free with vehicle permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us/parks

WINTER TWILIGHT HIKE

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Belwin Conservancy Hilltop classroom, 1553

Stagecoach Trail, Afton Details: Winter walk followed by a campfire and hot beverages. Registration information online. Contact: belwin.org CONTRIBUTED

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Mill Pond Park, 202 1st Ave, Osceola

ONGOING EVENTS HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: First three weekends in December Where: Downtown Stillwater Details: Holiday lights, Victorian carolers and strolling

Santa on Main Street; Twinkle Party and tree lighting; gingerbread building contest; horse-drawn carriage rides; scavenger hunt; pet parade and costume contest; petting zoo and more. See a complete listing of activities and events online. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com

MIRACLE AT BIG ROCK

When: Through Sunday, Dec. 31 Where: Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls Details: Drive-thru Christmas light tour, food trucks, vendors and artisans, sledding, carolers, s’mores, fireworks, cocktails, visit with Santa and more in a Winter Wonderland setting. See schedule and ticket information online. Contact: miracleatbigrock.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY

When: Nov. 16-Dec. 30 Where: Art Reach St. Croix, 224 N. Fourth St., Stillwater Details: More than 35 local artists sell handmade items. Contact: artreachstcroix.org

ON STAGE AT THE FREIGHT HOUSE

When: 7- 9 p.m. Thursdays; 6- 9 p.m. Sundays through

Dec. 31 Where: 305 Water St., Stillwater Details: Live music at Stillwater’s historic Freight House. Contact: www.onstageatthefreighthouse.com

CURRENT EVENTS FOREST LAKE HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

When: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 East Broadway Details: Petting zoo, s-mores and hot chocolate, holiday

music and performances, presentation of colors and tree lighting ceremony. Toy and food donations are accepted. Contact: ci.forest-lake.mn.us

Details: Celebrate the holiday season with festive lights and more. Contact: www.myosceolachamber.org

TWINKLE PARTY AND CITY TREE LIGHTING

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater Details: Twinkle lights will be handed out and Santa will make an appearance, followed by the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree with music and more. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com

LIGHT UP LAKE ELMO

When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: 3504 Lake Elmo Ave. N. Details: Gather downtown to light up Lake Elmo this

holiday season. Join the community for activities, meeting Mrs. & Mr. Claus and a tree lighting ceremony. Free to the public. Contact: www.facebook.com/connectlakeelmo

SHOP TIL YOU DROP CRAFT SHOW

When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: American Legion Post 222, 33 W. Broadway,

Forest Lake Details: Purchase handmade crafts from multiple tables. Lunch will be available. Free to the public. Contact: http://www.post225.com

FARE FOR ALL

When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W.,

Stillwater Details: Purchase high-quality food at a low cost in a community-supported distribution open to everyone. Contact: the foodgroupmn.org

registration is required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY CAREER FAIR

When: 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Meet local and regional employers who are

with horse and wagon rides, strolling carolers, Christmas tree lighting, an artist gift market, children’s crafts, bonfires, food, drinks and more. Contact: aftonmnarea.com

the tree is lit, listen to a performance by the Stillwater High School Vagabond Choir and visit with Santa. Contact: bayportcommunityactionleague.com

Robotics team members on hand to answer questions and demonstrate robots. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.org

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. Details: The new community music series features an

ensemble performing classical, folk and modern music of the Arab world on traditional instruments. Free; no registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on

St. Croix Details: Play games, do crafts, and enjoy pizza with other families from the community. Bring a favorite game to play with others. Free; RSVP requested. Contact: marinecommunitylibrary.org

TAI CHI: INTRODUCTION AND PRACTICE

When: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 and the third week of every month Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Learn to enjoy flowing motion in a relaxed, guided space. No experience is needed. Free; registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.org

WINTER SOLSTICE BONFIRE

When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 Where: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson

SCANDIA EVENING ADVENTURE

Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: The classic story performed for ages 3 and up. No

LIGHTING OF THE GREEN

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Drop in to see a robot in action with Stillwater

SUNDAY SESSIONS: AMWAAJ

Dec. 9

When: 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Saturday,

Dec. 2

STILLWATER ROBOTICS CLUB EXHIBITION

Scandia Details: Worship with a reading, message and songs in the 1856 church, followed by coffee and Lucia buns in the Valkommen Hus. Free-will offering; reservations required. Contact: 651-433-5053 or gammelgardenmuseum.org

PUPPET SHOW: ‘THE GINGERBREAD MAN A.K.A. SUPER-COOKIE!’

AFTON VILLAGE HOLIDAY

Where: Downtown Afton Details: Downtown transforms into a winter wonderland

When: 6-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail N.,

Rd. N., Lakeland Details: Bonfire, night hikes, live music, prairie labyrinth. Cookies and hot cider in a warming tent. Contact: belwin.org

looking for candidates. Free. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.org

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday,

LUCIA DAGEN SERVICE

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Where: Village Green, Bayport Details: Get together with other community members as

CHRISTMAS WITH THE VALLEY CHAMBER CHORALE

When: 8- 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 4- 6 p.m. and 8- 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 Where: St. Croix Prep Performing Arts Center, 4260 Stagecoach Trail N., Stillwater Details: Celebrate Christmas with the Valley Chamber Chorale as they share a festive and sparkling array of traditional, popular, and new holiday favorites. Contact: www.valleychamberchorale.org

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 Where: Scandia businesses Details: Ladies’ Night Out event with various specials, food and libations offered at local businesses.

Contact: cityofscandia.com

CHRISTMAS DINNER TO GO

When: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 Where: Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton Details: Take-home Christmas Dinners. Order by Dec. 22

and pick up your meal on Dec 23. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@aftonhouseinn.com

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT HISTORIC AFTON HOUSE INN When: 4:30 p.m.- midnight, Sunday, Dec. 31 Where: Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton Details: Celebrate the New Year with dinner,

complimentary party favors and champagne at midnight. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@aftonhouseinn.com

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V I N TAGE V I EW F I N DER

Double the fun, work for Christmas

chimney fire and can improve the efficiency of your fireplace. Find a chimney sweep near you. Reverse ceiling fans. In the colder months, you want your fan to move the warm air down, which means having your blades turn clockwise. Test backup generators. If you have a backup generator, test it to ensure it’s in working condition in case of power outages. Review your emergency plan. Review your family’s emergency plan, including how to stay warm, communication, and evacuation procedures. Check for BBB Accreditation for any professionals you may hire. Go to BBB.org to check the trustworthiness of a business. Do a general online search on a company to see what reviews and other information may be available.

n the last three or four years, my family, including my sister’s boyfriend, started a new tradition on Christmas Eve. We always used to open our presents the night before Christmas Eve due to spending time with family on Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day. That has changed as time has gone on. Now, we spend Christmas Eve with just the five of us and we do our family Christmas. Before, we used to simply go around in a circle and open our presents. We started off with the youngest, which is me, and ended with my dad. It was fun at first since my sister’s boyfriend was new to the family. That was a big enough change. After a while, it got boring and opening Madeline presents didn’t have the same Dolby sparkle as it used to. So, one Christmas Eve, someone, I don’t remember who, grabbed two dice and made a new game. The game was that we had to roll doubles, or two of the same numbers, before opening a present. It would start with the youngest and go in order of age till everyone had opened all their presents. At first, I was skeptical. I could only think about how long it would take for everyone to open their presents. We would be there all night. I tried to go into it with an open mind, I was the most reluctant and thought that it was a stupid game. My family asked me to give it a try, so I did. It was much more fun than I thought. When it was my turn, I begged and pleaded for two of the same because I wanted to open my presents so badly. I got really into it. We decided from that night on, to make it our own family tradition. Last year, we tried to use three dice and we made it about three rounds before deciding it was too hard, so we went back to two. I think what makes it so entertaining and fun is the fact that we don’t rush it. We could sit there for three hours and not care because there is nothing else to do. The five of us really get into it. It sure is a sight to see when someone rolls a double because we all get excited. All of us cheer. It’s kind of embarrassing, but then again, my family is kind of embarrassing (in a good way). This year, we will continue the trend. After eating dinner, we will all gather in the front room of my childhood home in a circle from youngest to oldest. My sister will pass out the presents and the game will begin. It makes Christmas more enjoyable knowing you must work for your presents. It makes them seem a bit more special and magical. I hope you all have a great Holiday season. I can’t wait to go into the New Year with you all!

Contributed by Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-4071226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.

Madeline’s Mail

WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY | CONTRIBUTED

Washington County Historical Society Executive Director Brent Peterson supplied the Lowdown with a vintage holiday postcard depicting a woodland winter scene framed by berries and song birds.

Get ready for winter with maintenance tips

he air is getting more relaxed, and the leaves are turning yellow. Fall is here. With the change in weather comes a list of home maintenance that all homeowners should tackle before the icy stuff sets in. BBB offers these tips when preparing your home for the colder weather: • Clean those gutters. A build-up of leaves and other debris can cause your gutters and downspouts not to drain correctly. Improper draining make water Movers & can spill over your Shakers gutters, leading to foundation/ Better basement damage Business and damage to Bureau your fascia boards. In the winter, ice dams can form that can let snow melt underneath your shingles. Inspect your roof and gutters. Inspect your roof for loose

or damaged shingles and make any necessary repairs. Damaged or loose shingles can let in water and ice during the winter, creating interior damage. Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams and water buildup. Visit BBB.org to get a listing of roofing and gutter contractors near you. Store patio furniture and other outdoor items. Put away or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and other summer items to protect them from winter weather. Stock up on winter supplies. Have salt or ice melt, shovels, and other winter supplies for snow and ice removal. Learn more about weatherizing your winter life at www.bbb.org/ article/news-releases/16733-bbbtips-for-weatherizing-your-winterlife. Sweep your chimney. If you have a fireplace, clean and inspect the chimney before using it. Ensure the damper works properly to prevent drafts when the fireplace is not used. Having the soot and possible blockages or creosote build-up helps reduce the risk of a

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• All letters are subject to editing. • Submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number for • Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be verification. • Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication. published. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publica• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be pub- • To submit a letter, e-mail it to lowdownnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651tions coverage area. 429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White lished. Bear Lake, MN 55110. • Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must • Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

6 THE LOWDOWN 95

WHATS NEW

FOREST LAKE

1. Lakes Center for Youth and Families (Recently Moved)

What: Nonprofit serving families, counseling, intervention & enrichment Where: 200 4th ST SW Contact: 651-982-8131 or www.lc4yf.org About Us: The mission of Lakes Center for Youth & Families is to guide successful futures. We believe success is possible when families are involved and supportive of the youth in their lives, relationships are strong and communities are caring.

NEW BUSINESSES

DECEMBER 2023

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2. Suite Living Senior Care – Forest Lake What: Senior House Where: 19838 Headwaters Blvd N Contact: 651-289-6759 or www.

6 5

61 32

3. Acuworks (Recently Moved) What: Acupuncture Where: 255 7th Ave NW Contact: 612-699-4313 or www. acuworksmn.com/

About Us: Our mission is to provide a

4. Gregory Contracting (New Location) What: Building Contactor Where: Forest Lake Contact: 651-213-0668 or www. gregorycontracting.com

About Us: Gregory Contracting is a

full-service residential contractor, serving Forest Lake, Chisago Lakes and the surrounding area for over 20 years. Residential remodeling and contracting have been our family business for over four generations.

5. La Bella Custom Goldsmiths

suitelivingseniorcare.com/forest-lakemn About Us: Our mission is to create a compassionate, faith-filled environment that helps everyone achieve their highest level of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Forest Lake 1

healing to occur. Healing takes time and space - and we hope to offer you that place!

What: Jewelry Where: 132 Lake St S Contact: 651-231-5007

6. Blooming Chiropractic, Massage, and Acupuncture What: Chiropractic Where: 20 N Lake St, 105, Forest Lake Contact: 763-485-1750 or www.

bloomingchiromn.com About Us: Blooming Chiropractic is a small health clinic run solely by Dr. Borell, DC focuses on creating goals with patients and working through logical options to achieve those goals.

comfortable, personable experience for

POLITICAL BRIEF That’s why I’m fighting to make sure children and their caregivers have the support they need to beat cancer,” said Klobuchar. “I’ll continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to support cutting-edge research and expand access to needed cancer treatments.”

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HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST 2023! Enter your holiday lights for a chance to win! Deadline to enter is noon on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Please email photos of your display, an address and any relevant information to marketing@presspubs.com or submit online at presspubs.com/holidaylights.

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Klobuchar has long supported patients with cancer. Every year, Klobuchar supports strong funding for the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

771549

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) received the Courage Award from Tracy’s Kids for her work to address childhood cancer and for sharing her experience with stage

1A breast cancer. Tracy’s Kids is a nonprofit organization that offers art therapy to help support young cancer and blood disorder patients and their families. “It’s an honor to receive the Courage Award from Tracy’s Kids. Every kid deserves a happy, healthy childhood.

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Nonprofit launches Holiday Cards Connect Program

In a heartwarming initiative aimed at bringing holiday joy to older, lonely and isolated Minnesotans, Friends & Co. has announced its latest program, “Holiday Cards Connect.” The campaign is set to make a profound impact on the lives of those who may be feeling disconnected during the festive season. The Holiday Cards Connect program is designed to foster connections and lift spirits during a time of year that can be particularly challenging for many individuals, especially seniors who may find themselves separated from loved ones. By inviting people from all walks of life to participate, Friends & Co. hopes to create a network of support and care for those who may otherwise spend the holiday season alone. The program encourages participants to craft and send heartfelt holiday cards filled with warm wishes and thoughtful nondenominational messages. To participate in the Holiday Cards Connect program, simply visit https://friendsco.org/holidaycards-connect for details on how to get involved.

USPS holiday shipping and mailing deadlines announced

To assist customers with their preparations for the upcoming busy holiday shopping and shipping season, the U.S. Postal Service has provided 2023 holiday shipping and mailing deadlines to allow for the timely delivery of cards, letters and packages by Dec. 25. The Postal Service has announced it will not have a peak, or demand, surcharge this holiday season, which offers increased predictability in pricing for customers. 2023 USPS holiday shipping and mailing deadlines: • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16 • First-Class Mail (including greeting cards): Dec. 16 • Priority Mail: Dec. 18 • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

Stillwater Park closes for the season

The Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater has closed for the season. The park should reopen in spring 2024. Call the Parks Department if you have any questions or concerns at 651-275-4100.

Celebrate the longest night of the year at Belwin

A celebration of the year’s longest night will take place at Belwin Conservancy from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20.

The evening will feature a bonfire and live music with a performance from Imniza Ska Dakota Drum Group, followed by stories and songs of the Nordic Solstice performed by Kari Tauring and Carol Sersland. Guided night hikes led by Belwin naturalists will also be available. The celebration will be at the Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road N., Lakeland, Minnesota. Cookies and hot cider will be available in a warming tent.

Light up Lake Elmo

Gather in downtown Lake Elmo from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, to welcome the holiday season. Downtown Lake Elmo will be lit up for the winter. Enjoy activities, meet Mrs. and Mr. Claus and celebrate at a tree lighting ceremony.

Gingerbread building contest set in Stillwater

Community members are invited to pull out their rolling pins, grab a frosting bag and build a gingerbread house for submission in the Stillwater Gingerbread Building Contest. The contest will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Water Street Inn. It is open to all ages and skill levels. Register for entry in the contest on the Greater Stillwater Chamber’s website, https:// greaterstillwaterchamber.com/.

‘Shout it Out Stillwater’ returns to the St. Croix

The Stillwater Rotary Club will be hosting its third annual “Shout It Out Stillwater” event from 6-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the St. Croix Event Center. The event will feature the Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos, an appetizer buffet and a free drink. Funds raised at the event will be donated to a local nonprofit organization that services the Stillwater Area community. Applications from area nonprofits are being submitted to the club for review. Tickets are more information can be found at www. stillwaterrotary.org/. Contact Keith Komro at rotary@ vitalsystems.biz to provide a donation or sponsorship.

Lakeview Health Foundation’s gala a success

The Lakeview Health Foundation held its annual gala last week. The event was able to raise a substantial amount of money in support of Stillwater’s youngest patients at Lakeview Hospital and HealthPartners Clinic.

Proceeds from the event will support the purchase of NicView cameras at Lakeview’s Level II special care nursery. Rachel Kaufenberg, a Lakeview patient, said in a press release that the “NicView cameras would add so much value to this setting. (Our daughter) Eleanor was born amid the COVID pandemic, so we truly relied on her camera system in the NICU to check in and allow our family a sense of involvement despite no visitors. In our experience, having access to Eleanor’s camera helped reduce our sense of anxiety, as leaving for any length of time was the hardest thing we’ve ever done.” Event proceeds will also support the purchase of specialized pediatric exam beds, which reduce patient anxiety. These animal and vehicle-themed beds create a welcoming environment for patients who seek care.

Chill Out Winter Camp

Chill Out Winter Camp is a single-day winter adventure for kids ages 7 to 10 years old. The camp is from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. This camp offers a mix of winter outdoor adventures, along with indoor activities that celebrate winter. Planned activities include snowshoeing and/ or kicksleds, fire building, animal tracking, indoor crafts and games as well as hot chocolate and s’mores. All outdoor activities are weather-dependent. Registration is required. Registration for the camp can be found at https://washcoparks. usedirect.com/WashCoWeb/Activities/ Details.aspx?session_id=330&back_ url=fi9BY3Rpdml0aWVzL1NlYXJjaC5hc3B4.

Winter Wonderland online auction begins Nov. 23

Northwoods Humane Society will host an online auction that will benefit over 1,200 cats and dogs that the society helps each year. There will be handmade decorations, vintage items, gift-themed baskets and gift certificates to bid on. There also will be multiple items available to purchase at a set price; no bidding is required. The auction began at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, and will run through 11:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. You can log in to the auction at https://www.32auctions.com/login and find more information on the event at https:// northwoodshs.org/fundraising-events/ww23/.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Lucy Saari

Forest LakeTennis

Lucy Saari, Forest Lake freshman tennis player, won 26 of 29 matches at No. 1 singles and qualified for the state tournament as the Section 7AA runner-up. She won one of her three state matches. “Amazing for a ninth-grader,” said coach Violet Shortly. “I believe she will be one of the top players in the state. She has such passion for the game. ” Saari had a strong season at 2-singles as an eighth-grader. Also a track athlete, Saari took home a state meet medal in June as her 4-by-800 team placed sixth.

Ethan Foote

Stillwater Cross Country

Ethan Foote, a Stillwater senior cross country runner, placed fifth at the Suburban East Conference meet in 15:43 and second in Section 4AAA in 16:14, helping the Ponies capture team championships in each. He was 10th in the Alexandria Meet of Champions (16:01) and placed first second, third and fifth twice in other invitationals. At state last year, he placed 45th.

*Athletes chosen by press staff

Leyton Patzer

Forest Lake Football

Leyton Patzer, Forest Lake football halfback, is a repeat thousand-yard rusher this season. The 5-foot-8, 173-pound senior rambled for 1,276 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first nine games of the 2023 season, including 230 yards and three touchdowns against East Ridge on Sept. 7, and 200 yards and two touchdowns against Mounds View on Sept. 15. Last year, as a junior, Patzer rushed for 1,083 yards and 12 touchdowns. Patzer helped the Rangers post 7-3 and 6-3 records, ending a long stretch of losing seasons for the program.

Lucy Paczosa

Stillwater Swimming

Lucy Paczosa, a Stillwater freshman swimmer, was a major factor in the Ponies placing second in the state Class 2A true-team meet on Oct. 21. Paczosa won the 50 freestyle in 23.70 and the 100 freestyle in 51.83, both personal best times. She also led the first-place 200 freestyle relay and anchored the first-place 400 freestyle relay. She already ranks in the top ten all-time in both sprints in the Stillwater swimming program. At last year’s MSHSL state meet, she was 12th in the 100 and 15th in the 50.

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Art Lab RX provides art therapy on the go BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

“Put it on a bus.” That’s how it all started. Lisa Lounsbury is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified art therapist and boardapproved clinical supervisor. She is also the founder of Art Lab RX, a mobile mental health counseling agency that specializes in art therapy services and wellness programs. Lounsbury was working in corporate America in sales, but didn’t find it to be fulfilling. When she lost her job in 2008, she didn’t know that she would quickly discover what she was meant to do. She created this workshop centered around exploring your identity. She brought her workshop to a treatment center. “The impact from those women in this two-hour workshop, their response, impacted me so deeply. That I was just like okay, this is it,” she recalled. Lounsbury went to Minneapolis Community and Technical College for a couple of years before she transferred to Metro State University. It was there that she pursued a degree in fine art, psychology, world religions and theater and storytelling. As a part of her independent study, she continued to offer art therapy groups and workshops at treatment facilities.

‘Things happen that you don’t expect to happen when you do art therapy. The art speaks when words fail us’ Lisa Lonsbury Founder of Art Lab RX

After finishing grad school, she started working at a day treatment center for adolescents doing art therapy. She did that for a while, but she always had the dream of opening up her own center. “I was praying about this building, and suddenly I stopped and I said, ‘What if I’m wrong?’ What’s best for my clients? I heard, ‘put it on a bus.’ If I put it on a bus then I can go to them.” She called up her then-fiancé, who just so happened to be a bus driver, to let her know of her idea, and he said, “let’s do it.” In 2017, Art Lab RX was born. Maggie, a symbol of transformation herself, is a standard-issue coach bus that has been transformed from the inside out — much like someone who is experiencing the healing power of art therapy. Her rainbow exterior is a reference to the redemption one can feel through this creative self-expression.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

CONTRIBUTED

Art Lab RX now has a location in Blaine. Founder Lisa Lounsbury preps art projects for an upcoming therapy session with Maya Singer.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Maggie, a symbol of transformation herself, is a standard-issue coach bus that has been transformed from the inside out — much like someone who is experiencing the healing power of art therapy. Maggie travels around to treatment centers, mental health centers, schools, churches, youth groups and more all around the Twin Cities. Michaelene Colestock, founder and CEO of ANEW Chemical Health Services, has known Lounsbury for several years. The two met when Lounsbury began offering workshops and classes at a treatment center Colestock was running. They were both working for other people at the time, but had dreams of starting their own businesses. Ultimately the two attended the Women Venture program to develop business plans for Art Lab RX, and Colestock’s substance use disorder treatment center, which opened in St. Paul in 2018. “She was the first person I called when I needed some extra group work,” Colestock explained. Art Lab RX visits the outpatient program quarterly for a six-week program. Colestock said when clients first find out about the art therapy, they are hesitant to participate. “They don’t understand that this is just a different means to tap into some of the trauma that they’ve experienced in their lives, which is one of the same things that brought them to use substances as a maladaptive coping mechanism,” she explained. For the clients her treatment center works with, Colestock says talk therapy is not as effective. “Talk therapy was really designed more for your upper-middle class people that kind of are fairly insightful and can you use a therapist to process through their life experiences but this population tends to get a little bit stuck emotionally. Their growth gets

emotionally stunted usually at the age they started using substances, which for a lot of our clients is sometimes 11, 12, 13 years old,” she said. “They don’t really know how to talk about it with talk therapy and the art therapy can kind of loosens some things up internally that they didn’t even really know were there until they started creating the art.” She added, “It’s another avenue to get a healing process that they might not otherwise have access to.” Oftentimes she said the clients enjoy art therapy so much, they often decide to see Lounsbury for individual therapy. In addition to Maggie, Art Lab RX also provides individual couples and family art therapy at its office in Maple Grove, as well as art therapy groups and wellness workshops at its new Blaine location. In addition to art therapy groups, Art Lab RX will soon begin offering open studio nights, also known as “Creative Breaks,” on Friday nights. Creative Breaks will include Creative Break for Christ, Creative Break for Recovery, Creative Break for Helpers as well as Creative Break for Anybody. People can sign up via Eventbrite; all necessary materials will be provided. “Things happen that you don’t expect to happen when you do art therapy. The art speaks when words fail us,” Lounsbury said. For more information on Art Lab RX, visit artlabrx.com. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Maggie travels around to treatment centers, mental health centers, schools, churches, youth groups and more all around the Twin Cities.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Art Lab RX’s new location in Blaine has also been transformed from a machine shop into an art studio space.

Staying safe on cold water is everyone’s responsibility Some people in Minnesota have put away their boats for the year, but plenty of others will squeeze out every bit they can of the open-water season, whether they’re chasing game, targeting fish or paddling lakes and rivers. To anyone on or around the water this fall, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this reminder: Your safety is your responsibility. With water temperatures consistently dropping, unexpected falls into the water are more likely to end in tragedy because even strong swimmers can become incapacitated quickly in cold water. Coupled with fewer people on

the water to potentially help in an emergency, it’s vital that people take steps to ensure their safety While more boating-related accidents happen during the busy summer, a higher percentage of cold-water incidents are fatal and survival rates drop drastically. “The water this time of year is unforgiving,” said Capt. Adam Block, DNR boating law administrator. “Taking safety precautions is the best way to ensure a day on the water doesn’t turn tragic.” The easiest and most effective way to stay safe and survive a fall into the

water is to wear a life jacket (foam is better than inflatable during the coldwater season), not just have one along. People can reduce the likelihood of a fall overboard by distributing weight evenly in the boat and abiding by the manufacturer’s weight limits. Having a means of communication is important, too, as is making sure other people are aware where you’re going and when you plan to return. Changes in weather that result in shifting winds and storms can also lead to a treacherous situation, so it’s vital for anglers and hunters to keep an eye to the sky. In addition to staying safe on the

water, people who are hunting should always follow the four rules of firearms safety: Treat each firearm as if it is loaded; always control the muzzle of your firearm; be sure of your target and what is beyond; and keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot. For more information, including how to survive a fall into cold water, visit mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/coldwater.html. Department of Natural Resources

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The Freight House in Downtown Stillwater has partnered with Mick Sterling Presents to bring a lineup of concerts and live dinner concerts featuring top Twin Cities musicians performing tribute shows honoring the best of yesterday and today’s music. The Freight House features a setting of brick walls, hardwood floors and 30-foot-ceilings on the banks of the St. Croix River. The new stages and state of the art sound and lighting system provides an intimate concert setting and experience. Tickets to the shows can be purchased at https://www.

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Faces of fentanyl: Commemorating the lives lost BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Laura Cowles, Heather Johnson and Zach Zacho all belong to a club they never wanted to join. They all outlived their children, who were victims of a fentanyl overdose. “It's an empty feeling, because it isn't like they were sick or had cancer or an illness that you could kind of mentally prepare yourself for. Its a sudden death,” Cowles said. “I never expected to outlive my children.” Cowles, a Circle Pines resident, lost her 30-yearold son, Castle Ahlbeck, to a fentanyl overdose Aug. 16, 2022, while he was in the Stillwater prison. He was serving his fifth year of a seven-year sentence. He leaves behind three children, ages 12, 9 and 6. “I got a phone call from the prison saying that he had passed away. I was in shock,” she recalled. “At first, they couldn't tell me what had happened, and then about two weeks later, they finally told me that he had passed from a fentanyl overdose… How does fentanyl get in a prison?” Eventually she was told that one of her son’s visitors likely smuggled it into the prison by hiding it in a face mask. “My son being incarcerated gave me a false sense of security; he should have been safe, and especially from something like that,” Cowles said. From what she knows, her son didn’t struggle with addiction and was very opposed to fentanyl. “That’s the one thing he and his friends promised they wouldn’t do,” she said. She explained that a year prior, one of her son’s friends was in treatment for 90 days. He was released and the next day he was dead from a fentanyl overdose. “I don’t think people realize how dangerous this drug is,” Cowles said. “It’s so scary because it could be anybody … Now I know more about fentanyl than I ever wanted to in my life. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE | CONTRIBUTED

The Drug Enforcement Administration has a special exhibit, the Faces of Fentanyl, at its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which commemorates the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning.

Castle Ahlbeck

Carson James Montgomery

in the U.S. There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer. However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illegally made fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, addictive and more dangerous. Shoreview resident Heather Johnson, formerly of Lino Lakes, received a phone call April 4, 2023. “I knew he was dead,” she recalled. Johnson’s son, Carson James (CJ) Montgomery, was 27 years old when he passed away from a fentanyl overdose. Johnson says it wasn’t his first time

experiencing an overdose. In December 2022, she found her son had overdosed while in the bathtub. “I jumped in the bathtub, checked for a pulse, started CPR and called 911,” Johnson recalled. After seven shots of Narcan, he woke up. On April 4, after receiving several phone calls, she went to check on her son and found him face down on his bed. “I went up to feel a pulse and he was ice cold … I listened to him not having a heartbeat.” She then had to help put her son in a body bag and load him into a hearse. She later found out he had purchased meth that he didn’t know was laced with fentanyl. Johnson said her son was introduced to drugs when he was just 13 years old in the bathroom of his school. As a minor, he went to seven treatment centers but was kicked out. He had several mental health diagnoses. After he passed away, Johnson learned her son had overdosed seven times in three years.

BY THE NUMBERS • Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. • Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. • Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 22% from 2020 to 2021. • Nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2021. • In 2022, the DEA seized more than 59.6 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. (The 2022 seizures are equivalent to more than 395.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl.) • 2 mg, the amount on the tip of a pencil, can be enough to kill an average American. • Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Maxx Zacho

CONTRIBUTED

“I knew what addiction was, but I didn’t know his addiction was this much. I didn’t know he was going to die,” she said. “He promised everybody he wouldn’t use fentanyl or any other drug without being there, and he did. And he died, and I found him, and I held him, and I cremated him, and now his urn sits in my house.” Montgomery is now one of the growing number of faces on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) special exhibit, The Faces of Fentanyl, which commemorates the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning. Johnson was contacted by the DEA to share her son’s story at the National Family Summit on Fetanyl. During October, DEA field divisions across the country hosted regional family summits in order to bring together federal partners, community prevention groups, and families who have lost loved ones to drug poisonings or overdoses. These summits provided opportunities to share

information, build connections and foster collaboration between family groups, the DEA and other key sectors of their local community. Johnson said that after the summit, she hopes she will have some more ideas on how she can continue to connect with other parents and continue to make a difference. “I don’t need to be a hero … but if one person says ‘help me,’ and I can help them, it’s a start,” Johnson said. Zacho lost his 28-year-old son, Maxx, in April 2019. Maxx had been sober for four years, so it was a shock to his family. “We had plans to go fishing that day,” Zacho said. “It is a mystery to all of us what triggered this. He had been clean for four years. He was doing really well. He had fixed a lot of his legal problems. He was working.” Zacho explained that something must have triggered him and he resorted to using heroin that — unbeknownst to him — was laced with fentanyl. About seven years prior, Maxx was burned on his hands pretty badly at work. He had been given oxycodone to help with the pain. “He never stopped after that,” Zacho said. “It triggered something … It was the only thing that made him feel normal.” Once oxycodone started becoming harder to find and more expensive, Maxx resorted to heroin. “Maxx struggled a long time. There were a lot of ups and downs,” Zacho said. For several years now, the family has had a booth at the State Fair to help spread awareness in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and offer families resources and a place to turn. “It’s a horrible tragedy that happened that comes with a lot of guilt, comes with a lot of ‘could’ve, would’ve should’ves,’” Zacho said. “The vast majority of people just look at them as meth heads, crack addicts; they don’t realize these are people’s babies … Maxx was such a great boy, he had so many things going for him, but he also had some skeletons in his closet that eventually he couldn’t battle anymore.” Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com

Signs of overdose Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for: • Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” • Falling asleep or losing consciousness • Slow, weak or no breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds • Limp body • Cold and/or clammy skin • Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources How to find help: • nida.nih.gov/ • asam.org/publications-resources/patient-resources • treatmentconnection.com/assessment • americanaddictioncenters.org/ • findtreatment.gov/ • findtreatment.samhsa.gov • National helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) • na.org/meetingsearch/

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The Lowdown Person of the Month Name: TR Haas Residency: Forest Lake How long have you lived in Forest Lake? 42 years. Well, on and off. I went to school, came back. Where did you go to school? I went to St. John’s for my undergrad then University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) for Pharmacy school. We’re joined here with a couple of your children. Who is your favorite child? They’re all my favorite. Stauner Insurance Question of the month: What is the best life policy? Is there a right answer on that one? Lowdown Person of the Month is a new feature in the paper and online. To watch the full interview, go to the Lowdown Facebook page or to the Press Publications website. Madeline Dolby and Tommy Chandler

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Sheriff’s Office receives $244,100 through enforcement grant

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive $244,100 through a 2024 enforcement grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The grant program promotes safety for those who use public roadways and reimburses overtime costs associated with impaired driving enforcement, seat belt enforcement, speed enforcement, distracted enforcement, move over, dispatch, training and special projects/ education. The agreement does not require a matching contribution.

County Board approves public safety spending plan The Washington County Board of Commissioners has decided how it will spend public safety money it received from the 2023 Legislature. The 2023 Minnesota Legislature provided $300 million for a statewide public safety aid program, which will be allocated 30% to counties and tribal governments and 70% to cities and towns with a population of more than 10,000 residents. This is a one-time aid program and will be paid in one installment Dec. 26. The aid must be used for public safety. Eligible uses include community violence prevention and intervention programs, community engagement, mental health crisis response services, victim services, training programs, first responder wellness, equipment related to fire, rescue and emergency services, and to pay other personnel or equipment costs. Washington County received $3.3 million. The money will be used for:

• Employee mental health checks. • Annual Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) training • Community Services Officer (CSO) programs. • Deputy sheriff training • Patrol operation vehicles replacement • Public safety and crisis mental health retention • Hearing protection equipment Cities across the county will also receive public safety aid, totaling $11 million.

Sheriff’s Office receives donation from YRN

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received $3,300 from the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network to be used for a Shop With a Cop event. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will collaborate with the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network in December to support the annual Shop With a Cop event at Walmart in Oak Park Heights. Deputies, correctional officers and office staff will shop with approximately 10 children whose parents are in the military, many of whom are currently deployed overseas.

Sheriff’s Office will purchase 20 police vehicles The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will purchase 20 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles. The county board approved a $1.34 million contract with Guardian Fleet Safety LLC to purchase and equip the vehicles. On average, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office staff drive 2 million miles a year, patrolling a 430-square mile county. Sheriff’s Office staff are

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responsible for patrolling state, county and local roadways, while providing law enforcement services to a county with a population of more than 270,000 residents. This purchase will be funded by the Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program, which improves the functioning of the criminal justice system to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency and to assist victims of crime. This contract will be effective from final signature through Feb. 28, 2027.

All-hazard mitigation plan approved

Commissioners have approved a 2023 All-Hazard County Mitigation Plan. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management team has completed the most recent update to the Washington County All Hazard Mitigation Plan, an effort that occurs every five years. The project brought together representatives from 25 cities and six townships in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural and manmade disasters. This has led to the development of long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazardous events. Funding for the program comes from grants: 75% is federally funded, 25% locally funded. Future projects identified for the plan include buying generators, sirens, weather monitoring and detection equipment, as well as replacing culverts and making sanitary sewer and cybersecurity improvements.

DECEMBER 2023 www.presspubs.com

THE LOWDOWN

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

Miracle at Big Rock is located at 1674 State Highway 87 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. BY NOELLE OLSON

WHITE BEAR 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 two years ago 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 pop-up guests. The event runs seven days a week from Black Friday to Dec. 31. “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 “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. Once the property was purchased, the family went to work, renovating the barn and cleaning out the buildings with the 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. “I had thousands of people coming up to me saying, ‘Oh my God, it really is a miracle,’” Brad said. “It really is a miracle.” Miracle at Big Rock is located at 1674 State Highway 87 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. For more information and to purchase tickets, go https://www.miracleatbigrock. com/.

CONTRIBUTED

Miracle at Big Rock is opening seven days a week from Black Friday to Dec. 31.

Special nights

• F riday, Nov. 24: Grand Opening Night • F riday, Nov 24: Reindeer Visits • Monday, Dec. 4: Miracle Toy Drive • Thursday, Dec. 7: Free Veterans Night • Tuesday, Dec. 19: Miracle Christmas Wish • Sunday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Fireworks • Every Wednesday students and seniors pay $12 • F riday fireworks: Nov. 24, Dec. 1,8,15 & 22 • Reindeer Visits: Nov. 24, Nov. 30, Dec. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 21, & 25 • Live acoustic entertainment Fridays and Saturdays

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DECEMBER 2023 www.presspubs.com

THE LOWDOWN

Glacial Hills: County developing regional trail plan BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Come spring 2024, Washington County will have a better idea of what a future multiuse trail could look like that would connect three popular destinations: Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, Big Marine Park Reserve and William O’Brien State Park. The county is developing a long-range plan for a future regional trail to be called Glacial Hills. The process began last spring. The county hosted its first open house this week to gather community input, and plans to host another open house in early 2024. “A long-range plan is a planning document that helps provide a vision for the regional trail and the whole system, not just in Washington County but throughout the metro,” said Washington County Planner Andrea Rehm. “It’s an opportunity for the public and other local agencies to participate in the development of a regional trail and that’s really helpful to our partners because when they can have clear expectations of how a trail will develop, it helps them plan their own projects accordingly. The trail would run east to west and go through the cities of Hugo, Forest Lake, Scandia and Marine on St. Croix, as well as May Township. The plan will include: trail alignment, location/operation of trail facilities, necessary intersection improvements, trailheads, informational kiosks and more. Rehm added the plan will also address how the county can protect natural and cultural resources, perhaps by planting pollinator-friendly vegetation along the trail corridor. The plan will also help the county pursue grant funding from the state or the Metropolitan Council. “The Glacial Hills project area is an exciting one, because it includes some really well-loved destinations: natural ones like Big Marine Park Reserve and William O’Brien State Park, but also

There wil be an open house in early 2024. commercial destinations like downtown Hugo and Marine on Saint Croix,” Rehm explained. “There’s a lot of variety in this corridor that makes it an exciting project.” The main purpose of the open houses are to get people’s reactions to the route options and hear about different opportunities and challenges along the corridor from people who “live it day to day,” Rehm said. Following the first open house, the county will work to incorporate the public’s feedback and work with other local agencies such as cities, the township, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and area watershed districts. The next big milestone for the county will be to narrow in on possible route alternatives. After a second open house in early 2024, final draft approval will follow sometime in the spring. For more information, or to stay up-to-date on the long range planning process, visit the project website at www. co.washington.mn.us/3645/Glacial-HillsRegional-Trail. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The trail would run east to west and go through Forest Lake, Scandia and Marine on St. Croix and other towns in Washington County.

The future regional trail would be called Glacial Hills.

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