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LICE LOUNGE: Moms start lice removal business PAGE 3

After-school theater program tackles social justice

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

FOREST LAKE — Forest Lake High School is preparing for its after-school program Synergy, which teaches social justice through the arts. The program is made possible through the East Metro Integration District 6067, which serves 10 local school districts with similar after-school services.

This year, Sarah Saddler will serve as advisor to the Forest Lake program. Saddler is currently pursuing a PhD in Theater Arts at the University of Minnesota, where she also teaches theater art to undergraduates. In the past, she has worked with middle schools—this will be her first opportunity to work with students on a high school level.

Saddler has a background featuring interactive theater techniques that focus on learning. Her experience with political theater is what initially won the attention of EMID, which approached her as a possible advisor. Students who participate do not have to be actors; anyone interested in social justice or the arts is welcome to join.

“It is by no means an acting training class,” Saddler said.

The sessions, which meet twice a week after school, are meant to be very topical and relevant to the daily lives of Forest Lake students.

“We talk about things they might not be able to talk about in [the] everyday school environment, tools they need to become more confident with their bodies and with addressing groups, and making them feel that their opinions matter,” Saddler said. “We’re exploring what’s important to them, what they want to be after high school.”

Some of the exercises are more concrete, highlighting day-to-day troubles, concerns and interests of students. This can include academic achievement, civic engagement, understanding leadership style, community issues and other topics.

SEE THEATER PROGRAM, PAGE 12

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Thirst Missions participants and Belizean locals collaborate on a creative project.

Thirst Missions gears up for trips in 2016

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

FOREST LAKE – On the second floor of a health clinic just near Interstate 35, a small team of workers is planning every last detail of sending nearly 1,300 people from across North America to a small country in Central America.

The company is Thirst Missions, and the country where they send mission groups from across the country is Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America.

Thirst Missions, founded by Jason Pfingsten, is a business with a national scope, and connects across denominations. Pfingsten said that Thirst Missions could easily send groups anywhere in the world—but he has a very strong personal connection with Belize. When he was a student at Northwestern University in St. Paul, he went on mission trip to Honduras, and the next year, visited Belize for the first time. The trip was so inspiring to him that in 2003, he decided to form Thirst Missions and make it his

goal that others could also form a deep connection with the country.

“I just really love the people of Belize,” Pfingsten said. “There is such a need in that country, and they’re really open to people coming in to support them. A lot of organizations go to a bunch of different countries; instead, we want to be an inch wide and a mile deep with our connection there.”

Mission trips last 6-12 days, and Thirst Missions is there to find the best possible plan for each organization (mostly church groups and schools) and assists them in planning every step of the way, including arranging flights, lodging and activities for the duration of the trip. Groups can be as small as eight people, but Thirst Missions has arranged for more than 100 people to go together to serve the various needs of the communities in Belize, many of which are very poor.

Many of the trip leaders are local Belizeans employed by Thirst Missions—65 of the 70 trips planned in 2016 will be led by local Belizeans.

Pfingsten said that Belizean trip leaders occasionally visit the Forest Lake

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location for training and to connect with the U.S. team. When they visit, they often go around to local schools and other community spaces for introduction.

“Not only does it provide them an income, but rewarding occupations and training,” Pfingsten said.

“We are such an entertainment-based society,” Pfingsten said.

“But when you’re serving side by side with your friends and family, they find it so much more rewarding than just being entertained. They are invested in making connections. Deeper relationships are formed with Belizeans, staff members and the other participants in each party.”

Pfingsten said that even the process of preparation can bring people together.

“They sign up six to 12 months before they go, so during that time they might be preparing Bibles school, collecting materials to donate to orphanages, hosting fundraisers,” he said. “Then the trip is the culmination of that effort.”

SEE THIRST MISSION, PAGE 12

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Minnesota caucuses to take place March 1 Information about Minnesota precinct caucuses can be found on the website mnvotes.sos.state. mn.us, run by the office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

According to the website, “Precinct caucuses are meetings run by Minnesota’s political parties.

They are the first in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates, and set goals and values (called party platforms).

In 2016, a major part of precinct caucuses will be to vote for the person you want your political party to support for President in the presidential preference ballot.”

Washington County locations for the upcoming caucuses are listed below: DFL precinct caucuses, Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Senate District 39 (Congressional District 8 portion): Franconia, Shafer, Shafer Township P-B at Taylors Falls Elementary School, 648 West St., Taylors Falls, MN 55084. enate District 39 (Congressional District 6 portion): Forest Lake (all precincts) at Century Junior High School, 21395 Goodview Ave., Forest Lake, MN 55025; Scandia at Scandia Community Senior Center, 14727 209th St. N., Scandia, MN 55073; Marine on St Croix and May Township at Marine Elementary School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047.

Senate District 39 (Congressional District 4 portion): Grant and Pine Springs at Mahtomedi High School, 8000 75th Street North, Mahtomedi, MN 55110; Bayport, Oak Park Heights (both precincts), Stillwater (all precincts), and Stillwater Township at Stillwater Junior High School, 523 W. Marsh St., Stillwater, MN 55082; Bayport Township, Lake Elmo (both

precincts), Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, St. Mary’s Point, and West Lakeland Township at Oakland Junior High School, 820 Manning Ave. N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042.

Binding presidential-preference balloting will begin immediately after convening and conclude at 8 p.m. sharp.

Ballots may only be cast in person; no absentee balloting is allowed.

Caucus attendees may also introduce resolutions for possible inclusion into the Minnesota DFL and Democratic Party’s platform. Caucus attendees will also select precinct officers for the next two years and elect delegates to the upcoming District 39 Convention on April 2, 2016.

For more information, contact the state DFL office at 651-293-1200 or the DFL Web site: www. dfl.org.

GOP precinct caucuses, Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Congressional District 4 portion: Bayport, Lake Elmo, Stillwater at Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.

Congressional District 6 portion: Forest Lake, Scandia, Marine on St. Croix at Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Congressional District 6 portion: Hugo at White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045 Division Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

For more information, visit www.mngop.com.

Green Party caucus, Tuesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

The Green Party will hold a suburban caucus for all suburban communities in Congressional District 4 at White Bear Lake City Hall, upstairs meeting room, 4701 High-

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There will be a straw poll for the five Green candidates for president. For more information, contact Diane at 651-653-4385.

The MN Votes website also includes the following information about caucus proceedings: “Each political party runs their caucus meetings a little differently.

Check with your political party if you have specific questions. Generally, there are four main activities at a caucus: 1. Choose volunteers who will organize political activities in the precinct. This could include maintaining contact lists, holding political meetings, and helping with campaign efforts.

2. Vote for the person you want the party to support for president.

This is called the presidential preference ballot.

The results determine how many delegates each candidate gets at their party's national endorsing convention.

3. Discuss issues and ideas for the party to support. You can present an issue or idea for the party to support, called a resolution. If you convince other attendees to support your resolution, it will be taken to the next political convention. Eventually, your resolution could become part of the official party platform.

4. Choose delegates who will endorse candidates at future conventions.

At future conventions, party delegates will endorse state and federal candidates, including for president. Political parties have different ways of choosing delegates at the precinct level caucus— contact your party for more information.”

Anyone who will be eligible to vote in Minnesota

by Nov. 8, 2016 may vote in the presidential-preference ballot. Anyone age 16 or over may participate in caucus business.

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Mother’s letters gave addicted son a dose of reality

Moms start lice removal business

BY KRISTINE GOODRICH WHITE BEAR EDITOR

Jessica Fleming and Kelly Merriman’s daughters both came home from an overnight school field trip with head lice this fall.

It wasn’t the first time their girls had hosted the parasites.

The five-member Fleming family had battled the bugs nine times in seven years.

Fleming admits she tried futile home remedies and chemical treatments available at drugstores that she now believes are harmful and often ineffective.

During their ninth bout, the White Bear Lake moms did a little more research and came to the conclusion that there is only one safe, effectual way to get rid of lice: to manually remove every louse and egg.

That finding inspired a notion for a new business offering lice examinations and removal. The moms opened The Lice Lounge in downtown White Bear Lake in January.

In December they attended The Shepherd Institute in Florida. The weeklong program earned them certification in The Shepherd Method of Strand-by-Strand Nit Removal and provided advice on how to start a lice removal business.

There are a handful of other such businesses in the Twin Cities. The Lice Lounge is the first in the northeast suburbs.

Finding a space to rent was the greatest startup challenge, Fleming said. The owner of their first choice refused to rent the space to them after learning what service they would be providing. They eventually found a second-floor space off Third Street with a landlord who understood that lice pose no threat to the building or neighbors.

The partners bring divergent backgrounds to their new venture.

Merriman is an epidemiologist who is an executive with a workplace health and fitness consulting firm.

Fleming is a portrait photographer who has experience owning and operating a small business. The duo employs three part-time lice removal assistants.

The removers go through infected clients’ hair strand by strand and remove the lice with a specialized comb. The only product used in the hair is what Fleming described as a natural enzyme that helps loosen the eggs.

Removal generally takes approximately two hours, give or take depending on hair length and degree of infestation. Books and tablet computers with movies are available to keep patients occupied while they are being treated.

In their first few weeks they’ve treated youngsters who attend over half of the White Bear area elementary schools as well as a few from farther away, according to

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Journal entries during time of turmoil now published as book

BY LOUISE ERNEWEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SUBMITTED

Above: Jessica Fleming removes lice and eggs from a client during her first month in business.

Below: Jessica Fleming and Kelly Merriman are co-owners of The Lice Lounge.

They became friends because their daughters are friends.

HEAD LICE FACTS • Lice attach to human hair and feed on blood several times a day.

• Pets cannot get head lice.

• Lice can only crawl. They cannot fly or hop.

• Lice usually spread by hair-to-hair contact. It is uncommon, but also can spread via shared use of pillows, clothing, linens, combs and other personal items.

• Head lice are not known to spread disease.

• Female lice lay eggs that attach to hair and are barely visible to the naked eye.

The eggs are often called nits.

• Lice are most active at night.

• Symptoms include itching and a feeling of movement on the scalp.

• Infestation is most common among children who attend day care or school and their family members.

• An estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children ages 3 to 11.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See www.cdc.gov/parasites/ lice/head for more information.

Fleming.

No appointment is needed. Once the bugs are discovered, most parents want them removed from their family members’ heads immediately, Fleming said. So The Lice Lounge staff do their best to accommodate walk-ins.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to help families at a time of severe stress,” Fleming said.

The Lice Lounge founders are planning to provide free services to select families with insufficient financial resources. They are setting aside 10 percent of their

profits in a fund that will be drawn from when school nurses request help for families.

Fleming and Merriman also aim to educate the community about head lice. They’re offering to give presentations to PTAs and other child-focused organizations about lice falsehoods and truths.

One of the myths they’d like to correct is that poor personal and home hygiene attracts lice.

On the contrary, lice prefer clean hair because it’s easier for them to grab hold, Fleming reported.

And it’s rare to contract lice from a nonhuman source, as they can only live a day without a head on which to feed. She added hope that that knowledge will help take away some of the sigma of having lice.

The moms also are sharing their belief that chemical lice treatments are hazardous. There are multiple over-the-counter and prescription medications that are safe and effective when used properly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Lice Lounge founders, however, are skeptical.

“They are pesticides and neurotoxins and they shouldn’t go on any head,” Fleming said. She further argued that they’re often used incorrectly, increasing their danger.

Since lice are not readily visible and symptoms of infestation typically don’t manifest for several weeks, the lice-picking moms recommend that parents check their children for lice weekly. The specialized comb used for removing lice is also the best tool for checking for lice, Fleming suggested. The Lice Lounge sells one for $16 that the business owners claim is the best

THE LICE LOUNGE Where: 2168 Third St., Suite 2D Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments are not required, but calling ahead is recommended.

Cost: $30 for a lice check, $90 for the first hour and $80 per additional hour, charged in quarter hour increments. A metal lice comb to take home is included. Treatments include free follow-up checks to make sure the lice are gone.

Contact: 651-666-0513, thelicelounge.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE — “It led me to the misery that led me to rock bottom.”

Those are the words of recovering addict David Hay, 19, speaking about his mother’s letters, published on her blog, Missing David Hay, during Hay’s addiction, treatment, relapse and recovery from drugs.

The letters from that blog, along with others, previously unpublished, have been released in a book, “Dear David: Dealing With My Son’s Addiction One Letter at a Time.” Last Tuesday (Feb. 16), Hay and his mother, Martha Wegner, gave readings and fielded questions from a small audience gathered in a classroom at the White Bear Lake Area Learning Center (ALC) on Orchard Lane — where Hay graduated from School District 624’s Insight Program in 2014.

Now sober — the recovery term for being drugfree — for 16 months, Hay has joined his mother for presentations on the struggle of addiction and the reality of recovery for both the addict and loved ones.

It has meant coming to terms with the content of the letters — first in blog form and now in the printed word — that, in the midst of his addiction, he could not stomach to read. Hay learned of his mother’s very public online journal when a number of friends sent messages through Facebook to offer help after reading her posts.

“When you are using [drugs], that’s the last thing you want,” said Hay. “You are running from reality and when people point out the reality, it’s upsetting. I was really upset that Mom was writing these things because it was the truth that I didn’t want to look at. It was hard to run from once it was out there like that.”

Hay had been, if not a model student, impressive by most standards. An Eagle Scout, he was awarded the Academic Achiever’s Award as a senior, was named Student of the Month and featured on the ALC’s honor roll, and sat on student leadership.

Traci Bowermaster, adviser for the Insight Program — one of four recovery schools in Minnesota and just 40 across the country — said of Hay, “He finished strong academically; he was a stellar student.”

But his ongoing struggle with addiction to marijuana caught up with him once again and, the day after his graduation from the Insight Program in June 2014, Hay went missing. Over the next four months, as Hay bounced between unsuccessful attempts at treatment programs and friends’ couches, jail, homeless shelters and the occasional visit to his family home in St. Paul, Wegner took up her keyboard and started pouring her heart out in the series of letters which now form “Dear David.”

“Dear David: Dealing With My Son’s Addiction One Letter at a Time” is available on Amazon and at Barnesandnoble.com.

It costs $16.95.

SEE DEAR DAVID, PAGE 8

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Moving up

A

s a small town newspaper operation we work hard to produce our product with the highest level of professionalism, ethics and integrity. On occasion we are asked, even threatened, not to publish topics important to the community such as parts of a story or police report, or we are asked to change facts before we publish. It can be a lot of pressure on our reporters especially, when their code is to report the facts and stick to their guns, journalistically-speaking.

Kristine Goodrich was great at handling those types of calls in a way that was fair and in the interest of the community.

Publisher’s best After more than 11 years with Press Publications, Goodrich View has accepted a position at a Carter Johnson daily newspaper in Southern Minnesota. She started as a reporter and was later promoted to editor of the Vadnais Heights Press and White Bear Press. She won numerous awards, many from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. She covered local schools and especially enjoyed assembling the police reports, which involved spending a few hours at the Ramsey County Courthouse and White Bear Lake Police Department each week. She stepped in wherever needed, even offering to cover the Grant City Council meetings. In addition to her bylines on several stories in our paper each week, our reporters take photos, too. One photo Kristine took that readers may remember was of the two bald eagles with entwined talons outside of John Brewer’s home in White Bear Lake.

Kristine is known for her journalistic integrity and attention to detail and we are happy to have been a part of launching her career. We wish her all the best as we work to fi nd another qualified journalist to tell the stories and record the history of our communities.

Chairlift scare There have been several reports on the national news lately about people falling off of chairlifts. I did not expect to see it happen last Sunday at Buck Hill during my son’s ski race.

I have spent hundreds of hours on the slopes over the years and have never witnessed anything like it. I was volunteering at the finish line when I heard screams to stop the chair lift. I looked up the hill and saw a young girl hanging from the chair about 30 feet above the ground, being held by the others on the 4-person lift. It was clear they would not be able to hold onto her for long, not even long enough for the ski patrol to get there. Parents and race spectators quickly ran over and formed a human net under the girl and within seconds she fell into the hands of five adults. She was a bit shaken, but OK. As the parents pulled away, one dad had a pretty good gash on his hands from her ski edges and a nick on his face.

Another dad had injured his forearm. The girl made her way back to the lift and fi nished her ski race. The spectators went about the day like nothing had happened. At the completion of the race I pulled the group together for a photo. The heroes that day were Derek Chow of Eagan, Ryan Olson of Hastings, George Snyder of Redwing, and Brad and Becky Alsop of Redwing. I was a bit shocked by the whole thing but heartened by the goodness of people who put the safety of this little girl ahead of their own. Later I got a chance to meet Renea Juelich and her parents, and learned they are in our Lowdown readership area. They were all thankful for the selfless act on the slopes.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

The Lowdown is direct mailed through the US Postal Service for guaranteed delivery.

The Lowdown is a continuation of the Forest Lake & St. Croix Valley Press.

Mailed Subscription Rate: In county & zip code 55092: FREE Out of county: $26 for 6 mo.

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Precinct caucus gets ball rolling for November ballot your party’s national convention. If there are more volunteers than are allotted to your precinct, caucus goers will select delegates by ballot or, at DFL caucuses, by what is called a walking subcaucus, where you physically stand in your candidate’s corner.

Movers and Shakers Mary Santi

E

ver wonder how presidential candidates get on your ballot?

In Minnesota, Precinct Caucuses are the starting point for the process that endorses candidates for local, state and national offices. You can have a role in this process by attending a caucus on March 1. If you will be eligible to vote in November and generally agree with the principles of a party, you can attend.

What happens at a Caucus?

You and your neighbors will be able to show support for your preferred presidential candidate.

Presidential preference polls will be taken during the caucus, the results of which are released to the media. These are the results you will hear on the news that evening.

Caucus organizers will ask for volunteers to be delegates to the party’s district or state convention.

Delegates are elected in proportion to their support for a particular presidential candidate. This is the route to becoming a delegate to

What happens at a Caucus?

You and your neighbors will be able to show support for your preferred presidential candidate. Presidential preference polls will be taken during the caucus, the results of which are released to the media.

Because a caucus is a political party function, part of the evening’s agenda will be to choose people to take party leadership positions.

There will be time for people to bring up resolutions in support of various issues. If voted favorably by the caucus, these are brought

forward to the next (district or state) level and may become part of the party’s platform. Discussion of resolutions is usually civil debate but can become heated. This part has the feeling of an old-time town hall meeting.

How can I attend a caucus?

You will first need to choose the political party with which you identify, likely based on the presidential candidate you prefer. And you need to know your precinct name and the location of your caucus. You can find these by plugging in your address at the Secretary of State’s website www.caucusfinder. sos.state.mn.us. This newspaper will also publish the locations of caucuses to be held in your area.

Think about attending your caucus, neighbors. This is where grassroots democracy begins.

Mary Santi is an active member of League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area. The nonpartisan group, representing the northeast suburban Twin Cities, studies issues of public interest and assists voters with candidate forums and voter registration drives. Check their Facebook page for events of interest.

THE LOWDOWN | LETTER GUIDELINES • 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

previously published in the Press must be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing. address local issues are not guaranteed • Deadline is 3 p. m. , Friday of the week prior publication. to publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about • To submit a letter, e-mail it to the same subject matter will not be lowdownnews@presspubs.com, fax it to published.

• Submissions containing libelous or deroga- 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear tory statements will not be published.

Lake, MN 55110.

• Submissions containing facts not

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When: 8 a.m.

Wednesday, March 2 Where: Washington County Northern ‘MUSIC MASHUP’ Service Center, 19955 WYOMING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Forest Rd. N., Forest CARNIVAL Lake Details: Presentation When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, on Anoka County Feb. 26 Violence Prevention Where: Wyoming Programs and Services, Elementary School, sponsored by the Forest 25701 Forest Blvd. N. Details: Silent auction, Lake Area Partnership for Families. raffle, carnival games, Contact: flapf.org prizes, crazy hair, inflatables, junk food walk, food and more.

‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ TEA Contact: wyomingpta.

When: 2-4 p.m. org Sunday, Mar. 6 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 GADGET GURU Forest Road N., Forest When: 1- 2:30 p.m.

Lake every other Saturday Details: Celebrate through March, the finale of ‘Downton including Feb. 27 Abbey’ with a Tea Where: Hardwood event. Scone making Creek Library, 19955 demonstration, trivia Forest Road N., Forest contest, how to brew a Lake perfect cup of tea, and Details: Do you have gift for participants a gizmo or gadget that who come in costume. you just can’t grasp?

Registration required.

Hardwood Creek Contact: 651-275-7300 Library’s Gadget Guru can help with a challenging gizmo or MINECRAFT BUILD gadget. Drop in or sign When: 1-4 p.m. up for a 15 to 30 minute Monday, Mar. 7-Friday, help session.

Mar. 11 Contact: 651-275-7300 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest LEGO MANIA Lake When: 1:30-3 p.m.

Details: Compete Saturday, Feb. 27 with other Minecraft Where: Hardwood players to master Creek Library, 19955 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake building challenges, or try out Minecraft for Details: Lego build-athe fi rst time on the thon for kids ages 6 and Washington County up. Free.

Library Minecraft Contact: 651-731-1320 or co.washington.mn.us/ Server. Limited number of library Minecraft library accounts available. Ages 8 and up.

PIGGY PALOOZA Contact: STORYTIME When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. co.washington.mn.us Tuesday, Mar. 1 Where: Hardwood RED CROSS CERTIFIED Creek Library, 19955 BABYSITTERS TRAINING Forest Road N., Forest Lake When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Details: Special Wednesday, March 9 storytime celebrates Where: Forest View Once Upon a Reader Elementary media room, book selection ‘Ten Pigs: 620 SW 4th St., Forest an Epic Bath Adventure’ Lake

by Derek Anderson.

Details: Course for Contact: 651-275-7300 children 11+ covers topics such as safety, FLAPF MARCH MEETING basic care, first aid

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Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of Feb. 14 – 20

Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. Moms start lice removal business. White Bear > News 2. ‘Appreciate everything,’ says Air Force commander who lost his wife. White Bear Press > News 3. White Bear Lake pipeline: ‘Too many unknowns’.

White Bear Press > News 4. Cougars pin down another section crown. Quad Community Press > Sports 5. Stillwater businesses unite to recycle. Lowdown (SCV) > News

See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

and emergencies, play and activities, and the business of babysitting.

Registration $95, includes babysitters bag, handbook, certificate and safety kit.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

AARP TAXAIDE

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 15 Where: Forest Hills Methodist Church, 1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake Details: Free tax preparation for seniors and lowincome residents, by appointment only.

Bring a photo ID, Social Security card and income, expense and health insurance documents (if obtained through Mnsure).

Contact: 651-675-7126

SUBMITTED

Power of the Purse WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

TOUR OF WILDLIFE SCIENCE CENTER

When: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays Where: Wildlife Science Center, 5463 West Broadway Ave., Columbus Details: One hour tours every Saturday, rain or shine, no reservation needed. $8/ adults; $6/children 4-12; 3 and under free.

Contact: 651-464-3993 or wildlifesciencecenter. org

OUT EAST ARTIST EXPLORATION: WAYNE THIEBAUD CAKE DRAWINGS

When: 10:30-noon Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Stillwater Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Children 3-5 can make colorful drawings of cakes.

Free, but registration required.

Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary.org

‘TALK AND TEA’ SERIES

When: 1 and 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Squire House Gardens, 3390 St. Croix Trail S., Afton Details: Learn about vegetable gardening, including how to maximize garden space.

Free, but reservations required.

Contact: 651-436-8080; squirehousegardens.com

WHERE: Prom Center, 484 Inwood Ave., Oakdale

author of ‘Fly a Little Higher’, a book about her son Zach’s ordeal with bone cancer. Event includes brunch and silent auction of purses, handbags, totes and wallets. Tickets $48.

DETAILS: Family Means’ 8th Annual fundraiser features keynote speaker Laura Sobiech,

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

When: 1-7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 29 Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth St., Stillwater Details: All blood types needed. Donor card or driver’s license required at check-in.

Contact: 800-REDCROSS or redcrossblood. org

BEGINNER PAINTING

When: 5:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 1 Where: Sharon Weiser Art Studio, 1940 S. Greeley St., #214, Stillwater Details: Paint ‘Curious Cats’ while learning about colors, brushes and paints. $40 fee plus supply fee.

Registration required.

Contact: 651-351-8300 or Stillwater.ce.feepay. com

CONTACT: familymeans.org

WEDNESDAY TRAIL WALKS

When: 1-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 2 Where: Brown’s Creek State Trail trailhead, Stillwater Details: Get outside and walk a different local trail each week.

Contact: 651-231-6968

HARDANGER EMBROIDERY

When: 6-8 p.m. three Wednesdays, Mar. 2, 9 & 16 Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Details: Learn the traditional Scandinavian craft and cutwork technique. $39 for 3 sessions plus $12 supply fee. Registration required.

Contact: 651-351-8300 or Stillwater.ce.feepay. com

EMPTY BOWLS 2016

PHOTOS-DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON A MAC

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar 1 & Thursday, Mar. 3 Where: Oak Park Elementary Computer Lab, 6355 Osman Ave. N., Stillwater THE ROARING TWENTIES Details: Learn the features of the new app When: 7:30-11 p.m.

Photos, designed for the Saturday, Feb. 27 beginner or intermediWhere: The Heights Hall & Club, 5880 Omaha ate Mac user who owns a digital camera. $59, Ave., Stillwater registration required.

Details: Dance to live Contact: 651-351-8300 music, presented by or Stillwater.ce.feepay.

LaDanza Dance Club. $34/couple; discount rate com for fi rst-time guests. VIP social hour at 6:30 p.m., ST. CROIX RIVER $12. Pre-registration ASSOCIATION required.

PUBLIC MEETING Contact: ladanza The event on stillwater@hotmail.com Wednesday, March 2 has been cancelled.

When: 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, March 3 Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Details: Students in grades 8-12 participating in Youth United Way will serve a simple meal of soup and bread.. Silent auction and sale of pottery bowls by local artists. Proceeds benefit local hunger programs, youth programs and food shelves. $20/adult includes soup and pottery bowl; $10/adult without bowl, $5/child without bowl.

Contact: uwwce.org/ empty-bowls

‘ANYTHING GOES’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 4 & 11 and Saturday, March 5 &

12; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6 & 13 Where: Stillwater Area High School Auditorium, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N, Oak Park Heights Details: Spring musical about a stowaway aboard an ocean liner from New York to London. Tickets $5/students; $6/seniors and $10/adults, available during school hours or 45 minutes prior to the show.

Contact: 651-351-8109

CHOCOLATE MARCH 2016

When: 1-5 p.m., Sundays, March 6, 13, & 20 Where: Various inns/B & Bs throughout the St. Croix Valley Details: Enjoy a variety of chocolate delectables while touring the historic inns and wineries of the St. Croix Valley. Check website for details and reservations.

Contact: 651-998-0185; www.innsofthevalley. com

THE ART OF PRUNING TREES AND SHRUBS

When: 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 8 Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Details: Learn techniqies to care for and prune shade trees, evergreens and fruit trees. $19; registration required.

Contact: 651-351-8300 or Stillwater.ce.feepay. com

GUIDED FITNESS HIKES When: 9-10 a.m.

Thursdays, March 10 &24

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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perform acappella and barbershop selections with the Iowa State University Statesmen, St. John’s University mens’ choir and Shoptimus Prime, the current International Silver Medalist Collegiate Quartet.

Contact: gnusings. com/RMS

MU DAIKO PERFORMANCE

SUBMITTED

‘Noises Off’ WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 26-Mar. 20

Details: Ticket $18-$23.

Performance full of shocking surprises and raucous humor.

WHERE: Lakeshore Players, 4820

CONTACT: 651-426-3275 or

Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake

lakeshoreplayers.org

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo Details: 60-minute fitness hiking program includes warm-up and fitness challenges along the way. Ages 13+. Free with vehicle permit.

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

When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 13 Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 490 4th St., Bayport Details: Free. community meal includes Turkey chili, breadsticks and dessert.

All are welcome.

Contact: bethlehemstar.org

LADIES NIGHT OUT

AARP TAXAIDE

When: 5-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 10 Where: Downtown Stillwater Details: Shop local retailers for specials, fashion and decorating tips, appetizers, drinks and more.

Contact: 651-342-1386 or www.mainstreet stillwateriba.com

When: By appointment, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, through April 13 Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater Details: Free tax preparation for seniors and low-income residents. Bring a photo ID, Social Security card and income, expense and health insurance documents (if obtained through Mnsure).

Contact: 651-439-7434

TEEN TECH MAKER FEST When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Mar. 12 Where: Stillwater Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Teens will have a selection of tech projects to try or see demonstrated.

Activities include Makey Makey, Lego Stop Motion Animation, Brush Bots and Scratch Programming.

Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary.org

BUNNY BUDDIES When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, including Saturday, Mar. 12 Where: Stillwater Library, storytime room, 224 Third St. N. Details: Young readers can read aloud to a therapy bunny. Sign up at registration desk.

Contact: 651-275-4338 or stillwaterlibrary.org

SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER

LENTEN FISH FRY When: 5-7 p.m.

Fridays, through March 27 Where: Stillwater VFW Post 323, 5880 Omaha Ave. N., Stillwater Details: $10/adults; $6/children 6-12; 5 and under free.

Contact: 651-430-1166

ST. CROIX VALLEY RUNNERSTRAINING RUNS When: 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings Where: Meet at Brown’s Creek Park, Neal Ave. and McKusick Rd. Details: Group is looking for runners planning to run a marathon to join them on long runs.

Contact:

scvalleyrunners@ g gmail.com

NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY ART SHANTY PROJECTS ON WHITE BEAR LAKE Details: See website for updates: artshantyprojects.org.

LEARN TO CROSSCOUNTRY SKI When: 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln., Lino Lakes Details: Introductory class for all ages 8+ and bilities. Includes ski rental and instruction.

Pre-registration required, $15/adult and $10/child.

Contact: 651-482-8484 or anokacounty.us

SUPER HERO CARNIVAL When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Blue Heron Elementary School, room C106, 405 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Dress like a super hero, princess or cartoon character and take a photo with other super heroes. Carnival games, bingo, face painting, tattoos, coloring, relay races. $10/child and adult; pre-register.

Contact: 763-792-6000 isd12.org/communityeducation

REAL MEN SING 11TH ANNUAL SHOWCASE When: 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Dr., Arden Hills Details: Great Northern Union Chorus will

When: 2-3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Twin Citiesbased professional taiko drumming ensemble performs a variety of traditional and contemporary works, ranging from traditional taiko repertoire to original pieces composed by members. Free.

Contact: 651-426-2042

SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR. When: 7 p.m. Fridays, 1 & 4 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 28 Where: Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson Details: Musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning fi lm, Recommended for children 4 and older.

Tickets $24 adults, $22 seniors and $12 youth.

Contact: 715-386-8409 or thephipps.org

FAITH AND FIREARMS: CONVERSATIONS AROUND GUNS AND RELIGION IN AMERICA When: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Great Hall, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Course presents the research of the Faith and Firearms Project as a starting project for conversation.

All are welcome.

Contact: saintandrews.org

MAGICAL MARCH When: 10-11:15 a.m.

Thursday, March 3 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Kids ages 2-5 with an adult can discover where maple syrup comes from and try a sample. $3/person, registration required.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

THE LOWDOWN

When: 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5 Where: Central Community Auditorium, 4857 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake Details: 70th Annual White Bear Lion’s Club show, written by Katie Vadnais and featuring the Lake Area Dance Center. Tickets $12.

Contact: whitebearlions.org

DIVE-IN MOVIE When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 4 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Float on water noodles or lounge on poolside chairs while enjoying the movie “Kung Fu Panda” Contact: shoreview communitycenter.org

WOMEN’S BOWHUNTING ARCHERY SERIES When: 2-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 5 Where: Schwan’s Center, Blaine Details: Introductory class and social gathering; dinner follows session. $40, registration required. Part of the DNR’s Becoming and Outdoors Woman (BOW) program.

Contact: 218-203-4347 or linda.bylander@ state.mn.us

LAKE WOBEGON BRASS BAND When: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 Where: Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson Details: 30-member British-style brass band performs marches, classical, quasi-jazz and popular selections.

Tickets $22 adults and $15 students of all ages.

Contact: 715-386-8409 or thephipps.org

14TH ANNUAL BOWL-A-THON When: 9-11:30 a.m.

Sunday, March 6 Where: Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, 273 County Rd. E, Arden Hills Details: Support Merrick, Inc. with a morning of bowling, donuts, music, games, prizes, auction items and pizza. $100 per bowler; participants encouraged to get pledges.

Contact: 651-789-6207 or merrickinc.ejoinme. org

TERRIFIC TREES When: 1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 3 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Kids ages4-5 will investigate all that trees provide and try a tasty syrup snack.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

‘OLE AND LENA’S WEDDING’

U OF M CHORUS AND GREAT RIVER CHORALE CONCERT When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 6 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Great River Chorale and the U of M University Singers team with organist Bill

7

Chouinard to present Faure’s gorgeous Requiem. Part of the St. Andrew’s Music Series and is open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.

Contact: saintandrews.org or greatriverchorale.org

DIVORCE INFORMATION SESSION When: 5-6 p.m.

Monday, March 7 Where: Oakdale Library, 1010 Heron Ave. N., Oakdale Details: Participants will learn the general process for getting a divorce, as well as questions about child custody, child support and spousal maintenance. Free; preregistration required.

Contact: 651-4306330 or lawlibrary@ co.washington.mn.us

PEOPLE FOR POLLINATORS When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 Where: Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Ln., West St. Paul Details: All day symposium featuring Minnesota’s best experts with the latest on pollinators, habitat, pesticides and conservation. Sponsored

by Stillwater’s Pollinator Friendly Alliance.

Contact: 651-351-1100 or pollinatorfriendly.org

WEDNESDAY TRAIL WALKS When: 1-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 9 Where: Gateway State Trail, Jamaca and Jeffrey Ave., Grant Details: Get outside and walk a different local trail each week.

Contact: 651-231-6968

WHAT’S HAPPENING GUIDELINES Anyone in the community may send us news of an upcoming local event. The calendar is reserved for secular community events in or adjacent to Press Publication’s coverage area. Priority is given to free or affordable events that are likely to appeal to a broad audience. Due to space limitations, there is no guarantee whether, when or for how long submissions will be published. Submissions are subject to editing.

Please include date, time, location, cost, brief details, and contact information for each event submission. Submission deadline is Wednesday prior to the following weeks’ publication.

Call 651-407-1226 with questions.

Email: calendar@ presspubs.com Mail: Press Publications Attn: Calendar 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110

&

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

www.readthelowdown.com

THE LOWDOWN

95,000 Minnesota students to receive state grant increases

SCHOOL BRIEFS

SUBMITTED

Scandia Elementary students pose in an all-school photo commemorating the one-year anniversary of the school becoming an IB World School.

Scandia Elementary celebrates one year as IB World School Scandia Elementary recently celebrated one year as an official International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. To celebrate the occasion, students assembled in the gym for an all-school photo with all students wearing their IB World School T-shirts.

LILA student named to state Honors Orchestra

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) seventh-grade student Strom Norcross of Scandia was accepted into the violin section of the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association Middle Level Honors Orchestra, joining the state’s best string players in grades 7 through 9. Of 122 students who auditioned in November, just 62 were selected.

The group gathered for a rehearsal on Feb. 12 at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. The next day, the Middle Level Honors Orchestra performed for the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Forest Lake students perform with All-State choir and symphonic band

Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer!

Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2015

651-482-1322 maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com

MAPLEWOOD

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From press release

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Bri Brieja scored the biggest goal of her young pre prep career for the Forest Lake girls’ hockey team against Elk River/Zimmerman in tea the Section 7AA finals. The eighth-grade forward’s power play goal at 4:53 of the for second overtime period gave the Rangers a sec 3-2 victory and section crown. Her team won the U12A State Championship last year in East Grand Forks, where she scored the 3rd Ea goal to win 3-2. She has a 4.0 GPA and plays go soccer and golf. soc

Lt. Governor Tina Smith and Higher Education Commissioner Larry Pogemiller have announced that an estimated 95,000 Minnesota students will receive hundreds of dollars more in direct financial aid in the upcoming 2016-17 school year. State law authorizes the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) to release the spending balance in the Minnesota State Grant Program, bringing a grant increase of $200 to tens of thousands of Minnesota students.

“Today, the average Minnesota student is graduating with over $31,500 in debt. That is too much,” said Smith. “This increase in state grant awards will provide direct tuition relief to tens of thousands of hardworking students.”

This year’s surplus in the state grant program spending balance is largely due to lower than expected college enrollment numbers at public colleges and universities and recent increases in the federal Pell grant program.

“Expenses such as books and transportation can extend well beyond the poverty-level living standard recognized by the state grant program,” said Pogemiller.

“We are committed to sending all available resources back to students in the form of increased grants.”

Minnesota students who are eligible for the increases in state grant funding do not need to do anything; the award increases will roll over automatically into their overall grant awards in the upcoming school year. Minnesota students who do not currently receive a state grant, and would like to apply, should visit the Office of Higher Education website at www. ohe.state.mn.us to determine whether they are eligible for benefits.

Right now, Minnesota ranks fifth-highest in the nation for student loan debt. In January, Smith and Pogemiller announced a new student loan refinancing program that allows college graduates to save hundreds of dollars on their student loan payments every month. The new SELF Refi program was authorized by the Governor Dayton and the Minnesota Legislature, and helps eligible borrowers manage and reduce their student debt by refinancing their debt at a lower rate.

To be eligible for the SELF Refi program, borrowers must be a Minnesota resident, have completed at least one postsecondary credentialed program, and either meet certain credit criteria or have a credit-worthy co-signer. It is anticipated that the majority of all student loans will qualify. More information on the SELF Refi program, and how to refinance your student loans through this new initiative, is available at: www.selfrefi.state.mn.us.

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Forest Lake Area High School senior Carley O’Bryan and junior Jonathan Full recently performed at Orchestra Hall as part of the annual Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic. O’Bryan Jonathan Carley performed with the AllFull O’Bryan State mixed choir and Full performed with the All-State symphonic band.

Athlete

SUBMITTED

Strom Norcross, a seventh-grade student at Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake, is shown with his advanced orchestra ensemble instructor, Karina Poyerd, following his performance. He played with the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association Middle Level Honors Orchestra at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic, held Feb. 13 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Athlete

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Grace and the Stillwater girls’ Alpine ski team capped their season with an outstanding performance at the state meet in Biwabik. The junior was 14th in the team portion of the event, and 36th overall to help the Ponies to a sixth-place finish as a team.

Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer!

Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2015

651-482-1322 maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com

MAPLEWOOD

T TOYOTA

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THE LOWDOWN

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 www.presspubs.com

Forest Lake Y reaches out to community pending completion

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

As progress on the Forest Lake Y advances, the Lowdown approached Sharna Braucks, executive director of the Forest Lake Y, for a Q&A. The Y recently began awarding scholarship programs as part of its initiative to make connections and contribute to the Forest Lake community.

How does the scholarship program work?

YMCAs are 501c3 not-for-profit organizations that raise funds through an annual campaign to ensure everyone has access to YMCA programs and services. All funds raised remain in the local community and are distributed to qualified participants that otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in YMCA programs and services. The YMCA offers programming for all ages that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility; for example, teaching a child to swim or giving an active older adult access to an arthritis water exercise class. Individuals qualify for these funds by filling out an application form and provide verification of income. Each applicant is also asked to share their story with us; why there is a need and what are the extenuating circumstances.

All of that information is taken into consideration and dollars are awarded then based on their need.

Why is the scholarship program an important part of the Y’s services?

It’s vital to the work we do at the Y.

Our mission is to provide services for all. Without these dollars, there would be a gap in those we could serve and who can benefit from the incredible programs the Y offers.

The Y is here to help everyone in the community reach their goals, and these dollars make that possible. It is also a great way for the community to support one another.

Who can be a charter member and what are the benefits?

Anyone can be a charter member.

A charter membership is a regular Y membership with added perks.

You can join now and start at any one of our 21 locations throughout the Twin Cities, or you can defer your membership and payment until the Y opens in Forest Lake.

We are only selling charter memberships until we open. These charter memberships are a fun way to honor the early joiners who are joining before our Y facility is open. The sooner you join, the more perks you get. Currently our perks are: Gym bag, Water bottle, Earbuds, Charter member signage, Pre-opening hard hat tour, VIP reception, Charter card, $100 Ybucks, Free towel service for 3 months, Time capsule list inclusion Those perks are based on which month a person joins. Members can expect to be mailed one or more of these fun gifts each month.

How many charter members has the Y gained already?

There are over 70 charter members already.

The Forest Lake Y Facebook page recently announced the opening of its first job position.

How many more/what other jobs

can people be looking for in the near future?

We will have over 120 jobs for the new Y facility. There will be about 20 full-time positions and the about 100 part-time positions. The Y will be hiring talented individuals for: aquatics, member services and sales, health and wellness, youth development, custodial and facility management and administration.

All of the positions will be posted on the website: ymcatwincities.org.

People will need to apply online.

There will also be job fairs in the area – more information to come.

What are the most recent updates on construction progress?

The facility is on track and the progress has been tremendous.

Ninety percent of the exterior is complete and efforts are currently are focused on the inside of the building. You can view recent construction photos, both inside and out by visiting YMCA Forest Lake on Facebook.

How will having the Y in Forest Lake change the community?

The Y offers a community gathering place where all can come and feel welcome, supported and proud of the community. The Y strives to help each individual thrive and meet their goals through programming focused on health and wellness, youth development and social responsibility. The YMCA looks for partners in the community to help build the community up and offer services that people need.

Forest Lake is already a wonderful community and we hope to continue to strengthen it.

ArtReach begins ‘Grapes of Wrath’ read and release STILLWATER — Be on the lookout for “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck.

Copies of the book will be popping up in Little Free Libraries, coffee shops, tap rooms and laundromats throughout the lower St. Croix Valley this month courtesy of ArtReach St. Croix as part of this year’s The Big Read in the St. Croix Valley.

Those who come across the book are encouraged to read it, then pass their “read & release” copy along to another reader, leave it in a public place, return it to ArtReach or even keep it.

Numerous copies of “The Grapes of Wrath” and book club kits can be found in circulation at local libraries throughout the St. Croix Valley. Additionally, anyone interested in purchasing their own copy of “The Grapes of Wrath” can receive a 15 percent discount at Valley Bookseller in Stillwater.

Each of the copies purchased by ArtReach is marked with a sticker explaining the “read & release” program, along with suggestions for releasing the copy back to the public. The books are being distributed in advance of The Big Read programs, which begin April 1 with a kickoff event featuring Charlie Maguire at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson. Visit www.ValleyReads.org for dates and times of The Big Read events, which will be hosted throughout the lower St. Croix Valley.

From press release

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FRESHEN UP YOUR DIET IN 2016

CSA Sign Up Limited Space Available Sign up soon!

Community Supported Agriculture Members will receive a box of our super fresh, locally grown veggies every week for 16 weeks!

Get more info or Sign up at:

www.costafarm.com

Spotlight on Business FRESHEN UP YOUR DIET IN 2016

SM

Jeanne M. Anderson – Experienced Experience Listener, & Experienced Results Attorney Minnesota & Wisconsin Wills, Trusts & Estates, Real Estate, Personal Injury Business Law, Contracts, Succession Planning Jeannemanderson@ stillwater-attorney.com

651-439-1389 226 Myrtle Street East Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwater-attorney.com

MARY’S WIGS

Located on Beautiful Bald Eagle Lake • GREAT SELECTIONS OF WIGS AND WRAPS • FREE TRIMMING

Call for Private Appointment 651.429.0296 OR 651.731.6894

a JustReceive For Me

Free Stress-Fix Open Body House Creme

Nov. 13-15 with a gift purchase Take a tour andcard see our new spaces

of $100 or more!

Celebrating 27 years!

Good through Feb. 29

Just For ...theMeSpa

CSA Sign Up Limited Space Available Sign up soon!

Community Supported Agriculture

110 S. Greeley St., Stillwater

651.439.4662 See our website at

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Big enough to have everything, small enough to know your name!

Indoor & Outdoor Pools Free Childcare with Family Membership 60 Group Fitness Classes Red Cross Swim Lessons Large Cardio & Weights Areas

1826 Northwestern Ave. Stillwater • 651-439-7611 rivervalleyathleticclub.com

Members will receive a box of our super fresh, locally grown veggies every week for 16 weeks!

Get more info or Sign up at:

www.costafarm.com

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016 www.presspubs.com

THIRST MISSIONS: Forest Lake business sends service trips to Belize FROM PAGE 1

The programs offered by Thirst Missions are tailored specifically to each group. Options include children’s ministry such as vacation Bible school, service projects, church ministry, sports ministry, Spanish ministry, outreach nights, home ministry, prayer ministry, school ministry, mercy ministry, evangelism, youth ministry, adult ministry and medical and dental ministry for the occasional healthcare group that wants to visit. New this year, one of the trips is a 120-member student choir from Mississippi that will spend nine days sharing their performances with different communities.

“People find it just really rewarding Pfingsten said. “Just to spend that week serving others, they see poverty in a whole new way. They come back and they really appreciate having air conditioning, shoes, being able to get into a vehicle and go somewhere. We’re so well off compared to most of the world.”

Many of the trips conclude with a visit to Caye Caulker, where participants can snorkel along the reef, go fishing or just spend time on the beach.

To find out more about Thirst Missions, visit its website at www.thirstmissions.org.

SUBMITTED

Top: Participants spend quality time with children in a Belizean community.

FarLeft: A service group joins together in prayer.

Middle: Projects include everything from constructing community buildings to social programs.

Right: Participants are able to visit Mayan ruins during their trip.

THEATER PROGRAM: Synergy helps students create their futures FROM PAGE 1

“If you’re in a situation where you are being bullied, what will you do?” she said. “It’s how we can work on solving problems in the school in your everyday school experiences. It’s a lot of role-playing, exercises about your leadership style, using your body to explore ideas that are important. When you hear the word equality or social justice, form an image of that with your body. It’s using your body as communication.”

Saddler has been a big part of the student recruitment process, visiting the school to put up posters and talk with students during their lunch hour. She consults with teachers in different subject areas to find students that may have an interest in participating.

On Thursday, Feb. 18, the school held an informational session about the program, and attendees were able to speak with Saddler and ask questions.

Saddler said that Synergy provides a variety of different performance styles— some are group activities that take place from week to week, and others are larger performances. In May, all of the schools with EMID programs come together to share their creations at a conference at Crosswinds in Woodbury.

“We do put together an overall perfor-

mance at a retreat in May, and all the schools involved across the district,” Saddler said. “EMID offers a lot of different foods, and the students all do team building and talk about the program and what they learned from it, and this takes on different ways and different forms –videos, crafts, dance. I once had a group that did a 15-minute play. It is more or less an art-based way to communicate something important to them or a community project that they did.”

Saddler said that in the three years she has been participating in the EMID programs, she’s found that working on a PhD is almost an easier task.

“It’s a very challenging program because each student is different, and each school is such a different community. I’m excited to start a new experiment with this at the high school.”

She already has some ideas about the direction she wants to go with high school students.

“Past themes have been career options—sort of those grandiose, existential questions,” she said. “I’ve dealt with issues of girls not getting along at school, how to deal with conflicts, struggles at home. With high school, I think we’ll focus on what they want to do after they

SUBMITTED

Students work through social justice concerns with creative performance.

graduate, how to become a leader, what to do to get into college and teaching them civic engagement so they can bring those skills into their adult life.”

EMID also has after-school programs in Inver Grove Heights, Roseville, St. Paul, South St. Paul, South Washington Coun-

ty, Spring Lake Park, Stillwater, West St. Paul/Mendota Heights/Eagan and White Bear Lake. To learn more about EMID’s programs, visit www.emid6067.net.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com

13

SUBMITTED

Alternative fitness grows in popularity There were just no opportunities to do something like it.”

Jacobs said that since pole dancing has such a close association with strip clubs, there is understandably some misconception about what pole fitness really is.

“What I typically tell people is that I understand they may have some preconceived notions, but until they actually watch or take a class, they don't realize it's truly a sport, truly a fitness activity,” she said. “We try very hard to keep sexual connotation away from it. We try really hard to make people realize it's not about sexuality, although you will feel better about yourself. We don't do any stripping or burlesque at our studio.”

The other misconception is that pole dancing isn't just for the young, Jacobs added. It isn't even just for women—The Pole Barn currently has two regular male students, and hopes to gain a few more in the future.

“We had one performer who was a doctor, [another] the manager of a bank; two are emergency room nurses, so we have a lot of people who are not young,” Jacobs said. “People think everyone will be 22 and super fit, but we have women across the board, from all different ages and all different backgrounds. One lost 130 pounds and she looks amazing. And she teaches now; you look at her body and you have no idea. It's just mindblowing.”

The Pole Barn offers “unlimited” memberships that allow you to attend as many classes as you like. Jacobs said if you are attending lessons frequently, the price of each class can get to be as low as just a few dollars. To learn more about classes, events and memberships, visit www.thepolebarnstudio.com.

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

STILLWATER — Downtown Stillwater fitness studio The Pole Barn celebrated its two-year anniversary last week with a sold-out student showcase Feb. 15. The event had been sold out for weeks, but the studio offered a live stream of the performance online. More than 60 people were in attendance.

There were 16 performers, some instructors and some students, who displayed a variety of self-choreographed routines, both with pole dancing and with aerial silks.

“The first year we did it in the hopes of showing how proud we were, so now it's just become an annual tradition,” said owner Rochelle Jacobs. “So we think it's going to get bigger and bigger and bigger. Last year we had only seven performers, and this year we had 16.”

The pole fitness trend has been growing in the last few years, providing an alternative way for people to stay active. Jacobs said that the studio has around 200 regulars every month, and that 11,000 people have taken classes throughout the studio's two-year history. Two dancers from The Pole Barn studio competed in the first-ever Minnesota Regional Pole Competition in January—and instructor Abbey Freundschuch actually ended up winning the competition.

Jacobs believes that part of the reason pole fitness has grown in popularity is because it works faster than other forms of fitness.

“You're actually using your body as the weight,” Jacobs said. “So if you're an average woman, you'll be pulling up 120 pounds every time you do something, versus when you go to the gym and lift 10-pound weights over and over.

So you get results a lot quicker.”

SUBMITTED

Pole Barn Studio owner Rochelle Jacobs demonstrates an aerial silk maneuver. The business celebrated its two- year anniversary with a performance last week.

And the other reason?

“And another reason it's a huge trend is that it’s fun,” she said. “You have a great time and you also gain a ton of friendships. You don't typically leave there dripping in sweat, but you leave laughing. The next day you're sore, but at first you don't realize it because you're having so much fun at the time.”

Jacobs said that class sizes at the studio are typically no bigger than eight, which means that instructors have the opportunity to work almost oneon-one with students. The classes are also flexible with the experience level of the students—some students have been dancers since childhood and are looking for ways to constantly enhance

their fitness, and others are first-timers who simply want a fun, interesting way to get in shape.

Jacobs said that one of the reasons she first started practicing pole fitness was because it allowed her to continue her childhood passion for dance.

“I have a dance background; I danced until I was 18,” she said. “After I became a mother, I just felt like all the fitness opportunities that were available didn't really get me excited until I found pole fitness. Everything that I loved as a little girl I am doing again, and I'm 40 years old. It really lets you go back to something you loved as a child but maybe gave up when you were an adult. But you didn't need to give it up.

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15

The politics of decoding dyslexia

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS REGIONAL EDITOR

Fortunately for Lyn Haselmann’s son, the White Bear Lake School District offers sign language, which meets the requirement for a second language.

Without those credits, it’d be tough for him to enter the college of his choice.

A foreign language is something her son cannot grasp, Haselmann said, because he is dyslexic.

The White Bear Township woman is part of a parent advocacy group called Decoding Dyslexia knocking on legislators’ doors as the 2016 session nears.

They are a grassroots movement that includes mothers from White Bear Lake and Hugo determined to change policy regarding the heritable brain-based disability, which affects an estimated 20 percent of the population.

Symptoms and causes vary, but basically dyslexia makes it hard for people to read and process language. Letters are often seen flipped or the person simply does not understand the principles that underlie the reading process. They do not read words backwards, as is a common notion.

“The issue is systemic,” said Rachel Berger, a Hugo mother of three and founder of Minnesota’s Decoding Dyslexia chapter. “When it comes to struggling readers and dyslexia, I feel a strong sense of moral and ethical responsibility to share our knowledge with the community. We are advocating on behalf of those impacted to ensure all children have access to an education that meets their needs.”

Berger knew something was amiss when her son was 2. “He didn’t speak a lot,” she recalled. “It reminded me of a radio that wasn’t quite tuned in. We were lucky. We caught it early but I didn’t know what I was catching.”

Berger enlisted help from speech and occupational therapists, which helped her son get through preschool. When he was ready to enter kindergarten, her goal, Berger said, was to “give my child a bridge to cross, not a mountain to climb.

I thought I’d get all the help I needed.”

She was wrong. Instead, “those places said to me, we don’t know how to deal with this, you have to get a diagnosis.”

Berger and her husband paid $3,000 out of pocket to get the diagnosis: Their son was dyslexic.

“I thought it would open doors. Little did I know that was only the beginning of significant out-of-pocket expenses for us,” she said.

The average family pays $6,000 to $8,000 per year for tutoring to keep their children moving forward.

“A few of us parents have the ability

SUBMITTED

Rachel Berger and Sen. Roger Chamberlain giving testimony in 2015.

to pay for remediation. But DYSLEXIA BY THE NUMBERS what about the parents who don’t have the resources?”

135,000 Affects about 135,000 school-age children in Minnesota Berger asked. “This is a fundamental right of our 41% ≠In 2015, 41% of state students did not meet reading standards education. These kids have a 35% Affects at least 35 percent of entrepreneurs right to learn. The catch is, we’re just not there yet.”

1 in 5 Affects nearly 1 in 5 students With help from District 38 supported, they can flourish.” dyslexia and didn’t know much about it, Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), Many famous people were dyslexic, she but considers his help as service to conthe advocacy group has several goals added, including Albert Einstein. stituents. “It’s how a legislature should this year: Her background in early childhood edwork. The issue is real, it’s tangible and • A reading tax credit of $3,000 for parucation gives Haselmann confidence to it can be fixed,” noted the senator, who ents who have to pay for proper reading provide proper tutoring. In fact, she has instruction outside the school. Chamber- added the interest is bipartisan. started a coaching service called “The The White Bear Lake Area School lain said the plan is to ask for $20 million 20% Club.” Her objective is to “empower District has heard their concerns, and through 2019. the 20 percent who struggle with dyslexfeel the superintendent is listening, • Hire specialists at the state Departia.” People who would like more inforHaselmann said. “Our district strives ment of Education and the six regional for excellence so I think they have a keen mation on her practice can visit www.

Centers of Excellence who are highly trained in dyslexia and related disorders interest in figuring out how they can bet- the20percentclub.com.

“Dyslexia is an equal-opportunity ter serve this population,” added Berger. regarding screening, interventions and disability. It doesn’t have to be a damn“It’s just no one is trained to do it.” professional development for teachers. ing diagnosis,” said Berger, whose father Haselmann, whose son was diagnosed • Conduct a survey through Education was recently diagnosed. “What matters in first grade, wants people to know MN going to teachers, including the those with dyslexia have at least an White Bear school district, to determine to us is that kids who need help, get it.” what they’d like for professional develop- average IQ. “In the 1800s, it was called For more on the group, go to www. ‘word blindness,’” she said. “There is a ment on dyslexia. decodingdyslexiamn.org. preconceived notion that they’re dumb.

Chamberlain said the women apBut people with dyslexia are neuro-diproached him to help champion the isverse learners. Once it’s recognized and sue. He has no personal experience with

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016 www.presspubs.com

Council approves food for fines March awareness campaign awaits Parking Commission approval

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

If you don’t like your parking ticket dollars going to City Hall, you may be able to divert those dollars to people in need this March if the Stillwater’s Downtown Parking Commission agrees with its City Council.

Last year, anyone slapped with a parking ticket in downtown Stillwater during the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign also received a slip on their windshield offering the chance to pay the fine in the form of food for the food shelf during that month.

Parking tickets were written off as part of a statewide effort to raise awareness for Minnesota’s 300 food shelves.

Although the result was no money in the parking fine coffers at City Hall for one month, people in need around the community received almost 100 pounds of food at Valley Outreach, Stillwater’s food shelf.

Not receiving one cent to the city’s coffers was painless last year, with very few issues, Police Chief John Gannaway said.

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Valley Outreach Director Tracy Maki appeared at the Feb. 16 asking council to approve the initiative again.

The nearly 100 pounds of food wasn’t all that impressive, she said, but the whole intent of the campaign was awareness, which was impressive.

“The media went nuts last year,” Maki said, citing television crews outside her facility and thousands of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram reaches and shares.

“The Food for Fines initiative had never been done in Minnesota until we did it last year.”

Visitors to the city’s tourism page learn about all the great things the city does, but they don’t see the terrific work happening in Stillwater to combat poverty, Maki said.

Council voted 4-1 (Councilman Tom Weidner opposed) to approve the initiative, contingent on the approval of the Downtown Parking Commission.

Weidner, an attorney, said he also voted against the initiative last year because he considered it illegal.

He acknowledged that Stillwater raised awareness about hunger, but thought that the city could legally help the food shelf with an equivalent grant instead of citizens donating food in lieu of fines. If people paid their parking tickets, the city would have that money or more to give, he said.

“That’s just my opinion,” he said.

“I gave my opinion last year,” City Attorney David Magnuson said. “Unless I discover something, I assume it’s OK again. If I find something, I’ll bring it to attention of the parking commission.”

“If it’s about the city helping the food shelf raise money, I’d agree with Weidner, but this is entirely about raising awareness,” Mayor Ted Kozlowski said.

“It was successful last year and if it’s successful this year, that would be great.”

And if more people park illegally during the month of March and pay in food, it could be.

In other action, the council: Approved the 2016 Farmers Market event and contract. The event will be held Saturdays from June 11 through Oct. 31, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the parking lot on the corner of Third Street and Pine Street.

Approved the 2016 Cruisin’ on the Croix Car Show special event and contract. Frank Fabio of Maple Island Brewing took over organizing the event this year from Scott Zahren. Although the organizer asked for 14 Wednesdays from June 1 through Aug. 14, the Downtown Parking Commission recommended only eight of those days, unless two more days in September can be negotiated. The hours will be from 4-9 p.m.

Approved the feasibility report and called for a March 8 public hearing on the 2016 Street Improvement Project. The Highlands Neighborhood will receive a mill and overlay, and the Southeast Area and Olive Street will undergo total reconstruction.

The total estimated cost of the project is $1.9 million, Public Works Director Shawn Sanders said.

Awarded the construction management contract for City Hall and Police Station improvements to Wenck Construction for $197,775. All three proposals came

in under the $200,000 estimate for preconstruction services and Phase 1 construction management, Community Development Director Bill Turnblad said.

Awarded the City Council Service Award to Chris Johnsen for his efforts as chairperson of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign. A veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Johnsen chaired the campaign for almost six years.

Heard the Convention and Visitors Bureau annual report from Christie Rosckes and Jerry Helmberger.

The speakers talked about traffic to the CVB website and the tax revenue the city has collected from its lodging tax.

After receiving information from Terri Heaton of Springsted, unanimously passed two resolutions (Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2016A and Capital Outlay Bonds, Series 2016B) for refinancing bond issues.

Approved memoranda of understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services Inc., Local No. 254 (police sergeants) and Local No. 257 (police officers) to resolve conflicting language between the two contracts at no fiscal cost to the city.

Approved the parking ramp cleaning contract with St. Croix Boat & Packet for $750 per month to clean the ramp’s south elevator tower, stairwell, bathrooms and areas just outside the entrances. Last year, the city added once-a-week trash pickup on all the parking decks for $60 per month.

Approved the dock permit for St. Croix Boat & Packet at $10,200 a year for six excursion boats and the wharfage permit for gondola as one of the conditions for a special use permit. The total number of passengers on all the boats increased dramatically from 98,381 in 2014 to 114,987 last year.

Approved a request for proposal (RFP) for Class Comp services.

Approved a resolution assigning $75,000 within the general fund balance for economic development in 2016. No funds were spent from the 2014 appropriation of $50,000 or from the 2015 appropriation of $25,000.

Passed a resolution supporting proposed legislation to authorize Washington County to confer economic development powers on the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Approved additional appointments (Reggie Krakowski, Chris Kohtz and Chuck Dougherty) to the Downtown Plan Advisory Committee. The committee will serve for about one year, beginning in March. The committee will evaluate various materials and offer advice as work progresses on updating the Downtown Plan.

Appointed Brandon Otte to the Library Board to fill the expired term of Ned Gordon and reappointed Gregg “Spike” Carlson and Mary Richie to the board.

Their terms will expire on Dec. 31, 2018.

Approved an agreement with City View Electric Inc. to monitor the fire alarm system at the Department of Public Works. The annual cost of the agreement is $288, with funds budgeted for this item.

The council next meets at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 8 at City Hall.

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

www.presspubs.com

Reel talk Don’t Miss!

Good

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

“DEADPOOL”

guage dominate this controversial, action-packed, fast-paced, dark, satirical, 106-minute film based on the Marvel comic book in which an immortal, wisecracking antihero and former Special Forces agent (Ryan Reynolds) seeks revenge against the evil scientist (Ed Skrein) who disfigured him and then is aided by two X-Men mutants, Colossus (voiceover by Stefan Kapicic) and Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), after his sexy waitress girlfriend (Morena Baccarin) is kidnapped; a must-see for “Deadpool” fans.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Fri

Feb.

26

6:56 5:55

Sat

Feb.

27

6:55 5:57

Sun

Feb.

28

6:53 5:58

Mon

Feb.

29

6:52 6:00

Tue

Mar.

01

6:50 6:01

Wed

Mar.

02

6:48 6:02

Thu

Mar.

03

6:46 6:03

WEATHER TIDBIT WEEKLY AVERAGES Upper winds have flattened out and brought mild Pacific FEB. 26 TO MAR. 3 2016 flow into the state. We enjoyed three days in the 40’s this High 35° past week. The mild weather cut short the Ice Shanty Low 18° exhibit on White Bear Lake. I still spotted pickups on the %Sun 58% lake as ice houses were being removed early.

PCP 0.41” YEAR AGO THIS WEEK February 2015 ends with three straight days of belowzero morning temperatures, bringing the monthly total of below-zero days to 14. Snowfall totaled 5.2”, bringing the season total to 30.1”.

“EDDIE THE EAGLE” (PG-13) [SOME SUGGESTIVE MATERIAL, PARTIAL NUDITY, AND SMOKING.] — An inspirational, entertaining,

factually based, star-dotted (Christopher Walken and Tim McInnerny), 105-minute film in which enthusiastic, milk-swigging, 22-yearold Englishman Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards (Taron Egerton), who lives with his middle-class parents (Jo Hartley and Keith Allen) in Britain and was disabled as a youngster, heads to Germany to train as a ski jumper with the dream of going to the Olympics and with the reluctant guidance of a booze-drinking former Olympic U.S. ski jumping champion (Hugh Jackman) is determined to meet the skeptical British Olympic Committee arbitrary qualifications in order to go to the Winter Games in Calgary, Canada, in 1988.

Crossword

Fun Fact

The nothingness of a black hole generates a sound in the key of B flat.

Did you know?

The pound sign, or #, is called an octothorp.

“TOUCHED WITH FIRE”

Sudoku

(R) [LANGUAGE, A DISTURBING IMAGE, BRIEF SEXUALITY, AND DRUG USE.] — When a published poet (Katie Holmes)

and a creative rapper (Luke Harry) who both suffer from bipolar disorder, fall in love after meeting as inpatients at a New York City psychiatric hospital in this thought-provoking, insightful, downbeat, well-acted, unevenly paced, 110-minute film, their concerned parents (Christine Lahti, Bruce Altman and Griffin Dune) struggle to keep their adult children safe as their relationship spirals out of control.

“ZOOLANDER 2”

(PG-13) [CRUDE AND SEXUAL CONTENT, A SCENE OF EXAGGERATED VIOLENCE, AND BRIEF STRONG LANGUAGE.]

— An over-the-top, nonsensical, sporadically humorous, wacky, cameo-studded (Justin Bieber, Billy Zane, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kiefer Sutherland, Justin Theroux, Sting, Christine Taylor, Anne Wintour, Willie Nelson, Naomi Campbell, Susan Sarandon, Macaulay Culkin, Katie Couric, Tommy Hilfiger, M.C. Hammer, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Vera Wang, Kim Kardashian West, Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Mika, Jane Pauley, Susan Boyle, Milla Jovovich and Fred Armisen), 102-minute, satirical spoof in which a widowed, has-been model (Ben Stiller), who is famous for his “blue steel” stare and is short on brain cells is aided by a model friend (Owen Wilson) and a sexy fashion Interpol agent (Penélope Cruz) in Rome when the life of his estranged, plus-size model son (Cyrus Arnold) is threatened after he is kidnapped from an Italian orphanage by a resentful, disgruntled fashion designer (Will Ferrell) and his accomplices (Kristen Wiig) out for revenge.

WENDY SCHADEWALD The preceding films were reviewed by Wendy Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities film critic since 1986. To see more of her film reviews, log on to www.shortredheadreelreviews.com.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Women (French) 5. Hyrax 8. Distress signal 11. Trade 13. Large northern deer 14. The 3 Wise Men 15. Marten of N Asian forests 16. Hoover’s agency 17. Received an A 18. 2nd Islamic month 20. Light brown 21. Clarified butter used in Indian cookery 22. Frankness 25. Argentina’s capital 30. Citizen of Kenya or Zimbabwe 31. Noah’s boat 32. Family of languages in So. Africa 33. Inappropriate 38. Scientific workplace 41. Hungriness 43. Say to talk about an annoying topic 45. Sing and play for somebody 47. Strike buster 49. A citizen of Thailand 50. Civil Rights group 55. Honest Company’s Jessica 56. ‘__ death do us part 57. Malarias 59. Claim against another’s property 60. Mined metal-bearing mineral 61. Dashery 62. Capacity unit 63. Primary color 64. Indian dress

CLUES DOWN ©1986 through 2016 by Wendy Schadewald

17

Weather tidbits

Worth a Look Forget it

(R) [STRONG VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT, SEXUAL CONTENT, AND GRAPHIC NUDITY.] — Extreme violence and dirty lan-

THE LOWDOWN

1. Manuscripts (abbr.)

2. Netherlands river 3. Italian island 4. One’s own being 5. More adroit 6. Balkan country 7. Psychologist B.F. 8. Investment group Goldman ___ 9. Double curve 10. The plane of a figure 12. Ocean 14. Public presses 19. Civil Rights activist Parks 23. Cooking container 24. Arctic native 25. Founder of Babism 26. Bashkortostan capital 27. Bulky grayish-brown eagle 28. Louse egg 29. About sight 34. ___/Tuck: TV drama 35. Black tropical American cuckoo 36. Chest muscle (slang) 37. Expression of disappointment 39. One who assists 40. Antilles island 41. Served food 42. Egyptian Sun god 44. Performed successfully 45. Cavalry-sword 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Jonas __, cured polio 48. The Muse of history 51. Express pleasure 52. Turkish leader titles 53. Castro country 54. Nobleman 58. ___ Lanka

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

-Truman Capote

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com

23

SALUTING

Women in Business Rochelle Jacobs

“What I typically tell people is that I understand they may have some preconceived notions, but until they actually watch or take a class, they don’t realize it’s truly a sport, truly a fitness activity,” she said. “We try very hard to keep sexual connotation away from it. We try really hard to make people realize it’s not about sexuality, although you will feel better about yourself. We don’t do any stripping or burlesque at our studio.”

The Pole Barn offers “unlimited” memberships that allow you to attend as many classes as you like. To learn more visit www. thepolebarnstudio.com.

Owner The Pole Barn

Peg Malanaphy

Rochelle Jacobs opened a fitness studio in downtown Stillwater two years ago. She specializes in pole dancing and aerial silk performance.

The pole fitness trend has been growing in the last few years, providing an alternative way for people to stay active. Rochelle said that the studio has around 200 regulars every month, and that 11,000 people have taken classes throughout the studio’s two-year history. Rochelle believes that part of the reason pole fitness has grown in popularity is because it works faster than other forms of fitness.

“You’re actually using your body as the weight,” Jacobs said. “So if you’re an average woman, you’ll be pulling up 120 pounds every time you do something, versus when you go to the gym and lift 10-pound weights over and over. So you get results a lot quicker.”

Rochelle said that one of the reasons she first started practicing pole fitness was because it allowed her to continue her childhood passion for dance.

Jacobs said that since pole dancing has such a close association with strip clubs, there is understandably some misconception about what pole fitness really is.

commercial clients. She offers free initial consultations to help clients dissect their project and find a direction which works for them.

“We just really love giving people joy in their spaces and falling back in love with their walls and their cabinetry,” she said. Peg has been in business with Interiors of Stillwater for 12 years.

Peg also recently started another business with a partner which specializes in custom stencils.

Gypsy Mint takes customers’ ideas and makes them reality.

Peg graduated with an interior design degree from the University of Minnesota. Her own home, which is also her office, boasts her creativity.

“If you wander through my home you will see probably about a dozen different wall and cabinet finishes,” she said. She lives in an older home with plaster which tends to crack. One of the finishes she incorporated was one with cracks, so when her wall cracks it looks natural. She also has stencils in her home.

To learn more about Peg and her designs visit interiorsofstill water.com and gypsymint.com.

Kelli Kaufer Designer and Owner of Interiors of Stillwater Peg Malanaphy owns an interior design company specializing in paint and other finishes. Her all-woman crew does everything from basic wall paint to decorative finishing.

“Just about any wall finish you can imagine we love to do on the wall,” she said. They also specialize in refreshing cabinetry.

“If you have cabinets in good shape but not looking so great we can convert them to a darker stained color.”

Peg serves both residential and

Designer, Entrepreneur and Owner of Kelli Kaufer Designs

interior design business for about 12 years. She was a self-starter with no prior interior design education. She has built three homes, renovated three homes and is currently in the middle of renovating another home. Kelli previously owned a 100-year-old house in Stillwater that was featured on HGTV for all the work she had put into it. Since then, Kelli helped produce 300 shows on HGTV working as a behind-the-scenes designer.

Kelli has roots in a creative family. Her brother is an architect and her mom is an interior designer as well, so Kelli said this business is something that came naturally to her. “I like being my own boss and being creative.”

From her experience of being on TV, Kelli learned to think outside the box and be ahead of the trends.

Upcoming women in business should take Kelli’s advice and set goals, whether they be long-term or short-term ones. “Always reach for a goal.” Kelli also advises women not to be hesitant to ask other females about their successes or how they did it.

“We are more than happy to help others. Nothing is better than seeing other females’ success in what their doing.”

In her spare time, Kelli loves anything that has to do with the outdoors, traveling, spending time with her family and living on a lake in Stillwater. She recently started her own tile and wallpaper collections. You can check them out on her website at kellikaufer.com.

Kelli will also be a featured designer at the Home and Garden show in Minneapolis in February and March. For more information about the show visit homeandgarden show.com.

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Aimee opened her yarn shop called Darn Knit Anyway in 2009. The store sells mainly yarn and other fibers, but also hosts classes for knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving, and serves as a gathering place for local “fiber-junkies.”

Aimee worked in interior design for 15 years and decided to open her own store after the company she worked for was bought out. Opening a yarn store wasn’t necessarily Aimee’s dream job, but she said the timing and location was right, and knitting was something she loved to do.

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Aimee’s grandmother taught her and Aimee’s cousin to knit when they were around 7 years old. That same cousin now is Aimee’s only full-time employee at Darn Knit Anyway, amongst three other part-timers. The shop gets their yarn from all over the world, including independent farms, local fiber artists and big fiber companies.

According to Aimee, she loves her job because she loves her community. Aimee says they help people every day in the shop, whether it’s fixing a dropped stitch or helping patch a hole in a favorite sweater. Aimee sees her shop as more of a community center than just a yarn store.

People gather to hang out, knit, crochet and drink coffee.

When it comes to owning a business, Aimee suggests just having the guts to go for it.

“Trust yourself,” she said, “And surround yourself with good people.” In addition, Aimee is also a member of the Main Street Stillwater IBA which she said has been a huge help with marketing and emotional support in the small business world.

In her spare time, Aimee loves spending time with her family, playing Xbox games with her son and practicing lines with her daughter who is in theater. To learn more about Aimee or Darn Knit Anyway visit darn knitanyway.com.

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