Black History Month and beyond

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

CIRCLE PINES — For students in the Centennial Students for Change club, Black History Month is more than looking back at great achievements in history: it’s recognizing that great achievements can also be made between homework, choir practice and extracurriculars.

This group of students has gone above and beyond to promote equity, community outreach and mental wellness within the Centennial School District. The club was organized by students in 2020 around the time the murder of George Floyd spurred thousands of Americans into social action.

This year, more than 100 students have signed up for the club, and nearly 30 meet regularly to discuss and plan projects and events. In addition to organizing fun activities throughout the year, the group also strives to make a meaningful difference in the school and in the community. For club officer and senior Galjer Yangwaue, one project was very clear. In 2022, she became

Love is all around this Valentine’s Day

There are a lot of ways to express the love in the community this Valentine’s Day. Here are a few ways to celebrate with the ones you care most about in the time leading up to Feb. 14.

Something Bright: Moonflower Design Studio, Lino Lakes

There’s nothing like fresh flowers in the depths of Minnesota winter, and local florist studio Moonflower Design has many ways to express the love this winter.

Award-winning florist Michelle Aldentaler operates Moonflower Design Studio out of her home in Lino Lakes. Her unique take on floral design includes personalized elements that are customized to fit the character of the recipient.

For Valentine’s Day, she is working on custom wooden boxes with four roses, as well as arrangements that include orchids and chocolate-covered strawberries. She frequently partners with Something Sweet by Maddie Lu, a confectionary business in Coon Rapids, to create unique offerings that delight the tastebuds as well as the eyes. The arrangements can be ordered via GrubHub, and they will be making deliveries all throughout the day on Valentine’s Day.

She will also be offering “old school” arrangements of Valentine’s Day corsages and pinups, available by request.

Learn more about the studio at https://www.moonflowerdesignstudio.com.

Something Sweet: Kingdom Baking, Blaine

Everyone wants a taste of something nice during the Valentine’s Day holidays. Boxes of chocolate are a given, but fresh-baked pastries and homemade desserts offer another way to appreciate the ones you love.

Kingdom Baking is a family-owned business offering a full selection of fresh-baked pastries, a coffee bar and breakfast and lunch menu. Kingdom Baking