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CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY: Visit American Legion Nov. 11 PAGE 15
Light the county green
BY THE NUMBERS • Veterans are at 57% higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served. • There were 6,146 veteran suicides in 2020. • Over 125,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001. • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in veterans under age 45. • The suicide rate for veterans is more than 50% greater than for non-veteran adults.
Anoka County will again illuminate its facilities in support of veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans Nov. 6-12 and is encouraging area residents and businesses to do the same. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, prompts counties to light their buildings green during the first full week of November to show veterans that they are seen, appreciated and supported. “This is a simple way to remind veterans and their families we are here for them because when we needed them most, they answered the call and were there for us,” said Matt Look, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “Here’s where the public comes
CONTRIBUTED
Dan Arcand knew he wanted to be in the military, specifically the Marines, at the age of 3.
Hugo veteran hopes to impact veteran suicide rate BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Dan Arcand, of Hugo, is a 20year veteran. As a Marine who was deployed six times, he has been to a lot of funerals. “The reality is that with multiple combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve lost more friends to suicide than I have to combat,” he said. “My second chapter is trying to
make an impact on the veterans suicide rate.” Arcand, 38, says he knew he wanted to be in the military, specifically the Marines, at the age of 3. His father, Scott Arcand, served in the Marines for three years. Several other family members have also served in the military. He recalled when he was in preschool and his preschool teacher asked him, “What do you
want to be when you grow up?” and he responded, “A Marine.” “I’m 100% certain a lot of it had to do with seeing pictures of my dad in the uniform, him talking about it,” Arcand said. “I mean there’s something appealing about a challenge, they have a certain type of reputation about them.” Arcand enlisted as an SEE PEACE FOR WARRIORS, PAGE 9
in––we're encouraging all individuals and businesses in Anoka County to join us by swapping one light bulb in their entryway or window for a green one. This gesture is a way to honor those who've made immeasurable sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms.” John Kriesel, director of Anoka County Veteran Services, said the act of illuminating green lights in support of veterans might seem small, but it sends a powerful message to those who have served. “For the second year in a row, Anoka County will participate in the Operation Green Light for Veterans initiative,” he said. “Illuminating some Anoka County SEE OPERATION GREEN LIGHT, PAGE 15
‘Rainbow the Rock Snake’ brings color to Centennial Library BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Next to the parking lot at Centennial Library lies “Rainbow the Rock Snake,” a growing collection of painted, waterproof rocks created by people throughout the community. There are no rules when it comes to adding to the snake, and variety is encouraged. All people are welcome to decorate their own unique rocks and add them to the snake. Kandi Kietz, the creator of “Rainbow the Rock Snake,” saw another rock snake from a different community pop across her Facebook feed and realized that she loved the concept. “I believe it brings a sense of community and diversity,” Kietz said. Naming the snake was easy for Kietz; she simply asked her 6-year-old son, who named it “Rainbow.” Kietz loved the name and loved the sense of inclusion that “Rainbow” could bring to the community. The sign next to Rainbow reads: “The more variety, the stronger the society!”
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What turned out not to be easy for Kietz was finding a home for the rock snake. Kietz initially attempted to place the snake at Lexington Athletic Complex in Blaine. However, the sign was vandalized, and “Rainbow” was no longer allowed to stay in that location. Kietz said that she did not take the necessary steps to ask permission to put the snake there, and unfortunately had to search for a new home. Kietz reached out to Centennial Library and she said that they were very excited about the idea. The library teamed up with Circle Pines Parks and Recreation and City Hall to clear out a “beautiful” location for Rainbow. Rainbow is situated in a vacant area where a barn used to be and where there is a time capsule buried beneath in the dirt. Kietz doesn’t think she has an “artistic bone in her body,” but received support from different individuals in the creation of the project. Two people in particular who helped greatly in the creation of Rainbow are Angie Kratts, who also painted the rock head, and Molly Meirding, who
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Community members are encouraged to add to Rainbow the Rock Snake at Centennial Library.
created and donated the sign that stands next to the snake. “I’m so grateful for the community helping me run with this idea and making it happen,” Kietz said.
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