Shoreview Press

CONTRIBUTED

Shoreview couple set a new standard for educational toys

PREETI MATHUR

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

A Shoreview couple is setting a new standard for educational toys by offering innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys that teach abstract and intangible concepts such as electrons, circuit boards, and the inner workings of computers.

Alyssa and Paul Boswell’s company Upper Story: Endless Curiousity, has seen phenomenal success since its start in 2017. Their first product, Turing Tumble, was

Shoreview community welcomes a new sport with new upgrades

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Bobby Theisen Park is earmarked for a nine-court pickleball facility with shade courts and benches as the popularity of pickleball has the City of Shoreview planning changes to city parks in the next few years.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport since 2022 with over 9 million participants.

Because of pickleball’s popularity the city is working with a park development company on master plans for city parks. The company has taken feedback from the parks and recreation commission, city council and Shoreview residents to help shape the plans for city parks with an emphasis on the upgrades to Bobby Theisen Park.

The plan places an emphasis on Bobby Theisen Park to undergo the most upgrades over the next few years because it is among the oldest parks in Shoreview. Upgrades include a new warming house, improved rest rooms and a new playground.

The new master plan provides nine dedicated pickleball courts. Installing new courts will create a pickleball complex that would attract more players. Adding more courts would make it easier to manage the number of players at the park.

launched with a month-long kickstarter campaign.

The $40,000 needed for injection molds came in the first day. By the end of the month, they received a total of $400,000 to jump start manufacturing and launching the toy. They have sold over 200,000 Turing Tumble toys and introduced a second one, Spintronics, in May 2023.

Funds to manufacture Spintronics were also raised through a kick-starter campaign. Spintronics is sold out and is being back-ordered.

The initial group of friends and

family who first backed them has grown to over 9,000 supporters worldwide. Besides providing funding the supporters provide valuable feedback on concepts, testdriving prototypes, preordering the toys and follow Paul’s regular updates.

The idea for Turing Tumble came after Paul, who has a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and was an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, began experimenting with ways to teach his children the inner workings of a computer.

“The dedicated courts will have fencing between the courts to keep the balls bouncing into other courts. It will make a huge play difference,” stated Shoreview SEE

Upper Story: Endless Curiosity owners Alyssa and Paul Boswell.

MADELINE DOLBY PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bobby Theisen Park is located at 3575 Vivian Street.

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

STEM TOYS: Spintronics uses physical parts to teach circuit design

FROM PAGE 1

“Computers are everywhere, but people hardly know how they work and what exists inside because it is so difficult to understand,” he said. He investigated ways to teach how computers work at a fundamental level by physically manipulating parts on a board to perform tasks such as subtraction and division. Instead of coding, players work with switches and wires to build these tasks and learn about a computer at the lowest level.

With Alyssa’s background in education, they market in the niche area of STEM toys, selling to individual families and educational institutions. After a brief attempt to sell their product through thirdparty sites like Amazon, the couple decided to market and sell the toys through their online store at www. upperstory.com.

“We are our own best sellers,” said Alyssa. “Rather than passively compete with other toys on store shelves, it is easier to sell them ourselves as we can demonstrate its features through videos and other supporting materials on our website,” she added. They advertise through social media, attend education and robotic conferences, and demonstrate at libraries and schools. In addition, the toys are locally available at Mischief and Games by James.

Upper Story has nine employees and in 2019 moved from their kitchen table to an office in the North Oaks mall. They have warehouses worldwide, two in the US and the rest in Canada, the UK, Europe and Australia.

“It is a well-integrated system--orders placed in other parts of the world are automatically fulfilled from the closest warehouse, said Alyssa. “We also work with a translation company to advertise culturally specific messages for each market. With this and no language barriers, we sell more in Europe than in the US,” she added.

Upper Story’s newest product, Spintronics, teaches how electronics work. Instead of using complex math, it uses physical parts to teach circuit design and the use of resistors and capacitors in it.

Like Turing Tumble, it comes with a puzzle book

with beautiful illustrations formatted like a graphic novel with stories and challenging exercises to solve and create circuit designs.

“Each puzzle begins with an objective. Players build the starting setup and then determine how to add the available parts to build a circuit that meets the objective,” says Alyssa.

Both toys are designed and built to provide many hours of play, and for different ages and levels of difficulty.

“They could even be put away and brought out later to build new configurations with new challenges,” Alyssa says.

Paul and Alyssa always wanted their products available for schools and other educational institutions, which comprise 15% of their sales.

Teachers have successfully used these games in classrooms to help with STEM coaching. Upper Story makes concerted efforts to reach teachers, librarians, administrators and PTAs.

Paul and Alyssa attend education events and trade shows, and also offer introductory sessions through local libraries. Both the toys come with educator and practice guides, and are available in seven languages.

Besides their contribution to the advancement of STEM education, Paul and Alyssa believe in giving back to those people without access to these resources.

Part of every purchase goes to the Turing Trust, which provides reused IT equipment, educational resources and training to schools in sub-Saharan Africa. This effort also helps reduce the global carbon footprint by reusing old computers.

Paul and Alyssa feel they have learned a lot starting a profitable business and are dedicated to being a company that makes a difference. As they look for future products their approach is looking for concepts too abstract or difficult to teach and make them tangible to allow people to learn.

“Our goal is to make products that have a long life and give deep and long-lasting enjoyment,” says Alyssa.

Spintronics can be designed for different ages and levels of difficulty.

Paul and Alyssa live in Shoreview with their three boys, all in the Mounds View school district, with one in each school: Island Lake, Chippewa and Mounds View High School.

Two children playing with the Spintronics.

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RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF BRIEFS

Woman charged with assault for biting eye of rival

An Eden Prairie woman, 37, is charged with third degree assault and faces up to five years imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $10,000 following a July 29 incident in the 3900 block of Gramsie Court, when she allegedly attacked the mother of her boyfriend’s child.

According to Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reports the suspect came to the victim’s residence. The two visited and got into a verbal argument. The suspect allegedly punched the complainant in the face and pulled out a clump of her hair. When the complainant told the suspect to leave her house, she could see the suspect was concealing something down the back of her pants and asked what it was. Before leaving the scene, the suspect took out a bottle of the complainant’s prescription medication and threw it at her. Then, she charged at the victim and bit her on the eye, according to the report.

Arriving Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies could see swelling around the victim’s right eye with bleeding puncture marks, as well as a clump of hair in the upstairs hallway. The next day, the victim told deputies that her eye continued to swell and she was having trouble seeing out of it. Deputies advised her to seek additional medical follow-up, based on the location of the bite.

On July 30, Eden Prairie police arrested the defendant. In a post-Miranda interview, she admitted to hanging out at the victim’s house where they were drinking. She stated that the two women had physically fought and that she bit the victim in self-defense.

Causing mayhem with ashtray over death of video game character

A Shoreview man, 29, faces up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000 for felony threats of violence, following a July 23 incident in the 500 block of Suzanne Avenue. His sentence could be doubled, because he has been charged with a second offense, felony damage to property.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a group home on Suzanne Avenue, on two 911 calls regarding a client making threatening statements.

The defendant was playing a video game and became angry, smashing his phone and punching the TV. A caretaker said he and another caretaker exited the home to give the defendant space to cool down. Instead, the defendant followed them out, grabbed a commercial grade standing metal ashtray and threw it into the side of a vehicle belonging to one of the caretakers. The defendant then retrieved the ashtray and advanced toward the caretakers, brandishing it and saying, “I’m going to kill you!” The defendant used the ashtray to smash out the window, brake lights and spoiler of the other caretaker’s vehicle, adding, “I wish that was your head!” The two caretakers feared that the defendant would kill them with the ashtray and ran for cover.

When deputies found the defendant in the home, he told them the male caretaker had interrupted his video game, causing his game character to die. He said that caretaker also insults and demeans him. He said he lost his composure and then blacked out and did not remember his conduct. Another employee of the group home said the defendant heavily damaged multiple items of property inside the home during the incident. In addition to the repair costs inside the home, the repair costs of the two vehicles is estimated at over $1,000. Area law enforcement has received previous reports of assaults and aggression by the defendant.

DEATH NOTICE

Tammy Dunagan

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:

• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered a wallet July 12 in the 4700 block of Cumberland Street, placed it into property and left a message with its owner.

• A Shoreview man, 40, was arrested July 12 in the 1600 block of Knight Street for misdemeanor violating a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order.

• A Keep Our Kops Safe alert was issued on a male July 12 for causing criminal damage to property in the 5800 block of Churchill Street N., after he made comments about “suicide by cop” as he left the address with a shotgun.

• An Inver Grove Heights man, 40, was arrested at 11:10 p.m. July 12 on a felony release violate warrant issued by the Department of Corrections in the 4100 block of Sylvia Lane C.

• Residents in the 4300 block of Hodgson Road on July 13 reported listing $7,500 to the “relative in jail” telephone scam.

• Deputies recovered an abandoned stolen vehicle July 13 near Soo Street and Edgewater Avenue. The vehicle had been entered into the National Crime Information Center database as stolen by the Dayton Police Department.

• A resident in the 1000 block of Amble Drive on July 13 reported a cell phone stolen by unknown persons.

• An order for protection violation was reported July 13 in the 500 block of Harriet Avenue.

• The Wells Fargo bank in the 5900 block of Rice Creek Parkway reported a window on their building broken in sometime overnight July 13-14.

• A St. Paul man, 28, was arrested at 3:30 a.m. July 14 on I-694 for DWI, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding and for crossing over lane lines on the freeway. At the patrol station, the driver refused to submit to testing and has been charged in the Ramsey County Court for test refusal.

• A North St. Paul woman, 57, was mailed a citation July 14 in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road for violating an order for protection.

• A Shoreview man, 52, was reported for an order for protection violation July 14 in the 500 block of Tomlyn Avenue, after he sent texts and phone calls to the victim, in violation of an active order, as part of a weekly complaint that has been going on for weeks.

• An Arden Hills man reported his vehicle stolen from the Shoreview YMCA parking lot in the 3700 block of Lexington Avenue N. July 15, after the padlock was cut off his locker and his phone and car keys stolen. A Keep Our Kops Safe alert was issued for the vehicle.

• A Sandstone woman, 38, was cited for shoplifting July 15 at the Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N., after she was detained by loss prevention personnel who observed her under ring $191.41 in merchandise at the self-checkout and passed all points of sale. After being cited for misdemeanor theft, she was released from the scene.

• A resident in the 3400 block of Victoria Street reported a bicycle stolen from the driveway at 6:00 p.m. July 17 by a male wearing white tennis shoes, gray shorts, black sweat shirt and a faded brown cap. The victim provided

a detailed description of other prominent features, but it is not known if a suspect has been identified.

• A Shoreview man, 50, was mailed a citation July 17 for violating an order for protection in the 4000 block of Hodgson Road regarding a harassment restraining order, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies reviewed video surveillance and ascertained that the subject knowingly violated the restraining order.

• A business in the 4000 block of Lexington Avenue N. on July 18 reported a former employee for making threatening comments after she was fired.

• A resident in the 300 block of Snail Lake Road reported unauthorized use of an airline rewards account July 19, resulting in a financial loss of more than $1,600. The case is tied to a previous identity theft incident.

• A resident in the 5800 block of Turtle Lake Road reported her Apple ID account compromised July 20, and fraudulent purchases made.

• A resident in the 400 block of Horseshoe Drive reported harassment July 21. Deputies helped the person on the person begin the process of obtaining a restraining order.

• A tool bag was reported lost July 21 at the intersection of Hodgson Road and Snail Lake Road after its owner left it at a work site the previous afternoon and didn’t find it again the following morning.

• An ongoing dispute, paired with harassment, was reported July 21 between neighbors in the 1600 block of Knight Street.

• A Shoreview woman, 36, was cited for misdemeanor theft July 21 at the Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N., after loss prevention personnel detained her for concealing $332.08 worth of merchandise and passing all points of sale. She was also banned from the store before being released from the scene.

• A resident in the 400 block of Harriet Avenue reported a package taken off the front porch July 21 by a blond female, who left in a black SUV that resembled an older Scion Xb.

• An unidentified motorist received a written warning for an equipment violation July 21 on I-694 and I-35W, following an investigation traffic stop.

• A Shoreview man, 45, was arrested July 22 in the 5900 block of Rice Creek Parkway and booked at the law enforcement center for felony violating a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order, after a Keep Our Kops Safe alert was issued on him.

• A first responder was assaulted at 8:35 a.m. July 23 on Snail Lake Road and Snail Lake Court S., while she was caring for a heavily intoxicated person. The suspect was transported to Regions Hospital with restraints and charged in county court with felony fourth degree assault for punching the paramedic.

• A golf bag was reported stolen at 5:30 p.m. July 24 from a pick-up truck bed in the 800 block of Arbogast Street. A good view of the thief’s face was captured on video surveillance.

Loretta Harding

Friendly reminders

Angle of View

Paul Dols

Occasionally, when I’m on assignment or just out and about, someone will approach me and ask if I remember taking a specific photo. Although I’ve had thousands of photos published over the years, with just a bit of help and context I can almost always piece together a memory and recall details about the time and place a photo was taken. Earlier this summer, while waiting for the start of the Manitou Days Parade, I felt a gentle nudge on my shoulder. One of the members of a group setting up to watch the parade wanted to let me know that her granddaughter Bella was a recent high school graduate and would be using some of the photos I’d taken over the years for a display at her graduation party. While it was a little sobering to think that a little girl I first remember photographing at a pet parade in costume with her sister and pet dog (also in costume) was graduating from high school, I was moved and pleased to find out that photos that I had taken of her and other extended family members over the years were part of a scrapbook of memories. I was also informed that their cousin Vinny recently made an appearance in the pages of the White Bear Press with his winning Manitou Days button design.

It’s not easy to quantify, but even with all of competition from social media, I find it encouraging that people are still finding a unique connection to the local newspaper.

Merrina, one of our summer interns here at the Press, shared that she made an appearance in the paper when she was a kid. She described one of those rare winter days on the lake (prized by iceboat enthusiasts and skaters) when the ice is essentially a huge skating rink. While accompanying their father on an ice fishing outing, she and her siblings were photographed skating out on the ice near the VFW. Supplied with an approximate year and month I was able to locate the photo (taken about 12 years ago) in our archives. What I found was a fun feature photo showing the siblings spaced evenly out on the ice in different poses and each wearing an unusual hat. Merrina said that she loved the bomber hat with flaps she wearing that day and kept it until it was in tatters.

T here have been a number of other portrait and feature photos that have received positive feedback from family members over the years. Some of them were even award winning.

O n a more serious note, I’m sincerely honored when families choose to use photos that I’ve taken of their loved ones for obituaries or celebration of life programs as a lasting legacy.

Part of my own family history includes photos that have been published in the local newspaper. Many years ago, when our family lived near the intersection of Summit and Lexington in St. Paul, a feature photo of my younger brother was published in the Pioneer Press. He was photographed scooting around the neighborhood on his tricycle with his beloved stuffed animal “tiger” hanging from the handlebars. If I remember correctly, the stuffed tiger was almost as big as my brother and the photographer used the advertising slogan “Put a tiger in your tank,” that was popular at the time in the headline. More recently, my brother was featured in local and regional news outlets, along with fellow volunteers with the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad — an excursion train that offers scenic rides along the St. Louis River estuary south of Duluth. He’s an engineer and conductor for the LS&M, which recently resumed operations after a three year hiatus. It was fun to find a photograph of him in front of a locomotive as part of a Duluth News Tribune story detailing the challenges the volunteers faced keeping the railroad running. Find out more about the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad at lsmrr.org.

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

Summer Vacations

Over the years our family has tried to schedule some kind of family summer vacation. My wife really likes to get away for at least a few days to explore something new as a family. Camping trips have not been high on our list, but we have done it a couple of times. We have road tripped to destinations such as Door County, Mackinac Island and Chicago; and flown to places like San Francisco, Virginia Beach, and Boston for long weekends.

Publisher’s View

Carter Johnson

After loading up the station wagon to head out on a family vacation in the early 80’s, we wouldn’t make it down the street before one of us siblings blamed another for crossing the line into their bit of territory in the vehicle. Back then family vacations were often a four hour ride to grandma’s house 200 miles up north or a multi-day road trip with countless touristy stops as we drove across the country for one of dad’s newspaper conventions. The family summer vacation is an American staple. Some families today opt for more exotic destinations, such as 10 day trips to Europe, while others still load up the family truckster for a cross- country road trip. I loved hearing from friends who recently spent a few days as a family in the Boundary Waters. They had a friend who is a guide and went along to navigate the trip, had great sleeping mattress, and even enjoyed a steak dinner at the campsite. Other friends rented a motorhome and traveled out west.

Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $45 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

This year our older teenagers asked that we not take a family trip. Our daughter who is in college in Colorado feels like being back in Minnesota for a couple of months is a vacation in itself while she is working two jobs and wants to spend time hanging out with friends. Our son, who will be a high school junior, feels the Minnesota summer isn’t nearly long enough as it is so why would we want to spend precious days anywhere else? I can see their point. There are a ton of summer activities right here and a limited amount of time to enjoy them. However, it’s also nice to spend time together as a family away from all of the distractions of home. We came up with a compromise.  We plan to fly west to explore New Mexico for a few days and rent a car to drop off our daughter at

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR

Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters. Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification. Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.

college. It seems like the best of both worlds to minimize travel time but still get a little of the family togetherness you only get with a road trip. And we will see a part of the country none of us has been to before. It will be interesting to see how long we make it before lines are drawn in the back seat.

Emergency alerts  EAS is the Emergency Alert System sent to television and radio stations. WEA is the Wireless Emergency Alert sent mobile devices. This Oct. 4 at approximately 2:20 p.m. the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have scheduled a nationwide test of the WEA system. An alert will be sent to everyone’s mobile devices. The purpose of the test is to make sure the sytem is effective in warning the public in case of a national emergency. The audible tone coming from everyone’s phones will probably be strong enough to rattle our bones. This is only a test and will be the second time an alert has been sent to all cell phones. If you want to learn more about emergency preparedness go to FEMA.com.

C arter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

ELECTION

SEASON 2023

Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer.

Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters. Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.

All letters are subject to editing.

We reserve the right to not publish any letter. The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 7 election will be printed in the Oct. 24 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.18.

To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-4291242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

Climate change

Northeast Metro Climate Action, a citizen-led volunteer group to which I belong, was recently invited to host a booth at Marketfest in White Bear Lake.

We had lots of great conversations with the public. It gave me hope that teenagers who stopped at our booth were the best at playing our game about which economic sectors produce the greatest amount of carbon emissions. (The largest sector in the U.S. is transportation.)

This letter is not about the teenagers who understand the seriousness of climate change, rather it’s about a few individuals who stopped at our booth and seemed to take great pleasure in challenging us on the reality and science of climate change.

One person told us that the United States, as compared to other countries, emits very little carbon into the atmosphere and thinks we should be focusing on China and India. In fact, the United States ranks second in the amount of carbon emissions globally. Another individual told us that his energy bill is out of control due to the costs of energy companies having to make the transition to clean energy, yet he is not willing to give up his incandescent light bulbs or replace his 70 year-old refrigerator (which are both large energy users and may be the real cause of his high bills).

July 2023 was the hottest month on record globally and is likely the warmest conditions that humans have ever experienced. The past eight years have been the hottest years recorded on earth. These are facts. Even if humans were not responsible (scientists say we are) for causing the earth to warm, I would still be taking urgent action to tackle climate change and its impacts.

I do this not for myself, but for my children, their children, and the future of humankind. You can’t challenge my passion and motivation for wanting to do the right thing. For more information about our climate group, please visit northeastmetroclimateaction.org or our Facebook page.

Kate Winsor North Oaks

CONSTRUCTION BRIEF

Traffic impacts in Shoreview

The intersection of Highway 96 and Dale St. is still undergoing construction due to necessary repairs following a recent water main break. The project is anticipated to continue over the next three weeks. Dale Street is closed to traffic at the Highway 96 intersection and traffic is reduced to one lane.

Mounds View Community Center Upgrades

A $33 million plan to triple the size of the community center and adding amenities to make the center a regional sports tourism destination is being proposed by the City of Mounds View.

The expanded community center will include three new gyms basketball, volleyball and pickleball. A new concessions area, renovated locker rooms with bathrooms and showers, an indoor walking track, additional community meeting rooms are part of the plan.

The city conducted an extensive planning process by talking to residents and working with independent experts about design, engineering, financing and economic potential. The city plans to finance $33 million through a local 1.5% sales tax and state bonding money.

For more information go to moveconnectthriveMV.org.

Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club recognized at District Event

The Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club received the 2023 Medium Size Club of the Year award at the district 5960 awards celebration.

District 5960 covers the southeast and east metro Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Clubs were recognized for their efforts in various categories and on the size of the club.

The Club was responsible for submitting examples of their efforts against a checklist for up to six categories: Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Public Image, Vocational Service and Youth Service. The submissions were then judged by Rotarians from Clubs in different size categories. The Rotary Club of Arden Hills/Shoreview falls under the medium size club category. The award was for the year ending June 2023.

Citizen of the Year & Caring Youth Award Nominations

The City of Shoreview is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Citizen of the Year and the Caring Youth Award.

One can complete the nomination forms on Shoreview’s website under the Government and City Council tabs.

Nominations for the Caring Youth Award are due by Oct. 5.

Nominations for Citizen of the Year are due by Oct. 13.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Sheriff’s office investigating Dellwood death

A woman was found deceased at Dellwood Country Club overnight Aug. 4. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirms they are investigating the incident and nothing indicates the death is suspicious.

BUILD THE FOUNDATION

- CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION

- CREATE YOUR LEGACY

BUILD THE FOUNDATION

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- CREATE YOUR LEGACY

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

IRA Charitable Distribution

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2020

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATION

ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATION

Details:

JANUARY 1- FEBRUARY 15, 2023

The Shoreview Community Foundation provides grants to non-profits that serve our community.

Individuals who are age 701/2 or older can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to one or more qualified charities, without paying federal income tax of the withdrawal. This option provides tax savings to donors even if they do not itemize deductions.

Grants focus on:

• Arts and cultural organizations

By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.

SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 15, 2023

• Recreational places such as parks and trails, as well as places for reflection and relaxation such as open space, wetlands and woodlands

• Donors must be age 701/2 or older at the time the gift is made.

• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualified public charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making a gift.

By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.

• Community enhancement and leadership development

There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.

• Human service organizations

• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.

There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.

• Historical preservation

• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution.

• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable income tax reduction.

• To qualify for tax-free treatment, donors cannot receive goods or services, or a personal benefit (such as tickets for events) in return for the IRA charitable distribution.

Contact the Shoreview Community Foundation at: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org

For more specific requirement information, please go to our website www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org or contact Chris: shoreviewcommunityfoundation@gmail.com or 612-212-3563 763042

The Shoreview Community Foundation’s mission is to maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of people who appreciate Shoreview with the evolving needs of the community. Thank you for your support. A Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Affiliate 781183

The Shoreview Community Foundation does not give tax or legal advice. We recommend that donors consult their own professional tax advisor before making a gift. 660895

For specifications and a standardized proposal form, contact Bill Singer of AT Group at 763-754-8898 or via email at Bill.Singer@at-group.net. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to accept the proposal deemed in their best interest.

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on August 15, 2023.

CITY OF NORTH OAKS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A GARAGE EXCEEDING 1,500

SQUARE FEET FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12 COLUMBINE LANE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of North Oaks will hold a Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in the Community Room, 100 Village Center Drive, North Oaks, MN to hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the application for a Conditional Use Permit for a garage exceeding 1,500 square feet for the property located at 12 Columbine Lane, North Oaks, MN 55127

Members of the public may participate in the public hearing by:

1) Attending the meeting in person and providing public comment during the public hearing;

2) Attending the meeting remotely and providing public comment via zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85258030453; or

Principal and interest payments due in 2023

3) Submitting written public comments by emailing City Administrator Kevin Kress at kkress@northoaksmn.gov by August 24th at 4:00 p.m. Public comments submitted in advance will be accepted into the record as part of the public hearing.

Questions regarding the public hearing, including about remote participation opportunities, should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress at 651-792-7750.

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on August 15, 2023.

RICE CREEK

WATERSHED

DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET, LEVY AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CHARGES

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to present and receive comments on the District’s 2024 proposed budget and levy, which include Water Management District (WMD) local charges for the Anoka County Ditch (ACD) 53-62 WMD, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the City of Shoreview, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota. Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely.

City of Shoreview, Minnesota

The proposed 2024 budget is $8,334,339. The proposed total levy for the District is $6,099,751. The ACD 53-62 WMD proposes to collect charges of $26,782.28. RCWD, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on August 15, 2023.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE 2020 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at its regular board meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the Shoreview City Council Chambers, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota, the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers will receive public comment on a minor amendment to the District’s 2020 Watershed Management Plan, intended to clarify existing capital improvement projects within the plan. Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa Stasica at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely. The proposed minor plan amendment may be viewed on the District’s website under the Reports and Plans page: www.ricecreek.org or at the District office at the address below. Comments/questions can be directed to Matt Kocian at mkocian@ricecreek.org, 763-398-3076, or 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. Published

The total increased property taxes to be paid from outside the district if fiscal disparities Option A applies*

CITY OF SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA

ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF TAX INCREMENT DISTRICTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

Annual Disclosure of Tax Increment Districts for the Year Ended December 31, 2022

* The fiscal disparities property tax law provides that the growth in commercial industrial property tax values is shared throughout the area. In a tax increment financing district, this value sharing can either result in a decrease in tax increment financing district revenue or a tax increase for other properties in the municipality depending on whether the tax increment financing district contributes its share of the growth. Amounts displayed here indicate that the district did not contribute its growth in commercial industrial property tax values and represents the resulting increase in taxes on other properties in the City for taxes payable in 2022.

Additional information regarding each district may be obtained from: City of Shoreview Finance Department, 4600 North Victoria St, Shoreview, MN 55126; 651-490-4600

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on August 15, 2023.

* The fiscal disparities property tax law provides that the growth in commercial-industrial property tax values is shared throughout the area. In a tax increment financing district, this value sharing can either result in a decrease in tax increment financing district revenue or a tax increase for other properties in the municipality depending on whether the tax increment financing district contributes its share of the growth. Amounts displayed here indicate that the district did not contribute its growth in commercial-industrial property tax values and represents the resulting increase in taxes on other properties in the City for taxes payable in 2022.

Additional information regarding each district may be obtained from:

Finance Department

4600 North Victoria St Shoreview, Mn 55126 651-490-4600

New North Oaks development to be completed by 2026

Spring Farm Homes, a new development, will be springing up in the North Oaks area in the next two and a half years.

Many homes in the North Oaks neighborhood require a great deal of work of work to keep up with the demands of owning a single-family home.

The community has needed options for those that prefer a more convenient approach to owning a home, hence the development of Spring Farm Homes in 2022. The development will provide a property within the North Oaks area that is maintained by an association rather than homeowners themselves. Residents can look forward to services

like lawn care and snow removal, a park, picnic benches, activity center, and a gazebo located at the center of the neighborhood. The development is located at Centerville Road and County Road H2 near a conservation area with hiking trails. It will include both villas and twin homes built by Charles Cudd Co., Pratt Homes and Wooddale Builders.

For more information, contact Sanjay Kohli at (651) 428-5109.

Shoreview neighbors not sold on apartment, townhouse proposal

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Shoreview residents have an extensive list of concerns in regards to the 64 apartment units and the 21 townhomes proposed by Tyme Properties.

Eight residents recently shared their concerns during a public hearing at the Shoreview City Council meeting on Aug. 7.

The apartment and townhome complex would be located on the 5.7-acre site at the northwest corner of Hodgson Road and Gramsie Road. It would include a rooftop patio and covered parking for residents. The location would be right across the street from a supermarket, hair salon and other nearby amenities within walking distance.

The project requires zoning changes due to the height of the complex as well as approval from the Shoreview City Council in order to move toward finalization.

Residents that live along Virginia Avenue would need to share a road with one of the proposed entrances to the complex’s parking lot.

Virginia Avenue resident, John Leeper said “there are a few issues we have to address in terms of safety, not just for the neighborhood but for the

people who would live in this particular development,”

Leeper went on to express his concerns about traffic. “If you are trying to exit on that Gramsie site, you are a resident of the apartment complex, you gotta turn your head 120 degrees to the right then 90 degrees to the left because you have people coming off the roundabout… It’s going to be a problem.”

Another resident that lives on Virginia Avenue, Luke Bonawitz, also expressed his concerns on traffic flow

on Virginia Avenue, especially when it snows. “All these people will put their cars on Virginia. It’s gonna cause a back-log. It’s gonna cause trouble for those snow events,” he said.

A third resident, Perry Hackett from Virginia Avenue, expressed the reasons why he did not support that Tyme Properties complex. One of his issues raised was the term “affordable housing” that is used to describe the complex’s rent.

“One of the things that has been completely oppressed is the term

‘affordable housing’ and what it really means,” Hackett said.

Due to how dense the apartment would be, residents on Virginia Avenue wanted to know how affordable these apartments and townhomes would really be. Density is also a concern. Ultimately, the City Council decided to hold off on the vote until more information on rent was provided by the property developer. The final vote will be made at the next City Council meeting Aug. 21.

New York Times bestselling author to visit with White Bear area fans

BY MERRINA O’MALLEY PRESS INTERN

William Kent Krueger begins his day with a cup of dark french roast coffee and 3 hours of writing. With this amount of dedication, it is no wonder he has continued to turn out novels that win both awards and the hearts of his readers.

During Krueger’s childhood his father, a high school English teacher, helped him fall in love with literature. When he was just 18 years old, he was introduced to the works of Ernest Hemingway. From there, he decided he would write the next Great American Novel.

After a midlife crisis and research into popular literature genres, he began his fruitful journey into the world of mys -

tery. As Krueger puts it, “It’s a genre whose appeal cuts across all socio-economic levels, all age demographics, [and] all

ethnic groups.”

Following a four year learning curve, he finished his first published book, ‘Iron Lake’. This was the beginning of his most famous Cork O’Connor series, which now includes 19 books and a loyal following.

As a full-time writer, Krueger could not imagine his life any other way. “I’ve always wanted to be a writer,” he said. “There was never anything else I really wanted to be.”

Krueger has lived in Minnesota for 43 years, and his appreciation for it shows up throughout his many works. His books showcase the many types of landscapes that can be found in the state, and highlight the local Native American cultures of Minnesota. The Cork O’Connor series takes place in the great

northwoods area, and the main character is part Ojibwe and part Irish.

His standalone novels are also set in Minnesota. ‘Ordinary Grace’, his novel published in 2013, is a New York Times bestseller and received the Edgar Award for best novel. The companion novel, ‘This Tender Land’ spent nearly six months on the New York Times bestseller list.

Krueger will be visiting Lake Country Booksellers in downtown White Bear Lake on Sept. 8 at 9:30 a.m. His newest book, ‘The River We Remember’, is set to release on September 5, and copies will be available at the store for purchase.

READ • REUSE •

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

CONTRIBUTED

William Kent Krueger

CONTRIBUTED

William Kent Krueger’s new book is titled, “The River We Remember.”

PICKLEBALL: Bobby Theisen will undergo major changes

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Benoit.

There will be windscreen fencing on top of the acoustic fencing to help battle noise. The courts will have multiple colors in different areas to keep up with the current and progressing game rules.

One of the city’s goals when creating the plans is maintaining the social aspect of the sport so the courts are placed together on the north and south sides of the community rather than sprinkled around Shoreview.

The City of Shoreview noticed the popularity of pickleball in 2014 and was among the first cities to see the positive impact on the community. In 2015 the city installed pickleball courts in Bobby Theisen Park. The courts were installed by converting two existing tennis courts into six pickleball

courts. A third tennis court was lined with both tennis and pickleball lines allowing two “flex” courts.

Later, two tennis courts at the Shoreview Commons, located on Mounds Avenue, were lined for both pickleball and tennis which provided six additional flex courts.

Along with Bobby Theisen Park, Shamrock park is on the list to get six additional pickleball courts.

Along with multiple outdoor courts, the Shoreview Community Center has indoor pickleball courts for players to use during the colder months.

The Shoreview pickleball club was created in 2014 by the Shoreview Parks and Recreation Department. Those who have never played the game can learn how from volunteer instructors or other players in the community. It has grown to over 500

members since its creation. The club has attracted members from surrounding communities and of the 500 members, about one-third are Shoreview residents.

Every park has a different amenity, from baseball fields to ice rinks and pickleball courts to playgrounds for children.

The goal is to have those amenities at multiple parks across Shoreview.

“The intent is to balance desires at every park,” said Benoit about the park master plan.

For more information on the park master plan go to www. shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/parks and click on the parks project tab.

SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET

When: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Aug. 29.

Where: Lower parking lot of the Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview.

Details: The farmers market is a weekly summer event that brings the community together featuring local fresh produce, handcrafted artisan items, and live entertainment.

WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m. - noon, Friday, June 30 through Oct.

Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Street

Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week.

CIRCLE LEX FARMER’S MARKET

When: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 14-Oct. 4

Where: Back parking lot, Lexington Municipal Liquor Store, 4139 Woodland Rd.

Details: Open-air market with local vegetables, crafters, and baked goods. Rain or shine.

Contact: 612-272-3386

CURRENT EVENTS

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Where: Heritage Park on Lepak Court in Shoreview

Details: Join Mayor Sue Denkinger for great conversation, a cup of coffee, and a visit to Heritage Park.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS HERITAGE DAYS

When: Aug. 17-20

Where: Community Park and Vadnais Heights Commons

Details: Annual community festival includes a medallion hunt, pickleball tournament, kickball tournament, bean bag tournament, fun run, car show, Lion’s pig roast, kids activities, vendor market, inflatables, grande parade, live music and fireworks. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com

LEARN ABOUT LIONS PICNIC

When: 5- 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug 17

Register Now Fall Classes Begin September 5, 2023

Voted

GALLERY 96 ART CENTER PLEIN AIR PAINTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PARKS

When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. , Saturday, Aug 19 and Sept. 9

Where: Sucker Lake Park & Heritage Park, LepakLarson House

Details: Gallery 96 Art Center will host two Plein Air painting workshops and photography walks in the Shoreview parks this summer for aspiring artists of all skill levels. Plein air means to paint outdoors on site and truly see and capture what is in front of the artist. The guided photography walks are meant to provide photographers of all levels opportunities to refine their photo-taking techniques and explore the features of their cameras or phones.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a..m., Saturday, Aug. 19

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. You can register on the day of the event.

Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

MUSICAL FIELD GUIDE TO MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS

When: 11 a.m.- noon, Saturday, Aug. 19

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

CONTRIBUTED

Where: Haffeman Pavilion, Shoreview Community Center, 4600 Victoria Avenue

Details: Join the Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club for dinner, yard games, prizes and music!

FREE PRODUCE MARKET

When: 10 a.m. - noon, Thursday, Aug. 17

Where: Community of Grace Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake

Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag!

Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10- 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 18

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: Tim Jollymore will sign copies of his book ‘The Nothing That is Not There’ and his other books

Contact: 651-426-0918

SUMMER FRIDAY

When: Noon- 3:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Details: Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and lunch, play lawn games, check out artwork and enjoy live music!

Contact: 651-407- 0597 or whitebeararts.org

August 8-13 vs. Louisville Bats; August 15-20 vs. Indianapolis Indians; August 29-September 3 vs. Columbus Clippers

Details: Enjoy the lively sounds of woodwinds in a free performance of ‘A Musical Field Guide to Minnesota Wildflowers’ by local composer Jonathan Posthuma

Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: Noon, Wednesday, Aug. 23

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee will be provided.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10- 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 25

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: Jo Prouty will sign copies of her book ‘Love of a Dog’ and will be joined by Sarah Nintzel signing a new children’s book ‘The House We Sheltered In.’

BUILD THE FOUNDATION - CREATE YOUR LEGACY - CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION

BUILD THE FOUNDATION - CREATE YOUR LEGACY - CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION

Scan here for class schedules 1400 East Highway 36, Maplewood www.larkindancestudio.com. | 651-770-0764

Since 1950

651-644-6659 | saintsbaseball.com

766799766600

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

Thanks its next new Advisory Board Member…Might it be You?

IRA Charitable Distribution

Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2019

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

Individuals who are age 701/2 or older can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to one or more qualified charities, without paying federal income tax of the withdrawal. This option provides tax savings to donors even if they do not itemize deductions.

Details:

By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.

• Donors must be age 701/2 or older at the time the gift is made.

By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.

There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.

• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualified public charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making a gift.

The Foundation has positions open!

Qualifications

• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

• Committed to serving the community of Shoreview

• Leadership experience, outstanding work ethic

• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.

There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.

• Energetic, self-starter, and goal oriented

• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution.

• Strong written and verbal skills

• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable income tax reduction.

Applicants with a passion for community service are encouraged to send a resume and brief inquiry to shoreviewcommunityfoundation@gmail.com

• To qualify for tax-free treatment, donors cannot receive goods or services, or a personal benefit (such as tickets for events) in return for the IRA charitable distribution.

The SCF seeks to maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of people who appreciate Shoreview with the evolving needs of the community.

Contact the Shoreview Community Foundation at: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org

771777

AUGUST 15, 2023 www.presspubs.com SHOREVIEW PRESS 11 For further information visit: www.shoreviewcomunityfoundation.org Facebook.com/theshoreviewcommunityfoundation

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ANNANDALE SCHOOLS ARE HIRING!

•FT Night Shift Custodian, excellent pay, and benefit pa ckage.

•PT Custodian, excellent pay 4-9 pm M-F, year-round.

•Cook's Helper, 4.5 hours per day during the schoo l year

•Superb subs and he lpers teachers, par as, custod ians and more! Pick your availab ility.

ficial for them. Herbs and Vitamins could help your dogs live a healthier and happier life. You can learn more on my website: HolisticHerbsForDogs.com - where you can watch my Podcast.

•Special ed paraprofessional, 6.5-hour da ys during the school year excellent pay Join our team! Visit: www.isd876.org, human resources page.

The City of Shoreview is accepting applications for the following positions:

COMMUNICATIONS

SPECIALIST - GRAPHIC DESIGNER (Deadline to apply: 8/24/23 at 1 p.m.)

GIS COORDINATOR (Deadline to apply: 8/25/23 at 4:30 p.m.)

For more info and to apply online, go to shoreviewmn.gov/jobs 782577

NOW HIRING! ENTRY LEVEL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position, with the possibility of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator (CS6)

- Build ads to customer specs, and assisting the sales team with new ads for potential clients

Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

Ryan, 651-303-8053

Toro Power Broom

Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro profession al series $3,750

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free:

1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

NOW HIRING DAY SHIFT TEAM LEADER

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

- Follow a schedule with overlapping deadlines

-Work with editors to produce a vibrant

product

JOB DETAILS: - 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55-5:30 varies by season Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.

Desired Skills & Experience:

High school diploma required.

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

Please send resume to:

4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

Ca ll 651-214-0718

Construction program builds valuable lessons for students

BY NOELLE OLSON EDITOR

High school students trade books, pens and paper for hammers and saws in lessons on home construction in North St. Paul.

Coleton Thiel, a 2023 graduate of White Bear Lake, is one of approximately 109 students who built a home from the ground up. He was enrolled in the construction occupations program at the District 916 Career and Technical Center.

“I’ve never been the kid that does good in actual classes, to sit down and read books and memorize stuff,” Thiel said. “My counselor brought up the fact I could build a house and I knew I wanted to get into trades. I thought that was really interesting and something I wanted to do.”

This is the 29th student-built home for the program. Thiel said it took approximately seven months to build and had high praise for instructor Tom Spehn.

“He’s a really good guy and taught me a lot,” Thiel said. “He’s been building houses his whole life and he says our houses are built better than most professional houses because we go through every single step of learning how to do it. I guess you can say you’re learning a lot of valuable life lessons.”

Thiel said experiencing the satisfaction of building a residential home from the ground up was rewarding. He learned how to operate power tools in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, HVAC and electrical while working alongside trade professionals.

“This is going to sound a little cliché, but I learned that hard work does get you somewhere and trying new things really helps you, the people around you and it motivates other people,” Thiel said. “I also learned how quickly the morale or mood of everybody around can swing from being really good to really bad just based on one person’s energy. If they’re being

negative about something, everybody would get negative about it. But if one person stepped up and did it, everybody was like ... let’s try it.”

Building the home confirmed Thiel’s decision to go into the blue collar industry after graduation. He works at Capra’s Utilities in White Bear Lake but he will never forget the experience of the class at District 916 Career and Technical Center.

“The class was really interesting because I didn’t really have to do any paperwork and I got real world experience,” Thiel said. “We got to work with our hands every single day and use problem solving in a different way than school taught us to … like real life problem solving. It was really cool to see how a group of kids came together and built the house. Some people didn’t know how to swing a hammer at the beginning of the year, but it was a lot of fun.”

District 916 Career and Technical Center offers 20 programs giving high school students professional skills, industry certifications and in many programs college credit. This provides students a head start toward post-secondary success while earning high school elective credit.

Students come from 14 school districts north and east of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the coursework are part of a student’s normal school day. Students attend for 105 minutes and spend the remainder of their day at their home high school taking their required core classes. Transportation is provided and courses are held on the campus of Century College.

For more information, visit https://careertech. 916schools.org/.

-  

Colton Thiel building the roof of the house.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The completed home of District 916 Career and Technical Center.

Northern

NCAA champion Fixsen epitomized ‘no pain, no gain’

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Julia Fixsen, the Mounds View graduate who won the NCAA pole vault championship in June, was battling a painful foot injury most of the school year, which fortunately improved enough — after a month-long break — for her to give it her best shot at nationals.

“I was not in any pain during the outdoor season, but the potential for pain was always in the back of my mind, especially approaching a big meet again,” the Virginia Tech junior says. “I didn’t want what happened at ACCs to happen again.”

Everything clicked for Fixsen at nationals in Austin, Texas, as she cleared every height on her first try, capped by a lifetime best 14 feet, 7 1/4 leap, on which she reportedly could have cleared 15-0. Nastassja Campbell of Washington made the same height, but Fixsen, who had previously placed as high as third and fifth in national meets, won on fewer misses.

“Despite the hiccup of foot pain, my focus was on building confidence and being gritty, in practice and at meets,” Fixsen says. “Everything built up to outdoor NCAAs, and thankfully it ended up in my favor.”

Three months earlier, her right foot, which she originally broke two years ago, was wracked in pain during the Atlantic Coast Conference indoor meet in February. She used a short approach, skipped several heights, then started at 14-5 1/4. She made it, placing second

behind teammate Rachel Baxter, which helped the Hokies win the team title by a single point. “I had to step up because my team needed the points,” she said. Her mom, Laura, said Julia told her the foot “felt like when she had broken it two years ago.” Her Virginia radiologist concluded the X-ray, MRI and CAT scan showed no structural issues, just swelling. Due to that diagnosis, Fixsen decided to compete at indoor nationals March 10-11 against the wishes of her coach. She cleared 14-1 3/4 (for 11th place) before the pain kicked in, then barely missed at 14-5 1/4.

Virginia Tech’s coach, the renowned Bob Phillips, in his 37th season, pulled her out of the first half of the outdoor season to rest her foot. The cause of the

Pass new Mustang girl’s soccer coach

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

John Pass is the new girls’ soccer coach for Mounds View, succeeding Katelyn Fast, who headed one of the school’s most successful programs.

Pass, hired by activities director Jim Galvin, played high school soccer for Hopkins. He played club soccer for Wings Soccer Association, Minnesota Thunder Academy and Tonka United.

He has coached at Hopkins, Tonka United, North Suburban Soccer Association and Mounds Park Academy, where he was head coach last year. Pass was group director for girls U10-13 at NSSA and for girls U11-12 at Tonka United.

CONTRIBUTED

“My first impressions are that they are very committed to the program, unified, and driven to improve and maintain the standards that they’ve set for themselves over the past few years,” Pass said of his new team.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Virginia doctors had missed.

“So the poor kid had been jumping and gutting it out on a broken foot the whole season,” her mother said.

Fixsen’s internship is at Truly Engaging in Shoreview helping with social media. Majoring in Art History and Digital Marketing, she plans to graduate next year.

pain remained a mystery. At the outdoor ACC meet May 11-13, still using the short approach, she placed first with 14-5 1/4. She then rested again until outdoor nationals, where she was able to return to the long approach. She gritted her teeth, crossed her fingers and had the meet of her life.

“I felt confident and strong, after resting post-indoor season and was ready to get stuff done,” said Fixsen. About clearing that final bar, she said, “I was just so excited. I had to scream.”

Here’s the kicker: back home this summer for an internship, Fixsen visited the orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation on her foot two years ago, and learned she had a hairline fracture all along, which the

Her foot is “doing well,” she said. After working nine to five, she hits the gym for weight training and physical therapy. She runs once a week and bikes or swims the other days. “I’m really determined to stay strong, healthy and happy this upcoming year,” she said. She is a two-time state champion with the Mustangs and her 2018 leap of 13-9 1/4 is the state record. Fixsen said her goal is to jump in the 15’s (feet) next season and win indoor and outdoor nationals. Those are realistic goals if she can manage a full training season and full indoor/outdoor season.

Her other, loftiest, goal is to make the 2024 Olympic team. The top 10 women in the 2020 Games cleared between 14-8 and 16-0.

For now, she can cherish her biggest triumph yet.

“I feel so grateful for my team and my coach for building me up and encouraging me along the way,” she reflected. “I also have so much pride being a pole vaulter coming out of Shoreview, Minnesota. Nothing is better than bringing home the gold to my hometown.”

Fast steps down after 2 state trips, cites growing family

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Katelyn Fast ended a prolific coaching tenure with Mounds View soccer when she stepped down after her 10th season to spend more time with her family

“I was missing out on time that I won’t get back with my own family,” said Fast, who has four children, aged 10, eight, five and three. “As hard of a decision as it was, it was time to invest my energy elsewhere, knowing the Mounds View legacy and pride associated would continue under new leadership.”

Fast compiled a 74-39-8 record in seven years as head coach, with just one losing season and took her last two teams to state tournaments, in 2021 and 2022. She was an assistant three years before that and helped two other Mustang teams reach state.

“I loved my time at MVHS and believe I built a culture that was exciting to be a part of,” Fast said. “I started coaching when our oldest child was three months old (now 10). Mounds View girls’ soccer is an incredible part of my family’s story.”

Fast, who played for Minnehaha Academy, the Kelix Intra club and Bethel University, has been a director at North Suburban Soccer Club since 2012 and recently accepted the position of Director of Soccer Operations.

Mounds View’s new coach is John Pass who worked with Fast at the North Suburban Soccer Club. One of Fast’s former players, Grace Kruger, a 2017 graduate, was her assistant and will continue under Pass playing “an integral role in the transition,” Fast said.

“I will miss the excitement around game day,

2nd Annual Mah Jongg Tournament Benefitting The Alzheimer’s Association

Shoreview’s Parks and Recreation is hosting the 2nd Annual Mah Jongg Tournament that will benefit The Alzheimer’s Association. You can join the tournament’s

prizes.

for a day full of fun

building the relationships that you see translate and transform on the field, and working with my amazing staff. It is also a program I look forward to following for years to come, and potentially have my children be a part of.”

PHOTOS CINTRIBUTED

Julia Fixsen twisted over the bar at 14-7 1/4 to win the NCAA gold medal.

Julia Fixsen, in a Virginia Tech portrait.

John Pass

CONTRIBUTED

Katelyn Fast and her family assembled for a photo after a soccer match.

directors Tarri Levine from Meetup Metro Mah Jongg and Nancy Poferi from NE Twin Cities Suburban Mah Jongg Club

and

The tournament will take place at the Shoreview Community Center on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR

Chronic Pain Overview

Chronic pain is the most common major medical condition among adults. In the U.S. alone, chronic pain is estimated to affect over 50 million people and cost $635 billion annually, more than the annual costs of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. About 18 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain that limits their ability to complete daily activities.

Pain is considered chronic if it has lasted for three months or more. Though causes can vary, chronic pain is generally the result of an injury, illness, or nerve damage. It can present itself in many different ways, but among the most common conditions that cause chronic pain are sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, post-surgery pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Severity of pain can range from a constant nuisance to so painful that simply wearing a sock can be excruciating.

The good news for chronic pain sufferers is that our understanding of these pain conditions has advanced dramatically in recent years and substantial research has produced some incredible treatments capable of providing long-lasting, highly effective relief.

Pain Medications

When administered and managed responsibly, pain medications can help manage certain chronic pain conditions. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications can be enough, while in more severe or unusual cases, prescription pain medications may be recommended.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves performing low-impact exercises, stretches, and specific movements to increase strength and improve mobility throughout the body.

This enhanced strength and overall functionality allows your body to cope with physical stressors more effectively and can result in pain relief, especially

when paired with other services. Physical Therapy is unique in that it can be completed in-office or virtually.

Injections

Many chronic pain conditions can be successfully treated with injections. A medication containing a numbing agent (anesthetic), an anti-inflammatory (steroid), or a combination of both, is injected near the nerve, joint, or tissue causing the pain. The medication bathes the affected area, reducing symptoms and relieving pain.

Injections are brief, outpatient procedures that can provide several months of pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, the painful nerves are ablated (burned) using heat generated by radio waves. Special, hollow needles are placed at the site of the nerve and thin electrodes are inserted through the needles. A special machine generates radio wave energy, and the electrodes deliver it to the nerve(s), ablating them. This breaks up the pain signals coming from these nerves, providing relief.

Nerve ablation is a brief, outpatient procedure that requires minimal recovery time and generally provides between 6 and 12 months of pain relief.

Intrathecal Pain Pump

An intrathecal pump is an implanted device that automatically introduces medication directly into the body's cerebrospinal fluid. This direct infusion bypasses natural process in the body that may stop other kinds of medication from passing into the brain. As a result, intrathecal administration can offer fast and effective results while reducing the negative side effects commonly associated with oral pain medications.

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced pain treatment that uses electricity to block pain signals. A small battery is implanted in the lower back and connected to thin leads that are placed next to the painful nerves. The battery generates mild electric pulses, which the leads deliver to the nerves, "stimulating" them. This electrical stimulation blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, resulting in significant pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgical procedure that can provide many years of effective pain relief.

Relieve Your Pain, Renew Your Life

Chronic pain can be an exhausting, debilitating condition. But now more than ever, pain sufferers have ample opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, schedule an appointment with your local pain clinic and learn how they can help you get back to being your very best YOU!

Contributed by Twin Cities Pain Clinic.