Shoreview’s 2024 Citizen of the Year continues to engage in volunteerism
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Since 2007, the city of Shoreview has honored an outstanding volunteer citizen with the title of “Citizen of the Year.” The recipient who receives this title is elected by the members of the community. The winner of this award participates in organizations that benefit Shoreview and give back to the community.
The 2024 winner of the Shoreview “Citizen of the Year” award is longtime
Shoreview resident Carol Brown-Mills.
Brown-Mills has lived in Shoreview with her husband for 34 years. They moved to the area from Alameda, California, after he retired from the military. He also had a residency lined up at the University of Minnesota in veterinary dermatology.
“This is where we made our home, raised our children, he started a practice and I resumed my career in education,” she explained.
Brown-Mills taught
music at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish School in New Brighton for 25 years. During that time, Brown-Mills said she created a group called the Merry Minstrels, who would perform at local senior housing and at schools. Today, she is the creative director for the group. She also is involved in multiple music groups at her church, Peace United Methodist Church. She works part time for Minnesota StateMankato as a supervisor for student teachers.
She also actively serves on the Shoreview Community Foundation Board as its secretary. She has been a part of the foundation for almost six years. BrownMills is also the liaison between the Shoreview Community Foundation and the Shoreview Press. She is on the board for the Mounds View Community Theater and is house manager and assistant to the producer. Her first experience volunteering was
Jacob Berna, of Shoreview, is preparing for a prestigious choral performance opportunity their choir won after being judged one of the best in the country.
The TotinoGrace High School senior sings in the Angelica Cantanti’s Cantanti Singers, which won a spot to perform in front of 8,000 choir directors and music educators at the American Choral Director Association conference in Dallas, Texas this spring. Press Publications recently sat down with Berna to learn more about him and what he is looking forward to this choir season.
Carol Brown-Mills is Shoreview’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
Jacob Berna
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
Q: Tell me about yourself. (Year in school, activities participate in, job etc.)
A: My name is Jacob Berna, and I am a senior at Totino-Grace High School. I am a pretty active part of my community at Totino-Grace. I spent my first two years in soccer and did Show Choir through my junior year and a few musicals like Mary Poppins and Music Man. Currently, I’m a part of our Jazz band as their singer, but most important to me is that I’m a part of Angelica Cantanti.
Q: How long have you been involved in choir? Why did you want to do choir versus band or another option?
A: This is my second year singing with them and I’m upset that I won’t be able to sing with them longer. This community and group of people are so hardworking and inviting that it’s hard to not excel with them.
Q: How did you hear about Angelica Cantanti? And why did you want to join?
A: I initially became interested in choir because I’ve always loved singing. From a young age, I enjoyed music and would sing in the car. Once I got a little older, I started playing the cello and the trumpet. I enjoyed both and was good at them, but it didn’t really stick. Entering high school, I joined my school’s Show
Choir and started taking choir. I became so invested in the emotions of the songs and the power of the words. It allowed me to start seeing far corners of the earth with only my ears. It was my sophomore year when I was invited by Mr. Brown, my choir teacher, to go check out the Community Choir he conducted. That Sunday night I went by myself not knowing anyone there except the teacher and it was glorious. We sang together and even though I had no prior knowledge of the music as everyone else did, I already felt invited to contribute and create something beautiful. That’s when I knew I wanted to join.
Q: What do you enjoy about being a part of Angelica Cantanti?
A: My favorite thing about being a part of Cantanti is that I can express myself. It creates an environment where no matter what you look like, where you come from, or how wealthy you are, everyone is welcome to come and express themselves.
Q: Tell us about the group and your practice/ performance schedule?
A: Even though we work hard to do well, we only practice for two hours a week every Sunday. We normally have about three performances each year including some fundraising events.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this season?
A: Last March we went to the Midwest Regional Choir Conference in Omaha and will be attending the National Choir Conference in Dallas in March 2025: I’m excited about that because I’ve never been to Texas.
Q: Tell us about some of your accomplishments in choir.
A: A few of my accomplishments in choir specifically would be my involvement with the Minnesota All-State Choir from 2023-2025. This is another choir that is filled with talented singers but now from all around Minnesota. I’m also a Tenor Choir captain in my school’s choir.
Q: Is there anything else you want readers to know about you or the choir?
A: The last thing to know about me is that I don’t just like music, I am also really passionate about physics and philosophy. I highly recommend you check us out on Facebook or Instagram under the name Angelica Cantanti!
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
The Angelica Cantanti’s Cantanti Singers will perform at a national choir concert this spring in Dallas, Texas.
• Twelve businesses in the Shoreview area applied to renew their tobacco licenses, which council approved. Background checks were also completed or are in progress. The licensees have been informed of the city’s tobacco regulations.
• The City Council has adopted an ordinance that replaces the current Exhibit C fee schedule, and certain building permit-related fees have been adjusted. Minimum fee for building permits will increase from $28 to $80. Building demolition permits will also increase from $28 to $80. For fences and driveways, sidewalks and patios, the fee will increase from $28 to $49. Residential plumbing permit fees currently have a base fee of $25; this will increase to $65. The per fixture fee will be increased from $15 to $20 each. Refund requests must be in writing and will only go to the payee. There will be no refunds if the request is 180 days from the issue date and an inspection has been performed.
• An ordinance adopting short-term rental regulations and modifications to the fee schedule for smaller multiunit buildings has been approved by the City Council. Vacation/short-term rentals have continued to grow in availability and usage over the years. The city’s current rental code does not specify a minimum duration for which a property would not need a rental license, and the city has never separately regulated these types of uses. Discussions between city staff and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) resulted in a general consensus supporting the need to regulate vacation/short term rental properties. There will not be a specific regulation regarding the number of occupants. Staff did not recommend the addition of off-street parking requirements, since the city has no overnight parking allowed on city streets. The vacation rental property owner would have to ensure that there is ample parking for guests on site. Lastly, city staff recommended that there were
no restrictions on location. As part of the rental program, the city licenses both the single-family residential units and multifamily units. An update to the schedule was completed at the end of 2023. Since the implementation of the fees, staff has received feedback that it puts a higher burden on the duplex and triple rental buildings compared to other multiunit buildings. Based on discussions between staff and the EDA, it is recommended that the rental licenses fees for a duplex with a common owner be reduced to $250, a $50 discount, and a triplex with a common owner be reduced to $300, a $50 discount. These prices reflect costs that are more in the middle of comparison cities that staff reviewed earlier.
• The council has adopted an ordinance, and approved a summary ordinance amending Chapters 101 and 107 to establish zoning regulations and definitions related to adult-use cannabis. Adult-use cannabis was legalized by the state Legislature in 2023 and signed into law in 2024. Through the Legislature, cities have been tasked with adopting cannabis regulations for “time, place and manner.” In 2023, the city adopted an ordinance permitting the sale of hempderived cannabinoid products in retail services within the general commercial district. Shoreview’s goal is to have licensing and basic land use regulations in place before the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management begins issuing licenses in early 2025. Chapter 101, Section 2, defines words and phrases contained in the city’s municipal code. Updates were made to the definitions of cannabis cultivation, cannabis manufacturer, cannabis retailer, cannabis testing facility and cannabis wholesaler.
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec.16, in council chambers.
Madeline Dolby
Holiday happiness
The holiday season can certainly conjure up celebratory feelings of gratitude, friendly comradery and joy but, unfortunately, many of us can also experience added stress and feelings of sadness. For a variety of reasons, this year I’m finding that it’s taking some extra effort to stay positively focused on the present moment while cultivating a sense of gratitude, to keep some of the darker emotions and worries at bay. The loss of a loved one any time of year is difficult, but feelings of sadness and grief can be sharply magnified this time of year because there is the perception that everyone else is happy, combined with the expectation that we should be happy as well. My condolences go out to anyone who has recently lost someone close to them. I would never want to compare personal tragedies, but I have empathy for the unpredictable emotions and challenging milestones that follow the (sometimes sudden) deaths of close friends and family members. Years ago, as noted in a past column, our family experienced tragedy in the weeks preceding Christmas with the death of my brother Billy. He was only 26 years old when he died suddenly without warning. He was a gifted athlete at both the high school and college levels and by all accounts seemed to be in good health. In an effort to find some sort of explanation and closure my father requested an autopsy, but the doctors were never able to tell us why my brother died during the night. It still remains a mystery.
While we were growing up, I looked up to my older brother and both literally and figuratively followed in his footsteps. I remember tagging along behind him after a heavy snowfall and placing my feet in the deep prints he left behind as we trekked through the St. Paul neighborhood where we spent some of our formative years. Now he was gone.
Battling waves of grief, our family managed to celebrate Christmas that year and also the years that followed. However, when I look back at my family history, I view it as distinctly before and after that fateful year. Through experience, I’ve come to believe that you never really get over the loss of a loved one, but you can learn to live with and honor their memory.
I suspect that most of us are in some way dealing with personal challenges at this time of the year and I found some practical tips on coping with stress and sadness on the Mayo Clinic website including:
• Acknowledge your feelings: If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
• Reach out: If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Set realistic expectations: The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones.
• Set aside differences: Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion and try to accept family members and friends as they are.
I certainly struggle with this myself, but when confronted with situations that add to the stress level, I think it would really help if we can all take a moment before feeding into the anger and make the choice to exercise patience and kindness — with others and perhaps just as importantly, with ourselves.
Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238.
Are you ready to make a difference?
AMovers & Shakers
Julie Laliberte
s much as I love autumn; the weather, the colors, the crunching leaves; I love this holiday season even more! The whole celebratory sensory experience – colored lights, scented cinnamon, ringing bells, delectable treats; all surrounded by loved ones! Also, the sense of hope renewed and wishes for a peaceful and joyful new year. We have much to be thankful for in this country of freedom and opportunity. Unfortunately, not all of our neighbors are blessed with abundance. Many suffer from long term illnesses, financial challenges, food insecurity and loneliness. Is there anything we can do to help alleviate, even for a moment, some of the stress that our neighbors might be experiencing?
Part of the legacy of the Lions Club is to provide a coordinated, organized approach to serving those in need, beginning in our
• 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.
own community. Your local Lions are actively working to identify and address some of the many and varied needs of people in our communities and you can help!
To quote writers Richard Leider and David Shapiro authors of “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old,” ‘spending our precious currency – time – in ways that are meaningful and fulfilling is what make us feel wealthy. Being able to give of ourselves to others – family, friends, strangers in need – is what makes time meaningful. The more of ourselves that we give away – the more generous our actions – the richer we become.”
Isn’t it inspiring to know that your efforts make a difference? Like the old adage, “it is better to give than to receive,” we have a blueprint for what we can do to not only enhance the lives of others, but to reap the personal ramifications of service. Work done on behalf of others results in not only a good deed, but the added benefit of personal satisfaction. Your work will bear fruit as you continue to plant seeds!
An upcoming opportunity will be sponsored by the Shoreview Arden Hills Lions Club on
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. For the third year, the club will host a day of service at the Shoreview Community Center from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers will be able to choose from a variety of activities. For example, you may make blankets for the homeless, write letters to veterans, cut bibs for Bundles of Love Charity or create fun toys for shelter pets. There is no need to pre-register! Just show up and be prepared to enjoy meeting neighbors, making friends and creating projects for others! This is a family friendly event! Snacks and drinks provided!
Are you ready to make a difference? We are here to recognize your altruistic desires to make an impact! For more information about how you can be part of a giving culture at the Lions, please contact Jodi Laliberte, president, 612850-1866, jodiann110@gmail. com. May you be blessed by opportunities to contribute to a greater cause! Merry Christmas!
Julie Laliberte is the president of the Shoreview Arden Hills Lions Club.
SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
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• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
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• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Angle of View
Paul Dols
WHAT’S HAPPENING
INDOOR MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Fireside Lounge, Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Features local crafters and vendors. Contact: www.shorevewmn.gov
ONGOING EVENTS
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Classic holiday story performed by Lakeshore Players. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
CURRENT EVENTS
COOKIES WITH SANTA
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Dr.
Details: Enjoy a special visit with Santa. Decorate a cookie and enjoy some hot chocolate. Gift donations for Operation Joy will also be collected at the event.
Contact: 763-717-4040
21 ROOTS FARMS WINTER MARKET
When: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: 21 Roots Farms, 10361 110th St., Grant
Details: Feature farm products made by 21 Roots Farms participants. Products includes soap, balm, lotions, dryer balls and honey. Other items for sale include artwork, ornaments, pins and more. There will also be food and drinks available to purchase. Contact: hello@21rootsfarm.org
Thank
DENNIS AND CHERYL GILBERTSON
KATHY & MAYNE HAVLICEK
MICHELE FISCHER
MARK FLATEN
LONNIE COWHERD
LANNY & KAREN DAHLMAN
JOHN BICHNER
DAWN VAN ALSTINE
WINTERFEST
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community festival that includes horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, strolling carolers and specials at local shops and restaurants.
Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com
THE ENJOYABLE EVENING SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9
Where: Galilee Lutheran Church, 145 McCarrons Blvd. N., Roseville
Details: The Roseville Community Band will put on a Christmas concert. Free to the public. Contact: www.galileelutheranelca.com
SANTA CRUISE
When: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9
Where: Shoreview, MN
Details: Watch for Santa as he makes his way around Shoreview on top of a Lake Johanna Fire Department truck.
Contact: 651-490-4700
LETTERS FROM SANTA
When: Monday, Dec. 9
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580
Victoria St. N.
Details: Santa would like to wish everyone a happy holiday. The letter will come in an envelope with Santa’s name and return address in the corner, addressed directly to your child. Register online.
Contact: www.shorevewmn.gov
CANDLELIGHT TOUR AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Guided tour of the local landmark as it’s decorated for the holidays. Cocoa and cookies served. See website for ticket information. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
When: 9- 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580
Victoria St. N.
Details: Spend the morning with Santa at his workshop. Enjoy a continental breakfast, crafts and a visit with Santa. Registration required. Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/ special-events
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Ramsey County Library-Shoreview, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Lakeshore Quilters will be working on their own quilting projects. Stop in to see what projects are being worked on. Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
THOMAS ALBRECHT
STEVEN & SHIRLEY TIGGES
JIM TRAVERS
CHARLOTTE GUTHMILLER
NANCY EATON
DANIEL CROTHERS
DAVID SCHOLZ
MARCELLA KWAPICK
JANIS HEBAUS
KELLY & LINDA SOMMERVILLE
BOB & MICHELLE HANSON
ERNEST & LISA OLSON
LUTHER DALE
CAROL HACKETT
RICK KRENGEL
SHERYLL NORBACK
MIRIAM PETERSON
By
IRA Charitable Distribution
By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of
the
Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2019 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.
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.
There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.
There
• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualified public charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making
• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable
• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.
• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum
• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable
• 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
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.
“New Neighbor baskets quite simply, were birthed by the desire to build community relationships. The baskets are a lovely gesture to help newcomers feel welcomed in their city. The concept was borrowed from the Welcome Wagon, a decades old organization that was established with a greater emphasis on marketing local businesses. Our baskets, too, do provide opportunities for businesses to provide coupons, treats, gifts, literature, etc. that will be useful to someone just moving into the area. In addition to the items listed, the Lions provide the following – Insulated lunch bags, plastic cups with tops and straws, spatulas, jar openers and post it notes. All with the Shoreview Arden Hills Lions logo. As of September, we have delivered 90 baskets. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! How fun to bring a delightful bundle of goodies to someone’s door! The recipients are surprised and then thankful for all of our efforts! Thanks to the Shoreview Community Foundation, we will achieve our goal of welcoming 120 new residents by the end of this year.”
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
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COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• A vehicle parked in the 3400 block of Kent Street was reported broken into Oct. 15 and numerous items stolen, including a dash camera, coins and other items.
• A resident in the 5800 block of Ridge Creek Road on Oct. 14 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account. On Oct. 16, a resident in the 5700 block of Schutta Road also reported fraudulent activity on her bank account.
• A Maple Grove woman on Oct. 18 reported an enclosed trailer stolen from her property in the 5800 block of Hamline Avenue N. where it was being stored. She noticed the theft when she went to the property to retrieve it. However, when deputies spoke to all parties involved, they discovered the trailer was still on site, but hidden inside the garage.
• Deputies responded to a shoplifting report at the Target store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue at 8:44 p.m. Oct. 17. At 10:14 a.m. Oct.
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Shoreview
18 Target loss prevention personnel reported a man for making a clean getaway out the front door while carting off a vacuum cleaner worth nearly $800. Another one got away at 9:06 p.m. Oct. 18. Deputies did finally arrest a man, 33, at 9:47 a.m. Oct. 22, after he was caught stealing merchandise from Target.
• A vehicle parked in the 3500 block of Owasso Street was reported broken into Oct. 17.
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Oct. 20 responded to a shoplifting report from the Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N., during which a man tried to leave the store without paying for a video game system. When an employee caught him, he ran from the store.
• A resident in the 5800 block of Savannah Lane reported being harassed by an ex-girlfriend, who kept calling him and showing up unannounced at his residence to cause a scene, most recently at 12:34 a.m. Oct. 21.
• An Andover woman, 21, was cited
BUSINESS BRIEF
for shoplifting from the Shoreview Target Oct. 21, and also banned from the store.
• A resident in the 800 block of County Road I on Oct. 23 reported a phone call from someone pretending to be a police officer and who demanded money.
• A St. Paul man, 28, was cited for speeding Oct. 23 in the intersection of County Road I and Wood Duck Court.
• A Burnsville man, 20, was cited Oct. 24 in the 400 block of Highway 96 for distracted driving.
• A resident in the 5800 block of Hodgson Road on Oct. 23 reported that the man against whom she had an order for protection (OFP) contacted her over the phone. The case is under investigation.
• A Colorado man on Oct. 24 reported a break-in his work truck parked at a site in the 5900 block of Rice Creek Parkway and the subsequent theft of tools valued at up to $800.
• A resident in the 1800 block of Bluestem Lane on Oct. 24 reported receiving harassing messages on
social media and via phone, after responding to an online ad for a massage service.
• A resident in the 5800 block of Rice Creek Parkway on Oct. 25 reported fraudulent activity on her bank account. Unauthorized charges on her MasterCard totaled $5,154, and overall losses amounted to more than $11,000.
• A resident in the 800 block of Westview Court on Oct. 25 reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars, after he fell victim to a virus scam and wrote out a check to the suspect for more than $19,000.
• A windshield in the 3500 block of Owasso Street was reported as being shattered for no apparent reason Oct. 26.
• A Hutchinson man on Oct. 28 reported that someone had driven a vehicle into the parking lot of his business in the 3500 block of Lexington Avenue N. and had left tire marks on the pavement from performing burnouts.
Loretta Harding
POLITICAL BRIEF
Northern Lights Variety Band puts on holiday concert
The Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band will host its 30th anniversary holiday concert, “Winter Winds,” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Benson Great Hall, located on the Bethel University campus. The Calvary Church choir, under Musical Director Tammie Junkans, will serve as this year’s special guest choir.
The concert features a variety of seasonal audience favorites plus several new holiday compositions.
Tickets are available at the Shoreview City Hall, the Benson Great Hall box office, at the door and online at www.snlvb.com. Carriage rides from the parking lot to Benson Great Hall begin at 6:15 p.m. Benson Great Hall is located at 3900 Bethel Drive, Arden Hills. Spend the morning in Santa’s workshop
Spend the morning with Santa at his workshop from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Shoreview Community Center. There will be breakfast along with crafts and a visit from Santa himself. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The event is suitable for children ages 5 to 12. To learn more information or to register, go to www. shoreviewmn.gov/ parks-rec/specialevents. Register by Monday, Dec. 9.
CONTRIBUTED
Santa’s workshop will be on Monday, Dec. 9.
Enjoy holiday tea at the community center
Enjoy an afternoon of music with the North Suburban Chorus at the Shoreview Community Center from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. A variety of teas and desserts will be served. Pre-registration is required through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog.
Decorate cookies for the holiday season
Children ages 5 to 15 are invited to decorate cookies for the holiday season from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Shoreview Community Center. Participating children will get a dozen holiday cookies and decorating supplies. Bring a container to transport your cookies home. Register by Thursday, Dec. 12, through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. The Shoreview Community Center is located at 4580 Victoria St. N.
Jersey Mike’s acquired by Blackstone
Jersey Mike’s Subs is being acquired by Blackstone, a private equity firm.
Private equity funds managed by Blackstone will be used to acquire majority ownership of Jersey Mike’s. The deal is “intended to help enable Jersey Mike’s to accelerate its expansion across and beyond the U.S. market” and aid ongoing technological investments, the companies said.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the transaction will value Jersey Mike’s at around $8 billion.
The acquisition of the private company is expected to close in early 2025. Under terms of the agreement, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro will continue to lead the business.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Winter registration open to residents, community center members
Registration for winter activities is begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, for Shoreview residents. Community center members with an annual membership will be able to register for winter activities on Thursday, Dec. 5. On Friday, Dec. 6, general registration begins.
For more information, call 651-490-4750. Register for winter activites through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog online.
AARP Foundation seeks volunteers
Learn about volunteering as a member of the AARP Foundation Taxaide team. Contact district coordinator Maggie mbtaxes77@gmail.com to register for a free information session on Dec 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. No experience needed. You can also submit an application at AARP.org/volunteer/ programs/tax-aide. An extensive IRS-approved training program is provided in January.
CITY BRIEF
Water service line inventory available to residents
The city of Shoreview has completed and submitted its service line materials inventory to the Minnesota Department of Health. As of October 2024, inventory in Shoreview contains zero lead, zero galvanized pipes requiring replacement and zero unknown material, and each service line is not made of lead.
Residents can check the materials used for their service line by vising the Lead Inventory Tracking Tools at mps.umn.edu/LSL/. To learn more about water services in Shoreview, visit shoreviewmn. gov/serviceline.
State House District 40B Republican candidate sues DFL winner
The Republican candidate for State House District 40B, Paul Wikstrom, is suing race winner Curtis Johnson (DFL). Wikstrom claims that Johnson lives outside the district.
House District 40B is comprised of the cities of Shoreview and Roseville. The entirety of House District 40B is located within Ramsey County. The state constitution requires that legislative candidates live in their district for six months before an election to be eligible to run.
In the Roseville area, Wikstrom claimed in a lawsuit filed in the Ramsey County District Court that winner Curtis Johnson does not live in the studio apartment listed on his paperwork. According to the court filing claims, Johnson lives outside the Roseville-area district in a home in Little Canada.
The lawsuit says volunteers with the Wikstrom campaign took photos and observed both Johnson’s apartment and his Little Canada home over 60 times between Aug. 31 and Nov. 11.
Johnson, a Roseville school board member, defeated Wikstrom by more than 30 percentage points. His election was certified by the Ramsey County canvassing board. Wikstrom’s lawsuit seeks to overturn the certification and asks that the court order a new election.
A hearing in the case has not been set. The 2025 legislative session is set to begin Jan. 14.
FINANCIAL BRIEF
401(k) limit increases, IRA limit remains the same
The Internal Revenue Service (IRA) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased.
The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $23,500, up from $23,000. Annual contributions to an IRA will remain $7,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over was amended under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment but will remain at $1,000 for 2025. Participants in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older generally can contribute up to $31,000 each year, starting in 2025. Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 who participate in these plans. For 2025, this higher catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500.
The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional individual retirement arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs and to claim the Saver’s Credit all increased for 2025.
For more information, go to IRS.gov.
SPORTS PREVIEWS WINTER 2024
MUSTANGS // MOUNDS VIEW HOCKEY//BOYS
Mounds View, coached by Darrell Schulte, has six starters back from a team that went 7-17-2 last season, 5-9-2 in the Suburban East Conference.
Top scorer senior forward Mitch Olson is back. He had eight goals and 16 assists last season. Their dominant scorer last season, Jonny Conlin, graduated, and second-leading scorer, defenseman Sam Schulte, joined a juniors team for his senior year.
Other starters that are back for another season are senior goalie Sam Moen, who shared goalie duties with a senior last year and had an .875 save percentage; junior defenseman Jack Wendland; and sophomore forwards Chase Ballinger, Toby Walseth and Russell Eck.
Also playing for the Mustangs are senior forwards Jamison Barrows, Cass Koepcke, Casey Schell, Ben Morrisette and Cooper Larson; senior defensemen Andrei Burton and Ansis Ostman; junior goalie Sam Hegel; sophomore defenseman Ike Snider; and sophomore forward Friedrich Rech.
MUSTANGS // MOUNDS VIEW WRESTLING
With most of the lineup back from a state runner-up season, Mounds View should be one of the state’s premier wrestling teams again.
“We return a lot of guys with state tournament experience, eight entrants and five place winners,” Coach Daniel Engebretson assessed.
“Putting that together with younger guys who bring a lot of varsity experience, we are excited about the season. We hope to push to win another section title and compete for the team state title.”
The Mustangs were 30-1 last season, not losing until the Class 3A state finals to St. Michael-Albertville, and won all four invitationals they entered, including state’s two biggest, the Rumble on the Red in Fargo and the MatBoss Minnesota Christmas Tournament in Rochester.
Returning state medalists are senior Brett Swenson (47-3), 114-pound champion; senior Ethan Swenson (48-9), fifth at 172; senior Colton Loween (50-7), fifth at 160; senior Joseph Muhlstein (37-10), sixth at 189; and junior Owen LaRose (50-9), sixth at 107.
Oher state qualifiers that are back are senior Eli Claseman (2013) at 139, junior Will Schneider (34-18) at 121 and sophomore Caden Grenier (25-9), who qualified in 2023. Loween is 144-36 in his career, Muhlstein 122-31, Brett Swenson 122-19, Ethan Swenson 105-42, and Grenier 85-37. Engebretson listed a group of “guys ready to step up” — seniors Birk Swenson and Wyatt Warden, juniors Paxton Carl and Jack Hatton, sophomores Logan Francis, Patch Bulera and Jake Litecky, and freshmen Linkin Herr and Silas Helmer.
Four state qualifiers graduated: Quin Morgan, the 215-pound champion, and James Walker, Brady Swenson and Apollo Ashby.
The Mustangs will open at home Dec. 5 against Cretin-Derham Hall and Irondale. They’ll have a tournament on Chisago Lakes on Dec. 7.
Multiple state qualifiers will return to the Mounds View wrestling team.
MUSTANGS // MOUNDS VIEW HOCKEY// GIRLS
Mounds View/Irondale, coached by Sami Miller, has eight starters back from a team that went 8-17-1 overall and 3-12-1 in the Suburban East Conference.
Sarah Johnson, sophomore forward, is back. She had 17 goals and 15 assists and was the team’s top scorer. Nadia Buck, senior forward, had six goals. Other regulars who are back are senior defensemen Callie Lane, Madeline Herold and Paige Friedman; junior forward Kylie Dahl; sophomore forward Mia Simones; and freshman forward Ana Koepcke. Madeline Messner, sophomore goalie, saw some backup action last year and is now the starter.
Also playing for the Mustangs, who started the season 1-5, are senior Archer Norman (forward); juniors Taylor Metz (forward), Lydia Vanderbilt (forward), Annelli Hagen (defense), and Olivia Otte (defense); sophomores Reese Demeny (defense), Harper Sanchez (forward), Anna Lane (defense), and Aubrey Cummings (forward); and freshmen Claire Milberg (forward), Ariel Yu (forward), Stella Hagen (forward), Maria Walsh (defense), and Katie Koch (defense). Backup goalie is sophomore Kayla Kearin.
MUSTANGS // MOUNDS VIEW NORDIC SKI
Mounds View boasts the defending state Nordic Ski girls champion in Linnea Ousdigian, now a sophomore. The Mustangs had a solid season overall last winter with mostly senior lineups for both boys and girls. They are coached by Ian O’Neill.
The Mustang boys were Section 4 runners-up to give the school its first state entrant since 1996. They were 13th of 16 teams at state. Owen Kalmes, now a senior, placed 21st at state. Jackson Ashbach, a junior, is the only other returner from the five-man state lineup.
The boys and girls teams were both Suburban East Conference runners-up. The girls were third in the section meet. Ousdigian won the state title by over two minutes in a time of 34:25. A second state qualifier was Margot Derosier, now a senior. The rest of the section lineup graduated.
The Mustangs are scheduled to start with conference meets Dec. 4 at Les Bolstad Golf Course and Dec. 13 at Irondale.
The Mustangs, coached by David Lieser, have a good chance for another strong season with five of their top seven back from a team that finished 19-9 overall and 11-7 in the Suburban East Conference.
Alex Kriauciunas, senior forward, averaged 11.6 points last season and is back. Also returning are multiple seniors; point guard Cody Loegering (9.1 ppg), guard Jacob Sampson (7.3 ppg), guard Jack Dahl (5.5 ppg) and forward Nate Edelman (5.2 ppg).
“We return a veteran group of players and we will rely on their experience,” said Coach Lieser, adding that it’s a good shooting group. “We expect to compete in a very competitive Suburban East Conference.”
The Mustangs will start Tuesday, Dec. 3 at St. Paul Highland Park, then host St. Anthony Village on Friday, Dec. 6.
MUSTANGS // MOUNDS VIEW BASKETBALL//GIRLS
It’s a start-over year for the Mustangs, who just one starter back from a team that went 16-13 overall and 10-8 in the Suburban East Conference.
“This team has some good shooters and is pretty athletic, very hard-working and defensive-minded,” Coach David Bratland said. Their high-scoring guard, Bria Stenstrom (24.6 ppg) graduated. Returning all-conference guard Kate Roeber (12.3 ppg) has a torn ACL and is hoping to be back by February, Bratland said. The lone player back from last year’s top seven is Lily Ryan, senior forward who averaged 5.9 points per game. Also seeing action this year will be senior guards Nora Schmidt and Liza Mushel, senior forward Jocelyn Setley; junior guards Maddie Schneider and Ivy Nystrom; and seventh-grade point guard Jaycee Helmer.
The Mustangs won their opener over Shakopee 40-31. Their next games are Saturday, Dec.7 at Spring Lake Park and Tuesday, Dec.10 hosting Irondale.
Margot Derosier
BRUCE STRAND PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Cody Loegering
Press celebrates 130 years at the Festival of Trees
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
First responders announce extra DWI enforcement
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, Minnesota State Patrol, St. Paul Fire Department and other first responders will be have extra holiday DWI enforcement and participate in an awareness campaign through New Year’s Eve. From 2019 to 2023, 127,419 people statewide were arrested for DWI.
COUNTY BRIEF
Ramsey County Public Works updates transition plan
Ramsey County Public Works is updating an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan for pedestrian facilities within the county’s public rights of way that are managed by the Public Works
Department, as well as Public Works’ communications, services, activities, policies and procedures.
The plan outlines how Ramsey County Public Works will make all relevant assets ADA compliant, including timelines and funding sources.
Relevant assets include the following:
In that same period, there were 664 alcohol-related driving deaths. First responders are hoping that the extra enforcement, combined with raising public awareness, will prevent traffic deaths and convince people to drive sober.
• Curb ramps
• Crosswalks
• Sidewalks
• Shared-use paths
• Traffic control signals
• Pedestrian flasher systems For more information, go to ramseycounty.us/pw-ada or email PublicWorksADA@ramseycounty. us.
Mounds View athletes commit to universities
In November, multiple Mounds View athletes committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at a collegiate level.
The athletes who signed in their respective sports were:
• Caden Ayshford, lacrosse, Mercyhurst University
• Nate Edelman, baseball, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Owen Kalmes, cross country and track, South Dakota State University
• Liliana Peleska, soccer, University of Minnesota Duluth
• Casey Poppler, cross country and track, University of St. Thomas
Mustang cagers win first 3 games
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View girls’ basketball has started the season 3-0, despite returning just one of their top seven players from last year’s 16-13 team.
“We’re definitely a work in progress, having about eight points per game returning from last season,” Coach David Bratland said. “The players are working really hard and have ‘bought in’ to the defense. They do a really good job sharing the ball and working for each other.”
The Mustangs opened with a 40-31 win over Shakopee at home Nov. 22.
Defense earned that win, while Nora Schmidt led with 14 points. Jayce Helmer was next with seven. Sadie Hall had 16 for Shakopee.
The Mustangs won at Robbinsdale Armstrong 56-54 on Thursday, taking the lead as Schmidt sank a three-pointer with 10 seconds left. Schmidt, a junior guard, and Helmer, a seventh-grade point guard, tallied 15 points each. Anna Smelser scored 16 for Armstrong.
Mounds View tripped Spring Lake Park 64-37 there Saturday, led by Schmidt with 21 points and Maddie Schneider with 17. Eleven players scored.
SPORTS BRIEFS
GIRLS HOCKEY
Mounds View/Irondale (MVI) has a 1-7 record after losing two close games last week, to East Ridge 2-1 on Tuesday and Anoka 3-2 in overtime on Saturday, Nov. 30. East Ridge outshot the Mustangs 36-18. Nadia Buck scored for MVI to tie the score 1-1 at 1:37 of the third period. Bella Palmer gave the Raptors the lead at 9:38. Sarah Johnson and Buck scored against Anoka. The Tornadoes tied the score with 1:16 left in regulation and won at 6:02 in overtime with Kendall Rykell scoring.
BOYS HOCKEY
Mounds View has lost its first three games, to Blaine 4-0, Woodbury 9-3 and Blake 5-2, then got into the win column against Totino-Grace 2-0 on Saturday, Nov. 30. Goalie Sam Hegel, junior, stopped 42 shots by the Eagles (1-1) in his first start. Mitch Olson scored for the Mustangs on a power play in the second period. It was 1-0
until the Mustangs got an empty net goal from Ike Snider with 16 seconds left. Eagle goalie Gavin Covrig stopped 18 of 19 shots. Olson has tallied three goals and Russ Eck, Jamison Barrows and Toby Walseth one each. Walseth has made three assists and Cass Koepcke two. Sam Moen was goalie in the first three games.
WRESTLING
The Mounds View wrestlers are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A in pre-season by The Guillotine. St. Michael-Albertville (STMA) is first, followed by the Mustangs and their conference/section rival Stillwater, then Shakopee and Albert Lea in the top five. Mounds View’s lone loss last season was against STMA in the state finals. The Mustangs will open at home Thursday against Cretin-Derham Hall and Irondale.
Bruce Strand
Looking ahead for SPORTS
MUSTANGS SCOREBOARD
GYMNASTICS
6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4—vs. Forest Lake at Edgewood Middle School
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12—at Park High School
GIRLS BASKETBALL
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—at Park High School
5:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6—vs. St. Anthony Village
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10—vs. Stillwater
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13—at East Ridge High School
BOYS BASKETBALL
7:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6—vs. St. Anthony Village
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10—at Stillwater Area High School
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13—vs. East Ridge
BOYS HOCKEY
3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—at Stillwater
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10—vs. White Bear Lake
GIRLS HOCKEY
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—vs. Blake 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—vs. Cretin-Derham Hall
BOYS SWIMMING
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12—at Stillwater
DANCE
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—at Woodbury High School
WRESTLING
9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—at Chisago Lakes High School
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Nora Schmidt
Mounds View basketball
December 3, 2024
Nora Schmidt, a senior and guard for Mounds View girls basketball team, helped the Mustangs start the season 3-0 by scoring 14 points against Shakopee, 15 points against Armstrong, including the game-winner, and 21 points against Spring Lake Park. Those were the first three starts of her career. “She’s shooting the ball really well, and finishing well at the rim,” noted Coach David Bratland.
CONTRIBUTED
Five Mustang athletes committed to continue their athletic careers.
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Displaced pets find safety in Minnesota after Hurricane Helene
BY STACY VERDICK CASE ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
Local animal shelter Ruff Start Rescue is pitching in to help animals displaced after Hurricane Helene.
“We have a relationship with the Humane Society of the United States,” said Azure Davis, the Founder and Executive Director of Ruff Start Rescue. “They do a lot of disaster response and disaster relief work. So when things do happen, like hurricanes, tornadoes, whatever it might be, we reach out to them to see where the assistance is the most needed.”
Seven dogs and 17 cats arrived on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from hurricane-damaged shelters in North Carolina and Tennessee. “We don’t normally take cats from out of state just because there is a need here in Minnesota. But we do make an exception for disaster response.”
On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category four hurricane with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. Helene dropped an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rainfall, which caused historical flooding leaving millions without power and hundreds dead or missing. Because of the unprecedented nature of the storm shelters in the southeast were caught off guard and scrambling to find shelter for the animals in their care displaced by flooding. One of the worst affected shelters was the Unicoi shelter in Tennessee. “They got hit really hard,” said Davis. “They had major flooding and had to move like 100 animals out of there.”
Other shelters in the surrounding areas of Tennessee and the Carolinas were in the same situation, so Unicoi turned to The Humane Society of the United States. “They took the dogs and put them in Baltimore in temporary housing for this last month or so. It’s a temporary housing like a big pole barn type thing with wood chip bedding.”
On Oct. 22 the animals were transported from Baltimore to Fort Bend, Indiana where volunteers from Ruff Start Rescue picked them up to transport them to their offices in Princeton. From there Ruff Start enlisted the help of foster families to take and care for these animals. Ruff Start will work to help these animals find a “fur-ever” home.
Davis expects a second round of animals from hurricane damage areas to arrive later. “We want to give them time to find their owners. So there will be a second round in probably the next couple of weeks if they still haven’t been claimed. That’s when those shelters in those states will send them to rescues and need help, probably more than ever, honestly. Because they’re still just trying to get things together and assess their needs and the damages. So these next two to three weeks, I think we’ll see the aftermath. When the media dies down, but that’s when the most help will probably be needed.”
Commitment to helping animals
In 2010 when Davis, a lifelong resident of Isanti County, was 23 she spotted a Pitbull named Hope that was emaciated and running out of time at an Ohio shelter. Davis decided to rescue Hope and so began Ruff Start Rescue.
“I always joke that the animals find me, not the other way around, and that it was just my calling. It’s just always been part of my life. Since I was a very little girl, growing up on 50 acres with stray animals showing up and trying to network them to find homes.”
Davis still finds strays roaming Isanti County, “it’s like every few months, I don’t know what’s going on. I’m loaded up in my car, driving around, and it’s like, okay, where are the owners?” These days she’s more prepared to help locate families. “I have a microchip
scanner I drive around with and I try to reunite people with their dogs.”
When she speaks, Davis’ love for animals is clear. In building Ruff Start she has created a place where animals can be sheltered in caring environments. And if she can, she wants to help keep pets with their family. “We work with the community to help keep pets in homes. So if somebody needs food or they’ve fallen on hard times, we try to provide the community and especially the local food shelves with supplies and food when we have a surplus. No food goes to waste basically.”
Ruff Start Rescue has a mission to “improve animal welfare in communities through adoption, education, and providing resources for people and pets.” They are growing every year and Davis has big plans for increasing their reach in the community.
“Eventually we want to offer some discounted veterinary care to the public. We’re not quite there, but that is in our goals.”
They hope to reach those goals through fundraising efforts like their annual Give to the Max campaign in November. “That’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year we’re specifically raising money to put an addition on our building here at Ruff Start to be able to help with rescue surgeries like spay and neuter, but then also more space for the community, for food, and those supplies that we get donated, because we’re just out of space. We’ve had to turn some away which kills us because we know that we can find good homes for it and there’s a need for it. So we’re adding 1200 square feet. On Give to the Max Day we’re trying to raise $225,000 that day.”
Community help for hurricane response
Community members who are looking for a way to help with the cats and dogs coming in from Hurricane Helene are encouraged to reach out to Ruff Start with financial donations if they can. “We always need monetary donations to help with their vet coverage and transport. Especially in preparation for the next round because we drive down and meet them, and it all adds up.”
For those who don’t have financial resources to donate consider donating your time and talents. Their website lists many jobs that they could use help with to keep things running smoothly including remote volunteer positions. “A lot of people forget about the back end operational costs, you know, or the maintenance and wear and tear on our transport vehicle. We don’t have a lot of coverage from that. So if there’s businesses or individuals that can help us with those things to make these transports possible, that’s always a need and we’re always looking for more drivers, and help when the transports come in. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities, especially if people have experience with veterinary care if they’re vet techs, or if they’re good on computers. There’s a lot of opportunities where we need more volunteers.”
You can sign up to volunteer on their website at: ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/ All of the animals brought here from Hurricane Helen are available for adoption on their website as well.
Stacy Verdick Case is an editorial assistant for the
Isanti-Chisago County Star, a sister publication.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Unicoi County Animal shelter in Erwin, Tennessee was flooded when Hurricane Helene dropped from five to over nine inches of rain on East Tennessee in a 24-hour period.
A volunteer from Ruff Start Rescue helps outfit Sadie, one of the dogs rescued from historic flooding from Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, with a new harness and leash.
Ruff Start Rescue of Princeton took in 17 cats (including this kitten named Huck)and seven dogs from Unicoi County Animal Shelter after they were rescued by the Humane Society of the United States.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR:
becoming involved in the music programs at Peace United Methodist Church and getting involved in her children’s activities, such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Brown-Mills said her favorite part about living in Shoreview is the people, the parks and the trails Mayor Sue Denkinger called BrownMills to tell her she had received the award; Brown-Mills said she could not believe it.
“I feel very humble about it,” BrownMills said when asked what it meant to receive the award. “I don’t want to take all the credit, because I do my own part, and everyone else is doing their part. It means a lot to be singled out that way. It motivates me to keep being engaged.”
Brown-Mills continues to volunteer because she said she wants to give back to the community and have Shoreview continue to be a good place to raise a family, and the future. She added
that those who are looking to start volunteering in Shoreview should look for a way to give back and contribute to the community, while also feeling positive about themselves.
“As volunteers, I think all of us are always looking up,” Brown-Mills said in her remarks when she received the award. “We are looking up to a vision of the very best possible version of the city of Shoreview we are able to imagine. We are looking for ways to get involved,
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(and) opportunities to engage in efforts to make our community welcoming and inclusive, environmentally responsible, safe and beautiful.”
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.
Get to know your local north metro skaters
The synchronized skating season is well underway and about to ramp up. Skaters on the Northernettes Synchronized Skating teams will go to California, Boston, Michigan, Massachusetts and Wisconsin for competitions.
Press Publications recently sat down with Shoreview skaters Audrey Lee and Mia Pohlman to learn more about them and their skating backgrounds.
Audrey Lee
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
A. My name is Audrey Lee. I am from Shoreview, and I am a sophomore at Mounds View High School.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A. I have been skating since I was 4 years old, and I have been competing in singles since I was 8 years old.
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
A. What initially drew me to synchronized skating was watching how much fun and excitement my friends had with the Northernettes. They’ve built an incredible community with such a positive atmosphere, and it made me want to be a part of that. In addition to skating, I played traveling basketball and softball for several years, up until last year.
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. Until last year, I was only competing as an individual.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. I joined the Northernettes in 2023 after hearing about the team from other girls at my home rink who were already members. Their positive experiences and excitement about being part of the team really motivated me to join.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. I skate every day of the week, Monday-Sunday.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. I love that synchronized skating allows me to do something I’m passionate about alongside my best friends. The supportive atmosphere and sense of community make the experience even more special.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
A. My biggest challenge has been balancing my health, schoolwork and skating. It can be tough to manage all three and give each the attention it deserves, especially when they all demand so much time and energy.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. Qualifying for U.S. synchronized nationals last season and placing fifth overall at the Novice level.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. I am looking forward to coming back even stronger than last year, both physically and competitively.
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. Progress in figure skating is never linear—there will be both good days and challenging ones. The key is to stay persistent and push through the tough moments because they are part of the journey toward improvement. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and each good day will feel that much more rewarding when you push through the harder times.
Q. Tell us about your future plans.
A. My future plans are to finish high school with a strong GPA and then find a college that will allow me to grow both academically and personally. I also want to continue pursuing my passion for skating while exploring new opportunities.
Mia Pohlman
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
A. I’m from Shoreview and I’m in eighth grade at Chippewa Middle School.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A. I’m 13 years old and I have been skating since I was 7.
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
A. I used to love watching the skaters at the Olympics and thought it would be so cool to be like them.
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. I did individual skating for a long time, until I started synchro in 2021. Since then I have done both synchro and individual skating. I also started ice dance this summer.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. I heard about the Northernettes from my mom in 2021 so I went to a practice for the training team and loved it so I decided to keep doing it.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. I skate eight times a week, including synchro.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. I enjoy working on my skills, and I love seeing my friends and coaches at my rink.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
A. My biggest challenge has probably been losing my jumps and working all summer to get them back through a knee injury.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. My proudest achievement is going to nationals with the Juvenile team last season.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. This season I’m looking forward competing and traveling with my team.
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. Advice I would give to someone starting skating is to keep working at it, even when it gets hard,
I’m hoping to make the Novice team next year
Compiled by Shannon Granholm
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Mia Pohlman
Audrey Lee
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: EVELYN RIVARD
WBY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
hite Bear Lake Freshman Evelyn Rivard defines the “emerging” part of “Emerging Artist.” Case in point, Rivard was attracted to the role of Imogen Herdman in Children’s Performing Arts’ production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” because she “hadn’t done a play yet and thought that was really fun.”
Far from cavalier, Rivard gives this response with an undertone of excitement. Rather than planning out her Tony Award acceptance speech 20 years from now as theater kids tend to do, Rivard is rapidly absorbing a new interest, remaining open to all
Cpossibilities.
Though Rivard has been singing and dancing in musical theater since third grade, this is her first role in a play. To her surprise, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” has made her like acting more than singing and dancing. This is partially because Rivard has been used to ensemble or chorus parts, which tend to be monotonously rousing. “When you’re singing, you’re just in your own kind of mood. You’re happy, you’re dancing, you’re having fun,” Rivard explains. “But when you’re acting, it gives you more possibilities to open up and be like somebody else.” As a fledgling actor, Rivard believes that her strength is that she has range. “I could go from being
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
a very rude person to a very sweet person,” she explains. Rivard admits, though, that she’s currently working to “pronunciate,” a theater term that combines “pronounce” and “enunciate.”
Rivard is also learning how her character is both similar and different from herself.
“I’m very in the lead,” Rivard compares. “I like to be the first in everything. I’m very loud. I’m not exactly a rude person, though, and I feel like Imogene’s got some brattiness to her.”
In future roles, Rivard hopes to further explore more outsized roles. “I think fun, out-of-world kind of stuff gives me an opportunity to be somebody else,” she says, giving The White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland”
A DIFFERENT BEST “PAGEANT” EVERY TIME
hildren’s Performing Arts ran into unexpected competition with its production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”—the movie theater. While a new cinematic version of Barbara Robinson’s 1972 children’s novel hit cineplexes last month, seventh grader and CPA cast member Harriet Erickson believes there’s room for both versions. “If you watch a theater production, it’s always gonna be different. Whereas if you watch a movie, it’s always gonna be the same thing no matter how many times you watch it.”
Every version of the story revolves around Beth Bradley’s experience of her mother, Grace, taking over the church Christmas pageant just as local hellions, the Herdman children, audition for the
show, attracted by free Sunday School refreshments. The resulting chaos that ensues tests the Bradley family and the entire community’s sanity. As the Bradleys learn more about the Herdmans, however, they discover, as Erickson puts it, “The magic of Christmas isn’t just putting on a nice show. It’s about getting together as a community and celebrating your differences.”
Director Evan Heil promises that CPA’s version of “Best Christmas Pageant” has “a lot of unique choices that, if you’ve seen the show before, this is gonna be a different take.” Heil tempers that statement, however, with nostalgia for the source material. “I read the story as a kid. My parents read the story…” Heil relates. Beyond the book, however, he’s purposefully avoided watching any staged or filmed version of the material. “I’m trying not to let
DIRECTOR CALLS UPON PAST GHOSTS TO
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When approaching “A Christmas Carol,” Director Kivan Kirk of Lakeshore Players was struck by a scene in Charles Dickens’ book in which Ebenezer Scrooge revisits his exfiancee, Belle, and she brings up their shared impoverished past. Scrooge responds, “This is the even-handed dealing of the world!” [Scrooge] said. “There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty…” To understand Scrooge, then, Kirk connected with his own painful past. “I grew up incredibly poor, and I moved all the
DECEMBER EVENTS
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
as an example. She has also noticed how theater is helping her grow to be more communicative. “I feel like I’m more friendly after doing theater for so long. I’ve just kind of learned to bond with people,” Rivard states.
In a world where teenagers are pressured about their future, their dreams, and their life plan, Rivard’s personal goals and observations regarding theater are refreshingly concrete. She is letting curiosity drive a newfound passion without an end goal necessarily in mind. Ironically, though new to acting, Rivard clearly has one of the hardest fundamentals of the craft already mastered— being present in the moment.
that influence my opinions of things,” he explains, “I don’t imagine that it’ll be exactly like any other [version] because how can it be?”
Whatever the final version looks like, audiences will be sure to enjoy this version of the story because of the effort and work the cast is putting in on a much shorter timeline than the movie had. Comments Erickson, “In theater, it’s not always professional actors and there’s no like special effects. They can’t edit stuff out. So if something happens, it happens, and we just roll with it.”
That attitude sounds like the one Grace Bradley had to adopt.
CPA’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” runs Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15 at LILA Performing Arts Center in Forest Lake. For more details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org
PRESENT LAKESHORE’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
time,” Kirk shares. “One of our actual sources of income was my stepfather and I going to the dumpster behind a Casey’s and pulling out all the cans and water bottles…” He explains that his upbringing left him with anger and arrogance to overcome: “If I can rise, if I can work 40 hours a week on top of high school, and I can manage to save enough money and I can do this, why can’t you? … And I think that’s a lot of what Scrooge feels.”
Kirk, however, had modern-day resources to combat “those pathways of fear running through my head on a daily basis.” Given the bleak reality of Victorian England, Kirk states, “It’s understandable to see where
MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION COMMUNITY RECEPTION
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Thursday, December 5, 3:30-8:30 PM
Details: Celebrate WBCA members at the Members’ Exhibition Community Reception where you can view the artwork, visit with artists, listen to live music, and have fun. All are welcome to this free, open-house-style event.
Scrooge got where he got—not that it’s something we can condone—But also, people like Scrooge are the natural consequence of severe poverty.” This production of “A Christmas Carol,” then, is about “detangling these things that went into creating this traumatized human.”
Such a journey promises spectacle, as Kirk’s team plans to lean into the fantastical elements of shackled spirits and time travel. “We want to give the sense that we’re traveling over London at great heights, right?” Kirk states.
“It’s not just like, ‘Hey, let’s go deep into your past and talk about who you are.’ But he goes on this epic journey too.” The crew is especially excited to
WINTER OPEN HOUSE
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Saturday, January 11, 1:00-3:00 PM
Details: WBCA’s Winter Open House is a free, family-oriented afternoon full of art activities, sled dogs, snow painting, ice carving, and more.
show off projection technology to evoke the eeriness of Scrooge’s experience. Kirk asserts that the spooky elements are traditional, but they won’t overshadow the enduring appeal of Charles Dickens’ story. “Knowing how so many people were hurting, [Dickens] took that, and he made something beautiful. …” Kirk remarks, “I think there’s something to be said for the kind of pathway to a better self and a better humanity.”
“A Christmas Carol” is running at Hanifl Performing Arts Center now through Dec. 17. For more details, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.
YOGA IN THE GALLERY
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Tuesdays, December 3-January 14, 12:00-1:15 PM
Details: This unique class blends mindful, purposeful movement with deep meditative practices, offering a powerful reset for your body and mind during the lunch hour. Register at WhiteBearArts.org