Late summer Ski Otters sighting
Ski Otters team members, from
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Aug. 30 represents a significant day for those in a mindset different from some. That is National Grief Awareness Day, designed to raise awareness for those struggling with the anguish of losing someone or something special. In White Bear Lake, some are willing to share their stories of loss, how they learned to accept their emotions, and how they helped others through their own struggles.
and
make a pass in front of the crowd assembled on shore of Little Goose Lake during a recent Sunday show. Catch the talented members of the award winning water ski group in action during their final show of the season on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. During a break in the performance it was also announced that team member Pete Hegarty had been seriously injured in national ski jumping competition and is currently recovering in the ICU at Fort Wayne Hospital. Find more information about Pete and make a donation at www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-petes-road-to-recovery.
Grief support services for those undergoing loss
• Grief Share Group: visit. griefshare.org
• St. Croix Valley Grief Coalition: www. scvgriefcoalition. com
One of those is White Bear Lake resident Lynn Amon, who lost her mother, Rosie, to dementia last July. Rosie had been working as a hospice nurse at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale. Rosie’s occupation frequently involved talking to and comforting end-of-life patients. Although she had been living with the disease for nine years, it was not until the last year of her life that it began to affect Rosie physically.
“She was still a functioning family and community member, but in a very shrinking
Bald Eagle Yacht Club celebrates quasquicentennial
BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER
When a group of sailors gathered on Bald Eagle Lake in 1899 to start a yacht club, they couldn’t have dreamed their descendants would be celebrating those beginnings 125 years later. Handwritten minutes were brief for that first meeting in the home of George Lohman Sept. 18, and said only that the group was “planning the next racing season.” A second meeting two months later at Dr. I. E. Seqvelund’s office was longer, with discussions centered on
lengths of boats, maximum sail area and the fact a three-person crew could not weigh more than 450 pounds.
Officially located at a “firstclass” dock at the end of Buffalo Street for the first 30 years, the Bald Eagle Yacht Club never had a building. What it did have were dedicated people who shared a love for “yachting,” the word they often used for sailing, and the camaraderie that went with it.
The first sailboats to race on the lake were “gaff rig” style and appeared on the dock in 1900 photographs. “The flat-bottomed scows so popular today had
not been invented yet,” noted Evelyn (nee Chapin) Duvall, a fourth-generation Bald Eagle homeowner who is related to four of the 14 people attending the first club meeting.
Duvall’s relatives included Willis Pierce, her great-uncle (Duvall and husband Mark live in the house Pierce built); Gus Holterhoff, her greatgrandmother’s brother; his son Al, and Joseph Tregilgas, her great-grandfather. All were active members in the early years of the yacht club.
PAGE 13
SEE BALD EAGLE YACHT CLUB,
CONTRIBUTED
First sailboats to race at Bald Eagle were ‘gaff rig’ style. Scows would come a couple years later. This is at the public dock at Buffalo Street.
Midwest
left, Rosie Quinn, Max Kietzman, Tasha Wall, Brian Wall, Ericka Maldgan
Charlie Woodson
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
NOTES
• The school board is recognizing students who have accomplished state and national achievements in speech (including national champion Sanyu Mwassa), fishing and trap and skeet shooting. To view a video listing each student’s accomplishment, visit youtube. com/@ISD624.
• The district has a new director of technology and innovation. Her name is Susan Herde.
• Dr. Kazmierczak directed parents and students to school-supply and event resources for the upcoming school year on the district’s website: www.isd624.org/about/back-toschool. There will also be a “Back to School Extravaganza,” on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Student attendees can receive backpacks and school supplies, required vaccines and sports physicals.
“We have a great number of interpreters there to help parents fill out [start-of-school] forms,” Board Member Angela Thompson pointed out, “I know that can be a little bit overwhelming.” Board Member Kathleen Daniels added, “We just got 252 backpacks from Community of Grace, full of supplies. If you’re in need, please come.” Free food will be provided.
• The school board continues to
revise some of its policies to align with legislative changes. Most recently, the board held first readings of policies relating to drug testing, religious and cultural observances, and acceptable Internet use and safety. The board will consider the second reading Sept. 9.
Logan Gion
WHITE BEAR SCHOOL BOARD
Crop Art Classes at WBCA Prep Students for the State Fair
Something seedy is growing at White Bear Center for the Arts. Under the expert guidance of Marta Shore, assistant superintendent of Crop Art and Scarecrow at the Minnesota State Fair, a group of artists have honed their skills and are ready to submit their crop art to the State Fair. Starting in July, WBCA held crop art classes and work sessions to teach students how to create their seed mosaics. The introduction class filled in a snap and work sessions were even attended by veteran award-winning crop artist Dan Lindquist.
Crop art began as a way to introduce fairgoers to Minnesota-grown crops in 1965. It has gained popularity as an art form and become a hallmark of the Minnesota State Fair. The artwork can depict anything, but submissions are often inspired by pop culture, from puns and memes or
celebrity portraits to political commentary. Submissions to the competition are under what can seem like strict guidelines with the State Fair committee accepting submissions made only with seeds from Minnesota-grown farm crops, and no wild plant seeds, white rice, or sesame seeds allowed. But there’s one secret Marta tells students,
“you make it, they put it up.”
As long as you adhere to the supply rules and the three nonos of crop art (no swearing, no solicitation, no slander), artists will get their designs hung up at the Ag-Hort-Bee building.
As a longtime competitor herself, Marta knows this; the first piece she ever made was displayed at the State Fair in 2015. Marta only moonlights
as a crop artist. By day, she teaches biostatistics at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
In the almost 10 years that she’s been making crop art, she has won every ribbon but first place. Now, as superintendent, she has forfeited the competition and decided to help others get into the craft instead.
So, in the month between her first class and the State Fair entry deadline, Marta has taught her students about the history of crop art, from
icons like Crop Art Queen Lillian Colton, who won nine best-of-show ribbons in 11 years starting in 1966, and Cathy Camper, who through her crop art portraits of Malcolm X, George Floyd, Ilhan Omar and the like, opened a new crop art avenue for political commentary at the State Fair. Students learn everything from selecting the right materials and executing intricate designs, to tips, tricks and tools of the trade. They learned how to paint miniature seeds, strategies for placing hundreds of seeds on a board and even how to apply to the State Fair competition.
At the end of August, as you wander and eat your way through the Great Minnesota Get-Together, don’t forget to stop by the Ag-Hort building to peruse the crop art. You might even see a White Bear Lake entry from Marta’s class at WBCA.
Mexican Clay Makes a Pilgrimage to Minnesota
White Bear Center for the Arts is prepping to host the Mata Ortiz Pottery Sale again for the first time since its run in 2019. From Sept. 1821, renowned artists from the small village of Mata Ortiz, in the Northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico will display their pottery at WBCA for a special four-day sale.
With bright, intricate pots decorated in earth-toned animals, nature, and scenes depicting small microcosms on the surface of the clay, Mata Ortiz pottery is known for its intricate designs. Its origins trace back to the ancient Paquimé civilization which flourished in Northern Mexico a thousand years ago. The pottery style was lost when the city was abandoned and destroyed.
It was revived by Juan Quezada Celado, a local woodcutter who, at 12 years old, came across ancient pottery shards while gathering wood in the
hills. The shards came from Casas Grandes, now the archaeological site of a once thriving Paquimé city about 20 minutes from Mata Ortiz. For years after, he underwent the process of attempting to recreate and rediscover the ancient shapes and patterns. Juan and other villagers developed the distinctive style now known as Mata Ortiz using wild clay from the hills of Mata Ortiz and natural pigments.
In 1967, Social Anthropologist Spencer MacCallum stumbled upon one of Juan’s pots in a New Mexico shop and traced them to Juan. Spencer and his wife spent their lives creating a pottery marketplace in Mata Ortiz, introducing the work of Juan and eventually hundreds of other artists to the world. Since then, their work has gained international acclaim with pieces exhibited in museums across the globe and drawing the
Upcoming Events
Fire, Earth, Air, and Water Community
Reception White Bear Center for the Arts
September 10, 6:30-8:30 PM
The Ford Family Gallery will be filled with ceramics, glass, paint, fiber, beads, writing and metal sculpture from the North Shore Artists League from Sept. 3 to Oct. 18 as artists
attention of art collectors worldwide. White Bear Center for the Arts’ Mata Ortiz Sales Event marks a significant cultural exchange as Cesar Bugarini, Mata Ortiz potter from Chihuahua, Mexico, and José Mario Jimenez, art dealer and presenter of La Iguana Art Gallery in Tucson, Arizona, representing 37 Mata Ortiz artists congregate in White Bear Lake to share their heritage with a new audience. The sale features over 250 Mata Ortiz pots as well as artisanal textiles from the area. Each piece, crafted by hand without using a potter’s wheel, shows the expertise passed down through generations.
In addition to the pottery sale, the event will include presentations of Mata Ortiz and its history by José and demonstrations by Cesar giving visitors the rare opportunity to watch a Mata Ortiz artist shape, paint and fire a pot using traditional methods.
explore the heart of northern nature. Gather with the community to see all their works and hear from the artists at the artist panel, “How to Start.”
Artist Talk with Jessica Turtle White Bear Center for the Arts
September 12, 7:00-8:00 PM
Jessica Turtle is heading a new mural at WBCA inspired by images and ideas shared by the community. Hear Jessica talk about the mural process from crowd-sourcing photos, creating her design, and gridding out and painting a large-scale mural.
For art lovers, this is more than just a sale — it’s a cultural celebration that bridges borders and brings the rich traditions of Mata Ortiz to our own backyard.
All About Jane with Monica Livorsi
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Lawn Sunday, August 25 - 1:00 PM
Monica Livorsi performs songs from her original album with a Jane Austen theme. Tickets are paywhat-you-want; advance reservations are required. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket.
“From Barry”: The Perfect Pop Songs of the Bee Gees
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Saturday, September 14 - 7:30 PM
Mick Sterling presents his love letter to Barry Gibbs in this Bee Gees tribute concert.
IAnniversary day
t was 10:15 Saturday morning, August 3, when the fire alarm went off at our condo. We didn’t see any fire or smoke or even smell it, but we departed quickly from the first floor via the outside stairs.
Within seven minutes the police were there and a couple minutes later the fire truck arrived. The condo caretaker, Brian Mabe, came over from his house and the fire crew made some quick inspections. It was discovered one of the tenants was cooking bacon with the door open to the lobby. The report didn’t include whether the bacon was thick-sliced or not. It appeared to be smoked.
About the Town
We were all safe and no damage. Thankfully we have a prompt and prepared fire department in our communities.
This became a special event for our 56th wedding anniversary. We had been generally homebound after Kathy had a knee replacement five weeks ago.
On a very warm August 4th day in 1968 we were married in a little country Baptist church in Blomkest, Minnesota, which was north of Olivia where I had a home with my 12-year-old daughter, Julie, and owned the Oliva-Times Journal.
Our extended guest list was invited to a luncheon at Smiley’s Supper Club in Olivia and following that a good friend, the late Sander Pearson of the Red Owl store, served a Scandinavian picnic in our back yard.
Recently Kathy asked me what was my memory of the wedding day and I said it was when we were leaving home for our honeymoon. I confronted her mother for advice on how we should handle our first night. This German Lutheran mother of their only child quickly answered, “Be sure you have your pajamas under the pillow in case of fire.” Her quick wit and humor made for a great mother-in-law.
I returned the question to Kathy. She said it was when our 12-year-old daughter Julie came running up to her after the ceremony and said with great delight, “Now I can call you Mom.”
Our 6,000 mile honeymoon took us to Banff, Lake Louise, a boat ride on the Tacoma Sound, and a trip to California to visit with a sister and brother’s families. Then on our way home I surprised her with a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. It was topped off with a nice visit at Custer, South Dakota. Life continues to be a wonderful adventure and we’re very thankful to God for all the years we have had together visiting many countries of the world and salt water cruising.
Inflation Noted
Have you noticed home and business insurance rates climbing? Some carriers are pulling out of Minnesota. Inflation is a part of it, but more than that it’s all the storms we have been having around the country, especially hurricanes, wind, rain and flooding on the coastal sides. The fires in California have also had an effect on it. A number of insurance claims have been made on depreciated roofs thus causing excess claims to the insurance company. This also goes into the factor of rising rates.
The heavier rains and wind have damaged a lot of trees and in many cases knocked power out, and sump pumps don’t work when there is no power.
Another issue is for lake home owners. The docks have to be reset as the water has been coming up more than anticipated.
The recent hurricane Debby hit the panhandle area at Steinhatchee, Florida with substantial winds of 80 mph. It then moved across and up through the Carolinas and made its mark as well with historic rainfall and flooding.
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Judging ‘The best’
Ihave been in the industry for a little over a decade.
I’ve entered various contests, mainly the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and most recently the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards, but I’ve never been on the other end of it. Perhaps that’s why when an email landed in my inbox from America’s Newspapers seeking judges I thought “let’s see what this is all about.”
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
I was invited to be a judge for this year’s Carmage Walls Commentary Writing Prize, which honors excellence in editorial page and column writing. The contest seeks to recognize strong, courageous and positive editorial leadership. The prize is named for the late Benjamin Carmage Walls, whose newspaper career spanned seven decades. Walls primarily owned community
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newspapers. His daughter — Lissa Walls Cribb — is CEO of Southern Newspapers.
I was invited to read through columns in the 35,000 and under circulation bracket. Journalists hailed from Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Oregon and more.
Topics ranged from injustice, corruption, discrimination, environmental issues, public records requests, banning of books and more.
I was very impressed with how much time and energy went into most of these columns. You could tell that the writers knew what they were talking about, and in a lot of cases, the column read more like a story, which I really enjoyed.
I am always drawn to columns that let readers in and talk about personal topics. It made me reflect on some of my columns that I have written about the death of my father, Frosty’s journey with degenerative myelopathy and battling postpartum depression after my son Royce was born.
I was also struck by the amount of courage it took for these writers to come out and voice an opinion and what they
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thought solutions could be on controversial topics in small towns, where everyone knows everybody.
Two other judges and I were tasked with coming up with the top three columns in our circulation group. We agreed on our top two but had to talk it over a bit to come to a consensus on our third favorite. Now, our top three picks will go to another group of judges, and if we choose to continue judging, we will read the top three from another set of judges tasked with picking from a different circulation group. I plan to continue judging and I am eager to find out who the winners will be. The awards will be presented this October in Charleston, South Carolina, at America’s Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference. In addition to recognition for a job well done, the top three in each circulation category receive cash prizes.
I’m glad I decided to carve some time out of my schedule to be a judge. I enjoyed reading the columns and found it to be very inspirational. Perhaps next time I receive an email asking me to be a judge I might just do that.
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Gene Johnson
Willow Lane
Elementary 5th grade
students Averie Lo and Dylan Elizalde Manuel were the recipients of the Minnow Tank Effect Scholarship. Funds from the scholarship, in excess of $75,000, will be awarded over the next four years to Willow Lane 5th graders who demonstrate the Minnow Tank values of service to others, teamwork, gratitude, and perseverance.
Averie and Dylan will be assigned a mentor who will meet with them once a month until they graduate from high school, and will be awarded scholarship
funds for postsecondary education when they graduate.
Fall season openers listed
Following is a list of fall sports season openers for White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. High school teams opened practices on Monday. Aug. 12.
Bears — Tennis opens Wednesday at Hill-Murray. Boys and girls soccer open against Centennial at home Thursday. The swimmers start Thursday with conference relays at East Ridge. Volleyball will host Hutchinson on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The football team kicks off hosting Minnetonka on Thursday, Aug. 29. Boys
and girls cross country start at Rosemount on Friday, Aug, 30.
Zephyrs — Tennis was first into action, Monday at Centennial. Opening on Thursday will be the swimmers with conference relays at Simley and the volleyball team hosting Cretin-Derham Hall. Opening Friday will be boys soccer hosting Duluth East and girls soccer at Rochester Century. The boys and girls cross country teams lift the lid Friday, Aug. 30, at Rosemount, and the football team
opens that night at Brainerd.
Helpful guest column
What a helpful article by Mike Brooks on bike laws and safe trail behavior Aug. 7. We can all be more safety-conscious, whether we are bikers, pedestrians, or motorists. I would like to add to Mike’s suggestions. As pedestrians on walking trails, we try to keep to the right side of the trail, leaving room for bicyclists to get by, should they come up behind us. What we have noticed works well is that many bicyclists have small bells on their handlebars, which they sound as they are approaching. So, as pedestrians, first we hear a faint tinkle behind us, and then perhaps even a second sounding of the bell as the cyclist gets even closer, and then, when they are within speaking range, a clear and courteous, “On your left!”
Mike suggested other sorts of conversation (“nice day,” “you’ve got a lucky dog”), but for us, a simple and clear “On your left!” is really all we need. The advance sounding of the bell prepares us so we are not startled when the bicyclist is
suddenly at our side. Also, when we are given advance notice, we have extra time to move to single file on the right side of the trail, so as to give the bicyclist wide birth. As a motorist, I would remind bicyclists not to dart across intersections in front of vehicles, even when vehicles are stopped at stop signs. Sometimes road signs, parked cars, trees and other foliage block our view of cyclists who are speeding in from the side at a fast clip. They can see us, but we can’t see them. We are stopped at a stop sign and looking in all directions for traffic. The wisest course for the bicyclist is to stop and make sure they make eye contact with the driver so that they know the driver sees them. I do this myself as a pedestrian, and I would give the same advice to bicyclists. I never step out in front of a car, even if I have the right-of-way, without first making eye contact with the driver.
White Bear Lake Area
Church Directory
Lisa Wersal Vadnais Heights
Dylan Elizalde Manuel
Averie Lo
WHAT’S HAPPENING
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23 Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square Details: Visit and book-signing with national-bestselling author William Kent Krueger. Contact: facebook. com/people/ Lake-CountryBooksellers
VADNAIS HEIGHTS MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21
Where: Bridgewood Park
Details: Free outdoor concert featuring Kashimana. Bring blankets and chairs. Opportunioty to meet Mayor Krachmer before music starts. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com
TOWN HALL TALK: HISTORY OF LACROSSE
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21
Where: White Bear Town Hall, Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd., White Bear Township
Details: Historian John Hunter explores the meaning and significance as well as a hands-on demonstration of the “Creator’s Game” that has been played by local Dakota,
Fundraiser planned to help school rebuild
A “Pickleball Charity Bash” is planned Sept. 8 to help rebuild the BrydgesCentre in Kenya after a fire. The BrydgesCentre is a home outside Nairobi for abandoned, abused and orphaned children cofounded by Birchwood couple Nancy and Bob Brydges. The fire destroyed three classrooms and the library’s 5,000 books collected by the school’s director over the last 20 years. “Needless to say, it was a financial setback,” Nancy wrote in an email. “Along with that we rescued 17 kids from a children’s home where they had been sexually and physically abused.”
The fundraiser will be held at Smashpark in Roseville, 1721 County Road C. The pickleball tournament is 1-5 p.m. and costs $35 per person to enter. Spectators pay $10; children under 18 are free. There will also
be yard games like cornhole, shuffleboard, ping pong and more from 3 to 6 p.m. Food and beverage service available.
To enter or for more information, go to brydgescentre.org.
Deb Neutkens
Zephyr skater commits to Colorado College, follows legacy
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Jimmy Egan, Mahtomedi High School junior-to-be and standout hockey, verbally committed to Colorado College after visiting the campus. He will be the third Egan to play there, following two great-uncles.
Egan had “a handful of offers” on Aug. 1, the first day coaches can make offers, said his father, Pat. However, Jimmy made up his mind quickly.
“The second I set foot on that campus and in Ed Robson Arena, I knew this was home,” stated the forward who had nine goals and 43 assists for Mahtomedi’s
CONTRIBUTED Jimmy Egan
state semi-finalist team last winter. “ I love the coaching staff and I know they want the best for me. Colorado Springs is a beautiful city. Can’t go wrong waking up to the view of the mountains every morning,”
Jimmy’s great-uncles, Tim Egan and the late
Mike Egan, both played for Colorado College in the 1970’s after playing for Mahtomedi. Jimmy said he was not aware of that when he first visited the campus but found out soon enough from his parents.
“After hearing that, I thought it would be cool to carry on that legacy — get another generation of Egans playing in a CC jersey,” said Jimmy. “Mike passed away, but I know his kids, Kristin and Timmy, are looking forward to watching some CC games. They thought it was pretty special that I decided to follow their father’s footsteps. Tim already told me he’ll be in Colorado Springs watching games.”
Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk tribes for over 400 years. Free. Contact: whitebearhistory. org
FILLEBROWN FRIDAY
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Aug. 23
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave, Details: Stop by for a self-guided tour and refreshemnts on the porch. Contact: whitebearhistory. org
ARTISAN AND VENDOR FAIR
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4855 Bloom Avenue
Details: Crafters, makers, boutiques, and vendors. Contact: sunriseeventsandcraftshows.com
SUMMER LAWN CONCERT
When: 1 p.m. Sunday,
Aug. 25
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: Concert by Monica Livorsi focuses on different characters from Jane Austen’s novels. Rain or shine; pay-what-you-want admission. Contact: lakeshoreplayers. com
HOMES OF THE WHITE BEAR LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26
Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.
Details: The new public safety building will be the fourth fire house; discover what other buildings and locations the department has called home since 1888. Free; registration not required. Contact: whitebearhistory. org
WILLIAM KENT KRUEGER | CONTRIBUTED
CONTRIBUTED
Nancy and Bob Brydges at the Kenyan children’s home and school they helped build.
Bonelle “Bonnie” M. Sorgenfrei
Bruce Edmund Wittenberg
Age 85, of Virginia, MN, and Lake Vermilion, Cook, MN, and formerly of White Bear Lake, MN, died peacefully Thursday, August 8, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born December 24, 1938, in Rochester, MN, the daughter of Donald and Adeline (Retterath) Lloyd. Bonnie was a graduate of Wahpeton High School and North Dakota State College of Science. She was united in marriage to Frederick John Sorgenfrei on June 1, 1963, in Alexandria, MN.
Bonnie worked as an Administrative Assistant at Honeywell and White Bear Lake School District. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hugo, MN. Bonnie loved the outdoors, from water skiing, to relaxing in the sun to trimming brushes. Grandchildren and nieces and nephews were the grateful recipients of hand-made clothing and beautiful quilts. While wintering in Lake Havasu, AZ, she shared her talents as a quilting instructor. She also enjoyed beading, making cards and playing cards and games.
Bonnie is survived by her husband: Fred; children: Steven (Kathy) Sorgenfrei of Lino Lakes, MN, and Shawna Kelsey of Hugo, MN; grandchildren: Kristi (Trevor) Smith, Matt Sorgenfrei, Andrew (Mara) Kelsey, Alex (Heather) Kelsey and Elizabeth Kelsey; great-granddaughter: Alayna Kelsey; in-laws, Shawna and Don Kishel, Orville (Vicky) Henderson; nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Donald and Adeline Lloyd; brother, Duane; sister-in-law: Carol (Sorgenfrei) Henderson and her beloved pets.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook, MN with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Fr. Beau Braun will be the Celebrant. Inurnment will be at the Cook Community Cemetery.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia.
To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Age 66 of White Bear Lake, passed away surrounded by his family on August 1, 2024 after a recent cancer diagnosis. Bruce was recently retired from Patterson Companies after a 50 year career.
Preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Evelyn Wittenberg, brother, Gene and sisterin-law Anne.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 42 years Deborah; daughter, Cassandra (Derek) Wilhelm, grandchildren Olivia and Luke; siblings, David, Bonnie (Mike) Murphy, Barb (Chuck) Goggin, Becky (Mark) Ebent, and Heidi (Tom) Potter; and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends and family.
A Visitation will be held Saturday August 24, 2024, 10 a.m.-Noon with a memorial service starting at Noon at the Washburn-McReavy Shoreview Chapel, 515 Hwy 96 W., Shoreview, MN
Kathy (Ayde) Gullikson
Age 70, Formerly of Forest Lake.
Caring Wife, Mom, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August, 9th 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kathy was a devoted Mom and Grandma, loved making memories with her children and grandchildren even if that was just sitting around listening and laughing with an occasional eye roll or a quick witted response. She was known for her love of traveling, especially by the ocean.
Preceded in death by father, Leonard Ayde;
siblings, Robert Ayde, Clara Ayde Lucking, Joseph Ayde, Sue (Charlie) Tubman. Survived by Husband, Gary; children, Chris (Michelle King), Dan (Becky Haley), Jennifer (Rick) Benson, Jim (Angie); grandchildren, Ashley, Taylor, Chandler, Paige, Gavin, Cole, Kylee, Brayden, Reese; mother, Mary Ayde; siblings, Lenny Ayde, Jeff Ayde, Tom Ayde, Marilyn (Howard) Nelson, Steve Ayde, Richard Ayde, Annie (Dan) Winberg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A celebration of Kathy’s life 3-7 pm with a service at 6 pm, Thursday, September 19th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Private Interment, Saint Genevieve Cemetery, Centerville. RobertsFamilyFH.com 651-464-4422
Ralph Karczewski
Age 87 of Mahtomedi.
Passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pat; children Carole Lundell and Keith (Katarina) Karczewski; grandchildren, Rachel, Brendan, Mikayla, Bryce, Caroline; siblings, Phyllis Witkowski, Gerald Karczewski; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene. Ralph truly loved people - kids in particular. For decades, he volunteered whenever and wherever he could, whether it was for the school band, camp, or vacation bible school. At camp, he was affectionally known as “Camp Gramp,” always willing to share a little tenderness with a homesick camper.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. Aandrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, with visitation one hour prior. Memorials should be specifically designated to: Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Boutwell’s Landing The Gables – Third Floor Employee Appreciation.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Developing a safety net for financial literacy
A financial safety net can help people navigate the ups and downs of life. Developing that safety net requires a measure of financial literacy that anyone can nurture.
• What is financial literacy?
The United States Department of Education defines financial literacy as an understanding of how to earn, manage and invest money. That recognition can increase the chances that individuals make sound financial decisions, thus setting them up for long-term success and stability.
• What makes financial literacy so important?
The benefits of financial literacy are not limited to theoretical notions such as the ability to understand money makes individuals more likely to make sound decisions regarding their finances.
Indeed, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) notes that financial literacy has been proven to produce positive results. In a National Financial Capability Study, FINRA found that respondents who exhibited higher financial literacy were more likely to make ends meet than those without such knowledge.
Sixty-five percent of respondents with higher financial literacy were able to set aside three months’ of emergency funds at higher levels
than respondents with lower literacy levels. The study also linked financial literacy to longterm stability, as more than half of respondents 52% with higher financial
literacy calculated their retirement savings needs, an important step that fewer than one in three 29% with lower literacy levels had taken.
• What are some additional benefits of financial literacy?
Individuals are often confronted with a host of options when making financial decisions. That includes choices regarding bank accounts and credit cards, which are two variables related to financial literacy that individuals encounter every day.
Individuals with financial literacy can pick a bank account that most suits their needs, whether that’s standard accounts like checking and savings or something more unique like a high-yield savings account.
Knowledge of financial basics also can prepare individuals to choose the right credit card, which can be a more difficult decision than choosing a bank account given the number of different cards available. Low-APR, no-APR, travel rewards, cash-back cards and balance transfer cards are some of the options consumers can choose from when picking a credit card. Financial literacy increases the chances consumers pick the card that best suits their short- and long-term needs.
Financial literacy can help people navigate challenges that periodically arise during the course of everyone’s life. Taking time to learn some financial basics can set people up for long-term economic health.
Construction may impact back-to-school travel
Phase 2 of Washington County’s ongoing County Highway 12 Project has concluded, and Phase 3 began Tuesday, August 20.
During Phase 3 construction, westbound-only traffic will be allowed from the Mahtomedi High School/ Middle School entrance to East/Hallam Avenue. This area is closed to eastbound traffic. Hilton Trail remains open both directions, but northbound Hilton Trail traffic will not be able to travel east on County Highway 12. Eastbound Highway 12 traffic will be detoured on Highway 36 to Lake Elmo Avenue and back to County Highway 12.
The entrances at St. Andrews Church and the middle school remain open. Drivers exiting the high school/ middle school can go east or west onto County Highway 12. From the church entrance, vehicles can go west on County Highway 12 (not eastbound) or south on Hilton Trail.
The project is anticipated to last six more weeks.
Bear Class of 1958 65th Year Reunion
Thursday, September 19th 3pm-6pm Hugo American Legion Food & Drinks available for purchase
RSVP: Dean Shawbold 651-246-0592
Movie in the Park
Saturday, August 24th, 2024 Movie begins at dusk 8:30 p.m. FREE ADMISSION Bring
Council to hold hearing on liquor ordinance
The White Bear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing at its August 27 meeting. The hearing concerns the city’s proposed liquor ordinance changes, which would halt all on-site liquor sales by 1 a.m. The council encourages local liquor-license establishment owners and other interested citizens to appear and provide feedback at the hearing.
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported on the following incidents:
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Hazel Street Aug. 7.
• A motorcycle driver was apprehended by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office in the 2700 block of Riviera Drive N. after fleeing deputies and being chased by a state patrol helicopter to that address Aug. 7.
• Following a report of suspicious persons in the 2400 block of County Road F Aug. 8, officers located two adults with arrest warrants who complained of medical needd and were turned over to medical professionals.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI Aug. 8 following a traffic stop near Otter Lake Road and Highway 96.
• A man was arrested on Fourth Street Aug. 10 for violating an order for protection.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Dellwood
• Four homes in the area lost power at 7:52 p.m. July 16, after an Amazon delivery driver lost control of his vehicle avoiding a deer and hit the utility pole on Peninsula Road and Gardner Lane. After the vehicle was towed, the driver was given a courtesy ride to his home.
Mahtomedi
• Deputies evicted an out of town male from Mahtomedi Beach in the 1000 block of Park Avenue July 14, after he was reported for making inappropriate comments to juvenile females in the park. The male, who had been visiting a friend, left without incident.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 1:06 a. m. July 15 in the 6000 block of Wildwood Road for a missing driver’s side headlight and discovered a boatload of violations, starting with vehicle registration that expired in February. The driver had no driver’s license in possession, due to it having been revoked for failure to provide proof of insurance. The driver failed to provide insurance proof during
this traffic stop as well.
• Deputies responding to the report of a disturbance at 1:30 a.m. July 16 on East Avenue and Locust Street encountered a verbal altercation between an Uber driver and a passenger. At 5:30 a.m. that same morning, deputies responded to a report of a male sitting on a resident’s front steps in Maple Street with a flashlight and a knife. The male turned out to have been involved in the previous skirmish with the Uber driver and was found to have warrants out on him. Deputies detained him in handcuffs and released him when the warrants were determined to be non-extraditable. He was transported home to east St. Paul.
• A Huron Street neighbor dispute over ownership of the city easement of an L-shaped driveway between properties was reported July 17. Both parties told deputies they had documents from the city and/ or county proving their points. “No Trespassing” signs also mysteriously went missing during the ongoing dispute.
Grant
• Deputies cited a motorist July 10 on Manning Avenue N. and 75th Street N. for driving after revocation.
• On July 11, deputies found the
• Assault was reported in the 1700 block of Ninth Street Aug. 10. Officers responded to noise complaints Aug. 10 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue and the 3100 block of McKnight Road.
• Officers responded to an animal complaint near the intersection of Sharon Lane and Fourth Street Aug. 11.
• Officers responded to a civil incident in the 4800 block of Cook Avenue Aug. 11.
• A loud music disturbance was reported Aug. 11 in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue.
• A woman was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 3600 block of Sun Terrace Aug. 12.
• A North St. Paul man was arested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Aug. 12.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI in the 1400 block of Buerkle Road Aug. 12.
pigs that had been reported missing in the 9000 block of Justen Trail N. On July 12, deputies discussed options on how to get rid of a skunk entering a yard in the 11000 block of Greenlefe Ave.
• Deputies waiting at the red light on southbound Lake Elmo at Highway 36 cited a motorist July 19 for using a wireless device while operating a motor vehicle, after observing her swiping away for at least one minute. She was also verbally warned for expired registration.
Pine Springs
• Deputies on patrol cited a motorist at 4:57 a.m. July 10 on westbound Highway 36 and I-694 for driving after cancellation, following a traffic stop for speeding.
• Deputies cited a motorist at 11:30 p.m. July 17 on westbound Highway 36 over Hilton Trail N. for no rear license plate.
Willernie
• A burglary and assault were reported at 10:59 p.m. July 7 on Warwick Lane. The victim was transported to hospital, while deputies followed up with several addresses of the possible suspects.
• A Faversham Road resident at 2:26 a.m. July 13 reported her doorbell rung numerous times for no reason.
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
BALD EAGLE YACHT CLUB: Going strong 125 years later, community invited to celebrate
A treasured scrapbook compiled from “attic finds” by former Commodore Kevin Chase holds precious artifacts of club history. The book was bequeathed to Duvall for safe keeping and is brought out for viewing at the club’s many social gatherings.
Turn-of-the-century newspaper clippings, 125-year-old photographs, tiny bound booklets detailing the first bylaws and beautiful handdrawn maps of the lake are part of the collection.
A reference to sight line points on a 1900 race course map drawn by Al Holterhoff includes descriptions like A – tree at end of island; E- three blazes in a cottonwood tree, 10-inch diameter; H – Ramsden Park windmill tower; M – three blazes in a double burr oak tree, 12-inch diameter.
“I love how they described where the marks were located to
Save the Date
set the course,” Duvall said.
And then there’s the Jan. 22, 1900, entry in the minutes indicating that a newly elected committee was “to lay out the sailing course which they had found Mr. Fitz would survey for $15.”
A clipping about the club course indicated the committee decided to put up “post buoys instead of the more frequently used kegs so that little
boys could not amuse themselves by sinking them with shot.”
More names were added to the attendee list in April 1900. Among them were Lute Manship, brother to famous sculptor Paul Manship, who reportedly owned the lake’s largest yacht, and Jim Adamson, Duvall’s maternal grandfather.
The first club activity was a dance, co-hosted by J.A. Mull, which drew 250 people, an invitation to which is part of scrapbook memorabilia.
be divided into three eras, according to the archives: “the real early days, the war years and present day.”
families are still active today.
Just like they did 125 years ago, socials continue today in people’s backyards.
“The club is a place to meet with friends who share a love for sailing,” commented longtime member Chase. “It’s a ‘light’ place: No politics, just an easy place where everyone knows your name. It exists because members want it to.
There is no real estate, no clubhouse.”
Added Duvall, “We were always the country cousin to the White Bear Yacht Club, which was active before we were. We have longevity though, despite never having a building.”
homeowners. “Anyone can join,” Duvall said. “And they don’t have to own a boat or know how to sail. We can teach you if you want, or you can just socialize with us.” Chase told a story about a great-uncle who would visit him on Bald Eagle. “One Sunday we went to a (clubsponsored) pancake breakfast at someone’s house, in their yard. He asked why I never brought him to the club.
What: 125th Anniversary celebration
When: Sept. 18, 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Stillwater riverboat Avalon
Details: Open to the public, tickets include appetizers and live jazz music. Cash bar. Contact: RSVP by Aug. 30 see beycmn.org
PRESENTING SPONSOR
• Donald and Marie Roberts
Kevin and Polly Hart
• Carlson Chiropractic
• Steve and Shannon Whitaker
• White Bear Mitsubishi
• Commercial Plumbing and Heating
• Mark and Rebecca Shavlik
• Rich Pakonen
• Bruce and Mary Lach
• Tom and Robin Nardini
• Todd and Martha Nicholson
• VFW Post #1782
SUPPORTERS
• Scott and Anne Lingle
• B & G Products Company
• Richard and Jane Kyle
• Douglas and Kathy Whitaker
• Abe Appert
• Serafina Christenson
“Then they got around to sailing, after another big party of course. Two classes of boats were admitted, Larks and a free-for-all class.”
Club history can
Membership fizzled out around WWI (low lake levels are thought to have contributed to the decline), although there are discrepancies as to the actual year. There was a resurgence in 1939, which lasted until 1945 when the last Thomas Cup was awarded. The trophy was named for Z. H. Thomas, who was commodore in 1904. The club was revived in the 60s when families with surnames like Pearlson, David, Knight and Campbell revitalized tradition with weekly socials and summer regattas. Some of those
The club is not exclusive to Bald Eagle
‘This is as yacht clubby as we get,’ I told him. He never understood that the club is where people gather. Our assets are limited to a dock, buoys and a cannon. It’s existed 125 years because people carry it forward. That’s a milestone we need to celebrate.”
Fantastic! Spectacular!
• Abe Appert Realty Inc.
• Melanie and Guy Ahlstrom
• Alliance Insurance Advisors Agency
• Jay and Beth Althof
• Elwood Anderson
• William and Christine Anderson
• R.C. and B.K. Anderson
• Susan Armstrong
• Nancy Ashpole Weinand
• Jean and Michael Auger
• Bear Town Bar & Grill
• Bryan and Lael Belisle
• Justin Berrisford
• Valerie and Kenneth Blizzard
• Dale and Susan Boettcher
• John Bowers, Jr.
• John Boyle, Jr.
• Richard and Mary Brainerd Trustee
• Bremer Bank
• K B Brevig
• Robert and Patricia Broen
• Albert and Genevieve Burth
• Albert and Genevieve Burth
• Timothy Cahlander
• Janet Callahan
• Victoria and Bruce Canterbury
• Nancy and Thomas Carlson
• Raymond Caturia
• Mark and Beth Cermak
• Kirsten Chelberg
• Roy D. Christensen, Sr.
• Ann and Peter Clark
• Donna Claude
• Susan Clegg
• Delpha Close
• Judith Conley
• Mary Ellen and Norbert Conzemius
• Mary Dunn and Gregory Cotterell
• Thomas & Margaret Couillard
• Kevin and Sonia Curran
• Donald Dolan
• Florene Dougherty
• Bridgid Dowdal
• Craig and Gloria Drake
• Tracey and Michael Dutcher
• Tamara Fagely
• Faye Bye Duvall Trustee Grant
• Kathleen Fick
• Jogn Fortier
• William Foussard
• Richard Galena
• James and LeAnn Galvin
• Romelle and William Gangl
• Bryan Gatzlaff
• William Gebhart
• Paulette Genz
• Gayle Gerth
• Robert and Connie Gillen
• Bonnie Greenleaf
• Jonathan and Christine Gruen
• Karen Gruetzmacher
• Paul Haas
• Theresa Hagen
• Thomas and Amy Hammitt
• Merilane Hansen
• Steve and Natasha Hanson
• James and Susan Happe
• F L and J A Harper
• Susan Hartzell
• Dean and Sharon Hedlund
• Ralph Heimer
• Laurel Hemstad
• Deloros Hobrough
• Dorothy and Richard Hoel
• Kathleen Hoelscher
• Dianne and Eric Holmberg
• Douglas & Victoria Holmen
• Thomas Horak
• William and April Hudalla
• Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld
• Gloria Jansen
• Helen Jensen
• Robert and Patricia Johanneck
• Eugene and Kathleen Johnson
• Maggi and Derek Johnson
• John Johnson
• Henry Kaldahl
• Marilynn Kaplan
• Alexandra Kaslow-Briggs
• Karen and Lloyd Kepple
• Paul and Kathleen Kettleson
• E. C. Kippe
• Kenneth Koetz
• Catherine Krautkramer
• Debra Laurents
• Ronald and Susan Leaf
• Mary Levins
• William Maass
• Ann Magnusson
• Patricia Manning
• Matthew and Laura Markoe
• Michael Marttila
• McBride Enterprises, Inc.
• Patrick and Gayle McCann
• Jason & Emily McIntyre
• Joseph and Ann McKasy
• William and Stephanie McNamara
• Ricka McNaughton
• Kim and Paul Meuwissen
• Kathleen Meyer
• Anthony and Joan Mieloch
• Montgomery Law PLLC
• Tracy and Doris Morrison
• Richard Moskop
• James & Marilyn Muellner
• Kevin and Molly Murphy
• Nicholas Nash
• Ronald and Sharon Nelson
• Shari and James Nepper
• Michael and Beth Nevala
• Daniel and Judy Nuese
• Larry and Suzanne Ohman
• Rachel Olson
• Jerilynn Ommen
• Nancy Palma
• Judith Peters
• Janet Pickett
• Mary and Brian Pierce
• Cheryl Plumb
• Jane Pomaville
• Mary Rafferty
• Ramsay Wealth Management Ltd.
• Steven Rasske
• Geoffrey and Jean Ratte
• S.M. and W. J. Reichow
• Gloria Reichstadt
• Maureen and John Reinhart
• Dorothy Reische
• Thomas and Judy Rice
• Kathleen Richardson
• Joan and Thomas Ring
• William and Debra Roberts
• William and Debra Roberts
• Teresa Rodrique
• Reyne Rofuth
• Janna and Patrick Rohlinger
• Ross Culverhouse and Eileen Foley
• Dixie and Craig Rousar
• Thomas & Claire Rykken
• Mark and Maureen Sather
• Kevin and Barbara Schmidt
• Jerret and Marcia Seebart
• Kathryn Shaw
• Todd and Cindy Sherrett
• Jason & Kristina Sherrett
• Thomas Sinnett
• Alex Sirko
• Keith and Leah Smelser
• Raymond and Anne Smith
• Nan & John Steger
• Suburban Floor Covering
• Peter and Clare Swain
• Richard and Linda Tousley
• Clifford Tower and Carol Cramer
• Judy and Cecil Van Booven
• Greg Van Wormer
• Elaine and Kenneth Vollbrecht
• Mary Westra
• Catherine Weyerhaeuser
• White Bear Lake Conservation District
• White Bear Lake Women of Today
• Richard Wicklund
• Ronald and Mary Will
• Charles and Barba Williams
• Jay and Francis Wilson
• Erika Winchell
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Officers in 2024 include, from left, Russell and Polly Dedrick, social chairs; Jodey Klein, treasurer; Andrew Jagger, vice commodore, with Ceci and Liam; Chris Wiberg, commodore; and Trevor Taylor, sailing captain.
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Vadnais Heights Days: Big fun and big smiles
Born Ready Clothing: advocating purpose through brandwear
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
It all began with a dream from one then-Mounds View High School senior. Then, it became a brand with a purpose.
That is what is behind Born Ready Clothing, the brainchild of North Oaks resident Nick Isaacson. Describing it as a “motivational clothing brand,” Isaacson said the meaning behind its logo is to remind its wearers to stay prepared for whatever comes their way. “When you look at yourself in the mirror,” said Isaacson, “you’re seeing a reflection of yourself to prepare for life’s outcomes. It
Customer testimony
• “I get inspired seeing how hard Nick works, his work ethic, and his business integrity. It’s just wonderful to see somebody living their dream.” - Daren Klum
• “It’s going after a need to bring awareness. Seeing Nick morph his brand both on the personal and the military side is fascinating.” - Jack Eibensteiner on Born Ready’s Wounded Warrior Project collaboration.
This year, Isaacson has brought Born Ready’s products to different stores and special events, such as Lake Country Crafts & Cones in Crosslake and Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake. But it was also this year that Isaacson made a leap of faith in taking Born Ready to a new level.
exists to serve as a reminder.”
Yet, the origin of Born Ready Clothing didn’t initially start as clothing. While still in high school, Isaacson sold wristbands he and a few classmates made to others with “Ferda” on them. The phrase is a shortened term for “for the boys” and “for the girls,” a slang term used in hockey to represent camaraderie. Not long after, Isaacson began brainstorming how to create his own brand with a similar meaning.
“I decided I wanted to start something of my own,” explained Isaacson. “I was playing around with words one day and found the phrase ‘born ready.’ As you hear it often, people say, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m born ready.’”
As he entered his first year at St. Thomas University in the fall of 2019, Isaacson
switched from making wristbands to clothing. In the process, Isaacson got in touch with his uncle, Bart Brodt, to help design shirts and other outerwear for Born Ready. Brodt owns Isaksen Promotional Specialties, a St. Paulbased promotional products company that designs logos for apparel, awards, banners and other items. Isaacson later graduated from St. Thomas University last year with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
As Born Ready’s CEO/ founder, Isaacson designs the brand logos while focusing on marketing and accounting; Brodt is responsible for creating the company’s namesake shirts and other apparel. “I guess you could say I’m the face of Born Ready,” joked Isaacson.
Isaacson recently partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that offers programs and services for wounded veterans. Through this partnership, Isaacson created a limited Born Ready Clothing series called “American Made,” with all of its proceeds going toward veterans in need. Isaacson cited Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, an organization that provides resources and services to military service members, veterans, and their families in Isanti County, as an inspiration behind the collaboration. “With wars and conflicts going on, I wanted to find a way to give back to veterans. I thought to myself, ‘Why not just do my brand?’” Isaacson said that while the American Made series is currently limited, he hopes to extend it further.
Isaacson is currently in talks with Kowalski’s Markets to sell Born Ready products throughout its stores. When asked what he wanted to say to potential customers, Isaacson responded, “Please
keep supporting Born Ready Clothing as we continue to give back.”
You can find out more about Born Ready Clothing and shop for their products online at www.bornreadyclothing. com.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email him at whitebearnews@presspubs. com.
PHOTOS BY ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Isaacson recently partnered Born Ready Clothing with the Wounded Warrior Project organization to raise money for veterans in need.
North Oaks resident Nick Isaacson (center) is the CEO/founder of Born Ready Clothing, a motivational clothing brand he founded in 2019. With him are Born Ready customers Daren Klum (left) and Jack Eibensteiner (right).
PHOTOS
GRIEF AWARENESS: 2 women
way,” said Lynn. “All the things she used to be able to find joy in through interactive participation just weren’t there anymore.”
After Rosie’s passing, Lynn admittedly struggled to grieve her loss. After attempting to join a Zoom grief support group through St. Croix Hospice, Lynn found herself unable to take part. “As a social worker myself, I realized quickly that this group wouldn’t work for me.”
However, Lynn soon came to a new realization about herself. “I realized that because I was so involved in my mom’s caregiving, all I wanted to do was try to help other people,” she said. “I realized I can’t allow myself to go through this if all I’m doing is worrying about the rest of the people in the group. I gained some selfawareness from that experience.”
For six months, Lynn pursued meditation and reading books while also attending a weekend retreat for those undergoing the loss of their mothers. Following this, she began to rejoin support groups, such as GriefShare, which held meetings at South Shore Trinity Church in White Bear Lake. Lynn also attended an educational presentation from the St. Croix Valley Grief Coalition at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in the spring of this year.
During her first year without Rosie, Lynn and the rest of her family began to revisit some of Rosie’s favorite places around the state. These include the Matoska Park Gazebo, Como Lake Observatory, and Rosie’s lakeside cabin in Hackensack. During holiday gatherings, Lynn and her family also
discuss their favorite memories of Rosie. “We’re bringing conversation about those happy times, even though they may create moments of sadness,” she said. “We’re not just putting voice the fact that she’s not here.”
Lynn also found herself more able to identify with complex, emotionally driven conversations with the families she works with. “It helps me identify and understand the people I work for,” she said. “I’ve benefited from navigating family meetings with them because of my personal experience with my family’s meetings.”
But stories of loss and acceptance affect everyone differently. Even certified grief specialists undergo their own struggles, reflecting on how their sessions with clients inspire them to help themselves. Dr. Amanda Nephew of Amanda Nephew Therapy Services in White Bear Lake is one such example.
Also a marriage and family therapist for 12 years, Nephew became a certified advanced grief counseling specialist earlier this year. “Through being a marriage and family therapist, I realize that a lot of emotions my clients have are rooted in grief, such as anxiety and depression. I wanted to get extra training on it and get certified.”
Nephew’s tale of loss began before the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2018, when Nephew was eight months pregnant with her daughter Ruby, her father Dan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. “He was dying as I had a new life,” Nephew sadly reminisced on the experience. In September 2019, a month before Dan passed away, Ruby who was a year and a half at the time, was diagnosed with adrenal cancer, resulting in a large tumor growth. Although doctors were able to remove the tumor successfully, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began a few months later, forced the Nephew family into isolation. However, Nephew said that she found the newfound sense of isolation a perfect time to grieve for Dan.
According to Nephew, several kinds of grief that she teaches to clients were ones she felt during her own grieving process, even before Dan’s passing. One of these is anticipatory grief, which, according to Nephew, refers to the anticipation of losing a loved one when they are dying. Another, called traumatic grief, is a complicated grief reaction that occurs following the traumatic death of someone close. One form of grief that Nephew found herself avoiding, however, is called disenfranchised
grief, which refers to when one does not openly acknowledge their grief and keeps it hidden from others. This latter form of grief was one that, based on her experiences with clients, she vowed to overcome.
“Even though we were all isolated in COVID, I never felt isolated personally,” said Nephew. “We texted friends and family, and sometimes that would drop off food.” Nephew said it was crucial to communicate with others during this time, as it was a necessary healing method she often taught to her clients. “If there’s an invitation there, it’s important to accept it,” said Nephew. “If you start to process your trauma and grief quicker, it doesn’t live inside your body for much longer. It doesn’t feel like there’s a weight sitting on you.”
To keep Dan’s memory alive, Nephew has practiced writing letters to him, informing him of current events in her life. Amanda’s aunt has also made memory bears with pieces of Dan’s clothing as well.
“I’ve recognized how grief has impacted me and changed my relationships with others,” said Nephew. “There were times when I wanted to say, ‘You don’t understand what it’s like to lose your dad and have your kid go through this.’ I also wondered how I would ever be able to connect with anybody. It was something I had to learn to push through, especially when you feel like the world is moving and you’re stuck in this new reality.”
Learn more about Nephew’s therapy services at www. amandanephewtherapy.com.
LYNN AMON | CONTRIBUTED
White Bear Lake resident Lynn Amon (right) lost her mother, Rosie (left), to dementia the previous July. Lynn has taken it upon herself to always keep her mother’s memory in her heart.
2024 general election: Candidates file for office
The deadline to file for local mayoral, city council and school board races has passed, and we now know who will be on the ballot for the general election Nov. 5. In Vadnais Heights, Mayor Mike Krachmer is running unopposed for re-election. Erik Goebel, a current city council member, and Jerome Moynagh are running for the two city council seats. In White Bear Township, Ed Prudhon, current Board chair, is running unopposed for Town Supervisor Seat A. Beth Artner, Ronald Denn and
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Tom Riesdel are running in a special election for Town Supervisor Seat B.
In Birchwood Village, candidates Jennifer Arsenault and Mary Wingfield are running for mayor. Ryan Eisele, Peter Holstad and Bridget Sperl are the candidates running for 2 city council positions.
Mayor Mike McGill is running for re-election in Dellwood without opposition. Five candidates are running for two city council positions. They are Mila Cooper, Rylan Juran, Catherine Nicholson, Melissa Peltier and Karen Quaday.
In Gem Lake, Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley is running for re-election unopposed, and Benjamin Johnson and Joshua Patrick are running for the two available council seats.
In Grant, the two mayoral candidates are Tom Carr and Jeff Giefer. The three candidates running for two openings on city council include Benjamin Cornett, Lindsay Cremona, and Tina Lobin.
In Pine Springs, Randilynn Christenson is the candidate for mayor, and Conrad Adams and Julie Lapos-Kuchar are the candidates for two city council seats.
Two current Willernie council members are running for mayor, Diane Baglio and Andrew DeJong. Five candidates are running for two spots on the city council, including Kristine Cook, Andrew DeJong,
Dean Flaherty, Patrick Miller and Donald Regan. For Mahtomedi School Board, three candidates are running for three spots: Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson.
Six candidates are running for three spots on the White Bear Lake Area School Board. Current board members Scott Arcand and Angela Thompson are among the candidates, along with Brian Cern, Tim Klecker, Dan Skaar and R. Scott Smith.
Representative Brion Curran, the incumbent DFL House Representative in District 36B, announced their victory in the 2024 Democratic primary election. Curran will be running against Republican representative Patty Bradway in the upcoming election. District 36B includes White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Birchwood Village, Gem Lake and parts of White Bear Township. Incumbent House Representative Republican Elliot Engen will run against DFL candidate Janelle Calhoun in District 36A, which includes White Bear Township. Incumbent House Representative Republican Patti Anderson will run against DFL candidate Jake Ross in District 33A, which includes Dellwood, Mahtomedi, Willernie and a portion of Grant. District 41A (Grant, Pine Springs) candidates are Wayne Johnson (R) and Lucia Wroblewski (DFL). Erik Suchy & Amy Johnson
together. Hopefully, they will assist with flight instruction, because Eloise has shown zero progress in becoming airborne. This morning’s outing had a
little bit of everything. When we arrived, we spotted Eloise with mama Loon, something we had not seen during the last two weeks. After a few fish deliveries and minimal neck-circling, mama Loon left Eloise behind and joined papa Loon in the middle of Ordway Bay. Eloise appeared content, foot waggling and diving on her own near the Yacht Club, so we decided to follow the parents. Within minutes, the grandparents dropped in and joined the parents. They circled and stared at each other, until another group of four dropped in to join the fun. The group of eight put on quite a show! Behaviors included circling and staring at each other, bill dipping, head bobbing, synchronized diving, and an occasional burst of energy with wing-rowing and
Aug 15-Aug 18, 2024
splashing. Earlier in the week, we observed a few Penguin dance eruptions, in another large waterdance of Loons, but not this morning. With hormones waning as fall approaches, behaviors tend to be more social than territorial. We did spot papa Loon in what appeared to be a friendly meeting with two of the grandparents, exchanging hoots and stares. We are going to follow up with a few Loon experts to learn more about Loon parents sharing parenting responsibilities with older Loons. Perhaps, DNA, biology, and species preservation are in the mix. Another fun research project to explore.
Ellen Maas
ELLEN MAAS | SUBMITTED
Golfer qualifies for U.S. Amateur event
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Joel B. Johnson of Hugo is headed for the U.S. MidAmateur Championship after tying for third place in a qualifier Aug. 8 at Medina Golf and Country Club. Nicholas Jarrett of Rochester and Max Tylke of Rosemount tied for first with 70, two-underpar. Johnson and Trent Peterson of Eagan were next, each shooting 72, even par. Travis Meyer of Wisconsin also shot 72. Johnson and Peterson prevailed in a playoff with pars on the first hole.
Those four earned spots in the national tournament Sept. 21-26 at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia.
“USGA events are special,” said Johnson, in the MGA report on the tournament. “The courses are amazing, and you get to play against the best amateurs in the country, even the world. You don’t get that opportunity very often.”
Johnson, 53, qualified for two national tournaments last year, the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Champions and the U.S. Senior Open. His home course is Dellwood Country Club.
Moores, Miller Dellwood club champs
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Brian Moores and Barb Miller captured top honors at the Dellwood Country Club tournament held Aug. 3-4. Moores shot 72-71-143, oneunder-par, to win the men’s championship flight, among 12 entrants. This was the third Dellwood title for Moores, the others coming in 2017 and 2019. He won six club titles in his
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native Monticello before joining Dellwood.
Jordan Hawkinson, champion in 2023 and 2021, placed second with 73-75-148. Eric Hayne, the 2020 champ, placed third with 79-74-153 and was senior champion. Tying for fourth were Brendon Rickheim with 82-74-156 and Steve Poganski with 78-78156.
Miller shot 78-80-158 to capture her first women’s club title at Dellwood and her fourth senior
title. A Dellwood member since 2017, she won multiple club titles at Hillcrest prior to that.
Maddy Simon, former Mahtomedi all-stater, was just two strokes back, shooting 85-75160, for second place among eight championship entrants. Sarah Dove turned in a 85-79-164 score for third place. Olivia Herrick, champion for six of the last seven years, did not enter this year.
As
BY DEBRA NEUTKENS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Scholarship recipient pays it forward
Growing up in the backseat of his dad Dan’s vintage Cub, Tommy Hammonds of Vadnais Heights has a love for aviation. His grandfather is a pilot too, so you could say it’s in his blood.
That passion led him to a vocation as an A&P mechanic, which stands for Airframe and Power Plant. There’s a huge demand for A&Ps in the aircraft industry, Hammonds said, and he had no problem finding a job after graduating from a two-year program at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Hammonds, 24, was this year’s recipient of a scholarship from Benson Airport’s EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) chapter 745. Chapter members award scholarship money to young people interested in flying as a way to “promote the future of aviation,” noted President Dave Roster. “It’s all about that,” he said. “The industry really needs people who become A&Ps to fill holes in the infrastructure.”
Recipients of scholarship money submit an essay to the Benson chapter that describes their need and long-term
goals. Roster said they were impressed with Hammonds’ accomplishments and his volunteer work in aviation.
Unlike most of his classmates, Hammonds choose the general aviation route after graduating, taking a job as an aircraft and maintenance technician for Lake Elmo Aero. Most of the program graduates are snapped up by Delta Airlines, he said, which doesn’t offer the on-the-job variety he prefers. He also volunteers at Fleming Field in South St. Paul for the nonprofit Commemorative Air Force (CAF), working as a mechanic and crew chief on WWII airplanes.
Hammonds was recently certified, for example, to serve as a flight engineer on “Miss Mitchell”, a WWII B-25 bomber owned by the CAF. The job entails getting the aircraft ready for flight and serving as a “third set of eyes” in the cockpit.
“Certification in the B-25 required going through history rides and training flights where stalling a 36,000-pound tin can or turning an engine off midflight is part of the fun,” Hammonds joked. He’s also working on a rare L-5 Stinson,
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights:
Vadnais Heights
• A resident in the 100 block of Suzanne Court on July 14 reported that someone broke in the back passenger window of her vehicle while it was parked in front of her house and damaged the ignition,
• A store in the 1000 block of County Road E at 11:07 a.m. July 14 reported a customer and lottery winner becoming upset and pushing candy off a checkout counter after she was told the store would not be able to pay her $21 for a winning ticket because they were closing.
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited at St. Paul man, 20, and a Roseville man, 19, for theft July 15, after they were found shoplifting from a box store in the 800 block of County Road E. Their case has been sent to the County Attorney for consideration of charges, and a third male, a juvenile, will be reviewed by investigators for charging.
a reconnaissance plane used in WWII for medevac and scouting missions.
Hammonds, who earned his private pilot’s license at 19, encourages others to consider the A&P field.
• A representative for a furniture store in the 1200 block of County Road E on July 15 reported that he had paid $10,000 on a fraudulent invoice.
• A rear license was reported stolen off a vehicle in the 900 block of County Road D on July 15.
• A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued July 15, after deputies responded to the 1200 block of County Road D Circle E on a report of a male, 49, for threatening a woman, 48, and violating an Order For Protection (OFP) in the process.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 43, was arrested on an active warrant July 16 after deputies responded to the report of a burglary in the 700 block of Parkside Drive and found him at the scene.
• Credit cards, cash and debit cards were reported stolen and used July 17 in the 900 block of County Road E. The credit cards were declined at various stores.
• Employees of a liquor store in the 1000 block of Highway 96 on July 17 reported liquor stolen from the store.
• Deputies responded to a verbal
Starting pay is $28 per hour but can become much higher for specialty work. His goal is to become proficient at fabric covering (certain aircraft have skins made of poly fiber material), which can demand
dispute July 17 in the 3200 block of Highway 61, following a report of a woman, 25, and a man, 22, who had gotten into a heated argument over finances. Deputies mediated and de-escalated the disagreement. Deputies responded to another argument July 20 in the 1400 block of County Road E and advised all parties on their options for finding a resolution.
• Deputies recovered a wallet and cash found at the intersection of Vadnais Blvd. E and Edgerton Street July 18 by a lawn maintenance crew.
• A Vadnais Heights man, 30, was arrested for felony domestic assault July 18 in the 900 block of County Road D, after he strangled a family member during an argument. A resident in the 400 block of Westfield Lane on July 19 reported that someone had made $6,500 worth in fraudulent transactions on her bank account.
• A forced entry burglary was reported at 11:31 p.m. July 19 in the 900 block of County Road E. There are no suspects.
$90 per hour, he pointed out. His ultimate achievement, Hammonds wrote in his essay, is to fly an aircraft “built with my own hands.”
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Lawn to Legumes applications open Applications for the Spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes is open for Minnesota residents. The program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.
Minnesota residents are eligible to apply for Lawns to legumes cost-share funding to create a pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. Apply on Blue Thumb’s website, bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/apply.
Cafesjian Art Trust Museum extends exhibition, adds hours
The Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum will extend their current exhibition, “From Origins to Horizons: The American Studio Glass Movement” through Dec. 21, 2024.
The exhibit surveys studio glass from its beginnings in the 1960s through today, presenting a wide variety of works and themes throughout its history. The CAT is located at 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview. A new tour time has been added on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. Tours will now be available at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
To make a reservation, go to cafesjianarttrust.org.
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CONTRIBUTED
Aviation mechanic Tommy Hammonds displays a scholarship check awarded by Benson Airport’s EAA chapter at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh last month. He’s a volunteer flight engineer for the WWII B-25 bomber, nicknamed “Miss Mitchell.”
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS