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BUCKET LIST: African Safari? Check PAGE 8A
The art of rebooting the bidder BY JULIE KINK CONTRIBUTING WRITER
White Bear Lake’s auctioneering couple, Kurt and Connie Johnson, know what to do when a banquet room is so quiet, you can hear crickets chirping. Knowing how to reboot a crowd and spark excitement when no one’s bidding is one of the skills they teach budding auctioneers.
The Johnsons are much, much more than just fast talkers. “One element of a benefit auction is that our team members also have to be entertainers. We have a crackerjack team of auctioneers that we’ve handpicked and helped develop over the years, that are fantastic onstage,” Connie said. In its 27-year history, the couple’s company, Kurt Johnson Auctioneering Inc., has conducted more than 2,100 auctions, raising more than $70 million for nonprofits. For founder and Duluth native Kurt Johnson, there was no question about what to do after college. “I grew up going to auctions,” he said. “It was something I always wanted to try. I went to auction school and did whatever I could to get into the business. I was fascinated by it. Auctioneering is one of those businesses where you truly get rewarded for hard work.” Soon after starting the company, Johnson began
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Sunrise serenade
Above: A group of Sunrise Park Middle School IB World School staff members use a variety of instruments to perform their version of “Best Day of My Life” during the annual Community Dinner fundraising event at the school Tuesday, April 5 featuring a spaghetti dinner from Donatelli’s, entertainment, a wall of wishes and auction items. At right: Middle school student Charles Larson performed a series of gymnastic tumbles and flips during the student talent show portion of the benefit event.
SEE AUCTIONEERS, PAGE 9A
Fall opening planned for Piccadilly Square The company managing the new senior living facility under construction in Mahtomedi will start taking applications June 1. Piccadilly Square, a 79-unit complex on the site of the old Piccadilly restaurant, plans to open Oct. 1. Property manager Eve Bjork, with Shelter Corporation in Stillwater, said income-qualified seniors, 62 and older, can hold a unit with a deposit. Applicants must complete pre-qualification paperwork either at the Stillwater office, 14830 58th St. N., or during open houses at the Mahtomedi Public Library planned in June. The one- and two-bedroom apartments have open floor plans, individual central heat and air conditioning, dishwashers and walk-in showers. Laundry facilities are on each floor. There is a community room and fitness center. A large patio off the community room is adjacent to a walking/bike path that connects to the regional trail system. Rents range from $766 to $944 for a 680-square-foot one-bedroom or $956 to $1,129 for a 1,020-square-foot two-bedroom. Shelter Corporation manages all of Washington County's Housing and Redevelopment Authority properties, including Piccadilly Square, located at 70 Mahtomedi Ave. PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Debra Neutkens
The new Piccadilly Square senior apartment building takes shape in downtown Mahtomedi.
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