The Courier - February 2012

The Courier

FEBRUARY 2012 | VOLUME 19, ISSUE 7 WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education & Services | St. Francis, Minnesota

What’s InsideSchools in Action ..........................................2School Board Highlights .........................11Community Education ............................13Community & Business ...........................16Hearts & Flowers ........................................18Sports & Outdoors.....................................30Life ..................................................................33Classified .......................................................36

(Below) Long time resident, Binie Bodine Bertils, describes family photos of the early days in

Bethel at the January Lunch & Learn program held at the Sandhill Center for the Arts. Over 40

learners attended the History of Bethel and East Bethel program which features Vicki Wendel,

program director for the Anoka County Historical Society. See story on page 13.

JUANITA REED-BONIFACE, LUNCH & LEARN COORDINATOR

Hearts & Flowers PAGE 18

A Life-Giving ChurchService every Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

at St. Francis Elementary School22919 St. Francis Boulevard, St. Francis

sfbridge.org • 763-516-5995

St. Francis Ice Fishing Contest hosted by The Bridge Church

On Norris Lake, Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for All AgesTickets $10—For tickets or more info please call 763-516-5995

or pick up tickets at St. Francis Bait and Tackle

Prizes Provided by St. Francis Bait and TackleBig prizes include:

Eskimo Quick Flip Fish HouseEskimo Power 8" Auger • Aqua View 700 camera

Prizes for the First Fish, Biggest Fish, Most Fish,

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Over 100 door

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SFHS senior places at state debate tournamentSTEVE FETZIKST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE COACH

Alex Gray didn’t know what to ex-pect coming into his senior year on the St. Francis High School debate team. As a junior he advanced to the state quar-terfinals and qualified for the national debate tournament with his debate partner, Alex Everhart. As a senior, Gray moved to a new event with new rules and new ways of debating. In the end, he finished the season as a state quarter-finalist and national qualifier.

At the state tournament, Gray had to survive six grueling, power-matched

preliminary rounds in order to qual-ify for quarterfinals. He finished the preliminary rounds with a 4-2 record, which was good enough to advance. He lost the quarterfinal round on a narrow 2-1 judge’s decision to a debater from St. Thomas Academy, who ended up being the tournament’s runner-up.

“Alex is an amazing talent,” com-mented debate coach Steve Fetzik. We usually do Public Forum, a 2-person style of debate, but I didn’t have a part-ner for him that could match his abili-ties, so we switched him to Lincoln-Douglas Debate, one-person division.”

Lincoln-Douglas debate is perhaps the state’s toughest format. Individual students compete against each other on a proposition of value, rather than a current event. For the state tournament, Gray’s topic was centered on the moral permissibility of deadly force used by victims of domestic abuse.

“Lincoln-Douglas is very unique in its approach to resolving conflicts,” Fetzik continued, “especially when you have high school students discussing topics related to morality and ethics. Alex took up the challenge this year and finished the season successfully.”

“It was my best tournament of the year,” Gray said. “It was really great to be able to work with Coach Fetzik on the week leading up to the tournament and in helping prepare my cases. The competition was tough and I am happy with the way I debated.”

Alex had a strong season, going undefeated at the national-qualifying debate tournament, which enables him to compete at the national tournament this June in Indianapolis. He was also a finalist at the Robbinsdale Cooper debate tournament, losing in the final round to the eventual state champion.

Alex Gray

2 THE COURIER | FEBRUARY 2012 | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Schools in Action School Board Highlights PAGE 11

Community Education PAGE 13

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SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNEREDWARD SAXTON

Traveling is an individual experience. For children, the love of travel sounds like this: “Can I go, too?” The answer to that question in this year’s reading program is, “Please do!” Independent School Dis-trict 15 program, Journeys, is just the ticket to ride.

High-interest material

coupled with increased rigor have our newly adopted read-ing program generating posi-tive reviews from instructors and administrators. Students may inquire, “Where are we going?” The answer, “On a Journey.” Because the pace is uptempto and acquisition of knowledge is brisk, this reading series is appropriately named. Students are reading and writing sooner as a result of the quality of instruction utilizing Journeys.

ISD 15 engaged in a profes-sional development model that was recognized by the Journeys trainers as “extremely effective,” when selected mem-bers of our staff were trained in June. A particular advantage of our plan was that the in-structors giving the additional

training were already Teacher Academy mentors. As a result of their prior knowledge fo-cused on assisting colleagues, this transition to reading men-tors had a laser-like focus.

Our instructors are im-pressed with the wealth of resources available to shape our young readers. Use of the resources have encouraged hard work and have increased learning capacity. It’s exciting that the variety in this curricu-lum appears to keep students engaged and thirsting for more activities.

SMART Boards have en-hanced engagement in Jour-neys lessons and activities. For years, teachers have success-fully manipulated flash cards with sounds and letters. In a technology-rich environment, these hand-held visual aids for learning have been enriched by big-screen, almost billboard size interactive displays for all students to see and shape. The “journey” is incredible.

You may have watched an investigative police show dur-ing the evening hours. Often these episodes use technology similar to SMART Boards as the tool that helps organize clues for the “good guys.” In comparison, our instructors help our students (the good guys) by using SMART Boards to reveal clues that will unlock the potential to read, read, and read a bit more.

With that being said, con-sider asking our elementary students which instructional method they prefer. I’ll side with the SMART Board, and I bet they will too. In a span of about three years, our district has become an example of how to acquire technology, but more importantly, how to implement teaching meth-odology electronically. Very few districts in the state have interactive SMART Board in every elementary classroom. We have made that investment a priority to enhance educa-

tional activity.The Journeys reading series

incorporates decoding as a strategy for all students. They discover the answers to, “What is a root word?” “How is the word changed by adding a prefix or a suffix?” Acquiring decoding skills will increase understanding and prepare our children to perform well on local and state tests. The assessment available with this adopted reading program allows for a comprehensive look at where students are and where they are going in terms of achievement.

The importance of having children reading at grade level by third grade is imperative. There is no doubt the new se-ries is rigorous, the technology component is comprehensive, the teachers are continuing to refine lessons, and the train-ing of reading mentors has been well-worth the time and effort. Moving forward as a team of educators, parents, and community members, we can capitalize on these actions and continue to make our K-5 programing model the finest in the state of Minnesota.

Speaking of journeys, when we travel to the March issue of The Courier, the focus of this column will be our 6-12 programming and what our well-prepared elementary students have on the horizon. We are excited about what students are learning. Thank you for your continued sup-port of children learning in our community.

THE COURIER | FEBRUARY 2012 | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG 3

St. Francis Lions Club proudly presents

REMEMBERING THE KING A Tribute to Elvis

Featuring Steve & Tommy Marcio

Saturday, February 11Dinner 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Showtime 7:00-9:00 p.m.St. Francis American Legion

3073 Bridge Street

Dinner Buffet with BBQ Ribs & Chicken

Tickets $25 per personTickets can be purchased at St. Francis True

Value Hardware or St. Francis American Legion.

Questions or more information, call Mike Starr 763-300-9110.

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Saturday, April 21 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Francis High School

Sign up by March 1 and save $50! www.stfrancischamber.org • 763-438-5163 Ask about volunteering to help plan this great event!

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What is a smile?MELISSA RILEYCO-LEAD INSTRUCTOR KIDS CONNECTION

Melissa Riley, co-lead instructor for the Kids Connection Program at the St. Francis Middle School site, did an activity involving smiles with students this winter. Riley taught the students about smiles and gave them fun facts. Then they took a measuring tape, and by grade level, the students measured their smiles. The students with the largest smiles from each grade level were measured to determine a winner. Students were quizzed on the facts they learned and they remembered them all. It was a very fun activity.Facts about smiling:} Forcing yourself to smile can

boost your mood. Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.

} It boosts your immune system. Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.

} Smiles are contagious. It’s not just a saying: smiling really is conta-

gious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.

} Smiles relieve stress. Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.

} It’s easier to smile than to frown. Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.

} It’s a universal sign of happiness. While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cul-tures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.

} Smiles use from five to 53 facial muscles. Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use five muscle movements.

} Babies are born with the abil-ity to smile. Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watch-ing the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are

born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.

} Smiles are the most easily recog-nizable facial expression. People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expres-sion.

} Women smile more than men. Generally, women smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This find-ing leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more

eye contact.} Smiles are more attractive than

makeup. A research study con-ducted by Orbit Complete discov-ered that 69 percent of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.

} There are 19 different types of smiles. University of California-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite “so-cial” smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.


An Acne Study for Ages 12 and Up!

Volunteers, ages 12 to 40, are wanted for an investigational drug research study that will compare topical study medications for the treatment of acne.

If your child or you have 20 or more pimples on your face, we have a 12-week study that you or your child may qualify for participation.

All participants are seen by a board certified Dermatologist

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The Isanti County Master Gardeners8th Annual

Saturday, March 38:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

North Isanti Baptist Church2248 313th Ave. NE • Cambridge, MN

Cost: $15 per person before February 25; $20 the day of the event

Keynote presenter, Stan Tiekela Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer will speak on

Amazing Hummingbirds.There is plenty to do for gardeners with spring fever:

classes on various gardening topics, information booths, vendors, lunch, door prizes and a silent auction.

For more information, call the Isanti County Extension at 763-689-1810 or 763-689-8254;

www.extension.umn.edu/county/isanti; or visit us on Facebook.

Save the date!

College FairWednesday, March 28 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

St. Francis High School3325 Bridge Street • St. Francis

FREE and open to all area high school students and parents.

Visit with over 80 college and military representatives.

EAST BETHEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

CASSIE SCHMOLLEBCS MATH INTERVENTION TEACHER

East Bethel Community School math teachers Nicole Hehir and Cassie Schmoll decided to ask students what they think of their math class. The fol-lowing are some of the responses they received to the question, “How would you describe our math class to someone who has never been here?”

Mrs. Hehir’s class is fun, cool and it is a math class. She is nice and we get to play iPads and lots of fun math games. I like Mrs. Hehir’s class because you get two tickets a day but if you are bad you only get one ticket and at the end of the week you are in a drawing for a prize.

-Hannah

It is fun to be in this class. We learn new things like math adding and division. This class is exciting to be in sometimes we plan on the iPad. We

play fun math games like math blast-ers. It is fun. This class is cool to be in. We do question of the day. The class is sweet. We get in groups and learn and we do some cool board games like Jungle of Sum. Everybody has lots of fun. This class is awesome. We do flash math and packets. The teacher is cool and fun and nice.

—Kendall

There’s lots of stuff to do. It’s dif-ferent from others because it is smaller than normal. We do folders and we do posters for math. Mrs. Schmoll is the best teacher ever. She is fun and she is nice. She doesn’t yell like other teach-ers. She figures out how to teach math when people don’t get it.

—Andrew

It is fun. We have flash math. You can make lots of friends. There are nice teachers. You can meet people but you have to do math. They have a bathroom. You get to play the iPad. You get tickets! We have a big white board and a big counting board.

Mrs. Hehir is the best math teacher. We get to play on iPads.

You have to do math work. You have to do flash math with flash cards. Well before you do flash math you pick a clock partners you get cards then you do a paper with math problems on it. You try to get 30 points to pass. If you get 29 you don’t pass the level. The new people that come start on hard adding.

—Emerald

From the first day to the last day it’s really fun. You’re learning and having fun at the same time. It’s like a giant math party! I have fun all the time!

It is a good place to learn. It has nice teachers. You rarely get homework and medium (easy or hard) flash math. You get fun work and good classmates. We’re here for an hour and twenty minutes. We do all the kinds of math (division, multiplication, addition and subtraction).

—Tyler

What third and fourth graders think of their math class

CONTINUED, Page 5Pictured are some of the students that Nicole Hehir and Cassie Schmoll have in their math classes. CASSIE SCHMOLL

This class is fun. We have flash math. We have math packets. You make people with your picture in it. You do games on white boards. You have clock partners for flash math. You have fold-ers. You have nice teachers. You make projects. You have the iPads. You have tickets.

—Megan

This math class is the best because Mrs. Schmoll is so nice and she makes everything fun and colorful. The stuff that we do in math class is right when we come in we do morning work then we correct the morning work and after the morning work we do problems on the white board and my favorite part is flash math. We do flash math for about three minutes. After that we sometimes get homework or we do a math sheet and the reason why Mrs. Schmoll is so nice is because she explains everything flat out clear because she cares about us and that is what I think about math class.

—Caitlyn

What I would tell someone who has never been here that this math class is very fun and you will like it. You learn something hard and easy. We have folders here in this math class. When you complete your folder you will get a grade then you get it signed by your parents then you return it and get a sticker.

I describe this class that it is goofy. Mrs. Schmoll is awesome and she is nice. But this is the best math class ever. And I wish I wasn’t leaving in a week.

—Kerrington

If you come to Mrs. Hehir’s math group you would like it because you can play iPads and games. Then on Fridays you can do the prize box. Then you do flash math and flash cards. Then at the end of the day Mrs. Hehir is by the yellow door. She might give you a multiplication question of the day. Then we go back to our classrooms.

—Connor

Visit the ISD 15 website at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us to read more about Ni-cole Hehir and Cassie Schmoll math classes.

Before and After School ChildcareLOCATIONSLifelong Learning Center Serving East Bethel Community School and Cedar Creek Community School students

St. Francis Middle School St. Francis Elementary School students

Kids Connectionis a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education & Services

Call 763-213-1641 for information and registration.

Children must be preregistered to attend.

Kids Connection provides a safe, structured, nurturing and fun atmosphere for Independent School District 15 students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

The program is offered before and after school and on some non-school days.

Activities range from reading, art, sports, crafts and more.

Our Saviour’s PreschoolAn Educational Christian Preschool

helping children to know Jesus.

We are registering for the 2012-13 school year!

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church19001 Jackson Street NE

East Bethel

For more information call 763-434-6117


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GOODRICH PHARMACYAndover 763-434-1901St. Francis 763-753-0222 Hours: M-F 9 am-8 pm; Sat 9 am-3 pm Anoka 763-421-5540Blaine 763-717-0222Elk River 763-441-0764Fridley 763-780-0222www.goodrichpharmacy.com

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EAST BETHEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Fundraising through recyclingRYAN FIERECKEBCS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

East Bethel Community School is restarting a recycling/fundraising program. We will be recycling old inkjet and laser printer cartridges as well as cell phones. Please consider help-ing students by dropping off used cell phones and empty printer cartridges in the box marked in the main office. How cartridges and cell phones benefit East Bethel Community School

All laser and inkjet cartridges, as well as cell phones (include cords and plugs, if available), collected through this effort are sent to FundingFactory, a company headquartered in Erie, Penn-sylvania, which facilitates the nation-wide recycling program.

When the recycled items arrive at FundingFactory, they are inspected and the value for each item registers in

EBCS’s online account. We are able to log into our account any time to view balances for fundraising.

All funds raised will be used for purchases of materials and resources for our students.

The community’s help is greatly ap-preciated. For questions, contact Ryan Fiereck by email [email protected] or call 763-213-8928.

FROM PAGE 4

Math class


CONTACT THE COURIERTelephone ...............................763-753-7031Fax .................................................763-753-4693Advertising .............................763-753-7032Billing ..........................................763-753-7031Editor ..........................................763-753-7042Email ............. [email protected] [email protected]

Website .................... www.the-courier.org

Deadline Information Deadline for the February 2012 issue of The Courier is January 13, 2012.

Address 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070-9368

Publisher Tom Larson ..............................763-753-7042 [email protected]

Editor Kathleen Miller ......................763-753-7042 [email protected]

Advertising Sales Janice Audette.......................763-753-7032 [email protected]

Graphic Artists Pat Johnson .............................763-753-7025 [email protected] Alicia Loehlein .......................763-753-7033 [email protected]

Billing Alicia Loehlein .......................763-753-7033 [email protected] Amy Lindfors ..........................763-213-1588 [email protected]

Production Binie Bertils

Subscriptions The publication is delivered at no charge to all residents in Independent School District 15. The Courier can be mailed to any address for an annual (12 issues) subscription rate of $18.

Delivery For delivery inquires...........763-753-7031

The Courier is a monthly publication distributed by Independent School District 15 Community Education & Services and paid for with revenues generated by advertising.

I am community ed…

Driver’s Education

is a division of Independent School

District 15 Community Education & Services

A place for St. Francis High School students to learn classroom and practical

driver’s education.

Applications available atwww.communityed15.com or call

763-213-1640 for more information.

CROSSROADS SCHOOL & VOCATIONAL CENTER

PAULA JESBERGSPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Many students struggle when taking tests. So when a group of Crossroads teachers took the Teacher Academy class called Sheltered Instruction, they were very excited about a strategy that may help their stu-dents increase their test scores and use higher order think-ing skills. Some worked with instructors Carmen Briceno and Alicia Stoffel to create their Student Performance Improve-ment Plan, based on teaching the 12 Powerful Words that can help increase test scores.

The 12 Powerful Words, were identified by Larry I. Bell, a veteran educator, who has been recognized with several awards and grants for his work. In his experience, Bell saw that many students were struggling with the meaning of words in test questions. He taught these words in student-friendly defi-nitions and shared them with other educators. They are: 1. Trace – list in steps 2. Analyze – break apart 3. Infer – read between the

lines 4. Evaluate – judge 5. Formulate – create 6. Describe – tell all about 7. Support – back up with

details 8. Explain – tell how 9. Summarize – give me the

short version 10. Compare – all the ways

they are alike 11. Contrast – all the ways they

are different 12. Predict – what will happen

nextSeveral teachers have these

words on colorful posters in their classrooms. They use them frequently in discussions

and as part of the directions for completing assignments. For example, at the end of the period, Crossroads landscape instructor Tom Biggins asks students to use one of the words to discuss what they did in class. Students have formulated Christmas wreaths and compared and contrasted one step planter with another. Experienced students explain to new students how to do dif-ferent tasks. In Paula Jesberg’s social skills class, students trace the process of controlling their anger and anxiety when in a stressful situation. In math, Miriam Flysjo asks students to support their answers by explaining how they got the an-swer or tracing the steps. When studying number patterns, they predict what will come next. In Angela Schmid’s language arts class, students learn root words so they can analyze and predict the meaning of new vocabulary.

Bell has a book and website that can help both parents and educators teach children the 12 powerful words. He encour-ages parents to expose students at every grade level to these words. Parents can use them in daily conversations with their children. Ask them to evaluate tonight’s dinner or formulate a new kind of sandwich. When looking at pictures of people or characters in a book, ask them to infer what the people are thinking. Before starting to read a new book, ask the child to predict what it will be about based on the cover picture and title. If parents use these 12 powerful words in everyday activities, their children may be better prepared for the many tests required in today’s educa-tional system.

Tiffany Horne, a 2009 St. Francis High School graduate and current Mounds View resident, is interning this spring with the Minnesota Department of Corrections: Risk Assessment and Community Notifications Unit in Saint Paul. Horne is majoring in criminal justice at Hamline University.

Lindsey Parlow, a 2008 St. Francis High School graduate, and current Southwest Minnesota State University student, has received high honors for achievement during the fall semester of study. Students with a 3.8-4.0 (A) average are listed with high honors.

Crossroads School and Vocational Center’s math teachers Cindy Thurston, Edie Menges, and Amanda Ness. GRETA LINTON

GRETA LINTONCROSSROADS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

This month, Crossroads School and Vocational Center would like to spotlight math teachers—Cindy Thurston, Edie Menges, and Amanda Ness.

Thurston has been teaching in the district for six years. She particularly enjoys teaching algebra and making connec-tions with math. Some of her favorite projects for students include string art, tessellations, and making quilted pillow designs. Outside of school, Thurston enjoys dancing and Help with increasing standardized

test scores: 12 powerful words

Crossroads staff spotlight: math departmentpainting.

Menges is in her third year as Crossroads’ Title I math teacher. She loves having the opportunity to create positive experiences in students’ lives and practice daily math skills. Prior to coming to Independent School District 15, Menges taught math at Waseca Junior High and coached volleyball. She also taught at Mankato East Junior High and coached softball at Mankato Loyola for four years. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In between the years of teaching in southern Min-nesota and St. Francis, Menges spent time at home raising her

four children, three daughters and a son, ranging in age from 2 to 9. She enjoys spending her free time with her family. They spend numerous weekends camping, swimming and riding bikes in the summer. During winter months, they spend time at one of her daughter’s basketball games, watching football, and are waiting to go sledding.

Ness is currently in her second year of teaching at Crossroads School and Voca-tional Center. She graduated from the University of Minne-

sota, Duluth in 2009. Over the last year and a half, Ness has taught algebra, geometry, prob-ability and statistics, and some basic mathematics. Her favor-ite subject to teach is algebra because she enjoys solving dif-ferent equations and has grown to love graphing. Outside of teaching, Ness also waitresses and attends graduate school at the University of St. Mary’s. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and planning her October 2012 wedding.

STUDENT UPDATE


Expert care – close to home

Why drive anywhere else?When you’re sick or have an injury, Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton provides expert and compassionate care, close to home. Annually, thousands of people in your community come to us for this type of care, which consistently earns recognition for quality, safety, exceptional outcomes — and most important — our patients’ trust.

Learn more at fairview.org/northlandor call 763-389-1313.

• Childbirth at The Birthplace

• Cancer Care by University of Minnesota Physicians

• Heart Care by University of Minnesota Physicians

• Emergency Care

• General and Outpatient Surgery

• Sleep Center

Robin Fischer, MD with Karmen Roth and baby Alix.

St. John Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center

Community Open House for

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

2012-13Preschool through Grade 8

Saturday, March 3 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

If unable to attend, contact our principal, Mr. Evan Anwyl, for a private tour.

E-mail address: [email protected]

763-441-66169243 Viking Boulevard NW

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CEDAR CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Amy Baar and Kelly Ogren’s first grade classes at Cedar Creek Community School enjoy an afternoon of making snowmen socks before the winter break. KELLY OGREN, CCCS 1ST GRADE TEACHER

The Cedar Creek Community School first graders participate in a fun-filled Science Day January 10. Each first grade teacher held a 25-minute lesson on a tool from the Simple Machines science cur-riculum. Students spent the entire day experimenting with pulleys, wheels, wedges, screws, inclined planes and levers. The memorable day was a wonderful learning experience! KELLY OGREN, CCCS 1ST GRADE TEACHER

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

JILL SALOSFHS COUNSELOR

Registration for school year 2012-13Registration is well under way for 8th, 9th,

10th and 11th grade students. Students should be thinking about classes that interest them and those that may guide them in their plans for the future. If students in 8th grade still haven’t registered, please contact the counseling office at 763-213-1590. The deadline for 9th, 10th and 11th grade students is Friday, February 3. Thanks to all of the students and parents who helped their children choose classes this year.

State testing planned for AprilThe Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments

(MCAs) will be given on April 17 and 18 for the following grade levels: 9th Grade: Writing, 10th Grade: Reading and 11th Grade: Math.

Students should make sure to get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy breakfast the day of the tests.

Financial Aid NightThe St. Francis High School Counseling

Department and Career Center would like to invite all junior and senior students and their parents to our annual Financial Aid Night on February 7, 6:00 p.m. in the SFHS Performing Arts Center. Guest speaker is Val Knopp, assistant director of the Department of Financial Aid at St. Cloud State University. Information will be presented about the regulations and application for financial aid. This is a presentation for all senior students who plan to attend any post-secondary institution, but juniors who are interested may also attend.

No-Name Calling WeekStudents in the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)

Club hosted a pledge against using anti-LGBTQ language and bullying the week of January 23-27. The GSA works to create a safe and positive environment for all students at SFHS and in the surrounding community.

St. Francis High School Counseling Office news

The Courier will feature Easter sales and events in the March issue. The deadline to place

advertising is Friday, February 17. For more information, please call Janice at 763-753-7032

or email her at [email protected].

Easter Advertising

minutes to write our stories.” Newspaper adviser

Glenn Morehouse Olson and yearbook adviser Joel Olson joined the high school students on their trip.

“It was my first time at the convention, and I really learned a lot from all the other yearbook advisers. It was a great place to get ideas for teaching yearbook skills,” said Joel Olson.

Brianna Bliskowski, managing editor of the 2012 Lance yearbook, said she thought many aspects of the convention were inspiring.

“The workshops were very helpful,” said Bliskowski. “There were a lot of new ideas we had never thought of before. We learned better ways to advertise our book and how to write better stories.”

When the students were not attending workshops

or competing in write-off competitions, they attended large-group sessions given by keynote speakers. The most popular keynote address was a live satellite press conference with actor Daniel Radcliffe, the main character in the Harry Potter movies. The press conference was to promote his new movie, Woman in Black, and some students were able to ask Radcliffe questions directly.

“It was cool that we got to see him, and he actually was talking and interacting with us,” said McClung. “The room was dark and all you could see were the lights from people’s recording devices.”

According to McClung, the convention was beneficial to students who wanted to broaden their knowledge of journalism.


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BRENNA VEENSTRA SFHS YEARBOOK REPORTER

The first storm of winter blanketed streets with snowflakes, and mild temperatures gave way to a biting northwest wind as two newspaper students, four yearbook students and their advisers attended the Journalism Educators Association national conference last November.

Newspaper students Kelsi Novitsky and Jessie Rochel along with yearbook students

Brianna Bliskowski, Roni Cich, Taylor McClung, and Brenna Veenstra attended workshops including Beginner Photoshop, Leading the Writing of Others, Organization 101, Tweet This! Using New Media in Old Journalism, and Elements of Design. The students also attended keynote sessions by Duchesne Drew of the StarTribune and Vadim Lavrusik, journalist program manager at Facebook.

Novitsky and Rochel, co-editors of St. Francis High

School’s student newspaper The Crier, participated in write-off competitions/contests that test the writing skills of students from around the country. Write-off contests consist of over 100 different categories including news writing, editorial writing, feature writing, review writing, and commentary writing. Rochel competed in commentary writing while Novitsky competed in the news writing category. In the end, Novitsky won a superior award, creating a 350-word story in two hours. According to Novitsky, the only criticism she received for her winning story was about her handwriting.

“I had to write about regulations and nutrition standards in schools,” said Novitsky.

Rochel wrote her commentary on HPV vaccinations for boys and her task was to chose a side.

“It was really interesting to figure out how to whip out a story in the amount of time I was given,” said Rochel. “We were given an hour and 45

Senior yearbook students Taylor McClung, Brianna Bliskowski, Bren-na Veenstra, and Veronica Cich attended the Journalism Educators Association national conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center in November. PHOTO BY JOEL OLSON

High school students attend national journalism conference

Classes will not be in session for Independent School District 15 students on Friday, February 17 and

Monday, February 20.



KATHY WEILANDSFHS HOSA ADVISOR

St. Francis High School HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) had great success at the mid winter competition which took place January 4 at the Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park. The following students demonstrated that they are striving for excellence in the health care profession with their performance in the knowledge tests.

Nutrition–Aubrie Ricker first place; dental terminology–Leah Jaworski third place; medical spelling–Monica Johnson first place, Paul Kastenbauer second place, Christina Brand third place, Traona Vang fourth place,

Nicole Walker fifth place; medical math–Aubrie Ricker first place, Christina Brand second place; medical terminology–Monica Johnson first place, Christina Brand second place, Lauren Peter third place, Paul Kastenbauer fifth place; job seeking skills–Kylie Schroeder first place, Kallie Domogalla second place, Allie Miller third place, Amanda Marron fourth place, Emma Nordin fifth place; extemporaneous health poster–Amanda Marron third place, Zoey Tye fourth place; career health display–Tiana and Cole second place, Emma and Angie third place, Vanessa and Ashley fourth place, Kylie and Alicia fifth place; creative problem solving–

St. Francis High School HOSA strikes again with success

Kallie Domogalla, Kylie Schroeder, Austin Leibel and Angie Dugas third place, Allie Miller, Emma Nordin and Joey

Anderson fourth place, Emily Doeffert, Dakotah Bullen, Amanda Marron and Ashley Toikleu fifth place.

Congratulations to all students on their accomplishments.

St. Francis High School HOSA competitors. KATHY WEILAND

Learning about family traditionsBETH ANDERSONSFES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Kindergarten students at St. Francis Elementary School learned about fam-ily traditions during the months of No-vember and December. As part of this exciting learning adventure, each fami-ly decorated a gingerbread cut-out and each kindergartner wrote a descriptive

recipe of the materials used to decorate their gingerbread project. All of these creative gingerbreads were displayed in the hallways for the entire school to enjoy! Through-out the month of December, students also read a large variety of stories based on the traditional gingerbread man, including: The Gingerbread Baby and Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett, The Gingerbread Girl and The Gingerbread Girl Goes Ani-mal Crackers by Lisa Campbell, Ernst & The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires. Kindergarten students were able to compare and contrast the many versions of the gingerbread man. We finished up with a kindergar-ten tradition of our own by mixing, baking and decorating a gingerbread cookie together.


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ST. FRANCIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

After School Move in the gymCALLI SIGFRINIUSSFES LICENSED SCHOOL NURSE

This fall, a new after school program was started at St. Francis Elementary School. After School Move is taught by William Israelson, owner/personal trainer at Ascension Body Works.

Israelson’s focus for the class is to teach students to get moving after school with things that they can do at home as well. After the first class, many students were showing and telling their parents things to do at home and asking parents to join them. The class is set in a noncompetitive environment and students start at their comfort level. Games that are played work on core body strength and prove that exercise can be fun—something that a lot of adults need to learn, too.

New online resource pageDIANE PETERSONSFES TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

If you’re one of the many parents who want to harness the power of the Internet, St. Francis Elementary School teachers have the resources you want, at your finger tips. Students can access recommended online resources from the district website. Teachers at SFES have compiled a list of valuable resources for their students and centralized them onto the resource page. Each grade level and specialist has their own page. The Internet re-sources are directly connected to the curriculum being taught and provide a great opportunity for students to practice and expand their skills.

Visit www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us/sfesresourcepage to check out the resources.

St. Francis Elementary School students par-ticipate in the ISD 15 Community Educa-tion program After School Move. Students learned exercises that can be done at home too. CALLI SIGFRINIUS

Teacher SpotlightBETH ANDERSONSFES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Laura Hogue is a first grade teacher at St. Francis Elementary School. Hogue is highly respected by students, staff and parents in Independent School District 15. She has a gentle way of motivating students to put forth their best effort in the classroom. She serves on the Social Studies Curriculum Committee and is a valuable resource for teachers in that capacity.

As one colleague stated, “Laura is innovative and provides such a wonderful, quality place for kids to learn. She has high expectations for her students as well as for herself.” SFES is fortunate to have Hogue as part of its learning community!

St. Francis Elementary School spotlight teacher Laura Hogue. BETH ANDERSON

Students and parents can access recommended resources from home. DIANE PETERSON

BETH ANDERSON

School Board Highlights SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY 9, 2012

PAT JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

All board members present.Independent School District

15 (ISD 15) Superintendent Ed Saxton recited the Oath of Office to the four newly-elected school board members: incumbent Amy Kelly and new members Suzanne Erkel, Janet Glover and Matthew Rustad. Election of School Board Officers

The appointment of one-year term school board officers was the first order of business. The first position to fill was school board chair. School board member David Ander-son nominated Amy Kelly and Matthew Rustad nominated Marsha Van Denburgh. Kelly, Anderson and Harry Grams voted for Kelly; Van Denburgh, Rustad, Suzanne Erkel and Janet Glover voted for Van Denburgh. Van Denburgh is the new school board chair. Kelly presented the gavel to Van Denburgh and congratu-lated her on her new position.

Rustad nominated Glover and Anderson nominated Grams for school board vice chair. Van Denburgh, Rus-tad, Erkel and Glover voted for Glover; Kelly, Anderson and Grams voted for Grams. Glover is the new school board vice chair.

Anderson nominated Kelly for school board clerk and Rus-tad nominated Erkel for the position. Van Denburgh, Rus-tad, Erkel and Glover voted for Erkel and Kelly, Anderson and Grams voted for Kelly. Erkel is the new school board clerk.

Kelly nominated Grams for school board treasurer; there were no other nominations. Grams is the school board treasurer.School Board Directors Compensation

Van Denburgh started the school board directors’ com-pensation dialog by pointing out that board members have not received an increase since 2006. Erkel would like to put any school board compensa-tion increase in the hands of the voters. Van Denburgh wanted the board to consider a cost of living increase, since the board member pay is quite low compared to bordering districts. She noted that Dis-THE COURIER | FEBRUARY 2012 | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG 11

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trict 15 tries to pay employees a competitive wage.

Anderson acknowledged that school board members receive low pay for what they are asked to do, but consider-ing the financial picture of the district, he would like the compensation to stay as is.

Grams pointed out that most people don’t take a school board position for the money and is satisfied with the compensation.

Kelly commented that the compensation question comes up every January. ISD 15 employees have not seen pay increases for several years; school board members should do the same.

All members voted to keep the compensation the same.Committee assignments

Committee assignments were handed out to new and existing members. For a com-plete list of the assignments, visit www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us and locate school board min-utes, agenda and packet.Student report

Nathan Lipinski said there was not too much going on but noted St. Francis High School students were raising money for paralyzed Benilde-St. Margaret’s hockey player Jack Jablonski. A talent show will be held January 25, 6:00 p.m., at St. Francis High School Per-forming Arts Center. Admis-

sion is $1 and a $200 first prize will be given. Lipinski brought up the termination of one of the assistant coaches. Human Resources Director David Lindberg said he would talk to Lipinski after the meeting regarding the matter.Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Saxton reported on the building tours that took place over the winter break. Every classroom was visited to take a look at tech-nology in the classrooms and also taking note of out-dated materials.

The District Leadership Team is discussing budget items and the ongoing process. The committee is also looking at how to improve communi-cation with parents.

Saxton met with two other superintendents in the Oak Land cooperative. They dis-cussed getting a grant writer.

Sign-up for the district’s in-house clinic is underway.

The annual Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) meeting, will be held January 12-13. All school board members are registered.

Tim Finn, ISD 15 Early Childhood Special Education Program Supervisor, has been appointed to the governor’s task force for early childhood.

Saxton did a meet and confer with teachers over the 2012-13 and 2013-14 calendars.

He would like the school board to review them so they could be voted on soon.Dialog Session

Van Denburgh and Grams attended the dialog session be-fore the school board meeting and met with one community member that wanted to know about vocational opportuni-ties at St. Francis High School. Grams was able to brief the person on the program.School Board Member Report

Grams is a member of the District Technology Committee and at the last meeting touched on the fact that early childhood parents are using Facebook to

communicate. The early child-hood program at the Lifelong Learning Center would like to consider a Facebook presence. Grams was going to attended the MSBA conference.

Van Denburgh congratu-lated Tim Finn on his appoint-ment. She attended a Teacher Academy meeting that hired an elementary science depart-ment head teacher. She would like to have magnet schools in the district and pointed out how the Cedar Creek and East Bethel Community School land could be a location for an environmental school.

Independent School District 15 Superintendent Ed Saxton (right) recites the Oath of Office to newly-elected school board members: Matthew Rustad, Amy Kelly, Suzanne Erkel and Janet Glover at the January 9 meeting. COURIER PHOTO


SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SCHEDULESchool board meetings are held at the Community Room in the Central Services Center located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis.

Monday, February 13Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Monday, February 27Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Monday, March 12Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Live streaming and video archives of school board meetings are available at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSMarsha Van Denburgh, Chairwoman, 763-753-6653

Janet Glover, Vice Chairwoman 763-221-5341

Suzanne Erkel, Clerk 763-413-1195

Harry Grams, Treasurer 763-856-4350

David Anderson, Director 763-434-9457

Amy Kelly, Director 763-744-8458

Matthew Rustad, Director 763-568-8847

Email [email protected]

SCHOOL BOARD PERSPECTIVE MATTHEW RUSTAD

This is exciting, my first reflection as a new school board member! I struggled with what to say to the community at large, since this is different than writing a story or a paper on the criminal justice system for school. It has been, to say the least, a wild ride for me these past few months; I am honored and excited to serve this district to the best of my abilities. Please contact me with questions, comments or ideas that you have about how we can work to improve our schools; after all, students are the primary reason all of us school board members are here. Earl Richmann III, the keynote speaker for the annual leadership conference for Minnesota school board members said in an article, “Every school board member comes to the table with some kind of an agenda. You must be willing to look beyond your personal beliefs and make decisions that in fact articulate

the best interest for all the kids in the district.” That is an accurate statement, and one that all school board members try to follow; we all ran on different agendas but we are all working toward the goal of better schools for our kids.

A great example of this was illustrated in the movie, War Horse. Without giving away too many spoilers, there was a scene where the horse was caught in the no-man’s land between the British and German forces. A soldier from each side came out from their respective foxholes to work together to free the horse. (By the way, it is a great movie, very beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time.) Now, being on the school board is nothing (I hope!) like being in a foxhole during combat; yet this illustrates how opposing forces can work together for the common good.

During the first meeting of January, there was the swearing in of new members and votes for leadership positions. I believe all the present school board members would like to thank Ms. Kelly for her leadership role in the past, and would like to welcome Ms. Van Denburgh as the new chair of the board. We are committed to working together to make Independent School District 15 a better district at all levels for all students. Contact any one of us for comments, ideas and suggestions.

SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY 23, 2012

KATHLEEN MILLERSTAFF WRITER

All board members present.Site report Cedar Creek Community School

Principal Darin Hahn re-ported that the current enroll-ment at Cedar Creek Com-munity School is 830 students. Projected enrollment is one of the key factors used to deter-mine staffing in each building. The actual enrollment is great-er than the projected enroll-ment so a first grade instructor and social worker were added to this year’s staff. Some high-lights this year include X Time, which provides more student instruction for half-day kinder-garten students, Flash Math, a district-developed math pro-gram influential in increased math scores, and the new reading adoption that has gone smoothly as teachers were trained prior to the start of the

school year. Students and staff have displayed a renewed en-thusiasm with the new reading curriculum. Cedar Creek Com-munity School students made Adequate Yearly Progress in all nine areas. The entire school participated in the annual Pie in the Eye fundraiser, an effort to raise funds to help students in need with coats, boots, hats, and mittens. Strengthening communication to parents includes using SchoolReach, the telephone messaging ser-vice, with weekly updates and transportation alerts.Superintendent Report

The review of classroom space across the district will be reported to the board at the next school board meeting. Work is being done on the mis-sion and goals statement, which will come before the board this spring. The superintendent attended a bus safety presenta-tion and saw some new ideas, from observers reporting safety concerns to video taping inci-dents on the bus.

Discussion of consideration of visitors and live streaming

Board Chair Marsha Van Denburgh added this topic to the agenda for discussion. She would like to have the consid-eration of visitors portion of the meeting live-streamed and archived. When the live stream-ing and video archiving of school board meetings was first introduced, it was decided by the board at that time to omit the consideration of visitors from the live stream and archived video. Other board members weighed in on the issue. Other informa-tion to consider was provided by ISD 15 Human Resources Director David Lindberg. Super-intendent Saxton commented on the data privacy issue and wants to protect ISD 15 staff. During the meeting, Van Denburgh gave a short recap regarding the consideration of visitors portion of the meeting. Most of the board members agreed that was a good alternative to live streaming. Live streaming and archiving of school board meetings will continue as is.

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Middle School Strength & ConditioningStudents participate in a strength and conditioning program designed to develop and enhance overall athletic ability. The program involves strength/explosive training, agility training, plyometrics, speed development, flexibility and sport-specific conditioning. Dates: April 16–May 24Time: 2:30-4:00 p.m.Grades: 6-8

Middle School TrackTrack & Field is so much more than just running. Come and experience what it has to offer. This spring track season will include hurdles, relays, throws, long jump, high jump, running events and more.Dates: April 13–May 17Days: Mon/Tues/ThursTime: 2:30-4:00 p.m.Grades: 6-8

Middle School TennisThe first few sessions will focus on tennis basics such as forehand, backhand, serving and scoring. Match play will include singles and doubles. Students are required to bring their own tennis rackets.Dates: April 17–May 17Days: Tues/ThursTime: 2:30-4:00 p.m.Grades: 6-8

Spring VolleyballA fundamental league to teach the basic skills of volleyball.Dates: April 16, 23, 30;

May 7, 14, 21Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.Grades: 4-5,6-8

T-BallA fun, non-competitive league to teach young children the basic skills of T-Ball. Coaching will be done by parent volunteers. There will be no umpires or scores kept. This is a co-ed league.Dates: May 7–June 27Days: Mon/WedTime: 6:30-7:30 p.m.Ages: 4-6 year olds

SoftballCoach Pitch League—A fun beginners level of slow pitch softball to introduce fundamentals and the game of softball.Dates: May 8–June 28Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.Days: Tues/ThursAges: 6-8 year olds

BaseballCoach Pitch League—A fun beginners level of baseball to introduce fundamentals and the game of baseball.Dates: May 8–June 28Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.Days: Tues/ThursAges: 6-8 year olds

Looking ahead to Spring 2012 activitiesRegistration for spring activities now open

FROM THE REC DEPARTMENT

Baseball Camp Register now! Camp starts soon.Winter baseball camp is designed to cover skills including pitching, catching, throwing, hitting, and defensive fundamentals. Players should bring a glove, tennis shoes, and youth bat (if available).Who: Boys ages 6-15Location: St. Francis High SchoolDates: Saturdays, February 11, 18, 25Times: Ages 6-10 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Ages 11-15 10:00-11:30 a.m.Instructors: Brian Julson, SFHS head baseball coach, SFHS assistant

baseball coaches and current SFHS baseball players

Register Online www.communityed15.comContact Diane Guinn, Manager for more info 763-213-1823

Rec Department is a division of ISD 15 Community Education & Services

Do you have a child who will be a kindergartner this fall?Be sure they have gone through Early Childhood Screening.Last appointment before fall is in February.

Call 763-753-7187 NOW to schedule.

Early childhood screening should be done soon after the child’s third birthday. Screening is a FREE, simple check of a young child’s health and development; it does not determine kindergarten readiness

Screening includes: • adevelopmentalassessment• visionandhearingchecks• immunizationandhealthreview


Community Education Early Childhood PAGE 15

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CONTACTSDirector: Tom Larson ...................................................................................... 763-753-7041

Adult Basic Education (GED) ..................................................................... 763-753-7190 Sandy Farder, Coordinator/Teacher

Adult Education & Services ........................................................................ 763-213-1640 Drivers Education/Behind the Wheel Nancy Messerschmidt, Manager

Communications & District Website Kathleen Miller ............................................................................................... 763-753-7042

The Courier Newspaper ............................................................................... 763-753-7031 Kathleen Miller, Editor ............................................................................... 763-753-7042 Pat Johnson, Graphics ............................................................................... 763-753-7025 Alicia Loehlein, Staff Writer, Billing ..................................................... 763-753-7033 Janice Audette, Advertising ................................................................... 763-753-7032

Facility Scheduling Nancy Messerschmidt ............................................................................... 763-213-1589

Family Education & Services ...................................................................... 763-753-7170 Nancy Wallace, Program Supervisor

Kids Connection Theresa Antinozzi, Manager .................................................................. 763-213-1616 Kids Connection Lifelong Learning Center Site ........................ 763-753-7160 Kids Connection St. Francis Middle School Site ....................... 763-213-8674

Preschool Place 15 ........................................................................................... 763-753-7170 Nancy Wallace, Program Supervisor

Rec Department Diane Guinn, Manager .............................................................................. 763-213-1823 Heidi Antinozzi, Rec Assistant............................................................... 763-213-1508

Sandhill Center for the Arts Theresa Antinozzi, Manager .................................................................. 763-213-1616

www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us...............................................................www.the-courier.org

JUANITA REED-BONIFACELUNCH & LEARN COORDINATOR ISD 15 COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES

Over 40 learners were in attendance at the January Lunch & Learn program which featured Vicki Wendel, pro-gram director, Anoka County Historical Society on the topic, History of Bethel and East Bethel. Participants learned a number of interesting facts and stories about the early settlers and businesses in the area during this program held at the Sand-hill Center of the Arts.

The area was settled mostly by farmers, many who came to claim land as a result of the Homestead Act of 1862. Many came from Sweden follow-ing the lead of Peter Johnson who homesteaded and wrote to friends and relatives to come join his family here. Other names from the early days were Cooper, Erickson, Dawson, Permort, Soderberg, Wyatt and Hughes. Several descendents of these families are still living in the area. Some

were in the audience at this ISD 15 Community Education & Services event.

The railroad had a pro-found impact on the growth of Bethel, providing good transportation to Bethel from Minneapolis and points north. Main Highway 65, originally a motor trail from Minneapolis up Central Avenue, was paved and extended to McGregor in 1934. As a result of these travel options, Bethel became a town with a significant number of enterprises. It was also a tour-ist destination with fishing, hunting, and wide-open spaces for picnics.

Potatoes were one of the leading crops grown in the area and were stored in sev-eral Bethel warehouses and shipped by rail for processing. Potato buyers made regular stops in Bethel, staying at the fine hotels, including the Soderberg Hotel. By 1901, telephone lines were avail-able, although few people had phones. In 1930 with the coming of Rural Electrification, electricity was available. At

that time, Bethel had a bank, livery stable, car dealership, blacksmith shop, confectioner-ies and grocery/meat markets.

The many improvements of Highway 65 had a major impact on not only businesses, but churches in the area. Several of them, including West Bethel United Methodist Church, were moved several times due to widening of the road. Business on Cooper’s Corner also went through changes and rebuilding as the road demanded more land.

As an agricultural area, Bethel and East Bethel were heavily influenced by work with the Anoka County Exten-sion Service that offered educa-tional programs for farmers, homemakers and 4-H youth. Local farmers cooperated with county extension agents on experimental plots for crops and soil conservation practices. The home extension clubs were strong. One long-time club was the Dyers Corner Help-ing Hands Club organized in 1935 and continuing until 2005. These clubs met monthly in members’ homes and provided lessons in homemaking skills and family development. The club was active in community service, raising money to sup-port worthy causes. 4-H clubs have always been a part of the area, beginning with the Bethel 4-H Dairy Calf club.

Other interesting entities in the city were the Bethel Brass Band, baseball team, Modern Woodmen of America organization, and the Bethel Proper Spirit Club, a social club started in 1912. Schools played an important part in

Bethel and East Bethel history popular topicthe history, with at least seven one-room rural schools es-tablished in Bethel and East Bethel. By 1954 most of these were consolidated into the St. Francis School District.

Bethel is especially proud of their fire department which was established in 1969 as a formal independent unit. It is a good example of the “do for themselves “ spirit of the com-munity as the department has been self-supporting since its

inception, earning the money to buy all of their equipment.

The next Lunch & Learn will be Tuesday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. at the Sandhill Cen-ter for the Arts. Jim Labarre, assistant wildlife manager of the Carlos Avery Wildlife Man-agement area, will present the program, Inside Carlos Avery Wildlife Area. To reserve your place, register online at www.communityed 15.com or call 763-213-1641.

Presenter Vicki Wendel emphasized the importance of saving and labeling historic pictures. JUANITA REED-BONIFACE

Lunch & Learn participants shared pictures and memories. JUANITA REED-BONIFACE


Lunch & Learn is a program at the Sandhill Center for the Arts that fea-tures interesting topics with dynamic speakers and a delicious lunch.Lunch: 11:00 a.m. Program: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Cost: $10For registration, call 763-213-1641, online www.communityed15.com

Inside Carlos Avery Wildlife AreaTuesday, February 21Jim Labarre, Assistant Wildlife Manager, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management AreaDiscover the history of the Carlos Av-ery Wildlife Management Area start-ing in 1855 when the Linwood and Columbus areas were settled, through the days of the wiregrass harvest by the Crex Carpet Company, purchase of the land by the state for a wildlife management area/game farm, and changes through the present time.

SilverSneakers® Muscular Strength & Range of MovementHave fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement, and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support.Days: Tuesdays, ThursdaysTime: 9:00-10:00 a.m.Fee: Free to SilverSneakers®

members; $2.00 per class for non-members.

SilverSneakers® YogaStretchYogaStretch will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance, and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Days: Mondays, Wednesdays,

FridaysTime: 9:00-10:00 a.m.Fee: Free to SilverSneakers®

members; $2.00 per class for non-members.

For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program please contact Sandhill Center at 763-213-1616.

Join the Lunch Bunch at the Sandhill Center in the Bethel Cabaret for our monthly catered luncheon featuring top entertainment by popular artists. Make your reservations early as most of our shows do sell out ahead of time. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.Doors open: 10:40 a.m.Lunch served: 11:00 a.m.Showtime: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Cost: $12For reservations, call 763-213-1641 use your Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Reservations can also be made on the website at www.communityed15.com.Groups are welcome!

CODA Tuesday, February 7 CODA is in its 15th year as a saxophone/keyboard duo. Scott Dorff plays soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, and Malcolm Anderson plays piano/keyboard. They strive to make each performance unique.

The Sandhill Center for the Arts is operated under the auspices of Independent School District 15 Community Education & Services. Its purpose is to provide arts opportunities for the residents of the area served by the school district. Sandhill Center for the Arts is located at 23820 Dewey Street, Bethel, MN 55005. For more information about the center, please call 763-213-1616.

Interest GroupsSt. Francis Area Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month, 7:00–9:00 p.m. Please call 763-434-3132 for book selection and information.

NEW! Sandhill Writers’ Group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Come at noon and “brown bag” it with others. Anyone with an interest in writing is welcome. Call 763-434-3132 for more information.

NEW! Artists at Sandhill meet the second Monday of the month, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bring your lunch and come play! Contact Helen at 763-755-5611 for more information.

SANDHILL GIFT SHOPArtwork is displayed on a rotating basis, so you never know what you may find.

Open Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Adult Basic Education’s definition of an overachieverSANDY FARDERADULT BASIC EDUCATION COORDINATOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES

I have come to the conclusion that if you look in the dictionary under the word, ‘overachiever,’ you will see a picture of Olga Neiman-Steffens. Olga is a relatively new student in our Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, and she is extraordinary. She is from Belarus, a country located between Poland and Russia, and now resides here in beautiful little Oak Grove. She arrived in the United States on October 12, experienced her first American Thanksgiving on November 24, and was married two days later. Based on that information, you might reasonably assume that Olga is a woman of action. You haven’t heard anything, yet.

Olga was born into a military family. Her father was a pilot for twenty-five years, then went to work as an engineer for a large military equipment repair plant. Her mother is an economist, so it is not surprising that Olga was instilled with a need to succeed. She spent seven years of her childhood in Germany, but attended a Russian school. There, she became fluent in German and Polish, along with her native Russian. She also studied Spanish and is already quite proficient in English, as well.

In school, her favorite subjects were math, chemistry and biology, which you will see foreshadowed her chosen profession. Despite her scientific leanings, she graduated from a music school in 1990 as an accomplished violist. From there, she decided to pursue nursing, and after four more years of education, she became a surgical nurse in an obstetrics unit, where she worked for two years.

Her true passion, though, was to become a doctor. She attended a medical university in Vitebsk, Belarus for six years, which earned her a position as a surgeon in a regional surgical clinic. After two more years, boredom again set in, so Olga attended a medical academy in Minsk to become an oncology surgeon. Working in a specialized area, performing surgery on tumors of the head and neck, maintained Olga’s interest for six years. Of course, during that time, she also managed to earn a PhD in medicine, establishing a potential career as a medical professor. She also snuck in travels to Italy, Austria, Romania, China, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Turkey.

In addition to her obvious love of learning and travel, Olga enjoys all types of music, from classical to rock. She is an excellent cook (I speak from personal knowledge) and she is fascinated with photography. She has added a new love to her life, which is the reason Olga came to Minnesota. She met a very nice man, Gary Steffens, online in February 2010. Steffens visited

Olga in Belarus the following July, which prompted a visit on her part to Minnesota later in November. She must have liked what she saw, because establishing a new life halfway around the world can be overwhelming. Olga certainly left behind her a remarkable career along with loving friends and family, but I suspect she was secretly anxious to conquer yet another challenge.

Olga’s next goal is to become fluent in English so she can pass the American Medical Exams, obtain her medical license and secure a rewarding job as a surgeon. We discussed a possible dream of working at the Mayo Clinic, a highly respected hospital around the world. “Oh, yes,” she said. “That would be very interesting, but I don’t think Gary would like to move.” She assured me that there are many excellent hospitals in the area where she would be very happy. There is certainly no denying that setting, and attaining, new goals is a fundamental joy for Olga. It will be exciting to see where her journey leads her. I feel very fortunate that Olga found our ABE program and is pleased with our ability to assist her towards her admirable aspirations.

If you happen to see Olga out and about in our community, you really should take the time to stop and say hello. She is a fascinating woman; and, you never know—she may be operating on you some day!

Olga Neiman-Steffens is one of the new-est students at Adult Basic Education. She is participating in the program to be-come fluent in English. SANDY FARDER

ISD 15 Adult Basic Education at the Lifelong Learning Center

in Oak Grove✓ GED Preparation✓ Accuplacer Preparation✓ Adult Diploma✓ ESL Instruction✓ Basic Skills Instruction

Please call 763-753-7190 for class times and further information on

Adult Basic Education.


Call ECFE at 763-753-7170 for more information or to register for any of the opportunities on this page.Lifelong Learning Center • 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove • Online at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us

Bright BeginningsBright Beginnings in ISD 15 Early Childhood

Plan your year with Early Childhood Family Education

Check out the Learn & Thrive booklet for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) parent/child classes for the 2011-12 school year

Register NOW for classes! Winter/Spring Session is beginning soon! There are still limited openings in some of our classes.

Looking for special events and trips?Register for them NOW!The Place to Go, Things to Do brochure features special events and field trips for families. Some of these events include Pop In & Play times, Dads and Me Events, Theatre trips, Farm field trip and many, many more.

Upcoming ECFE Events & Field TripsFOR CHILDREN ONLY!

Make Way for LearningFor children three to five years of age at the time of the event. Reinforce early learning skills in fun, interac-tive two-time classes. Lots of moving and creative fun for your preschooler. Children must be toileting themselves.

Look How Big I AmMeasure and compare how big you are and how you are growing and changing all the time. Lots of fun math!Dates: Tuesdays, February 7 & 14Time: 12:45-2:45 p.m.Fee: $8 per child

Writing with a SmileGames, activities and practice at using tiny finger muscles. Fun ways to get reluctant writers to pick up a crayon or pencil.Dates: Tuesdays, March 13 & 20Time: 12:45-2:45 p.m.Fee: $8 per child

FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN!

Dads ’N Me SaturdayCalling all dads and kids! Come ready for activities chosen especially for dad and children to spend quality time together.Date: Saturday, February 11Time: 9:45-11:45 a.m.Fee: $4 per child;

max $12 per family (limit 4 children/adult)

Deadline: February 9

Pop In and PlayPop in to do activities, meet other families and build relationships. No pre-registration necessary. Dates: Fridays, January 20-March 30

(no class February 10, March 2 & 9)

Time: 9:30-11:15 a.m.Fee: $4 per child; max $12 or

three punches per family (limit of 4 children/adult)

Upcoming topics:February 3: Snowy DayFebruary 24: Forest Friends

Dates: Wednesdays, February 8-April 4 (no class February 1 or March 7)

Time: 12:45-2:45 p.m.Fee: $4 per child; max $12 or

three punches per family (limit of 4 children/adult)

Upcoming topics:February 8: Heart WarmersFebruary 15: Animal PrintsFebruary 22: Snowmen on ParadeFebruary 29: Mittens, Mittens

Everywhere

2011 Birth-Day BashA special day for all those babies born in 2011! If you missed Celebrating Baby when your child was tiny or if you’ve wondered about ECFE, here’s a special bash just for you. Enjoy songs, get helpful hints and meet others who are parenting a baby. Free sibling care is available for children up to age 8, but you must preregister.Date: Saturday, February 11Time: 9:45-11:15 a.m.Fee: FREEDeadline: February 8

Have a concern about your child?

Are you concerned about your child’s development, speech, or behavior?

If your child is under three years of age, contact Tim Finn at:

[email protected] or 763-753-7172 to reach ISD 15

HelpMeGrowservices.If your child is at least three years of age and not yet in kindergarten, ISD 15 Early

Childhood Screening is the first step in confirming any concerns you have; call for an appointment at 763-753-7187 and

mention your concerns.

Family Advocate Do you need additional support in your parenting role? Wouldyouliketoknowmoreaboutresourcesinyourcommunity?Issueswecanhelpwithinclude

relationships, parenting, child development, finding helpwithfinances,etc.Call your Early Childhood Family Advocate Cynthia Behling at 763-753-7178 or email [email protected].

Early Childhood Family EducationA division of ISD 15Community Education & Services

www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us 763-753-7170

Early Childhood Advisory Council

18th Annual Children’s Used Clothing & Toy Sale

Here’s your opportunity to clean out those closets and make some extra cash, plus support Early Childhood Programs in

your community.Start collecting your items now because garage sale tags

will be on sale now through February 15 and March 12 until they are gone. Tags are on sale at the Early

Childhood office at the Lifelong Learning Center. Shop early by volunteering at the sale. Sign up to volunteer when you purchase your sale tags. The Early Childhood Advisory

Council will keep 15 percent of the total sale.

The sale will be open to the public on April 14, 9:00 a.m.-noon, at St. Francis Elementary School

50¢

Are you thinking about preschool for your child for the 2012-13 school year?Preschool Place 15 PreviewA time for preschoolers (as of 9/1/12) and parents to get a taste of Preschool Place 15. Play a bit, experience typical classroom activities, talk to teachers, learn about the curriculum…then you’ll have the information to decide about registration for the 2012-13 school year. No sibling care available for younger/older children. No need to preregister.Date: Saturday, February 11Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.Location: Lifelong Learning CenterFee: FREE

Preschool Place 15 registration for the 2012-13 school yearWatch your mail in February for the preschool registration booklet.Register by Thursday, February 23 for the best selection of classes.

Preschool classes are offered at the Lifelong Learning Center in Oak Grove and Sandhill Center for the Arts in Bethel.

The programming takes place September through May with morning, afternoon, late afternoon and evening sessions available. Sessions are one, two, three or four times per week and two hours and fifteen minutes to two and a half hours long.

There are several age specific class options. Fees are based on a sliding scale, of family size and income.

Busing available for a limited number of classes.

The mission of Preschool Place 15 is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success and their parents can be partners in learning.


Community & Business Hearts & Flowers PAGE 18

Standing Room Only18919 Lake George Blvd. NW, Oak Grove763-753-2164

DINNER SPECIALSFriday & Saturday 5:00-9:30 p.m.

16 oz. Prime Rib .......................$12.50Steak & Shrimp ............................ $9.75

SERVING BREAKFAST

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.DRINK SPECIALS

Thursday All Day & Night

BUCK BURGERS!Served 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

BAR BINGO &

Meat RaffleSaturdays at 3:00 p.m.

KARAOKENIGHTS

Friday & Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 14

55+ Driver Improvement Program Offered

The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will be offering a 55+ Driver Improvement Course on the following days:

4-Hour Refresher CourseAnoka Senior Center

AnokaMarch 23 8 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Connexus EnergyAnoka/Ramsey

March 2 • Noon-4:00 p.m. Nowthen Alliance Church

AnokaFebruary 20 - OR - March 29

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Anoka Tech College

Anoka March 28 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.Insurance Brokers of MN

AnokaMarch 12 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Andover Senior CenterAnoka/Andover

February 27 • 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - OR -

March 28 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.Anoka United Methodist Church

AnokaFebruary 16 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.

8-Hour Full Course Andover Senior Center

Anoka/AndoverMarch 27 & 28

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.Connexus Energy

Anoka/RamseyFebruary 9 & 10 Noon-4:00 p.m.

Anoka Technical College Anoka

March 12 & 14 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.Trinity Lutheran Church

St. FrancisFebruary 27 & 29 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Insurance Brokers of MNAnoka

February 6 & 7 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Anoka United Methodist ChurchAnoka

March 19 & 20 • 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The Driver Improvement course is open to the public; pre-registration is requested. A MN Highway Safety & Research Center certified instructor teaches this class. By utilizing the most up-to-date research in the field, participants will be provided the latest information in regards to driver safety, new laws, and vehicle technology. This class has something for everyone! The fee for the four hour refresher course is $20 and the eight hour course is $24.Persons age 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a ten percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years, according to Minnesota law. First time participants must complete the initial eight hours of training and a four hour refresher class every three years to maintain the 10% discount.

For more information or to register, visit our website at www.mnsafetycenter.org or call

TOLL FREE 1-888-234-1294.

CITY BRIEFSEast Bethel

The East Bethel Booster Day Committee is looking for volunteers to plan and organize the 2012 East Bethel Booster Day which is scheduled for Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21. Volunteers are especially needed for the parade, which takes place Saturday.

Planning meetings are held at East Bethel City Hall the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested, please contact Denise Lachinski at [email protected] or come to a planning meeting.

Please help us make this year a great success! St. Francis

What’s the new building going up along Highway 47 in St. Francis? It is the city’s new public works/police department build-ing (pictured below), scheduled to be completed by September. Learn more about the project and watch a live construction web-cam at www.stfrancismn.org/New_Construction_Update.html.

KYLE LINTON SFHS SKILLSUSA ADVISOR AND AUTOMOTIVE INSTRUCTOR

The members of SkillsUSA from St. Francis High School will host their 12th annual ice fishing contest on Norris Lake Febru-ary 18, 10:00 a.m.- noon.

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest northern, bass and crappie. Door prizes, donated from local and national business-es, will be given out throughout the contest.

There are 149 tickets available that may be purchased for $10 from any SkillsUSA member at the high school. Tickets will also be sold at St. Francis Bait & Tackle.

SkillsUSA, formerly known as VICA, is a national organiza-tion for those who are interested in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to SkillsUSA to help cover tools and equipment, contest registration, and travel ex-penses incurred during contests.

SFHS SkillsUSA to hold annual ice fishing contest fundraiser

Members of the 2010-11 SkillsUSA organization help facilitate the an-nual ice fishing contest on Norris Lake. This year’s contest will be held Saturday, February 18, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. SUBMITTED

The city of St. Francis’ public works/police department is under construction and is set to be completed by September. THE COURIER

PATRICIA MORREIMREGIONAL EXTENSION DIRECTOR

Are you a homeowner? Do you have a septic system? Are you interested in saving mon-ey? Would you like to protect your family’s environment and the natural environment?

Homeowners wanting to better understand, oper-ate, and maintain their septic systems will want to attend a homeowner education for septic systems program being presented by the University of Minnesota Extension. Hear about water saving ideas, find out if you should be using ad-ditives, and get your questions answered.

This two-hour program will be held Tuesday, March 6, 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Andover, two miles west of Highway 65 on Bunker Lake Boulevard. The cost to attend is $10. You will receive the Uni-versity of Minnesota Extension Septic System Owner’s Guide at the class.

Pre-registration is required. You can get the flyer and reg-istration form online at www.extension.umn.edu/county/anoka and look under Publi-cations in Anoka County or you can call the University of Minnesota Extension, Anoka County at 763-755-1280 to re-quest the flyer and registration form. Presentation of this pro-gram is partially covered by an Anoka County Ag Preserves Grant and is presented by Valerie Prax, Retired Extension Educator.

Homeowner education for septic systems


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St. Francis Mall • Bridge Street in St. Francis

763-753-4988Hours: Sun 2:00-10:00 p.m. • Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Kindergarten Registration is just around the corner!Kindergarten registration postcards have been mailed out to homes informing parents of registration locations. If you have not received a postcard or if your child will not be attending kindergarten during the 2012-13 school year please contact Becky Madson in ISD 15 Central Services Center at 763-753-7049. Your child’s elementary school is determined by your home address. If your child will be riding the bus from a different address due to childcare, please call the Transportation Department at 763-753-7080 to determine if there will be an elementary school placement change.

Registrations will take place at the school your child will attend on these evenings:

Cedar Creek Community School East Bethel Community School St. Francis Elementary School

February 21 or 23 • 5:00-6:30 p.m.

The registration packet will be available online after February 2 at www.stfrancis.k12.mn.us

If you do not have Internet access, you may pick up the registration forms at any of the following sites:• St. Francis Elementary School................ 22919 St. Francis Blvd.• Cedar Creek Community School .................. 21108 Polk St. NE• East Bethel Community School ..................... 21210 Polk St. NE• Lifelong Learning Center .......................... 18900 Cedar Dr. NW• ISD 15 Central Services Center ........... 4115 Ambassador Blvd.

Kindergarten Entrance AgeThe entrance age for kindergarten students is five years on or before September 1. Early admission is not encouraged. To have your child considered for early entrance requires a

specific process which takes 60 to 90 days to complete. For further information, contact the elementary principal of your child’s school.Independent School District 15 • St. Francis

Does a parent’s unconditional love come with an asterisk?

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MARTHA WEAVERPUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER, ANOKA COUNTY

Jennifer Fink, Marketing and Visitor Services Manager for Anoka County Parks and Recreation, is the recipient of the Horizon Award given annually by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA). The award recognizes an up and coming park and recreation professional who possesses outstanding leadership skills. Recipients have less than eight years of professional experience and are active contributors to the MRPA.

Fink joined Anoka County in June 2005 as the marketing coordinator. She was promoted to her current position in De-cember 2006.

“Jennifer has done an

County parks manager honored for skills

Jennifer Fink pictured with John VonDeLinde, director, Anoka County Parks and Recreation. Fink was recently honored by a state group for her leadership skills. SUBMITTED

MARTHA WEAVERPUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER, ANOKA COUNTY

For the second consecutive year, Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah was elected chairperson of the seven-member county board at its organizational meeting January 3. Commissioner Robyn West was elected vice chairperson.

Sivarajah has been a member of the county board since 2003. In addition to her duties as board chairperson, she will serve as leader on many other county and re-gional committees including the county’s Airport and Human Services Committees.

Sivarajah represents District 6 in east-ern Anoka County which includes Center-ville, Circle Pines, Columbus, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Linwood, and a portion of Blaine.

Rhonda Sivarajah

Commissioner Sivarajah elected Anoka County Board Chairpersonoutstanding job building and

promoting the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Depart-ment’s programs and facilities,” said Anoka County Commis-sioner Jim Kordiak, chairman of the county’s parks commit-tee. “She brings a tremendous amount of energy, creativity, and professionalism to her position and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Fink received the award at MRPA’s annual meeting January 12.

Anoka County has more than 10,500 acres of parkland and open space including scenic Chomonix Golf Course and Bunker Beach, Minnesota’s larg-est outdoor water park. There’s something fun for everyone, from kids to seniors, in Anoka County Parks. Learn more at www.anokacountyparks.com.


Hearts & Flowers

Saturday, March 1710:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Isanti Intermediate School 101 9th Ave NE - Isanti

FREE ADMISSION Please bring a non-perishable food item

for the local food shelf.

EXPO

Registration Deadline for vendors is

Thursday, March 1 For more information,

call 763-444-8515 or visit www.isantichamber.com

Click on Event RegistrationSponsored by a

committee of the Isanti Area Chamber of Commerce

Door prize drawings 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Something for everyone!

Bridal Party, Mother-of-the-Bride and Groom, Prom and more…

Custom Sewing & Alterations

Ask about sewing and crochet classes!121 West Main Street, Isanti

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Tips for trying on wedding gowns Many brides-to-be look forward to the day

when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown.} Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless

bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available.

} Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean.

} Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your wedding.

} Note that the size of the wedding gown you

will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day-to-day clothes. Proper measurements can be matched to designers’ size charts.

} It’s best to limit the number of people with whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or family members. An entourage can be confusing.

} It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.

Floral terms to know

Before discussing table settings for their weddings, many couples find it helpful to brush up on some floral terminology before visiting florists.

It can make you appear more knowledgeable and prepared if you understand what will be discussed and are able to choose what you want. It also helps to ensure your money is being spent in the best way possible.

Here are some common and some lesser known florist terms that can be

advantageous to know.Biedermeier: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric

circles of differently colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring.

Bouquet: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon.

Crescent: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

Garden: A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.Nosegay: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed

round flowers and fill.Oasis: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and

centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh.Pomander: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a

ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants.Posies: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design.Presentation: A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the

bride’s arms. It’s sometimes known as a pageant bouquet.Topiary: Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.Tossing: A smaller copy of the bride’s bouquet to use in the

bouquet toss.Tussy mussy: A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.

FILE PHOTO


TentsTables & Chairs (White & Brown)

Serving & Chafing Dishes Salad Bar • Grills

Champagne Fountains Mirrored Centerpieces

ArchwaysPortable Bar

100-Cup Coffee Maker Podium Speaker SystemDance Floor • Moonwalk

Portable Toilets Wedding Toilets w/Sink

Paper & Plastic Products Plastic Tablecloths,

Skirts & Linens

ISANTI RENTAL 763.444.7368 ( R E N T )

North of Urban’s Hardware Hank off County Road 5 www.isantirental.com

See you at the

Saturday, March 1710:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Isanti Intermediate School101 9th Avenue NE, Isanti

Free Admission

EXPO

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2012!

Cherise Foley Call 763-753-9696 today to

make an appointment.22001 Lake George Blvd., Anoka

One-Of-A-Kind Wedding CakesOne-Of-A-Kind Wedding CakesWe strive to make your

cake not only a beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation, but delicious as well.

Wedding or Grooms’ CakesShowers • Birthdays

Cupcake TowersBaptisms

Congratulations!We hear wedding bells are in your future!We have beautiful grounds with a

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wedding reception!Banquet facilities hold up to 500 peopleCamping available • Lodging close byFull kitchen, stage and banquet seating

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Isanti County Fair Grounds & Event Center

763.689.2555www.IsantiCountyFair.com • [email protected]

Bring this ad in when you book and receive $50 off the community building rental.

763-753-27213745 Bridge Street • St. Francis, MN

30 Years of Experience5800 236th Avenue NW • St. Francis

Call for appointment 763-753-4601SPECIALIZING IN PERMS AND COLOR

Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favors such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home. Ed-ible gifts also can be thoughtful —and flavorful!

Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.Chocolate

It’s difficult to find an ed-ible favor more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion. Chocolate candies and baked goods can

work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrig-erated to avoid melting.

Ideas for chocolate fa-vors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscrip-tion, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.Cookies

Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Profes-sionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for custom-ized fortune cookies that ex-press personalized sentiments to guests. Make-your-own

Sometimes it’s less expen-sive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Op-tions abound and can include

everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cook-ies or cakes. Candies

It has become popular to have a self-serve candy bar at many weddings. Guests are in-vited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a color theme when

you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal. Many discount stores sell inexpen-sive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chi-nese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.Other edibles

From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for guest favors at their disposal.

Edible wedding favors may in-clude decorative cookie baskets featuring gourmet cookies from a favorite bakery. FILE PHOTO

Feed on these wedding favor ideas


St. Francis City Centre 23212 St. Francis Blvd. Suite 400763-753-2599Sun 2-6 p.m. • Mon 12:30-8 p.m.Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Shop here for your Valentine

decorations, cards, gifts and more.

Two years in business— thank you customers!

3631 Bridge Street St. Francis

763-753-3974rumriverinn.comRoadhouse & Saloon

6 Dinners under $10

sparkling beverage included with any dinner

Offer good February 10-14, 2012.

on Long Lake

Bar and Grill

Isanti, MN

Hwy. 47 to 277th Avenue

East to Long Lake and left to Captain’s27821 Bayshore Drive NW

763-444-5897

www.captainsonlong.com • Find us on Facebook

Valentine Weekend Special

Make a dinner reservation

February 10-14 and receive 10%

off any entrée and a sparkling

beverage.

Elaine’s Flowers & Gifts IIValentine’s Day is

Tuesday, February 14!Daily deliveries anywhere in the world.

www.elainesflowersandgifts.net 303 Credit Union Drive in Isanti

M-F 8:30-6:00 • SAT 9:00-2:00

763.444.4022

763.421.9687 • 1625 3rd Avenue South • Anoka, MN 55303

Check us out on Facebook

763-213-0894 23212 St. Francis Boulevard, St. Francis

Neighborhood bar & grill

Prime rib & lobster with dessert for two.

Includes choice of potato, vegetable and soup or salad.

Only $4999

Offer valid on Saturday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 14, Valentines Day.

Not good with any other offer.

Valentine Special

Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be pub-lished in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photogra-pher who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engagement shot. The average cost of engagement photos can range from $200 to $500. Some couples opt to use a photographer who might specialize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but may want to break into the wedding biz because of how lucrative it can be. Costs may be negotiated as a result.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you

don’t feel a connection with the pho-tographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don’t look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.} Find a photographer who fits your

style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you’re reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas into consideration.

} Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorm-ing. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely planned. If a photog-

rapher simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

} Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visu-ally stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the im-age. Be open to the unexpected.

} Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remem-ber, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering im-ages.

} Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have sev-eral different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don’t. A formal

outfit, comfortable street clothes, something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as polo or baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos. Avoid cloth-ing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual im-ages in the long run. Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos in the future and say, “What was I thinking?” Avoid matchy-matchy, though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard. It’s the individual personalities you want to shine through.

Engagement photo tips

Engagement photos don’t have to be posed portraits. Experiment with looks that fit your personalities for memorable photos. FILE PHOTO

The Family Cafe

Valentine’s Day Dinner FeaturesSteaks ♥ Crab Legs ♥ Chicken or Shrimp Alfredo

Walleye ♥ Prime RibReservations accepted – 763-444-8916SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER

Mon.-Sat. 5:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Sun. 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Tablecloths, Candlelight and Soft Music

Strawberry Malts & Sundaes First & Main, Downtown Isanti


Welcome Chris WahlPeoples Bank of Commerce is excited to welcome Chris Wahl as the bank’s Senior Mortgage Consultant specializing in Residential Real Estate Mortgages. Chris has over 20 years of mortgage knowledge and experience. Stop into the East Bethel office or call Chris directly at 612-209-0941 for all of your mortgage needs.

East Bethel 763-434-4462

Cambridge 763-689-1212

East Cambridge 763-691-1341

Princeton 763-389-4350

Member FDICReal People. Real Banking.

www.e-peoplesbank.com

Join us at Pappy’s Cafe and Tavern for a Valentine’s Day…

Surf & Turf Dinner for Two

$2495

Pappy’s Café and Tavern13827 Round Lake Blvd. in Andover’s Downtown Center

763-427-4840Tues-Sat 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Must present coupon at time of service. Not valid with any other coupon or specials. Good on 2/14/12.

The gift of massage for Valentine’s Day!

Couples MassageFebruary 13-17$100

per couple for a 60 minute massageReservations required. Must present coupon at time of service. One coupon

per couple. Good only at St. Francis Physical Therapy Wellness Center. Good February 13-17, 2012.

Located across from St. Francis

High School763-753-8804

Couples Massage Class

Wednesday, February 15 and Friday, February 17

7:30-9:00 p.m.Reservations required. The class will be limited to

4 couples and the price is $25 per couple.

763-753-990022973 Rum River Blvd. across from Woodbury Park, St. Francis

February Daily Deals!SUNDAY — Free regular coffee w/purchase of any

scone, muffin, or cinnamon twistMONDAY — $1.00 off any Large Latte after 3:00 p.m. TUESDAY — $1.00 off any Panini sandwich

after 3:00 p.m.WEDNESDAY — Get any gourmet coffee $1.00 off

with purchase of any Panini sandwichTHURSDAY — Free regular coffee w/any Panini

sandwichFRIDAY — $1.00 off any large latte or smoothie w/

the purchase of any Panini sandwichSATURDAY — Free regular coffee with the purchase

of any breakfast burrito or scrambler

FREE WiFi Check out our

conference room.

Origins of the term “honeymoon”

It has become tradition for married couples to jet off on a post-wedding vacation. This honeymoon is a way for the bride and groom to enjoy quiet time together and start off their married life on an intimate level. Although the word “honeymoon” has happy connotations today, the original meanings of the word may not be so blissful. There are varying accounts of the evolution of the word “honeymoon,” but many believe it to be a Norse tradition deriving from the word “hjunottsmanathr.” Northern European history describes women being abducted from their families and forced into marriage with a man from a neighboring village. This husband would take his new bride into hiding and stay there for a while until it was certain the bride’s family had given up the hunt and retreated. It was also tradition for Scandinavian couples to drink a sweet, honey-infused wine known as mead for a month after getting married. This may be where the “honey,” for the sweet drink, and the “moon,” for the one-month period of time, originated. Others say “honeymoon” refers to a sarcastic quip that a marriage starts out sweet as honey, but then wanes much as the moon will each cycle.

First dance song ideasIf Michael Bublé or Nat King Cole

aren’t on your playlists, chances are you may be looking for a first-dance song that’s a little less traditional for your wedding reception.

Couples considering a song that’s a little different and speaks to them but won’t necessarily offend the wedding purists in attendance, might want to consider the following tunes:

All I Want is You—U2Amazing—AerosmithCrash—Dave Matthews BandCrazy for You—Adele

Faster—Matt NathansonFor You I Will—MonicaHere Without You—3 Doors DownKiss Me—Sixpence None the RicherI’ll Stand by You—The PretendersLove Song—The CureNo One—Alicia KeysNothing Compares to You—

Sinead O’ConnorSuga Suga—Baby BashWithout You—Rent SoundtrackYou Want to Make a Memory—

Bon Jovi

Sealed with a (X) People often use the symbol “X”

to represent a kiss at the end of a love note or card but don’t understand how this letter came to be associated with the meaning of a kiss. It is believed the custom dates back to when the majority of the public was illiterate. The X or a “cross” was used as one would use their signature today, to mark a person’s word to abide by a contract or agreement from a Christian perspective. The X was often then kissed as a further symbol of honesty. Eventually, the X itself came to represent a kiss and no longer just a signature. Why the letter “O” came to represent a hug is not as widely understood. Some say that it is because an O is a shape of hugging arms. Others say it is what Jewish immigrants would use as their own signature, similar to the X, so they were not mistaken for Christians.

FILE PHOTO


St. Francis American Legion

Post 6223073 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4234

Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.Daily Lunch Specials

Tuesday ....................5 p.m. until gone Broasted Chicken Dinner

Wednesday Mexican Night ................................ 5-8 p.m. Meat Give-Away ................................ 6 p.m. Buy first drink - get a ticket!

Thursday—NEW!All-U-Can-Eat Buffet .. 5-7 p.m. or until goneBar Bingo............................................. 8 p.m.

Friday Meat Raffle is BACK .......................... 6 p.m. Karaoke with Music Box .............8:30 p.m.

SundaysBINGO .................................... 4 p.m.

NEW Pull Tabs WeeklyGiving back to communityCharitable Gambling License #A-01520-003

Reception Hall RentalNo cost to nonprofit organizations

King of Hypnotic Shows

MikenosisSaturday, February 25

Learn more about Mikenosis at mikenosis.com

Firemen’s Banquet Saturday, February 4

6:00 p.m.-close

Benefit for Dylan Mead

hosted by St. Francis Lions Friday, February 10

5:00-7:30 p.m.

Tribute to the King Dinner Show

hosted by St. Francis Lions with The Marcios

Saturday, February 11 Dinner at 5:30 p.m.

St. Francis High School Dance Team Pancake Breakfast Saturday, February 25 Starting at 8:00 a.m.

Tickets available at the Legion

$15

LivingHopeEFC.org

Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 763.753.1718

Valentine’s Day SPECIALEnjoy 2 Pasta Dinners

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only $1999

Valid on Dine-In St. Francis Mansetti’s OnlyNot valid with any other specials or coupons.

763-753-4577 • Good only 2/14/12

$300 Off Any X-Large Pizza 2 or more toppings

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coupons.763-753-4577 • Expires 3/6/12

$150 Off Any Regular Size Pasta Dinner Featuring Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Rigatoni or Spaghetti

Valid on Dine-In St. Francis Mansetti’s OnlyNot valid with any other specials or coupons.

763-753-4577 • Expires 3/6/12

Family DealLarge thin crust 2 topping pizza,

6 piece garlic toast and 2 liter pop

Only $1999

Hwy 47 & Pederson Drive, St. Francis, MN

763-753-4577Place your order online at

www.mansettis-pizza.com Sun 11:30 am-9:00 pm; Mon-Th 11 am-9:00 pm; Fri 11 am-11 pm; Sat 11:30 am-10:30 pm

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Valentine’s Day by the numbers 190 million: The number of greeting cards

exchanged for the holiday. Valentine’s Day comes in second to Christmas for the most num-ber of greeting cards sent.

73: The percentage of men who give bouquet gifts.

119: The number of single men in their 20s per 100 single women of the same age.

6,000: The number of weddings that take place every day in the United States.

144: The number of years the chocolate box has been around. The first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was created and introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

1415: The year in which the first Valentine’s Day card was sent.

76: The percentage of Americans who cel-ebrate Valentine’s Day.

72: The percentage of Canadians who plan to give something on Valentine’s Day.

1,000: The approximate number of letters mailed to Verona, Italy and addressed to Juliet every February 14.

3: The percentage of pet owners who will buy a gift for their pet.

1: The ranking given to teachers in terms of most Valentine’s Day cards received. Numbers 2 and 3 belong to children and mothers.

37: The percentage of workers who have dated someone at work.

15: The percentage of women who send themselves flowers on this day.

2.5 billion: The dollar amount spent on jew-elry for Valentine’s Day.

5: The number of years of shelf life for dark chocolate. Discard milk or white chocolate after a year.

Valentine’s Day is prime season for florists, with floral sales capturing 40 percent of holiday dollar volume, accord-ing to data collected by IPSOS-Insight FloralTrends Consumer Tracking Study. While flow-ers—particularly mixed flower and red rose bouquets—may comprise the leading gifts for romantic gifters, many others are looking to buck the flow-ers-and-chocolate trend this year and offer something more unique.

On the heels of the holiday giving season, most gift-givers realize how difficult it can be finding the "perfect" gift for a recipient. That gift may be

even more difficult to find when the intention is to convey love and affection. But Valen-tine’s Day givers can look to a number of gifts that are very thoughtful but needn’t take more than a little forethought.Gift card

You may be thinking a gift card doesn’t sound that thoughtful. However, when paired with a listing of gift items, it’s easy to illustrate the thought that went into the gift. It may make sense to simply purchase one of those interest-ing items, but this way you’re giving the recipient the choice of what he or she really wants to select.

Something engraved or mono-grammed

A simple scarf turns into something more special when it includes monogrammed initials or a special saying. The same can be said for any-thing from a picture frame to candle holders. Taking the time to have something mono-grammed or engraved imparts thoughtfulness into the gift.Pet accessories

People view their pets as members of the family and often as small children (when small children are not yet present). Especially during the dating stage, providing an adorable gift for his or her pet may be seen as a heartfelt ges-ture. Be sure to pick up a little something for the pet parent as well, though.Hobby gifts

Recognizing the interests of a loved one is a clear sign that you’re in tune with what

he or she enjoys to do. If you have an avid reader on your hands, a new e-reader or some e-books may be ideal. Sports fans could appreciate tickets to the next home game of their favorite team. Someone who dabbles in culinary creations may delight over a gift basket full of top-of-the-line cooking utensils.

A spending spreeTake your Valentine to his

or her favorite store and en-courage him or her to pick out a few favorite items. Set a price limit or let them choose re-gardless of price. This way you can spend time together and see the joy on your Valentine’s face when he or she is choos-ing treasured items.

Five thoughtful Valentine gifts that don’t require much thought

Happ

y

Valentine

’s

Day

FILE PHOTO


MarchMarch

A Charitable Thrift Boutique

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(by King’s County Market & Panda Buffet)

763-433-2500TimeToThrift.com

HOURS:Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

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1Offer valid from 10/29/2011 until 2/29/2012. If the balance is not paid in full by the end of the “No Interest if Paid in Full” promotional period, interest will be assessed from the original date of purchase at 17.9% APR. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Revolving Plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. No down payment required. Other special rates and terms may be available, including fi nancing for commercial use. Available at participating dealers. Attachments and implements sold separately. Some restrictions may apply. Available on all Select Series and D140 model only. ²Offer valid from 10/29/2011 until 2/29/2012. $500 off X700 Series and $500 off X500 Series. ³Offer valid from 10/29/2011 until 2/29/2012. Get $100 off only on the D140 tractor model. *The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information. **Hour limitations apply and vary by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE COMMERCIAL AND CONSUMER EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

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ISANTI COUNTY EQUIPMENT, INC. North Hwy. 65, Isanti, MN 763- 444 - 8873 SCHARBER & SONS Rogers, MN 763-428-4107SCHARBER & SONS Long Lake, MN 952-473-5634WEEKEND FREEDOM Savage, MN 952-890-9242

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JEANINNE ENGLER OAK GROVE FIRE AUXILIARY

The Oak Grove Fire Auxiliary hosted an Appreciation Dinner for its current and past members at Hidden Haven Golf Club in January.

Chief Curt Hallerman provided a year in review summary, not-ing that the department responded to 143 calls in 2011. The majority of these calls are summarized as fire calls, good intent calls, hazard-ous condition, rescue, false alarms and service calls. This number is slightly down from past years.

Hallerman also recognized the current officers: Assistant Chief Rob Engler, Captains Wayne McNally and Steve Pelton, Lieutenants Chris Johnson, Nathan Johnson, Steve Leider and Jimmy Rogers, and Training Officer Shawn Johnson.

Recognition was also given to firefighters reaching a service mile-stone. Assistant Chief Rob Engler presented the following firefight-ers with service pins:} 5 years: Jennifer Bomstad, Doug Foss, Adam Johnson and

Chuck Peter} 10 years: Chris JohnsonChief Hallerman presented Tony Scavo with the Firefighter of

the Year Award. This award is given to one firefighter each year for outstanding service, effort and time dedicated to the department. Peer nominations are reviewed by the officers and awarded to the most worthy candidate.

Special recognition was given to firefighters Ryan Lonsky and Brad Clough for years of service on the department. Lonsky and Clough left the Oak Grove Fire Department in January. The Oak Grove Fire Department would like to thank them for the years of service and all the hard work they put in while on the department.

The members of the department would also like to thank the Andover Fire Department for covering the city of Oak Grove and handling all fire calls that evening so the entire department could attend the dinner.

Oak Grove Fire Department news

The St. Francis Squirt C Youth Hockey Team took first place in the Coon Rapids Invitational January 13-15. They first defeated Coon Rapids, 9-2, and then Tartan in a shootout victory, 4-2. They faced Anoka for the championship, defeating them 7-2. Players on the team include: Matt Clough, Jared Mau, Aus-tin Heinicke, Gage Wolfe, Sam Cedarstrand, Blake Kelley, Trevor Bona, Louis Jones, Corey Wilmer, David Johnson, John Quale, Jagger Kiser, Colton Peterson, Chad Pelkey, Carter Carpentier. Coaches are Ross Kelley, Greg Wolfe, Andy Clough, Edwin Griego, Nick Carpentier and manager Greg Pelkey. SUBMITTED


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Both the morning and afternoon classes at Morning Light Montessori School in Oak Grove participated in a food drive and a mitten tree over the holidays. The children earned money at home from doing chores, shopping for food, and then donating it to the North Anoka County Emergency Foodshelf. The children also donated over 30 pairs of mittens to the clothing shelf and learned a lot about how blessed they are and how good it feels to share. This summer the children will be planting rows of vegetables in their annual garden, to donate to the foodshelf. Pictured are (top): Haellie Opp, Joey Lehn, Olivia Norman, Lauren Lehn, Rissa Opp, James Kjellberg and Gretta Peterson not shown. (Bottom) Paityn Pendergrass, Talan Reuter, Joshua Rubin, Baylie Kurth, Sophia Brenteson, Shaina Lowe, Jannie Diekman, and Gunnar Froiland. SUBMITTED

RON SCHLEIFRUM RIVER CHAPTER, MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

The very first Wildlife Management Area (WMA) land acquisition to emerge from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heri-tage Council’s Conservations Partners Legacy Fund (CPL) is being sponsored by Rum River Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. This new acquisition will increase much needed high priority public hunting opportunity near popu-lation centers by the addition of 73 acres to the Dalbo WMA in Isanti County.

In December of 2009, dur-ing the first round of CPL Grant Proposal Applications, the Rum River Chapter submitted a proposal for a 73 acre parcel addition to the Dalbo WMA. The proposal was accepted and is now, after the May 31 closing, the first ever CPL funded WMA

acquisition in the state Jeff Olson of the Rum River

Chapter has been the project manager through the process of the acquisition. “We are thrilled that the Rum River chapter will be honored to be the first of many great acquisitions funded through Conservation Partners Legacy Fund. This proves that grassroots community support can ensure outdoor recreation and hunting access for future generations. I would like to add a special thanks to David Pauly and Jamie Gangaware from the DNR for all their help!” Olson said.

Total CPL funding will be $150,500 to purchase this land with a $15,000 match of non-state funds provided by the MDHA’s Rum River Chapter through the chapters’ local fun-draising efforts.

Once purchased, the land will be donated to the Min-nesota DNR Dalbo WMA and

remain open for public hunting. This is another great example of MDHA’s commitment to their mission of working for tomor-row’s wildlife and hunters today through education, habitat and legislation.

The CPL Program is man-aged by the MN DNR to provide competitive grants from $5,000 to $400,000 to local, regional, state, and national non-profit organizations, includ-ing government entities. The grants are for work to enhance, restore, or protect the forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. Funding for the CPL grant program is from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created by the people of Minnesota. This fund receives 33 percent of the sales tax revenues resulting from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Constitutional Amend-ment passed by the voters in the November 2008 election.

Local hunting group sponsors land acquisition

GREETINGS FROM THE CAPITAL TOM HACKBARTH STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 48A


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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICYThe Courier reserves the right to reject any letter submitted and edit letters for clarity, length, and grammar. Be timely—visit www.the-courier.org for deadline information.Include contact information—include your full name, title (optional), city, and daytime phone number. Unsigned letters or those submitted without a phone number will not be considered. Be clear & concise—make one main point in 200 words or less. Be accurate—letters that are factually inaccurate will not be printed.Be considerate—only one letter per author every 60 days. Regular contributors should submit letters on varied subjects. Letters by the same author that reiterate opinions previously expressed may not be published. Writers must either live within District 15 or be writing about an issue specific to our coverage area. Submissions—letters can be sent by email to [email protected], by U.S. mail to The Courier, 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis, MN 55070, or by fax to 763-753-4693.Other—thank-you letters that relate to a public event, organization, or official are not considered letters to the editor. Contact the editor regarding submitting that information. Viewpoints expressed in a letter to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Independent School District 15 or The Courier staff.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Did you know that we in St. Francis are practically self

contained? According to the city’s website, www.stfrancismn.org, there are: 5 automotive and 5 beauty establishments, as well as 7 churches serving our community. There are also 14 dining and recreational, 12 health and fitness, 2 home and garden establishments, 2 newspapers, 7 real estate and insurance agencies, 8 retail stores and 24 other services. Alphabetically, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union to Village Bank (everything from A to V), plus 5 industrial businesses, 21 schools and children’s facilities and 5 city offices. That’s 117 places to meet your needs.

It’s all here, our cordiality and homeyness can’t be found elsewhere, so save time and gas when shopping or doing business, because there’s no place like home, right?

Rod Barfknecht, St. Francis Resident

2012 session, property tax refunds and stopping Asian carp

The 2012 legislative session is just getting underway. Our top priorities will be to boost private-sector job growth, make our government operate more efficiently and provide tax relief to all Minnesotans.

Reform will continue to be a buzzword around the Capitol this session because we simply need to make better use of our tax dollars. The recession revealed how important it is for states—like ours—to create a more stable fiscal base. We passed legislation in 2011 to weed out wasteful state spending for a more efficient government. There is much more we can do this year and we will be introducing a whole package of bills to improve the way our state operates, increasing transparency and ending unnecessary or inefficient practices.

Our children’s education remains a top priority. We were able to add $50 per pupil to the K-12 funding formula in 2011, even as we had to make difficult cuts elsewhere. Reducing wasteful spending and enacting new efficiencies will help us continue to uphold our commitment to important areas such as this.

On another note, one bill I am working on establishes electric fish barriers to help keep Asian carp from infiltrating our waterways by migrating north on the Mississippi. This invasive species decimates habitat and even poses a physical threat to boaters by leaping out of the water. Reports from the Mississippi, the Missouri, and the Illinois rivers indicate Asian carp have doubled their numbers nearly every year since settling in, making it crucial we act now. Our plan is to put electric barriers in Hastings, St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Taxes always are a big topic at the Capitol. Last year, the Legislature passed a $30 million increase in direct refunds for Minnesota homeowners in two main programs. Below is some information homeowners may find useful in obtaining refunds.

The Property Tax Refund for all homeowners who meet income guidelines, and the Special Property Tax Refund designed to assist homeowners who see unusually large increases. The Property Tax Refund provides up to $2,640 to households earning $99,240 or less with no dependents.

The income limit increases with family size, up to $121,140 for households with five or more dependents. Seniors or disabled homeowners may be eligible with household incomes up to $124,790.

Your property must be classified as your homestead in order to qualify and you cannot be a dependent on someone else’s taxes.

The Special Property Tax Refund provides relief for homeowners whose property taxes increased by 12 percent or more (and more than $100); refunds offset up to 60 percent of the increase. The tax increase cannot be attributed to new improvements and there is no income limit.

More information and complete forms are available by logging on to http://taxes.state.mn.us and clicking on the “Property Tax” link on the left side of the Minnesota Revenue homepage. You also can call Minnesota Revenue at 651-296-3781.

Rep. Hackbarth of Cedar can be reached at 651-296-2439; or [email protected]

Anoka County Parks and Recreation announces upcoming programsJENNIFER FINKMARKETING MANAGER, ANOKA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The weather outside is chilly, and snow has arrived! There are many ways to continue enjoying the outdoors in the Anoka County Parks System. Listed below are just some of the many programs that are being offered! Learn more by calling 651-429-8007 or by visiting www.anokacountyparsk.com.Learn to Cross-Country Ski

Learn how to cross-country ski in one of Anoka County’s beautiful parks. Cross-country skiing is great exercise and is appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. The activity fee includes ski rental, instruction, and cross-country skiing in our scenic Anoka County Parks. No experience necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $15/adults and $10/youth (plus tax)

Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center, Coon

Rapids, Saturday, February 4, 1-3 p.m.

Chomonix Golf Course, Lino Lakes, Sunday, February 12, 1-3 p.m.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, Saturday, February 25 1-3 p.m.

SnowshoeingWinter is a great time to

get out and enjoy nature’s wonders. Coon Rapids Dam and Bunker Hills Regional Parks are wonderful settings for exploring our wintry world on snowshoes. If there is enough snow we will trek to some of the less traveled areas of the parks. This program is well suited for families and groups of all ages. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.anokacountyparks.com or for more information call 651-429-8007.

Fee: $7/adult and $5/youth (plus tax)

Bunker Hills Campground

Visitor Center, Coon RapidsSaturday February 4, 10

a.m.-12 p.m. and Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Saturday, February 4, 5-6:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 25, 5-6:30 p.m.Home School Programs

Professional naturalists work with home schooled students in grades 1-12 to provide quality environmental, recreational, and natural history programming. Join us the third Thursday of each month (February 16) from 10 a.m.-noon. (or) 2-4 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. For more information call the Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007. Registration is required. Register online at www.anokacountyparks.com.

Fee: $4/child (plus tax)Freeze!

Snow and ice are so cool! Join our exploration of winter’s frozen fun

CONTINUED, Page 27


Trinity Lutheran School of St. Francis will hold its kindergarten round-up in the Kindergarten Room. Information of the school curriculum, requirements, fees, and schedules will be discussed.

Parents may bring their children with them and child care will be provided. Children will be invited to explore the classroom, tours will be given, and Mrs. Porisch and Principal Koch will be available to answer questions.

This is an informational meeting and parents are under no obligation to enroll at Trinity School if they attend. Come and visit our WONDERFUL school. You won’t be disappointed. An RSVP would be helpful but not required.

✞ Sharing the Caring Christ ✞

Trinity Lutheran School3812 229th Avenue NW • St. Francis, MN 55070

763-753-1234 • www.trinitysf.org

Kindergarten Round-Up at Trinity

Lutheran School!Tuesday, February 21 9:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22 9:00 a.m.

14th Annual

Fish FryFriday, February 24

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 304:30-7:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic ChurchCorner of County Roads 5 and 23 in Isanti

The Isanti Knights of Columbus will be serving their All You Care To Eat Fish Fry Dinner.

On the menu: Alaskan Pollock, potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw, dessert, and coffee/milk

Cost: Adults $9; Children 6-12 years $5; Children 5 and under FREE

Come join us for fish and fellowship.

Isanti County DFL party caucuses to be held February 7SUE LARSONISANTI COUNTY DFL CHAIRWOMAN

DFL party precinct caucuses will be held February 7. Throughout Isanti County, precincts will meet at various locations.

At the precinct caucuses, DFLer’s will have the opportunity to run and vote for delegates supporting specific candidates and issues to represent the precinct at the county convention scheduled for March 10, to be held at Cambridge-Isanti High School in Cambridge.

There will be an opportunity to discuss resolutions for possible inclusion in the Minnesota DFL party’s platform.

At the caucus, precinct chairs will be elected for two year positions. Caucus registration will start at 6:30 p.m. with the caucus starting at 7:00 p.m.

Anyone who is eligible to

vote in Minnesota by November 6, 2012 may vote during the caucus. Anyone age 16 or over can participate in the caucus business.

A list of all caucus locations statewide is available at www.dfl.org.

The precinct caucus locations are as follows:} Athens – Township Hall,

883 261st Avenue NE} Bradford – Township Hall,

4175 305th Lane NW} Braham – High School,

531 Elmhurst} Cambridge East –

Cambridge Intermediate School, 428 NW 2nd Avenue (cafeteria)

} Cambridge Township – Cambridge Intermediate School, 428 NW 2nd Avenue (room 135, media room)

} Cambridge West – Cambridge Intermediate School, 428 NW 2nd Avenue

(room 208, lecture hall)} Dalbo – Township Hall,

39798 Narce Street NW} Isanti City – Isanti Middle

School, 201 Centennial Drive

} Isanti Township – Township Hall, 2281 301st Avenue NE

} Maple Ridge – Township Hall, 38724 Palm Street NW

} North Branch Township – Township Hall, 29113 Notre Dame Street NE

} Oxford – Township Hall, 26090 Apollo Street NE

} Spencer Brook – Township Hall, 6978 305th Avenue NW

} Springvale – Township Hall, 2405 341st Avenue NW

} Stanchfield – Township Hall, 3441 389th Avenue NE

} Stanford – Township Hall, 5050 261st Avenue NW

} Wyanett – Township Hall, 34894 Narce Street NW

McDonald’s held a grand re-opening January 13. The interior and exterior were revamped. St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce President Joe Raus, McDonald’s Owner/Operator Kris Genck and St. Francis Mayor Jerry Tveit participate in a ribbon cutting for the remodeled McDonald’s. THE COURIER

McDonald’s administrative staff members including, front row, (L-R): office staff member Rachel Jansen, Controller Melissa Nelson, Owner/Operator Kris Genck, back row: Area Supervisor Lori Smith, Supervisor Ashley Olson and Restaurant Manager Josiah Ostley. THE COURIER


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Spectacular Events is booking for parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners, school and sports banquets, prom, fundraising events, seminars, reunions or any other event that you want to make spectacular.For more information, call 763-444-9840, Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, February 14

Steak and Lobster dinner specials!Call to make your reservation

763-444-9851.

Every Friday night during Lent February 24 & March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • 5:00-6:45 p.m.

Choice of all-you-can-eat fish and potato -OR- pasta dish with vegetable, dessert, beverage

Adults $8 (16 and up); Kids $3 (ages 7-15); 6 and under Free

Stations of the Cross, Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

Church of St. Patrick19921 Nightingale Street NW • Oak Grove

763-753-2011www.st-patricks.org • email [email protected]

SHARON BRESNAHAN LOCAL COORDINATOR, AARP TAX AIDE PROGRAM

For taxpayers with low and moderate in-come, persons with disabilities, with special attention to those 60 years and older, the AARP Tax Aide Foundation, the Internal Revenue Ser-vice, and the Minnesota Department of Revenue offer free tax preparation.

E-Filed tax preparations will be performed now through April 17 at the following Anoka County locations:} Anoka Senior Center

1500 South 6th Street, Anoka Wednesday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-noon

} Anoka Historical Society 2135 3rd Avenue N, Anoka Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

} Anoka County Library Northtown Branch, Blaine Sunday, 1:30-4:15 p.m.

You can also complete your own federal and state returns for free by using FAST (Fast Assist-ed Self-Serve Taxes) at these locations and hours:} Blaine Human Services Building,

1201 89th Avenue NE, Blaine Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

} Mary Ann Young Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE, Blaine

Monday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (appointment only, call 763-786-9375)

} Columbia Heights Senior Center, 510 Mill Street, Columbia Heights Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-noon

} Epiphany Church-School, 1913 111th Avenue NW, Coon Rapids, Saturday only, 9:00 a.m.-noon

} Coon Rapids Senior Center, 11155 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-noon

} Fridley Senior Center, 6085 7th Street NE, Fridley—Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.

} Fridley Unitarian Church, 6565 Oakley Drive NE, Fridley Monday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

} Ham Lake Senior Center, 15544 Central Avenue, Ham Lake Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-noon

Please bring a copy of your 2010 tax return and all 2011 tax information; such as any W-2s from employment, 1099s for pensions, interest, social security, miscellaneous income, records of contributions and medical expenses.

To complete the rent credit, we will need the CRP form from your landlord. For the real estate refund, please bring your property tax statement payable in 2012.

AARP offers free income tax assistancethrough activities, crafts, and outdoor play. This program is for 2-5 year olds who are accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $3/child and $3/adult (plus tax)

Friday, February 10, 10-11:15 a.m., Wargo Nature Center, Lino LakesFeathered Friends

What do birds do during the winter? Join us for a fun bird hike, activities, and craft. This program is designed for preschool children, ages 4 and 5. Pre-registration required.

Fee: $4/child (plus tax)Wednesday, February 15,

1-2:30 p.m., Wargo Nature Center, Lino LakesShop Local on a Budget

Are you really getting your money’s worth at the grocery store? Get the inside scoop on how to shop local on a budget. We’ll cover co-ops, CSAs, farms, and farmers markets. Learn how to shop sustainably and affordably. We will have

guest speakers from a variety of markets to fill you in on this growing trend. This class fills quickly! Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $4/person (plus tax)Wednesday, March 14, 6-8

p.m., Wargo Nature Center, Lino LakesCross-Country Skiing for Women

Calling all beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers! Join us for a day of cross-country skiing at beautiful Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes. If this is your first time, we will help you learn the basics on a flat and groomed trail. If you have experience, this is a great way to meet other women and find a skiing buddy! Light refreshments will be served after our invigorating ski. Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $15/person (plus tax)Sunday, February 19, 2-4

p.m., Chomonix Golf Course, Lino Lakes

FROM PAGE 25

Parks and Rec

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BLAKE CHEELEYEDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

It’s Super Bowl time again. And whether you’re a sports fan or not, you can probably learn something from the Super Bowl teams that you can apply to other endeavors—such as investing. What might these lessons be? Take a look:

Pick players carefully. Su-per Bowl teams don’t usually get there out of luck; they’ve made it in part because they have carefully chosen their players. And to potentially achieve success as an investor, you, too, need carefully chosen

Investors can learn much from Super Bowl teamsplayers—investments that are chosen for your individual situation.

Choose a diversified mix of players. Not only do Super Bowl teams have good play-ers, but they have good ones at many different positions—and these players tend to play well together. As an investor, you should own a variety of invest-ments with different capabili-ties—such as stocks for growth and bonds for income—and your various investments should complement, rather than duplicate, one another. Strive to build a diversified portfolio containing invest-

ments appropriate for you situ-ation, such as stocks, bonds, government securities, cer-tificates of deposit (CDs) and other vehicles. Diversifying your holdings may help reduce the effects of market volatility. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.)

Follow a game plan. Super Bowl teams are skilled at creat-ing game plans designed to maximize their own strengths and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. When you invest, you also can benefit from a game plan—a strategy to help you work toward your goals. This strategy may incorpo-rate several elements, such as taking full advantage of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, pursuing new investment opportunities as they arise and reviewing your portfolio regularly to make sure it’s still appropriate for your needs.

Stay dedicated to your

goals. Virtually all Super Bowl teams have had to overcome obstacles, such as injuries, bad weather and a tough schedule. But through persistence and a constant devotion to their ultimate goal, they persevere. As an investor, you’ll face some challenges, too, such as politi-cal and economic turmoil that can upset the financial markets. But if you own a diversified mix of quality investments and follow a long-term strategy that’s tailored to your objec-tives, time horizon and risk tol-erance, you can keep moving forward, despite the bumps in the road that all investors face.

Get good coaching. Su-per Bowl teams typically are well-coached, with disciplined head coaches and innova-tive offensive and defensive coordinators. When you’re try-ing to achieve many financial goals—such as a comfortable retirement, control over your investment taxes and a legacy to leave to your family—you, too, can benefit from strong coaching. As your head coach,

you might choose a financial professional—someone who can help you identify your goals and recommend an ap-propriate investment strategy to help you work toward them. And your financial professional can coordinate activities with your other coaches, such as your tax and legal advisors.

Unless you’re a professional football player, you won’t ever experience what it’s like to play in the Super Bowl. However, achieving your financial goals can be a fairly big event in your life—and to help work toward that point, you can take a few tips from the teams that have made it to the big game.

FUNDRAISERS, BENEFITS, EVENTS

Friday, February 10Dylan Mead, a 2009 gradu-

ate of St. Francis High School, was recently diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. A benefit spaghetti dinner will be held 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the St. Francis Ameri-can Legion. A silent auction and social are planned for the evening. Donations are also be-ing accepted at Village Bank in St. Francis. Please include the notation, “Dollars for Dylan Mead Account.” Contact Harry Grams at 763-370-4977 or Randy Hodel at 612-812-2733 visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/dylanmeadSaturday, February 18

SkillsUSA Annual Ice Fish-ing Contest Fundraiser, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Norris Lake. Great prizes! Get tickets for $10 at St. Francis Bait & Tackle.Friday, February 24

Spaghetti Dinner at Long Lake Lutheran Church, Hwy. 47 and 277th Ave. 4:00-7:00 p.m. Adults $5, Ages 6-12 $3, Under 6 free.Saturday, February 25

Roller skate with the St. Francis Ambassadors at Cheap Skate in Coon Rapids, 2:00-6:00 p.m. Any questions please contact Jacquie Goedel @ 612-282-7226 or [email protected], March 4

The Land of Lakes Choir-boys will hold a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser 9:00 a.m.-noon at the Land of Lakes Choirboys building, 6437 Nor-ris Lake Road, northwest of St. Francis. Pancakes, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee will be served and the Choirboys will sing, all for a free will dona-tion. For more information, please call 763-213-8105.


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Valerie L. TempCertified Public Accountant

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Kraig Domogalla“Your Real Estate Specialist”

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Marianne Roesner, E.A.Roesner Tax & Accounting, LLC

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Sannerud, SavareSe & aSSociateS, p.a.Certified Public Accountants

Specializing in accounting and taxes for closely-held and family-owned businesses since 1974. Tax Season Office Hours: January 26-April 15 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Noon

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Sara Sauer C.P.A., LLC763-413-3390

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Tire pressure revisited

Each month as I write this column, we (at the shop) talk about the topic for the month. Inevitably we usually pick the current hot issue.

Well, it is now the end of January and we have finally had a couple below zero degree nights. When this happens, we have a line of people asking us to check the air pressure in their tires. This is prompted by the yellow TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light that is now illuminated on the dash. Some people are frantic and are concerned that they have a flat tire. In a few cases this may be so, but the vast majority of cases are just normal situations.

Here in the North Country we have an unusual situation based on science. The rule of tire pressure is as follows: for every 10 degrees of ambient temperature change, tire pressure will change by one pound of pressure. For example, start with a tire pressure set at 30 PSI and the temperature of the tire and wheel unit is a constant 70 degrees. If the tire and wheel are taken outside where it is zero degrees, the pressure will drop seven pounds of pressure and will read 23 PSI.

If the vehicle has a TPMS system, this is enough change to illuminate the dash warning light. Conversely, if the tire pressure is set to 30 PSI at a temperature of 50 degrees and the ambient temperature goes up to 100 degrees, the tire pressure will increase to 35 PSI. Both of these cases are a very real possibility in Minnesota where we have

vast temperature differences from month to month and sometimes day to day. This problem can be accentuated by the fact that tires will normally lose about one pound of pressure each month, even on new tires.

If you had your tire pressure checked and adjusted on a warm fall day in October and it is zero degrees in January, your tire pressure could possibly be as low as 19 PSI. This seems crazy but is actually a fact based on science.

This is why the Rubber Manufacturers Association, as well as the vehicle manufacturers, recommend that tire pressure be checked and adjusted monthly.

Another thing we encounter at the shop is people saying they have recently checked their air pressure and are still having a problem. This may be a case where they have a poor air gauge or they are relying on an air gauge at a gas station that has taken considerable abuse and may not be accurate.

I suggest that drivers purchase a good quality air pressure gauge and keep it with the vehicle in a safe place. This way, when you need to check and add air, you are

assured that the pressure is accurate. In the shop, have high quality air gauges that we use to ensure accuracy.

There is one other scenario we have encountered. It was a cold day in December, about 10 degrees below zero. We set a tire’s air pressure to 32 PSI like it said on the car’s driver’s door post. What we did not know was that the driver was leaving to go south for the winter. We got a call from the owner a week later saying that he got to Tucson, Arizona, and his TPMS light came on. He had his tires checked and was complaining that we had over inflated all of his tires. He said it was close to 80 degrees in Arizona.

We tried to explain why his tires were now over inflated. The rule says that his tires should have about 40 PSI in them, and if he just came off the road and the tires were hot from driving, they could have even more. It seems tire pressure is a moving target. But if you are diligent at checking your air pressure, you should be fine. Please do not ignore the TPMS light; it is accurate and it could save you from being stuck on the side of the road.

I hate when that happens.

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Free budgeting class offeredROSEMARY K. HEINSEXTENSION EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

Anoka County Extension Staff and Dollar Works Volunteers will present a free Dollars into Sense class February 21, 10:00 a.m. at the Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard, Andover and again at 7:00 p.m. at the Blaine Human Services Center, 1201 89th Avenue Blaine.

To register, call 763-755-1280 at least three days prior to the class. Classes will cover budgeting and address credit issues, tracking ex-penses, making a spending plan, goal setting and how to get help.

Sports & Outdoors

SODERVILLEATHLETIC

ASSOCIATIONREGISTRATION

The following walk-in registration dates are available at the SAA Building at

15633 Highway 65 NE, Ham Lake:

Saturday, February 25 • 9:00 a.m.-NoonWednesday, February 29 • 5:00-8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call 763-413-3555 or send an email to [email protected].

Register online

February 1-29 at

www.sodervilleblaine.org

using a credit card.

Registration for the 2012 season for all in-house baseball

leagues and all in-house and traveling fastpitch softball leagues will be

in February.

SAA has programs available for boys and girls ages 5 and up.

UMPIRES WANTED!If you are 14 years old or older and are interested in being

an umpire for baseball and/or fastpitch softball, please register online using the website above. We will train you

and pay you based on your experience level.

Oak Ridge Auto Body Inc.

23428 Hwy. 65 NE2 Blks S of CR 24 on Hwy 65

763-434-4772

East Bethel Auto Body Inc.

2817 E. Viking Blvd.Next to E. Bethel Fire Station

763-434-7373Recommended by insurance companies

Ask about a free loaner car • Owners John and Lori Buchta

Friendly and dependable serviceCOLLISION SPECIALISTS

763-753-4993St. Francis • 3128 Bridge StreetServing this community since 1977

24 Hour Towing & Recovery763-434-1686

NEED TIRES?Want to find out what tires you need

right now while in your jammies?On our newly enhanced website you can search for and

order tires, make an appointment or watch online service videos.

www.gerdinauto.com


KELLY LIPINSKISFHS ASSISTANT WRESTLING COACH

Let me start off by saying the weather has been unbeliev-able as of late. On January 9, we took the team outside and ran on the track for a pre-practice warm-up. It was 50 degrees. Normally this time of year we’re a bunch of shut-ins hoping for the warmer spring temperatures to arrive. We’ll take these temperatures, though, as it’s a fine change of pace for our wrestlers who usually have to brave the cold, early winter mornings when

they travel to the school for morning practices.

Because The Courier is a monthly newspaper it requires that I remember the matches that our wrestlers participated in during late December. In some cases those memories are good and in some cases they aren’t so good. Unfortunately, though, that is the nature of the beast when it comes to ath-letics and as much as we’d like to win all of our competitions, we cannot.

Here’s the recap of the match between North Branch and your hometown Saints.

Saints wrestlers gain key conference victories Each year when these two teams face off, it’s usually a very competitive dual. This year was no different. We had the advantage of being the home team and our fans did an excellent job of supporting us. In attendance that evening was our alumni. Dozens of former wrestlers, coaches, managers, and other supporters were rec-ognized for their contributions to St. Francis wrestling. To start off the night, Daniel Worthing-ton at 106 pounds, pinned James Weigal in just 16 sec-onds. CJ Leibel at 120 pounds, avenged a loss from last season by beating Aaron Senne 4-2. Coming away with prob-ably the biggest win on the night was senior captain Alec Simoneau when he pinned North Branch’s Sam Peltier in two minutes and twelve seconds. Simoneau was losing the match up to that point. St. Francis High School would go on to win the dual 44-22.

Next up the Saints trav-eled to Rochester for what is conceived to be the toughest individual tournament in the state. The Minnesota Christ-mas Tournament is held an-nually just prior to Christmas. The quality of competition was exceedingly high this year. The lone finisher in the tourna-ment was Austin Leibel (126 lbs.) who claimed fourth place. Nate Lipinski (195 lbs.) ended up going 2-2 as did Conan Sandberg (182 lbs.) which left both wrestlers one match away from placing. The other wres-tlers ran into some very tough competition and their tourna-ments ended a little too early unfortunately.

In the final competitions before this article went to print the Saints traveled to Fridley to battle the Tigers. It was an exciting night as the Saints came away with a lopsided 63-10 win. Two days later the wrestlers found themselves at the Mora Individual tourna-ment. Taking first for the Saints was junior Tyler Reitz and senior captain Nate Lipinski. The team finished fifth out of ten teams in the tournament. Results would have been bet-ter but a couple injuries have knocked a couple wrestlers out of contention for the time being. The Saints are currently 5-0 in the conference 8-5 over-all and up next will be confer-ence foe Totino-Grace. Look for next month’s article for an update on the outcome.

St. Francis High School senior, 126-pounder Austin Leibel, gets in on a deep shot against Shamar Williams of Apple Valley at the Minne-sota Christmas Tournament. RHONDA FLAGSTAD

St. Francis High School freshman, 106-pounder Daniel Worthington, works to control Freedom Hunt of Zumbrota Mazeppa during the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. RHONDA FLAGSTAD


ST. FRANCIS YOUTH TRAVEL BASEBALL 2012

Coaches needed – visit www.stfrancisbaseball.org for an applicationOpen to any player in Independent School District 15

Have other questions? View contact information at www.stfrancisbaseball.org

REGISTRATIONTryouts at St. Francis High School Gymnasium or varsity baseball field in case of good weather Saturday, March 179 & 10 year olds: 8:00-10:15 a.m. 11 & 12 year olds: 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

13 & 14 year olds: 1:30-3:45 p.m.

Registration at St. Francis High School

CommonsSaturday, February 18 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Saturday, February 25 • 9:00 a.m.-Noon Wednesday, February 29 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Player must be present at registration 2012 Program fee is $245 (jersey is extra)

NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

ANYONE NOT REGISTERED BY FEBRUARY 29 WILL NOT BE

PERMITTED TO PLAY.

TryoutsPaying $200 for most junkersBonus for ’03 and newer

Used Motor Oil Drop-Off • Used Tires

ST. FRANCIS AUTO PARTS763-753-4698

4140 St. Francis Blvd., just south of town on Hwy. 47Family Run Business Open 6 Days A Week

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nationwide parts

locating!

New year — new trap shooting seasonKEN SONNENFELDTRAP CLUB HEAD COACH, SFHS SPONSORED BY ISD 15 COMMUNITY EDUCATION & SERVICES

A new season is right around the corner for the St. Francis High School Trap Club. This club sport has been offered by ISD 15 Community Education & Services since 2009. The team has grown from 7 members in its inaugu-ral season, to 31 members last year. The sport of trapshooting in Minnesota high schools is growing rapidly. In 2009, the first high school state trap meet was held. There were 13 teams with a total of 125 participants. Last spring there were 29 high school teams, with over 550 students participating! It is

anticipated that 25 new high schools will be joining in the 2012 season.

This high school sport has evolved in the past three years. In the first year, we started an outstate conference with Worthington High School and competed against each other with coaches emailing in scores. Last season, the teams were divided into four confer-ences and each conference was awarded a champion. It is an-ticipated that additional teams and conferences will be added in 2012. For more information, visit www.mnclaytarget.com/home.html.

I would like to thank all team members and their parents for a safe and success-

ful 2011 season. At the 2011 state high school trap meet, the SFHS Trap Club placed first in the novice division, second in the junior varsity division, had a third place junior varsity high gun (Cody Whiteford) and a second place novice high gun (Morgan Wells). There were also three individuals who shot their first 25 straight at the state shoot (Max Sul-

livan, Matt Lokke and Kyle Sweeney).

Not only does the team do an outstanding job of compet-ing, but they are also involved in volunteering for the Anoka County Pheasants Forever organization on Youth Day. The team members worked with children and peers from three years old to high school students who were interested

in the sport of shooting trap. If you are a SFHS student

interested in joining the SFHS Trap Club or the Skeet Club, registration information is available February 1-22 in the ISD 15 Community Education Office located at St. Francis High School. The Trap Club season starts Monday, April 2 and the Skeet Club season begins, Thursday, April 5.

A group of the St. Francis Gladiators youth wrestlers competed at the Waconia Holiday Wrestling tournament on January 23. With only ten Gladiators at the tournament, the boys were able to score enough team points to win third place, losing out by only six points to Anoka and Waconia who tied for first. Congratulations to Max Hopkins, Jor-dan Driscoll, Gavin Gould, Dalton Anderson, Mike and Jake Wasche, Calvin and Ryan, Grise and Kyler and Tegan Sherk. MATT WASCHE

Pictured is the 2011 St. Francis High School Trap Team. The 2012 season begins April 2. Registration is taken by the Community Education Office located at St. Francis High School. Also new this year is the SFHS Skeet Club. Call 763-213-1640 for more information. KEN SONNENFELD

More details, register online at northmetrosoccer.org Volunteering for positive youth development through soccer.

North Metro Soccer Association RECREATIONAL PROGRAM SPRING/SUMMER 2012Registration Begins January 2

Traditional Recreational Program$90.00 Includes Uniform (ages as of 8/1/2011)Monday/Wednesday ages 4 & 5 (U6 co-ed) ages 8 & 9 (U10 girls) ages 10 & 11 (U12 girls)Tuesday/Thursday ages 6 & 7 (U8 boys and girls) ages 8 & 9 (U10 boys) ages 10 & 11 (U12 boys) ages 12-17 (U13-U18 co-ed)

The Recreational Program will stress basic soccer fundamentals. Practices will be held on one night and games on the other. Each team consists of 1-2 Volunteer Coaches and 10-14 players. Teams will be organized into north and south divisions with fields located in Andover and Oak Grove. The season begins the last week of April and ends on June 30th with the Jamboree.

New Comp Prep Program for 2012$90.00 Includes Uniform

Monday/WednesdayAges 7 & 8 (U8 boys and girls)This new program is set up for U8 (7 & 8 year olds) Rec players that have had some experience playing U8 Rec soccer and already exhibit strong soccer skills. It is for players who are looking for an increased level of training and more time playing soccer in the Spring/Summer and who anticipate playing Competitive Soccer the following year. There will be minimal additional fees (less than $50 for the season) to participate in up to four weekend Jamborees.See website for details.

Co-CoachesPlease consider volunteering to be a co-coach. You will be making a big difference for youth and your child by volunteering with NMSA. Coaches will have the assistance of an NMSA sponsored trainer who will visit practices and games during the season. Please check the volunteer box to coach when you register. Thank you for making a difference.

ONLINE REGISTRATION PREFERREDWalk-In Registration &

Questions AnsweredSaturday, February 25 10:00 a.m.-Noon Taho Sports 1444 147th Ave NE, Ham Lake on Hwy 65

Mail-In Registration (Online preferred) North Metro Soccer Assoc. PO Box 250 Cedar, MN 55011-0250

Registration forms are available at all city halls in the area. There will be a $35 late fee for registrations if postmarked, or received online, after February 28. Registration closes on March 15 at 5:00 p.m.


St. Francis High School junior, 152-pounder Taylor Charles, at-tempts to return Cambridge-Isanti’s Travis Holt to the mat at the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. See story on page 30.

RHONDA FLAGSTAD

MICHELLE KEENANSFHS GYMNASTICS COACH

The St. Francis High School gymnastics team opened their com-petitive season with a win over St. Anthony Village, recording a varsity season-high score of 138.775. Junior Autumn Lefever won floor (9.0) and the all-around with a personal best score of 35.75. Eighth grader Sarah Schake won the balance beam with a personal best score of 9.25. The Saints hit four for five beam sets on the varsity team, proving they have the skills to hit big.

The Saints continued their suc-cess with a non-conference win over Osseo High School scoring 137.2 points. Schake won bars (9.00) and placed third on beam (8.65). Lefever won floor (9.15) and took second on vault (8.975) and bars (8.625). Junior Mackenzie Walsh placed third on beam (8.375) and floor (8.975). Eighth grader Natalie Wasche placed third on vault (8.625) and freshman Kaeli Kortan place third on bars (8.575).

The Saints placed 11th at the Lakeville Invite which is arguably one of the best meets in the state. The Saints had a rough meet on the

bars and beam but fought back on vault. The Saints’ best fin-ishes were Sarah Schake plac-ing 11th on beam and Autumn Lefever placing 14th on vault.

The St. Francis Gymnas-

The St. Francis High School gymnastics team, front row (L-R): Sarah Schake, Lexi Gehrke, Andi Frank, Savannah Bomstand; middle row: Emily Schake, Celine Eide, Rachel Vouk, Mackenzie Walsh, Natalie Wasche; back row: Jacadi Lucas, Katie Bownik, Emily Hanson, Lind-sey Langer, Autumn Lefever, Kaeli Kortan, Alyssa Bebeau.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTY LANGER

Gymnastics team ranked 12th in state

tics varsity and junior varsity teams are currently undefeated in the North Suburban Con-ference. The varsity team is ranked 12th in the state; the highest ranking in the last 10 years for St. Francis High School gymnastics.

The Saints will be hosting the talented teams of Section 7AA on February 17 at 5:00 p.m. where they hope the home crowd will be to their favor.

SFHS Gymnastics Schedule

2/2 @ Columbia Heights 6:30 p.m.2/4 @ Irondale JV Conference 11:00 a.m.2/17 Home — Sections 5:00 p.m.2/24 State Tournament2/25 @ UM Sports Pavilion 6:00 p.m.

SFHS junior Autumn Lefever performs her back tuck on the balance beam.


Life Classified PAGE 36

EAST BETHEL SENIOR EVENTS

Senior DanceHave fun dancing with

us! Dances are 1:00-4:00 p.m. Old time music will be played by Tony Jambor on Friday, February 3. Frank Gust will be the musical entertainment on Friday, March 2. The cost is $5 and includes lunch.Pancake Breakfast

All are welcome to the East Bethel Seniors Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 12, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Serving Kookie’s Pancakes, French toast, sausage, juice, coffee, and scrambled eggs, additional 50¢ per egg. Cost for breakfast is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 10.

Events are held at the East Bethel Senior Community Center located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.

M•W•Th 9:00 am - 6:00 pm T•F 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Dr. Eric J. Daniels

3158 Viking Blvd. NWCedar, MN 55011t: (763) 753-0993f: (763) 753-0994

alignchiromn.com

Dr. Paul Schaus, D.D.S.Keep your smile healthy and beautiful with

regular visits to the dentist. We provide comprehensive dental care

for the whole family.

In the

Oak Grove Crossing3154 Viking Boulevard NW

Oak Grove

763-753-5336

New Patients

Welcome!

763-421-014113855 Round Lake BLvd. nW

andoveR, Mn 55304

VSP ProVider

HouRs: Mon, THuRs, FRi 8:30-5:30 Tues, Wed 8:30-8:00

Heart disease is serious—pay attention to your heart

LILLIAN LEVINE, RN, LSN, AE-CISD 15 HEALTH SERVICES COORDINATOR

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack.

In 2006, 631,636 people died of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2006 were women.

The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having

a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future.Know your signs and symptoms

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:}Chest discomfort. Most

heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

}Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

}Shortness of breath. Occur with or without chest discomfort.

}Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

For women these signs and symptoms may also include:}Unexplained fatigue}Pressure in the upper

abdomen}Abdominal pain}Upper back pressure}Fainting

Healthy lifestyle: diet and nutrition, exercise and fitness

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, base your eating patterns on these recommendations:}Choose lean meats and

poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.

}Select fat-free, one percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

}Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in

February is American Heart Month your diet.}Cut back on foods high in

dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.

}Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

}Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (or less than 1,500 mg if you are in a higher risk group for high blood pressure).

}If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.

Other recommendations: }Know your blood

pressure and keep it under control

}Exercise regularly }Don’t smoke }Get tested for diabetes

and if you have it, keep it under control

}Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keep them under control

}Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables

}Maintain a healthy weightSalt tidbit, where salt intake comes from:}Five percent while

cooking }Six percent

added while eating

}12 percent from natural sources

}77 percent from processed and prepared foods

The main source of sodium in the average United States diet is processed and prepared foods. (Mayo Clinic)

FILE PHOTO


Join us at Trinity for our Lenten series:

Taking on Something for Lent: Luther’s Catechisms

Lenten services are every Wednesday beginning February 22 at 6:00 p.m. with Soup Suppers served in our Family Center

beginning at 4:30 p.m. for a free-will donation.

Worship Services 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

9:15 a.m. Sunday School, Senior High Youth, Adult Bible Study

Trinity Lutheran Church & School

Latchkey/Childcare229th & Ambassador Boulevard • St. Francis, MN

763-753-1234 • www.trinitysf.org

Jeffrey W. Williams, O.D.

Alicia M. Yantes, O.D.

St. Francis Eyecare

23168 St. Francis Blvd. NW Suite #300 St. Francis

763.753.6019

Andover Family Eyecare

3480 Bunker Lake Blvd. NWSuite #101 Andover

763.712.9854Providers for EyeMed, VSP, Medica, BCBS,

HealthPartners, Preferred One, Davis Vision, and many more.

COMPLETE FAMILY DENTISTRY Round Lake DENTAL

Dr. Thomas Swenson

763-427-028513841 Round Lake Blvd. NW • Andover

2 minutes north of Highway 10 on Round Lake Boulevard

www.roundlakedental.com

Open Evenings Nitrous Oxide

AvailableCosmetic Dentistry

3220 Bridge Street, Suite 107 in the St. Francis Mall

Call 763-753-1277 for an Appointment

1/11

Kendall W. Goodian, D.C.Chiropractic Orthopedist

Specializing in Sports, Industrial and Auto Accident Injuries

Join us for Lent Services.Ash Wednesday, February 22 – 7:00 p.m.• Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 29 & March 7 – 7:00 p.m. • Soup Supper, 5:30 p.m.

Join us each Sunday for worship, fellowship and education. Worship Service – 8:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Education/Sunday School Hour – 9:30 a.m.

3921 277th Avenue NW, Isanti, MN • 763-444-5315 • www.longlakeluth.org

Long Lake Lutheran Church ELCA

Jennings, DeWan & Anderson, LLCA Full Service Law Firm practicing in the areas of Business, Real Estate, Criminal, DWI, Probate, and Estate Planning.

– Title Insurance Agents –

Joseph W. Anderson, SF ’68 Certified Real Property Law Specialist

3296 Bridge Street NW, St. Francis, Minnesota 55070

763-753-3028

Believe in miraclesPASTOR JEFF BERGMANNEW LIFE CHURCH

Come and hear the miraculous story of Bruce Van Natta, a renowned speaker and author of Saved by Angels, coming to our community and to New Life Lutheran Church. In 2006 Van Natta was crushed underneath a logging truck and was on the edge of death. He has an amazing, riveting testimony, which encourages everyone to deal with their eternal destiny!

Van Natta will be coming to St. Francis High School to speak on Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, February 12 at 9:00 a.m., he will speak during the worship service at New Life Lutheran Church. There will be a potluck following the service. There will be no cost for these events but a free will offering will be taken for Van Natta and his ministry.

If you would like to find out more information about Van Natta, you can check out his story at www.sweetbreadministries.org or call Pastor Jeff Bergman at New Life Lutheran Church at 763-753-1013, visit www.newlifeoakgrove.org or email to [email protected].

Anoka County Historical Society eventsQuilts & Their Stories

Quilts can warm much more than your toes! They can warm your heart, too. They tell stories, paint pictures, and bring back memories. This program presents slides of quilts from the Anoka County Historical Society collection, along with their stories. There are some hands-on compo-nents, too. Preservation tips and the history behind some of our beloved quilt patterns will be shared as well.Location: Rum River Library

4201 Sixth Avenue Anoka

Date: Saturday, March 10Time: 2:00 p.m.Cost: Free

All three of these programs are funded with money from Minne-sota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The History of St. FrancisRelive local history by

listening to stories of St. Fran-cis’ past and seeing artifacts that were used in everyday life. A slide show of photo-graphs from St. Francis’ past takes guests on a virtual tour through the history of this small town turned suburb on the northern edge of Anoka County. This is backyard his-tory and it’s best presented at one of the area’s most scenic spots, the Rum River North Park shelter building. Location: Rum River North

Shelter Building 23100 Rum River Blvd., St. Francis

Date: Saturday, April 14Time: TBDCost: Free

Fashion trends and issues from the mid 1800s to the 1920s

See the history of cloth-ing worn in the mid to late nineteenth century, following fashions from the sewing ma-chine to ready-made clothing that came though mail order catalogs. Learn how politics, society and etiquette influ-enced why people dressed the way they did. Period clothing is featured, allowing guests to see a slat bonnet and to feel how stiff corset boning really is. This program is presented by a fashionably dressed woman of 1860, reflecting the era of Minnesota statehood and one of the most recogniz-able fashion periods in Ameri-can history.Location: Northtown Library

711 County Road 10 NE, Blaine

Date: Saturday, May 12Time: TBDCost: Free

For more information on ACHS events, call 763-421-0600 or visit www. ac-hs.org.


FAITH LISTINGSBethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW

Bethel • 763-434-9834

Catholic Church of St. Patrick 19921 Nightingale Street NW

Oak Grove • 763-753-2011 www.st-patricks.org

Cedar United Methodist Church 17541 Jefferson Street NE Ham Lake • 763-434-7463

email: [email protected]

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW

Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net

First Baptist Church & Christian School K–12

22940 St. Francis Boulevard St. Francis • 763-753-1230 www.fbcsaintfrancis.com

Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church 16180 Round Lake Boulevard

Andover • 763-421-8434 www.hopeluth.net

Living Hope Evangelical Free Church

23038 Rum River Boulevard St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.livinghopeefc.org

Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW

Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org

New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW

Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org

Nowthen Alliance Church 19653 Nowthen Boulevard

Anoka • 763-441-1600 www.nowthenalliance.org

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE

East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.org

St. Francis United Methodist Church 3914 229th Avenue NW

St. Francis • 763-753-2273 www.stfrancis-umc.org

The Bridge Meets at St. Francis Elementary

22919 St. Francis Boulevard St. Francis • 763-516-5995

www.sfbridge.org

Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Latchkey/Childcare

3812 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-1234

www.trinitysf.org

West Bethel United Methodist Church

1233 221st Avenue NE Cedar • 763-434-6451

St. Francis United Methodist Church3914-229th Avenue • St. Francis, MN

(Across from St. Francis Elementary and right by the hockey rink)stfrancis-umc.org • 763-753-2273

God always loves youAnd we would love to grow in God’s love with you.

Sunday School • 9:15 a.m. for 6th grade-adult; 10:30 a.m. preschool-5th gradeWorship 10:30 a.m.

OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL

Worship With UsSunday Worship at 8:00, 9:15 & 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Make 2012 the year you become

Debt FreeAttend Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at Our

Saviour’s, Tuesday, February 7 through May 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The average family pays off $5,300 and saves $2,700 during this

13-week period. Call for more information.

AA meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

NA meetings are held every Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The church is located at 19001 Jackson Street NE, East Bethel. For information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at

www.oursaviourslc.org.

ELC

A

19653 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Anoka, MN 55303Intersection of CR 5 & 22 in Nowthen

For more information call 763-441-1600www.nowthenalliance.org

Sunday Services8:30 a.m. Traditional9:45 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Contemporary

Wednesday Evening6:00-6:45 Kids Choir6:45-8:15 Awana

Ages preschool to 6th grade6:45-8:15 NYTRO youth group 6th to 12th grade7:00-8:00 Adult Bible Study

Deeper-U discipleship

18975 Lake George Boulevard, Oak Grove1/4 mile south of Cty. Rd. 22 on Cty. Rd. 9763-753-5717 • www.newlifeoakgrove.org

Come as a guest, leave as our family!

Welcome to New Life Church

A Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ Church

Bruce Van Natta, founder of Sweet Bread Ministries will speak

Saturday, February 11, 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis High School and Sunday, February 12, 9:00 a.m. at New Life Lutheran.

Ash Wednesday, February 226:00 p.m. Soup Supper • 7:00 p.m. Worship

Sunday Schedule • 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Study

Our mission is to

Invite, Ignite, and

Excite all people

about Jesus Christ!

Mixed Blood Theater presents Dr. King’s Dream MONICA CAMPBELLANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

Join us for Dr. King’s Dream, a dramatic performance presented by the Mixed Blood Theater at Mississippi Library on Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. Mississippi Library is located at 410 Mississippi Street NE in Fridley. This family-friendly entertaining and educational performance is free and open to the public, but seating may be limited.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led American society through some of its most profound changes with passion, devotion, and courage. Drawn from his own letters, sermons, books and speeches (including the timeless I Have a Dream), this biographical performance memorably illuminates why he is honored with

a holiday each January.“Most of us have heard and/or read Dr.

King’s I Have A Dream speech,” said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Liaison Jim Kordiak. “This live performance takes our understanding of Dr. King a step further, presenting a compilation of his speeches and writings that will give the audience even greater insight into the man.”

Dr. King’s Dream is presented by Mixed Blood Theater and Anoka County Library in partnership with MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information call 763-571-1934 or visit your local library or the website at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

MONICA CAMPBELLANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

Battles did not occur every day in the Civil War, especially in the winter months when southern rain and snow made dirt roads nearly impassable for marching armies. The life of Civil War soldiers has been described as long months of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.

Anoka County Library invites you to come to Circle Pines City Hall located at 200 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines, on Saturday, February 11 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., to find out what soldiers did during the long and often grueling, yet boring months, of winter. Authentically costumed re-enactors from the Second Minnesota Battery of Light Artillery will take over Circle Pines City Hall to share their in-depth knowledge of the Civil War with visitors. They’ll share how they kept themselves busy, warm, and ready for battle when the armies began to move in the spring.

“I can think of no better way to learn about the harsh realities of history than through re-enactments like this,” said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah. “These soldiers not only battled the enemy, but the elements as well.”

The Second Minnesota Battery included more men from Anoka County than from any other county in the state. A special Anoka County Historical Society exhibit is part of this program and highlights men from the Battery and others from Anoka

County who served during the Civil War.

The Civil War in Winter is sponsored by the Anoka County Library and is presented by the Anoka County Historical Society. This program is free and open to the public and is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information about this and other library programs, call 763-717-3294 or visit your local Anoka County Library or the website at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

The Civil War in Winter


Classified BY MAILThe Courier

4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070

ONLINEwww.the-courier.org

24-hours-a-day

BY PHONE763-753-7031

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

IN PERSON4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

ISSUE DEADLINE DELIVERY BY2012

March 2/17/12 3/11/12April 3/16/12 4/8/12May 4/13/12 5/6/12June 5/18/12 6/10/12July 6/15/12 7/9/12August 7/13/12 8/5/12September 8/17/12 9/9/12October 9/14/12 10/7/12November 10/19/12 11/11/12December 11/16/12 12/9/12

UPCOMING ISD 15 SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: February 13 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.; February 27 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY planning committee will meet monthly in the SFHS Multi-Purpose Room on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Dates are: February 9, March 15, April 12, May 10, and May 24. For more information contact Michelle Wenker, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected].

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. downstairs in Elim Baptist Church, but is not affiliated with any religious organization, 114 Dahlin Ave., Isanti, MN 55040. For more information contact Maggie at 612-390-0747 or Chris at 763-441-3918.

ST. FRANCIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Breakfast with the Chamber is on February 8 at Billy’s in St. Francis, 8:00-9:00 a.m., $3 for breakfast. The next scheduled board meeting is February 15 at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street NW, 11:00 a.m. Visit www.stfrancischamber.org for more information or call 763-438-5163.

TOPS CHAPTER MN #1774 meets every Wed. morning at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Come check us out on Wed. mornings or visit www.tops.org.

BNI – REFERRALS UNLIMITED meets every Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street. For more information, check www.bni-mn.com.

AA MEETS at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 3921 277th Avenue NW in Isanti, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.

OAK GROVE SENIORS meet the 2nd Wed. of the month at noon for potluck and a short business meeting, 4th Wed. of the month at noon for a catered meal and short business meeting. BINGO follows each business meeting. For information about the club and events, call Dick Tuott at 763-434-8215.

ST. FRANCIS SENIORS If you are 55 or older, come join us for some fun at the St. Francis American Legion. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Thurs. of each month, from noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call President Ray Steinke at 763-753-1871.

EAST BETHEL SENIORS meet 3rd Thurs. of the month at 2241 221st Avenue NE in East Bethel for business meeting and noon lunch; 2nd Wed. of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon w/potluck noon-1:00 p.m. celebrate birthdays of the month; 4th Wed. of the month crafts 9:00 a.m.-noon; Pancake Breakfast is held 2nd Sun. of each month, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Dance the 1st Fri. of every month, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; each Thurs. is 500 Cards 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Cribbage held once a month–call 763-434-6179 for day and time. The East Bethel Senior Center is available for rent, contact Dennis at 763-434-9244. All seniors are welcome to join for only $7 per year.

ST. FRANCIS JAYCEES meet on the third Friday of every month during the fall, winter and spring months at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Francis City Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. For info, visit our website at www.stfrancisjaycees.org. Walk-ins welcome.

ST. FRANCIS AREA WOMEN OF TODAY meet the 1st Tuesday of the month at St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street, 6:30 p.m. is social time with the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Women of Today, visit us at www.sfawt.org or call Dana at 763-753-5010.

CEDAR/ EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Ham Lake VFW. Call Marilyn at 763-434-6599 for more information.

CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB meets bimonthly, 1st and 3rd Tues., 7:00 p.m., at the Ham Lake VFW. Call Greg Ricki at 763-434-7893.OAK GROVE LIONS meet every 2nd and 4th Tues. of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Lion Tim Newell at 763-753-4492 after 6:30 p.m.NOWTHEN LIONS CLUB Are you looking to serve in your community of Nowthen? Meet new friends? Have a lot of fun? Come join the Nowthen Lions Club! The Nowthen Lions meet on the first Thursday of the month for the Board Meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the Membership Meeting. Please call Patty Wirz at 763-241-1341 or email at [email protected] CLUB— ST. FRANCIS meets monthly. 1st Wed., administrative board, and 3rd Wed., general membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall. For more information, call Jean Schuldt at 763-753-1205 or Illa Torgerson at 763-753-2002.LIONS CLUB—ST. FRANCIS meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. 1st Wed. board meeting; 2nd Wed. regular business meeting; 4th Wed. social & program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Brian Heichel for more information at 763-753-4415.AMERICAN LEGION POST 622—ST. FRANCIS General membership meets monthly the 2nd Thurs. at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 622— ST. FRANCIS General membership meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the auxiliary are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234.

Classified AdsFirst 10 words FREE, each additional word is 25¢. Email addresses may be considered as two words.

Meetings & EventsFirst 5 lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00Each additional line . . . . . . . . . $1.50Payment is due when placing an ad.

Copy & Display Ad Deadline

CHILDCAREOAK GROVE licensed daycare has openings for infant and preschooler, Jen 763-753-1026. CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE enrolling infants through kindergarten. Trin-ity Lutheran Church & School, hours 5:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Call Sharon at 763-753-1234.LICENSED CHILDCARE openings all ages. Safe, fun, loving environment, St. Francis Elementary area. Melissa 763-213-1021. KIDS COUNTRY CHILDCARE CEN-TER in St. Francis enrolling. Call 763-753-5010 for more information. LICENSED CHILDCARE has open-ings for all ages! Weekly music lady! Food program! Preschool program! East Bethel Community School. Lo-cated behind St. Francis High School. Call Sara at 763-753-0021.ST. FRANCIS LICENSED DAYCARE has openings, reasonable rates, Christina 763-258-7282.IN-HOME LICENSED DAYCARE has opening for ages 6 wks-11 years old. 1/2 off first week with enrollment. Fun and loving environment. CPR/first aid certified. Food program. Please call Lisa; 763-458-1948.

FITNESSKETTLEBELL, YOGA-FIT and per-sonal fitness training classes start-ing soon. Call 763-267-2198 or visit our website at www.ascensionbody-works.com.

FOR RENTWAREHOUSE SPACE 5,238 square foot office/warehouse space for lease with Hwy. 47 frontage in St. Francis, 763-753-6116.

FOR SALE20% OF SILPADA JEWELRY sales donated to NACE, www.mysilpada.com/kristin.genser, 763-441-9197.

REAL ESTATEFOR SALE 4 bed, 3 bath on 2.5 acre wooded lot, open plan, $310,000. 763-443-0000.

SERVICES PIANO TUNING—Violin, piano, and guitar lessons, Michael, 763-219-4883, [email protected] SERVICES—Plumb-ing, electrical, masonry, remodeling. Call Butch at 763-300-9869.PIANO LESSONS—Beat those win-ter blahs, make music! Carmel 612-220-0235.STUMP GRINDER 763-691-0690.BUDGET BLINDS 30% off your entire order. Free estimates 651-765-4545.BROKEN BLINDS? We repair. Free estimates. Call today 651-765-4545.

WANTEDST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL THE-ATRE needs donations: wooden suit hangers, lumber, latex paint, build-ing materials, costumes, dress gloves, plastic storage bins, call Glenn at 763-213-1633 or [email protected].

COUNCIL & TOWNSHIP MEETINGS

Andover City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

1685 Crosstown Blvd. NWAndover, MN • 763-755-5100

Bethel City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m.

165 Main St. • P.O. Box 64 Bethel, MN • 763-434-4366

Nowthen City CouncilMeets 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

19800 Nowthen Blvd. NWAnoka, MN • 763-441-1347

East Bethel City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Wednesday

7:30 p.m.2241 • 221st Ave. NE

East Bethel, MN • 763-367-7840

Oak Grove City CouncilMeets 2nd Monday 7:00 p.m. &

last Monday 7:00 p.m.19900 Nightingale St. NW

Oak Grove, MN • 763-404-7000

St. Francis City CouncilMeets 1st & 3rd Monday 6:00 p.m.

ISD 15 Central Services CenterSt. Francis, MN • 763-753-2630

Stanford Town BoardMeets 1st Monday 7:00 p.m.

Co. Rd. 8 (261st Ave NW)Isanti, MN • 763-444-6370

AREA MEETINGS & EVENTS

Place a Classified Ad with us and the first 10 words are FREE!Deadline for March classified ads is February 24.

A classified form is available online at www.the-courier.org or at The Courier office.

Call 763-753-7031 for more information.

Free, public candlelight ski or walkTINA PERPICHANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is hosting its annual Candlelight Ski, Saturday, February 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Campus.

The public is invited to this free event to join college faculty, staff and students for an evening of skiing or hiking along two miles of candlelit trails near the Rum River.

Skiing begins from the Campus Center on the east side of County Route 70, and there is free parking next to the Center.

The trails are part of the Spirit River Nature Area’s cross-country ski trails that wander through the Cambridge Campus and the city of Cambridge.

Along with skiing or hiking, festivities will include hot chocolate and other refreshments, there will be

entertainment by Ken Krona and Lyle Swedees 5:30-7:30 p.m. and door prizes at 7:30 p.m.

People can bring their own skis or rent them. Ski rental is available through Outdoor Edge. To reserve your ski equipment, call 763-552-3343.

Ski equipment can be picked up at Outdoor Edge, 115 South Adam Street, Cambridge.

For more information about events at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, call 763-433-1840 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965.


Our reception room is getting a warm reception.

Our reception room gives you more than a time to spend with family and friends. It gives you the opportunity to celebrate the life lived. We can cater a favorite meal, or provide freshly baked cookies for your loved ones to enjoy. Let us take care of the details for you.

©20

04 M

KJ M

arke

ting

IsantI Chapel 409 East Broadway • Isanti

(763) 444-5212

CambrIdge Chapel 720 First Avenue East • Cambridge (763) 689-2070

www.strikefuneral.com

$10 Off Just Ask PaulComputer Repair763-323-PAUL (7285)14033 Round Lake Blvd., Andover

www.justaskpaul.infoCoupon does not expire.

Visit our website www.justaskpaul.info

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Virus Removal$69

Temperature Sensing For Today… and Tomorrow.

TEMPERATURE SPECIALISTS, INC.3175 Bridge Street NW

St. Francis, MN 55070-9612763-753-2974 • FAX 763-753-5401 • 800-272-5709

www.temperaturespecialists.com

MANUFACTURER OF RESISTANCE TEMPERATURE SENSORS

We accept applications for employment and offer on-the-job training

WWW.ANOKA-RAMSEY.EDU

Amy Morgan, D.V.M.Lisa Johnson, D.V.M.Kaija Youngner, D.V.M.

Your pet’s teeth are important too!

19035 Lake George Blvd. NWOak Grove, MN 55303763-753-6336www.oakgrovevet.net

Now offering dog and cat grooming. Ask about our same day appointments.

February is Pet Dental

Month. We will be giving out free dental care gift bags to all dental

cleaning patients in February.

Call today to schedule an appointment

with one of our veterinarians.


Try chiropractic for a healthier, happier pet. It’s gentle, natural and affordable!

Stop by our booth at the 6th Annual Ham Lake Snowbowl on Saturday, February 11, 9:00 am-3:00 p.m.

at Ham Lake Park, 1843 153rd Ave NE. I look forward to hearing from you 651-278-8940.RHYTHM OF LIFE ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC1444 147th Avenue NEHam Lake (located inside Canine Crossing)www.rhythmoflifechiro.com [email protected]

25% Off Grooming

New customers only. Cleo’s C & C Pet Grooming. Expires 3/5/2012.

Cleo’s C and C PET GROOMING

Boarding Day Care Mid Day Walks Training

Treat your pet to professional pampering by Carol & Chris Cornelius.

763.434.8997www.cleostotalpetcare.com

Oak Grove, MN 55011

Nail Trims always

$400

Deals for your best friend!

Recycling is now easier with simple sort recycling. You no longer need to sort items. Just place them all in the large roll-off container provided by your hauler. If you have

any questions about what is acceptable or would like to start a new service, call your hauler:

Ace Solid Waste 763-427-3110 Allied Waste 763-784-2104East Central Sanitation 763-689-2171

2011 Goal 652 Tons

43.24 TonsRecycled in December

So far in 2011 St. Francis has recycled over 511 tons.

Heat Mizer Glass, Inc.HOME & BUSINESS

New Construction • Remodeling and Repair • Commercial

Residential Windows & Doors Glass of All Types • Plastics

Shower Doors • Mirrors

AUTO GLASSAuto Glass Repaired & Replaced

Boat • RVTractor & Heavy Equipment

Insurance Specialists

30678 Hwy 47 NWIsanti, MN

Free Estimates!

763-444-9234

“Give Us

A Break”HEAT M

IZER

MN GlassAssociation

BIRTHSProud parents Josh and Mis-

sy Herbst of St. Francis would like to welcome their third child, Logan Michael, born December 16, 2011 at Unity Hospital, weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 20½ inches long, along with siblings Marissa (6) and Ryan (4). Proud grandpar-ents are Dennis and MaryBeth Franz of East Bethel and Mike and Sue Herbst of Isanti. Great grandparents; Rita Franz of Cumberland, Wisc., Angeline Ryan of Blaine, and Mike and Kathleen Gardas of Cedar.

Evelynn Lydia Woods was born January 9 at Cambridge Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud parents are Royce and Kristin Woods of Ramsey. Evelynn is welcomed by sibling Aubriella Jane, 2. Grandparents are David and Sylvia Woods of St. Francis.

Hudson Ever Lang was born January 17 at Cambridge Medi-cal Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Proud parents are Josh J. Lang and Calli M. Sahr of East Bethel. Grandparents include Valerie Sahr-Steppat of East Bethel and Jacqueline Haynes of St. Francis.

Logan Michael Herbst SUBMITTED BY SUE HERBST

Fido’s Barber Shop19847 Orchid St. NW, Oak Grove

All Breed Professional Dog Grooming and Personal Care BoardingDay and Evening Appointments

763-213-8143www.fidosbarber.com

Ask Fido:

“Easy, four free walks a day, every day I’m here!”

More personal care boarding perks:• $18 per day plus a multi dog discount• Pick-up/drop-off 365 days a year• 24 hour on-site care• Maintaining Fido’s routine of pottying

outside —we’re not in the business of starting bad habits

• Free medication administration

What makes Fido’s your favorite home away from home?

10% OFF FOR NEW

GROOMING CUSTOMERS!

Invitation to Winterfest BETSY BENEKESHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge invites you to attend the annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE family event offers an exciting day of outdoor activities celebrating winter and focusing on how both wildlife and people man-age to thrive in Minnesota’s months of snow and cold temperatures.

Outdoor activities include a horse-drawn sleigh ride, snowshoeing, scavenger hunt and bonfire. Visit exhibits on wildlife adaptations for cold, tracking, invasive earthworms, winter survival, bird feeding and the Minnesota Junior Duck Stamp Program. Live owls will be on dis-play and educators from the Audubon Center of the Northwoods will answer your questions about these unique birds. Hot chocolate, cider, coffee and cookies will be available for purchase all day in the main tent, and a brat and hot dog lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Friends of Sherburne gift shop will have clothing, hats, books, cards and jewelry, as well as new Refuge lapel pins and patches. A silent auction fundraiser with many unique items will be held, to help support refuge projects and programs.

Winterfest celebrates the 109th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Sherburne is one of 555 national wildlife refuges that span 150 million acres across the United States and its

territories. Participants can enjoy a free piece of anniversary cake to be served at 12:30 p.m.

All activities will be held at the event site south of the old school house located on Sher-burne County Road 9, five miles west of High-way 169. For additional information, see the Winterfest poster on the refuge website at www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne or contact the ref-uge at 763-389-3323. TTY users may access the refuge through the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

IRON RANGE TOURISM BUREAU


6560 Norris Lake RoadElk River, MN 55330 (Nowthen)www.goldstarkennelsofmn.com

Open 7 days a week By appointment only

“We’re not the biggest…just the best!”

$3 OFF PER NIGHT WITH A 2 NIGHT STAY

at Gold Star KennelsSome exceptions apply. Limit one per family. Not good with any other offers or discounts.

763-753-5450 Expires 3/6/12

$6 OFF GROOMINGat Gold Star Kennels

Add ons, matt charges, etc., still apply, ask for details. Limit one per family. Not good

with any other offers or discounts.763-753-5450 Expires 3/6/12

$75 OFF TRAINING

at Gold Star KennelsLimit one per family.

Not good with any other offers or discounts. 763-753-5450 Expires 3/6/12

COUR

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COUR

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2/12

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If your pets could talk, they would insist on…

Award winning 4-Star pet facility!

Going on vacation?

“We treat your pets like our own”

St. Francis Veterinary Clinic763-444-9359

Doctors on staff Dr. Tracey Thomas Dr. Jill Hergenrader Dr. Kelly Pawlenty Dr. Nicole Perreault

Two miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47Visit us on the web at www.sfvetclinic.com

•Smallanimalmedicine,surgeryanddentistry•Freeinitialpuppyandkittenexams•Earlymorningdropoffavailablebyappointment•Eveningappointments•HeartwormandLymetesting•MicrochippetID

Taste samples from 30 restaurants!

This event is a fundraiser for Free to Be, Inc., providing car care to enable independence.

Thursday, February 16 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

National Sports Center Schwan’s Center

1700 105th Avenue NE, Blaine

Tickets $35 $45 at the door, Non refundable

For tickets, call 763-717-7755 or visit www.freetobeinc.org Designate “Taste of Blaine”

Free2B! • 1201 89th Avenue NW • Suite 230 • Blaine, MN 55434

WEDDING

The wedding of Elizabeth Schwantz, daughter of Bill and Valerie (step-mom) Schwantz and the late Barbara Jean, to Matthew, son of Scott and Nancy Lindquist, was held on January 14 outdoors on Long Lake in Isanti. The couple who, loves everything outdoors, drove up to the minister on snowmobiles. Nature provided a magi-cal setting by snowing during the ceremony.

SUBMITTED BY ZACH AND STEPH BAUSWORTH

MASTER GARDENERCAROL BRAY ISANTI COUNTY MASTER GARDENER

Conquer those phobiasAdmittedly, I have pretty

much learned how to deal with my herpetophobia (fear of rep-tiles) simply by always wear-ing gloves when I’m doing anything beyond a garden tour

in my gardens. I actually know some people who have told me they won’t do any serious gardening because they simply hate snakes and lizards!

I know some children

and one adult, no names will be mentioned, that seem to have lachanophobia—fear of vegetables. I’m not sure how parents should handle their children who have this afflic-tion other than try to enforce the two-bite-club philosophy. Maybe the child will have an occasional pleasant surprise and realize they actually like a couple of veggies.

My sympathies go to people who have xylophobia, fear of forests, selenophobia, fear of the moon, or siderophobia, fear of stars. Hopefully, these are rare phobias.

However, I completely un-derstand the common phobias of chiroptophobia, fear of bats and to a lesser degree, suri-phobia, fear of mice. I know many people who seem to have conquered scolehobia, fear of worms and myrmeco-phobia, fear of ants.

Maybe one could learn to handle the above listed pho-bias simply by being more

exposed to the moon, stars, worms, vegetables, etc. If you are interested in conquer-ing some of these phobias by learning and then doing more gardening, consider attending the 9th annual Isanti County Master Gardeners Burst into Spring horticultural event which will be held Saturday, March 3 at North Isanti Baptist Church in Cambridge. Hope-fully, you don’t have ornitho-phobia, a fear of birds since

the keynote presenter, Stan Tiekela, Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer will speak on Amazing Hummingbirds.

For more gardening infor-mation, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu or call the Isanti County Master Gardeners at 763-689-1810. You can also find the Isanti County Master Gardeners on Facebook.

PHOTO BY LYNN HASS


23122 St. Francis Blvd. • St. Francis, MN 55070763-753-3334

OPEN SEVEN DAYS Monday-Saturday 5:00 a.m.-Midnight • Sunday 6:00 a.m.-Midnight

ATM • Goodrich Pharmacy • Gift Cards • Floral • Bakery Full Service Deli • Service Meat Case

EXPRESS GASOLINES

Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 3/6/12.

Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.

5¢Per Gallon All Grades

of Gas

OFF

X1001C O U P O N

EXPRESS GASOLINES

Cash transactions only, must pay inside store. Expires 3/6/12.

Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Valid only at St. Francis County Market.

5¢Per Gallon All Grades

of Gas

OFF

X1001C O U P O N

Car WashCheck out our Discount CardsCar wash pre-paid cards make perfect gifts for friends, gift exchanges, graduations, birthdays and more!

5-Count Prices

Save 20% with 5-Count

Car Wash Cards

$36

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10-Count Prices

Save 30% with 10-Count

Car Wash Cards

$63

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Sponsored byThe Snowbowl is located at NE Corner of Hwy 65 and 153rd Ham Lake, MN

Sponsorship or questions [email protected] • [email protected] • 763-434-4678www.hamlakecc.com

Ham Lake SnowbowlButtons are

$3A button is required

for all events!

Ham Lake Snowbowl February 10-11Snow

Sculpture Contest

With $600 in PRIZES! Snow sculpture teams apply now!

There is a limited number of snow blocks available.

Sculpture Breakthrough

ContestClosest guess

wins $500 Hint: Last year it was 4-8-11 at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 11Broomball Tournament ��7:00 a�m�-6:00 p�m�Snow Golf �� 9:00 a�m�-3:00 p�m�Main Event �� 9:00 a�m�-3:00 p�m�Skijoring Race Start ��10:00 a�m�Helicopter Rides

(weather permitting) 10:30 a�m�-2:30 p�m�Sled Dog Rides �� 10:30 a�m�-3:00 p�m�Ice Fishing Contest �� 11:00 a�m�-2:00 p�m�Sled Dog Race Start ��11:00 a�m�Dog Pull Competition �� NoonVintage Snowmobile

and Expo Rodeo ��12:30 p�m�Snow Sculpture Judging ��2:30 p�m�Final Awards Presentation ��2:45 p�m�Food and Refreshments Available!

Friday, February 10Snow Sculpting Noon-11:00 p�m�

Music and Karaoke 5:00-10:00 p�m�

Refreshments Available!

No ATM on site.

Documents

The Courier - February 2012