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February 2019 Vol. 07 No. 08 THE Lowdown www.presspubs.com | $1

Winter Wonderland

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VINTAGE VIEWFINDER OUT & ABOUT PAINTING HER PASSION | 15 & 16 LOOKING BACK TO THE PAST | 8 WHATS GOING ON IN YOUR COMMUNITY | 10 - 13

Your guide to the Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County 2 THE LOWDOWN FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com TURN THE PAGE 6

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CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Steel arrives 6 | Talent and a tweet 19 | Judge Juanita Freeman Steel for Press Publications’ new roof was delivered last month. The building’s 12-year-old Kalei Forga will represent As Washington County’s fi rst black judge, Freeman roof collapsed from a snowstorm last April. The steel is from Lino Lakes Minnesota on the 2019 World Selects team in helps the judicial bench refl ect its ever-changing company Boe Iron Inc., a full-service structural steel, miscellaneous metals Chamonix, France. A tweet by Minnesota Wild communities. and ornamental iron shop with over 40 years in the business. Boe Iron Inc. is a player Matt Dumba helped get her there. designing, fabricating and installing custom, hand-crafted ornamental wrought 22 | Wings & Things iron products for both commercial and residential. 19 | Making city history on council Dead trees are essential to wildlife health 23-year-old Carly Johnson is likely the youngest person ever elected to the Oak Park Heights City Council. CONTRIBUTORS | What is your favorite thing about winter?

JULIE KINK | Contributing Writer ELIZABETH CALLEN | Staff Writer [email protected] [email protected] My favorite thing about winter is how a full winter moon casts shadows I love how winter sunrises seem much more vibrant than any other time on the snow, and looking up, you can see the outlines of tree branches of year—and thanks to shorter days, I’m actually up early enough to against the blue-indigo sky. It reminds me of how large and miraculous catch the sunrise most mornings. the universe is.

RANDY ROBERTS | Multimedia Consultant JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | Contributing Writer [email protected] [email protected] While I’m still a summer person, I have to admit the postcard scenery My favorite thing about winter is taking lots of hikes in the snow and after a snowfall on the trees is breathtaking. If you are a lifelong marveling at the way that nature conserves itself through such a harsh Minnesotan, please don’t take that for granted for one second. season yet still manages to be beautiful.

PAUL DOLS | Photojournalist/ Website Editor SHANNON GRANHOLM | Quad Editor [email protected] [email protected] Practicing a Minnesota variation of ‘Hygge’ after spending the day Ice skating! I’m a member of an adult synchronized skating team that outside in the cold weather. practices every week.

The Lowdown Publisher Staff Writer Contributors Photographer/ Photo Editor Production Designer Vol. 07 No. 08 Carter Johnson Elizabeth Callen Julie Kink Paul Dols Amanda Stedje COPYRIGHT © 2019 Jackie Bussjaeger PRESS PUBLICATIONS Marketing Director Advertising Sarah Knieff Design Manager Material may not be reproduced in whole or Patty Steele Randy Roberts Zac Hoppe part in any form whatsoever. FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 3 www.presspubs.com Explore Washington County’s winter wonderland

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN Lumberjacks as they and is open 6 p.m.–9 STAFF WRITER dive into an icy Lake p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.–7 Carver in the Woodbury p.m. Saturdays and 11 The weather outside is Polar Plunge on Feb. 2. a.m.–5 p.m. Sundays. frightful, and because The team will represent For more information, this is February in the St. Croix Valley and visit greenacresrec.com Minnesota, it’s likely raise money for Special or call 651-770-6060. going to stay that way Olympics Minnesota. for a while. As we enter This year, the team has Walk through the midwinter, the effects its sights set high with a tunnel of lights of cabin fever may start total fundraising goal of • If you haven’t yet hitting harder and hard- $6,925. gotten around to check- er—but Minnesotans • The annual Forest ing out Stillwater Lights have never been the Lake Winter Plunge will yet, don’t fret; you have type to let a little snow be held Saturday, Feb. until March 31. Down- and ice put a damper on 16, at Lakeside Memo- town Stillwater’s newest their fun. We’ve round- rial Park. Sponsored seasonal attraction ed up some of the best by the Rotary Club, the includes a festive light- activities that Washing- annual event features ed tunnel that spans ton County has to offer participants braving Lowell Park. The mul- throughout the month a dip into the frigid ticolored archway is lit ahead, so bundle up waters of Forest Lake every night from 4 p.m. and take advantage of while raising money for to midnight and, best of the winter wonderland local organizations. Last all, is completely free. around us. year, the event brought in $42,034 and the Lakes International Language Academy was named top fundraiser at $9,417. New this year is the championship prize pot, Park (720 11th Ave. free with a Washington Brave the cold by which will be donated SE). Reservations for County parks permit ($7 camping to the team who secures sports team practices or daily, $30 annually). • Summer may make the most pledges. Like group events can also be for classic camping always, Lakes Area made. For hours and weather, but there’s See old snowmobiles TV will livestream the more information, visit something to be said for • The Stillwater Snow- event, so even faraway ci.forest-lake.mn.us or the solace that a winter mobile club hosts its 5th family and friends can Explore the outdoors call 651-209-9723. trip to the woods can annual The Older, the get in on the fun. • Friends of Willow • The St. Croix Valley bring—at least there Better Vintage Snowmo- River and Kinnickinnic Recreation Center (1675 will be few other camp- bile Show on Saturday, Hit the slopes State Parks will host Market Drive, Stillwa- ers around to disturb Feb. 2, at the Blacksmith • Washington Coun- its annual Candlelight ter) hosts regular open your peace and quiet. Lounge (17205 Forest ty may not boast the Ski, Snowshoe and Hike skating sessions and If you’re feeling bold Blvd. N., Hugo). Tro- majestic mountains of from 6–8:30 p.m. Sat- group classes, so skat- enough to face the ice phies will be awarded Colorado, but its rugged, urday, Feb. 16. Willow ers of all abilities and and snow, know that a for “Oldest Runner” and rolling landscape will River State Park (1034 experience levels can cold-weather camping “Ugliest Runner,” in more than suffi ce for County Hwy. A, Hudson) get their adventure is possible. addition to best restored those looking to shred will twinkle with the glide on. The center Just be sure to bundle and best original in some powder locally. light from luminarias also manages the Lily up. For winter camping three different classes. Wild Mountain Recre- as participants traverse Lake Ice Arena at 1208 tips, including packing There is a $5 entry fee ation Area (37200 Wild its trails. The event is Greeley St. Visit suggestions, visit dnr. per sled, and admission Mountain Road, Taylors free to attend, although stcroixreccenter.com • Belwin Conservancy state.mn.us/state_ is free for spectators. Falls) has slopes suited vehicle admission into or call 651-430-2601 for (1533 Stagecoach Trail parks/winter camping. Food, beverages and for skiers and snow- the park is required. For more information. S., Afton) hosts its popu- html. raffl e tickets will be boarders of all ages. more information, call lar Owl Prowl on Friday, The following nearby available for purchase. Lessons are offered 715-386-9340 or email Watch for wildlife Feb. 15. Come dressed state parks are open for For more information, seven days a week and naturalist@willowkinn- • Guided bird hikes for a walk in the woods camping year-round: visit stillwatersnowmo- are open to ages 4 and ifriends.org. through Washington and join other wildlife • St. Croix State Park, bileclub.org up for skiing and 6 and County’s parks continue enthusiasts listening for 30065 St. Croix Park up for snowboarding. this month. Meet at the owls and other noctur- Road, Hinckley Ice fi shing On Friday, Feb. 15, Wild trailhead kiosk of Pine nal animals. Ornitho- • Willow River State • Throughout the Mountain will host a Point Regional Park philes will be in luck Park, 1034 County Hwy. month of February, St. special Starlight Tubing (11900 Norell Ave. N., that weekend, as Belwin A, Hudson Croix Valley Sexual event. With the fl ood- Stillwater) at 9 a.m. for will put on a Winter • William O’Brien Assault Response Team lights off, the slopes will a one-hour hike. Attend- Bird Hike from 11 a.m.– State Park, 16821 (SART) will host an ice be lit by multicolored ees will learn how to 3 p.m. the following day O’Brien Trail N., Ma- fi shing contest. Submit LED batons and, of identify the birds that as a part of its Open rine on St. Croix photos of your biggest course, the stars above. call the St. Croix Valley Third Saturday pro- • Afton State Park, catch—either a pan fi sh, For more information, home and will contrib- gram. One-hour guided 6959 Peller Ave. S., walleye or northern visit wildmountain.com. ute to citizen science tours depart from the Hastings pike—along with the • The snowmaking ma- Lace up your skates data collection by com- Education Center at 11 $50 registration fee to chines at Green Acres • Area rinks are fl ood- pleting bird count sur- a.m. and 1 p.m. Advance Elizabeth Callen win one of three grand Recreation ensure that ed and ready for skaters veys. The data collected registration is required is a staff writer and prizes and be eligible its hills are open for tub- to hit the ice. Through- will assist the Wash- for the Owl Prowl, and reporter for the Forest for weekly drawings. ing throughout the sea- out the winter, the ington County Natural is available online. For Lake and St. Croix Winners in each catego- son—even when we’re city of Forest Lake Resources team and its more information, visit Valley Lowdown. ry will be determined forced to navigate Moth- maintains three rinks work in conjunction belwin.org/events or She can be reached by length of fi sh, and er Nature’s dry spell. — two at Tower Park with the Lessard-Sam call 651-436-5189. at lowdownnews@ participation helps raise Green Acres is at 8989 (843 Fourth St.) and one Outdoor Heritage Fund presspubs.com or 651-407-1229. funds for SART’s health 55th St. N., Lake Elmo, at Beltz grant. The program is care, education and advocacy services. For registration or more in- PRIMEAU’S Podiatrist– formation, visit stcroix- WHAT'S THE LOWDOWN? Foot Specialist valleysart.org. TREE SERVICE Dr. Christopher Phillips We’re giving away Wild Mountain passes! Medical and Surgical Management of the Foot and Ankle Always be in tune and up to date on what’s Sports Medicine happening in Washington County. • Certifi ed Arborist Treatment of Adults and Children • 43 Years Exp. with Foot Conditions • Family Owned • Ingrown Toenails Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter • Arch & Heel Pain • Expert Removals • Bunions • Hammer Toes Take the plunge by emailing [email protected] • Expert Trimming • Senior & Diabetic Foot Care • Arthritic Feet • Washington County for your chance to win skiing or tubing on us! • Shrub Trimming • Low Prices residents will get cold 4653 White Bear Pwky for a cause during polar Call Mark White Bear Lake, MN 55110 plunges throughout the 651-426-3995 month ahead. Cheer www.presspubs.com Lowdown www.WhiteBearFootAndAnkleClinic.com THE 651-773-5643 on the St. Croix Valley OPINION 4 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com FEBRUARY 2019 Outdoor scenes

e are thrilled to launch The Lowdown as the fi rst newspaper magazine in Washington County. Our goal is to W inform you on upcoming events and activities, and be the community’s go-to publi- cation for the arts and outdoor scenes through- out Forest Lake, Stillwater and the surrounding areas. With every issue, the Low- down continues to push the boundaries of community news with our feature articles, calen- dar pages and updates on local happenings. Although the paper has been published every other week, we are now moving to a Publisher’s monthly publication schedule, which will allow us to reach View more people each month. If you would like to ensure Carter Johnson that you receive The Lowdown in the months ahead, please email us at circ@presspubs. com to say “yes” to The Lowdown. All of our current subscribers will continue to receive the An introduction from Randy now-monthly publication without any interrup- tion. Our editorial, production and sales teams f you read the second page, But back to Stillwater and Forest in the community and local history have all been working hard to launch the new you’re probably wondering who Lake—I look forward to meeting was really what got me out of bed and improved Lowdown. We are excited for Randy Roberts is. First, I would with local business operators and each day as an editor. Throughout these updates and hope you will be, too. Please like to introduce myself to the meeting members of the commu- the past 15 years, my second career let us know what you think at lowdownnews@ ILowdown readers and businesses as nities, as I will be a part of them has been helping local businesses presspubs.com. the new multimedia consultant in for years to come. This is a new with their marketing solutions. It’s Lunar eclipse Stillwater and Forest Lake. Second, adventure after 20 years working the local niche of Press Publications Last month the lake was lighted by a full imagine, if you will, being a diehard with newspapers in Hastings and that brought me to Stillwater and moon and perfect for ice skating. While my son Vikings fan AND a diehard Chiefs Woodbury, and 30 years overall in Forest Lake. and a few friends were out skating, we tracked fan, so you experience double the the newspaper industry. I’ve had two You now know that the format of the beginning of the lunar eclipse. It was the disappointment year after year. careers, actually. I was a managing the Lowdowns has changed, and only full lunar eclipse said to happen in 2019, so That’s me I thought you might care editor at a paper Missouri, and then that it will now be a monthly news we gave it our all. With the temperature coming about that nugget of information. more recently in Hastings for several magazine. The Lowdown will be in at 1 degree, it was cold and crisp and we were Maybe not. years. Writing features about people chock-full of information and stories thankful for no wind. Having a portable heater about history, photos, the arts,

Press Publications PRESORTED 4779 Bloom Avenue STANDARD Press Publications PRESORTED with us was critical, and every few minutes the White Bear Lake, MN 55110 U.S. POSTAGE 4779 Bloom Avenue STANDARD PAID VENDORS WANTED! White Bear Lake, MN 55110 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 40 The St. Croix Valley community events, schools, sports FOREST LAKE, MN CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 640 boys would take turns standing in front of it to STILLWATER, MN — 2019 — Wedding Expo and much more. News will be more

Email [email protected] warm up. My wife made a special trip with hot or call 651-407-1213 Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 VOL. 07 NO. 07 www.presspubs.com $1.00 geared toward how it affects you as a cocoa and marshmallows, which may have been Lowdown FEBRUARY 2019 SCHOOL BOARD: New members installed, offi cers elected PAGE 9 THE VOL. 07 NO. 08 community member and previewing their favorite part of the experience. The boys Beloved and infl uential potter what’s ahead, not what happened a stayed out on the frozen lake for over an hour. Warren MacKenzie dies BY SUZANNE LINDGREN COUNTRY MESSENGER EDITOR month ago. Page 2 Having devoted nearly 70 years After everyone had gone home, our family took to making elegantly simple pottery Stillwater man missing intended for everyday use, infl uential potter Warren MacKenzie died Dec. Not every community is fortunate 31, 2018. He would have celebrated his 95th birthday Feb. 16. a few more trips outside to glance at the moon. MacKenzie was often identifi ed as a mentor to potters around the world and the reason many have chosen to to have a local newspaper, and even keep studios in the St. Croix Valley. He, however, humbly refuted the Total eclipse was impressive as it reached a claim, saying he couldn’t take credit for the area’s strong community of potters. sometimes among those that do, the With work featured in museums around the word including the Met- peak around 11:15 p.m. From the solar eclipse Page 5 ropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Tokyo’s Japan Folk “local” concept disappears, as is the WCHS hosts ice cream social Crafts Museum, his presence hasn’t hurt in putting the St. Croix Valley on and now this lunar eclipse, it has been a great the map. case with many newspapers across 24 months of celestial activity. Take in the “He could make the most amazing work, the country. but was also capable of outdoors this new year. Check out the stars connecting with people.” Page 12 Press Publications is committed Guillermo Cuéllar, speaking of Warren MacKenzie Snowmobilers granted access to and learn some of the constellations. Many Big Marine Lake KAREN BRONG | SUBMITTED Still, when Shafer potter Guillermo Warren MacKenzie at work in his studio in rural Stillwater. to local news, and the Lowdown Cuéllar talks about MacKenzie, he doesn’t mention his museums, awards Featured Events or recognitions. He talks about the but was also capable of connecting philosophy he represented, which local parks offer star watching programs with pots, the philosophy behind them and with people.” had some relationship to a Japanese Out East the impact MacKenzie’s teaching has In Venezuela, where Cuéllar fi rst aesthetic philosophy called Mingei,” will continue this tradition in an had on others around the world. worked as an assistant to MacKenzie Cuéllar explained. “It’s the apprecia- When Writing Meets Art When: Jan. 20 “He had an incredible capacity to in a 1981 workshop, potters still use tion of utilitarian objects, often made Where: The Zephyr Theater engage with, and reach and charm MacKenzie’s recipes for glaze. (“To me by craftspeople who are unknown, telescopes. Don’t let the cell phones and video people,” Cuéllar said. “He also was it was almost like the stars had lined kind of like folk art. They can be very Up North incredibly competent. His skills had up,” Cuéllar said of meeting MacKen- beautiful. entertaining monthly format with been formed in a studio where he’d zie. “He was a window into the kind “The style became known as Senior Dance When: Jan. 18 learned to make pots in the same way of historically grounded, utilitarian Mingei-sota because of his infl uence Where: Forest Lake American Legion some people learn to play the violin, pottery I was really interested in and that philosophy, which also relat- games in your life eclipse what nature has to with really hard work and repetition, making.”) ed to Midwest values of honestly and learning how to make forms accurate- In Minnesota, MacKenzie helped in- authenticity. There is a legacy Warren even more to read. I am really ex- ly. spire a genre. Called Mingei-sota, the left of potters working this way in See pages “When he sat down, people couldn’t play on words combines a Japanese Minnesota, which is also what put believe how quickly the pots came off celebration of folk art and longstand- Minnesota on the map as an import- offer. 6&7 for event the wheel. ing Midwestern ethics of modesty and ant center.” details “So he had both those things. He craftsmanship. cited about the content that will be could make the most amazing work, “Warren brought that aesthetic SEE WARREN MACKENZIE, PAGE 12 Social media wasteland WINTER WONDERLAND VALENTINES DAY CALENDAR ICE FISHING, SPEAR FISHING, SKIING BLURB ABOUT IT PAGES 10-13 featured in the Lowdown. You will When a stock photo of a brown-colored egg be, too, and that is why I am here. I makes a headline with more that 50,024,444 Your guide to the Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County will get around the communities as likes on Instagram, beating out Kylie Jenner’s NEWS ADVERTISING CIRCULATION CLASSIFIED PRODUCTION 651-407-1229 651-407-1200 651-407-1234 651-407-1250 651-407-1239 soon as I can, but in the meantime, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] classifi [email protected] [email protected] birth announcement, it seems we might have a if you do have an advertising need, problem. Do we really have nothing better to do FILE question or would like set an appoint- than try to be part of a world record on social The current cover of the newly-redesigned Lowdown (left) and the previous ment, please call me at 651-407-1212. media? I know I can get sucked into some things design (right). on social media, but this seemed over the top. It might be good for all of us to step back and eval- uate how we spend our time on social media. Stick to posts that are relevant and helpful to THE LOWDOWN | LETTER GUIDELINES your life, or increase your knowledge. Make an • Limited to 350 words. four weeks must lapse be- matter will not be published. of the week prior to effort to avoid topics that are completely trivial • Submissions must Include a full tween publication. Exceptions • Submissions containing libel- publication. or plain dumb. There is a screen time function name, address and daytime may be made for rebuttal ous or derogatory statements • To submit a letter, e-mail it to on phones to monitor and limit usage. I’m truly phone number for verifi cation. letters. will not be published. lowdownnews@presspubs. worried about our kids, the digital wasteland • Letter writers must live, work • Due to space limitations, • Submissions containing facts com, fax it to 651-429-1242 and mental health. or have another connection to letters that don’t address local not previously published in the or mail or deliver it to Press Press Publications coverage issues are not guaranteed Press must be accompanied by Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications. area. publication. factual verifi cation. White Bear Lake, MN 55110. • Letter writers are limited to six • Repeat letters by the same • All letters are subject to editing. letters per year and at least writer about the same subject • Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday

The Lowdown is direct mailed through COPYRIGHT© 2019 BY the US Postal Service for guaranteed delivery. Carter C. Johnson ...... Publisher Sports Desk Lowdown [email protected] [email protected] PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. THE The Lowdown is a continuation of the Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in Published monthly Zac Hoppe ...... Design Manager Forest Lake & St. Croix Valley Press. Gene Johnson .... Publisher Emeritus any form whatsoever. by Press Publications, Inc. www.ReadTheLowdown.com [email protected] Mailed Subscription Rate: [email protected] 4779 Bloom Avenue 651-407-1200 Amanda Stedje .....Production Designer News ...... 651-407-1229 In county & zip code 55092: FREE Elizabeth Callen ...... Editor Advertising ...... 651-407-1200 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Out of county: $15.00/1yr. [email protected] [email protected] Circulation ...... 651-407-1234 Offi ce Hours: Brianna Luecken ...... Circulation Classified ...... 651-407-1250 MNA 2014 [email protected] 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday AWARD-WINNING Patty Steele ....Director of Sales & Marketing Production ...... 651-407-1239 NEWSPAPER [email protected] Paul Dols ...... Photo Journalist FAX ...... 651-429-1242 Subscribe Online [email protected] FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 5 www.presspubs.com

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Youth United Way hosts 17th annual Empty Bowls Youth United Way invites the pub- lic to attend its 17th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on March 7 at the Stillwater Area High School. Youth United Way is a group of eighth- through 12th-grade students that work together to raise money for different youth and hunger programs in our community. Empty Bowls is the group’s largest, most substantial fundraiser during the year. The group works for months to fi nd local artists and restaurants to donate pottery bowls, soup and bread. The soup and bread serve as a simple meal to enjoy at the event, and the pottery bowls go home with the guests as a continual reminder of the empty bowls in our community. It helps to remind our guests that hunger exists everywhere, even here SUBMITTED in our Stillwater area community. Pictured from left to right are Stev Stegner, Mark Harshman, Bob Moorhouse, Chris Stauner, Michael Perreault and Rich Jabas. The group is in need of pottery and pottery bowls for the event. If you ers are now accepting nominations inations are due by Feb. 20. documents are listed on the Commu- have good pottery you would like for the 2019 Community Involvement nity Thread website at communityth- to donate to this great cause, please Awards. The Community Involve- Free tax fi ling assistance in Stillwater readmn.org. contact Lois Raboin at 651-439-3838 ment Awards, now in their 44th year, Community Thread is hosting or [email protected], or you may drop honor the work of exceptional volun- the Stillwater Site of the AARP Tax Help for smart family shopping it off at the United Way offi ce, 825 teers in the community. According to Aide Program, which provides free The Marine Mills Folk School has Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater. Jennifer Kmecik, Volunteer Center income tax assistance to low-income been offering a monthly series of To purchase tickets, visit uwwce. Director at Community Thread, and moderate-income taxpayers. classes entitled “Topics in Nutrition” org/youth-united-way. “Volunteers make our community Trained and certifi ed AARP Tax The subject of the school’s last class Community organizations stronger in so many ways. The Com- Aide volunteers will work with in the series will be a hands-on gro- support each other munity Involvement Awards offer taxpayers to prepare and electron- cery Ssore tour on Feb. 12. Interested the opportunity to recognize these ically fi le federal and state income participants will join Bre Marsel, The Forest Lake Masons and Forest volunteers for their dedication and tax returns. Returns can be prepared Registered Dietician, at the historic Lake Lions have been active in the service.”Community Involvement only for Minnesota residents who are Marine General Store to discuss the local community for decades. After Awards recognize volunteers in six not required to fi le a state tax return best food choices, how to read labels noticing that the Masons did not categories: Youth, Group/Family, in any state other than Minnesota and other timely subjects. have an automated external defi bril- Exemplary Employer, Outstanding, or Wisconsin. Not all IRS forms and Founded in 2017, Marine Mills Folk lator, or AED, in their building, the Lifetime, and Legacy. Nominees schedules can be prepared in this School’s mission is to support and Lions Club donated one to the Ma- are residents or organizations in program. strengthen connections by inviting sons Lodge for use by members and Washington County who meet the Appointments can be made by call- all people to discover the joy of learn- residents who frequent the building. criteria for each award. Visit com- ing 651-439-7434 between 9 a.m and 4 ing and creating together. the school Community Thread seeks muitythreadmn.org, to complete the p.m. Appointments will be offered on offers adult and intergenerational nominations for 2019 Community nomination form, e-mail Jennifer@ Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays classes in traditional arts and craft Involvement Awards CommunityThreadMN.org (Subject: from Feb. 11 to April 10 at Communi- skills. Please visit marinemillsfolk- CIA), or stop by Community Thread ty Thread, 2300 West Orleans Street school.org for additional information Community Thread and the Wash- to request a nomination packet. Nom- in Stillwater. Required tax-related or to see a complete listing of classes. ington County Board of Commission-

POLITICAL BRIEF BUSINESS BRIEFS

Housley and Dettmer to hold town hall meetings Chamber director graduates Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point) and from IOM Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) announced The Institute for Organi- a set of town hall meetings during the month zation Management (IOM), of February. The town hall meetings are an the professional development opportunity for constituents to interact with program of the U.S. Chamber legislators and discuss issues while the legis- of Commerce Foundation, lature is in session. Residents of District 39, is pleased to announce that which includes the Forest Lake area and the St. Robin Anthony, executive Croix River Valley, are encouraged to attend. director of the Greater Still- The fi rst town hall meeting will be held in water Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at has graduated from the pro- the Stillwater Public Library (224 Third Street gram and has received the N.). Attendees can park free of charge in the li- recognition of IOM. Awarded brary parking ramp and take the elevator up to to all graduates of the orga- the Margaret Rivers Room on the upper level. nization’s program, the IOM A second town hall meeting will be held in graduate recognition signifi es Forest Lake at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the individual’s completion of Forest Lake Area High School (6101 Scandia 96 hours of course instruction Trail N.). Attendees can park in the student lot in nonprofi t management. located at Highway 97 and Goodview Avenue, In addition, participants can then enter the high school through Door 1. The earn credit hours toward the meeting will be held in the high school media SUBMITTED certifi ed chamber executive center. Robin Anthony, executive director of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of (CCE) or certifi ed association Legislators will open the town hall meetings Commerce, graduated from the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), executive (CAE) certifi cations. with a brief presentation on the current legis- a professional development program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Nearly 1,000 individuals at- lative session, followed by a time for audience Commerce Foundation. tend the institute annually. comments and questions. There is no cost to attend, and the meetings are open to the public. Forest Lake Marine adds Questions can be directed to Rachael U-Haul truck sharing Grooms, legislative assistant to Sen. Housley, U-Haul Company of Minneso- at 651-296-1780 or Rebecca Meade, legislative ta is pleased to announce that assistant to Rep. Dettmer, at 651-296-8871. Forest Lake Marine has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Forest Lake community. Forest Lake Marine, at 6671 CHURCH BRIEF Lake Blvd., will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equip- Bethlehem hosts community event. The ment, moving supplies and Second Sunday Supper meal will be turkey in-store pickup for boxes. Bethlehem Lutheran chili and breadsticks, Normal business hours are Church in Bayport followed by dessert. 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through will host its Second Bethlehem Lutheran Sunday. Reserve U-Haul prod- Sunday Supper at 5 Church is located SUBMITTED ucts at this dealer location by Forest Lake Marine, 6671 Lake Blvd., now offers U-Haul vehicles, towing p.m. Feb 10. All are at 490 Fourth St. N., calling 612-326-5048 or online equipment and moving supplies. welcome to attend this Bayport. at uhaul.com. 6 THE LOWDOWN FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com NHL player’s tweet helps send 12-year-old hockey player to France

Thanks to the exposure from Twitter and the outpour of support from friends and strangers alike, the Forga family reached their fundraising goal a mere matter of hours after Dumba’s tweet.

BY SARAH KNIEFF SUBMITTED CONTRIBUTING WRITER Kalei Forga of Forest Lake—pictured her with her dad, Jaime—will represent Minnesota on the 2019 World Selects Team, which will FOREST LAKE — A play in Chamonix, France, in April. 12-year-old hockey player’s dream has come true, thanks 3-on-3 summer hockey at the as hockey fans of color.” to talent, hard work and a Lumberyard in Stillwater. BGHC tweeted a link to the tweet by a Minnesota Wild In December, Kalei was Forga family’s page, which player. selected to represent Minne- soon led to something even SUBMITTED Kalei, her parents and her sister Maya pictured at a Minnesota Wild Kalei Forga’s love of the ice sota on the 2019 World Selects more incredible. game (from left): Michelle, Kalei, Maya and Jaime. started at the early age of 6, Team, which will play in Minnesota Wild’s Matt when her parents, Michelle Chamonix, France, this Dumba saw the tweet and and Jaime Forga, signed her coming April. However, the shared it—and also donated us got more than a couple of not used to all of this atten- up for the hockey program trip’s $15,000 price tag meant $500 to the cause. hours of sleep over the next tion,” Kalei said. She and her in Forest Lake. She current- that the family needed help “Go Kalei! I had a similar couple of days due to all of parents are looking forward ly plays on the Forest Lake Kalei get to the tournament. opportunity when I was the excitement, still not even to going to the tournament Rangers 12UA team. They created a GoFundMe younger and it wouldn’t have realizing that this story was come spring. “It was pretty evident at page to offset $7,500 of the been possible without the literally going viral,” Jaime “Speaking for my entire an early age that she had a total needed to make Kalei’s help of a lot of good people added. family, we are incredibly passion for this game and dream a reality. in my community and the Thanks to the exposure grateful for everyone that was learning very quickly,” Michelle sent a link to her sacrifi ces made by my par- from Twitter and the outpour not only donated money but Jamie said. daughter’s GoFundMe page ents! Tear it up over there!” of support from friends and also all of the messages of Over the last few years, to the Black Girl Hockey Dubma’s tweet read. strangers alike, the Forga encouragement,” Jaime said. Kalei has been invited to Club (BGHC), which she “I couldn’t believe it was family reached their fund- “It’s hard to just choose a few play in several AAA tourna- described as a “group for really him. I had to go to raising goal a mere matter of words to describe our feel- ments, including Minnesota black women to come togeth- Twitter to see if it really was. hours after Dumba’s tweet. ings but a few would be ‘ex- Selects, Midwest Selects, er and talk about the hockey I called Jaime right away at “It is making me feel ex- tremely overjoyed,’ ‘blessed,’ Super Series, Minnesota culture. (We can) discuss any work as I was super excited,” cited but, on the other hand, ‘humbled,’ and I would even Elite and Pee-Wee Challenge struggles, joys, concerns or Michelle said. it is making me feel a little go so far as to say completely Girls Major. She also plays experiences that come along “I don’t think either one of embarrassed because I am ‘overwhelmed by it all.’”

CITY BRIEFS WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEF Opioid crisis hits Stillwater risk. We had to send staff home with cy for Bain’s seat and to undertake Licensing information for potential adult It’s normally a time for routine Narcan (a nasal spray that coun- the appointment process suggested foster care providers available business and even light-hearted teracts the life-threatening effects by city staff. An informational meeting regarding banter between staff and elected of drug exposure) in case they felt Residents looking to serve on providing adult foster care in Wash- offi cials. But at the Jan. 22 Stillwa- lightheaded. You have to treat the the City Council must complete an ington County will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, ter City Council meeting, the staff home as a hazardous site and it has application and a fi ling statement. Feb. 4, in the Lower Level Room 13 in reports took a somber turn. to be professionally cleaned.” To be considered, applicants must the Government Center in Stillwater. “The opioid issue — epidemic — Gannaway said education and the be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, Washington County requires inter- crisis is here,” Police Chief John public’s help are needed to combat a registered Forest Lake voter, and ested people to attend an informational Gannaway told councilmembers. the crisis. Unused prescription must not be on parole or serving meeting, which will provide an over- “In the end of November, begin- drugs may be dropped off at the time for a felony conviction. view of the foster care program. For ning of December, in the span of two Stillwater Law Enforcement Center The application process will culmi- those who decide to become licensed weekends we had four opioid over- or other Washington County loca- nate in a special council meeting on to provide foster care for adults, the doses. One was a fatality involving tions in Forest Lake, Cottage Grove, Tuesday, Feb. 19 (given that Monday, licensing process begins at no cost to carfentanyl the fi rst weekend. The Woodbury and Hugo. Feb. 18, is President’s Day), at which them. next weekend we had three, and “Know what your young adults time council will conduct a brief In addition to meeting state licensing those involved fentanyl. Without and your teenagers are doing. Use interview of candidates. The coun- requirements, foster families should be lifesaving measures by our staff and prescription drug drop-off sites,” he cil may select a replacement at that able to provide a stable family in a one- Fire Department staff, two of them urged. “One family had to arrange a meeting or postpone the decision un- or two-parent home, adequate housing, would have been fatalities.” funeral over the holidays. We prefer til the regularly scheduled meeting and love and support for those in their In the past, there have been very not to see this again.” on Feb. 25. In the event of a deadlock, care. infrequent overdoses, Gannaway the mayor may appoint someone. Before families can be licensed, they said, but to see this number of over- Julie Kink Application forms for the open seat must undergo a thorough screening doses in such a short time is unprec- are available at City Hall or online process, which includes an extensive edented. He said older teenagers and Forest Lake seeks to fi ll at ci.forest-lake.mn.us and must be background check. young adults are taking drugs like open council seat submitted to Deputy City Clerk Bai- For additional information, ques- Percocet that they think is an opioid, Now that Mara Bain has taken ley Fencil by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1. tions, or to RSVP to the meeting in but that have been cut with fentanyl, the oath of offi ce as mayor, there is Questions about the process may be case of cancellation, contact Tammie a heavy drug used to tranquilize a vacancy on the Forest Lake City directed to City Administrator Pat- at 651-430-8307 or tamara.belland@ elephants and big game. “They’re Council as her previous term as rick Casey at 651-209-9750 or patrick. co.washington.mn.us. The Washington fatal or near fatal every single time,” councilmember was not set to end [email protected]. County Government Center is at 14949 Gannaway said. until December 2020. The council 62nd St. N., Stillwater. “The fentanyls are so serious that voted unanimously at its Jan. 19 Elizabeth Callen they put all the fi rst responders at meeting to offi cially declare a vacan- FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 7 www.presspubs.com Brown winter A note from When you’re a child, time moves so Ruffed grouse have no deep snow slowly. Children’s days are long; they to escape the extreme cold and also play all day and end up falling asleep in which to hide from predators on the mayor on the couch or even the fl oor. But long winter nights. Wild turkeys and as people get older, pheasants can scratch out a living time moves faster. during a brown winter. The freezing A 5 by 7 inch sign with orange block letters that boldly proclaim “TODAY Days fl y by. You can’t rain iced in much of the acorns and IS THE DAY” has had a visible place in my offi ce for at least the past fi ve get everything done, waste corn, but the warm spells have years and was the fi rst thing I put on my desk when I took offi ce on Jan. 14. so things can pile helped out on south-facing slopes. But It reminds me that despite lengthy timelines and daunting details, there is up. Now, we realize without blizzards, life, for the most no time like TODAY to make our world a better place. Incremental steps most of the hunting part, is good for many critters, who are important, and there are actions each of us can take today to be impact- seasons have passed; benefi t when we have a brown winter. ful. the only deep snow Is it global warming that is caus- As a new mayor, the fi rst order of business is to ensure we have the right within driving dis- ing the brown winter? Some average people serving in the right capacity with the right plan to meet the needs of Wild River tance is around Lake temperatures are on the rise across our community. One of the fi rst items of business the new council is tasked Superior. If you’re a the northland from it — or are La with is fi lling the open council seat that I had previously held. Whoever is Trails cross-country skier Niña and Arctic oscillation the appointed to this open seat will serve out the remaining two years of my Jim Bennett or snowmobiler, you culprits? La Niña’s pattern of sea council term. Additionally, I will appoint (with council approval) citizen have to put on some surface temperatures in the Pacifi c members for vacant positions on our various boards and commissions. miles behind the Ocean is pushing the jet stream and Council will begin the process of updating our Strategic Plan, which is a wheel. It’s already the middle of win- cold arctic air northward. Arctic fi ve-year tactical plan that complements our 2040 Comprehensive Plan. ter, and the brown winter south of oscillation is a seesawing pressure Transportation and infrastructure will continue to be active priorities in Highway 8 just keeps moving along. difference between the Arctic and 2019. Continued partnership with MN Department of Transportation and Ice anglers are cautiously inching lower latitudes that allows colder air related agencies to secure plans and funding to improve Hwy. 97 safety is vehicles across area lakes to main- to move southward into the U.S., but tain safety. I recently got hooked by that’s just not happening. a top priority. With sewer lift station improvement projects funded and un- fake news when I posted a photo of a Many claim this is all a part of derway, council has identifi ed a number of projects to update current plant couple ice houses that fell through global warming, impacted by rain- equipment and expand water service capacity with a continued focus on ice, an incident that actually hap- forests being cut down and pollution. reliability and safety. These projects are anticipated to begin in late 2019. pened a couple years ago. That photo But as smart as we think we are, I Community development and redevelopment will continue to have a ran on the internet and I found out often wonder if we really have no prominent place on the agenda as opportunities are presented. It is my that everyone who saw it got hood- clue as to why these are happening. goal that the city be a valuable partner to those making investments in our winked like I did. Remember when burying garbage community, while keeping the interests of current and future residents top The advantages of a brown winter in landfi lls was a great idea until we of mind. are that lakes with clear ice are get- realized it polluted our drinking wa- I value your feedback and welcome conversations and questions. Council ting a shot in the arm to keep under- ter? Let’s talk about 2019 in about 100 meetings and workshops are open meetings with agenda time dedicated to water plants alive and oxygen levels years—or maybe 1,000 years—and listen to whatever is on your mind and important to you. The priorities dis- high for fi sh to thrive. Photosynthe- we will have a better understanding cussed above will be presented in further detail at future council meetings sis happens above water and below. of all this. and workshops. Agendas for upcoming council and commission meetings Just like plants above water keep Until then, the brown winter goes can be found on the City’s website: www.cityofforestlake.com. our oxygen levels at a healthy level, on. As a fi nal note, congratulations to the Lowdown on the new format! As without snow it does the same for life a resident, I’m excited to add a monthly news magazine to my sources for underwater. Animals that use snow Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman local content. to their advantage suffer. Mice and who lives and worked in the St. Croix voles without snow cover are easy River Valley and can be reached at Mara Bain is the mayor of Forest Lake and can be reached at mara.bain@ prey for hawks, owls, fox and coyotes. [email protected] ci.forest-lake.mn.us or on Facebook under Mara Bain for Forest Lake ATHLETES OF THE MONTH *Athletes chosen by press staff

Sydney Nenn Will Whittington Forest Lake Gymnastics Stillwater Swim Will Whittington, Stillwater sophomore Sydney Nenn, Forest Lake junior swimmer, was top scorer for the Ponies gymnast, achieved some solid scores as they won the Section 4AA true- in January, highlighted by placing third team championship at home Jan. 18- all-around with 35.55 at the Gustavus 19. Whittington won the 200 freestyle Adolphus Invitational where she was (1:42.13) and 500 freestyle (4:38.65), top-six in all four events. Nenn has and anchored the winning 400 freestyle scored as high as 9.25 on both vault relay. He is a returning all-stater in each and balance beam. It’s her third season of those races. In the previous meet he on varsity. won the 100 and 200 freestyle against East Ridge.

Dalton Saltness Izzy Bartosh Forest Lake Hockey Stillwater Gymnastics Dalton Saltness is the leading scorer on Izzy Bartosh is the top scorer and senior the Forest Lake hockey team (9-7) with captain for the Stillwater gymnastics 26 goals and 16 assists through January squad that is defending state champion 22. Highlights for the 5-9, 175-pound and ranked No. 1 this season. Bartosh senior center include notching two third- has scored as high as 37.60 all-around, period goals to rally the Ponies past 9.65 on bars, 9.725 on vault, 9.55 on Irondale 5-4 and delivering the overtime fl oor and 9.25 on beam. She had the goal to beat East Ridge 3-2. Saltness Ponies top score of 37.80 in the state was the top returning scorer for the meet last season. “Izzy is a phenomenal Rangers after logging 14 goals and 13 leader as well as a great gymnast,” said assists last year. Joan Ledson, co-head coach.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA REFLECTIONS AND THE NORTH STAR MUSEUM OF BOY SCOUTING AND GIRL SCOUTING. A photo titled “Ski hike at St. Croix winter camp, Washington County, Minnesota’ shows a group of Troop 104 Boy Scouts carrying skis on a snowy road near the St. Croix River. The image is estimated to have been taken sometime in the 1930’s. A portion of the historic lift bridge can be seen on the left and it looks like a view of downtown Stillwater is visible in the background. The photo was contributed to the Minnesota Refl ections website by the North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting.

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BY ELIZABETH CALLEN After graduating, Freeman then looks to the judge in the legal pro- STAFF WRITER spent a busy three years at Mitchell cess,” she said. “You need judges who Hamline School of Law clerking for are not just knowledgeable of the law STILLWATER — The walls of the the Hennepin County Attorney’s but are going to treat everybody with Washington County Courthouse judi- Offi ce drug and poverty teams and dignity and respect, and make sound cial chambers are lined with portraits volunteering in the Ramsey County decisions based on what they heard.” of former judges, most of them white Juvenile Detention Center on top of Freeman was sworn into offi ce Nov. and male. There are no black judges studying for her J.D. 13. pictured, but once Judge Juanita Freeman’s interest in the legal fi eld “It’s been great. Everybody is so Freeman’s photograph is added to the began early, she said. “I come from a welcoming and fantastic,” she said of collection, there will be. very large blended family of nine step her fi rst few months on the job. “It’s Former Governor Mark Dayton and foster siblings. Because I was the been a nice adjustment learning the appointed Freeman as a 10th District second to youngest of all those kids, I culture of Washington County and Court judge after Susan Miles an- did a lot of listening and observing.” being embraced with the amount of nounced her retirement last fall. Free- Throughout such listening, Free- warmth that I have been.” man previously worked as a senior man observed “an inherent distrust With three judges set to retire in assistant Hennepin County attorney in the system. I didn’t understand the next year, the Washington County SUBMITTED in the adult prosecution and child really why at a young age, but I knew judicial bench will soon look signifi - 10th District Court Judge Juanita protection divisions. She said she that I wanted to be a part of under- cantly different than it does current- Freeman is the fi rst black judge in was surprised to learn that she made standing it and trying to break down ly. Washington County history. She was history by accepting the appointment, that barrier. That was always the “That’s a big turnaround for a sworn in Nov. 13, 2018. thereby becoming the fi rst black motivating force for me behind my 10-judge county,” Freeman said. judge to serve in Washington County. legal career.” “(Those judges) have been here for “Before me, I don’t think that there Though some around Freeman years, ensuring that justice has been to help make Washington County’s had been a judge of color in Wash- expected her passion for social justice done, so my immediate goals are to judicial bench more representative of ington County, period, and yes, it is and advocacy to lead her to a career maintain that. … I think the imme- its ever-changing communities. 2019,” she said. “When I found out as a defense attorney, after law school diate things are making sure that we “I’ve been out here now for almost that I would be the fi rst nonwhite she became a prosecutor instead. do everything that needs to be done to 10 years. As I’ve been here, I’ve seen judge—and in particular, the fi rst “I think disconnect starts from all make sure that the citizens we serve the diversity increasing within Wash- African-American—I was like, ‘wow.’ different levels of the process, includ- are still going to receive equal treat- ington County,” she said. “I think it’s It’s unbelievable.” ing that initial interaction with law ment and justice when they come to nice that the bench starts to refl ect Freeman lives in Oakdale with her enforcement,” she explained. “If you the Courthouse.” the populations that we serve, so that husband and their three daughters— can have a prosecutor who has an Freeman called the opportunity the people who are coming before ages 6, 4 and 1. Originally from Rock understanding of life experience and to make history as the county’s fi rst the courts see refl ections of them- Island, Illinois, she moved to Minne- circumstances reviewing the cases, black judge “amazing and humbling.” selves within the community and the sota in fi fth grade when her mother that will bring a different perspective. “I can’t think of a time in my life bench.” accepted a job at the University of St. I think I brought that.” where I thought I’d be breaking a Thomas. Freeman graduated from St. Freeman’s desire to break down literal barrier,” she said. “I wanted Elizabeth Callen is a staff writer and Paul’s Central High School and went structural barriers led her to apply the barriers of distrust overtime to reporter for the Forest Lake and St. Croix on to study sociology and criminolo- for the seat on the 10th District Court be broken down, but to literally kind Valley Lowdown. She can be reached gy at Hamline University, where she last fall. of break that color line was—and still at [email protected] also played on the women’s basketball “What better person to break down every day is—impactful to me.” or 651-407-1229. team. a barrier than the judge? Everybody She also said that she is honored

New council member likely youngest in Oak Park Heights history BY ELIZABETH CALLEN At the Jan. 8 meeting, Johnson and her colleagues STAFF WRITER on the council received their committee assign- ments for the year ahead. Johnson will serve on the OAK PARK HEIGHTS — At 23, Carly Johnson is Parks Commission and St. Croix River Association currently the youngest member of the Oak Park Advisory Council and will serve as an alternate to Heights City Council, and she’s likely the youngest the Middle St. Croix Water Management Associa- in the city’s history as well. tion. Johnson was elected to the council in November Johnson said the assignments are a perfect fi t for and took the oath of offi ce on Jan. 8. She is an Oak her, given her degree in biology and her deep inter- Park Heights native who graduated from Stillwater est in both law and science. Area High School in 2014 and from the University of “I’m looking at law that will incorporate my love St. Thomas in 2018. Her interest in public service, of policy with science, so either environmental law, however, began much earlier, when she was a sev- medical malpractice or patent law,” she said. enth-grader at Oak-Land Middle School. But for the immediate future, her priority is serv- “It started in Mr. Klancher’s class in seventh ing the residents of Oak Park Heights. grade—we had a mock trial, followed immediately “Right now, I think the biggest issue is looking at by a mock Congress,” Johnson remembered. She our roads, especially the frontage road right next was selected to represent the plaintiff in a civil to Walmart on (Hwy) 36. Our city has been really suit involving a rabid dog bite, an experience that working hard to move that frontage road back and immediately sparked her desire to pursue a career put in a roundabout to prevent congestion because in the legal fi eld. that’s an accident-prone area,” she said. “Another “Right away, I could tell that this is where I would big priority is looking at what to do long-term. The be able to really help people who are in bad situa- King Plant is 40 percent of our tax base, but at some tions, or where I could help prevent bad situations JOHN KAUL | SUBMITTED point, they’re looking at shutting down the power from happening,” she said. Carly Johnson, 23, is likely the youngest council plant—and where does our city go from there?” member in Oak Park Heights history. She took the Johnson graduated from college last spring with Johnson also said that her fi rst year on council is oath of offi ce on Jan. 8 and will serve a four-year term a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in legal proving to be a good complement to life as a law stu- through December 2022. studies. She quickly found work in the political dent, even though balancing her civic duties with fi eld, serving as deputy fi nance director for Betty homework can be tough at times. McCollum’s re-election campaign, and is currently particular race was a thing. I looked into it, and I “I’m learning law at City Hall quicker than I am a fi rst-year student at Mitchell Hamline School of met with Mark (Swenson) and decided that would in law school. It’s trial by fi re, and it’s the best way Law in St. Paul. be the best way to get involved.” to learn.” When Mark Swenson announced his retirement Johnson fi led to run in August, making her fi nal And, though she sometimes worries that her age from the council, Johnson, at the encouragement of decision the day before she turned in the necessary and gender will mean that some won’t take her seri- her friend Margot Rheinberger, decided to run for paperwork. Though she ran unopposed (only she ously, she won’t let that fear get in the way. his seat. and Mike Liljegren fi led for the two open seats), in “There have defi nitely been rooms I’ve been in “Margot knew I was interested in politics and the spirit of many of her former bosses, she ran as where I’m the only woman, and being so young is really loved learning about local issues,” Johnson though the race was tight. defi nitely something,” Johnson said. “But it’s moti- said. At debates, I would just be the nerd that would “I’ve worked for candidates who never take their vating me to work twice as hard.” sit there and listen to everything.” Johnson said. race for granted, and I didn’t want to either, espe- “She called, and she was like, ‘A lot of the big issues cially as a fi rst-time candidate,” she said. “I wanted Elizabeth Callen is a staff writer and reporter for that you’re really excited about are at the City people to know that I’m available, and that if they the Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Lowdown. She Council level’ … She asked if I had ever considered ever have any concerns, that they can reach out. So, can be reached at [email protected] or running for council, and I didn’t even know this I ran a normal campaign.” 651-407-1229. 10 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com FEBURARY 2019

DOGGIE DEPOT Stillwater When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 Details: Night to honor chamber and Where: Union Depot, St. Paul community members includes dinner, Details: Free event for people and their live music by Gary LaRue and the Rat pooches includes rescue dog adoptions Pack, dancing, live and silent auctions, with 20 animal rescue organizations, a and games. Tickets $75. pet products marketplace, pet experts Contact: 651-439-4001 or including Katie K9, and the crowning greaterstillwaterchamber.com of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival doggie royal court. THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. Contact: uniondepot.org/doggiedepot When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 Where: Forest Lake High School, 6101 BEAR’LY OPEN Scandia Trail N. When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 Details: Adaptation of Disney’s Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Broadway production based on one of Lake Ave. N., White Bear Lake Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved Details: Annual golf on ice event stories about sacrifi ce, love and benefi ts the White Bear Area acceptance. Tickets $6-$12. Emergency Food Shelf. Open to all Contact: ages. 18-hole course, hospitality tent, childrensperformingartsmn.org food and entertainment. Golfers play with tennis balls and use golf clubs, ‘UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, or THE MYSTERY OF THE SUBMITTED anything else that can propel a tennis ABANDONED TROUSERS’ ball. Offi cial Winter Carnival event. Forest Lake Winter Plunge $30/adult; $15/student ($5 additional for walk-ins) When: Noon Saturday, Feb. 16 Contact: bearlyopen.org Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 E. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake Details: Participants jump into frigid Forest Lake to support local organizations through this annual event sponsored by the Rotary Club. NATIONAL PARK SNOWSHOE SERIES Registration online in advance, Friday, Feb. 15 5-8 p.m. or Saturday When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 morning until noon at Vannelli’s by the Lake. Where: Ridgeview Trails, 973 County Contact: forestlakerotary.org/winter-plunge Rd. S, Osceola Details: Program highlighting St. Croix National Scenic Riverway trails Contact: 651-275-4338 or Rat Pack music by Gary LaRue, a is family friendly, and appropriate stillwaterlibrary.org complimentary glass of wine, board for all ages and stages of snowshoers. When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 and games and blackjack table, exclusive Guided local natural history. KICKSLEDDING, CRAFT AND COCOA specials on food and wine, bonfi re, Contact: stcroixriverassociation.org Saturday, Feb. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 s’mores, and prize drawings. $50. St. N., Stillwater Where: Lee and Rose Warner Nature Contact: mywahooadventures.com DEAN MAGRAW WITH Details: A reclusive librarian fi nds Center, 15375 Norell Ave. N., Marine CAROL CAOUETTE a book 123 years overdue and he‘s on St. Croix ROYALTY OF ROCK TOUR When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 compelled to embark on a worldwide Details: Use Norwegian “sparks” When: 8:30 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Where: White Bear Unitarian Church, quest to track down the borrower and or kicksleds then warm up inside Feb. 9 375 Maple St., Mahtomedi in the process uncovers a mystery. around the fi replace to enjoy hot Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St., Details: Master guitar player Dean Performed by veteran fi lm and TV cocoa and prep ice lanterns to take Stillwater Magraw is joined by the soulful voice actor, Patrick O’Brien. Tickets $18-$45. home as a winter luminary. All ages. Details: Two bands, Zed Lepplin and of Carol Caouette in an evening of Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org $10/members; $13/nonmembers; The Crown Jewels, perform a tribute music full of variety, from original registration required. to Queen. Tickets $20 online or at the tunes to Hendrix. Tickets at the door GUIDED MORNING BIRD HIKE Contact: 651-433-2427 or door; $30 VIP. Doors open at 7 p.m. or on eventbrite. When: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 warnernaturecenter.org Pizza buffet and drink specials. Contact: wbuuc.org Where: Pine Point Park, 11900 Norell Contact: one23events.com Ave., Stillwater CHARLOTTE’S WEB LOSING A SPOUSE OF SIGNIFICANT Details: Learn to identify birds that When: 1 & 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 & STILLWATER WEDDING EXPERIENCE OTHER: LIFE AFTER LOSS call the area home and contribute 16; 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 & 17; 7 p.m. When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 When: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 to citizen science data collection by Thursday, Feb. 14& 21; Friday, Feb. 15 Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St., Where: Lakeview Hospital, 927 completing bird count surveys with a & 22 Stillwater Churchill St., Stillwater guide. Free with parks permit. Open Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Details: Drinks, eats, door prizes, Details: Join Hospice Bereavement to all ages; minor must be with an 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake amazing vendors and more. Two Coordinator Kelsey Trauscht to talk adult. Details: Special 50-minute version of Grand Prize drawings at 3 p.m. about grief, moving forward after loss Contact: 651-430-8200 or the play designed for a cast of six. include free rental of JX Event Venue and self-healing. co.washington.mn.us/parks Tickets $20/adults; $10/children. and The Loft at Studio J. Tickets $10- Contact: 651-430-4697 or Contact: 651-426-3275 or $25. healthpartnerslocalcare.org STEM SATURDAY: RAPTORS lakeshoreplayers.org Contact: one23events.com AT THE LIBRARY “SCIENCE FAIR” When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 9 VALENWINE’S TASTING CHAMBER 101 When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 and When: 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Sunday, Feb. 10 Where: Family Means, 1875 St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Meet a hawk and an owl and Where: Chateau St. Croix, 1998 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Details: National Geographic learn about Raptors with the Wildlife Highway 87, St. Croix Falls Details: Informative presentation for documentary follows 9 high school Science Center. No registration Details: Live music and wine tasting new Chamber members, as well as students as they navigate rivalries and required. with complimentary port and those considering joining, on how to setbacks on their journey to compete Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org chocolate pairing. get the most value from membership. at the International Science and Contact: 715-483-2556 or Networking opportunity. Engineering Fair. Free admission; chateaustcroix.com Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments INTRODUCTION TO served. GENEALOGY RESEARCH WINERY WONDERLAND AT TOWN HALL MEETINGS Contact: marinecommunitylibrary.org When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 7 VINES VINEYARD When and where: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 Feb. 13 at the Stillwater Public WINTER GALA COMMUNITY Third St. N. Where: 7 Vines Winery, 101 Highway 96 Library, 224 Third St. N.; and 6:30 p.m. AWARD CELEBRATION Details: Learn how to get the most E., Dellwood Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Forest Lake Area When: 5:30-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 out of Ancestry.com for genealogy Details: Wander through the vineyard High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N. Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St., research, and explore the free online on snowshoes following twinkling Details: Senator Karin Housley and resources. Free; registration required. candlelight, singing and dancing to Shop, Dine, Relax, Stay in Downtown White Bear Lake

Ladies Night Out Thursday, February 28th 4 - 8 pm www.DowntownWhiteBearLake.com More details to come Over 200 Shops & Businesses DowntownWhiteBearLake.com FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com THE LOWDOWN 11

Library, 224 Third St. N. MOVING IN THE Details: Informative session for RIGHT DIRECTION all ages about the science and When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, research conducted largest Feb. 19 structure ever assembled Where: Cherrywood Pointe, in space. Program courtesy Forest Lake of Space St. Croix in Hudson; Details: Mary Beck, Senior no registration required. Real Estate Specialist, will Contact: 651-275-4338 or explore such things as why stillwaterlibrary.org we procrastinate, the reason people feel it’s time to move OPEN THIRD SATURDAY and making new life style When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, changes. Attendees will Feb. 16 receive complimentary copies Where: Belwin Conservancy of Bruce Nemovitz’s two Education Center, 1553 books, “Moving in the Right Stagecoach Trail S., Afton Direction” and “Guiding Details: Participate in Our Parents in the Right programs, meet Belwin Direction.” RSVP. staff, explore the trails, and Contact: 651-464-2709 connect with nature. Guided experiences at 11 a.m. and 1 FULL MOON SKI p.m. Open to the public; $10 or When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, free for members. Feb. 19 Contact: 651-436-5189 or www. Where: Lake Elmo Park FILE PHOTO belwin.org Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Guided ski under the “The Older the Better” Vintage Snowmobile Event PAINT ON PINE AT light of the full moon. Free AAMODT’S APPLE FARM and no reservations required. When: Noon Saturday, Feb. 16 Contact: co.washington.mn.us When: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 Where: Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 N. Forest Blvd., Hugo 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater FULL MOON FAT TIRE BIKE Details: Create “Starry Night” Details: See old sleds (1987 and older) and support the Stillwater Snowmobile Club. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, on a pine wood board. Tickets Feb. 19 Trophies, cash raffl e, door prizes and bake sale. Food and drinks available for purchase. includes free glass of Thor’s $5 entry fee/sled. Free admission for spectators. Where: Pine Point Regional Hard Cider. Park, 1900 Norell Ave. N., Contact: stillwatersnowmobileclub.org Contact: 715-441-2913 Stillwater Details: Bike the parks trails GARDEN COMMUNITIES: A by the light of the full moon. Representative Bobb Dettmer Details: Free carriage rides $15-20. COLLABORATIVE WAY OF Headlamps welcome. $20/ will interact with constituents along the river; shopping Contact: 651-982-6361 or LIVING person to rent bike. and dining deals at local of District 39 and discuss willowbrookchurch.org When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. Contact: co.washington.mn.us establishments all weekend issues while the legislature is 16 long. in session. Time allowed for “WILLY WONKA JR.” Where: Lake Elmo Library, JUNGLE BOOK KIDS Contact: questions. When: 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 15 3537 Lake Elmo Ave. N. When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. discoverstillwater.com Contact: 651-296-1780 or & 22, and Mar. 1; 1 and 4 p.m. Details: Learn about the design 20 and Thursday, Feb. 21 651-296-8871 Saturdays, Feb. 16, & 23, and and planning of a potential Where: Stillwater Middle “UNSTUCK”: AN OCD MOVIE Mar.2; 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17 Garden Community for the St School, 523 W. Marsh St. VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, & 24 and Mar. 3 Croix Valley area. Time for Details: Zephyr Theatre Feb. 14 Where: Phipps Center for the Q&A. All are welcome. performance of the children’s Where: Family Means, Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson Contact: 760-642-8939 classic. Tickets $6-$8. 1875 Northwestern Ave. S., Details: Children’s Theater Contact: Stillwater production about a poor CANDLELIGHT SKI, stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org Details: Free screening of boy who wins the golden movie about Obsessive opportunity to tour the SNOWSHOE AND HIKE When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, LITERATURE LOVER’S Compulsive Disorder, followed fantastic chocolate factory of NIGHT OUT by presentation, and Q & the eccentric and mysterious Feb. 16 Where: Willow River State When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 A from experts at Rogers Willy Wonka. Tickets $25 Where: Community Thread, When: 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 Behavioral Health. Open to adults, $23 seniors, and $13 Park, 1034 County Highway A, Where: Community Thread, Hudson 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater the public. students and youth. Details: Event hosted by 2300 Orleans St., Stillwater Contact: familymeans.org Contact: thephipps.org Details: Trails lit up with Details: Live entertainment luminaries. Free with park Twin Cities’ literary permit. connoisseur Pamela Klinger- featuring The Resisters and STARLIGHT TUBING SENIOR DANCE Eddie as Elvis. $5/person; Contact: 715-386-9340 or Horn, featuring local and When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 reservations required By Feb. When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 willowkinnifriends.org national authors, Allen Where: Wild Mountain 11. Where: Forest Lake American OPEN HOUSE WITH KINJI Eskens, Wendy Webb, Chris Recreation Area, 37200 Wild Legion, 355 W. Broadway Contact: 651-439-7434 or AKAGAWA Cander, and Anissa Gray. Mountain Rd., Taylors Falls Details: Enjoy mature music Light refreshments and communitythreadmn.org When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. Details: Wild Chutes tubing and dancing. Held the 3rd drawings for prizes. Seating lanes are lit up with hundreds 16 THE HEART OF CAREGIVING Friday of every month. $6/ limited; tickets online. of sparking lights for a fun person includes lunch. Cash Where: Belwin Conservancy, When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Contact: 651-430-3385 or family adventure. bar. Public welcome. 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., 14 valleybookseller.com Contact: wildmountain.com Contact: 651-464-2600 Afton Where: Cherrywood Pointe, Details: Special talk by artist 8TH ANNUAL CRIBBAGE 231 W. Broadway Ave., Forest OWL PROWL Kinji Akagawa, known for Lake 916 EDUCATION TOURNAMENT When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 his works of beauty in public Details: Presentation about FOUNDATION GALA When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. Where: Belwin Conservancy spaces and printmaking. caregiving will address what When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, 23 Education Center, 1553 Also stargazing with the to expect when caregiving, Feb. 22 Where: Stillwater Elks Club. Stagecoach Trail S., Afton Minnesota Astronomical ways that caregivers can Where: North Metro Event 5880 Omaha Ave., Oak Park Details: Hike through the Society, woodland walks and take care of themselves and Center, 1000 Gramsie Rd., Heights winter woods listening for s-mores by a campfi re. Free. resources available to help Shoreview Details: Play 8 games for owls and other nocturnal Contact: 651-436-5189 or www. caregivers. RSVP. Details: Annual fundraiser $20 and win cash prizes. creatures. Ages 12+. Free for belwin.org Contact: 651-464-2709 or includes dinner, hors Fundraiser for Elks members; $10 non-members. cherrywoodpointe.com d’oeuvres buffet, silent Scholarship Fund. Space limited. THE GOLDEN VALLEY and live auction. Proceeds Contact: 612-865-5402 or Contact: 651-436-5189 or ORCHESTRA will support the purchase elks179.org VALENTINE’S DAY belwin.org When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 CARRIAGE RIDES of science equipment Where: Hanifl Performing Arts provide hands-on and 6TH ANNUAL MARINE A NIGHT OF MUSIC Center, 4941 Long Ave., White technology-enriched learning LIBRARY ASSOCIATION AND COMEDY Bear Lake opportunities. Tickets begin Details: Program will feature OSCAR PARTY When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. at $75. 15 the Overture to Rossini’s When: 6:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 Contact: opera The Barber of Seville, Where: Marine Village Hall, Where: Willowbrook 916educationfoundation.org Community Church, 840 Lake Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. St. S., Forest Lake and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in Croix Details: Performance by LIFE ON THE A minor with Emma Taggart, Details: Showing of the year’s soloist. Tickets $20. fi ve Oscar-nominated live When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Nashville sensation Marie INTERNATIONAL SPACE Contact: 651-426-3275 or action short fi lms. Appetizers 14 Miller and comedian Dustin STATION lakeshoreplayers.org and dessert served; cash bar. Where: Pedestrian Plaza, Nickerson. Living Room When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Concert Series is intended Saturday, Feb. 16 Swank to casual country Water St., downtown attire. $30/person supports Stillwater for an adult audience. Tickets Where: Stillwater Public 12 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com FEBURARY 2019 the annual Marine Documentary keynote speakers, exhibitors, fi lms, Film Series. hands-on learning and discussion Contact: marinecommunitylibrary.org designed to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. WINTER FUN AT THE For youth grades 6-12 and college CREATIVE CENTER students. Registration $25. Contact: 715-483-3300 or stcroixriverassociation.org

CANDLELIGHT SNOWSHOE AND DINNER When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 Where: The Outing Lodge, 11661 Myeron Rd., Stillwater Details: Moonlight showshoeing through Pine Point Park, chef prepared dinner, and relaxing in front of a roaring bonfi re. Adults or When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 families. Tickets $40. Where: Belwin Conservancy Creative Contact: 651-439-9747 or eventbrite.com Center, 795 Indian Trail S., Afton Details: Explore Belwin’s Creative Center this winter by hiking, sledding, BERNSTEIN AND FRIENDS snowshoeing or cross-country skiing When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 2 and 3 our ungroomed trails. Hot chocolate p.m. Sunday, Mar. 3 provided. Free. Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org 4th St. N., Stillwater Details: Performance by Valley 3RD ANNUAL OSCAR PARTY Chamber Chorale honors Leonard When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 Bernstein, often called the greatest Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main musician of modern times. St. N., Stillwater Contact: Details: Watch the Academy Awards on valleychamberchorale.org the big screen at a fundraising party for the Zephyr Theatre. $25 includes MAPLE SYRUPING DAY hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, live music When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, March 2 and prizes for predicting the night’s Where: Lee and Rose Warner Nature Oscar winners. Semi-formal/formal Center, 15375 Norell Ave. N., Marine attire suggested. RSVP by Feb. 19. on St. Croix Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org Details: Learn about the history of maple syruping and see the DUAL-ING PIANOS SING-ALONG whole process fi rst-hand. Family- SUBMITTED friendly activities such as demo tree tapping, sap boiling, maple syrup sampling, crafts, refreshments, and Owl and Snowshoe more. $5/person; cash at the gate. Contact: 651-433-2427 or warnernaturecenter.org When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 Where: Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center, 15375 Norell Ave. N., Marine TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL on St. Croix HOUR WITH PRISCILLA PATON Details: Explore the woods by snowshoe under the full moon and meet When: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 6 resident screech owls. Registration $7 members; $10 non-members. Where: Dock Cafe, 425 Nelson St. E., Contact: 651-433-2427 or warnernaturecenter.org When: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25 Stillwater Where: Bloody Mary’s, 96 Mahtomedi Details: Read and discuss mystery Ave. book. $11 includes appetizers. RSVP. Details: Performance featuring Bill who raise money for youth and hunger Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Meets the fi rst Wednesday of the and Dan Chouinard is a fundraiser for programs in the community. Local 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake month. Wildwood Artist Series. Tickets $15. artists and restaurants donate pottery Details: Performance by nationally- Contact: valleybookseller.com Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com bowls, soup and bread. $20 soup and known Irish Acoustic Group includes pottery bowl; soup only $10 for adults; vocals as well as fl utes, low whistles, tin whistles, double bass, guitar, fi ddle ST. CROIX SUMMIT 17TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS $5 for students and children. When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 7 Contact: 651-439-3838 or uwwce.org and uilleann pipes. Tickets $19 or $29 When: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. Where: Stillwater Area High School, VIP; proceeds benefi t Doctors without 28 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Borders. Where: University of Wisconsin-River LUNASA Details: Fundraiser for Youth United Contact: 651-429-5674 or Falls, 501 Wild Rose Ave. When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 7 and Way, a group of students in grades 8-12 lakeshoreplayers.org/hanifl Details: One-day workshop with Friday, Mar. 8

‘OUT & ABOUT’ CALENDAR GUIDELINES • Anyone in the community may send news of an upcoming local event. • The calendar is reserved for secular community events in or adjacent to Press Publication’s coverage area. • Priority is given to free or aff ordable events that are likely to appeal to a broad audience. • Publication of events is subject to editorial discretion. • Due to space limitations, there is no guarantee whether, when or for how long submissions will be published. • Submissions are subject to editing. • Please include date, time, location, cost, brief details and contact information for each event submission. • Submission deadline is Wednesday prior to the following weeks’ publication. • Call 651-407-1226 with questions. Online: www.presspubs.com/calendar Email: [email protected] Mail: Press Publications, Attn: Calendar 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 13 www.presspubs.com

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Experienced Cabinetmakers Employment Opportunities are available immediately: • Calling all Cabinetmakers!!–Do you have a minimum of 2 to 5 years experience in the cabinet building fi eld? Are you able to build store fi xtures from shop drawings and cut bills? Do you have excellent knowledge and experience with all woodworking tools? We have a place for you!! We are a strong, long standing company called Madsen fi xture & & Millwork, INC. located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, a manufacturer of retail store fi xtures. With our current work load, new clients and projects, and long standing existing customer base, we are looking for individuals that are dedicated and looking for long term employment. We have multiple experienced cabinetmaking and assembly positions available. These individuals need to be fl exible in working overtime which is common in this type of industry. We off er a benefi t package and our wages are very competitive and based on experience. If you are interested in working for a company that believes in a great place to work and producing an excellent product for our customers, please come in now for an application. You can also print and email an application from our website or you can fax your resume to us. Madsen is always taking applications so come in and fi ll one out; we’d love to hear from you! MADSEN FIXTURE & MILLWORK, INC. 921 15TH STREET SW, POST OFFICE BOX 12, FOREST LAKE, MN 55025 (651)982-6220 PHONE • (651)982-6211 FAX • E-MAIL: info@madsenfi xture.com • www.madsenfi xture.com 14 THE LOWDOWN FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com Capturing a sense of place

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS A group of tubing enthusiasts defy the cold and below zero wind chill to enjoy some rides down a snow-covered hill at Green Acres Recreation Area in Lake Elmo. Green Acres has been a family-owned snow tubing business since 1974. Snow is made at the facility for a groomed, open tubing hill. Sliders can ride back up the hill with the use of tow ropes. After a few runs, visitors can relax and warm up in the chalet. Valentine’s Day

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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM QUAD EDITOR

Sara Jane Parsons has always loved creating things. After a horrible car accident that left her unable to use her arms and legs, she had to fi nd a new way to create. Parsons, 55, grew up in Circle Pines and graduat- ed from Centennial High School in 1981. “I have always been somebody who likes to create things,” she said. “Even though I was not drawing or painting, I was always sewing and had learned how to knit. As a child of the ’70s, I was pretty darn good at tie-dying. I was always begging my mom to let me do arts and crafts classes.” After high school, Parsons headed to the Univer- sity of Minnesota to pursue studies in International Relations and Dutch. Her education was put on hold after she was involved in a car accident the summer of 1984 before her junior year. Parsons and her boyfriend, along with her sister and sister's boyfriend, left in the wee hours of the morning for the Boundary Waters hoping to get their canoes in the water just before sunrise. “We were just young college kids trying to take a long weekend and take a break from our summer jobs,” Parsons recalled. The group never made it to their destination: they were rear-ended by someone traveling at a high rate of speed. “At the time of the accident, I was sleeping in the back. There were no seatbelt laws back then,” Parsons said. “The back seat was smashed up to the front seat.” The other three people in the car didn't sustain such signifi cant injuries. Parsons wasn't released from the hospital until around Thanksgiving that fall. She was eager to get SUBMITTED back to school, and in spring of 1985 she returned to Sara Jane Parsons, who grew up in Circle Pines, is now an artist who lives in Austin, Texas. Since she is unable to fi nish her undergraduate degree. use her arms an legs, she paints and draws with her mouth. “I needed to go to school. All my friends were there,” she said. “School is a good place for people with disabilities. In a lot of ways, it is kind of a level playing fi eld. Everybody is there sitting along with you and trying to learn something.” After graduation, Parsons had an internship with Utne Reader and volunteered as a crisis line vol- unteer for Alexandra House before she decided she wanted to go to law school. She graduated in 1994 from Boalt Hall, now referred to as the University of California–Berkeley School of Law. While she was looking for part-time legal work, Parsons began drawing and painting and fell in love with the craft. “It was something that I really became passionate about. If I wasn't drawing and painting, I would literally have dreams about it,” she said. “It was something that I had never done before the acci- dent, so it was like a new thing. It is something I can do independently, whereas I need someone to help me eat, cook, get out of bed, go to bed, brush my teeth. I need help for all of my activities of daily living. Painting and drawing is something that I can largely do independently, once I am set up.” SUBMITTED An assistant tapes dowels to her brushes. This Sara Jane Parsons is able to paint using her mouth reduces the wear on her brushes and adds a little after she has someone tape a dowel to the end of the bit of length to the brush so she can paint a little paint brush. bigger. Parsons eventually found a legal job and spent White Bear Animal Hospital is very happy fi ve years working for the Marine Aids Project, where she helped people with HIV and AIDS secure to announce the recent addition of legal benefi ts. Dr. Matt Winter to our team! In 2004, Parsons decided she needed a change of pace and moved to Austin, Texas. “It was just too Dr. Winter was born cold and too damp. Every time I would catch cold, and raised in the east I would end up in pneumonia,” she said. “I decided metro area, graduated the stress of legal work was not good for me. It was from the University of making me sick.” Minnesota College of Parsons dived full time into art and in 2009 Veterinary Medicine and she became a student member of the Associa- tion of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA, has 21 years of experience mfpausa.com). She enjoys painting portraits, land- providing outstanding scapes, fl owers and cats. When it comes to drawing, care for dogs and cats she likes to attend drawing sessions focused on in the Stillwater area. using live models. “For a visual artist, it is sort of His special professional like going to gym and working out. It is a great way interests include surgery of keeping your eye fresh,” she said. and internal medicine. MFPA, Parson said, has been incredibly support- Dr. Winter is in surgery on Dr. Matt Winter ive. This year, one of her paintings was used for a Mondays and is seeing appointments on Tuesdays, Christmas card in Sweden, one illustrated a calen- Thursdays, Fridays and every third Saturday. dar in Norway and another decorated a gift tag for the U.S. Please give us a call to schedule your pet's Another piece of her work was also accepted appointment with Dr. Winter, or with any of our other into the 15th annual People’s Gallery exhibition at outstanding veterinarians. Austin City Hall. Her art will be on display in the gallery through Jan. 1, 2020. For more information, or to see more of Parsons’ 1909 East County Road E, work, visit sarajaneparsons.com. White Bear Lake

SUBMITTED 651.777.1393 Shannon Granholm is the editor of the Quad whitebearanimalhospital.com Community Press and the Citizen. She can be Sara Jane Parsons enjoys painting portraits, reached at 651-407-1227 or [email protected]. landscapes, fl owers and cats. 16 THE LOWDOWN FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com Franconia Sculpture Park hires renowned sculptor Robert Brady FRANCONIA — Fran- paper. Brady earned a BFA conia Sculpture Park is from the California College pleased to announce that of the Arts in Oakland and noted sculptor Robert Brady an MFA from University will join its resident artists, of California, Davis. After fellows and artist interns completing his studies, at the 43-acre sculpture Brady joined the faculty at park to provide mentorship, CSU, Sacramento, where he inspiration and support to taught for 33 years. the 40-plus artists working Though Brady’s early during summer 2019. work dealt directly with Robert Brady is an Amer- functional clay vessels, he ican modernist sculp- eventually began creating tor who works in ceram- abstract and figurative ics and wood. Born in Reno, pieces in varying mate- Nevada, he has made his rials. These works call home in the San Francisco to mind ritual objects or Bay Area for many decades totems from around the now. Brady is a multi-facet- world yet remain specific ed artist who additionally to the artist’s own psyche. works in pottery, painting His work has been exhibited and illustration, though he widely and can be found in is best known for his ab- a number of public collec- stract figurative sculptures. tions. He has also received Brady is a professor multiple fellowships from emeritus at California State the National Endowment University, Sacramento. of the Arts (1981, 1988 and Though he came to art 2008), and was elected a Fel- through an affinity for clay, low of the American Craft Brady long ago began incor- Council in 2007. porating wood into his prac- SUBMITTED tice, and now creates works From press release Artist Robert Brady in his studio. Brady has been hired by Franconia Sculpture Park to work with art- in clay, wood, bronze and on ists and interns throughout the upcoming summer. A groovy way to Children's celebrate Valentine’s Performing Arts Day: Masquers Theatre presents ‘Little Company debuts Mermaid Jr.’ Journey “under the sea” with to teaching children the im- ‘Beehive’ Ariel and her aquatic friends portance of being leaders and in Disney's “The Little Mer- giving back to their local and FOREST LAKE — Masquers The- and fl ower power, the musical casts a maid Jr.,” adapted from Dis- global community. “The Little atre Company announced its second spotlight on a host of issues ranging ney's Broadway production and Mermaid Jr.” is the fi rst main production of the 2018-19 season, “Bee- from the excitement of a teen’s fi rst the motion picture. Based on stage production of the 2019 hive: The 60s Musical,” created by Lar- dance to the serious challenges that one of Hans Christian Ander- season. This production will ry Gallagher. The show will run Feb. faced the nation during those tumultu- sen's most beloved stories, the be CPA's longest-running and 14-17, Feb. 22 and 24, and March 1-3 at ous years. story is an enchanting look at largest program, and features the Forest Lake American Legion, 355 The all-female cast includes Allea the sacrifi ces we all make for more than 100 children in the W. Broadway Ave. An optional dinner Eichler, Kayla Kauffman, Beth Ryan, love and acceptance. cast. Shows are appropriate for theater will be offered by the Amer- Katie Jenson, Lydia Selby, Bre Chur- Children's Performing Arts all ages. ican Legion and includes a special chill, Abigail DePew and Jazmine (CPA) specializes in children's Performances will be held four-course Valentine’s Day menu, Jendersee. The sole male role of Radio educational leadership pro- at the Forest Lake Area High Feb. 14. Billed as a “Date for Two”, the Announcer/Soldier will be performed grams through the performing School Auditorium, 6101 Scan- opening night festivities will feature by Mike Selby. Beehive is directed arts. Every child who regis- dia Trail N., at the following an upscale four-course, served dinner, by Emily Lehmann-Wiberg and stage ters for a program through times: including appetizer, soup or salad, a managed by Jennifer Wilson. Music CPA is accepted and given a • 6 pm. Tuesday, Feb. 5 (senso- choice of four entrées, dessert and a direction is provided by Karen Hill- role, or multiple roles, in the ry-friendly preview perfor- bottle of house wine. mann; choreography by Anne Brown; fi nal production. Children are mance) “Beehive” is a celebration of 1960s costumes by Nicolle Wollan and taught that all roles are essen- • 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 female empowerment, told from the Rachel Selby; light and sound design tial to the fi nal production and • 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, perspective of six young women who by Jake Otto, with production assis- that every part of the show is Feb. 9 came of age during the decade. It tance by Peter Wiberg; prop design important. • 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 features some of the most celebrat- by Rachel Peterson; and set design by Theater teaches many skills: Tickets cost $12 for adults ed and memorable songs of the era, Craig Moen. self-confi dence, personal and $6 for students and seniors, including classics such as “My Boy- Tickets are available at the door, or relationships, team building, and can be purchased online at friend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of can be purchased in advance at www. empathy, putting yourself in childrensperformingartsmn. a Preacher Man” and “Me and Bobby masquerstheatre.org. another's shoes—and that the org McGee.” Nostalgically recalling the show must go on. Children's days of miniskirts, transistor radios From press release Performing Arts is committed From press release

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www.presspubs.com FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 17 www.presspubs.com Perfect ice makes for perfect season BY DEBRA NEUTKENS WHITE BEAR EDITOR

“Unbelievably smooth.” That's how iceboat enthusiast Mike Parenteau describes White Bear Lake. The perfect ice conditions this win- ter are rare. “Iceboaters can wait a decade for a season like this one,” he said. A lake homeowner, Parenteau has been iceboating since childhood. “My dad made me an iceboat when I was 10 years old,” he recalled. “He stuck me in and gave me a push and that was it.” PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS The experience of iceboating is Mike Parenteau has been ice boating on thrilling, Parenteau stated. “It's an White Bear Lake most of his life. experience you wouldn't expect. It's cold, but you dress for the cold. And years until the owner decided he it's not dangerous. We don't go if it's was too old to do anything with dangerous.” it. As the story goes, the owner of Yes, he's gone through the ice a Northland Yachts in Excelsior saw few times, but the last incident was an ad in the Minneapolis Star and in 1979. “I don't want to do that any- bought the boat, restoring it in time more,” admitted the sailor. for the 1991 Minneapolis Boat Show. PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS The iceboat afi cionado has more Again, the boat fell into disrepair Dale Deters, Mike Parenteau and Bill Reed pose on the frozen surface of White Bear boats than he cares to admit, but two sitting in an outside storage lot until Lake with the “Commodore,” a vintage iceboat refurbished from the 1890s. are special favorites. 2016 when Parenteau and his sailing His latest acquisition is a “pleasure” buddies struck a deal to bring the model built in 1890, probably the boat to White Bear Lake. the 1905 Wrigley, once owned by the and nights made it necessary to oldest iceboat in Minnesota. Paren- Rotted wood required replacing, family of chewing gum fame. postpone the 2019 Nite Nationals teau bought the restoration project but most of the boat is original. An Parenteau, Reed and Deters also Jan. 19-20 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. with fellow sailors Dale Deters and article on the Commodore appeared own front-steering Nites, fi berglass The club is looking at Pepin for the Bill Reed. The trio dubbed the wooden last year when the boat made its iceboats that are real speed demons. weekend of Jan. 26/27, depending on craft the “Commodore.” They found maiden voyage on Bald Eagle Lake. The latter two men enjoy racing ice conditions. it on Craigslist and spent 18 months It’s received a few tweaks since then their Nites at Minnesota and Wis- According to iceboating.net, the renovating the one-of-a-kind iceboat. and is now at its permanent home on consin regattas when the ice is good. Dutch invented iceboats to move Built 128 years ago by The Erick- White Bear Lake. Lake Pepin is a favorite venue, and cargo down frozen canals. All it took son Iceboat Corp., a forerunner to The timing couldn’t have been bet- lakes in the Madison, Wisconsin, was a fi sherman who added a plank Minnetonka Boatworks, the Com- ter. “We are enjoying the best condi- area are home to many competi- to his boat to bring his fi sh to mar- modore was sailed on Lake Min- tions for iceboating you can imag- tions. There were rumors that the ket. Since then, iceboating has trav- netonka its fi rst 50 years. By then, ine,” Parenteau iterated. The three Nite Nationals could be coming to eled from The Netherlands across the boat was in need of tender loving men like to take the Commodore and White Bear Lake, but Parenteau Europe and to northern North care and purchased by a guy who its sister iceboat, “Wrigley,” to the said it’s not true. “They prefer to America. Parenteau is just glad the stuck it in his barn but never got VFW on weekends, even giving rides stay around southern Wisconsin,” sport landed in his backyard. Hope- around to restoring it. to curious onlookers. They always he said. fully it won’t take another 10 years There the boat sat for another 50 draw a crowd. The trio also restored Unfortunately, a lack of cold days to get a repeat season.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS The 25-foot, 600-pound Commodore goes 40 to 50 mph and can carry four people. Shown, from left, are Dale Deters, Mike Parenteau and Bill Reed. DOWNTIME 18 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com FEBRUARY 2019 MONTHLY WEATHER OUTLOOK SUDOKU

It has been a change of fortunes this winter season. Looking back to November it seemed we were going to be in store for a cold winter, as a period of November felt more like January. As December came and went, we began to experience a milder winter. January 1st ushered in our fi rst below zero reading of the season with record highs dominating the fi rst week and weekend of January. It got downright balmy when temperatures reached into the mid 40’s. By mid month we were running 10º warmer than normal. It was a lock to fi nish January warmer than normal….errr wait a minute. Winter arrived. January ended with bone-chilling cold sending our monthy average below normal. Our fi rst signifi cant snow of the season arrived January 27 with 5-8”, almost doubling our season total. Warmer days are ahead as the coldest temperatures are now behind us.

February Astro Notes: Morning Planets: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn Evening Planets: Mercury (dusk), Mars, Uranus, Neptune (dusk) New Moon: Monday, February 4. Full Moon: Tuesday, February 19.

FEBRUARY NORMALS FOR THE MONTH CROSSWORD

JAN 27 - FEB 2 FEBRUARY 3-9 FEBRUARY 10-16 FEBRUARY 17-23 FEB 24 – MAR 2 AVG. HIGH……28 AVG. HIGH……28 AVG. HIGH……30 AVG. HIGH……34 AVG. HIGH……35 AVG. LOW…… 7 AVG. LOW…… 9 AVG. LOW…….11 AVG. LOW…… 16 AVG. LOW…… 17 SUNSHINE…… 53 SUNSHINE…… 53 SUNSHINE….…55 SUNSHINE…… 58 SUNSHINE…… 58 % DAYLIGHT HOURS % DAYLIGHT HOURS % DAYLIGHT HOURS % DAYLIGHT HOURS % DAYLIGHT HOURS Precipitation 0.25 Precipitation 0.17 Precipitation 0.19 Precipitation 0.31 Precipitation 0.29

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com. WORD SEARCH Winter Wonderland

ACROSS 47. Where you were born 20. Grab 1. Sheep sounds 49. Sells a ticket for more than its 22. Rural delivery 5. Turn up price 25. Equally 11. Statements of support 52. Where goods are presented 26. It’s sometimes passed 14. Spells 56. Jewish salutation 27. Citizens who are qualifi ed to 15. Evildoer 58. Fruits vote 18. One-time baseball stadium 60. Poorly educated 29. Greek letter staple 62. Microorganism 31. Body part 19. Activities 63. Depicted 34. Boxing result 21. WWII-era US President 36. Newts 23. Soft, fl exible leather DOWN 37. Predatory semiaquatic reptiles 24. Proverb 1. Ballplayer’s tool 38. Cockatoo 28. Wish (Hindu) 2. Hairdo 40. The NFL’s big game (abbr.) 29. Injury treatment 3. From a distance 43. Leguminous east Indian tree 30. Red Sox ace 4. Belt one out 45. News reporting organization 32. “Deadliest Catch” captain 5. Revising a text 48. A nemesis of Batman 33. Baseball stat 6. More (Spanish) 50. Legal term 35. Where marine life lives 7. Beloved Spielberg alien 51. Not all 36. Heartbeat test 8. BBQ dish 53. A way to greet BLIZZARD SKIING FROZEN TUBING MITTENS 39. Signs on the dotted line 9. Provoke 54. Knot in a tree FIRE SNOWFLAKE HOTCHOCOLATE WINTER SCULPTURE 41. Atomic #24 10. Within 55. Satisfy FROSTY SPARKLE LAKE CHILLY SNOW 42. Bind securely 12. Canadian fl yers 57. Russian space station HAT WIND PLUNGE FLAKE SNOWMOBILE 44. Swiss Nobel Peace Prize 13. Smugly smile 58. A baby’s mealtime accessory ICY BOOTS SLEDDING GLOVES VALENTINE winner 59. Stitch together PARK 16. Buffalo FISHING SNOWMAN ICESKATES WONDERLAND 46. Fragrant brown balsam 17. Lake in the Kalahari Desert 61. __ and behold

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves DID YOU FUN FACT miserable, or happy and Snowfl akes come in all shapes strong. The amount of KNOW? and sizes. work is the same.” Snow falls at 1 to 6 feet - Francesca Reigler per second. FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 19 www.presspubs.com BAMBOO HUTS AND BUNGALOWS: Choose your own Chiang Mai adventure

BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS & SHOREVIEW EDITOR

Chiang Mai, a city of about 1 mil- lion in northern Thailand, is popular among tourists for its small-town feel, historic city moat, night markets and as a launching point for jungle adventures. Tour guide shops with bright advertisements line the streets on the east side of the city, interspersed with cafes, restaurants and hotels and guest houses ranging from $5 to $250 a night. To spend extended time among the elephants, mountains, strawberry fi elds and banana trees, you have two options: book an overnight tour where you will likely be joined by a myriad of other tourists in a van or fi nd someplace to stay in rural Thailand on your own. My husband Andrew and I chose the latter during a trip in November. First, we rented a motorbike and zoomed about an hour over the moun- tains to the Samoeng Forest, with a stop to ride elephants bareback at Maesa Elephant camp along the way. Our talented elephant painted us a fl ower using his trunk. We rewarded him with a basket of bananas, which he scooped from our hands one by one with his whooshing trunk. We stayed in a bungalow at Rai ANDREW MOORE | SUBMITTED Napa Phupha, a strawberry farm, The talented elephants of Maesa Elephant Camp paint pictures of sipping strawberry smoothies as the fl owers, trees and elephants. sky turned pink at sunset. The $18 wooden bungalow was equipped with the essentials — a private bathroom with a hot shower, cozy blanket for the chilly mountain night, and electricity. Complimentary breakfast was rice soup and there were a variety of strawberry items to purchase. We took a short walk to a waterfall among the banana trees and greeted the farmers as they tended to the growing berries. To fi nd a hut made exclusively of bamboo and grass, we then motored back over the mountain and north a couple hours to the Bamboo Country Lodge near Mae Taeng, stopping to pick strawberries at another farm along the way. I ate fresh strawberries on the back of the motorbike as An- drew curved round mountain bends. We drove by elephants settling in for the evening as the sun slipped SARA MARIE MOORE | SUBMITTED behind the mountains. We bumped Rai Napa Phupa is a strawberry farm with along a long dirt driveway to a jungle bungalows to stay in overnight in the ANDREW MOORE | SUBMITTED haven, a small clearing dotted with Samoeng Forest in Chiang Mai province, A suspension bridge leads to the Chai Lai Orchid lodge, bamboo huts. We were greeted by a Thailand. Fresh strawberries can be where guests are greeted by elephants. It is near Doi cheerful English-speaking Thai man picked in the Thai countryside. Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. and his wife, who made us dinner for a few dollars. We then settled into our from the large continental American $29 A-frame bamboo hut for the night, breakfast served just down the hill. accompanied by the sounds of the As we checked out of our bungalow, a jungle night. mom and baby elephant lumbered by In the morning, we awoke to a large after a walk through the jungle. American breakfast spread among I sneaked a few bananas in an ele- the banana trees. The Thai man had phant trunk and bought a handmade worked in America but was happy to elephant keychain to support the eco- be home in his jungle, sharing it with lodge before we left. Chai Lai Orchid, others. A monsoon earlier that year begun by an American woman, offers had wiped out some of his bungalows elephants an alternative to provid- and huts, but he was busy rebuilding, ing rides in heavy carts. It is also a the smell of varnish wafting in the hospitality training center for people jungle air. from the Karen tribe, who grew up in We stopped overnight at our guest nearby villages. The goal is to prevent house in Chiang Mai and rented a young Karen women from being traf- car before heading a couple of hours fi cked by teaching them hospitality, south to Doi Inthanon National Park, business and English skills. where the highest peak in Thailand is We drove up the mountain, whiz- located. zing by strawberry fi elds and stop- We stayed in the foothills at Chai ping at a Hmong village for lunch. Lai Orchid, where elephants live in There was a breathtaking view await- the forest among the bungalows. To ing us at the top. Range after range of get to the hotel, we walked across a rounded mountains spread below to suspension bridge, a river roaring the south and west as a late afternoon below, to be greeted by an elephant at mist rose from the earth. check-in. Our large $36 bungalow sat We headed wistfully back to the atop a hill next to the banana trees, city. I looked around but didn’t see the a wraparound porch adding to the strawberry-elephant mountain-bun- typical bungalow amenities. galow safari advertised anywhere. I awoke with a start — “There are elephants outside,” my husband said. Sara Marie Moore is the editor of The Sure enough, I could see two ele- Vadnais Heights Press and Shoreview phants were swinging their trunks Press. She can be reached at 651-407- SARA MARIE MOORE | SUBMITTED The Bamboo Country Lodge in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai province, Thailand offers in the morning light from our porch. 1235 or [email protected] tourists the chance to stay in a traditional bamboo hut with a grass roof. I snuck them a piece of watermelon

22 THE LOWDOWN WINGS &www.presspubs.com THINGS FEBURARY 2019 Dead trees are essential to wildlife health

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At a time of year when most of the outside world appears lifeless, dead trees don’t stick out much. But to countless wildlife species, dead trees are an oasis of resources year-round. Woodpeckers are one of the most common birds to see in the winter landscape, and one of the most famous for making good use of standing dead trees or snags. With their specialized beaks and tongues, woodpeckers ham- mer at the bark of dead trees to fi nd insects that have burrowed inside for the winter. In the spring, some of the cavities drilled into the trees by woodpeckers will become nests for their offspring, for other birds, or for completely different types of wildlife, such as squirrels. Tree cavities are an essential part of the life cycle of red-headed wood- JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | SUBMITTED peckers, a species that has declined A red-bellied woodpecker settles into a tree cavity in White Bear Lake. signifi cantly since the 1960s. Part A barred owl hunts from a dead tree. of the reason their population has decreased may be due to the clear- natural fi res were an essential part of owls such as northern saw-whets and under dead wood, providing a food ing of dead trees, and a reduction in Minnesota’s ecosystem. Many of the eastern screech owls may be explor- source for a diverse array of other nut-producing trees due to disease trees that were burned created the ing roosts to select as nesting site. A species. Pollinating insects such as and infestation. red-headed woodpecker’s ideal stand- closer look at some of these shadowy native wasps and bees also rely on However, the highest population of ing, dead tree for nesting. cavities can reveal a haunting yellow dead trees and logs for their nesting red-headed woodpeckers in Minneso- Some species are incapable of creat- pair of eyes—or two, or three—star- sites. ta is found in East Bethel, at the Uni- ing their own nesting cavities, relying ing back. Although downed logs and snags are versity of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek on other birds or animals to do the Hundreds of other forms of life also not always aesthetically pleasing in Ecosystem Science Center. Research- hard work. These include eastern depend on the presence of dead trees a forest setting, the benefi ts of dead ers have questioned why this area is bluebirds and American kestrels, in their habitat. The decomposition trees extend even into the health of so attractive to red-headed woodpeck- which have been helped somewhat by of trees returns important nutrients the soil and ecology of local aquat- ers, and found that their nesting sites the effort to install artifi cial nesting to the ecosystem, which feed bacte- ic life. It only takes a closer look to correlate to the number of prescribed boxes in their respective habitats. ria, fungi, lichen, and an assortment observe the web of life that stretches burns done in the area. Before mod- Late winter is a good time to keep of microscopic critters up the food from a single rotting log to the entire ern land management practices, an eye on small holes in trees—small chain. Ant colonies thrive in and world around it. FEBRUARY 2019 THE LOWDOWN 23 www.presspubs.com Union Volunteers introduce local youth to ice fi shing

COLUMBUS — Tempera- tures hovering around zero didn’t stop more than 100 bud- ding young anglers and their families from participating in the Take Kids Ice Fishing Day at scenic Coon Lake on Saturday, Jan. 19. A joint effort by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), International Union of Ele- vator Constructors (IUEC) Local 9 and a coalition of other supporters, the free event SUBMITTED was aimed at introducing the More than 100 youth and families enjoyed time on the ice at Coon next generation of anglers and Lake during the Take Kids Ice Fishing Day event last month. conservationists to the joys of ice fi shing. families were treated to a and neighbors who enjoy giv- Much to their delight, the picnic-style lunch, plus raffl e ing back to their hometowns. youngsters received a free ice prizes from hats to heaters The event was led by IUEC fi shing rod and reel courtesy and a brand-new Vexilar FL-8 Local 9 with support from of Pure Fishing and game fi sh locator. other unions in the Minneapo- calls from Plano Synergy—all “Seeing how excited the kids lis Building and Construction while making great memories are getting out on the ice and Trades Council, along with with their families and union the looks on their faces when Pure Fishing, Plano Synergy, mentors. they catch fi sh makes it all the Recreational Boating and “The kids had fun and the worthwhile,” said Morin, a Fishing Foundation, Thorne SUBMITTED event went really well,” said lifelong outdoorsman who was Bros. Custom Rod and Tackle, A family takes a break from ice fi shing to smile for a photo. local project leader Dave Mo- chosen to appear in a 2018 epi- Clam Outdoors and Vados Bait rin, a member of IUEC Local sode of the USA’s Brotherhood and Tackle. and new friendships and pro- for 2019. 9. Outdoors television series “Our fi rst-ever youth ice vided plenty of incentives for “With more than 40 million Morin reported that 25 vol- based on his union work ethic fi shing event was a big suc- holding similar winter events anglers generating $35 bil- unteers from the local com- and commitment to sharing cess,” said USA Conservation in the future.” lion in retail sales and $600 munity and various unions the outdoor experience with Manager Robert Stroede. The event was the latest million for fi sheries conserva- including IUEC Local 9, area others. “Thanks to a diehard crew of in series of free, communi- tion and public water access building trades and SMART “I can’t thank the vol- volunteers from various local ty-based Take Kids Fishing through special excise taxes Local 209 donated 152 hours unteers, local sponsors, unions and the local commu- Day activities held as part of each year, it’s critical to con- toward planning and holding union supporters and the nity, participants were treated Work Boots on the Ground tinue recruiting new anglers,” the event at no cost to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance to good food, lots of prizes, — the USA’s fl agship con- Stroede added. “Plus, research participants or their families. enough,” he added. “Without free fi shing gear and heated servation program. In 2018, has shown that outdoor-relat- Volunteers provided instruc- all of their help, this event fi shing shelters with holes pre- open-water fi shing events ed activities such as fi shing tion and assistance, including wouldn’t have happened.” drilled and ready for them to were held in Marietta, Ohio; create participatory pathways drilling holes, rigging the par- Morin also noted that hold- wet their lines. The fi sh were Barboursville, West Virginia; for children to experience na- ticipants’ new fi shing poles, ing such events helps build fi ckle, but some participants and Eau Claire, Janesville, La ture and help kindle a lifelong and offering sage advice on relationships between unions managed to land a few yellow Crosse and Madison, Wis- interest in environmental how to hook the big one. and the general public, by re- perch and a couple northern consin, collectively drawing conservation.” After fi shing, the young minding community members pike were caught on tip-ups. more than 800 participants. hard-water warriors and their that union workers are friends The day was fi lled with smiles Additional events are planned From press release CATCH OF THE M NTH

Teddi Carlson caught a 15-inch walleye ice fi shing on a top secret reef in White Bear Lake Meghan Wright of Forest Lake, caught this 22" walleye in Canada. — Submitted Dec. 31. Teddi is the daughter of Annie and Dustin Carlson. — Submitted

Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Catch of the Month. Please email your best shot to [email protected], with Catch of the Month in the subject line. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo. 24 THE LOWDOWN FEBRUARY 2019 www.presspubs.com

EAST M TH ET 2019 Event: April 7th • 11am-3pm R R O O N EXPO at the White Bear Lake South Campus Where Including New 2019 Health & Wellness Showcase C SS OMMUNITY & BUSINE C O We’re looking for The Voice M E R E T O G E T H of the North East Metro!

Submit a video no longer than 60 seconds performing a song of your choice. Email video to [email protected] by March 1. Three fi nalists will be selected to compete LIVE at the NE Metro Expo on April 7, 2019 for a grand prize of $250.00. Celebrity judges include Voice Season 6 star Kat Perkins! After judging the competition, she will perform 2 songs for the audience.

Sponsored by OVER 100 LOCAL BUSINESSES TO VISIT Joy Erickson, Edina Realty

• Home Improvement / Design & Style • Health & Medical • Government / Schools & Elected Offi cials • Sports & Fitness • Local Non-Profi ts & Businesses

PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS Kat Perkins EVENT SPONSORS OTHER SPONSOR

– Find it – Around the LakeS Join us for a Psychic Sunday February 10th • 1-6pm Th e Enchanted Psychic Sunday is in the event center. Sample Providers Services In the shop, we sell a variety of items, and off er classes & services $75 Gift s • Metaphysical Supplies • Crystals • Reiki 4 tickets - 15 minutes each Intuitive Readings • Classes • and much more. *can be shared with a friend Looking for a venue? We have one! Great for variety of events! Lectures, classes, workshops, Monthly Special meetups, private gatherings for your group & more! 651-600-3769 15%OFF Purchase 4074 White Bear Ave *not valid on consignment items, psychic corner, services or classes

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Not good with other coupons off ers. EnchantedBoutiqueMn.com One coupon per customer per visit. Expires 2/28/19

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Gift s • Smudging Supplies • Crystals • and much more. OIL, FILTER, LUBE 4 TIRE ROTATION 99 651-600-3769 $18 BUY 1 • GET 1 SEMI-SYNTHETIC 4074 White Bear Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 + 2.00 shop supplies/2.00 waste oil fi lter EnchantedBoutiqueMn.com disposal Oil fi lter: up to 5 qts. of SW30. @ 50% OFF Check air pressure. 20PT. Safety Inspection. 1954 West Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake, MN

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