Soucheray

“The Lord shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations! Hallelujah!” Psalm 146:10.

The question some people ask is, “How big is your God?” I think when someone asks this, they intend to find out if we believe our God can do miracles and can overcome any trial or difficulty we face, even if we don’t know how. The Hebrew people commemorate the Passover each year to mark the bigness of their God who rescued them from slavery in Egypt. As Christians, we remember Jesus’ self-giving each Holy Week, from His struggle in the Garden, to His arrest and trial, His crucifixion and death, and finally, His Resurrection. It’s all there, but do we believe that God can enact a miracle of this scope in our lives?

The first and most important thing we need to do is have a relationship with God, which usually begins with time spent in prayer. When we need faith to face the trials of our lives, we will be standing on the many moments we have spent in prayer, so that when we ask Him for something, we have the faith to believe He will hear and answer us. And we need the faith to believe that He truly loves and cares about us and wants to intervene in our lives.

Even though what we ask might seem beyond any possibility, ask the Jewish people if they believe God parted the Red Sea for their ancestors so they could escape Egypt. And ask a faithful Christian if they believe Jesus rose from the dead. And then ask God for what you need.

So again, I ask, how big is your God? Do you believe the Lord reigns forever in your life? Take some time today, as well as your Bible, and sit for a few minutes with the Lord, asking Him for something you need. And then go back to your life, watching and listening for His answer. Know that it may come in a way that you least expect.

Kate Walsh Soucheray is a licensed marriage and family therapist at Christian Heart Counseling, located at 275 3rd St. So. #303, Stillwater. She can be reached at 651-439-2059 ext. 718 or kate@christianheartcounseling.com.

Red Foods For Fun: Team up with Powerup Kids Cook for ages PreK-2nd grade on Feb. 8 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lakeview Health. The Cost is $10 per child per class and $20 per class max per family. Registration is required at www.powerup4kids.org. Call 651-430-4510 for more information.

Look Good … Feel Better: This class teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Look Good…Feel Better is collaboration between the American Cancer Society; the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation; and the National Cosmetology Association. The class takes place on Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lakeview Hospital. The class is free but registration is required call (800) 227-2345 to sign up.

Advance Directives for Wisconsin Residents: Get the tools you need to assess your goals, values and beliefs about end-of-life care. We will offer tips on how to initiate a conversation with your loved ones and how to pick a surrogate decision maker. Participants will also be given an opportunity to schedule a free, private appointment to complete their advance directive with a certified Advance Care Planning facilitator. The session takes place on Feb. 11 from 1-2 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital. The session is free but registration is required call (651) 430-4697.

The Healthy Aging Brain: Mild cognitive decline and dementia can have profound implications for an individual’s health and well-being. However, there are opportunities for maintaining cognitive health. In this class, Stillwater Medical Group neurologist Dr. Donna Koning will discuss the positive effect diet, physical exercise and cognitive exercise can have on the aging brain. The class takes place on Feb. 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital. The class is free and registration is required. Call (651) 430-4697 to sign up.

Managing Depression: According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 10 American adults reported having depression at some time in their lives. While medications can help, additional options also exist, including diet, exercise, supplements, counseling and acupuncture.  Join SMG family medicine provider Dr. Jeff Sikkink as he discusses the benefits of these treatments. The class takes place on Feb. 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital. The class is free but registration is required. Call (651) 430-4697 for more information.

Take a Bite out of Lyme’s Disease: Dr. Bill Manzel, will discuss the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, including early and late phases. He will also explain treatment options and prevention, based on the Infectious Disease Society of America’s guidelines. The class takes place on Feb. 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital. The class is free but registration is required call (651) 430-4697 for more information.

The elegant 1870 Washington County Historic Courthouse is the backdrop for the St. Croix Valley Wedding Showcase noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.

Visit with some of the area’s finest providers of wedding goods and services, for photography, venues, catering, wedding stylist/planners, stationary, DJs and more. Sample cake and wedding fare while meandering through the building visiting with vendors who are eager to help select the services and products that will create a special and memorable day.

Wedding attire from The Wedding Connection will be featured in the second floor courtroom where the staff will help find the perfect wedding attire and accessories.

The Washington County Historic Courthouse is at 101 W. Pine St. in Stillwater. The cost of the event is $7 at the door.

“Like” the Historic Courthouse on Facebook and watch for upcoming deals on admission to the show.

All proceeds from the St. Croix Valley Wedding Showcase are directed to restoration and operation of the Washington County Historic Courthouse.

For more information, go to co.washington.mn.us/hc or send an email to
historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us or call 651-275-7075.

Photo by Lee Miller

BY LEE MILLER - GAZETTE COLUMNIST

The cold seems unending … because it is. With no chance to melt, the snow just piles higher and higher. Out back, the yard had 15 inches of snow, until the gale force winds decided some of it was needed in an Iowa cornfield. Of course it was replaced with snow blown from Canada.

Sunday’s winds had Stillwater’s largest Old Glory stretched out and flapping loudly. And rivers of blowing snow were everywhere. A van in the church parking lot was in danger of being covered in drifts, and the wind had swirling snow devils coming off many a roof. But the greatest river of snow was in Lake Elmo where drivers went abruptly from a clear sunny day, to near white out. The north winds were scouring a half mile of corn field and funneling it across County 5.

We collect the daily National Weather Service readings for Stillwater, including temperatures and precipitation. Once a week we take a core sample of the snow on the ground and melt it to estimate the water content. These data are used in the flood models to predict our spring conditions. We have 15 inches of snow, but most of it has fallen in very cold temperatures and it is comparatively dry. Melted down we have approximately 2.4 inches of liquid sitting on top of the ground — about the same as a robust thunderstorm.

Spring is coming … at least in our backyard. The dry snow is a very good insulator. Dave Fabio found the lake has relatively little ice due to the snow cover. And to our surprise, the lawn is thawed out, and the grass is green and plump beneath the snow! Dare to dream of parks and lawns melted and warmed in the spring sunlight … it will happen.

Recently, District 916 purchased land from the city of Lake Elmo to construct a new school that will help students with autism, emotional-behavioral disorders, and other health issues in kindergarten through eighth grades.

Although it will be a few years before the school goes in, the new school will be based on the Karner Blue school in Blaine. It will be designed to serve up to 135 students according to District 916 Superintendent Connie Hayes.

The future location of the school, in the Eagle Point Business Park off I-94, was determined after the district did a transportation study of the students that it serves and determined that Lake Elmo was located in the transportation “sweet spot” to help keep costs low, Hayes said. Construction on the school is expected to begin in 2016 and will help parents who travel long distances to get their children to school.

This is the second part of a three-part planning phase that District 916 is embarking on.

“The Blaine facility opened this fall,” Hayes said. “When the new building opens up we’ll have some of our students who live closer to that facility exit some of our programs and attend the Blaine program. This will open some locations in the south since some of our students and families are driving long distances now and this will make slots available for them nearer to the district they live in. The building will also ensure that the design decisions we’ve made work well and help us determine what we’re thinking as we start the design process on the Lake Elmo facility next spring.”

The design portion will take place next spring after the district sees how the Karner Blue design served students this year. The Karner Blue building features several design elements that are intended to be less intrusive for students with special needs. It features larger hallways, specially designed classrooms, and lighting that is tuned to work well for kids with autism, because florescent light can distract them. The school is slated to be 70,000 square feet, which Hayes says is smaller than most elementary schools.

Stillwater Area Schools board member and District 916 board liason Mike Ptacek is very impressed with the Karner Blue facility and was pleased when he heard about the new project.

“I think Natalie Fedie from the board said it so well when she said, ‘These are our kids, and we need to serve their different needs,’ when we were first approached about this idea,” Ptacek said.

“Typically, existing schools don’t allow us to create smaller spaces that the students need or implement the design elements that can help with their learning,” Hayes said. “To be able to build this from the ground up will be beneficial for our students.”

The vision for the school is to serve students’ needs with their safety and environment in mind. The school will serve Level IV students who require the most one-on-one attention, and specific programming in a traditional school environment.

“The school serves students whose needs are to the extent that they need to have specific programming all day long in the facility,” Hayes said.

Hayes said the goal of this school will always be to address behavior issues so students can go back to their home districts.

“We’ve had great success with some of our students (in past programing),” she said. “We haven’t achieved it with all the students, but with many we have. It’s one of the reasons we do this.”

Individual classrooms will be provided for students who require them, and a typical classroom holds eight students and several education assistants.

The city of Lake Elmo first met with District 916 representatives in September 2013 to let them know they were interested in purchasing the land. The city council was in agreement with the proposed site.

“There are many benefits moving forward with the project,” Lake Elmo spokeswoman Alyssa MacLoed said. “First, the project will greatly support the school districts that serve Lake Elmo, especially the Stillwater Area School district and the North St. Paul-Oakdale-Maplewood district. Second, the school will provide Lake Elmo families with easy access to a first-class facility and quality education for students who deal with emotional and behavioral disorders. Third, the proposed school is a top-notch facility, setting a high standard and precedent for future commercial and business park development in the area.”

Stillwater Area Schools officials, including Superintendent Corey Lunn, have spoken in support of this new project.

Contact Avery Cropp at avery.cropp@ecm-inc.com

First State Banke and Trust President Pete Clements takes part in the “cash mob” event at Bread Art in Bayport Jan. 29. (Gazette staff photo by Avery Cropp)

First Bank State and Trust of Bayport will mark its 100th anniversary over the next year by supporting local businesses each month with a new event.

Last Wednesday, Jan. 29, the bank began its Cash Mob campaign designed to benefit local businesses it works with. The first cash mob event took place at Bread Art, owned by Chris and Heather Peterson, in Bayport. The bank offered to pay the first $5 of anyone’s purchase from 10 a.m. to noon.

“The idea started after I saw an article about another financial brand that had done something like this,” said Joette Barr, marketing director of First State Bank and Trust. “I saw the article about two years ago, and we couldn’t do it at that time since we didn’t have a way to connect in real time with our customers. Now we have a Facebook page and we can do this. It’s great for small businesses in the area. We will work with businesses that we’ve worked with in the past.”

Michelle Bredahl holds a sign Jan. 29 to make people aware of the “cash mob” event taking place at Bread Art in Bayport. (Gazette staff photo by Avery Cropp)

Helping local businesses is the focus this year, and Barr said the plan is to host a Cash Mob event once a month.

“For this one and the others, we’ll talk to the owners, and we’ll plan it so that we don’t take away from their normal business. But they’ve said so far today that they’re getting more business than they typically would at this time.”

Though the idea is new and fun, Barr said, the bank initially had some concerns about it being a success. The event managed to draw more than 35 people to Bread Art during the course of the two hour visit.

“We were very nervous about it,” Barr said. “We thought only 10 people would show, up but we’ve passed that.”

Barr said the bank was still working on lining up events with other businesses in the area. Different deals would be offered during each event, and Barr said the bank is really looking forward to it.

“I think it’s great because it will help small businesses that would normally fly under the radar,” Barr said. “We’ve had a few people come in who said they didn’t know the business was there, so hopefully that helps them generate some new business too.”

Employees at Bread Art said that the event was fun and interesting and that they had noticed an uptick in business.

To keep posted on future Cash Mob events, like First State Bank and Trust on Facebook.

Contact Avery Cropp at avery.cropp@ecm-inc.com

Dawn Holldorf hugs co-worker Joe Ritzer, whose life she helped save. Holldorf was one of four individuals to receive a Lifesaving Award from the Bayport Fire Department Feb. 3. (Gazette staff photo by Jonathan Young)

The city of Bayport honored four individuals with Lifesaving Awards for their actions in saving two the lives of two individuals. The awards were presented by Fire Chief Mark Swenson at the Feb. 3 Bayport City Council meeting.

The first award went to Capt. Josh Eisinger of the Bayport Fire Department who rescued a baby born without a pulse.

Eisinger was called to a home delivery where the baby was not breathing when born. Eisinger was four minutes away when the call came in and was the first on the scene.

“We got there, and the baby didn’t have a pulse,” he said. “I started CPR right away.”

Soon the police arrived and assisted him until the baby had a pulse. The baby was then transported to the hospital and was stabilized.

Eisinger said it felt good to rescue the child, and he was pleased to receive his first Lifesaving Award in his 12 years with the Bayport Fire Department.

The second award went to three Anderson Corp. employees: Dawn Holldorf, Logan Misura and Carey Preuss.

The three helped save the life of co-worker Joe Ritzer, who had a heart attack while working at Andersen.

Misura was first on the scene.

“I saw you go down,” he told Ritzer Feb. 3.

Misura told others to call for help, and he began administering CPR.

The call went out to first responders at Andersen via radio. Soon Holldorf, who has 26 years’ experience in emergency medical services, was on the scene with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and administered a shock to Ritzer.

Preuss, a former member of the Bayport Fire Department also arrived and assisted Holldorf until a Lakeview ambulance came and transported Ritzer to the hospital.

“Everything was picture perfect (in the response),” Chief Swenson told the Bayport City Council.

Ritzer, who also attended the council meeting, thanked his rescuers.

“It takes a lot for somebody to jump in and save a life,” he said. “It’s good to have a second chance, thanks to some special people.”

Contact Jonathan Young at jonathan.young@ecm-inc.com

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput joined with three of his metro area colleagues today to announce his bid for re‐election. All four took office in 2011 and have forged productive partnerships and coalitions to address public safety and criminal justice issues.

Orput, a prosecutor for 27 years, stated, “I am extremely proud of the programs we have successfully undertaken since taking office in 2011. We have established an aggressive program fighting truancy in an effort to keep our kids in schools so they don’t end up in our criminal justice system. We have streamlined and revamped the manner in which we handle our criminal cases so that the victims of crime receive their justice in a more timely manner. We have prioritized violent and career offenders, complex crimes and human trafficking for particularly aggressive prosecution attention and we have created a cooperative interagency unit that focuses on elder abuse vulnerable adult protection. In all, I look forward to building on these initiatives, and more, as I continue to dedicate my prosecution career to the citizens of Washington County.”

Local teachers are candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

The 2014 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be chosen from a field of 128 candidates. These candidates have accepted their nominations and completed the required materials to become eligible for the honor.

This year’s program will name the 50th Minnesota Teacher of the Year, celebrating the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. Candidates include pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, from public or private schools.

The 2014 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced Sunday, May 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South in Bloomington, Minn. Over the coming weeks, a 25-member panel of community leaders will name a group of semifinalists and finalists.

Nominees from St. Croix Valley area schools include: Virginia Mancini, Mahtomedi; Logan Carstensen, Alissa Hill and Donna Lloyd from South Washington County; and Cathlene Gunvalson from Stillwater.

PowerUP with the Gophers 

On February 7, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Stillwater Junior High (523 West Marsh St. Stillwater, MN) a variety of Gopher athletes will be making a guest appearance at the PowerUp Open Gym/Pony Activity Center.

Join the PowerUp street team and Gopher athletes in this one of a kind opportunity! Games, activities and sports equipment will be provided to make sure everyone has a blast while PoweringUp!

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free with advance registration, or $3 per person/ $10 per family at the door. Register at powerup4kids.org/events.

Stillwater Critical Thinking Club: Confessions of a Liberal  

For most of his life, featured speaker Kevin Hawkins believed that liberalism is so obviously ethical. Liberals marched for peace, workers’ rights, civil rights, and secularism. The Republican Party, which embodies conservatism, was the party of war, big business, racism, and evangelical Christianity. He could not understand how any thinking person could voluntarily embrace the party of evil. He felt that we have nothing to learn from conservative ideologies. And he was wrong.

On Monday Feb. 10, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the Family Means building at 1875 Northwestern Ave. Stillwater. Hawkins makes his presentation and

“liberally” lifts concepts from “The Righteous Mind; Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion” by Jonathan Haight. Kevin got his degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, owns an independent insurance agency, and has been married to his best friend, Beverly, for 35 years.

Book drive

In honor of “I Love to Read Month”, New Horizon Academy, Stillwater, announces a Children’s Book Drive to benefit the nonprofit organization Reach Out And Read. This is the second year of the New Horizon Academy Book Drive.

The Children’s Book Drive will take place through February 28, 2014.  The community is encouraged to bring donations of new and gently used children’s books to New Horizon Academy, located at 5903 Neal Avenue North, Oak Park Heights, MN (near Kowalski’s), during business hours of 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving books to children and advice about the importance of reading to parents. Books collected at New Horizon Academy will be donated to hospitals and clinics that serve area families in need, including Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in St. Paul.  More information can be obtained at www.reachoutandread.org

“Developing early literacy skills is essential for a child to succeed in elementary school,” said Meghan Chandler, Director of New Horizon Academy, Stillwater.  “We invite the Stillwater community to join us and help support the important mission of Reach Out and Read.”

For more information on the Children’s Book Drive, call New Horizon Academy at 651-209-0093 or visit newhorizonacademy.net

Educate elected officials about disability issues

The Arc Greater Twin Cities and ConnectWC invite residents of Senate Districts 38, 39, 43 and 53 to discuss issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at a legislative visit with their elected officials.  It will be on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater.

Parents and self-advocates will kick off the meeting by sharing their concerns for persons with disabilities.  Then elected officials who represent Washington County will respond informally and engage in a discussion about the 2014 legislative session.  There will also be an overview of legislative issues that are 2014 priorities for The Arc Minnesota and The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD), and participants will have an opportunity to offer their own perspectives.

Elected officials invited to participate are Sen. Chuck Wiger, Rep. Peter Fischer, Sen. Susan Kent, Rep. Andrea Kieffer, Rep. JoAnn Ward, Sen. Karin Housley, Rep. Bob Dettmer, Rep. Kathy Lohmer, Sen. Roger Chamberlain, Rep. Matt Dean and Washington County Commissioner Gary Kriesel.

There is no charge to attend the event, but space is limited and participants are encouraged to register in advance.  To register, email denafelper@thearcgtc.org or call (952) 915-3665 by Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Afton-Lakeland I Love to Read Night

Come hear local authors read their books at Afton-Lakeland’s I Love to Read Story Night and Used Book Sale.

Fri. Feb. 21, 2014 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.  475 St. Croix Trail South in Lakeland, MN  55043.  Participating will be renown children authors Andy Hueller, Stephen Shaskan and Sarah Warren.  Signed books by the authors will be available on a first come first serve basis.  Sponsored by the Afton-Lakeland PTA.  For more information visit the PTA web site at aftonlakeland.my-pta.org.

Speak your peace book discussion at Lake Elmo Library

Are you concerned about your relationship with your co-workers, parenting battles, bullying, rudeness, negative stereotyping, and other evidence of the lack of civility in your life? What is ‘civility’ and how does it apply to our daily lives? The Lake Elmo Public Library, a member of the Lake Elmo Speak Your Peace community, is hosting a book discussion series that will address these questions. Stephen L. Carter’s classic book, Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy will be the springboard for the four-part discussion.

Participation will be limited to ten in order to facilitate the small group process. Registration is open until February 27th and the first meeting will be Thursday, March 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s public meeting room. Books will be distributed at that time. The following three sessions will be scheduled at the convenience of the group. For more information, contact Library Director Linda Orsted at the Lake Elmo Public Library.

Library hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 10 to 5, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 to 8, Fridays and Saturdays 10 to 2. When the library is closed, the catalog, online resources, and information about library services and programs are always available on the website, lakeelmopubliclibrary.org.

Association Seeking Nominations for annual award

The St. Croix Watershed Stewardship Award is an honor given annually to those having made a significant contribution to stewardship of the St. Croix River and/or its tributaries. The St. Croix River Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2013 Award.

Last year’s recipients include Port of Sunnyside Club, Inc. for their exceptional work in filtering and recycling wash water at the Sunnyside Marina; the St. Croix Valley & North Star Chapters of the Sierra Club, who shared with the St. Croix Valley Interstate Group of the Sierra Club for showing support of the river preservation and protection values of the St. Croix River; and Mike Reiter for his tireless dedication to natural resource protection.

Nominations can be made on behalf of any individual, business, organization or community. Award recipients will receive an inscribed plaque which is presented at the Association’s spring dinner. For complete information visit stcroixriverassoiation.org, email info@scramail.com or call 715-483-3300. Deadline for nominations is March 15.

Rachel with trainer: Rachel Frederickson and her trainer Dolvett Quince smile for the camera after her big reveal on Tuesday night (Photos by Trae Patton/NBC)

Stillwater Area High School alumna Rachel Frederickson was awarded the title of “NBC’s The Biggest Loser Season 15” on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Photo by Trae Patton/NBC

Frederickson lost 155 pounds — almost 60 percent of her body weight — for a final weight of 105 pounds. During the three-and-a-half month break from the TV show’s ranch, Frederickson said that she kept on with her trainers suggestions and a 1600 calorie diet and started taking workout classes like Zumba and spin. She also took up running.

In an earlier interview with The Gazette she noted that her weight had kept her from meeting people, but now she’s found that she loves to make connections with people.

“I love connecting with the people in the classes, especially since I hid myself so much, and I love making connections with everyone in the room,” Frederickson said.

Shortly after she was proclaimed the winner, social media was abuzz with people who raised concerns about how much weight Frederickson lost. Citing social media comments in a conference call Wednesday morning, several media outlets asked Frederickson if the 5-foot-5 inch former national level swimmer believed she went too far with her weight loss.

“I hadn’t heard that,” she said. “First and foremost I’m healthy and strong now. When I went on ‘The Biggest Loser,’ I went on this journey to find the confidence and that inner-athlete that I had lost. I’ve found her, and I am not going to lose her ever again. I’ve gone from so much weight to so little weight, and I’m working on balancing weights, my body, my life, and I continue to eat healthy and get a lot of exercise. I want to continue with the healthy and active lifestyle that I learned on the ranch.”

The lowest healthy weight for her height, according to the Center for Disease Control’s website, would be 111 pounds, but Frederickson says that she feels great.

Rachel Frederickson at the beginning of “The Biggest Loser.” (Photo courtesy of NBC)

Regarding the social media backlash from former Biggest Loser contestants who also expressed concerns for her health, Frederickson said, “I didn’t even see that. My journey on ‘The Biggest Loser’ was a path that was tailored for me. I followed the advice and support of the medical team throughout my entire journey on ‘The Biggest Loser.’”

Despite the controversy surrounding her win, there is no question that she motivated many throughout the course of the show, as her public Facebook fan page comments show.

“You know it’s inspiring for me, and I’m inspired by everyone who’s followed me and given me support along the way,” Frederickson said. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me that they’ve looked at me and are starting to add exercise to their routine, because if I can do it they can do it, and it motivates me.”

Rachel Frederickson the night she won “The Biggest Loser.” (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC)

Frederickson says she is proud to have found the strong, determined athlete that she used to be.

She added that she plans to keep communication open with her fan base and is hoping to share recipes that she’s found, now that she cooks. She also wants to maintain the connection with people because she knows that forcing herself out of hiding helped in her journey, and she’d like to help others too.

“There is so much life out there, and I can’t wait to keep embracing it as the strong, confident woman that I am now,” Frederickson said.

Her defining moment on the show? When she entered the workout room for the first time.

“When I walked into that first session I told myself: ‘I don’t know how you’re going to do this, but you need to do this because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thousands of other people applied to be part of the experience you are about to have, and you cannot waste this opportunity for your second chance.’” Frederickson said. “When I walked into the gym, I saw the sign on the wall that said ‘Never waste a second chance,’ and I didn’t take my eyes off of that for the whole workout.”

So where does she go from here?

She’s planning to continue with her freelance voice-over work in Los Angeles and transition that to a full-time job again — she worked only part time when she returned home from the ranch.

And the $250,000 prize?

“To tell you the truth, I’m probably going to save it,” Frederickson said with a laugh. “I’m so open to living the path of my life, now that I am who I want to be, that I’m going to enjoy the moment. I’m really looking forward to buying some new clothes and finding my new style though.”

Contact Avery Cropp at avery.cropp@ecm-inc.com

Gertens is moving into Lake Elmo after completing a purchase of the Linder’s Greenhouse growing range there on Monday.

The growing range includes 52 acres of land with 12 additional acres of heated growing greenhouse, four utility buildings and a few acres of growing fields. It does not include the St. Paul Larpenteur Avenue Garden Center or garden mart locations.

“As we identify opportunities in the retail, commercial, wholesale plant and lawn & garden markets, we will pursue those opportunities that best fit our long term strategies and goals,” a statementfrom Gertens reads. “We are excited about the prospects of growing our business to ensure that we can fulfill the needs of our customers, provide long term opportunities for our staff and continue to build a solid foundation for our future.”

Linder’s closing was announced last fall due to a poor economy, the unseasonably long winter, and competition from big box stores. The growing range is found at 9075 15th St. N.

Bruestle gets performance award

Rylee Bruestle is the fourth quarter’s recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award from Blue Sky Hospitality, LLC. Bruestle is a guest service representative at the Crossings by GrandStay Inn & Suites of Stillwater. She has been employed with Crossings for one year seven months, and this is her first time receiving this award.

The Outstanding Performance Award symbolizes the employee’s commitment to outstanding guest services and the company’ motto: “Rule No. 1 — if we don’t take care of the customer … somebody else will!”

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Bayport hosts their second Sunday supper of turkey chili with all the fixings and homemade desserts. Supper takes place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 and serves to create a social connection throughout the St. Croix Valley. Find the church at 490 Fourth St. N.

Benedictine Center events

The Benedictine Center in Maplewood is offering the following opportunities in February:

• Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group, Monday, Feb. 24, 7-9 p.m., Free will offering. This group gives men an opportunity to find ways to integrate contemplative spirituality into their everyday lives. It is led by Tim Marzen, a Benedictine Oblate and spiritual director. It includes Scripture, prayer and discussion. Newcomers welcomed.

• Modeling Wisdom : Benedict for Leaders,, Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 -9 p.m., $25. Geared to group leaders who will see how the wisdom of Christ exemplifies the humanity and moderation leaders need to have an impact on the world. Jaci Bush, a Benedictine Oblate, educator and business professional will lead this workshop.

To register online for one or more of these opportunities, go to www.stpaulsmonastery.org and follow the link to the Benedictine Center. For more information, call 651-777-7251 or email: benedictinecenter@stpaulsmonastery.org. The Benedictine Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery, is located at 2675 Benet Road in Maplewood.

Wayzata Symphony Orchestra performance in Mahtomedi

In honor of Black History Month, the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (WSO) Presents: Bruce Henry Sings Spirituals. Music director Marlene Pauley and Guest Artist Bruce Henry will lead the group in familiar songs like Follow the Drinking Gourd, No More Auction Block for Me and other spirituals arranged by Paul Gerike for these concerts. Florence Price Symphony No. 1 will be performed. Price was the first African American woman to have a piece performed by a major American orchestra. The performance takes place on Sun. Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church at 900 Stillwater Road in Mahtomedi. Concerts are free, no ticket required. Donations gratefully accepted. Free parking. For more information:  www.thewso.org

Benefit breakfast 

The community is invited to a delicious partnership breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the KC Hall in Stillwater (1910 South Greeley Street).  Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Proceeds will benefit St. Croix Catholic Faith Formation.  Adults are $8 each; Children age 12 and under are $4 each.  This breakfast is sponsored by the Solanus Casey Council 1632, Stillwater Knights of Columbus.  Donations for the St. Michael’s Food Shelf are also being accepted.

Art and aging workshop Feb. 22

The Benedictine Center is offering a unique Saturday workshop called “Discovering Beauty: Elders & Art-Making.” It will be held Feb. 22 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. The $40 cost includes materials.

This workshop will be led by Peggy Thompson, a Benedictine Oblate, spiritual director, minister and a retreat teacher in arts and spirituality. She has an MFA from the Chicago Art Institute and has exhibited in the Twin Cities, Grand Marais and Australia and paints under the name of Margaret Carroll.

Participants will use watercolor to explore the creative process while experiencing it as a life-giving spiritual discipline. “Research suggests we become more creative as we age,” explains Thompson. “When we create, our spiritual lives deepen; we become less petty, less bitter and critical. We begin to think differently about life and love.”

All levels of experience are welcome, and the workshop is geared towards seniors.

For more information, go tostpaulsmonastery.org and follow the Benedictine Center link, or call 651-777-7251 or e-mail benedictinecenter@stpaulsmonastery.org.

In 1898, the year this photo was taken, Caroline Lindsay, center, became the first African American to graduate from Stillwater Area High School. (Photo courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society)

BRENT PETERSON – THE GAZETTE

February is Black History Month, so let’s take time to remember the many African American families that have and still do call the St. Croix Valley their home. One such family is the Lindsay family. The were artistic as well as groundbreakers in the Stillwater area for many years.

In 1897, the World’s Fair was in Nashville, Tenn. It was held there to help celebrate that city’s centennial. At that fair, there was a “Negro Building,” which had an art exhibition by the best African American artists throughout the country. Contemporary reviewers note that some of the best pieces of art were sent from the St. Paul area.

Their paintings, drawings and possibly sculptures covered one entire wall of Negro Building. There were two women who received special notice on their paintings. These women were Ada and Era Lindsay of Stillwater, Minn.

Want to read more? Check out the Friday, Feb. 7, edition of The Gazette, available at newsstands through Feb. 11 or at our office, 1931 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater. Brent Peterson is the executive director of the Washington County Historical Society.

Mock Trial team advances to regional playoffs
The Stillwater Area High School Mock Trial Team, which is coached by attorneys at Eckberg Lammers are doing very well for their inaugural year.
Stillwater competes in Region 8, with 26 teams from the east metro region.  They ended the first round, which had three separate competitions, with a perfect 3-0 record. Their first competition was against Park High School, and won with a point differential of 18.  The second competition was against Woodbury, and they won with a point differential of 28.   Our final competition in the first round was last week, against Farmington High School’s Blue Team.  Stillwater won again, with a point differential of 35.
The top 8 teams from the region advanced to Regional Playoffs, Stillwater is one of the competitors. They face Rosemount this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Hennepin County Courthouse.
Team members include: Mitchell Sell, Rachel Hartwig, Amy Crea, Carly Johnson, Alex Eitzman, Adam Johnson, Holly Fena, Alex Screaton, Nick Sabin, and Peace Sinyigaya. The Mock Trial team has been practicing continuously since October. Each team member has refined and sharpened their trial skills, which has resulted in our point differential increasing each round. The Eckberg Lammers attorneys said they are very proud of the significant amount of time and commitment the team has put in this year and couldn’t be happier about their success.

Lunch & Learn series
Thrivent Financial, Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff and Vierling, PLLP and First State Bank and Trust have joined together to present Women Wealth & Wellness – a series of fun quarterly “Lunch & Learn” events specifically designed for the women of the St. Croix Valley.  Each event features a local financial or estate planning expert and presents a specialty health and wellness guest speaker.
The February 27th event introduces the Wealth & Planning Topic:  “Sex and Taxes” featuring event sponsor Kathleen M. Elbert, CFP ©, Vice President – Trust of First State Bank and Trust and the Health & Wellness Topic:  “Exercise Benefits as We Age” presenting guest speaker Shawn Cates, Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor, Owner, Studio Cates in Stillwater.
Hosted at the Stillwater Public Library, Margaret Rivers Room at 224 3rd Street N., Stillwater beginning at 11:00 a.m., the cost is $15 and includes lunch provided by Grand Catering payable at the door by cash or check, credit payment online only.  To register call 651-351-3760 or Online at http://womenwealthwellness.eventbrite.com

Oscar Shorts Launched in Stillwater
For a town that has been without a movie theater for decades,  there are plans for the first of many, family movie nights, right here in River City.   Producer Norman Steere,  will launch another “movie night” on February 20th with the 2014 OSCAR SHORT previews of the nominated films. This is the first of 3 shows.  On Thursday night, they will present Live Actions at 4:30 for a children’s show and at 7: p.m. will be the Animation set. Then on Friday, February 21st the will show them again at 4:30 and 7 p.m. There are 4 shows on Saturday February, 22nd.  Starting with the Animation, children’s show at 10: A.M.. Then at 2 P.m. the Live action, with the Animation on the screen again at 4:30. The last showing on Saturday will be 7:30 with the live action set. Tickets are $ 8 for adults in advance and $10 at the door. Children under 5, with an adult, are free.  Students are  $5, and $8 for two shows. Both  Thursday  shows  are “Pay What You Can.”
All shows are at St. Peters, United Church of Christ on East Orleans, at the south end of Third street. Their Kress Hall community room will be converted into a theater with a giant 14’ screen, just for the evening.  You will be able to enjoy some Popcorn and theater candy too. Tickets are on sale at the River Market or just call their ticket line, 651-439-7374. They offer group rates and children under 5 are free. For more information you can visit “StillwaterFilmandTheatre.org”

Stillwater Public Library Offers Class on Apps For Your Smartphone and Tablet
As part of their Computer Learning courses for adults, the Stillwater Public Library is offering a class about Apps For Your Smartphone and Tablet on Tuesday, February 18th 2014, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at the Stillwater Public Library. The class will teach attendees which apps should be loaded on your smart phone or tablet to improve productivity for your business or organization, plus how to use and organize them. Please bring your phone or tablet. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time. For more information about this and other programs at the Stillwater Public Library, call 651.275.4338 ext. 111 or visit the website: www.stillwaterlibrary.org.

United way calls for volunteers
United Way of Washington County-East is busy preparing for the 2014 Community Investment process and is need of more volunteers. The Community Investment process ensures that the highest priority, most efficient and effective programs within the four focus areas (Basic Needs, Youth, Health, & Self Sufficiency) receive funding. To accomplish this, more than 40 trained volunteers participate in the funding decisions and make recommendations to the United Way board of directors regarding specific funding allocations.
The fund distribution process is a community volunteer-led process and is focused on key areas that make up the “building blocks of better lives.” Each volunteer is provided with background information, training and program applications to review. The process requires attendance at two meetings (March 11, 5:00-8:30pm and April 8, 5:00-8:30pm with two or three agency visits in between the meetings). To register, visit http://uwwce.org/communityinvestment.html and complete the Community Investment volunteer form and send to lois@uwwce.org or call the office at 651.439.3838 for more information.

Community meal packing
Trinity Lutheran Church invites the public to the seventh anual community meal packing event Feb. 15-22.
Organized by Trinity Lutheran Church in partnership with Andersen Windows, Mano Amiga Inc., Thrivent Financial, The Salvation Army and St. Paul Lutheran Church, the event draws 1,800 people throughout the week to pack rice, textured soy protein, a blend of dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin and mineral powder into plastic bags to feed those suffering from food scarcity.
“It’s really a lot of fun,” says Tom Thiets, Trinity’s director of mission ministries. “Once the music gets going and everyone starts working, we’re able to pack 300 meals per person every two hours.”
Roughly 88,500 bags will be packed during the weeklong event, resulting in 531,000 meals. The food bags will be shipped locally to food pantries in western Wisconsin, Stillwater, St. Paul and other eastern Minnesota communities in partnership with Ruby’s Pantry. Globally, food bags will be sent to Haiti and Africa through our partners at Global Health Ministries.
“This is a great event for families,” says Church Newman, one of the event organizers.
To volunteer for a two-hour meal-packing time slot, please call Chuck and Joan Newman at 651-436-8609. The cost to participate is $20, which covers about half the cost of the ingredients each person packs during a two-hour session.  Young children are welcome to attend, although close parental supervision is required.

Bridge Marathon results
The Lakeview Foundation bridge marathon recently completed play for the period ending Jan. 31. Group leaders are:

Daytime Group A, Fourth round
Carolyn Leys and Mary Meinecke, 13,230
Kay Ehrhart and Barb Dahlke, 13,140
Eleanor Smith and Diane Stoetzel 11,440

Daytime Group B, Fourth round
Sharon Lammers and Janet Meisterling, 14,530
Margaret Ammerman and Nina Leiser, 11,370
Angie Orff and Borge Risendal, 10,680

Evening Group I, Fourth round
Lynn and Tom Foster, 11,830
Kathy and Larry Panciera, 10,810
Debbie and Steve Johnson, 9,500

Evening Group II, Sixth round
Mary Meinecke and Carolyn Leys, 21,320
Angie Orff and Sandy Brown, 14,370
Diane Hawkins and Sidney Murphy 13,120

To participate in the Lakeview Foundation Bridge Marathon call chairwoman Barb Dahlke at 651-439-4162 for more information.

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra performance
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra presents Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, Garages of the Valley for Chamber Orchestra (world premiere, SPCO co-commission) and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings at a concert at Trinity Lutheran Church on March 7.
Artistic Partner Edo de Waart returns to lead the SPCO in a program that offers a quintessential SPCO pairing of timeless classics with innovative new music. Mozart’s Symphony No. 29 begins the evening and serves as a superb example of the composer’s ability to balance lyricism with vigor, qualities that would later inspire Tchaikovsky’s graceful yet impassioned Serenade for Strings. Between these classics is the world premiere of Garages of the Valley, a new work by rising young American composer and DJ Mason Bates, whose music fuses innovative orchestral writing, imaginative narrative forms, jazz harmonies and the rhythms of techno.
The show takes place on March 7 at 8 p.m. tickets cost $10 for students, $25 adults, and kids $5
Call 651.291.1144, visit www.thespco.org or stop by the ticket office at Third Floor, The Historic Hamm Building, 408 Saint Peter St., Saint Paul to purchase tickets.

This is the home Charles Jackson owned at 719 W. Willard St. (Photo courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society)

BY BRENT PETERSON – GAZETTE COLUMNIST

Charles Jackson, a former slave, came to Stillwater after serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. (Photo courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society)

February is Black History Month. During this time, many of Minnesota’s best-known black citizens are honored and praised with articles and feature stories. Some of the earliest known black Minnesotans were George Bongo, Robert T. Hickman and Minnesota’s first black state representative, John F. Wheaton.

Stillwater was the leading city during the pre-territorial days of Minnesota. It was once thought that Stillwater would become the “Chicago of the Northwest.” By 1850, Stillwater’s population was listed at 620 people, including one “Colored” person. Ten years later, the 1860 Federal census showed that Stillwater was becoming a “boom” town. The total population was over 2,600 people, with four “Colored,” and four “Indians.”

With the onset of the Civil War, many Stillwater residents took up arms to fight the Confederacy. After the successful defense of the Union, the Minnesota troops headed for home, and following behind were many free slaves.

One of these newly freed slaves would come to Stillwater, and become one of the most respected businessmen in the city during the 19th century. His name was Charles Jackson.

Jackson told his early life story to a reporter from the Stillwater Gazette on March 5, 1886.

Want to read more? Check out the Friday, Feb. 14 edition of The Gazette, available at newsstands through Tuesday, Feb. 18, or at our office, 1931 Curve Crest Blvd. Stillwater. Brent Peterson is the executive director of the Washington County Historical Society.

Next week the Minnesota Department of Health will begin a study to see if the levels of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in the blood of Lake Elmo, Oakdale and Cottage Grove residents are continuing to drop after a 2006 public health intervention to clean contaminated groundwater before humans drink it.

Some residents in those communities will receive mailed requests next week seeking participation in the study.

Prior to a 2006 health intervention, some drinking water in the area was contaminated by manufacturing materials.

“The groundwater contamination originated at several disposal sites used by 3M between the 50s to early 70s to dispose of various manufacturing materials from their plant in Cottage Grove,” said Jim Kelly with the Environmental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health. “Those materials leached into the groundwater.”

One of the sites affected was the former Washington County dump site in Lake Elmo, he said, noting that it’s mostly the eastern portion of Lake Elmo that was affected.

PFCs — commonly used in manufacturing grease-resistant products from carpets and textiles to fast food packaging — have not been proven to harm humans. Jessica Nelson, a program coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health, said nearly everyone is exposed to them at some level, but the Minnesota Department of Health has established limits for levels considered safe in drinking water.

“There isn’t scientific agreement yet as to whether they cause illnesses in people,” Nelson said. “But studies in animals have found some health effects.”

In 2006, 3M paid to hook up about 200 Lake Elmo residents to the city’s water supply, Kelly said, as well as provide filtration for Oakdale’s municipal water system. Some Lake Elmo residents received filters for their wells because it was more economical than connecting them to the city’s water.

The planned study will be the third “PFC Biomontering Project” the state has conducted. Similar studies in 2008 and 2010 indicated that PFC blood levels in area residents were higher than average but declined significantly between 2008 and 2010. The new study will check on the same group of long-term east metro residents to see if their PFC blood levels are still going down.

“We expect that we’ll find continued decrease in the levels of these chemicals in the blood of people paticipating in this study,” Kelly said.

In addition, this study will randomly select newer residents of Oakdale to see if they have elevated PFC levels compared to the general U.S. population and if PFC levels are linked to the length of residence in Oakdale.

Residents selected for the study will receive a letter requesting participation, including having blood drawn at HealthEast Oakdale.

Nelson said participation by those contacted for the study is key to obtaining accurate results.

“We hope that the community members we contact in the next few weeks will read our materials and consider being part of the project,” she said.

Contact Jonathan Young at jonathan.young@ecm-inc.com

Gary Crossman

Even people who didn’t know Gary Crossman might remember his parties — huge  affairs on the St. Croix River each summer with 25 or more boats tied together so people could move from one to the next.

Jim Space of Lakeland, said Crossman paid for the parties out of his own pocket and had been doing it for 10 years.

“He did it as benefits for Toys for Tots, and it was a way to socialize and meet people,” Space said.

Sometimes the parties would collect donations for food shelves and other charities, as well.

Crossman died Jan. 16 at the age of 62, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Space, who let Crossman use his 56-foot skipper for his parties, said Crossman was “a very quiet, soft-spoken, gentle man that was very generous.”

Even though Crossman lived in Brooklyn Park, Space said he will be missed by many in the St. Croix Valley.

Crossman’s funeral is 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, 9600 Regent Ave. N., Brooklyn Park.

Space said he and other friends of Crossman plan to throw a river party in his memory this summer.

The Knights of Columbus Hall hosts a pancake breakfast to support St. Croix Catholic faith formation programs. The breakfast runs from  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, and includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, applesauce and beverages. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Please bring a food item for the St. Michael’s Food Shelf. The KC hall is located at 1910 Greeley St. Stillwater.

Benedictine Center offers popular pottery classes

The Benedictine Center is once again offering its popular workshop series called “Shape of the Divine: Working with Clay as Spiritual Practice.” This six-week series of pottery classes will be held on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. starting February 24 and ending March 31. The $150 cost includes materials.

Classes will be taught by Virginia Matter, a Benedictine Sister, who is an accomplished artist, spiritual director and Centering Prayer teacher. She will help participants learn how making hand-built vessels can be a process of meditation.

Her workshops are part of the Benedictine Center’s “Art and Spirituality” focus which explores how artists encounter God through the creative process. This six-week series of pottery workshops will be offered again beginning February 24.

For more information, call 651-777-7251 or email: benedictinecenter@stpaulsmonastery.org. The Benedictine Center is a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery, located at 2675 Benet Road in Maplewood.

Tracy Maki

Next week a torch will be passed at Valley Outreach.

The Stillwater-based nonprofit will host a celebration Wednesday, Feb. 19, to bid farewell to Executive Director Christine Tubbs and welcoming her replacement, Tracy Maki. The party will also welcome two other new staff members, Director of Operations Kateri Routh and Volunteer Coordinator Suzanne Lindquist.

Tubbs, who has been with the organization nearly two years, announced her resignation last fall, because her family was moving to Colorado.

“My husband and I really wanted to move closer to family, which is on the West Coast,” Tubbs said.

An opportunity arose for her husband in Denver, and her family moved, but she volunteered to continue in her position and help coordinate a smooth transition.

Tubbs will spend next week handing off her responsibilities to Maki, a Stillwater resident chosen from among more than 60 applicants for the job.

Coming from a position as director of development for the St. Croix River Association, Maki has worked with a variety of organizations, including Peach House Africa, College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, the Basilica of St. Mary and more. She has much experience in fundraising, development and donor relations.

Although she wasn’t looking for a change, Maki said, the position at Valley Outreach seemed a good fit. She has missed the personal, direct contact with clients that she experienced in some of her previous positions, and she looks forward to that aspect of her new job.

“Tracy will be exceptional for the organization,” Tubbs said. “She has a passion for the St. Croix Valley and the individuals who live in the valley, and she has a keen ability to understand people’s needs, and she can do that very objectively to be able to make sure that Valley Outreach will be able to give the clients really what they need.”

Valley Outreach Board Chair Linda Friesen is also confident in Maki’s abilities.

“I have no doubt she will maneuver (the new responsibilities) gracefully,” Friesen said.

Kateri Routh

Tubbs said Routh and Lindquist, the other staff members who recently came on board, will also serve the organization well.

Routh, who started as director of operations Jan. 6, used to work for nonprofits in Chicago, where she earned a master’s in public services management. She moved to Minnesota for family reasons, and the job at Valley Outreach caught her eye because she felt a “strong tie to the mission.”

Lindquist, who used to work for Catholic Charities, had her first day as volunteer coordinator for Valley Outreach Feb. 12. She said she enjoys getting to know people and matching them with a volunteer activity they’ll love. That’s what she looks forward to most.

“We have lots of different opportunities,” she said. “We’ll find something that’s meaningful for them to do.”

Suzanne Lindquist

Despite all the changes, Friesen said Valley Outreach is positioned to succeed, in large part thanks to Tubbs.

“She has been such a change agent at Valley Outreach,” Friesen said.

Although Valley Outreach has experienced some difficult transitions in the past, Friesen doesn’t expect that to happen this time.

“The past is behind us. We’re ready to move into the future, really bringing hope,” she said. “It really is all about that torch being passed. We see no hiccups in this transition.”

Tubbs agrees.

“This is very joyful,” she said.

Knowing that she leaves the organization well-positioned and in the hands of a “dynamic team” makes it easier for Tubbs to move on to the next challenge. For her, that’s taking the lead at Comicbook Classroom, an after-school literacy program funded by Denver Comic Con.

Maki said she is also believes Valley Outreach is positioned for success and is excited to see what happens.

“I am looking forward to seeing the strength of the St. Croix Valley coming together,” she said.

The public is invited to meet Maki, Lindquist and Routh and to celebrate Tubbs contributions during an open house 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Valley Outreach, 1911 Curve Crest Blvd. A brief program is at 5:30 p.m.

“Not only is this a time for celebration and welcome, it’s a time to come and see what your neighborhood foodshelf and clothing closet look like, because there’s just been some amazing transformations that have happened over this last year,” Friesen said.

For more information, email info@valleyoutreachmn.org.

Contact Jonathan Young at jonathan.young@ecm-inc.com

Photo by Lee Miller

BY LEE MILLER - GAZETTE COLUMNIST

Tired of it yet? We took a ride looking for the fruits of winter, ice dams and icicles. A few are just sprouting, but our cold weather has slowed their growth. A few people have taken preventative measures and shoveled their roofs. It appears we may finally break out of the cold next week. Hooray! But the ice dams will sprout in earnest.

Up by Highway 36, someone has parked a Jeep on a limestone wall waiting for the melt I suppose. And search as you may, you will find only a few snowmen. It isn’t possible to roll snowballs at 20 below! On the other side of the lake, we found the cousin of Dane Dow’s chicken sculpture (I shared a photo of that sculpture in January). This chicken resides on the front porch. In spite of all the Christmas decorations still up, we found only two Valentine’s decorations. But they are warm and colorful. Remember your loved ones this day and every day.

Downtown, we did find Stillwater’s biggest icicles across the alley from the Freight House. The snow on the roof is melting, but the downspout has a leak, and a massive ice formation is stuck to the side of the building. Nearby, the Stillwater Trolley and adjoining bench are buried in snow. But on the bright side, the Dock Cafe still has its Christmas garlands and lights aglow.

As we drove around town we realized that most people still have their decorations up, but unlit. Who would want to go out in this weather to take them down? Maybe if we all turned our Christmas lights on for the weekend, it will warm the air, and our hearts and vanquish old Boreas? Will you join us to “re-light” Stillwater?

By: Travis Johnson
Pony Express

Junior Avery Kearney recently earned his blue belt in jiujitsu. Jiujitsu is a martial art, combat sport and a self-defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. Jiujitsu is originally a Brazilian sport, but it has made its way to the U.S. Kearney and his brother are in jiujitsu together, with full support from their parents.
Jiujitsu focuses on taking down your opponent, but in a self-defense kind of way. Much like karate, jiujitsu is not taught to harm someone, but to protect oneself. Kearney practices five times a week, every week. He spends around two hours each day for a total of 10 hours a week.
“We feel it is a very good sport to be in, as it teaches self-discipline and goal setting, which are both good traits to succeed in life,” Kearney’s mother said.
“Jiujitsu is like therapy for me,” Kearney said. “When I’m training, all I think about is jiujitsu.”
Jiujitsu also has competitions, which Kearney participates in with his seven other training partners, although he has more than 100 world jiujitsu teammates from other gyms who he also trains with.
“Competition is also a huge reason why I love jiujitsu,” Kearney explained. “I love the feeling of winning a gold medal after you just spent that last six months of your life putting 100 percent effort into intense training.”
Competitions consist of joint-locks and choke holds to take down an opponent. Moves that are learned during jiujitsu training can be used in mixed martial competitions, or in self defense. Jiujitsu is very intense. Opponents move fiercely around the mats, trying to decide when to make their move. Jiujitsu also helps smaller people learn they can defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent.
Kearney recently earned a blue belt, which is just above the white belt. Technically the highest belt that can be earned is a red belt, but black is most commonly considered the highest. Not many people earn a red belt. Kearney’s professor, Professor Anderson, recently earned his black belt.
“My main instructor is Master Ranch,” Kearney said. “I train with him most of the time.”
Jiujitsu students typically only have one or two instructors who they train with on a regular basis. These instructors spend their time teaching students attack and defense moves and preparing them for competitions. Some instructors are paid and some are volunteers, but they all practice jiujitsu frequently.

This piece is provided by Hoof Prints, a partnership between The Gazette and The Pony Express, Stillwater Area High School’s student newspaper.